GARMENTS FOR PROVIDING ACCESS FOR SENSORS TO CONTACT SKIN
A garment for wearing during monitoring of muscle activity of a subject includes a torso portion defining an interior space configured and adapted to accommodate and cover at least a portion of the subject's torso. The torso portion defines an exterior space external to the interior space. A plurality of access fittings are defined in the torso portion. Each access fitting is configured and adapted to accommodate access to skin of the subject adjacent a muscle group to be monitored by a sensor unit external to the torso portion, such that at least a portion of the sensor unit remains external to the torso portion with the sensor unit accessing the skin via the access fitting.
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This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/751,712 filed Mar. 31, 2010, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/166,415, filed on Apr. 3, 2009, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electrical sensors used in treatment and monitoring of human and animal bodies, and more particularly to wearable garments that provide direct and easy access for such sensors to contact skin.
2. Description of Related Art
Sensing and treatment devices that require contact with the surface of the skin are well-known in the art. It is also well-known that such devices require close and direct access to the skin of the subject being treated or tested.
One exemplary sensor requiring access to the skin is an sEMG (surface electromyography) sensor used for sensing muscle activity. sEMG technology is a state of the art way of determining real-time information about the functioning of body parts, especially muscles. Muscle tissue contracts and relaxes as a function of the presence or absence of biologically generated electrical signals. sEMG sensors can be employed to detect such electrical signals. sEMG technology can be found in such fields as athletic training, physical rehabilitation medicine, biofeedback during strength training, and the like. sEMG monitoring equipment can be mounted in a medical cart or the like for use in a medical setting, with wires connecting the processing equipment, such as a computer system and display, in the cart with the sensors on the patient. Various sensors have recently been incorporated in gym equipment, for example as in U.S. Pat. No. 7,645,213 to Watterson et al., and in rehabilitation equipment. Portable electromyogram devices are known for example from U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0049517. Such portable devices can be worn around an arm or leg to detect muscle engagement during a work out, for example.
sEMG and other similar sensors include one or more individual sensors attached to a power source, a signal processor, and optionally one or more displays. Preferably, an electromyogram sensor joins its housing in such a fashion as to permit the sensor to detect muscle activity when the housing is conformably disposed about a body part such as an arm or leg, as described in the above-cited publication. If this is not possible or convenient, for example if it is desired to monitor chest or shoulder muscles, remote wired or wireless sensors can be adhered to the skin directly above the muscle group to be monitored. The data can be sent via wires or wirelessly from the sensor to the signal processor.
The current state of the art requires garments worn by the subject to be removed, rolled up, or otherwise adjusted to accommodate sensors if the muscles or tissues of interest are covered by the garment. For example, use of an sEMG sensor can require untucking or unbuttoning of a shirt, rolling up a sleeve or pant leg, removal or pulling down of a sock, or the like, in order to gain access to monitor a desired muscle group. These arrangements can cause undue stress on sensors and leads, and in some cases dislodge the sEMG sensor from the skin entirely. These arrangements can also be painful or uncomfortable. Moreover, these arrangements can be undependable, if for example, the pant leg or shirt sleeve is not rolled up tightly enough, especially while in motion. Depending on the design of the garment being worn, and the desired sensing location, direct sensor contact with the skin can require complete removal of the garment, as is done, for example during electrocardiography testing. Discomfort and embarrassment can result for the person having to remove or adjust garments to accommodate proper sensor access, either in public or in private. In a gym or physical rehabilitation facility, for example, use of such sensors on certain muscles can be precluded because it is not permissible or desirable to disrobe to the necessary extent to allow proper sensor access to the muscle group.
Such conventional methods and systems have generally been considered satisfactory for their intended purpose. However, there is still a need in the art for a garment that allows for significantly improved access of electrical sensors to monitor muscles. There also remains a need in the art for such a garment that is easy to make and use. The present invention provides a solution for these problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe subject invention is directed to a new and useful garment for wearing during monitoring of muscle activity of a subject. The garment includes a torso portion defining an interior space configured and adapted to accommodate and cover at least a portion of the subject's torso. The torso portion defines an exterior space external to the interior space. At least one opening, e.g., a waist opening, is defined in the torso portion from the exterior space to the interior space for accommodating the garment being put on and taken off of the subject's torso. A plurality of access fittings are defined in the torso portion. Each access fitting is configured and adapted to accommodate access to skin of the subject adjacent a muscle group to be monitored by a sensor unit external to the torso portion, such that at least a portion of the sensor unit remains external to the torso portion with the sensor unit accessing the skin via the access fitting.
In certain embodiments, the torso portion is configured to be worn on a subject's lower torso, e.g., as pants, shorts, or the like. The garment can include two legs attached to the torso portion for accommodating the subject's legs. Each leg can include a plurality of access fittings. Each leg can include an access fitting adjacent a hamstring portion of the leg, configured to provide access to skin adjacent the subject's hamstrings. It is also contemplated that each leg can include an access fitting adjacent a quadriceps portion of the leg, generally opposite the hamstring portion, configured to provide access to skin adjacent to the subject's quadriceps. The torso portion can includes a plurality of access fittings proximate a gluteus maximus portion located superior to the access fittings in the hamstring portion, configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's gluteus maximus. It is also contemplated that each leg can include at least one access fitting configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's lower leg muscles. For example, each leg can include at least one shin access fitting configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's shin muscles, and at least one calf access fitting generally opposite the at least one shin access fitting configured to provide sensor access to the subject's calf muscles.
In certain embodiments, the torso portion is configured to be worn on a subject's upper torso, e.g., as a shirt. The garment can include two sleeves attached to the torso portion for accommodating the subject's arms. Each sleeve can include a plurality of access fittings. Each sleeve can include at least one upper arm access fitting configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's upper arm muscles. Each sleeve can include at least one lower arm access fitting inferior with respect to the upper arm access fitting thereof for providing sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's lower arm muscles. The torso portion can include at least one abdominal access fitting configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's abdominal muscles. It is also contemplated that the torso portion can include at least one chest access fitting superior with respect to the at least one abdominal access fitting configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's chest muscles. The torso portion can include at least one lumbar access fitting opposite at least one abdominal access fitting configured to provide access to skin adjacent the subject's lumbar muscles. It is also contemplated that the torso portion can include at least one shoulder access fitting superior with respect to the at least one lumbar access fitting for providing access to skin adjacent the subject's shoulder muscles. The torso portion can include at least one gluteus maximus access fitting inferior with respect to the at least one lumbar access fitting for providing access to skin adjacent the subject's gluteus maximus.
In certain embodiments, each access fitting includes a slit defined through the torso portion for passage of a portion of a sensor device therethrough. The slit can be covered by a pocket, flap, or the like, or can be exposed without any covering, and can include a closure device such as a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, or the like. It is contemplated that the access fittings can have a width that is open at all times, and/or can be incorporated into a patch, decorative design, logo, or the like. It is also contemplated that some or all of the access fittings can include a patch of electrically conductive material configured to allow sensor access to the subject's skin by way of electrical signals conducted from the subject's skin, through the patch, to the sensor with the sensor located completely outside the interior space of the torso portion of the garment.
These and other features of the systems and methods of the subject invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings.
So that those skilled in the art to which the subject invention appertains will readily understand how to make and use the devices and methods of the subject invention without undue experimentation, preferred embodiments thereof will be described in detail herein below with reference to certain figures, wherein:
Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject invention. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a garment in accordance with the invention is shown in
Garment 100 is configured for wearing during monitoring of muscle activity of a subject, such as during working out, physical therapy, or any other suitable activity. Garment 100 includes a torso portion 102 defining an interior space 104 (not visible in
With continued reference to
Referring now to
By way of comparison, using a traditional garment, as in the state of the art described above, to test muscle engagement in various muscle groups would require complete removal of the subject's shirt, or else wiring the lead through the neck, sleeves, or waist opening, since conventional active wear, gym attire, and the like, provides no other access openings, with the possible exception of a fly, which does not provide a practical access where modesty is concerned. With snug fitting work out garments, wiring through the neck, sleeves, or waist opening may not be possible or practical, and with loose garments, the weight or tension of the garment against the lead can damage the lead, sensor, and/or sensor unit or dislodge the sensor from the desired location on the skin.
Referring now to
Reference is now made to
With continued reference to
Referring now to
The garments above have been described in the exemplary context of shorts, pants, knickers, sweatshirts, and short sleeve shirts. Other exemplary garment configurations include sleeveless shirts, cropped shirts, trousers, vests, undergarments, coats, parkas, snow pants, construction overalls, and the like. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that any suitable garment type or configuration can be used, any other suitable access fitting locations can be used, and any of the access fittings shown herein can optionally be omitted in a garment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Suitable materials for garments constructed in accordance with the present invention include spandex, terry cloth, cotton, and fleece. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these materials are exemplary only, and that any suitable material can be used for a particular application without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
With reference now to
Referring now to
While described herein with the exemplary application of providing access for sEMG sensors, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that this is an exemplary application only. Any suitable sensors can be used with garments constructed in accordance with the invention, whether wired or wireless. The garments described above can be used to allow wires to pass through the garment directly to be attached to a sensor already on the skin, or any electronic device underneath the garment, such as a music player or other mobile device. Garments as described herein can be used to provide quick access to apply treatment such as electrical pulses for defibrillation purposes, for example, which may be needed during physical therapy, rehabilitation, or the like.
The methods and systems of the present invention, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide access for muscle engagement sensors while allowing the user to remain fully clothed, without having to fully or partially disrobe or otherwise unduly adjust garments to accommodate proper sensor access. While the apparatus and methods of the subject invention have been shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes, different combinations, and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject invention.
Claims
1. A garment comprising:
- a) a torso portion defining an interior space configured and adapted to accommodate and cover at least a portion of the subject's torso, and defining an exterior space external to the interior space, wherein at least one opening is defined in the torso portion from the exterior space to the interior space for accommodating the garment being put on and taken off of the subject's torso;
- c) a plurality of access fittings defined in the torso portion, each access fitting being configured and adapted to accommodate access to skin of the subject adjacent a muscle group to be monitored by a device wherein each access fitting is a slit defined for passage of a portion of a sensor therethrough, wherein the slit, in an unused state, has at least a portion of opposing edges thereof abutting one-another.
2. A garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the torso portion is configured to be worn on a subject's lower torso, and wherein the garment further comprises two legs attached to the torso portion for accommodating the subject's legs, and wherein each leg includes a plurality of access fittings.
3. A garment as recited in claim 2, wherein each leg includes an access fitting adjacent a hamstring portion of the leg, configured to provide access to skin adjacent the subject's hamstring, and an access fitting adjacent a quadriceps portion of the leg, opposite the hamstring portion, configured to provide access to skin adjacent to the subject's quadriceps.
4. A garment as recited in claim 3, wherein the torso portion includes a plurality of access fittings proximate a gluteus maximus portion located superior to the access fittings in the hamstring portion, configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's gluteus maximus.
5. A garment as recited in claim 2, wherein each leg includes at least one access fitting configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's lower leg muscles.
6. A garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the torso portion is configured to be worn on a subject's upper torso, and wherein the garment further comprises two sleeves attached to the torso portion for accommodating the subject's arms, and wherein each sleeve includes a plurality of access fittings.
7. A garment as recited in claim 6, wherein each sleeve includes at least one upper arm access fitting configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's upper arm muscles.
8. A garment as recited in claim 7, wherein each sleeve includes at least one lower arm access fitting inferior with respect to the upper arm access fitting thereof for providing sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's lower arm muscles.
9. A garment as recited in claim 6, wherein the torso portion includes at least one abdominal access fitting configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's abdominal muscles.
10. A garment as recited in claim 9, wherein the torso portion includes at least one chest access fitting superior with respect to the at least one abdominal access fitting configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's chest muscles.
11. A garment as recited in claim 9, wherein the torso portion includes at least one lumbar access fitting opposite the at least one abdominal access fitting configured to provide access to skin adjacent the subject's lumbar muscles.
12. A garment as recited in claim 11, wherein the torso portion includes at least one shoulder access fitting superior with respect to the at least one lumbar access fitting for providing access to skin adjacent the subject's shoulder muscles.
13. A garment as recited in claim 11, wherein the torso portion includes at least one gluteus maximus access fitting inferior with respect to the at least one lumbar access fitting for providing access to skin adjacent the subject's gluteus maximus.
14. (canceled)
15. A garment as recited in claim 1, further comprising an additional access fitting with a patch of conductive material configured to allow access to the subject's skin by way of signals conducted from the subject's skin, through the patch.
16. A shirt comprising:
- a) a torso portion defining an interior space configured and adapted to accommodate and cover at least a portion of the subject's upper torso, and defining an exterior space external to the interior space, wherein at least one opening is defined in the torso portion from the exterior space to the interior space for accommodating the garment being put on and taken off of the subject's upper torso;
- b) a pair of sleeves attached to the torso portion and defining arm portions of the interior space for accommodating the subject's arms; and
- c) a plurality of access fittings defined in at least one of the torso portion and the pair of sleeves, each access fitting being configured and adapted to accommodate access to skin of the subject adjacent a muscle group to be monitored by a device, wherein each access fitting is a slit defined for passage of a portion of a sensor therethrough, wherein the slit, in an unused state, has at least a portion of opposing edges thereof abutting one-another.
17. A shirt as recited in claim 16, wherein the plurality of access fittings includes at least one abdominal access fitting configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's abdominal muscles, at least one chest access fitting superior with respect to the at least one abdominal access fitting configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's chest muscles, at least one lumbar access fitting opposite the at least one abdominal access fitting configured to provide access to skin adjacent the subject's lumbar muscles, and at least one shoulder access fitting superior with respect to the at least one lumbar access fitting for providing access to skin adjacent the subject's shoulder muscles.
18. A shirt as recited in claim 17, wherein each sleeve includes at least one upper arm access fitting configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's upper arm muscles.
19. A lower garment comprising:
- a) a torso portion defining an interior space configured and adapted to accommodate and cover at least a portion of the subject's lower torso, and defining an exterior space external to the interior space, wherein a waist opening is defined in the torso portion from the exterior space to the interior space for accommodating the garment being put on and taken off of the subject's lower torso;
- b) a pair of legs attached to the torso portion defining legs of the interior space for accommodating the subjects legs; and
- c) a plurality of access fittings defined in at least one of the torso portion and the pair of legs, each access fitting being configured and adapted to accommodate access to skin of the subject adjacent a muscle group to be monitored by a device, wherein each access fitting is a slit defined for passage of a portion of a sensor therethrough, wherein the slit, in an unused state, has at least a portion of opposing edges thereof abutting one-another.
20. A lower garment as recited in claim 19, wherein the plurality of access fittings includes at least one access fitting adjacent a hamstring portion of each leg of the garment, configured to provide access to skin adjacent the subject's hamstrings, an access fitting adjacent a quadriceps portion of the leg, opposite the hamstring portion, configured to provide access to skin adjacent to the subject's quadriceps, and at least one gluteus maximus access fittings proximate a gluteus maximus portion located superior to the access fittings in the hamstring portion, configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's gluteus maximus.
21. A lower garment as recited in claim 20, wherein each leg includes at least one shin access fitting configured to provide sensor access to skin adjacent the subject's shin muscles, and at least one calf access fitting opposite the at least one shin access fitting configured to provide sensor access to the subject's calf muscles.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 3, 2014
Publication Date: Sep 18, 2014
Applicant: WARE LLC (Darien, CT)
Inventor: Pamela Kiernan (Darien, CT)
Application Number: 14/294,455
International Classification: A41D 13/12 (20060101);