Abstract:
A garment adapted for monitoring a user&#39;s heart rate includes material, a transmitter, one or more electrodes, and a power source. The transmitter, electrodes, and power source are integrated with the material. The electrodes and power source are operatively coupled to the transmitter, and the electrodes are responsive to the user&#39;s heart rate. The garment is adapted for being worn, washed, and discarded with the electrodes, transmitter, and power source integrated therewith. A method of monitoring heart rate includes integrating a transmitter, electrodes, and power source with a garment, coupling the electrodes operatively to the transmitter, coupling the power source operatively to the transmitter, and adapting the garment for being worn, washed, and discarded with the transmitter, electrodes, and power source integrated therewith.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to heart rate monitors, and more particularly relates to a heart rate monitoring garment adapted for being worn, washed, and discarded with an integral transmitter, power source, and electrodes.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Personal heart rate measurement devices or monitors non-invasively measure a user&#39;s heart rate and are commonly used by sports enthusiasts and athletes. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the heart rate monitor preferably includes a transmitter unit  10 , which includes one or more electrodes  12  and a transmitter  14  attached to a belt  16  worn around the user&#39;s chest. The heart rate monitor also includes a receiver unit  18 , which includes a microprocessor, user interface, and display  20  attached to a wristband  22 . The transmitter unit  10  is in telemetric, inductive, and/or optical connection with the receiver unit  18 .  
         [0005]     The user&#39;s heart rate is preferably measured by the heart rate monitor in terms of the number of heartbeats that occur during a unit of time, such as beats per minute. The electrodes  12  detect electrical signals generated by the heart, and the display  20  shows the measured heart rate to the user. The display  18  can show additional information, such as predetermined heart rate limits or target zones.  
         [0006]     However, users are likely to find that the band  16  of the transmitter unit  10  is overly restrictive, obtrusive, and often slips during use since the band  16  has limited contact with the body and needs to be tight to remain in the correct position. The band  16  also requires a high degree of elasticity and the materials most conducive to this feature, such as plastic or rubber, typically trap moisture from perspiration, which causes conventional heart rate monitors to be uncomfortable when used on a regular basis.  
         [0007]     Further, the conventional band  16  requires the additional steps of strapping it on, adjusting it to the user&#39;s chest dimensions, and at least periodic cleaning. The band  16  also represents another piece of equipment, in addition to athletic shoes, towels, socks, shirt, shorts, and audio equipment, which are typically used during an exercise session.  
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective and reliable method and apparatus that integrate a transmitter, power source, and electrodes of a heart rate monitor with a wearable garment.  
         [0009]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a garment having an embedded heart rate transmitter, power source, and electrodes that can be worn, washed, and discarded as an integral unit.  
         [0010]     It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for reducing the quantity of equipment required during exercise or athletic activities.  
         [0011]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for making a heart rate monitor less restrictive, obtrusive, or likely to slip and more comfortable to wear.  
         [0012]     These and other goals and objectives of the present invention provide a garment adapted for monitoring a user&#39;s heart rate. The garment includes material, a transmitter, one or more electrodes, and a power source. The transmitter, electrodes, and power source are integrated with the material. The electrode and power source are operatively coupled to the transmitter, and the electrode is responsive to the user&#39;s heart rate. The transmitter is adapted for providing information, such as a signal, representative of the user&#39;s heart rate. The garment is adapted for being worn, washed, and disposable with the electrode, transmitter, and power source integrated therewith.  
         [0013]     The present invention also provides a method of monitoring heart rate including integrating a transmitter, electrode, and power source with a garment, and coupling the electrode operatively to the transmitter. The method also includes coupling the power source operatively to the transmitter, and adapting the garment for being worn, washed, and disposable with the transmitter, electrode, and power source integrated therewith.  
         [0014]     These and other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a pictorial diagram of a conventional heart rate monitor including a transmitter unit and receiver unit.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a pictorial diagram of a brassiere incorporating an integral transmitter, power source, and electrodes formed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a pictorial diagram of a sports brassiere in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a pictorial diagram of a halter-top in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a pictorial diagram of a tank top in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a pictorial diagram of a tee shirt in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a pictorial diagram of a headband, armband, wristband, glove, leg warmer, ankle band, and sock in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIGS. 8   a ,  8   b ,  8   c ,  9   a ,  9   b ,  9   c ,  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  are cross-sectional views of the transmitter, power source, and electrodes integrated with the garment in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0023]      FIG. 2  shows a pictorial diagram of a heart rate monitoring garment  24  formed in accordance with the present invention. The garment  24  incorporates a transmitter  14 , one or more electrodes  12 , and a power source  26  embedded in or integrated with the garment  24 , which are preferably adapted to be inseparable from the garment  24  without fracturing the garment  24 , such as by removing stitching or welding. The garment  24  is shown in  FIG. 2  in the form of a brassiere, but can assume a variety of different forms while remaining within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0024]     The electrodes  12  and power source  26  are preferably coupled electrically to the transmitter  14 , as indicated by dashed lines  27  connecting these elements. The electrical connections between the transmitter  14 , electrodes, and power source  26  are preferably not visible to the user. Any or all of the transmitter  14 , electrodes  12 , and power source  26  may be collocated, collinearly located, and/or placed at different positions throughout the garment  24  while remaining within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0025]     The electrodes  12  preferably detect electrocardiograph signals, when positioned about the user&#39;s chest. Alternatively, the electrodes  12  preferably take the form of optical sensors or pressure sensors if heart rate measurements are obtained from locations other than the chest, such as the wrist, finger, or ankle. Signals from the electrodes  12  are provided to the transmitter  14 , which provides information obtained from the signals to a receiver unit (not shown in  FIG. 2 ), such as that shown in  FIG. 1 , by wired or wireless means for further processing, analysis, and/or display to the user. The transmitter  14  may also or alternatively store information obtained from the signals in, for instance, memory, which may relieve the necessity of using the receiver unit with the heart rate monitor. The stored information may then be downloaded to, for instance, a personal computer for further processing, analysis, and/or display.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  shows a pictorial diagram of a second embodiment of the heart rate monitoring garment  28 , in which the electrodes  12 , transmitter  14 , and power source  26  are integrated with the garment  28  in the form of a sports brassiere. In this embodiment, the power source  26  has been collocated with the transmitter  14 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  shows a third embodiment of-the heart rate monitoring garment  30  accordance with the present invention, in which the power source  26  has been  5  positioned separately from the transmitter  14 . The garment  30  is in the form of a halter-top.  FIG. 5  is a pictorial diagram of a fourth embodiment of the heart rate monitoring garment  32 , in which the power source  26  is preferably located within a pocket  34  of a tank top shirt.  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a pictorial diagram of a fifth embodiment of the heart rate monitoring garment  34  accordance with the present invention. The garment  34  is in the form of a tee shirt or athletic shirt, in which the transmitter  14  and electrodes  12  are located substantially collinearly.  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is a pictorial diagram of additional embodiments of the heart rate monitoring garment in accordance with the present invention. The garments shown in  FIG. 7  are shown in the form of a wristband  36 , armband  38 , glove  40 , leg warmer  42 , ankle band  44 , headband  46 , sock  50 , scarf  58 , and earmuffs  60 . It is anticipated that the heart rate monitoring garment of the present invention may assume forms and dimensions adapted for placement about various portions of the body while remaining within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0030]     The power source  26  may include a rechargeable and/or replaceable battery. In these cases, access to the power source  26 , which may be partially or completely removable, is preferably provided by an opening in the garment, or a conductive portion, such as a conductive fiber or patch woven into the garment. Alternatively, the power source  26  may be discarded with the garment upon depletion of its energy reserve without requiring access thereto for recharge or replacement.  
         [0031]      FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  are cross-sectional views of two embodiments concerning integration of the electrodes  12 , transmitter  14 , and/or power source  26  with the garment  24 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 . In  FIG. 8   a , the electrodes  12 , transmitter  14 , and/or power source  26  are at least partially enclosed within separate layers or plies of the garment  24 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 , such as in a pocket, pouch, or other enclosure attached by, for example, sewn stitches  56 , welding, adhesive, snaps, zippers, hook and loop fastenings, and the like.  FIG. 8   b  shows a second embodiment in which the electrodes  12 , transmitter  14 , and/or power source  26  are woven into a single layer or ply of the garment  24 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 8   c , shows another embodiment in which the electrodes  12 , transmitter  14 , and/or power source  26  are attached to an external or internal face of the garment  24 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  by, for example, sewn stitches  56 , welding, adhesive, snaps, zippers, hook and loop fastenings, and the like. If required, the electrodes  12 , transmitter  14 , and/or power source  26  in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8   a ,  8   b , and  8   c , preferably make electrical contact with the user through the garment  24 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  by means of a conductive medium, such as moisture caused by perspiration.  
         [0033]      FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  show additional embodiments concerning integration of the electrodes  12 , transmitter  14 , and/or power source  26  with the garment  24 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 .  FIG. 9c  shows another embodiment in which the electrodes  12 , transmitter  14 , and/or power source  26  are attached to an external or internal face of the garment  24 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  by, for example, sewn stitches  56 , welding, adhesive, snaps, zippers, hook and loop fastenings, and the like. In these embodiments, if required, an opening is made in the garment to enable contact with the user, such as a circular or oval opening  52 , in a separate ply of the garment, as shown in  FIG. 9   a , or a single ply of the garment, as shown in  FIGS. 9   b  and  9   c.    
         [0034]      FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  show additional embodiments concerning integration of the electrodes  12 , transmitter  14 , and/or power source  26  with the garment  24 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 .  FIG. 10   c  shows another embodiment in which the electrodes  12 , transmitter  14 , and/or power source  26  are attached to an external or internal face of the garment  24 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  by, for example, sewn stitches, welding, adhesive, snaps, zippers, hook and loop fastenings, and the like  56 . In these embodiments, if required, the garment incorporates a conductive patch, fiber, and/or material  54  between the electrodes  12 , transmitter  14 , and/or power source  26  and the user in the multi-ply embodiment shown in  FIG. 10   a , and the single ply embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10   b  and  10   c.    
         [0035]     The garments  24 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 , which include the transmitter  14 , electrodes  12 , and power source  26 , are preferably worm, washed, and discarded as an integral unit. The transmitter  14 , electrodes  12 , and power source  26  preferably cannot be removed from the garment without fracturing the garment. Placement of the transmitter  14 , electrodes  12 , and power source  26  is preferably such that these components are not too obtrusive, do not affect comfort, and will not interfere with normal use, washing in accordance with the manufacturer&#39;s instructions, and disposal of the garments  24 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 , while retaining these components substantially in place by limiting their movement with respect to the garment.  
         [0036]     In order to conserve energy, the transmitter  14  is preferably activated and transmits signals to the receiver in response to being worn, such as by detecting pressure or moisture, or selection of an externally accessible switch. Washing is preferably done in accordance with the manufacturer&#39;s instructions by hand or machine.  
         [0037]     The invention thus provides an effective and reliable method and apparatus that integrate a transmitter, power source, and electrodes of a heart rate monitor with a garment. The invention further provides a garment having an embedded heart rate transmitter, power source, and electrodes that can be worn, washed, and discarded as an integral unit.  
         [0038]     The subject invention also provides a method and apparatus for reducing the quantity of equipment required during an exercise session. The invention further provides a method and apparatus for making a heart rate monitor less restrictive, obtrusive, or likely to slip and more comfortable to wear.  
         [0039]     Although the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and that various other changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention