Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to a thin, low thickness snap for use, for example, in a heart rate monitor belt. The snap can be integrated or built directly in to a heart rate monitor belt. Furthermore, the heart rate monitor belt can be integrated within a textile or garment, for example a compression shirt, sports bra or cycling shorts. The snap can be flushly integrated into the belt or garment such the snap does not take away from the general wearability of the heart rate monitor belt or garment.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a snap for use in a heart rate monitor belt. More particularly, embodiments of the present snap are particularly well suited for receiving, holding and enabling an electrical connection with a male end of a telemetric device. Examples of the present snap are integrated within a heart rate monitor belt. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Currently, there are heart rate monitor belts which people can wear underneath their clothing in order to monitor their heart rate. Such belts are typically designed such that a telemetric transmitter is detachably connected to a belt having two electrodes which are in contact with the user&#39;s skin in the chest region of the user&#39;s torso. The electrodes identify an electric ECG pulse caused by the heart and then the detachable telemetric transmitter transmits data indicative of the user&#39;s heart beat with the use of wireless magnetic near field communication or a radio signal to a remote receiver provided with a display. In many instances the remote receiver is provided in the form of a wrist watch, wrist top computer or other similar display carried by a user, typically on the user&#39;s wrist. 
     Since various acceleration and magnetic sensors can be integrated in small and lightweight devices, the telemetric data to be transferred may, instead of or in addition to the heart rate, comprise a plurality of measured variable data, such as working frequency, pedaling rate and pedaling frequency, travel speed, etc. The data to be transferred may additionally comprise data required for the identification of the user and/or the transmitter device. 
     U.S. application Ser. No. 11/808,391 filed Jun. 8, 2007 and published as US 2007/0285868 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, for instance, discloses a heart rate monitor belt which comprises a plurality of electrodes and a detachable telemetric transmitter. 
     It is preferably to have a telemetric transmitter which is detachable from a heart rate monitor belt for several reasons. From a consumer point of view, a user is typically sweating while using a heart rate monitor belt and it is therefore advantageous to be able to separate the electronic telemetric transmitter from the belt so that the belt can be washed. From a manufacturing point of view, the process for manufacturing the belt is substantially different from that of manufacturing the transceiver and therefore it is beneficial to be able to manufacture the components separately. Additionally, it is beneficial for one telemetric transmitter to be interchangeable with a plurality of belts. 
     Though there are several alternative methods for detachably connecting a telemetric transmitter to a heart rate monitor belt, the industry has almost entirely adopted the use of a pair of standard garment snaps. These standard garment snaps typically are mounted on the material of a heart rate monitor belt and virtually their entire thickness of around 4 mm protrudes from the outer surface of the belt. 
     Due to the existing technology and methods for detachably connecting telemetric transmitters it has not been realistic to incorporate heart rate monitor electrodes in to typical garments. In fact, the primary road block to such incorporation has been the size and bulkiness of the standard garment snaps. No clothing manufacture, nor consumer, has wanted 4 mm protrusions from their garments such as tops, shirts and sports bras. 
     Therefore, the garment industry has incurred a long felt need for an improved method of detachably connecting a telemetric transmitter to an article of clothing which does not compromise the integrity and utility of the underlying garment. However, the telemetric transmitter manufacturing industry has already adopted certain standards which relate to the use of a pair of male studs on a telemetric transmitter to be detachably snapped in to a pair of snaps on a heart rate monitor belt. As such, it would not be economical to wholly redesign the male portions of telemetric transmitters and the method in which they connect to an object having the necessary electrodes for measuring a user&#39;s heart rate. 
     Thus, there exists a need for a snap which fulfils the requirements of the garment industry but which fits in at least partially with the existing standards of the telemetric transmitter manufacturing industry. However, several critical issues arise when attempting to merely minimize the existing standardized snap. The main issue is the integrity of the connection between the male stud and the snap. Any amount over movement of the male stud within the snap will create electrical noise which makes difficult to impossible to accurately measure parameters such as a user&#39;s heart beat. Additionally, as a user is typically involved in strenuous activity while utilizing the product, the connection needs to withstand, and support the telemetric transmitter during such activity. As the depth of the snap decreases, the forces required to insure a reliably stable connection significantly increase. 
     Further yet, users typically sweat while undergoing strenuous activity wearing the product. As a reliable electrical connection is necessary between the telemetric transmitter and the electrode on the user&#39;s skin, it is important to keep the connection moisture free to reduce the likelihood of any shorts. Similarly, the problem is compounded for users who wish to utilize a heart rate monitor under water, for example while swimming or diving. 
     Therefore, there exist numerous challenges in the art to the development of a means of detachably connecting a telemetric transmitter to a garment having electrodes for monitoring a user&#39;s heart beat which aims to satisfy user&#39;s need, the garment manufacturer&#39;s needs and the needs of telemetric transmitter manufactures. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide an upper cap portion assembly for a snap. 
     It is an aspect of certain of such embodiments for an upper cap portion assembly of a snap to comprise an upper cap portion, said upper cap portion having a recess forming at least a portion of the sides of a socket region of a snap for receiving a male end of a telemetric device, and a wire spring mechanically affixed to the upper cap portion. The upper cap portion may further comprise an outer flange region which at least partially surrounds the recess and at least one lip which mechanically couples the conductive wire spring to the upper cap portion. 
     According to certain examples, at least one lip of the upper cap portion is a tab cut from the flange and bent towards the recess. Additionally, a portion of the upper cap portion forming sides of a recess can have at least one opening. The conductive wire spring can partially extend through the at least one opening in to the socket region formed by the recess. 
     Furthermore, the upper cap portion assembly can be used with a snap which is for enabling an electrical connection between an electrode and the male end of an electronic device and the upper cap portion and the wire spring can be made of a conductive material. 
     It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a snap which is integrateable with, integrated with and/or built in to an article. Examples of such articles are materials, textiles, belts, garments and the like. The snap being generally for receiving and holding a male end of an electronic and/or telemetric device. 
     It is an aspect of certain of such embodiments that the snap comprises an upper cap portion having a recess forming at least a portion of the sides of a socket region of a snap for receiving a male end of a telemetric device, a base portion coupled and/or capable of being coupled to the upper cap portion and forming at least a portion of a channel between the base portion and the upper cap portion around the periphery of the socket region, and a wire spring housed at least partially within the gap for releasably holding the male end of a device within a socket region of the snap. Furthermore, the upper cap portion may further comprise an outer flange region which at least partially surrounds the recess, and the snap may further comprise at least one means of mechanically coupling the wire spring to the snap. 
     According to certain examples, there are herein described snaps wherein the flange of the upper cap portion has at least one hole, the base portion has at least one extension which corresponds to at least one of the holes in the flange, and the base portion is, or can be, coupled to the upper cap portion mechanically via said corresponding extension and hole. The base portion can be coupled to the upper cap portion by an extension passed through a corresponding hole and having a cap portion on the extension having a diameter larger than that of the hole. 
     Furthermore, it is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a snap and electrode assembly which can be a standalone assembly and/or integrateable with, integrated with and/or built in to a heart rate monitor belt. The snap of the assembly can generally be for receiving, holding and enabling an electrical connection with a male end of an electronic device. 
     It is an aspect of certain of such embodiments that the snap and electrode assembly comprises an upper cap portion having a recess forming at least a portion of the sides of a socket region of a snap for receiving a male end of an electronic device, a base portion coupled to the upper cap portion and forming at least a portion of a channel between the base portion and the upper cap portion around the periphery of the socket region, a conductive wire spring housed at least partially within the gap for releasably holding the male end of the electronic device within a socket region of the snap, and an electrode. The snap and electrode assembly can further comprise an upper cap portion having an outer flange region which at least partially surrounds the recess, a snap further comprising at least one means of mechanically coupling the wire spring to the snap, and an electrode being held between at least the outer flange region of the upper cap portion and the base portion and is electrically connected to at least the conductive wire spring. 
     Still yet, it is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a heart rate monitor belt and/or EMG monitor belt. 
     It is an aspect of certain of said embodiments for a monitor belt to comprise at least one material layer, two electrodes coupled to the at least one material layer, said electrodes arranged to detect the heart rate of a human or animal wearing the heart rate monitor belt, and a separate snap coupled to each of said electrodes, each of said snaps configured to receive, hold and enable an electrical connection to a male end of an electronic device. Each snap may be integrated within or built within the monitor belt and each snap may further comprise an upper cap portion having a recess forming at least a portion of the sides of a socket region of a snap for receiving a male end of a telemetric device, a base portion coupled to the upper cap portion and forming at least a portion of a channel between the base portion and the upper cap portion around the periphery of the socket region, a conductive wire spring housed at least partially within the gap for releasably holding the male end of a telemetric device within a socket region of the snap, and the upper cap portion further comprises an outer flange region which at least partially surrounds the recess, the snap comprises at least one means of mechanically coupling the wire spring to the snap, and the electrode is held between at least the outer flange region of the upper cap portion and the base portion and is electrically connected to at least the conductive wire spring. 
     Examples of the embodiments of the present invention include heart rate monitor belts which are integrated within a garment. Additionally, examples include EMG monitor belts which are integrated within a garment. Examples of garments include shirts, compression shirts, undershirts, tops, bras, sports bras, underwear, undergarments, shorts or pants. 
     Furthermore, it is an object of certain embodiments to provide a pair of shorts or pants for EMG measurement. It is an aspect of certain of such embodiments that one or both of the legs of the shorts or pants includes at least one, and preferably two snap and electrode assemblies as described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of a snap integrated within a garment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows cutaway portion A-A of the integrated snap of  FIG. 1  with the material of the garment removed. 
         FIG. 3  shows cutaway portion B-B of the integrated snap of  FIG. 1  with the material of a garment as well as a male end of a telemetric device inserted in the socket region of the snap. 
         FIG. 4  shows a generic body of a telemetric device comprising male ends in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows an example of a garment or heart rate monitor belt having two snaps in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a cutaway of a telemetric transceiver having a stud and male end in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention inserted within the socket region of a snap in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A  shows a stud for use in an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a first example cutaway portion of the stud of  FIG. 7A  with a cavity. 
         FIG. 7C  shows an alternative example cutaway portion of the stud of  FIG. 7A  without a cavity. 
         FIG. 8  shows an electrode snap assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     A snap  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1 . The snap is shown integrated within a material  18 . As can be seen from the figure, the upper cap portion  12  of the snap  10  is essentially flush with the material  18 , i.e. there is no significant protrusion. Such an integrated snap design is highly desirable when transitioning from stand alone heart rate monitor belts worn in addition to regular clothing to integrating the functionality of a heart rate monitor in to clothing itself. 
     As discussed herein, a heart rate monitor belt is the combination of electrodes and snaps in such an arrangement that they can be used to determine, measure and/or monitor the heart beat of an individual or animal wearing the belt. A heart rate monitor belt may be a standalone article in the form of, for example, a belt having a plurality of electrodes connected to a pair of snaps which can be worn, for example around the torso of a user. Additionally, a heart rate monitor belt can be integrated within a garment, for example a top or sports bra. As such, a garment having the components necessary for use in monitoring the heart rate of a user similar to a standalone heart rate monitor belt will likewise herein be referred to as a heart rate monitor belt. 
     A snap  10  in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention should be integratable within an article. Additionally, the snap  10  should be capable of receiving, holding and enabling an electrical connection with a male end of a telemetric device. A more detailed description of telemetric devices follows below. The snap  10  generally comprises an upper cap portion  12 , a base portion  14  and a conductive wire spring  16  as can be seen in  FIG. 1 . 
     The upper cap portion  12  includes a recess forming at least a portion of the sides  30  of a socket region  20  of the snap. The socket region  20  is for receiving a male end of a telemetric device. The upper cap portion  12  is more clearly seen in  FIG. 2 . The upper cap portion  12  has a top portion  13  and recess portion, as seen in  FIG. 1 , as well as a flange portion  26  as shown more clearly in  FIG. 2 . The top portion  13  can be generally flat and have a constant width around the recess in the center. In order to integrate in a flush manner with a material, the upper cap portion has a flange  26  which goes out from the top portion  13  at a lower height. In the present example, the top surface of the top portion  13  of the upper cap portion  12  is the top measure of height of the snap. 
     The amount of depression of the flange  26  compared to the top portion  13  can be equal to or approximately equal to the thickness of material  18  which the snap is to be integrated with. Additionally, the amount of depression can be a standard amount which is selected in order to work best with a wide variety of material thicknesses. However, as can be seen in  FIG. 1 , it is advantageous for the material  18 , being affixed on top of the flange portion  26  of the upper cap portion  12  to be essentially or substantially flush with the top portion  13  of the upper cap portion  12 . 
     The recess in the upper cap portion  12  forms a socket region  20 . The sides  30  of the recess generally form the sides of the socket region  20 . While the sides  30  of the recess can have a plurality of geometries from generally vertical to something more complex, it is advantageous for the side wall geometry to be complementary to the male end of a telemetric transmitter to be detachable connected to the snap  10 . Such geometries will be discussed in more detail below. 
     The socket region is generally formed by the sides  30  of the recess of the upper cap portion  12  and by a bottom, as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the present examples, the sides  30  of the recess of the upper cap portion  12  extend to the bottom of the socket region  20  and contact a portion of a base portion  14  which forms the bottom of the socket region  20 . However, it is possible for a portion of the base portion  14  to extend partially up the sides of the socket region  20  such that the sides of the socket region  20  are formed by a combination of a base portion  14  and the upper cap portion  12 . Additionally, the recess of the upper cap portion  12  may comprise the sides and some or all of the bottom portion of the socket region. 
     In accordance with the present example, the upper cap portion  12  comprises an opening at the bottom of the recess. The upper cap portion  12  is coupled to a separate base portion  14  which forms the bottom of the socket region  20 . The upper cap portion  12  and the base portion  14  are coupled in such a manner so that at least the interface at the bottom of the socket region  20  is water tight. 
     The sides  30  of the recess of the upper cap portion are additionally shown with two openings  32 . Openings  32  are arranged at a height in between the top portion  13  and the bottom of the socket region  20  such that a portion of a conductive wire spring  16  can at least partially extend through the opening  32 . The conductive wire spring  16  is for releasably holding the male end of a telemetric device within the socket region of the snap. Additionally, the conductive wire spring  16  make, or at least partially makes, the electrical connection between at least one electrode  24  in a garment or heart rate monitor belt and the male end of a telemetric device. 
     The conductive wire spring  16  is house at least partially within a gap which is formed between the upper cap portion  12  and the base portion  14 . More specifically, according to the present example, the gap is formed between the top portion  13  of the upper cap portion  12  and a portion of the base portion  14 . The conductive wire spring  16 , according to the present example, is mechanically coupled to the upper cap portion  12  by a lip  34  of the upper cap portion  12 . The lip  34  may be within the gap formed between the top portion  13  of the upper cap portion  12  and the base portion  14  or the lip  34  may be located in another region of the snap  10 . The conductive wire spring  16  may simply rest on the lip  34 , there may be a friction fit between the conductive wire spring  16  and the lip  34  and/or other portion of the upper cap portion  12 , there may be an additional mechanical means for holding the conductive wire spring  16 , there may be a separate, or additional chemical means, such as an adhesive, for holding the conductive wire spring  16  or there may be some combination of the above. According to certain examples, the wire spring  16  is not rigidly affixed to the upper cap portion  12  but is allowed a small degree of movement due to the mechanical fit of the lip  34  arrangement. 
     According to certain embodiments, as can be seen for example in  FIG. 8 , the lip  34  which holds the wire spring  16  can be formed from the flange  26  of the upper cap portion  12 . One or more notches  35  can be formed, e.g. cut, out from the flange  26  and then bent back towards the socket region  20  to form the lip  34 . 
     An example of conductive wire springs  16  can be a wire springs with a double ‘S’ shape. The wire spring  16  may have a diameter of between, for example, 0.6 to 0.8 mm. Examples of suitable materials are stainless steels, e.g. AISI 304 or 316. Additionally, the conductive wire spring  16  may be an integral component of either the upper cap portion  12  or the base portion  14 . 
     An example of the conductive wire spring  16  is a double ‘S’ shape which takes the general shape of a horseshoe. In an example in accordance with  FIG. 8 , the wire spring  16  can be held by three lips  34  formed from three corresponding notches  35  which hold the wire spring  16  on the three sides of the horseshoe. As a result, two interior legs of the horseshoe, i.e. one leg from each of the ‘S’&#39;s floats free and extends through the openings  32  in the side of the socket region. 
     The base portion  14  of the snap  10  is shown for example in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Generally, the base portion  14  of the snap  10  complements the upper cap portion  12 . According to the present example of the figures, the base portion  14  includes a recess at, or near the middle of the base portion  14  which corresponds to the recess of the upper cap portion  12 . The recess of the base portion  14  is wider than that of the recess of the upper cap portion  12  such that at least a portion of the sides  30  of the upper cap portion  12  fit within the recess of the base portion  14 . Having this overlap of the two portions aids in assuring a water tight coupling of the two portions at the socket region  20 . 
     According to the present example, the bottom of the recess of the base portion  14  forms the bottom of the socket region  20 . However, as described above, at least a portion of the bottom of the socket region  20  may be formed by the upper cap portion  12 . 
     A guiding stud  22  may be provided at the bottom of the socket region. A guiding stud  22  may be added in order to increase the stability of the connection. In the present example the guiding stud  22  is provided on the bottom surface of the recess of the base portion  14 . However, the snap of the present example may not have a guiding pin  22  but be otherwise the same as disclosed herein. 
     The guiding stud  22  acts to center and stabilize the male end of a telemetric device which has a recess compatible with the geometry and dimensions of the guiding stud. In  FIG. 3  a male end of a stud  38  of a telemetric device  50  is shown detachably connected to the snap  10 .  FIG. 3  shows the cutaway section B-B from  FIG. 1 . 
     According to the present example, the guiding stud  22  is an integral portion of the base portion  14 . The base portion  14  can be made of a non-conductive material such as a plastic or rubber based material. The guiding stud can be rigid or it may have some, preferably a slight, degree of flexibility. According to certain examples, the guiding stud  22  can be a separate piece which is attached or affixed to the bottom of the socket region. For example, the guiding stud  22  can be a stud or screw which is attached to the bottom of a recess in a base portion during manufacturing. Similarly, if the bottom of the socket region is formed partially or entirely by the upper cap portion  12 , the guiding stud may be an integral part, or an additional piece added to the upper cap portion  12 . Still yet, the guiding stud may be an integral part, or an additional piece added to a base plate or mat which covers and/or forms the bottom of the socket region. Such a base plate or mat may be, for example a sticker or a piece with an adhesive which is added to the base portion  14  and/or the upper cap portion  12  at the bottom of the socket region  20 . 
     According to certain examples of the present invention the guiding stud  22  can take the geometry of a standard cylinder. Additionally, it can be advantageous for the guiding stud  22  to have a conical geometry, for example as shown in  FIG. 3 . By having a conical geometry it allows for a stud  38  to have a slightly off alignment when entering the socket region and then aids in the centering and alignment of the stud  38  in to the detachably secured position as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     According to the present examples, the thickest portion of the snap  10  is between the top portion  13  of the upper cap portion  12  and the bottom of the base portion  14  directly underneath the socket region  20 . In order to produce a snap which has the least adverse effect on the garment which it is being integrated within, and therefore on the user wearing the garment, it is advantageous to keep this maximum thickness as small as possible. Currently, the standard snap thickness in the industry is around or above 4 mm. With the design of the present snap  10 , the maximum thickness of the snap between the top  13  of the upper cap portion  12  and the bottom of the base portion  14  can be between about or even less than 1 to 3 mm or, for example between 1.5 to 2.5 mm. According to certain examples, utilizing the present design can reduce the overall size of the snap portion within a garment by 50-70% or more. This reduction in size is almost solely responsible for the success of integrating heart rate monitors in to garments. 
     As the snap  10  is, or is to be integrated within a material  18 , the overall thickness of the snap  10  can gradually be reduced and/or tapered towards the outer edges, as is seen in the figures. The flange  26  of the upper cap portion  12  is depressed in order to reduce the overall thickness of the snap  10  as well as to allow for better integration with a material layer  18  of a garment. Similarly, as can be seen for example in  FIG. 2 , the outer portions of the base portion  14  are tapered such that the thickness of the base portion  14  and the snap  10  as a whole is reduced at the edges.  FIG. 2  shows an example in which the base portion  14  extends past the edge of the flange  26  of the upper base portion  12 . This extension can help in a more seamless integration of the snap  10  within a garment. However, as shown for example in  FIG. 3 , the base portion  14  may have a radius substantially equal to, or even less than, that of the upper cap portion  12 . 
     As discussed with regards to the embodiments and examples herein, both the upper cap portion  12  and the base portion  14  are generally circular in shape. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the geometry of one or both of the upper cap portion  12  and the base portion  14  can be freely selected without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     While it is advantageous to minimize the maximum thickness of the snap  10 , at the same time it is advantageous to maximize the depth of the socket region of the snap  10  within the overall maximum thickness of the snap  10 . According to examples of the present invention the depth of the socket region of the snap between the top  13  of the upper cap portion  12  and the bottom of the socket region is between 1 to 2.5 mm, preferably between 1.5 to 2.5 mm. Similarly, according to examples of the present invention, the depth of the socket region of the snap is between 80 to 98%, preferably between 85 to 97%, still more preferably between 90 to 95% of the maximum thickness of the snap  10 . 
     Within the socket region  20  of the snap  10 , according to the present examples and embodiments, it is advantageous for the height of the guiding stud to be at least 0.9 mm from the base of the socket region  20 . However, according to certain embodiments and examples, it is advantageous for the height of the guiding stud to be between 0.5 mm to 2 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm. Similarly, according to examples of the present invention, the height of the guiding stud is between 20 to 80%, preferably between 30-50% of the depth of the socket region  20 . 
     Additionally, the conductive wire spring  16  can be one of the bulkiest items within the snap. When the conductive wire spring  16  is at least partially housed within a gap created between the upper cap portion  12  and the base portion  14  around the side walls  30  of the socket region  20 , it is advantageous to minimize the gap. According to certain embodiments and examples, it is advantageous for the maximum height of the gap to be between 0.5 to 2 mm, preferably between 0.5 to 1 mm. 
     Although the upper cap portion  12  and base portion  14  are described herein as being separate portions, they may be a single integral piece. However, for manufacturing purposes it is typically advantageous for the upper cap portion  12  and base portion  14  to be separate pieces. According to an example of the present invention, the upper cap portion  12  is a conductive material, e.g. a metal such as stainless steel, and the base portion  14  is a non-conductive material, e.g. a plastic or polymer based material. Similarly, the upper cap portion  12  can be made partially or wholly of a non-conductive material and/or the base portion  14  can be made partially or wholly of a conductive material. As such, it is significantly easier to manufacture the two pieces separately. 
     When separate pieces, the upper cap portion  12  and the base portion  14  can be coupled in a variety of non-exclusive ways. As discussed above, if the base portion  14  has a recess which corresponds to the recess of the upper cap portion  12 , then the upper cap portion  12  and the base portion  14  can be coupled within the recess of the socket region by a mechanical and/or a chemical/adhesive means. Additionally, as shown for example in  FIG. 2 , the flange  26  of the upper cap portion  12  may comprise one or more openings through which the upper cap portion  12  can be coupled to the base portion  14  by a mechanical means. In the present example the mechanical means is a polymer rivet. However, any number of mechanical means can be used such as, for example, metal or chemical rivets, screws, studs, clips, etc. The mechanical means of connection may be present at, or towards the outer edges of the shorter of the upper cap portion  12  and/or the base portion  14 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize countless means of attaching the two pieces which do not depart from the scope of the present invention. 
     A further example of a mechanical connection means  28  is that the base portion  14  comprises a plurality of integral extensions  28  which align with the openings in the upper cap portion  12 , and optionally with openings in any electrode and/or other material between the upper cap portion  12  and the base portion  14 . The extensions  28  will pass through the openings in the flange  26  and then heat, for example in the form of an ultrasonic or laser application, essentially melts the top portion of the extension such that it forms the cap seen in  FIG. 2 . 
     In order for a garment to provide the necessary data to a telemetric transmitter, the garment should be provided with at least one, and typically at least two electrodes  24 . Several methods for attaching and integrating an electrode  24  with a material  18  are known, for example as presented in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/808,391 filed Jun. 8, 2007 and published as US 2007/0285868 which has been incorporated by reference in its entirety. Additionally, the electrode  24  should make an electrical connection with a stud  38  of a telemetric transmitter through the snap  10 . 
     As such, as can be seen for example in  FIG. 2 , the material  18  as shown in  FIG. 1  has been removed and it is possible to see that the electrode  24 , which is at least partially affixed and/or integrated within the material  18 , is sandwiched between the flange  26  of the upper portion  12  and the base portion  14 . For a snap which it to be integrated within a garment a gap is left between the flange  26  of the upper cap portion  12  and the outer portion of the base portion  14 . According to the present examples, the gap should be equal to, or substantially equal to the thickness, or compressible thickness of an electrode which is to be connected with the snap  10  and or directly to a stud  38  detachably coupled to the snap  10 . Within the gap, within another region of the snap or as a portion of either the upper cap portion  12  or the base portion  14 , there can be a connector and/or connection region in which an electrode can be electrically connected to the snap or a portion thereof. For example, there can be a conductive region of the upper cap portion  12  which is in electrical contact with both an exposed portion of an electrode  24  as well as the conductive wire spring  16 . Such a region can be mechanically or chemically/adhesively, connected to the electrode or the electrode may be frictionally fit against such a conductive or contact region. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention a snap is manufactured and subsequently integrated within a garment. In such embodiments the snap may be manufactured in one or more pieces which may or may not correspond to the discrete portions described herein. According to another embodiment, the snap is manufactured in a plurality of pieces and is manufactured along with and integral with a garment or heart rate monitor belt. 
     As described herein, a garment can be any article which is wearable by a human or animal. Examples of garments which are particularly well suited for use with and incorporation with the present example are tops, shirts, sports bras, bras, undergarments, workout apparel, compression sports t-shirts, shorts, bands and belts. With regards to the remainder of the description, heart rate monitor belts and other specialty articles which one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize can implement the description of the present invention and be worn by a human or animal will be encapsulated in the term garment for simplicity. Furthermore, the garments discussed herein may be made of any suitable material including fabrics, cloths, and other such materials of natural or synthetic origin. 
     A benefit to the present snap is the flush integration of a snap in to a garment such that a garment having a snap in accordance with aspects of the present invention has minimal if any drawback compared to a garment not having a snap, when no measurement is to be taken by the garment. 
     Examples of heart rate monitor belts using elastomer or rubber electrodes can be found, for example, in WO 2005/032366. Furthermore, examples of textile electrodes can be found, for example, in WO 2002/071935. In addition to monitoring heart rate, the embodiments and examples herein may also be used for EMG monitoring or measurement. Examples of such measurement devices can be found, for example, in WO 2004/002311 and WO 2005/032365. All of the above mentioned references are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     According to certain embodiments wherein the snap is an integral portion of a garment and/or the manufacture of the garment, an electrode  24  can be sandwiched between at least the flange  26  of the upper cap portion  12  and at least a portion of the base  14 . Additionally, at least one material layer  18  can be disposed on a top portion of the electrode  24  and may, or may not, extend to cover a portion of the flange  26  or even the top portion  13  of the upper cap portion  12 . Furthermore, one or more additional material layers  18  may be disposed on at least a portion of a bottom side of the electrode  24  and/or the bottom portion of the base portion  14  in order to more wholly integrate the snap in to the garment. 
       FIG. 5  shows an example of a garment  60  which has a top material layer  18  and two electrodes (not shown) which can be coupled to the back of material layer  18  or to another subsequent material layer. Each electrode is connected to a snap,  62 A and  62 B. Each of snaps  62 A and  62 B are in accordance with the snaps described herein. In a typical arrangement, the electrode attached to each snap would extend in a direction away from the other snap. As such, there will be an area between the two snaps which may or may not include an electrode or similar material. 
     A non-conductive, preferably water-proof material  64  can be added on top of at least a portion of one or both snaps. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the covering  64  covers a substantial portion of the top portion  13  of the upper cap portion  12 , as well as the entire area of the flange  26  of the upper cap portion  12  of each snap. However, the covering  64  does not extend in to or over the recess or over or within the socket area. Additionally, a covering  64  may cover anything from none or a small portion of the top portion  13  of the upper cap portion  12  to virtually all of the top portion  13  of the upper cap portion  12 . Furthermore, the covering extends and covers a portion of the area disposed between the two snaps  62 A and  62 B. 
     An example of a telemetric device  50  which is compatible with the garment  60  is shown in  FIG. 4 . The telemetric device  50  has a body portion  51 , an aperture  53  for housing for example a battery, a surface  54  surrounding the aperture  53  surrounded by an outer lip  56  and a cover  55 , which can be for example a flexible sticker type cover with or without a graphic or textual display. Additionally, the telemetric device has two studs  38  having an exposed male end for being detachably coupled to the snaps  62 A and  62 B of garment  60 . 
     As referenced above, it is advantageous for the side walls  30  of the socket region  20  to correspond with the geometry of the male end of the stud  38  of a telemetric device. As can be seen, for example in  FIG. 3 , the bottom portion of the recess of the upper cap portion  12  is slightly bent/chamfered inwards towards the center of the socket region. Similarly, the head of the stud  38  has corresponding chamfers  40 . The chamfers  40  of the stud  38  head allow for easier guiding of the stud  38  in to the socket region of the snap  10 . 
       FIG. 8  shows an example of a stud and electrode assembly in accordance with the present invention. An stud an electrode assembly is useful for the simple integration of the stud and electrode in to a heart rate monitor belt. The stud and electrode assembly comprises an electrode  24 , and an integrated snap  10  having an upper cap portion  12 , a conductive wire spring  16  in electrical connection with the electrode  24  and a base  14 . The conductive wire spring  16  can be held within the snap by, for example, one or more lips  34  formed from corresponding notches  35  in the flange  26  of the upper cap portion  12 . 
     The snap  10  can be arranged at any point and having any orientation with respect to the electrode  24 . Additionally, the electrode  24  may take the shape of something other than a strip, as shown in the present example. However, it can be advantageous to integrate the snap  10  at or towards one end of a strip like electrode  24  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     According to the present example, the snap  10  is arranged near a terminal end of the electrode  24 . The wire spring  16  is held within the snap  10  by three lips  34 . The three lips  34 , and consequently the three corresponding notches  35  are arranged in such a way that no notch opens towards the length of the strip electrode  24 . This adds a degree of rigidity and support to the assembly. 
     Additionally, the openings  32  in the side of the socket region  20  of the snap  10  are arranged to be parallel with the length of the electrode  24 . In other words, the openings  32  are arranged to be parallel with the sides of the electrode  24  as seen in  FIG. 8 . When two snap and electrode assemblies, for example two of the assemblies shown in  FIG. 8 , are integrated within a heart rate monitor belt, the snap  10  ends of the electrodes  24  will typically be arranged close to each other and the remaining tail portions of the electrodes will extend in opposite directions. When an electronic device is snapped in to the pair of snaps, the arrangement will provide stability in the direction of the arrangement, e.g. taking the orientation of  FIG. 8 , in the horizontal direction (along the length of the electrode). Thus, with the orientation of the openings  32  and the wire spring  16  as shown in the figure, the wire springs are capable of providing stability in the opposite direction, e.g. taking the orientation of  FIG. 8 , in the vertical direction (opposite the length of the electrode). Therefore, maximum stability can be obtained. 
     According to certain embodiments, when assembling the snap and electrode assembly an upper cap portion  12  can be affixed to an electrode  24  by means of, for example, a conductive tape  29 . The conductive tape  29  can be seen in  FIG. 8  where the notches have been formed in the flange  26 . An opening corresponding to the socket region can be performed in the electrode. The conductive tape  29 , e.g. a ring of conductive tape  29 , can be placed on a first surface of the electrode and then the upper cap portion can be placed thereon. The conductive tape  29  can be a double sided conductive tape, for example having carbon fiber particles and copper plating. 
     The flange  26  of the upper cap portion  12  may have one or more openings preformed therein. Similarly, the electrode  24  may have one or more opening preformed therein which correspond to openings in the flange  26  or are otherwise for allowing one or more extensions from the base portion to pass there through. Additionally, one or more openings may be formed through the flange of the upper cap portion  12  and/or electrode  24 . The base portion  14  is then affixed to the assembly by extensions  28  which pass through the openings in the electrode and flange  26 . The extensions  28  are then deformed, for example by means of an ultrasonic, laser or other heating means, in order to form caps and effectively sandwich the electrode between the upper cap portion  12  and the base portion  14 . 
     The snap  10  of the snap and electrode assembly may be in accordance with any of the examples and embodiments of snaps described herein. 
       FIG. 4  shows a telemetric device  50  having two exposed male head portions of a studs  38 . Typically, connection studs for telemetric devices have been molded within a casing of the telemetric device or otherwise integrated during manufacturing in a similar process. However, several problems arise with such manufacturing techniques when the devices are put under extreme conditions or exposed to liquid or vapor. Therefore, there is described herein a novel stud  38  for a telemetric device which is partially threaded and can be screwed in to an opening in a male connection end of a telemetric device. By coating at least a portion of the threads with an adhesive prior to screwing in to place the stud  38  can be securely fastened within the opening and insure a completely water-tight seal between the stud  38  and telemetric device which is far superior to any seal which can be made using a molding technique. 
       FIG. 7A  shows an example of a stud in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 7B  shows a cutaway section of the stud of  7 A. The stud  38  generally comprises or consists of three sections, a male head portion, a mid-portion and an end portion. 
     At least a portion of the male head portion is capable of fitting within a socket region of a snap. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the male head portion of the stud  38  is configured to fit within a socket region  20  of a snap  10  as described above. As such, at least a portion of the male head portion is disposed outside of the housing  51  of an electronic device. According to certain examples the entire head portion is located outside of the housing  51 . Furthermore, according to certain examples, only the head portion is located outside of the housing  51 . 
     In terms of the present disclosure, the male head portion has a terminal end which is the terminal end of the stud  38 . The male head portion extends between said terminal end and a second end which separates the male head portion from a mid-portion. The length of the male head portion of the stud  80  is the length between the terminal end and the second end. 
     According to certain examples, the male head portion comprises a chamfered  40  terminal end which is chamfered from a maximum diameter  82  of the male head portion near the terminal end. The chamfer is added to guide a wire spring snap open, for example to guide the conductive wire springs  16  in the socket region  20  of the snap  10  open as the male head portion is inserted in to the snap. If the chamfers are too small then they are not efficiently capable of guising the male head portion of the stud  38  in to a snap. The amount of chamfer is the difference between the maximum diameter  82  of the male head portion and the diameter  84  at the terminal end of the stud. 
     Additionally, beyond the maximum diameter  82  of the male head portion, towards the mid-portion, is a concave arced recess. The concave arced recess can be seen, for example, in  FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 3 . The concave arched recess is for making a stable connection with a conductive wire spring  16  of a snap  10 . According to the present examples, the concave arched recess is slightly set back from the maximum diameter  82  of the male head portion. The region with the maximum diameter  82  can be flat or it may be at a point or apex of a curve. As shown, for example in  FIG. 3 , the male head portion may include a chamfer between the maximum diameter  82  of the male head portion and the beginning of the concave arched recess. Such a chamfer can be implemented to keep the male head portion of the stud in place until a critical pulling force is reached. The curvature of the concave arched recess can be selected to complement a desired or standard conductive wire spring  16  diameter. 
     Beyond the concave arched recess, towards the mid portion, is the second end of the male head portion. The second end may be an imaginary break between the male head portion and the mid-portion. However, according to certain examples, the second end may have a diameter  96  slightly larger than the end of the concave arched recess, and/or a shim, which can act as a stopper during the screwing process of inserting the stud  38  in to an opening of an electronic device. While in most examples the diameter  96  of the shim and/or second end of the male head portion is less than or equal to the maximum diameter  82  of the male head portion, the diameter  96  of the shim and/or second end of the male head portion may be larger than the maximum diameter  82  of the male head portion. 
     The end portion  72  of the stud is opposite the male head portion. The end portion has a terminal end which is the second terminal end of the stud, opposite the terminal end of the male head portion of the stud  38 . The end portion extends a distance from the second terminal end of the stud to the mid-portion of the stud which is the length  92  of the end portion  72  of the stud  38 . The division between the mid-portion of the stud and the end portion may be an imaginary break. However, the division between the mid-portion of the stud and the end portion may be a change in diameter and/or the break between the threaded portion and non-threaded portion at the opposite end of the stud from the male head portion. 
     According to certain examples, the end portion  72  of the stud is characterized in that it is non-threaded. Additionally, the terminal end of the end portion  72  can be chamfered inwards from the diameter  94  of the end portion  72 . The end portion  72  of the stud is for making an electromechanical connection between the stud  38  and a component of the electrical device. 
     In between the male head portion and the end portion  72  is the mid-portion  88 . According to certain examples, the mid-portion is characterized in that it is at least partially threaded. Additionally, according to certain examples the entire mid-portion  88  of the stud is threaded. The threads of the mid-portion  88  are a means of securing the stud  38  in an opening of an electronics device. An example of the threading for the mid-portion is Remform F 2.5 mm. 
     According to certain examples, the mid-portion  88  of the stud  38  has a constant diameter. Additionally, according to certain examples, the diameter of the mid-portion  88  is less than the diameter  96  at the second end of the male head portion. Furthermore, according to certain examples, the diameter of the mid-portion  88  is greater than the diameter  94  of the end portion  72  of the stud  38 . 
     According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the male head portion has a centered cavity  42  which is open at the terminal end of the male head portion. An example of such a cavity  42  is shown in the cutaway  FIG. 7 b   . The cavity  42  is for fitting over a guiding stud  22  of a snap  10  in accordance with the disclosure above. The presence of a guiding stud  22  in a snap  10  and a corresponding cavity  42  in a male head portion of a stud  38  allows for enhanced stability of the connection between the stud  38  and the snap  10  allowing for a significantly more compact snap design. While according to preferred embodiments the cavity  42  is centered on the terminal end of the male head portion, the cavity  42  may be off center according to other embodiments. 
     Additionally, the cavity can be utilized as a recess for a Torx or other tool during the screwing process during manufacturing when the stud  38  is inserted in to an opening of an electronics device. As such, the cavity can have a variety of dimensions and geometries including, for example, a cylindrical cavity, a conical cavity, a TORX PLUS, e.g. 10IP, 8IP or 6IP, geometry, cubic cavity and/or similar geometry or combination of thereof. The cavity may correspond directly to a guiding stud  22  of a snap  10  to which the stud  38  is to be inserted. Additionally, the cavity may have a different geometry which is merely compatible with the geometry of the guiding stud  22 . For example, the cavity may have a TORX PLUS IP6 geometry which has a diameter of 1.75 mm and the guiding stud may be cylindrical or conical having a maximum diameter of 1.75 mm or slightly less. 
     According to certain examples, the depth  86  of the cavity  42  should be at least 0.9 mm. According to other examples, the depth can be between 0.5 to 1.5 mm. 
       FIG. 7 c    shows an alternative example of a stud in accordance with the present invention in which the stud does not have a cavity  42 . 
     According to one example of a stud in accordance with the present invention, the length  80  of the male portion of the head is 2.1 mm, the maximum width  82  of the male portion of the head is 4.1 mm, the diameter  84  of the terminal end of the male head portion is 3 mm, the depth  86  of the cavity is 1.5 mm, the length of the mid-portion is 5 mm, the length  92  of the end portion is 2 mm, the diameter  96  of the second end of the male head portion is 3.6 mm, the threading of the mid-portion is Remform F 2.5 mm and the diameter  94  of the end portion is 1.5 mm. 
     More generally, the length  80  of the male portion of the head can be between 1 to 3 mm, the maximum width  82  of the male portion of the head can be between 3.9 to 4.3 mm, the diameter  84  of the terminal end of the male head portion can be between 2.8 to 3.6 mm, the depth  86  of the cavity can be between 0.8 to 1.5 mm, the length of the mid-portion can be between 3 to 5 mm, the length  92  of the end portion can be between 0 to 3mm, the diameter  96  of the second end of the male head portion can be between 3 to 4 mm and the diameter  94  of the end portion can be between 1 to 2 mm. 
     Additionally, there is disclosed herein an electronic device  50  having a housing  66  and at least one male connection portion as shown for example in  FIG. 6 . The male connection portion(s) of the electronic device  50  are for detachably connecting the electronic device  50  to a female snap  10 . The male connection portion(s) of the electronic device  50  comprise a stud  38  as discussed above. 
     As shown, for example in  FIG. 6 , the entire male head portion of the stud  38  according to the present example is outside the housing  66  of the electronics device  50 . In accordance with preferred embodiments, the stud is made of an electrically conductive material. Additionally, one purpose of the stud is to facilitate an electrical connection between a portion of a snap  10  and an electronic component  76  of an electronics device  50 . However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize embodiments of a stud  38  which is only partially made of a conductive material which can facilitate the electrical connection disclosed herein and as such would not depart from the scope of the present invention. 
     As described above, the stud  38  is threaded and is screwed in to an opening of the housing  66  of an electronic device during manufacturing. During or prior to the stud  38  being inserted and/or screwed in, at least a portion of the threads of the mid-portion of the screw are covered in and/or in contact with an adhesive. An example of an adhesive is Spedcaps Orange. The adhesive not only secures the stud  38  within the housing of the electronics device but it also helps form a water tight barrier between the environment and the electronic component  76 . 
     During manufacturing, an opening can be formed or manufactured in the housing  66  and/or internal cavity of an electronics device  50 . The opening can be threaded or unthreaded. In examples where the opening is unthreaded the material can be such that a threading is formed within the opening while the stud  38  is being screwed and/or inserted in to the opening. Additionally, while the present description describes an opening being pre-formed within a housing and/or cavity of an electronics device, one of ordinary skill will recognize embodiments in which a stud  38  can partially or wholly create its own opening in a housing and/or cavity of an electronics device, said embodiments which would not otherwise depart from the scope of the present invention. 
     At or towards the end of the opening in the electronics device is a component in which the end portion of the stud  38  is to be in electromechanical connection. The component may be an electronics component of the electronics device  50 . Additionally, for example in order to account for variations in the manufacturing process, at the end or towards the end of the opening may be a spring contact  70  which the stud is electromechanically connected to once screwed/inserted in to the opening. The spring contact  70  can then be electrically connected to an electronic component  76  such as a printed circuit board. The electric component  76  can be accessible by a cover  74  on top of the electronics device  50 . 
     Additionally, the housing  66  of the electronics device  50  may include a protrusion  68  at the male connection portion. The male head portion of the stud  38  may be partially or entirely outside of the housing and protrusion  68  of the electronics device  50 . The protrusion  68  can extend from the second end of the male head portion of the stud, e.g. the shim, at least partially along the mid-portion of the stud  38 . The protrusion  68  may extend, for example, between 0 to 2 mm from the base of the electronics device. Additionally, the protrusion  68  may have a diameter greater than the maximum diameter  82  of the male head portion of the stud. 
     According to an example of a system having an electronics device  50  and at least one snap  10  in accordance with the present description, the snap  10  can have a sealer  64 , for example as shown in  FIG. 5 . The sealer can be set back from the socket region  20  by a predetermined amount. Similarly, the protrusion  68  of the male connection portion can be designed to fit snuggly within the gap left by the sealer  64 , as shown for example in  FIG. 6 . As such, the outer diameter of the protrusion  68  is substantially equal to, or slightly smaller than, the opening in the sealer  64 . Similarly, the length of the protrusion  68  can be substantially equal to or slightly more or less than the thickness of the sealer  64 . 
     Described herein, the electronic device  50  can be a telemetric transmitter and/or telemetric transceiver. Examples of telemetric transmitters and transceivers modules used with heart rate monitor belts to transmit information relating to the heart beat of a user to a remote receiver. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize countless electronic devices and telemetric devices which can be used within the scope of the present invention. Such electronic devices may or may not comprise a display and may or may not be capable of wirelessly transmitting information. Additionally, they may be capable of sending a wide variety of data not limited to heart rate to a remote receiver. 
     Furthermore, disclosed herein is a system comprising one or more snaps  10  as described herein in combination with an electronic device having one or more studs  38  as described herein. Such a system can take the form of, for example, a heart rate monitor belt and a telemetric device for transmitting heart rate data from the heart rate monitor belt. 
     It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.
       10 —snap     12 —upper cap portion     13 —top portion of the upper cap portion     14 —base portion     16 —conductive wire spring     18 —material     20 —socket region     22 —guiding pin     24 —electrode     26 —flange of upper cap portion     28 —mechanical connection means     29 —conductive tape     30 —sides of the socket region     32 —opening in side of the socket region     34 —lip of the upper cap portion     35 —notch in flange     36 —chamfered region of the upper cap portion     38 —stud     40 —chamfered portion of the pin     42 —recess of pin     50 —telemetric device     51 —body portion of the telemetric device     53 —aperture of the telemetric device     54 —surface surrounding the aperture     55 —sticker cover of the telemetric device     56 —lip of the telemetric device     60 —garment     62 A—first snap     62 B—second snap     64 —sealer     68 —protrusion     69 —sealing ring     70 —spring contact to PCB     72 —non-threaded pin end     74 —cover     76 —printed circuit board     80 —length of the male head portion of the pin     82 —maximum diameter of the male head portion of the pin     84 —width of the chamfered edge of the head of the pin     86 —depth of the recess of the head of the pin     88 —threaded portion of the pin     90 —adhesive     92 —length of the non-threaded pin end     94 —width of the non-threaded pin end     96 —width of contact portion of the head of the pin