Abstract:
A sensor array and computing apparatus are located on the human body while maintaining said sensors and apparatus within a proximity zone of the body such that the mobility and flexibility of the body are not deleteriously affected by the presence of the apparatus. A series of rigid and flexible pods within which the sensors and computing apparatus may be housed are typically comprised of a rigid material having a minimum hardness or rigidity mounted in conjunction with certain more flexible sections to allow relative movement of the rigid material sections with respect to each other. The flexible material is further utilized to conform said rigid sections to certain pre-specified portions of the human body. The system permits the dynamic monitoring of human physiological status data without substantial interference in human motion and flexibility. A processor is mounted within a pod location with or adjacent to a sensor pod location, or said processor may be electrically connected to said sensor through a flexible material. Data in a processed or unprocessed state is transmitted to an external monitor through certain wire-based or wireless technologies. There is optionally provided a graphical, visual, audible, tactile or haptic output means so that certain data might be displayed or otherwise communicated instantaneously to the wearer.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to computing hardware and sensor arrays which are suitable for affixation to the human body. More specifically, the invention relates to sensors and computing apparatus which are adapted to detect certain human physiological data and transmit such data and which are affixed to the human body in such a manner so as not to interfere with normal body flexibility or movement.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0004]    Monitoring of human physiological status data has received a high and growing level of interest in a number of medical, industrial, scientific and recreational disciplines. In certain circumstances where static data is sufficient for determining the status of a particular aspect of the human body, particularized monitoring sensors are applied to the appropriate portion of the body and data is collected for a short period of time. In these types of applications, the human subject may be in a static position, such as when blood pressure is measured, or actively engaged in movement, such as during a cardiac stress test. In either instance, a sensor is temporarily affixed to the body, either through a restraining device, friction or an adhesive material.  
           [0005]    In the many applications, however, monitoring is limited to these short periods of time by limitations associated with the monitoring devices and the sensors themselves. Monitoring human physiological data on an extended, real-time basis presents many advantages to scientific researchers, medical professionals and individuals with a high level of interest in their own physiological condition.  
           [0006]    A number of devices have been disclosed which attempt to enhance the portability and reduce the invasiveness of physiological sensors and the monitoring apparatus associated therewith. Furthermore, considerable development has been made in the reduction in size of computing devices and other electronic apparatus for use in close association with the human body.  
           [0007]    Bornn, U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,793, issued Oct. 11, 1994, discloses a stretchable harness-like apparatus which enables physiological parameters of a patient to be measured while he or she is ambulatory or stationary. What is disclosed is a harness which encircles the torso and chest area of a patient. A series of circumferential straps are placed around the torso area with elongated shoulder supports supporting the circumferential bands from front to back over the shoulders. The harness-like apparatus includes certain sensors. The apparatus is specifically directed towards maintaining mobility and comfort while maintaining accuracy of measurement. A soft, resilient material is utilized to receive and restrain the encased sensors. A major shortcoming of dynamic body monitoring is identified in the reference which describes the utilization of resilient sensor supports under tension which creates monitoring artifacts caused by the relative movement of the sensors with respect to the patient&#39;s skin. The reference also identifies the utilization of electronic transmission means for communicating the collected data to external monitoring equipment. The Bornn device utilizes a uniform modulus of elasticity in the restraining bands which are selected of a material having such modulus of elasticity close to that of skin to maintain the sensors in a uniform position.  
           [0008]    Janik, U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,398, issued Feb. 8, 1994, discloses a flexible, wearable computer, in the form of a belt, comprising a combination of microprocessor memory modules, power supply, signal relaying circuits, and a flexible, non-stretchable member with a protective covering device. In contrast to the Bornn reference, this device is intended to provide an entire wearable computer apparatus which is comfortable for the user to wear affixed to his or her body. The device incorporates a series of electrical apparatus divided into a plurality of small modules which are electrically connected along a non-resilient belt.  
           [0009]    Kese, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,198, issued Mar. 16, 1999, discloses a portable radio which has its components distributed about a user&#39;s body, utilizing the body as a vehicle to carry the radio. This portable communication device was developed to overcome drawbacks associated with conventional portable radios through the distribution of the radio components and weight on a user&#39;s body in a more uniform manner.  
           [0010]    Carroll, U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,490, issued Sep. 10, 1996, discloses a wearable support and interconnection structure for a modular micro computer system having a plurality of micro computer cards housed in a plurality of pockets linked by flexible circuitry and connectors within wearable garment. The reference discloses a vest-like apparatus having a series of electronic modules distributed thereacross. The garment is intended to be portable and lightweight while maintaining a level of functionality to allow the wearer to simultaneously operate the computer while engaged in a mobile activity.  
           [0011]    Newman, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,244, issued Apr. 19, 1994, discloses a compact, self-contained portable computing apparatus which is completely supported by a user for hands-free retrieval and display of information for the user. The reference discloses a series of electronic components mounted upon a belt which is worn by the user together with a miniature video display device positioned proximate to the user&#39;s eye. A microphone is utilized to allow the user to execute commands without the utilization of his or her hands.  
           [0012]    A significant shortcoming of the prior art devices, however, is that while they provide a lightweight and mobile computing or monitoring platform, they nevertheless severely restrict the flexibility and motion of the user. None of the prior art references disclose a specific location or series of locations proximate to the human body which would minimize or eliminate the interference of the body-mounted computer or sensor mechanism with normal or athletic bodily function and flexibility.  
           [0013]    What is lacking in the art, therefore, is a sensor array and computing apparatus which is wearable on the human body in such a manner and placement that the user&#39;s motion and flexibility are not compromised.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0014]    An apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to specifically provide the ability to mount both sensors and computing apparatus on the human body while maintaining said sensors and apparatus within a proximity zone of the body such that the mobility and flexibility of the body are not deleteriously affected by the presence of the apparatus. The device is primarily comprised of a series of pads having rigid and flexible sections within which the sensors and computing apparatus may be housed. These pods are typically comprised of a rigid material having a minimum hardness or rigidity mounted in conjunction with certain more flexible sections to allow relative movement of the rigid material sections with respect to each other. The flexible material is further utilized to conform said rigid sections to certain pre-specified portions of the human body although it is to be specifically noted that under certain circumstances, the entire pod embodiment can be constructed of the flexible material. The pods are particularly sized and shaped to minimize interference with human motion and flexibility, and are mounted in certain distinct, pre-selected locations on the human body corresponding to the pre-specified shapes. It is to be specifically noted that each of the shapes disclosed herein comprises a maximum size and shape for each particular location. In any specific application, the minimization of the size and shape of any sensor or computing apparatus together with its rigid housing would be considered desirable to minimize interference with human flexion and motion.  
           [0015]    The size, shape and location of each of the pod housings are specifically directed to not only certain locations of minimum interference when mounted upon the human body, but also for the specific intention of mounting sensors therein for the detection of certain human physiological status data. It is specifically contemplated that within at least one of the pod locations there will be mounted at least one specific sensor for contact with or proximate location near the human body for detection of physiological status data including but not limited to, temperature, galvanic skin response, pulse, blood pressure, respiration, activity, and certain electrical currents associated with electrocardiogram and electroencephalograph measurements.  
           [0016]    The system is specifically intended to permit the mounting of one or more sensor devices, as well as electronic computing apparatus, to permit the dynamic monitoring of human physiological status data without substantial interference in human motion and flexibility. The systems are directed towards use in both medical care and scientific research. It is also contemplated that the system might be applied for the evaluation of human fitness, conditioning and the further development of ubiquitous, sympathetic and pervasive wearable computing apparatus. It is specifically intended that the sensors be placed within the specified locations defined by both a location determined by medical and scientific knowledge and the availability of a sensor pod defined according to the specification herein.  
           [0017]    In a first embodiment of the system as a whole, one or more sensors are placed within the various pod locations as defined herein. A processor is mounted within the same pod location or an adjacent pod location, or said processor may be electrically connected to said sensor through a flexible material. Memory and storage means may also be provided as necessary to facilitate the processing function. Data from one or more sensors is acquired and processed according to pre-selected algorithms well known to those skilled in the art. It is specifically contemplated that this processing function may be performed by a processing means contained within the pods mounted upon the human body or by external monitoring hardware and software, as will be described herein. The first embodiment, as described, would process said data onboard the human body and transmit that data in a processed state to an external monitor through certain wire-based or wireless technologies as are well known to those skilled in the art. Such wireless technologies would include radio frequency, infrared transmission, audio and magnetic induction. It is specifically contemplated that said wireless technologies would include both open channel radio frequency transmission as well as transmissions which utilize telecommunications technologies, such as wireless telephoning and paging systems. In this first embodiment, there is optionally provided a graphical, visual, audible, tactile or haptic output means so that certain data might be displayed or otherwise communicated instantaneously to the wearer in the form of a numerical output or a series of indicator lights.  
           [0018]    In a second embodiment, human physiological status data is merely compiled within the apparatus mounted upon the human body and is transmitted, in an unprocessed state, to an external monitoring means. In this embodiment, no onboard output or display means is contemplated.  
           [0019]    It is further specifically contemplated that the system, as described herein, forms a subset of a larger human physiological status data recording and reporting system for which the material described herein forms the data acquisition and reporting segment.  
           [0020]    The rigid and flexible pods described herein are defined by a proximate space adjacent the human body at certain predefined locations where interaction with human motion and flexibility are minimized. The wearability of the sensor and hardware apparatus is specifically defined as the interaction between the human body and the wearable objects. The wearable pods described herein comprise three-dimensional spaces on the body best suited for comfortable and unobtrusive wearability by design. The requirements of wearability further defines the use of the human body as a support environment for the various products and sensors that will be mounted thereupon. It is intended that these wearable forms be universally applicable to a high percentage of the wearing population. While it would be considered impossible to design a set of standard forms which would be applicable to 100% of the male and female population, given the wide disparity of the sample set, the specific design of the forms disclosed is intended to apply from the fifth to the ninety-fifth percentile of the population.  
           [0021]    There are thirteen primary factors which define the design of the wearable products. These are:  
           [0022]    1. Placement;  
           [0023]    2. Definition of the shape of the object;  
           [0024]    3. The dynamic structure of the object relating to human movement in proximity thereto;  
           [0025]    4. Human perception of the space proximate to the body;  
           [0026]    5. Sizing as applied to the target group of body sizes;  
           [0027]    6. Attachment means to the body;  
           [0028]    7. Containment of objects within the defined space;  
           [0029]    8. Weight;  
           [0030]    9. Accessibility to human interaction;  
           [0031]    10. Sensory interaction with the body;  
           [0032]    11. Thermal interaction with the body;  
           [0033]    12. Aesthetics;  
           [0034]    13. Long-term effects on usability and wearability.  
           [0035]    The criteria used for determining the placement of the forms on the human body are:  
           [0036]    1. Areas that have relatively small size variance across adults;  
           [0037]    2. Areas that have low movement and flexibility, even when the body is in motion; and  
           [0038]    3. Areas that maximize available surface area or minimize surface irregularities.  
           [0039]    The general areas determined to be the most unobtrusive are the cranial area, collar area, the tricep area, the forearm area, the rib cage area, the waist and hip area, the thigh area, the shin area and the top of the foot area.  
           [0040]    With respect to the form of the various proximity spaces in the containment pods placed therein, a core concept includes forming a concavity on the inside surface of the material to accept a generally convex exterior surface of the human body. Exterior surfaces of the pods are generally convex to deflect objects and avoid bumps and snags. Furthermore, tapering and radiusing of the sides, edges and corners creates safe, soft and stable forms. In certain circumstances, chamfering and scalloping of surfaces are utilized to minimize specific interaction with proximate body parts or physical objects and facilitate extended contact upon motion.  
           [0041]    Human movement provides a significant constraint in terms of the placement and shaping of the forms defined herein. Defining the shapes with respect to these movements can be accomplished in one of two ways: (1) by designing around the more active areas of the joints, or (2) by creating spaces, such as the aforementioned chamfering or scalloping, into which certain body parts can move.  
           [0042]    It is well known to those skilled in the art that the brain perceives an aura or proximate space around the body that should be considered the intimate space that is perceptually considered part of the body by the brain. This is generally considered to be between 0″ and 5″ from the majority of the body space. The particular challenge in defining the containment forms is the variability of size, weight, and muscle mass of human physique. Certain static anthropometric data is utilized to achieve near universal application of forms which are comprised of rigid and flexible sections. Flexible areas are generally utilized to join certain solid forms or extend exterior to the solid forms in wing-like protrusions. These wing-like protrusions may also incorporate a transition to attachment means for temporarily affixing the sensors and other apparatus to the body. It is specifically contemplated that in many applications, wrapping the form around the body, rather than using single point fastening systems such as clips or shoulder straps, is preferred. While not specifically disclosed, attachment systems are required for utility, which must accommodate various physical sizes and shapes designed for size variations. This is typically obtained in two ways: the first being adjustability, such as straps with buckles; the second is through the use of standardized sizing systems. The latter has been adopted in the preferred embodiment design to the extent that the rigid pods are generally standardized. In each embodiment, conventional resilient fabrics may be utilized to affix the pods to the body. Alternatively, and preferably, the pods may be incorporated into a garment.  
           [0043]    These and other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0044]    All drawings identified herein are labeled for directionality and physical reference as applied to the human body itself. E.g., references to “right” refer to the right-hand side of the wearer.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a collar embodiment of a pod.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 2A is a side elevational view of a first pod as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a plan view of the same pod.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 3A is a plan view of a second pod as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3B is a side elevational view of the same pod.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 4 is a plan view of a tricep pod embodiment.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 5A is a plan view of the pod section illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 5B is a side elevational view of the same pod.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 6 is a plan view of the leftmost half of a rib cage embodiment of a pod set.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 7A is a plan view of a first pod mounted upon a rightmost half of an upper torso or rib cage pod set. FIG. 7B is a side elevational view of the same first pod. FIG. 7C is a plan view of a second pod of the same rightmost pod set. FIG. 7D is a side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 7C.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 8A is a plan view of a third pod of said rightmost half of a rib cage pod set. FIG. 8B is a side elevational view of the pod shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is a plan view of a fourth pod of the same pod set. FIG. 8D is a side elevational view of the pod shown in FIG. 8C. FIG. 8E is a plan view of a fifth pod of the same pod set. FIG. 8F is a side elevational view of the pod shown in FIG. 8E.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 9 is a plan view of the leftmost half of a lower torso-mounted pod set.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 10A is a plan view of a first pod of a leftmost half of a torso-mounted pod set. FIG. 10B is a first side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 10A. FIG. 10C is a second side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 10A.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 11A is a plan view of a second pod of a leftmost half of a torso-mounted pod set. FIG. 11B is a first side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 11A. FIG. 11C is a second side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 11A.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 12A is a plan view of a third pod of a leftmost half of a torso-mounted pod set. FIG. 12B is a first side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 12A. FIG. 12C is a second side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 12A.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 13A is a plan view of a fourth pod of a leftmost half of a torso-mounted pod set. FIG. 13B is a first side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 13A. FIG. 13C is a second side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 13A.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 14A is a plan view of a fifth pod of a leftmost half of a torso-mounted pod set. FIG. 14B is a first side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 14A. FIG. 14C is a second side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 14A.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 15A is a plan view of the pod set of a forearm-mounted sensor apparatus. FIG. 15B is a side elevational view of the pod shown in FIG. 15A.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 16 is a plan view of a thigh-mounted embodiment of a pod.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 17A is a plan view of the rigid pod section of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16. FIG. 17B is a side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 17A.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 18 is a plan view of a shin-mounted embodiment of a pod set.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 19A is a plan view of a first pod mounted on the pod set illustrated in FIG. 18. FIG. 19B is a side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 19A. FIG. 19C is a plan view of a second pod illustrated in the pod set of FIG. 18. FIG. 19D is a side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 19C.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 20 is a plan view of a foot-mounted embodiment of a pod set.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 21A is a plan view of a first pod of the foot-mounted pod set illustrated in FIG. 20. FIG. 21B is a side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 21A. FIG. 21C is a plan view of a second pod of said foot-mounted embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20. FIG. 21D is a side elevational view of the pod illustrated in FIG. 21C.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 22 is a plan view of a cranium-mounted embodiment of a pod set.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of the pod set illustrated in FIG. 22.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of a portion of the pod set illustrated in FIG. 22.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 25 is a block diagram of the electrical components of the system. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0070]    With respect to all of the Figures illustrating the pods and pod sets, all major dimensions and arcuate sections are defined in inches. Minor and transitional arc sections are considered to be within the ambit of knowledge and skill of those skilled in the art for constriction purposes. All the rigid form edges illustrated have radii of at least ⅛″ and are variable up to ¾″. Chamfers, scallops and bevels are at least 3° but are variable and can sweep to 50° in certain circumstances as described herein. Pods identified with the letter “A” are mirror equivalents of the unmarked reference numerals.  
         [0071]    All rigid forms are of a minimum of 100D durometer of hardness and may be comprised of any material. In the event that the pods are intended for the support of sensor or related electronic material, it is preferable that the pods be comprised of an insulating material. Flexible sections are preferably comprised of 75-90D material, if one or either sides of the material are scored to facilitate bendability. If no surface treatment is used, the flexible materials are preferably comprised of 30-75D material. Flexible areas are preferably also stretchable, in the range of 14-16 ounces of tension for displacement of one-sixteenth inch to 3 inches.  
         [0072]    Referring now to FIG. 1, the collar or neck embodiment of a pod set is illustrated. This set preferably comprises four pods,  16 A,  16 B,  22 A and  22 B, mounted within a flexible collar. The flexible collar may be of a unitary construction or comprised of front section  18 , rear section  24 , and connecting sections  20  and  22 . Either or both connecting sections  20  or  22  may be of unitary construction and stretchable to the point that the head may be inserted therebetween or may be connected through a well known fastening means. The collar in embodiment  10  has a front section  12 , which is primarily comprised of collar front flexible section  18  having a length  26  of 7.89 inches and a width  28  of 2.82 inches. The front edge of section  12  has a radius R 30  of 4.42 and a rear radius R 32  of 6.3. Rigid pods  16 A and  16 B are mounted thereon with a flexible space deposed therebetween. While pod  16 A and  16 B may abut each other, a space of at least ⅜ inch is preferably disposed therebetween. The flexible section is radiused at the point where the flexible restraints  20  and  22  are affixed having a radius R 34  of 4.0. Flexible portion  18  of front section  12  is preferably ½ inch larger than the pods having a boundary of approximately ¼ inch around the perimeter thereof. Flexible members  20  and  22  preferably have a length of 6.4 inches and connect front section  12  to rear section  14 . Rear section  14  is provided with a length  36  of 7.27 inches and a width  40  of 3.50 inches. Rear pods  22 A and  22 B are disposed thereon with a preferable border  42  of 0.29 inches and a distance therebetween  44  of 0.75 inches. Flexible section  24  is radiused at its rear surface R 52  to a dimension of 2.24 inches and the frontmost facing edge R 48  has a dimension of 0.94 inches. Left and right side perimeters of flexible section  24  have a radius R 54  of 4.84. Radius R 48  transitions to radius R 46 , moving outwardly, having a dimension of 4.42 and further transitions to a radius R 50  of 1.50 inches where the leftmost and rightmost corners are encountered.  
         [0073]    Referring now to FIG. 2, pod  16 A is illustrated in FIG. 2B having a length  66  of 4.03 inches and a depth  64  of 1.89 inches. Pod  16 A, as well as  16 B, for which all dimensions are identical but mirrored, has a chamfered edge  73  along the rearmost side, having a depth  68  of 0.4 inches. Pod  16 A is provided with a lateral dimension  70  extending from front to rear along the rightmost edge of 1.34 inches as measured from the radius transitional point of the corners forming a roughly trapezoidal shape. Pod  16 A is provided with a curved surface along the chamfer  73  beginning from the rear right corner, radius R 72 , having a dimension of 4.35 inches, radius R 74 , having a dimension of 1.5 inches, transitioning to corner radius R 79 , having a dimension of 0.25 inches. Referring now to FIG. 2A, pod  16 A is seen in a side elevational view having a depth  58  of 0.45 inches and an inner radius R 60  of 32.24 inches and an outer radius R 62  of 9.62 inches. Pod  16 A is slightly tapered from right to left, as seen in FIG. 2A, having a rightmost greater dimension  56  of 0.45 inches, tapering at the centermost point to thickness  58  of 0.43 inches.  
         [0074]    Referring now to FIG. 3A, pod  22 B is provided with a length  78  of 3.41 inches and a width  76  of 2.25 inches. It is to be specifically noted that pod  22 A has the same dimensions as pod  22 B in a mirrored embodiment. Pod  22 B is provided with chamfer section  81  having a width  87  of 0.42 inches. The rearmost edge of pod  22 B is provided with a curved radius R 86  of 4.45 inches, transitioning in a leftmost direction to R 85  of 0.75 inches along the front surface of the chamfered edge. Radius R 80  is provided with a dimension of 0.9 inches which transitions to radius section R 82  having a dimension of 4.69 inches. Referring now to FIG. 3B, pod  22 B is provided with a tapered cross-sectional dimension having a thickness  90  of 0.58 inches tapering to a smaller dimensional thickness  94  of 0.43 inches. At the mid-point  92 , a dimension of 0.67 is provided. Pod  22 B is provided with a outer radius surface R 98  of 3.58 inches and an inner radius surface R 96  of 6 inches. As applied to the body, front section  12  is located at the top of the pectoral muscle, just below the clavicle, and is centered on the sternum of the user. Straps  20  and  22  flow between the meeting point of the shoulder and neck. Rear section  14  is placed on top of the upper portion of the trapezius muscle above the spine of scapula, but in no application should be placed lower than the last cervical vertebra C 7  and no higher than the fifth cervical vertebra C 5 . Furthermore, in no circumstances is width  36  to exceed the size of the spine of scapula bone and the upper trapezius muscle. Front section  12 , and more specifically, radius R 30 , are intended to be defined by the first and second ribs below the collar bone. Pods  16 A and  16 B rest on the pectoral muscle close to the body&#39;s center of gravity and out of the way of arm movement. With respect to rear section  14 , the pods are designed to allow full movement of the neck and shoulders while utilizing the load bearing space near the sensory organs of the head. The pods are designed to move and float over flexed trapezius muscles with radii R 48 , R 46  and R 50  determined by the movement of the neck, and the radius R 52  determined by the movement of the shoulder blades and the spine.  
         [0075]    It is to be specifically noted that the pods of any of the embodiments described herein as discreet constructions may be joined by flexible material in a variety of combinations and subcombinations. For example, the collar, tricep and rib cage embodiments might be joined into a unitary, flexible garment, such as a shirt, having the appropriate resiliency and modulus of elasticity as described herein.  
         [0076]    Referring now to FIG. 4, tricep embodiment  100  is adapted for affixation to the upper arm and is centered on the tricep, including all three areas of that muscle, the long head, the lateral head and the tendon. It is intended to be mounted at least one inch above the elbow joint and at least one-half inch below the deltoid muscle. Referring briefly to FIG. 5, width  134  of pods  102  and  102 A, should not exceed the width of the entire tricep muscle of the user. The form of this embodiment is designed to allow movement of the flesh associated with both the shoulder and elbow joints, and includes flex zones in flexible portion  104  which taper inward as they wrap around the biceps. Rigid pod section  102  is affixed within flexible section  104 . Flexible section  104  is intended to reach around the biceps, and the ends thereof may abut each other in certain applications where the user has a small arm circumference, but in no event should the ends of flexible section  104  overlap. The topmost curvature of the flexible section  104  is intended to follow the bottom edge of the deltoid muscle while the bottom curve of the same flexible section is intended to mimic the curvature of the lower portion of the bicep. Contact with the humerus bone is to be specifically avoided in order to avoid interference with sensitive tendons and nerves at this juncture. The tricep embodiment  100  is provided with a overall height  108  of 5.12 inches and an overall width  106  of 6.48 inches. The front edge of this embodiment, flexible section  104 , has a height  110  of 3.22 inches, as measured from the completion of the corner radii at the point of transition to the rearward edges. This edge is provided with a radius R 118  of 10 inches. The topmost edge, moving from front to rear of the flexible section, is provided with a concave radius R 120  of 2 inches, transitioning to a convex radius R 122  of 0.84 inches to support the rigid pod. Rearward of the pod is a convex radius R 124  of 4.58 inches which section has a height  114  of 1.55 inches. The rearwardmost edge  112  has a dimension of 1.28 inches, as measured inclusive of the corner radii. The rearwardmost edge  112  is transitioned into the bottommost edge with a concave radius R 126  of 2.61. Lastly, a concave lower section R 116  is provided with a radius dimension of 15 inches.  
         [0077]    Referring now to FIG. 5, the pods  102  and  102 A of the tricep embodiment are provided with an overall height  132  of 5.05 inches and an overall width  134  of 1.99 inches. Pods  102  and  102 A are provided with a chamfered area having an overall width  136  of 0.45 inches which is tapered at each end in a smooth transition. The topmost edge of pod  102 A is provided with a convex radius R 140  of 0.81 inches which transitions rearwardly to a concave radius R 142  of 4.58 inches and transitions again to a convex rearward facing edge R 144  having a radius of 9.95 inches. The front edge of pod  102 A is provided with a radius R 138  of 10 inches. Referring to FIG. 5B, the pod is provided with an overall convex section having a mid-point thickness  146  of 0.5 inches, an outer radius face R 150  of 8.62 inches, and an inner radius face R 148  of 1.91 inches.  
         [0078]    Referring now to FIG. 6, the upper torso embodiment is shown. It is to be specifically noted that the leftmost half of the upper torso portion is illustrated. The rightmost half being an identical mirror image thereof. Upper torso section  152  has an overall length of 27.72 inches in its complete form, and an overall height  170  of 6.91 inches. It is primarily comprised of five pods,  154 ,  156 ,  158 ,  160  and  162 , being disposed along a flexible member  168 . Each of the pods is provided with an overall convex surface  164  having a chamfered section  166  extending therealong, as will be described in more detail. It is to be specifically noted that chamfered section  166  is intended to extend smoothly across the length of all five pod sections. Upper torso embodiment  152  has a distance of approximately 1 inch between the first pod of the right and leftmost sections. First upper torso pod  154  has a major chamfer width  172  of 2.75 inches, tapering to a width  174  at the leftmost edge thereof, which coincides with the width of the flexible member  168  thereunder. Flexible member  168  continues its gradual taper to a leftmost dimension  176  of 1.49 inches at the leftmost edge of upper torso embodiment  152 . Each of the pods is disposed a distance  194  of approximately 0.13 inches therebetween. Second upper torso pod  156  is mounted a distance  178  of 1.85 inches from the topmost point of pod  154  to the topmost point of second pod  156 . A bottom distance  192  of 1.50 inches is provided between the lowermost point of first pod  154  and the lowermost point of second pod  156 . Third pod  158  is mounted a distance  180  of 1.35 inches between the topmost points of second pod  156  and third pod  158  at a distance  190  of 0.52 inches between the lowermost points of second pod  156  and third pod  158 . Third pod  158  represents the lowest point in the curvature of the five pods from first pod  154  through fifth pod  162 . Fourth pod  160  is provided a distance  188  of 0.5 inches between the lowermost point of fourth pod  160  in the lowermost point of third pod  158 . Fifth pod  162  is provided a distance  184  of 0.19 inches between the uppermost point of fifth pod  162  and the uppermost point of fourth pod  160 , and a distance  186  of 1.04 between the lowermost points of those same two pods. Pods  154  through  162  follow the general curve that sweeps under the scapula following the latissimus dorsi muscle, tapering inside toward the front of the body, curving down under the armpit and back up under the breast and pectoral muscle. Fifth pod  162  can land as far forward as the sternum or as far back as forward of center of the armpit area. The upper torso embodiment  152  is always located no lower than the tenth intercostal space in the rear of the rib cage and the sixth intercostal space in the front of the rib cage. It is also located no higher than the pectoral muscle in the front and the scapula in the rear of the body.  
         [0079]    Referring now to FIG. 7, and with general references to FIG. 6, FIG. 7A shows pod  154 A being the analogue of pod  154  for the rightmost section of the upper torso embodiment  152  having an overall height  196  of 5.01 inches and an overall width  198  of 2.66 inches. Pod  154 A may generally be described as having three major areas, top and bottom convex sections  164  and a central concave section  166 , forming a portion of the chamfer described earlier. The topmost convex section has a centerpoint length of 0.79 inches and the topmost curve R 204  is provided with a radius of 0.88 inches. Radius R 204  transitions leftwardly to radius  216  of 3.75 inches and rightwardly to concave radius R 206  being 5.48 inches. A distance  202  of 1.74 inches is taken from the mid-point of the transitional curve between R 206  and R 204  to the topmost point of  154 A. Radius R 206  traverses downwardly and transitions to second concave radius R 208  having a dimension of 3.68 inches, finally transitioning into bottommost radius R 210  having a dimension of 0.63 inches. Radius R 210  transitions leftwardly and upwardly into convex radius R 212  having a dimension of 1.88 inches, which transitions at the point of intersection with the chamfer section  166  to radius R 213  having a dimension of 3.75 inches. First upper torso pod  154 A is also further defined by a dimensional width  200  from the mid-point of upper radius R 204  to the leftmost edge of 1.13 inches and a lower partial width  216  from the mid-point of the bottommost curvature R 210  to the leftmost edge having a value of 1.79 inches. Referring now to FIG. 7B, pod  154 A is given a generally overall curved and tapered shape having its largest dimension at the rightwardmost edge  218  of 0.72 inches and its smallest dimension at the leftwardmost edge  220  of 0.42 inches. The relative sizing of the chamfered section  166  is shown in chain line. The pod has an overall thickness  222  of 0.76 inches and is provided with an inner radius R 226  of 10 inches and an outer radius R 228  of 5 inches, respectively.  
         [0080]    Referring now to FIG. 7C, second pod  156 A has an overall height  230  of 5.48 inches and an overall width  232  of 3.04 inches. The distance  238  between chamfer  166  and the topmost section at the mid-point is 0.92 inches and has a general lower distance  240  of 1.0 inches. Starting at the topmost point, curve R 231  is provided with a radius of 0.75 inches, which transitions in a rightward fashion into concave radius  242  of 8.59 inches. Concave radius R 244 , at the rightmost edge, is provided with a dimension of 4.38 inches which transitions at the lowermost point of the pod  156 A to radius  248  having a dimension of 0.87 inches. Moving leftwardly, radius R 248  transitions to radius R 246 , having a dimension of 10 inches, which joins radius R 231  at the topmost point. Dimensionally pod  156 A has a partial height  234  taken from the topmost point of pod  156 A to the top rightmost corner transition of 1.67 inches in a dimension from the leftmost edge to the topmost point of radius R 231  being a distance  236  of 0.84 inches. Referring to view D, chamfered section  166  is shown in chain line. The pod has an overall curved dimension and a taper from left to right edge having a maximum thickness  258  at the centerpoint of 0.60 inches and tapering leftwardly to a dimension  256  of 0.58 inches at the leftmost edge. Pod  156 A is provided with an outermost radius surface R 262  of 4.50 inches and an inner radius surface R 260  having a dimension of 9.29 inches.  
         [0081]    Referring now to FIG. 8, and generally to FIG. 6, FIG. 8A illustrates pod  158 A having an overall width  264  of 3.36 inches and an overall height  266  of 3.70 inches. Pod  158 A is provided with an uppermost distance  274  between chamfer  166  and the uppermost surface of 1.11 inches and a lowermost distance  276  of 0.55 inches measured at the mid-point of the distance between chamfer  166  and the lowermost edge of the pod  158 A. At the uppermost edge of pod  158 A, a concave radius R 280  is provided having a radius of 8.59 inches. A partial width  270  measured from the leftmost terminal point of radius R 280  to the leftmost edge of the pod  158 A is 0.97 inches. Radius R 280  transitions to rightmost radius R 282  having a value of 5.93 inches. From the uppermost terminal point of radius R 282 , a distance  272  of 0.94 inches is measured to the topmost point of pod  158 A. A partial height  268  of 1.24 inches of pod  158 A is measured from the lowermost point of radius R 282  to the lowermost point of pod  158 A. Rightmost radius R 282  transitions to radius R 284  having a value of 1.13 inches to form the lower rightmost curve. Lower left curve is defined by radius R 286  having a value of 1.12 inches transitioning into the leftmost concave radius R 278  having a value of 4.38 inches. Referring to FIG. 8B, with chamfer  166  shown in chain line, the pod is generally curved and tapered from right to left having the major dimension at the rightmost edge  288  of 0.68 inches tapering to a minor dimension at the leftmost edge  290  of 0.37 inches. An outer face R 298  is provided with a radius of 5 inches, and the inner face R 294  is provided with a radius of 13.79 inches. Referring now to FIG. 8C, fourth pod  160 A is provided with an overall width  302  of 2.67 inches and an overall height  300  of 2.78 inches. The distance between chamfer  166  and the uppermost surface  306  is 1.03 inches measured a distance  304  from the leftmost edge of pod  160 A of 0.85 inches. The top edge of pod  160 A is provided with concave radius R 314  having a value of 8.59 inches. The rightmost edge of pod  160 A is provided with radius R 316  having a value of 2.33 inches which terminates a distance  312  from the bottom edge of pod  160 A and having a value of 1.27 inches extending leftwardly from the rightmost point of pod  160 A. A distance  310  of 2.04 inches begins radius R 317  having a value of 0.62 inches which transitions from the lowermost edge to the leftmost edge having a convex radius R 318  having a value of 5.93 inches. Referring now to FIG. 8D, with chamfered surface  166  shown in chain line, the pod is generally curved and tapered from left to right having a major dimension at the leftmost edge  324  of 0.59 inches tapering to a minor dimension  326  at the rightmost edge of 0.39 inches. At a mid-point, pod  160 A has a depth  320  of 0.56 inches. Referring now to FIG. 8E, fifth pod  162 A has an overall width  332  of 2.01 inches and an overall height  334  of 2.15 inches. Chamfered section  166  terminates at a distance  336  of 0.52 inches from the rightmost edge of pod  162 A and is located a distance  338  of 0.78 inches from the topmost edge, and a distance  340  of 0.19 inches from the lowermost edge. Pod  162 A has a major convex rightmost radius R 342  of 1.56 inches, which transitions to flat top and bottom sections. The leftmost edge is provided with radius R 344  having a value of 2.33 inches. Referring now to FIG. 8F, pod  162 A has an overall thickness  346  of 0.46 inches and an outer surface radius R 350  of 5 inches and an inner radius surface R 348  of 8 inches.  
         [0082]    Referring now to FIG. 9, lower torso embodiment  352  is illustrated showing one-half of the entire apparatus, being the leftmost half, and be identical to the rightmost half as a mirror image. Lower torso embodiment  352  is comprised of five pods,  354 ,  356 ,  358 ,  360  and  362 , on each side separated by approximately one-quarter to one inch of flexible material. The flexible material is centered on the spine just below the third lumbar vertebrae. Lower torso embodiment  352  is intended to follow the general curve if the iliac crest of the pelvis. The bottom profile of the set is defined by the line of the gluteus maximus and the hip joint. The pods continue around to the front of the body where they rest just under the flank pad. Fifth pod  362  can land as far forward as the lower abdomen muscles and as far back as to rest on the gluteus medias muscle. It is specifically intended that the flexible zones between the various pods of this embodiment are minimized. While the flexible section is preferably within the dimensions of the various pods, it may extend outwardly therefrom 3 to 5 inches upwardly or downwardly to cover the gluteus medias and the outer side of the gluteus maximus. Additionally, lower torso embodiment  352  can be joined in the front of the body through flexible areas having a width of approximately 3 to 4 inches connecting pods  362  and  362 A. Lower torso embodiment  352  has an overall length of the five pods  370  of 14.41 inches. First pod  354  and second pod  356  comprise the maximum top and bottom dimensions having a total height  372  of 4.80 inches. Second pod  356  lies a distance  390  of 0.13 inches from its topmost point to the topmost point of adjacent pod  354 , and lies a distance  374  of 1.63 inches from its lowest point to the lowest point of adjacent pod  354 . Pod  358 , at its lowest point, is disposed a distance  376  from the lowermost point of pod  356  being a distance of 0.25 inches. The lowermost point of fourth pod  360  lies a distance  378  from the lowermost point of third pod  358 , being a distance of 0.06 inches. The lowermost point of fifth pod  362  lies a distance  382  from the lowermost point of fourth pod  360 , being a distance of 0.36 inches. With respect to third, fourth and fifth pods  358 ,  360  and  362 , respectively, pod  358  is displaced a distance  386  between its uppermost point and the uppermost point of pod  360 , being a distance of 0.24 inches; while pod  362  at its uppermost point lies a distance  384  from the uppermost point of fourth pod  360 , being a distance of 0.25 inches. Interpod distance  392  is typically uniform between the various pods, between 0.11 inches and 0.12 inches. The five pods are generally mounted upon a flexible member  364  and incorporate a chamfered area  368  roughly analogous to chamfered area  166  with reference to the upper torso embodiment  152 .  
         [0083]    Referring now to FIG. 10, with general reference to FIG. 9, illustration A depicts pod  354 A, which is the mirror analogue to pod  354  shown in FIG. 9. Pod  354 A is shown having a overall height  392  of 4.67 inches and an overall width  394  of 4.56 inches. An average distance  396  between the chamfer and the lowermost edge is 1.38 inches and the mid-point distance between the chamfer  368  and the topmost point of pod  354 A  398  is 0.46 inches. The topmost point of pod  354 A includes convex radius  404  having a value of 1.13 inches. This radius transitions rightwardly to radius R 410  having a concave value of 4 inches, while the lowermost edge of pod  354 A is formed from concave radius R 395  having a value of 13.62. This transitions to radius R 408  at the lowermost point of the pod  354 A, having a value of 1.12 inches which finally transitions to the top leftmost edge radius R 406  having a value of 3 inches. This transition occurs at a distance  400  between the topmost point and the R 408  to R 406  transition point having a value of 2.91 inches. Referring now to FIG. 10B, pod  354 A has an overall thickness  420  of 1.05 inches, is generally curved and tapered toward the middle. Leftmost and rightmost maximum dimensions  422  and  424  are equal at 0.87 inches, and pod  354 A has an outward surface radius R 430  of 27.53 inches and an inner radius surface R 428  of 21.64 inches. Radius R 428  has a dimensional length  426  of 3.20 inches and is centered on the pod. Referring now to FIG. 10C, showing an elevation of pod  354 A 90° displaced from that of FIG. 10B, the pod has an overall thickness  414  of 1.23 inches at its mid-point, tapering topwardly to a minimum dimension  412  of 0.85 inches and tapering at its lower end to a minor dimension  417  of 0.44 inches. Pod  354 A has a inner convex curvature R 416 , having a value of 6 inches, and an outer convex curvature R 418 , having a value of 4 inches  
         [0084]    Referring now to FIG. 11, with general reference to FIG. 9, pod  356 A is shown in illustration A having an overall height  432  of 2.67 inches and an overall width  434  of 3.79 inches. Chamfer  368  is disposed an average distance  438  from the bottom surface of pod  356 A a distance of 1.12 inches and a distance  436  of 0.72 inches from the mid-point of top concave radius R 440 , itself having a dimension of 21.44 inches. Top radius R 440  transitions rightwardly to radius R 444  having a concave value of 10.62 inches, while R 440  transitions leftwardly to convex radius R 442  having a value of 4 inches. In section as shown in FIG. 11B, pod  356 A has an overall thickness  446  of 1.04 inches, and is generally curved and slightly tapered, having a minimum dimension at the rightmost edge  448  of 0.73 inches and a maximum thickness at the leftmost edge  452  of 0.77 inches. Pod  356 A in this section has an outward-facing curved surface R 454  having a radius of 28.80, while the inner surface R 456  has a radius of 28.80 inches. Referring to FIG. 11C, which is an elevation taken at a 90° angle from that shown in FIG. 11B, pod  356 A has an outward radius R 464  of 4 inches, an overall thickness  458  of 0.81 inches, and a topmost terminal thickness  460  of 0.64 inches tapering to a bottommost edge dimension  462  of 0.57 inches.  
         [0085]    Referring now to FIG. 12, pod  358 A is provided having a height  466  of 2.1 inches and a overall width  468  of 2.29 inches. Chamfer  368  is disposed a distance  472  from the topmost edge of pod  358 A, being a distance of 0.22 inches, and a distance  470  from the lower edge of pod  358 A, being a distance of 0.92 inches. The rightmost edge of pod  358 A is provided with radius  474  having a value at 11.03 inches, while leftmost edge R 476  is provided with a radius of 8.71 inches. Referring now to FIG. 12B, pod  358 A is provided with an overall thickness  480  of 0.79 inches and has an interior surface radius R 482  of 10 inches and an outer surface radius R 484  of 5 inches. Referring to FIG. 12C, which shows an elevational view of pod  358 A taken from a position 90° opposed from that of FIG. 12B, pod  358 A is provided with an overall thickness  486  of 0.73 inches and an outer surface radius R 488  of 4 inches.  
         [0086]    Referring now to FIG. 13, with general reference to FIG. 9, pod  368  is shown in FIG. 13A as having an overall height  490  of 2.93 inches and an overall width  492  of 1.79 inches. Chamfer  368  is shown a distance  496  from the lowermost point of pod  360 A having a dimension of 0.75 inches, and a distance  494  from the topmost surface having a value of 0.25 inches. The topmost surface R 506  has a radius value of 6 inches, which transitions rightwardly to the right side edge R 504  having a value of 8.85 inches. Lower edge R 500  has a radius value of 13.62 inches, which transitions leftwardly to the arc section forming the lowermost point of pod  360 A having a radius of 0.5 inches. Referring now to FIG. 13B, pod  360 A is shown having an overall thickness  512  of 0.81 inches, an inner surface radius R 516  having a value of 5 inches, and an outer surface radius R 514  having a value of 2.87 inches. Referring now to FIG. 13C, which is an elevational view taken from a perspective 90° opposed from that of FIG. 13B, pod  360 A has an overall thickness  518  of 0.99 inches and is generally curved and tapered from top to bottom, having a maximum thickness at the uppermost edge  520  of 0.81 inches and a minimum thickness at the lowermost edge  522  being 0.41 inches. Pod  360 A is provided with an inner surface radius R 528  of 5 inches and an outer surface radius R 526  of 4 inches.  
         [0087]    Referring now to FIG. 14, with general reference to FIG. 9, end pod  362 A is shown having an overall height  530  of 2.57 inches, and an overall width  532  of 3.33 inches. Chamfer  368  is disposed a distance  538  from the topmost edge of pod  362 A being a distance of 0.225 inches, and a lower distance  534  from the lowermost edge of pod  362 A a distance of 0.45 inches. Chamfer  368  terminates at a point interior to pod  362 A being a distance  536  from the leftmost edge of pod  362 A and having a value of 1.79 inches. Pod  362 A is provided with an upper right radius  544  of 0.87 inches, which transitions leftwardly into radius  546  having a value of 4 inches. Lower surface  548  has a concave radius value of 4.41 inches. Referring now to FIG. B, pod  362 A has an overall thickness  550  of 0.71 inches, and generally tapers from bottom to top having a maximum dimension at bottom edge  552  having a value of 0.55 inches, tapering to top edge  554  having a value of 0.53 inches.  
         [0088]    Referring now to FIG. 15, a forearm embodiment  560  is shown. Not illustrated but well understood to those skilled in the art, is a flexible cuff which envelops the wrist area having a typical length dimension of 4 inches into which the pod  560  is mounted. The pod for the forearm sits aside of the head of the ulna behind the wrist joint and on top of the tendons. The straightest edge of this roughly circular form follows the line from the tendon extending back from the forefinger. The flexible cuff that surrounds pod  560  encircles the arm and may be curved to avoid interference with the head of the ulna. The cuff could also extend the length of the forearm, curving under the bicipital fascia and wrapping upwardly along the line defined by the brachialis muscle. The small size and low profile of pod  560  are specifically intended to allow complex skeletal twisting and to permit the forearm to interact with the environment to enter various spaces on or around the body. Pod  560  is generally circular, having an angular protrusion extending roughly at right angles thereto defined by radius R 570  having a value of 0.5 inches. Pod  560  generally has an overall width  562  of 1.38 inches and an overall height  564  of 1.52 inches. Flattened sections  566  generally have a length of 0.38 inches and are disposed a distance  568  which is 0.38 inches from the opposing surface. Referring now to FIG. 15B, pod  560  is generally curved, having overall thickness  572  of 0.44 inches and an inner surface radius R 576  of 2.06 inches. Pod  560  is provided with an outer surface radius R 574  of 2.5 inches.  
         [0089]    Referring now to FIG. 16, thigh embodiment  578  is illustrated which is applied to the outer front of the leg, sits directly upon the outer upper portion of the quadriceps muscle of the thigh. The bottom profile of the form is designed to follow the line defined by the quadriceps tendon thereby keeping the pod on the muscle. The upper profile follows a concave curve. The flexible sections  586  wrap up to one-third of the distance around the thigh, extending one inch toward the front of the leg and three inches around the side of the leg. This placement keeps the pod out of the way for both walking and sitting. Curves in the profiles of the five pods are designed to allow the movement of the thigh muscles and the excess skin associated with the knee joint. The thigh pod is best attached to the body with straps that encircle the leg or as embedded in fitted pants. Thigh embodiment  578  is generally comprised of a rigid pod  580  mounted in conjunction with flexible section  586 . Rigid pod  580  is further comprised of a generally convex top surface  582  and a chamfered section  584  extending around a portion of the perimeter. Thigh embodiment  578  has an overall width  590  of 7.52 inches and overall height  588  of 6.99 inches. The rightmost flexible section has a width  608 , as measured at the topmost edge surface, of 1.5 inches. The rightmost edge of the flexible section is generally comprised of radius R 612  having a length of 4.75 inches. At the bottommost portion, radius R 612  transitions to convex radius R 614  having an overall height  604  of 0.68 inches. The leftmost flexible section has an overall width, as measured from the top edge  598 , of 3.16 inches, and a height of the major leftmost arcuate section  594  of 3.68 inches. A concave lower radius R 616  is defined by a radius 5.49 inches and has an overall width  600  of 2.68 inches and a height  596  of 1.28 inches.  
         [0090]    Referring now to FIG. 17, rigid pod  580 A is provided with an overall height  620  of 6.96 inches and an overall width  618  of 3.95 inches. Chamfered section  584  extends for a distance  628  of 0.95 inches, excluding the radius corner, and narrows to a distance  634  of 0.21 inches at its narrowest point at the uppermost segment of the convex top surface  582 . The chamfered surface has general width  624  along the rightmost edge of 0.73 inches, narrowing in a gradual taper moving toward the bottom surface of 0.54 inches at reference symbol  626 , the upper termination point of the lower tapered section of chamfer  584 . Pod  580 A has a topmost edge surface having radius R 632  of 4 inches and a rightmost convex radius R 636  of 6.85 inches. R 636  transitions, moving downwardly, to R 638  at the tapered section having a radius of 1.50 inches at the transition, and a radius R 640  of 5.49 inches at the termination point of the chamfer. The lower left corner of pod  580 A is comprised of radius R 642  having a value of 0.75 inches transitioning upwardly to radius R 644  having a radius of 15 inches. Referring now to FIG. 17B, pod  580 A has an overall thickness  646  of 1.26 inches and is generally curved and tapered in dimension having its maximum thickness at rightmost terminal edge section  648 , having a value of 0.67 inches, transitioning to the minimum thickness at the leftmost edge  650 , having a value of 0.61 inches. Outermost surface R 656  has a radius of 5 inches, while interior surface has a concave radius R 654  of 3.25 inches.  
         [0091]    Referring now to FIG. 18, the major and minor pods on the shin embodiment are connected by a flexible area which is typically one-quarter of an inch. The flexible area is centered on the furthest forward point or peak of the tibia shaft with the larger or major pod resting on the tibialis muscle, and the smaller pod or minor pod resting on the shaft of the tibia towards the inside of the shin. The sharp angle downward on the top profile of the shin pods follows the angle downward of the tibialis muscle. The outer edge of the major pod also follows a line defined by this muscle. The central location of the major pod on this tibialis muscle is critical to the placement of the form of the pod. The smaller or minor pod&#39;s outside profile is further defined by the inside soleus muscle. The flexible areas for the shin extend just to the edges of the tibialis and soleus muscles but could extend optionally to the complete circumference of the calf, curving underneath the large calf muscle, or gastrocnemius, and above the Achilles tendon. Shin embodiment  657  has an overall width  660  of 5.76 inches and an overall height  658  of 6.8 inches. Shin embodiment  657  is generally comprised of the major rigid pod  662  and minor rigid pod  664  mounted within a flexible section  666 . Flexible section  666  extends leftwardly from major pod  662  a distance  685  being 1.42 inches, and has a leftmost edge R 694  having a radius of 10.42 inches. The lower section of flexible member  666  adjacent major pod  662  has a concave radial edge R 692  having a radius of 1.5 inches. A distance  676  of 0.27 inches separates the lower point of leftmost flexible section  666  with the lowest point of major pod  662 , while the uppermost point of the flexible section extends a distance  678  being 0.29 inches above the uppermost point of major pod  662 . Major pod  662  and minor pod  664  are separated by distance  684  being 0.11 inches. Flexible member  666  transitions rightwardly from major pod  662  through a concave radial section R 686  having a radius of 1.6 inches, and extends a distance  682  rightward of major pod  664  being a distance of 0.64 inches. Rightmost edge section R 688  of the flexible section is comprised of an arcuate surface R 688  having a radius of 7.79 inches, and again transitions leftwardly back to the lowest point of major pod  662  through a radial section R 690  having a radius of 2.06 inches and an overall height  674  of 0.88 inches.  
         [0092]    Referring now to FIG. 19A, major pod  662 A has an overall height  696  of 6.5 inches and an overall width  698  of 2.42 inches. The rightmost surface is comprised of radial section R 702  having a radius of 9 inches, which transitions downwardly to lower radial section R 704  having a radius of 1.25 inches. The topmost point of pod  662 A is comprised of a radial section R 669  having a radius of 0.43 inches. A chamfered section  670  extends along the leftward side of pod  662 A having an average width  700  of 0.51 inches. Referring now to FIG. 19B, pod  662 A has an overall height  706  of 0.83 inches and is generally tapered down to a height  708  of 0.64 inches at the leftmost edge, excluding a sharp downward taper which includes the chamfer. The exterior top surface R 710  incorporates a radial section at its centermost point having a radius of 3.96 inches transitioning to a radius at the rightmost corner R 714  of 0.4 inches. Interior radial surface R 716  has a radius of 2.25 inches. Referring now to FIG. 19C, minor pod  664  is shown having an overall height  722  of 4.51 inches and an overall width  724  of 1.05 inches. The leftmost edge is primarily comprised of a radius section R 732  having a radius of 9.17 inches and extending a distance  728  of 2.03 inches located a distance  726  from the topmost edge being a distance of 1.22 inches. The lower third of the leftmost edge is comprised of a radius R 730  having a radial distance of 1.65 inches. Referring to illustration D, pod  664  in section has an overall height  717  of 0.4 inches and a primary leftmost upper radial surface R 718  of 0.25 inches tapering to rightmost radii R 720  having a value of 0.38 inches.  
         [0093]    Referring now to FIG. 20, foot embodiment  734  is primarily comprised of major pod  736  and minor pod  738  separated by a flexible section  739 . The two pods of the foot embodiment rest on the top and outer side of the foot connected by a flexible area of approximately one-half inch width. The pods are at a slight angle to each other to accommodate a flexion over the complex curve of the top of the foot. The pod on the top of the foot has a straight vertical which follows the line of the tendon of big toe. The bottom profile curves back towards the heel following a line defined by the joints of each subsequent toe. The top profile of this pod is concave, and the flexible space between the two pods rests along the length of this last tendon of the small toe. The pod on the side of foot rests directly on the exterior digitorum brevis muscle following lines defined by the heel and ankle bones. The flexible areas of the foot embodiment could be extended to cover the entire top surface of the foot, curving around all the ankle and toe joints. Foot embodiment  734  has an overall length  740  of 7.28 inches and an overall height  742  of 3.04 inches. The pods are separated by a distance  741  of 0.60 inches.  
         [0094]    Referring now to FIG. 21, FIG. 21A illustrates major pod  736 A of foot embodiment  734  having an overall height  746  of 2.80 inches and an overall width  744  of 4.59 inches. The pod has a top radial section R 756  having a radius of 6.33 inches and extending for a length  752  of 2.83 inches. The top section transitions rightwardly to radius section R 762  having a radius of 0.5 inches, the mid-point of said radial section being a distance  750  from the lowermost point of pod  736 A being a distance of 1.82 inches. The lower left radial section R 758  has a radius of 0.75 inches and the leftmost section  748  extends for a lateral distance of 1.65 inches to the topmost edge. Referring to illustration B, pod  736 A has an overall height  768  of 0.83 inches, is generally tapered from a thinner center section outwardly to each end. Rightmost edge  764  has a length of 0.58 inches and tapers to a minimum thickness of 0.36 inches at  766 . Pod  736 A tapers outwardly to leftmost edge  770  having a distance of 0.59 inches. Outer radial surface R 778  has a radius of 10 inches while inner radial surface R 776  has a value of 3.34 inches. Referring to illustration C, minor pod  738 A has an overall width  788  of 1.99 inches and overall height  790  of 2.69 inches. This primarily comprised of a lower right radial section R 792  having a radius of 1 inch, a lower left radial section R 794  having a radius of 0.5 inches, and a left edge section R 796  having a radial measurement of 22.17 inches. Referring now to the elevational view shown in illustration D, pod  738 A has an overall thickness  782  of 0.55 inches and having a bottommost dimension  780  having a thickness of 0.48 inches which tapers outwardly to 0.82 inches and then inwardly again as the pod extends towards its topmost section  784  having a width of 0.26 inches. The outermost surface R 786  has a radial value of 8 inches.  
         [0095]    Referring now to FIG. 22, a head embodiment  798  is provided having three pod sections, a leftmost section  800 , a rightmost section  802 , and a top section  805 .  
         [0096]    Referring now to FIGS. 22, 23 and  24 , the head embodiment  798  is mounted behind the temples but above the cheekbone above the ear, resting on the temporalis muscle.  
         [0097]    Rear portion  805  centers itself under the external occipital protuberance and is affixed to left and right sections  800  and  802 , respectively, through a flexible layer, which is not shown. An optional flexible section connecting the front ends of sections  802  and  800  is also contemplated. Rear section  805  is an overall length  810  of 5 inches and an overall depth  814  of 1.82 inches and an overall height  850  of 1.29 inches. The inner or front surface is comprised of three major sections, the primary radial section R 831 , on both left and right sides, of 3.09 inches; a transitional radial section R 830  of 1.25 inches; and a center convex radial section R 833  of 1.25 inches. The rearmost surface of rear section  805  contains rigid pods  806  having rearward facing surfaces  804 . Pods  806  are mounted to arcuate sections R 838 , measuring 2.43 inches, and are separated by distance  803  of 0.33 inches. The pod section has a total width  812  of 4.68 inches while the entire headpiece has an overall width  808  of 6.04 inches. The rear section  805  is separated from right and left sections  800  and  802  by flexible section  826  having a distance of 0.14 inches. Rear section  805  has an overall height  872  of 1.04 inches, while the side sections have an overall length  820  of 4.08 inches and an overall height  848  of 1.43 inches. Each of the three segments is chamfered at the perimeter on both interior and exterior surfaces  844 . Rear section  805  has an additional lower chamfer  842 . Each of the side sections  802  and  800  have an overall length  852  of 4.13 inches, an interior chamfered segment  863  having an overall length  862  of 1.73 inches and are preferably constructed of  90 D material. Each segment extends forwardly from rear section  805  with an initial height  866  of 0.54 inches tapering down to a height  868  of 0.45 inches. A temporal flange at the forwardmost portion of side pieces  800  and  802 , has an overall height  864  of 1.06 inches tapering to a forward pointed section extending a distance  860  of 0.96 inches from the widest point of the temporal flange.  
         [0098]    In operation, at least one sensor is mounted within the pod member. The precise location of the sensor is wholly dependent upon the nature of the human physiological status data which is to be collected. Certain sensors require direct contact with the skin, while others require only mounting in a location proximate to the body surface. The appropriate pod location is determined from physiological data which is well within the knowledge of those skilled in the art of human physiological data acquisition.  
         [0099]    Referring now to FIG. 25, a sensor or sensor array  900  is mounted within a pod  902 . Processing means  905 , which may or may not be incorporated with data storage memory may be located in a separate pod  903  or within the same pod  904  as sensor array  900 . The physical location of the sensors and electronic components is primarily a function of size and convenience. It is anticipated that with the current and future development of small, dedicated processors and miniaturized circuitry, that the processor means  905  will be mounted within the same pod  904  as the sensors  900 . The rigidity of the pod  900  is intended to protect the sensors and circuitry from damage by physical contact as well as environmental conditions. The flexible sections which surround and interconnect the rigid pod sections are sized and intended to carry flexible electronic wiring and other data transmission means, such as optical fiber. Wireless technologies might also be utilized to connect even the basic sensor and processor apparatus. A transmitter  910  might be placed in a separate pod  908 , or combined with any of the sensor or processor pod sections.  
         [0100]    As applied to the human body, a sensor would be mounted within a pod and intended to detect a certain physiological or environmental status. The sensor would electronically emit an electrical signal which would be passed to the processor according to conventional methodology. The processor, if designed for onboard processing, would track the various data points detected by the sensor and store this data in memory, preferably in the form of a database. In this manner, all data from the various sensors mounted to the body could be correlated in terms of time and location. This data could then be interpreted by onboard software to detect certain changes or thresholds of physical activity or condition. This information could be stored for batch retrieval at certain times, or transmitted in a continuous, real-time stream of data. The processing means  905 , in one embodiment, construct certain graphical, numerical or electronic output data which would be passed to the output means  912 . Output means  912  is intended to range from a simple LED indicator light to a graphical display, which might be incorporated in a pod or worn as a watch, for example. Other methodologies of feedback to the user include auditory, tactile and haptic indicators or alarms, which would signal the passage of the sensor data through a preset threshold. It is specifically intended that more than one output means may be utilized simultaneously.  
         [0101]    Transmitter  910  is adapted to take the output data from processor  905  and transmit the same to a monitoring facility  914 . This may occur in the event that the user receives direct output or not. Certain embodiments may also utilize only rudimentary data acquisition and capturing facilities within the processor  905  and pass this raw data to transmitter  910  for processing within monitoring facility  914 . In either event, monitoring facility  914  is comprised of a receiving means  916 , a processing means  918  and an output means  920 . These are assembled according to methodologies well known to those skilled in the art, and may be incorporated within the functionality of a personal computer. This would also enable the data to be further transmitted by computer transmission  922  to any external data storage or output source through telecommunication or other network data sharing modalities.  
         [0102]    The terms and expressions which have been employed here are used as terms of description and not as limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portion thereof, it being recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.  
         [0103]    Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be further understood that the present invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that they are capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions.