WEARABLE APPARATUSES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

A wearable apparatus includes a garment and a distributed electrical circuit. The garment includes a visible outer face directed away from a wearer and an inconspicuous inner face directed toward the wearer. The distributed electrical circuit inconspicuously integrated within the garment. The distributed electrical circuit includes a battery assembly, a microcontroller assembly, a memory assembly, a sensor assembly, a control assembly and a plurality of conductors arranged to interconnect the assemblies to form the circuit. A method of manufacturing the wearable apparatus is also provided.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to wearable apparatuses and, particularly, to various examples of distributed electrical circuits inconspicuously integrated within the wearable apparatuses for measuring and/or recording certain environmental conditions relating to wearers of the wearable apparatuses. Various examples of methods of manufacturing the wearable apparatuses are also disclosed. For example, the wearable apparatuses can be used to monitor health and safety conditions as well as compliance with quality and certification standards. Other applications are also contemplated, such as collection of intelligence for law enforcement, security and defense.

BACKGROUND

Growth in the wearable electronics industry is limited by the use of traditional rigid electronics which are cumbersome, heavy and create user frustration due to discomfort. Current wearables are focused on distributed sensing for temperature and motion with wireless connectivity to offload the data collected. These systems are either battery powered or use physical motion to operate battery-less.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts to improve the design, integration and manufacturing of wearable electronics.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are examples of wearable apparatuses and associated methods. The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure.

In an example, the disclosed wearable apparatus includes a garment and a distributed electrical circuit. The garment is configured to be worn by a wearer. The garment includes a visible outer face directed away from the wearer and an inconspicuous inner face directed toward the wearer. The garment also includes at least one of (i) a collar, (ii) a lapel, (iii) a hood, (iv) at least one pocket, (v) at least one cuff, (vi) at least one placket, (vii) at least one pouch, (viii) at least one lining. (ix) at least one hem, (x) at least one seam and (xi) at least one double layered area. The distributed electrical circuit inconspicuously integrated within the garment. The distributed electrical circuit includes a battery assembly, at least one microcontroller assembly, at least one memory assembly, at least one sensor assembly, at least one control assembly and a plurality of conductors arranged to interconnect the battery assembly, the at least one microcontroller assembly, the at least one memory assembly, the at least one sensor assembly and the at least one control assembly to form the distributed electrical circuit. The battery assembly, the at least one microcontroller assembly, the at least one memory assembly, the at least one sensor assembly and the at least one control assembly are disposed in at least one of the collar, the lapel, the hood, the at least one pocket, the at least one cuff, the at least one placket, the at least one pouch, the at least one lining, the at least one hem, the at least one seam and the at least one double layered area.

In another example, the wearable apparatus includes a shirt configured to be worn by a wearer and a distributed electrical circuit inconspicuously integrated within the shirt. The shirt includes a visible outer face directed away from the wearer and an inconspicuous inner face directed toward the wearer. The shirt also includes a pointed collar, a patch pocket, sleeve cuffs, a button placket, a pouch, a bottom hem, top seams, side seams and armhole seams. The distributed electrical circuit includes a battery assembly, a microcontroller assembly, at least one memory assembly, an ambient sound sensor assembly, a location monitoring assembly, an ambient light and ambient air temperature assembly, a control assembly and a plurality of conductors arranged to interconnect the battery assembly, the microcontroller assembly, the at least one memory assembly, the ambient sound sensor assembly, the location monitoring assembly, the ambient light and ambient air temperature assembly and the control assembly to form the distributed electrical circuit.

In an example, the disclosed method of manufacturing a wearable apparatus includes: (1) obtaining fabric pieces used to form a garment configured to be worn by a wearer and including a visible outer face directed away from the wearer and an inconspicuous inner face directed toward the wearer; (2) obtaining a battery assembly, at least one microcontroller assembly, at least one memory assembly, at least one sensor assembly, at least one control assembly used in a distributed electrical circuit; and (3) selecting locations in the garment to inconspicuously integrate the battery assembly, the at least one microcontroller assembly, the at least one memory assembly, the at least one sensor assembly and the at least one control assembly from candidate locations including (i) a collar, (ii) a lapel, (iii) a hood, (iv) at least one pocket, (v) at least one cuff, (vi) at least one placket, (vii) at least one pouch, (viii) at least one lining, (ix) at least one hem, (x) at least one seam and (xi) at least one double layered area.

Other examples of the disclosed wearable apparatuses and associated methods will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally toFIGS.1A-Dand2-11, by way of examples, the present disclosure is directed to a wearable apparatus100that includes a garment102a,102b,102c,102dand a distributed electrical circuit200.FIGS.1A-Ddisclose several examples of the wearable apparatus100.FIG.2discloses an example of the distributed electrical circuit200. The distributed electrical circuit200includes a battery assembly202, at least one microcontroller assembly204, at least one memory assembly206, at least one sensor assembly208, at least one control assembly210and a plurality of conductors212.FIG.3discloses an example of the battery assembly202.FIG.4discloses an example of the microcontroller assembly204.FIG.5discloses an example of the memory assembly206.FIG.6discloses several examples of sensor assemblies208.FIG.7discloses an example of an ambient sound sensor assembly602.FIGS.8and9disclose several examples of a location monitoring assembly604.FIG.10discloses an example of an ambient light and an ambient air temperature sensor assembly606.FIG.11discloses an example of the control assembly210.

With reference again toFIGS.1A-Dand2, in one or more examples, a wearable apparatus100a,100b,100c,100dincludes a garment102a,102b,102c,102dand a distributed electrical circuit200. The garment102a,102b,102c,102dis configured to be worn by a wearer. The garment102a,102b,102c,102dincludes a visible outer face104a,104b,104c,104ddirected away from the wearer and an inconspicuous inner face106a,106b,106c,106ddirected toward the wearer. The garment102a,102b,102c,102dalso includes at least one of (i) a collar108a,108c, (ii) a lapel110d. (iii) a hood, (iv) at least one pocket112a,112b,112d, (v) at least one cuff114a,114d, (vi) at least one placket116a,116b,116c,116d, (vii) at least one pouch1216(seeFIG.12), (viii) at least one lining118d, (ix) at least one hem120a,120b,120c.120d, (x) at least one seam122a,122b,122c,122dand (xi) at least one double layered area124a,124d.

The distributed electrical circuit200inconspicuously integrated within the garment102a,102b,102c.102d. The distributed electrical circuit200includes a battery assembly202, at least one microcontroller assembly204, at least one memory assembly206, at least one sensor assembly208, at least one control assembly210and a plurality of conductors212. The plurality of conductors212arranged to interconnect the battery assembly202, the at least one microcontroller assembly204, the at least one memory assembly206, the at least one sensor assembly208and the at least one control assembly210to form the distributed electrical circuit200. The battery assembly202, the at least one microcontroller assembly204, the at least one memory assembly206, the at least one sensor assembly208and the at least one control assembly210are disposed in at least one of the collar108a,108c, the lapel110d, the hood, the at least one pocket112a,112b,112d, the at least one cuff114a,114d, the at least one placket116a.116b,116c,116d, the at least one pouch1216, the at least one lining118d, the at least one hem120a,120b,120c.120d, the at least one seam122a,122b,122c.122dand the at least one double layered area124a,124d.

In another example of the wearable apparatus100, the garment102a,102b,102c,102dincludes an article of clothing, a shirt, a dress shirt, a t-shirt, a sweatshirt, a sweater, a top, a pair of pants, a pair of dress pants, a pair of trousers, a pair of slacks, a pair of suit pants, a suit coat, a blazer, a sport coat, a vest, a jacket, a coat, a laboratory coat, an overcoat, a topcoat, a trench coat, a raincoat, or any suitable garment. In yet another example of the wearable apparatus100, the wearer is an intelligence operator, a government agent, an undercover agent, a law enforcement officer, a security officer, a factory monitor, a compliance inspector, a quality assurance specialist, a certification specialist, a person requiring health or status monitoring, or any suitable person assigned to any suitable type of environmental monitoring.

In still another example of the wearable apparatus100, the collar108a,108cincludes a straight collar, a button-down collar, a tuxedo collar, a mandarin collar, a polo collar, a crew neck collar, a V neck collar, a roll collar, a flat collar, a stand collar, a Chelsea collar, a shawl collar, a turtle neck collar, a bow tie collar, a bib collar, a notched collar, a cowl collar, or any suitable collar. In still yet another example of the wearable apparatus100, the lapel110dincludes a notch lapel, a peak lapel, a shawl lapel or any suitable lapel. In another example of the wearable apparatus100, the at least one pocket112a,112b,112dincludes a breast pocket, a welt pocket, a side seam pocket, a jetted pocket, a flap pocket, an inside pocket, a slanted pocket, a patch pocket, a coin pocket, a utility pocket, a mechanic's pocket, a bellows pocket, a cargo pocket, a kangaroo pocket, or any suitable pocket in any suitable combination.

In yet another example of the wearable apparatus100, the at least one cuff114a,114dincludes a shirt cuff, a button cuff, a link cuff, a band cuff, a drawstring cuff, a rolled cuff, a gauntlet cuff, a loop cuff, a rib knit, cuff, a shirred cuff, a trouser cuff, a pants cuff, a jacket cuff, or any suitable cuff in any suitable combination. In still another example of the wearable apparatus100, the at least one placket116a,116b,116c.116dincludes a shirt placket, a partial placket, a blouse placket, a concealed placket, a false placket, a button placket, a zipper placket, a hook and eye placket, a hook and loop placket or any suitable placket in any suitable combination.

In still yet another example of the wearable apparatus100, the at least one pouch1216(seeFIG.12) includes a fabric selected to match at least a related portion of the garment102a.102b,102c.102d. The fabric is sewn to form a container with a flap and a fastener. The flap is configured to open and close access to the container. The fastener is configured to at least temporarily secure the flap to the container. The at least one pouch1216is at least temporarily secured to the inconspicuous inner face106a,106b,106c.106dof the garment102a,102b,102c.102d. In a further example, a first pouch is configured to receive the battery assembly202.

In another example of the wearable apparatus100, the at least one lining118dincludes an inner layer of fabric forming at least a portion of the inconspicuous inner face106a,106b,106c,106dof the garment102a,102b,102c.102d, a collar lining, a hood lining, a pocket lining, a cuff lining, a pouch lining, or any suitable lining in any combination. In yet another example of the wearable apparatus100, the at least one hem120a,120b,120c,120dincludes a collar hem, a lapel hem, a hood hem, a pocket hem, a cuff hem, a placket hem, a pouch hem, a sleeve hem, a bottom hem or any suitable hem in any suitable combination.

In still another example of the wearable apparatus100, the at least one seam122a,122b,122c.122dincludes a side seam, a shoulder seam, a yoke seam, a central back seam, a central front seam, an armhole seam, a sleeve seam, an outer seam, an inner seam, a plain seam, a lapped seam, an abutted seam, a bound seam, a flat seam, a French seam, a superimposed seam, a piping seam, or any suitable seam in any suitable combination. In still yet another example of the wearable apparatus100, the at least one double layered area124a,124dincludes the collar108a,108c, the lapel (110d), the hood, the at least one pocket112a,112b,112d, the at least one cuff114a,114d, the at least one placket116a,116b,116c,116d, an outer patch, an inner patch, or any suitable double layered area in any suitable combination.

In another example of the wearable apparatus100, the plurality of conductors212include conductive threads, conductive fibers, conductive traces, conductive fabric pieces or any suitable conductor in any suitable combination. In yet another example of the wearable apparatus100, the at least one memory assembly206includes at least one non-volatile memory assembly.

With reference again toFIGS.2and3, in various examples of the wearable apparatus100, an example of the battery assembly202includes a flexible, stretchable, conformable rechargeable battery302, a positive terminal310, a negative terminal312and a flexible, stretchable, conformable outer casing314. The rechargeable battery302with an ionically conductive polymer-based electrolyte304between a positive electrode306and a negative electrode308. The positive terminal310and the negative terminal312are in operative communication with the positive electrode306and the negative electrode308. The outer casing314enclosing the battery302.

With reference again toFIGS.2and4, in various examples of the wearable apparatus100, an example of the at least one microcontroller assembly204includes a plurality of electrical terminals402, an integrated circuit404, supportive electronic components412, a flexible, stretchable, conformable interposer414and a plurality of conductive traces418. The plurality of electrical terminals402configured to connect electrical signals of the distributed electrical circuit200with components of the at least one microcontroller assembly204. The integrated circuit404includes at least one processor406, associated memory408and electronic terminals410for electronic connections to and from the integrated circuit404. The supportive electronic components412configured to condition electronic signals between the integrated circuit404and the plurality of electrical terminals402. The interposer414includes at least one substrate layer416configured to receive and retain the integrated circuit404, the supportive electronic components412and the plurality of electrical terminals402. The integrated circuit404is disposed in a cavity of the at least one substrate layer416with the electronic terminals410facing away from the cavity. The plurality of conductive traces418deposited on the at least one substrate layer416of the interposer414and arranged to interconnect the electronic terminals410of the integrated circuit404, the supportive electronic components412and the plurality of electrical terminals402for operation of the at least one microcontroller assembly204.

As used herein, “electronic terminals” broadly refers to any type of electrical connection to any type of integrated circuit, electronic circuit, or electronic component. For example, “electronic terminals” include pins, pads, electrodes, leads, leadless pins, leadless pads and grid arrays.

In another example of the microcontroller assembly204, the integrated circuit404includes an unpackaged electronic circuit. As used herein, an “unpackaged electronic circuit” broadly refers to integrated circuits that are not encapsulated in a supporting case. Unpackaged electronic circuits may also be referred to as non-packaged integrated circuits. For example, “unpackaged electronic circuit” includes chip-scale packages, true chip-size packages, true die-size packages, wafer-level chip-scale packages, power mount chip-scale packages, fan-out wafer-level chip-scale packages, embedded wafer level ball grid arrays, chips on board, chips-on-flex, chips-on-glass, chips on wire, tape-automated bonding chip-size packages and micro surface mount device chip-size packages.

In yet another example of the microcontroller assembly204, the integrated circuit404includes a packaged electronic circuit. As used herein, a “packaged electronic circuit” broadly refers to integrated circuits that are encapsulated in a supporting case. Unpackaged electronic circuits may also be referred to as non-packaged integrated circuits.

In still another example of the microcontroller assembly204, the at least one substrate layer416of the interposer414includes a stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material. For example, this material may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene (PE), low molecular weight polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), other fluoropolymers, and any other suitable stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material. In still yet another example of the microcontroller assembly204, the plurality of conductive traces418deposited on the at least one substrate layer416include a printed conductive ink.

In another example of the microcontroller assembly204, the interposer414also includes an upper substrate layer. The upper substrate layer configured to fuse with the at least one substrate layer416to form a flexible, stretchable, conformable outer casing enclosing the integrated circuit404, the supportive electronic components412and the plurality of conductive traces418within the interposer414with the plurality of electrical terminals402accessible for connection of the at least one microcontroller assembly204to the distributed electrical circuit200. In this example, the at least one microcontroller assembly204also includes a plurality of apertures through the at least one substrate layer416and the upper substrate layer. The plurality of apertures configured to improve breathability of the at least one microcontroller assembly204, configured to vent heat generated by the wearer of the garment102a,102b,102c,102dand configured to wick moisture generated by the wearer of the garment102a,102b,102c,102d. The plurality of apertures are distributed throughout the at least one microcontroller assembly204.

With reference again toFIGS.2and5, in various examples of the wearable apparatus100, an example of the at least one memory assembly206includes a plurality of electrical terminals502, an integrated circuit504, supportive electronic components512, a flexible, stretchable, conformable interposer514and a plurality of conductive traces518. The plurality of electrical terminals502configured to connect electrical signals of the distributed electrical circuit200with components of the at least one memory assembly206. The integrated circuit504includes at least one flash memory array506, a low leakage random-access memory (RAM) buffer508and electronic terminals510for electronic connections to and from the integrated circuit504. The supportive electronic components512configured to condition electronic signals between the integrated circuit504and the plurality of electrical terminals502. The interposer514includes at least one substrate layer516configured to receive and retain the integrated circuit504, the supportive electronic components512and the plurality of electrical terminals502. The integrated circuit504is disposed in a cavity of the at least one substrate layer516with the electronic terminals510facing away from the cavity. The plurality of conductive traces518deposited on the at least one substrate layer516of the interposer514and arranged to interconnect the electronic terminals510of the integrated circuit504, the supportive electronic components512and the plurality of electrical terminals502for operation of the at least one memory assembly206.

In another example of the memory assembly206, the integrated circuit504includes an unpackaged electronic circuit. In yet another example of the memory assembly206, the integrated circuit504includes a packaged electronic circuit. In still another example of the memory assembly206, the at least one substrate layer516of the interposer514includes a stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material. For example, this material may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene (PE), low molecular weight polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), other fluoropolymers, and any other suitable stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material. In still yet another example of the memory assembly206, the plurality of conductive traces518deposited on the at least one substrate layer516include a printed conductive ink.

In another example of the memory assembly206, the interposer514also includes an upper substrate layer. The upper substrate layer configured to fuse with the at least one substrate layer516to form a flexible, stretchable, conformable outer casing enclosing the integrated circuit504, the supportive electronic components512and the plurality of conductive traces518within the interposer514with the plurality of electrical terminals502accessible for connection of the at least one memory assembly206to the distributed electrical circuit200. In this example, the at least one memory assembly206also includes a plurality of apertures through the at least one substrate layer516and the upper substrate layer. The plurality of apertures configured to improve breathability of the at least one memory assembly206, configured to vent heat generated by the wearer of the garment102a,102b102c.102dand configured to wick moisture generated by the wearer of the garment102a,102b,102c,102d. The plurality of apertures are distributed throughout the at least one memory assembly206.

With reference again toFIGS.2and6, in various examples of the wearable apparatus100, an example of the at least one sensor assembly208includes an ambient sound sensor assembly602, a location monitoring assembly604, an ambient light and ambient air temperature sensor assembly606, a relative humidity sensor assembly608, an atmospheric pressure sensor assembly610, a gas sensor assembly612, a camera assembly614, or any suitable sensor assembly in any suitable combination.

With reference again toFIGS.2,6and7, in various examples of the wearable apparatus100, an example of the ambient sound sensor assembly602includes a plurality of electrical terminals702, an integrated circuit704, supportive electronic components714, a flexible, stretchable, conformable interposer716, a plurality of conductive traces720, a microphone722and an interface conductor728. The plurality of electrical terminals702configured to connect electrical signals of the distributed electrical circuit200with components of the ambient sound sensor assembly602. The integrated circuit704includes an analog audio input706, at least one analog-to-digital converter708, a digital audio output710and electronic terminals712for electronic connections to and from the integrated circuit704. The supportive electronic components714configured to condition electronic signals between the integrated circuit704and the plurality of electrical terminals702. The interposer716includes at least one substrate layer718configured to receive and retain the integrated circuit704, the supportive electronic components714and the plurality of electrical terminals702. The integrated circuit704is disposed in a cavity of the at least one substrate layer718with the electronic terminals712facing away from the cavity. The plurality of conductive traces720deposited on the at least one substrate layer718of the interposer716and arranged to interconnect the electronic terminals712of the integrated circuit704, the supportive electronic components714and the plurality of electrical terminals702for operation of the ambient sound sensor assembly602. The microphone722is configured to convert ambient sound waves into a first audio signal. The microphone722includes a termination726for distribution of the first audio signal. The interface conductor728configured to connect the termination726of the microphone722to the analog audio input706of the integrated circuit704via one or more electrical terminals730of the interposer716and one or more electronic terminals732of the integrated circuit704.

In another example of the ambient sound sensor assembly602, the integrated circuit704includes an unpackaged electronic circuit. In yet another example of the ambient sound sensor assembly602, the integrated circuit704includes a packaged electronic circuit. In still another example of the ambient sound sensor assembly602, the at least one substrate layer718of the interposer716includes a stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material. For example, this material may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene (PE), low molecular weight polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), other fluoropolymers, and any other suitable stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material. In still yet another example of the ambient sound sensor assembly602, the plurality of conductive traces720deposited on the at least one substrate layer718include a printed conductive ink.

In another example of the ambient sound sensor assembly602, the integrated circuit704also includes a digital signal processor. In yet another example of the ambient sound sensor assembly602, the microphone722includes a flexible acoustic fiber724. In this example, the acoustic fiber724includes a piezoelectric conductor and a flexible plastic coating. In still another example of the ambient sound sensor assembly602, the microphone722includes an electronically packaged microphone. In this example, the electronically packaged microphone includes piezoelectric material and a flexible plastic coating. In still yet another example of the ambient sound sensor assembly602, the interface conductor728includes a conductive thread, a conductive fiber, a conductive trace, or any suitable conductor in any suitable combination.

In another example of the ambient sound sensor assembly602, the interposer716also includes an upper substrate layer. The upper substrate layer configured to fuse with the at least one substrate layer718to form a flexible, stretchable, conformable outer casing enclosing the integrated circuit704, the supportive electronic components714and the plurality of conductive traces720within the interposer716with the plurality of electrical terminals702accessible for connection of the ambient sound sensor assembly602to the distributed electrical circuit200. In this example, the ambient sound sensor assembly602also includes a plurality of apertures through the at least one substrate layer718and the upper substrate layer. The plurality of apertures configured to improve breathability of the ambient sound sensor assembly602, configured to vent heat generated by the wearer of the garment102a,102b,102c,102dand configured to wick moisture generated by the wearer of the garment102a,102b,102c,102d. The plurality of apertures are distributed throughout the ambient sound sensor assembly602.

In yet another example, the ambient sound sensor assembly602also includes a second microphone734and a second interface conductor740. The second microphone734is configured to convert the ambient sound waves into a second audio signal. The second microphone734includes a second termination738for distribution of the second audio signal. The second interface conductor740configured to connect the second termination738of the second microphone740to the analog audio input706of the integrated circuit via the one or more electrical terminals730of the interposer716and the one or more electronic terminals732of the integrated circuit704. In a further example, the integrated circuit704is configured to operate in a stereo mode that merges the first audio signal and the second audio signal. In this example, the digital audio output710is a stereo audio output. In another further example, the second microphone734includes a flexible acoustic fiber736. In this example, the acoustic fiber736includes a piezoelectric conductor and a flexible plastic coating. In yet another further example, the second microphone734includes an electronically packaged microphone. In this example, the electronically packaged microphone includes piezoelectric material and a flexible plastic coating.

With reference again toFIGS.2,6and8, in various examples of the wearable apparatus100, an example of the location monitoring assembly604includes a first plurality of electrical terminals802, a first integrated circuit804, first supportive electronic components812, a flexible, stretchable, conformable first interposer814and a first plurality of conductive traces818. The first plurality of electrical terminals802configured to connect electrical signals of the distributed electrical circuit200with first components of the location monitoring assembly604. The first integrated circuit804includes a triaxial accelerometer806, a triaxial gyroscope808and first electronic terminals810for first electronic connections to and from the first integrated circuit804. The first supportive electronic components812configured to condition first electronic signals between the first integrated circuit804and the first plurality of electrical terminals802. The first interposer814includes a first at least one substrate layer816configured to receive and retain the first integrated circuit804, the first supportive electronic components812and the first plurality of electrical terminals802. The first integrated circuit804is disposed in a first cavity of the first at least one substrate layer816with the first electronic terminals810facing away from the first cavity. The first plurality of conductive traces818deposited on the first at least one substrate layer816of the first interposer814and arranged to interconnect the first electronic terminals810of the first integrated circuit804, the first supportive electronic components812and the first plurality of electrical terminals802for operation of the location monitoring assembly604.

In another example of the location monitoring assembly604, the first integrated circuit804includes an unpackaged electronic circuit. In yet another example of the location monitoring assembly604, the first integrated circuit804includes a packaged electronic circuit. In still another example of the location monitoring assembly604, the first at least one substrate layer816of the first interposer814includes a stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material. For example, this material may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene (PE), low molecular weight polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), other fluoropolymers, and any other suitable stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material. In still yet another example of the location monitoring assembly604, the first plurality of conductive traces818deposited on the first at least one substrate layer816include a printed conductive ink.

In another example of the location monitoring assembly604, the first interposer814also includes an upper substrate layer. The upper substrate layer configured to fuse with the first at least one substrate layer816to form a flexible, stretchable, conformable outer casing enclosing the first integrated circuit804, the first supportive electronic components812and the first plurality of conductive traces818within the first interposer814with the first plurality of electrical terminals802accessible for connection of the location monitoring assembly604to the distributed electrical circuit200. In this example, the location monitoring assembly604also includes a plurality of apertures through the first at least one substrate layer816and the upper substrate layer. The plurality of apertures configured to improve breathability of the location monitoring assembly604, configured to vent heat generated by the wearer of the garment102a,102b,102c,102dand configured to wick moisture generated by the wearer of the garment102a,102b,102c,102d. The plurality of apertures are distributed throughout the location monitoring assembly604.

In yet another example, the location monitoring assembly604also includes a second plurality of electrical terminals820, a second integrated circuit822, second supportive electronic components828, a flexible, stretchable, conformable second interposer830, a second plurality of conductive traces834and at least one interface conductor836. The second plurality of electrical terminals820configured to connect electrical signals of the distributed electrical circuit200with second components of the location monitoring assembly604. The second integrated circuit822includes a triaxial geomagnetic sensor824and second electronic terminals826for second electronic connections to and from the second integrated circuit822. The second supportive electronic components828configured to condition second electronic signals between the second integrated circuit822and the second plurality of electrical terminals820. The second interposer830includes a second at least one substrate layer832configured to receive and retain the second integrated circuit822, the second supportive electronic components828and the second plurality of electrical terminals820. The second integrated circuit822is disposed in a second cavity of the second at least one substrate layer832with the second electronic terminals826facing away from the second cavity. The second plurality of conductive traces834deposited on the second at least one substrate layer832of the second interposer830and arranged to interconnect the second electronic terminals826of the second integrated circuit834, the second supportive electronic components828and the second plurality of electrical terminals820for operation of the location monitoring assembly604. The least one interface conductor836configured to connect at least a portion838of the second plurality of electrical terminals820associated with the second interposer830to at least a portion840of the first plurality the electrical terminals802associated with the first interposer814to connect one or more geomagnetic output signal of the second integrated circuit822to one or more auxiliary input signal of the first integrated circuit804.

In a further example of the location monitoring assembly604, the second integrated circuit822includes an unpackaged electronic circuit. In another further example, the second integrated circuit822includes a packaged electronic circuit. In yet another further example, the second at least one substrate layer832of the second interposer830includes a stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material. For example, this material may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene (PE), low molecular weight polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), other fluoropolymers, and any other suitable stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material. In still another further example, the second plurality of conductive traces834deposited on the second at least one substrate layer832include a printed conductive ink.

In still yet another further example of the location monitoring assembly604, the second interposer830also includes an upper substrate layer. The upper substrate layer configured to fuse with the second at least one substrate layer832to form a flexible, stretchable, conformable outer casing enclosing the second integrated circuit822, the second supportive electronic components828and the second plurality of conductive traces834within the second interposer830with the second plurality of electrical terminals820accessible for connection of the location monitoring assembly604to the distributed electrical circuit200. In this example, the location monitoring assembly604also includes a plurality of apertures through the second at least one substrate layer832and the upper substrate layer. The plurality of apertures configured to improve breathability of the location monitoring assembly604, configured to vent heat generated by the wearer of the garment102a.102b,102c,102dand configured to wick moisture generated by the wearer of the garment102a,102b,102c,102d. The plurality of apertures are distributed throughout the location monitoring assembly604.

With reference again toFIGS.2,6and9, in various examples of the wearable apparatus100, another example of the location monitoring assembly604is shown inFIG.9in which the second plurality of electrical terminals820, the second integrated circuit822, the second supportive electronic components828, the second plurality of conductive traces834and the at least one interface conductor836are integrated within the first at least one substrate layer816of the first interposer814.

With reference again toFIGS.2,6and10, in various examples of the wearable apparatus100, an example of the ambient light and ambient air temperature sensor assembly606includes a plurality of electrical terminals1002, an ambient light sensor1004, an ambient air temperature sensor1006, supportive electronic components1008, a flexible, stretchable, conformable interposer1010and a plurality of conductive traces1014. The plurality of electrical terminals1002configured to connect electrical signals of the distributed electrical circuit200with components of the ambient light and ambient air temperature sensor assembly606. The ambient light sensor1004configured to convert local light exposure to a light measurement signal. The ambient air temperature sensor1006is configured to convert local temperature exposure to a temperature measurement signal. The supportive electronic components1008configured to condition the light and temperature measurement signals between the ambient light and ambient air temperature sensors1004,1006and the plurality of electrical terminals1002. The interposer1010includes at least one substrate layer1012configured to receive and retain the ambient light sensor1004, the ambient air temperature sensor1006and the supportive electronic components1008and the plurality of electrical terminals1002. The plurality of conductive traces1014deposited on the at least one substrate layer1012of the interposer1010and arranged to interconnect the ambient light sensor1004, the ambient air temperature sensor1006, the supportive electronic components1008and the plurality of electrical terminals1002for operation of the ambient light and ambient air temperature sensor assembly606.

In another example of the ambient light and ambient air temperature sensor assembly604, the at least one substrate layer1012of the interposer1010includes a stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material. For example, this material may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene (PE), low molecular weight polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), other fluoropolymers, and any other suitable stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material. In yet another example of the ambient light and ambient air temperature sensor assembly604, the plurality of conductive traces1014deposited on the at least one substrate layer1012include a printed conductive ink.

In still another example of the ambient light and ambient air temperature sensor assembly604, the interposer1010also includes an upper substrate layer. The upper substrate layer configured to fuse with the at least one substrate layer1012to form a flexible, stretchable, conformable outer casing enclosing the ambient light sensor1004, the ambient air temperature sensor1006, the supportive electronic components1008and the plurality of conductive traces1014within the interposer1010with the plurality of electrical terminals1002accessible for connection of the ambient light and ambient air temperature sensor assembly606to the distributed electrical circuit200. In this example, the ambient light and ambient air temperature sensor assembly606also includes a plurality of apertures through the at least one substrate layer1012and the upper substrate layer. The plurality of apertures configured to improve breathability of the ambient light and ambient air temperature sensor assembly606, configured to vent heat generated by the wearer of the garment102a,102b,102c,102dand configured to wick moisture generated by the wearer of the garment102a,102b,102c,102d. The plurality of apertures are distributed throughout the ambient light and ambient air temperature sensor assembly606.

With reference again toFIGS.2and11, in various examples of the wearable apparatus100, an example of the at least one control assembly210includes a plurality of electrical terminals1102, at least one switch mechanism1104, at least one indicator mechanism1106, supportive electronic components1108, a flexible, stretchable, conformable interposer1110and a plurality of conductive traces1114. The plurality of electrical terminals1102configured to connect electrical signals of the distributed electrical circuit200with components of the at least one control assembly210. The at least one switch mechanism1104configured to enable and control the distributed electrical circuit200. The at least one indicator mechanism1106configured to indicate at least one status condition of the distributed electrical circuit200. The supportive electronic components1108configured to condition control signals between the at least one switch mechanism1104, the at least one indicator mechanism1106and the plurality of electrical terminals1102. The interposer1110includes at least one substrate layer1112configured to receive and retain the at least one switch mechanism1104, the at least one indicator mechanism1106, the supportive electronic components1108and the plurality of electrical terminals1102. The plurality of conductive traces1114deposited on the at least one substrate layer1112of the interposer1110and arranged to interconnect the at least one switch mechanism1104, the at least one indicator mechanism1106, the supportive electronic components1108and the plurality of electrical terminals1102for operation of the at least one control assembly210.

In another example of the control assembly210, the at least one substrate layer1112of the interposer1110includes a stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material. For example, this material may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene (PE), low molecular weight polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), other fluoropolymers, and any other suitable stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material.

In yet another example of the control assembly210, the plurality of conductive traces1114deposited on the at least one substrate layer1112include a printed conductive ink.

In still another example of the control assembly210, the interposer1110also includes an upper substrate layer configured to fuse with the at least one substrate layer1112to form a flexible, stretchable, conformable outer casing enclosing the at least one switch mechanism1104, the at least one indicator mechanism1106, the supportive electronic components1108and the plurality of conductive traces1114within the interposer1110with the plurality of electrical terminals1102accessible for connection of the at least one control assembly210to the distributed electrical circuit200. In this example, the at least one control assembly210also includes a plurality of apertures through the at least one substrate layer1112and the upper substrate layer. The plurality of apertures configured to improve breathability of the at least one control assembly210, configured to vent heat generated by the wearer of the garment102a,102b,102c,102dand configured to wick moisture generated by the wearer of the garment102a,102b,102c,102d. The plurality of apertures are distributed throughout the at least one control assembly210.

In another example of the wearable apparatus100, the distributed electrical circuit200also includes an open face magnetic connector interface214in operative communication with the at least one microcontroller assembly204. The at least one microcontroller assembly204and the open face magnetic connector interface214are configured for data communication with an external device having a compatible open face magnetic connector.

In yet another example of the wearable apparatus100, the distributed electrical circuit200also includes an open face magnetic connector interface214in operative communication with the battery assembly202. The open face magnetic connector interface214configured to receive electrical power to recharge the battery assembly202from an external device having a compatible open face magnetic connector.

In still another example of the wearable apparatus100, the distributed electrical circuit200also includes an electromagnetic interference (EMI) coating configured to shield the distributed electrical circuit200from EMI and configured to reduce EMI emissions from the distributed electrical circuit200.

In still yet another example of the wearable apparatus100, the distributed electrical circuit200also includes a hydrophobic coating configured to reduce risks of damage and degradation of the distributed electrical circuit200from exposure to rain, machine washing, water and other liquids.

With reference toFIG.12, in one or more examples, a wearable apparatus1200includes a shirt1202and a distributed electrical circuit1226. The shirt1202is configured to be worn by a wearer. The shirt1202includes a visible outer face1204directed away from the wearer and an inconspicuous inner face1206directed toward the wearer. The shirt1202also includes a pointed collar1208, a patch pocket1210, sleeve cuffs1212, a button placket1214, a pouch1216, a bottom hem1218, top seams1220, side seams1222and armhole seams1224. The distributed electrical circuit1226inconspicuously integrated within the shirt1202. The distributed electrical circuit1226includes a battery assembly1228, a microcontroller assembly1230, at least one memory assembly1232, an ambient sound sensor assembly1234, a location monitoring assembly1236, an ambient light and ambient air temperature assembly1238, a control assembly1240and a plurality of conductors1242. The plurality of conductors1242arranged to interconnect the battery assembly1228, the microcontroller assembly1230, the at least one memory assembly1232, the ambient sound sensor assembly1234, the location monitoring assembly1236, the ambient light and ambient air temperature assembly1238and the control assembly1240to form the distributed electrical circuit1226.

In another example of the wearable apparatus1200, the distributed electrical circuit1226also includes a camera assembly614(seeFIG.6). In yet another example of the wearable apparatus1200, the battery assembly1228is disposed in the pointed collar1208of the shirt1202. In still another example of the wearable apparatus1200, the microcontroller assembly1230is disposed in an upper portion of the button placket1214of the shirt1202.

In still yet another example of the wearable apparatus1200, the at least one memory assembly1232includes at least four memory assemblies disposed under pointed portions of the pointed collar1208, in an upper portion of the button placket1214, in relation to the top seams1220and the armhole seams1224and in or behind the patch pocket1210of the shirt1202. In another example of the wearable apparatus1200, the at least one memory assembly1232includes at least one non-volatile memory assembly.

In yet another example of the wearable apparatus1200, a first portion of the ambient sound sensor assembly1234is disposed in relation to the side and armhole seams1222,1224and a second portion is disposed in an upper portion of the button placket1214of the shirt1202. In still another example of the wearable apparatus1200, the location monitoring assembly1236is disposed in or behind the patch pocket1210of the shirt1202.

In still yet another example of the wearable apparatus1200, the ambient light and ambient air temperature assembly1238is disposed under pointed portions of the pointed collar1208of the shirt1202. In another example of the wearable apparatus1200, the control assembly1240is disposed along the bottom hem1218of the shirt1202.

In yet another example of the wearable apparatus1200, the plurality of conductors1242are at least one of interwoven within fabric pieces that form the shirt1202, embedded within the pointed collar1208, embedded within the button placket1214, tucked in the pouch1216, embedded within the bottom hem1218, embedded within the top seams1220, embedded within the side seams1222, embedded within the armhole seams1224and embedded within paths of a stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material fused to the inconspicuous inner face1206of the shirt1202. For example, this material may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene (PE), low molecular weight polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), other fluoropolymers, and any other suitable stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material.

With referenceFIGS.1,2and13, in one or more examples, a method1300of manufacturing a wearable apparatus100begins at1302where fabric pieces used to form a garment102a,102b,102c,102dare obtained. The garment102a,102b,102c,102dis configured to be worn by a wearer. The garment102a,102b,102c,102dincludes a visible outer face104a,104b,104c.104ddirected away from the wearer and an inconspicuous inner face106a,106b,106c,106ddirected toward the wearer. At1304, a battery assembly202, at least one microcontroller assembly204, at least one memory assembly206, at least one sensor assembly208, at least one control assembly210used in a distributed electrical circuit200are obtained. At1306, locations are selected in the garment102a,102b,102c.102dto inconspicuously integrate the battery assembly202, the at least one microcontroller assembly204, the at least one memory assembly206, the at least one sensor assembly208and the at least one control assembly210from candidate locations. The candidate locations include (i) a collar108a,108c, (ii) a lapel110d, (iii) a hood, (iv) at least one pocket112a,112b,112d, (v) at least one cuff114a,114d, (vi) at least one placket116a,116b,116c.116d, (vii) at least one pouch1216(seeFIG.12), (viii) at least one lining118d, (ix) at least one hem120a,120b,120c,120d. (x) at least one seam122a,122b,122c,122dand (xi) at least one double layered area124a,124d.

In another example of the method1300, the at least one memory assembly206includes a at least one non-volatile memory assembly.

With referenceFIGS.1,2,13and14, in one or more examples, a method1400of manufacturing a wearable apparatus100includes the method13ofFIG.13and continues from1306to1402where a plurality of conductors212are obtained to interconnect the battery assembly202, the at least one microcontroller assembly204, the at least one memory assembly206, the at least one sensor assembly208and the at least one control assembly210to form the distributed electrical circuit200. At1404, locations are selected in the garment102a,102b,102c,102dto inconspicuously integrate the plurality of conductors212from the candidate locations. At1406, manufacturing processes are selected to inconspicuously integrate the plurality of conductors212in the selected locations, wherein candidate manufacturing processes include (i) interweaving within the fabric pieces, (ii) routing within the at least one lining118d, (iii) tucking within the at least one pocket112a,112b,112d, the at least one pouch1216(seeFIG.12) and the at least one double layered area124a,124dand iv) embedding within the collar108a,108c, the lapel110d, the hood, the at least one cuff114a,114d, the at least one placket116a,116b,116c,116d, the at least one hem120a,120b,120c,120d, the at least one seam122a,122b,122c,122dand within paths of a stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material fused to the inconspicuous inner face106of the garment102a,102b,102c,102d. At1408, the garment (102a,102b,102c,102d) is constructed from the fabric pieces and the distributed electrical circuit200based on the selected locations and the selected manufacturing processes. For example, this material may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene (PE), low molecular weight polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), other fluoropolymers, and any other suitable stretchable and conformable low temperature thermoset polymeric material.

Examples of the wearable apparatus100,1200and associated methods1300,1400may be related to, or used in the context of garments for adult male wearers. Although an adult male wearer example is described, the examples and principles disclosed herein may be applied to an adult female wearer, a minor wearer and any other wearer.

The preceding detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples described by the present disclosure. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature, element, or component in the different drawings. Throughout the present disclosure, any one of a plurality of items may be referred to individually as the item and a plurality of items may be referred to collectively as the items and may be referred to with like reference numerals. Moreover, as used herein, a feature, element, component, or step preceded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding a plurality of features, elements, components, or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited.

Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not necessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure are provided above. Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one aspect, embodiment and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, the phrases “an example,” “another example,” “one or more examples,” and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example. Moreover, the subject matter characterizing any one example may be, but is not necessarily, combined with the subject matter characterizing any other example.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the terms “coupled,” “coupling,” and similar terms refer to two or more elements that are joined, linked, fastened, attached, connected, put in communication, or otherwise associated (e.g., mechanically, electrically, fluidly, optically, electromagnetically) with one another. In various examples, the elements may be associated directly or indirectly. As an example, element A may be directly associated with element B. As another example, element A may be indirectly associated with element B, for example, via another element C. It will be understood that not all associations among the various disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly, couplings other than those depicted in the figures may also exist.

As used herein, the term “approximately” refers to or represents a condition that is close to, but not exactly, the stated condition that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. As an example, the term “approximately” refers to a condition that is within an acceptable predetermined tolerance or accuracy, such as to a condition that is within 10% of the stated condition. However, the term “approximately” does not exclude a condition that is exactly the stated condition. As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to a condition that is essentially the stated condition that performs the desired function or achieves the desired result.

FIGS.1A-Dand2-12, referred to above, may represent functional elements, features, or components thereof and do not necessarily imply any particular structure. Accordingly, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all elements, features and/or components described and illustrated inFIGS.1A-Dand2-12, referred to above, need be included in every example and not all elements, features and/or components described herein are necessarily depicted in each illustrative example. Accordingly, some of the elements, features and/or components described and illustrated inFIGS.1A-Dand2-12may be combined in various ways without the need to include other features described and illustrated inFIGS.1A-Dand2-12, other drawing figures and/or the accompanying disclosure, even though such combination or combinations are not explicitly illustrated herein. Similarly, additional features not limited to the examples presented, may be combined with some or all the features shown and described herein. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the schematic illustrations of the examples depicted inFIGS.1A-Dand2-12, referred to above, are not meant to imply structural limitations with respect to the illustrative example. Rather, although one illustrative structure is indicated, it is to be understood that the structure may be modified when appropriate. Accordingly, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure. Furthermore, elements, features and/or components that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each ofFIGS.1A-Dand2-12and such elements, features and/or components may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each ofFIGS.1A-Dand2-12. Similarly, all elements, features and/or components may not be labeled in each ofFIGS.1A-Dand2-12, but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency.

Further, references throughout the present specification to features, advantages, or similar language used herein do not imply that all the features and advantages that may be realized with the examples disclosed herein should be, or are in, any single example. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an example is included in at least one example. Thus, discussion of features, advantages and similar language used throughout the present disclosure may, but does not necessarily, refer to the same example.

The described features, advantages and characteristics of one example may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other examples. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the examples described herein may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular example. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain examples that may not be present in all examples. Furthermore, although various examples of the wearable apparatus100,1200and associated methods1300,1400have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.