HK1241263B - Garment system including at least one muscle or joint activity sensor and at least one actuator responsive to the sensor - Google Patents

Description

A clothing system comprising at least one muscle or joint activity sensor and at least one actuator responsive to the sensor.

Background Art

Compression garments, including articles of clothing such as socks, arm sleeves, and leg sleeves, can provide support to the muscles of the body part where the compression garment is worn. This support may be useful for people who must stand for long periods of time or who have circulation problems.

Compression sportswear, a specific type of compression garment, can also be worn by athletes during exercise. For example, cycling shorts are a common type of compression sportswear. Compression sportswear can improve muscle function and prevent chafing and rashes during and after exercise.

Compression garments are believed to have several positive effects on the wearer. For example, they can help relieve the pain of muscle stiffness and pain and reduce the time it takes for muscles to repair themselves. Furthermore, when the appropriate amount of compression is used, compression garments can improve venous return and oxygenation to working muscles.

Summary of the Invention

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a garment system comprising at least one muscle activity sensor or at least one joint activity sensor, and at least one actuator, the at least one actuator operating in response to sensory feedback from the at least one muscle activity sensor or the at least one joint activity sensor to cause a flexible compression garment to selectively compress at least one body part of a subject or selectively relieve compression on at least one body part of the subject. This compression or relief of compression on at least one body part can improve muscle function, joint function, or can be used to train or teach activities (e.g., sports) or for rehabilitation.

In one embodiment, a garment system includes: at least one flexible compression garment configured to be worn on at least one body part of a subject; one or more activity sensors supported by the at least one flexible compression garment; one or more actuators positioned relative to the at least one flexible compression garment and configured to cause the at least one flexible compression garment to selectively compress the at least one body part or selectively relieve compression on the at least one body part; and a control system operatively coupled to the one or more actuators and further operatively coupled to the one or more activity sensors to receive one or more sensing signals therefrom. The at least one flexible compression garment defines an interior space configured to accommodate the at least one body part. The one or more activity sensors are positioned and configured to sense at least one characteristic of at least one muscle or at least one joint of the at least one body part related to muscle activity or joint activity thereof, and the one or more activity sensors are further configured to output one or more sensing signals indicative of the at least one characteristic. The control system includes control circuitry configured to direct the one or more actuators in response to the one or more sensing signals from the one or more activity sensors to cause the at least one flexible compression garment to selectively compress the at least one body part or selectively relieve compression on the at least one body part.

In one embodiment, a method for using a clothing system is disclosed. At least one flexible compression garment of at least one clothing system is worn on at least one body part of a subject. The clothing system includes: one or more activity sensors configured to sense at least one feature of at least one muscle or at least one joint of the at least one body part that is related to its muscle activity or joint activity; and one or more actuators configured to cause the at least one flexible compression garment to selectively compress the at least one body part or selectively relieve the compression of the at least one body part. The at least one feature of the at least one muscle or the at least one joint of the at least one body part is sensed using the one or more activity sensors. In response to sensing the at least one feature by the one or more activity sensors, the one or more actuators are actuated to cause the at least one flexible compression garment to selectively compress the at least one body part or selectively relieve the compression of the at least one body part.

Features from any disclosed embodiment may be used in combination with each other without limitation.In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by considering the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a garment system according to one embodiment.

2A is an isometric cross-sectional view of a flexible compression garment worn on the arm of a subject of the garment system shown in FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment.

2B is an isometric cross-sectional view of a portion of the flexible compression garment shown in FIG. 2A , without showing the flexible compression garment worn on a subject's arm.

2C is an isometric cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a flexible compression garment worn on a subject's leg.

2D is an isometric cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a flexible compression garment worn on a subject's forearm and hand.

3A is an isometric cross-sectional view of the flexible compression garment shown in FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment.

3B is a cross-sectional view of the flexible compression garment shown in FIG. 3A taken along line 3B-3B thereof.

3C is a cross-sectional view of the flexible compression garment shown in FIG. 3A prior to actuation of one or more actuators, or at a low level of actuation.

3D is a cross-sectional view of the flexible compression garment shown in FIG. 3A after actuation of one or more actuators or at a relatively higher actuation level than in FIG. 3C .

4 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a garment system including a plurality of ring-shaped actuators.

5 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a garment system.

6 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a garment system including a motion sensing system.

7 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of selectively compressing or relieving compression of at least one body part of a subject in response to sensory feedback from one or more activity sensors.

8 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method in which a garment system receives input from a motion sensing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a clothing system comprising at least one muscle activity sensor or at least one joint activity sensor, and at least one actuator, the at least one actuator operating in response to sensory feedback from the at least one muscle activity sensor or the at least one joint activity sensor so that a flexible compression garment selectively compresses at least one body part of a subject or selectively relieves compression on at least one body part of a subject. Such a clothing system can selectively provide or relieve compression on at least one body part. Such selective compression or relief of compression on at least one body part can improve muscle function or joint function, or can be used for training or teaching activities (e.g., sports) or for rehabilitation. Embodiments disclosed herein also relate to methods of using such clothing systems.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols generally identify similar components unless otherwise indicated. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein.

FIG1 is an illustration of an apparel system 100, according to an embodiment. Apparel system 100 includes a flexible compression garment 102 configured to be worn on at least one body part 104 of a subject 106 during use. Flexible compression garment 102 can be substantially tubular and configured to generally conform to at least one body part 104 when worn thereon.

The flexible compression garment 102 can be made of any suitable material. For example, the flexible compression garment 102 can be made of neoprene, nylon, synthetic rubber, or any other suitable synthetic or natural fabric or polymeric material.

In the embodiment shown, at least one body part 104 is the user's arm, and the user's arm comprises the upper arm, forearm and a part of the elbow joint between the upper arm and the forearm of the experimenter 106 that is accommodated by the flexible compression garment 102. However, as discussed in more detail below, the clothing system disclosed herein can be used on many other types of body parts. For example, at least one body part 104 of experimenter 106 can comprise at least a portion of a thigh and/or at least a portion of a calf or at least a portion of a neck. As another example, the flexible compression garment 102 can be configured as a shirt, and at least one body part 104 comprises at least the chest of experimenter 106.

Garment system 100 includes one or more activity sensors 108, which may be mounted on, embedded in, or otherwise supported by flexible compression garment 102. The one or more activity sensors 108 are positioned and configured relative to at least one body part 104 to sense a characteristic of at least one body part 104 related to muscle activity or joint activity of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104 of subject 106. For example, each or some of the one or more activity sensors 108 may be positioned adjacent to or proximate to at least one muscle or at least one joint whose activity is desired to be monitored. During use, the one or more activity sensors 108 output one or more sensed signals 109 indicative of at least one characteristic. It should be noted that the at least one muscle or at least one joint whose activity is to be sensed may include multiple muscles or multiple joints. For example, in a case where flexible compression garment 102 accommodates at least a portion of an upper arm and at least a portion of a forearm of subject 106, the at least one muscle of at least one body part 104 may include multiple muscles in each of the upper arm and lower arm of at least one body part 104, and the at least one joint of at least one body part 104 may include an elbow joint.

Garment system 100 also includes one or more actuators 110. One or more actuators 110 are positioned relative to flexible compression garment 102 and are configured to cause flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress or selectively relieve compression of at least one body part 104 in response to one or more sensing signals 109 output by one or more activity sensors 108. For example, one or more actuators 110 may be embedded in flexible compression garment 102, mounted within the interior of flexible compression garment 102, within an interior space thereof where at least one body part 104 is accommodated, or externally mounted on flexible compression garment 102.

Apparel system 100 also includes a control system 112 operatively coupled to one or more activity sensors 108 and one or more actuators 110. For example, control system 112 can be wirelessly operatively coupled to one or more activity sensors 108 and one or more actuators 110 or operatively coupled via a wired connection (e.g., an electrical wire). For example, control system 112 can be sized and configured to be conveniently worn or carried by subject 106, for example, via strap 113 shown on subject 106 in FIG. 1 .

In one embodiment, control system 112 further includes control circuitry 114 configured to direct one or more actuators 110 via one or more actuation signals 116 to cause flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress at least one body part 104 or selectively relieve compression of at least one body part 104 in response to receiving one or more sensing signals 109 from one or more activity sensors 108. In one embodiment, control system 112 further includes a power source 118 (e.g., a battery, a microbattery, a thin-film battery, a stretchable/flexible power source, a fuel cell, an energy harvester, a kinetic energy harvester, a triboelectric nanogenerator, or other suitable power source) capable of powering at least some components of garment system 100 (e.g., control circuitry 114, one or more activity sensors 108, or one or more actuators 110).

As will be discussed in greater detail below, instructions for control circuitry 114 of control system 112 to direct and control the operation of one or more activity sensors 108 and one or more actuators 110 may be pre-programmed in control circuitry 114 or programmed by subject 106 or another person (e.g., a medical professional such as a doctor, nurse, physical therapist, trainer, etc.). For example, programming of control circuitry 114 may be implemented via at least one of software, firmware, a programmable logic device, or other techniques for controlling one or more activity sensors 108 and one or more actuators 110 or other components of apparel system 100 in a selected manner.

During use under some operational conditions, in response to one or more activity sensors 108 sensing at least one characteristic related to muscle activity or joint activity of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104, control circuitry 114 directs one or more actuators 110 to selectively compress at least one body part 104 to provide more support thereto, or to improve muscle or joint function, such as increased blood flow or increased oxygenation of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104. For example, in response to one or more activity sensors 108 sensing at least one characteristic related to muscle activity or joint activity of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104 exceeding a threshold level, control circuitry 114 directs one or more actuators 110 to selectively compress at least one body part 104. For example, the compression applied by the one or more actuators can be a compression gradient along at least one body part 104. In a more specific embodiment, the control circuit 114 can direct the one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress at least a first portion of at least one muscle of at least one body part 104 at a first compression level, and selectively compress at least a second portion of at least one muscle of at least one body part 104 or a second muscle of at least one body part 104 at a second compression level different from the first compression level. As another example, the compression applied by the one or more actuators 110 can be one or more compression pulses applied to the at least one body part 104.

During use in other operational situations, in response to one or more activity sensors 108 sensing at least one characteristic associated with muscle activity or joint activity of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104, control circuitry 114 directs one or more actuators 110 to selectively relieve compression on at least one body part 104, such as during a portion of an athletic activity in which at least one muscle or at least one joint of the subject is minimally exerted or stressed, respectively. For example, in response to one or more activity sensors 108 sensing at least one characteristic associated with muscle activity or joint activity of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104 being below a threshold level, control circuitry 114 directs one or more actuators 110 to selectively relieve compression on at least one body part 104.

In one embodiment, garment system 100 can also operate according to a feedback loop. For example, control circuitry 114 can direct one or more actuators 110 to selectively compress or relieve at least one body part 104 by a first selected amount, and then selectively compress or relieve at least one body part 104 by a second selected amount that is different from the first amount.

1 , in other embodiments, multiple flexible compression garments 102 may be worn on different body parts of subject 106. In such embodiments, each of multiple flexible compression garments 102 includes its own one or more activity sensors and one or more actuators that may be individually operably coupled to control system 112 and independently operate according to instructions from control system 112.

As described above, one or more activity sensors 108 can be configured to sense at least one characteristic of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104. For example, the at least one characteristic can be at least one physical characteristic, at least one chemical characteristic (e.g., biochemical or biological), or at least one physiological characteristic of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104. More specifically, for example, the at least one characteristic can include neural activity of at least one muscle of at least one body part 104, temperature of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104, oxygenation of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104, acoustic emissions from at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104, or at least one of other suitable characteristics that can be correlated with muscle activity or joint activity. In one embodiment, one or more activity sensors 108 are configured to sense only at least one characteristic of at least one muscle of at least one body part 104, while in other embodiments, one or more activity sensors 108 are configured to sense only at least one characteristic of at least one joint of at least one body part 104.

To sense at least one characteristic of at least one muscle or at least one joint, a variety of different activity sensors can be used. For example, in any embodiment disclosed herein, the one or more activity sensors 108 can include at least one of an electromyographic sensor, a thermal sensor, a muscle oxygenation sensor, an acoustic sensor, a chemical sensor, a biochemical sensor, or a biological sensor. The one or more activity sensors 108 can be at least partially disposed on an inner surface of the flexible compression garment 102 that defines an interior space housing the at least one body part 104, or at least partially embedded in the flexible compression garment 102.

In one embodiment, one or more activity sensors 108 are configured to sense the onset or threshold level of muscle activity of at least one muscle of at least one body part 104. In such an embodiment, control circuitry 114 is configured to direct one or more actuators 110 to selectively compress the at least one body part 104 in response to the one or more activity sensors 108 sensing the onset of muscle activity but before the muscle activity occurs. One suitable activity sensor configured to sense nerve impulses in at least one muscle indicating the onset of muscle activity includes one or more electromyographic sensors, which may be attached, adhered, or embedded within the flexible compression garment 102 or directly attached to the subject 106. For example, in response to sensing the onset of muscle activity via the one or more electromyographic sensors, control circuitry 114 may direct one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress at least one muscle or at least one joint of the at least one body part 104. Examples of suitable electromyographic sensors that can be used to practice one or more embodiments disclosed herein are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20060058694 and 20130041235 and Kim et al., Science 333, 838-843 (2011), the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In one embodiment, the one or more activity sensors 108 may include one or more passive infrared thermal sensors. For example, each passive infrared thermal sensor is positioned on or within the flexible compression garment 102 and is configured to sense infrared radiation from at least one muscle of the at least one body part 104. An increase in infrared radiation may indicate or be associated with an elevated muscle temperature, which may indicate increased muscle activity. A decrease in infrared radiation may indicate or be associated with a decreased muscle temperature, which may indicate decreased muscle activity. For example, in response to sensing an increase or a threshold level of infrared radiation, the control circuitry 114 may direct the one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress at least one muscle or at least one joint of the at least one body part 104. As another example, in response to sensing a decrease or less than a threshold level of infrared radiation, the control circuitry 114 may direct the one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively reduce the compression on the at least one muscle or at least one joint of the at least one body part 104 due to the decreased muscle activity.

When the one or more activity sensors 108 are configured to directly or indirectly sense the temperature of at least one muscle, in one embodiment, the flexible compression garment 102 may include: one or more fluid channels through which a coolant can flow, a fluid coolant reservoir, and a pump configured to pump the fluid coolant from the reservoir through the one or more fluid channels. Thus, in such an embodiment, the control circuit 116 may direct the pump to pump the fluid coolant from the fluid coolant reservoir through the one or more fluid channels to help cool the at least one muscle.

In one embodiment, one or more activity sensors 108 may include one or more muscle oxygenation sensors. For example, each muscle oxygenation sensor may include a near-infrared sensor positioned and configured to transmit light in the near-infrared spectrum to at least one muscle of at least one body part 104 and detect light reflected from at least one muscle (e.g., tissue), thereby sensing the presence of different muscle absorption of near-infrared light in terms of oxygenated tissue and deoxygenated tissue. Examples of near-infrared sensors for measuring oxygenation of muscle tissue that can be used to practice one or more embodiments disclosed herein are disclosed in Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A (2011) 369, 4591–4604 by Hamaoka et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Changes in the absorption of near-infrared light from at least one muscle can be associated with increased muscle oxygenation or can indicate increased muscle oxygenation. For example, changes in near-infrared light absorption may be associated with increased exertion or decreased muscle oxygenation (e.g., associated with overexertion, cramps, or limp).

In one embodiment, in response to sensing a change in muscle oxygenation, the control circuitry 114 may direct one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress or selectively relieve compression of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104. For example, in response to sensing an increase in muscle oxygenation above a threshold level, the control circuitry 114 may direct one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104. For example, in response to sensing a decrease in muscle oxygenation below a threshold level, the control circuitry 114 may direct one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively relieve compression of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104 due to decreased muscle activity. In other embodiments, one or more oxygenation sensors may be used to sense changes in joint oxygenation.

In one embodiment, the one or more activity sensors 108 may include a plurality of near-infrared source-detector pairs that can measure spatial and regional differences in skeletal muscle oxygenation and/or localized changes in at least one body part 104. For example, in response to sensing a localized decrease below a threshold level of infrared radiation indicative of a significant decrease in muscle oxygenation and blood flow associated with a muscle spasm, the control circuitry 114 can direct the one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress at least one muscle of the at least one body part 104 to provide localized support and increase blood pressure. For example, in response to sensing a decrease in a change in the gradient of infrared radiation indicative of decreased muscle oxygenation and blood flow associated with muscle overexertion, the control circuitry 114 may direct the one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress at least one first portion of at least one muscle of at least one body part 104 at a first compression level and selectively compress at least one second portion of at least one muscle of at least one body part 104 or a second muscle of at least one body part 104 at a second compression level, or to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to intermittently selectively compress a portion of at least one muscle of at least one body part 104 to provide a localized increase in blood flow to the muscle.

In one embodiment, one or more activity sensors 108 may include one or more acoustic transducers configured to illuminate at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104 with acoustic radiation and receive reflected acoustic radiation in response thereto. The received reflected acoustic radiation may be associated with or may be indicative of muscle activity or joint activity of the at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104. For example, relatively strong/intensified reflected acoustic radiation received by the one or more acoustic transducers may indicate a relatively tense, more active muscle, while relatively weak/less intense reflected acoustic radiation received by the one or more acoustic transducers may indicate a relatively relaxed, less active muscle.

In one embodiment, the acoustic transducer comprises an ultrasonic transducer, and each of the acoustic radiation and the reflected acoustic radiation comprises ultrasonic radiation. The received reflected ultrasonic radiation may be associated with or indicative of at least one characteristic of muscle activity or joint activity of at least one body part 104. For example, a change in echogenicity detected by one or more acoustic transducers may be indicative of swelling or inflammation of at least one muscle. For example, a change in echogenicity detected by one or more acoustic transducers may be indicative of joint effusion in at least one joint. For example, Doppler ultrasound testing of at least one muscle may detect increased blood flow within the at least one muscle, which indicates increased activity of the at least one muscle. For example, Doppler ultrasound testing of a ligament or tendon may detect limited activity within the ligament or tendon, indicating stress to the area. In one embodiment, in response to the one or more acoustic transducers detecting a change in at least one characteristic of at least one muscle or at least one joint in at least one body part 104, the control circuit 114 may direct the one or more actuators 110 to selectively compress or relieve compression of the at least one muscle or at least one joint. For example, in response to sensing echogenicity indicating increased muscle activity or joint activity, the control circuitry 114 may direct the one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress at least one muscle or at least one joint of the at least one body part 104. For example, in response to sensing echogenicity indicating decreased muscle activity or joint activity, the control circuitry 114 may direct the one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively reduce compression on the at least one muscle or at least one joint of the at least one body part 104 due to the decreased muscle activity. For example, in response to sensing echogenicity indicating inflammation in the at least one muscle or at least one joint, the control circuitry 114 may direct the one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress the at least one muscle or at least one joint of the at least one body part 104, thereby supporting the at least one muscle or at least one joint of the at least one body part 104.

In one embodiment, the one or more activity sensors 108 may include one or more acoustic myography sensors positioned and configured to sense acoustic emissions from at least one muscle of at least one body part 104. Examples of acoustic myography sensors for sensing muscles suitable for practicing one or more embodiments disclosed herein are disclosed in Harrison et al., Physiol Rep, 1(2):e00029;2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, in response to sensing a high frequency indicative of increased muscle use by the acoustic myography sensor, the control circuit 114 may direct the one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress at least one muscle of at least one body part 104.

In one embodiment, the one or more activity sensors 108 may include one or more acoustic sensors positioned and configured to sense acoustic emissions from at least one joint of the at least one body part 104. For example, the one or more acoustic sensors may be positioned adjacent to or in proximity to at least one joint (e.g., an elbow, wrist, or knee as shown in FIG1 ) such that the one or more acoustic sensors can receive acoustic emissions from the at least one joint that may indicate a joint problem (e.g., an increase in arthritis or osteoarthritis and resulting joint pain). For example, in response to sensing acoustic emissions or an increase in acoustic emissions from the at least one joint, the control circuit 114 may direct the one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress the at least one joint and the at least one muscle surrounding the at least one joint of the at least one body part 104, thereby alleviating the joint pain.

In one embodiment, the one or more activity sensors 108 may include one or more of at least one chemical sensor, at least one biochemical sensor, or at least one biological sensor configured to detect an analyte from at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104. For example, the at least one chemical sensor, at least one biochemical sensor, or at least one biological sensor may be configured to detect at least one of ions, salts, glucose, lactate, lactic acid, or inflammatory molecules from at least one muscle or at least one joint. For example, in response to sensing an increase in lactic acid in at least one muscle indicative of muscle fatigue via the biosensor, the control circuitry 114 may direct the one or more actuators 110 to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress at least one muscle in the at least one body part 104.

In one embodiment, one or more optional additional types of activity sensors 108' can be incorporated into the flexible compression garment 102 and operably coupled to the control circuit 114. For example, the one or more additional types of activity sensors can include one or more low-profile heart rate sensors configured to sense the heart rate of the subject 106. In one embodiment, the one or more heart rate sensors can include an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor or a pulse sensor (e.g., a pulse oximetry sensor). In one embodiment, the one or more heart rate sensors can include a pulse sensor for measuring a peripheral pulse, such as in a limb. Thus, in one embodiment, the pulse sensor can be selectively positioned on the flexible compression garment 102 near an artery, such as a relatively large artery, on at least one body part 104 of the subject 106. For example, low-profile, stretchable, and flexible heart rate and ECG sensors are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20060058694 and 20130041235, previously incorporated herein by reference.

In response to sensing an increase in subject 106's heart rate indicating increased muscle activity, control circuitry 114 may direct one or more actuators 110 to cause flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104. As another example, in response to sensing a decrease in subject 106's heart rate indicating decreased muscle activity, control circuitry 114 may direct one or more actuators 110 to cause flexible compression garment 102 to selectively reduce compression on at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104 due to the decreased muscle activity.

By way of another example, and applicable to any activity sensor 108 or optional additional types of activity sensors 108' disclosed herein, in one embodiment, in response to at least one characteristic sensed by the one or more activity sensors indicating that at least one muscle is injured or strained beyond a strain limit, the one or more actuators 110 are actuated to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress at least one body part 104. In another embodiment applicable to any activity sensor 108 disclosed herein, in response to at least one characteristic sensed by the one or more activity sensors 108 indicating that at least one muscle is exerting force, the one or more actuators 110 are actuated to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress at least one body part 104 or selectively relieve compression of at least one body part 104. In another embodiment applicable to one or more activity sensors 108 disclosed herein, in response to at least one characteristic sensed by the one or more activity sensors 108 indicating that the at least one muscle is exerting force beyond a threshold, the one or more actuators 110 are actuated to cause the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress at least one body part 104 or selectively relieve compression of at least one body part 104. For example, one or more activity sensors 108 may indicate that at least one muscle is not working at or near its physiological or functional limit, and flexible compression garment 102 adjusts the amount of compression applied to the at least one muscle to make the muscle work harder, such as during strength training.

The one or more actuators 110 can be selected from a plurality of suitable different types of actuators. Furthermore, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the one or more actuators 110 can be positioned in a variety of different configurations. For example, in any embodiment disclosed herein, the one or more actuators 110 can include at least one of one or more electroactive polymer actuators, one or more electroactive metal actuators, one or more motors, or one or more hydraulic actuators.

In one embodiment, the one or more electroactive polymer actuators include one or more actuator elements formed at least in part from a ferroelectric polymer, a dielectric elastomer, or an electrostrictive grafted elastomer. In response to a voltage applied by power supply 118 based on instructions from control circuit 114, the electroactive polymer actuators can increase or decrease in length, diameter, or other dimensions depending on the polarity of the applied voltage to cause flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress or relieve compression of at least one body part 104. For example, suitable electroactive polymers for electroactive polymer actuators include at least one of NuSil CF19-2186 (commercially available from NuSil Technology of Carpinteria, California), silicone elastomers, acrylic elastomers (e.g., VHB 4910 acrylic elastomer commercially available from 3M Corporation of St. Paul, Minnesota), polyurethanes, thermoplastic elastomers, copolymers containing polyvinylidene fluoride ("PVDF"), pressure-sensitive adhesives, fluoroelastomers, polymers containing silicone and acrylic moieties, or other suitable electroactive polymers.

In one embodiment, the one or more electroactive metal actuators include one or more actuator elements formed at least in part from a shape memory material. For example, the shape memory material may include a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy, such as Nitinol or another suitable nickel-titanium alloy composition. In response to the power supply 118 passing an electric current through the shape memory material to heat the shape memory material in response to instructions from the control circuit 114, the electroactive metal actuator may increase or decrease in length, diameter, or other dimension depending on the temperature to which the shape memory material is heated, thereby causing the flexible compression garment 102 to selectively compress or relieve compression of the at least one body part 104.

Examples of such nickel-titanium shape memory alloys are currently commercially available from Dynalloy, Inc. and sold under the trade name Flexinol. Flexinol has a transformation temperature of approximately 194° F., an activation start temperature of approximately 190° F., and an activation end temperature of approximately 208° F. When these nickel-titanium alloys are heated from the activation start temperature to the activation end temperature, they can gradually and controllably shrink in length or other dimensions by approximately 2% to approximately 5%.

In one embodiment, the one or more motors include one or more micro-electromechanical actuators. For example, the one or more micro-electromechanical motors may include one or more micro-piezoelectric actuators, one or more micro-electrostatic actuators, or one or more micro-electromagnetic actuators. Examples of suitable micro-electromechanical motors that can be used to practice one or more embodiments disclosed herein are disclosed in Acoust. Sci. & Tech. 31, 2 (2010), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As another example, a suitable micro-piezoelectric actuator is New Scale's SQUIGGLE™ motor.

2A and 2B are isometric cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a flexible compression garment 102 of the garment system shown in FIG. 1 worn on at least one body part 104 of a subject 106, according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 2A and 2B , at least one body part 104 is an arm of the subject, comprising an upper arm 104a, a forearm 104b, and an elbow joint 104c connecting the upper arm 104a and the forearm 104b. The flexible compression garment 102 defines an exterior 120, and the one or more actuators 110 are configured as a single coiled actuator extending around a portion of the exterior 120 of the flexible compression garment 102. For example, the single coiled actuator can extend circumferentially along the exterior 120 of the flexible compression garment 102 in a substantially helical path and be positioned and configured to increase or decrease the interior space 122 ( FIG. 2B ) defined by an interior surface 124 ( FIG. 2B ) of the flexible compression garment 102 in response to its actuation. However, in other embodiments, one or more actuators 110 (eg, a single coiled actuator) may be embedded internally within the flexible compression garment 102 .

2B , in the illustrated embodiment, the activity sensors 108 may be positioned on or at least partially embedded within the inner surface 124 of the flexible compression garment 102. For example, when at least some of the activity sensors 108 are configured as acoustic sensors for sensing acoustic emissions from the elbow joint 104 c, such activity sensors 108 may be positioned on or within the inner surface 124 of the flexible compression garment 102 such that they are located at or near the elbow joint 104 c (or other joints, such as those that may be affected by arthritis), and are labeled “activity sensors 108” in FIGS. 2A and 2B by way of example only.

As previously mentioned, the clothing system disclosed herein can also be used for a plurality of different body parts except arm.For example, at least one body part 104 can include a part for a thigh, a part for a calf, a part for a hand, a part for a foot or a part for a neck. Fig. 2 C is an isometric cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the flexible compression garment 102 worn on the leg 126 of experimenter 106. The flexible compression garment 102 can be configured to extend around thigh 126a, calf 126b and the knee 126c connecting thigh 126a and calf 126b together. As another example, Fig. 2 D is an isometric cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the flexible compression garment 102 configured to be worn on the forearm 200, hand 202 and wrist 204 of experimenter 106. Of course, in other embodiments, the flexible compression garment 102 can be configured to other body parts for experimenter 106, such as upper arm and shoulder or neck. In other embodiments, flexible compression garment 102 may be configured for other body parts that do not include joints, such as a portion of a limb of subject 106 including, but not limited to, all or part of a thigh, calf, forearm, or upper arm.

3A and 3B are isometric and cross-sectional views of the flexible compression garment 102 shown in FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible compression garment 102 includes an undergarment body 302, an outergarment body 304, and a substantially tubular actuator 306 disposed concentrically between the undergarment body 302 and the outergarment body 304. For example, the substantially tubular actuator 306 is shown embedded within the flexible compression garment 102 and held between the undergarment body 302 and the outergarment body 304. By way of example only, the substantially tubular actuator 306 can be made of an electroactive polymer or a shape memory alloy tube that responds to an appropriate actuation stimulus from the power supply 116 of the control system 112, such that the volume of the interior space 310 defined by the undergarment body 302 can increase or decrease in response to actuating the substantially tubular actuator 306.

In the illustrated embodiment, one or more activity sensors 108 are disposed on an interior surface 308 of the underwear body 302 that defines the interior space 310. However, in other embodiments, one or more activity sensors 108 may be at least partially embedded within the underwear body 302.

During use in some operational situations, in response to one or more activity sensors 108 sensing at least one characteristic of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104 related to muscle activity or joint activity, control circuitry 114 of control system 112 directs substantially tubular actuator 306 to selectively compress at least one body part 104 to provide more support or improve muscle or joint function. During use in other operational situations, in response to one or more activity sensors 108 sensing at least one characteristic of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104 related to muscle activity or joint activity, such as during a portion of an athletic activity in which at least one muscle or at least one joint of the subject is correspondingly minimally exerted or strained, control circuitry 114 of control system 112 directs substantially tubular actuator 306 to selectively relieve compression of at least one body part 104. During use in other operational situations, in response to one or more activity sensors 108 sensing at least one characteristic related to muscle activity or joint activity of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part 104, the control circuitry 114 of the control system 112 directs the substantially tubular actuator 306 to selectively compress or relieve compression of the at least one body part 104, e.g., to facilitate a specific movement of the at least one muscle or at least one joint. For example, the specific movement may be a motor movement performed by at least one specific limb, such as an arm swinging a racket or a stick.

Figures 3C and 3D are cross-sectional views of the flexible compression garment 102 shown in Figure 3A before activation of actuator 306, or at a low actuation level, and after activation of actuator 306, or at a relatively higher actuation level than in Figure 3C. As shown in Figure 3C, prior to activation of actuator 306, or at a low actuation level, the interior space 310 of the flexible compression garment 102 exhibits a relatively larger diameter D1 or other lateral dimension. As shown in Figure 3D, after activation of actuator 306, or at a relatively higher actuation level than in Figure 3C, actuator 306 selectively compresses the flexible compression garment 102 against at least one body part of the subject, causing the interior space 310 of the flexible compression garment 102 to exhibit a relatively smaller diameter D2 or other lateral dimension. This contraction of the flexible compression garment 102 can be used to apply a selected amount of compressive force to at least one body part of the subject. For example, actuator 306 can narrow substantially the entire flexible compression garment 102 to a smaller diameter D2.

4 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a garment system 400 that includes a plurality of ring-shaped actuators 402. Garment system 400 includes a flexible compression garment 404, which may be made of the same material as flexible compression garment 102. Flexible compression garment 404 defines an interior space 403 for accommodating at least one body part of a subject, such as an arm, leg, or other body part.

The plurality of annular actuators 402 are longitudinally spaced apart from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of annular actuators 402 are circumferentially disposed around the exterior of the flexible compression garment 404. However, in other embodiments, the plurality of annular actuators 402 can be at least partially embedded within the flexible compression garment 404. As just one example, each of the plurality of annular actuators 402 can be made from an annular electroactive polymer or shape memory alloy ring that responds to an appropriate actuation stimulus 412 from a power source 416 of a control system 412.

Garment system 400 also includes one or more activity sensors 406, which can be configured as any of the activity sensors disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more activity sensors 406 are disposed within interior space 403 of flexible compression garment 402. However, in other embodiments, one or more activity sensors 408 can be embedded within flexible compression garment 402.

Control system 412 functions the same as or similar to control system 112 in FIG. 1 . For example, control system 412 is operably coupled to one or more activity sensors 408 and multiple annular actuators 402. Thus, during use in some operational scenarios, in response to one or more activity sensors 408 sensing at least one characteristic related to muscle activity or joint activity of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part, control circuitry 414 of control system 412 directs multiple annular actuators 402 to selectively compress the at least one body part to provide increased support or improve muscle or joint function. Consequently, actuation of each of multiple annular actuators 402 reduces its diameter. During use in other operational scenarios, in response to one or more activity sensors 408 sensing at least one characteristic related to muscle activity or joint activity of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part, such as during a portion of an athletic activity in which the subject's at least one muscle or at least one joint, respectively, is minimally exerted or strained, control circuitry 414 of control system 412 directs multiple annular actuators 402 to selectively relieve compression of the at least one body part. Consequently, actuation of each of multiple annular actuators 402 increases its diameter.

In some embodiments, the garment systems disclosed herein can include memory and a user interface that enables a subject or other person to program the manner in which the garment system operates. For example, FIG5 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a garment system 500. Garment system 500 includes a compression garment 502 that includes one or more activity sensors 504 and one or more actuators 506, as described in any of the disclosed embodiments. Garment system 500 also includes a control system 508 operably coupled to the one or more activity sensors 504 and the one or more actuators 506. Control system 508 includes: control circuitry 510 that controls the operation of the one or more activity sensors 504 or the one or more actuators 506, memory 512 operably coupled to control circuitry 510 that can be programmed with instructions via a user interface 514, and a power supply 516 that powers some or all of the components of garment system 500.

Memory 512 can be programmed via user interface 514 so that instructions for operating garment system 500 are stored thereon. For example, user interface 514 can include a keyboard, monitor, touch screen, voice command recognition, desktop computer, laptop computer, mobile phone, or a combination thereof, operatively coupled to control circuitry 510 of control system 508. User interface 504 can be operatively coupled to control circuitry 510 via a wireless or wired communication connection. A subject wearing garment system 500 or another party (e.g., a medical professional) can program instructions into memory 512 for operating one or more activity sensors 504 and one or more actuators 506 via user interface 514. As needed or desired, any method of operating any garment system disclosed herein can be programmed into memory 512 using appropriate instructions. In one embodiment, memory 512 is configured to store sensory data corresponding to one or more sensory signals from one or more activity sensors 504 and actuation data corresponding to selective compression or selective decompression of flexible compression garment 502. Such sensory data and actuation data can be downloaded by the subject or another party (e.g., a medical professional) for analysis.

During operation, the control circuit 510 accesses and receives instructions from the memory 512 and directs sensing operations of the one or more activity sensors 504 and actuation of the one or more actuators 506 based at least in part on the instructions stored in the memory 512. For example, in response to the instructions stored in the memory 512, the control system 508 may direct the one or more actuators 504 to cause the compression garment 502 to selectively compress at least one portion of the subject wearing the compression garment 502 in response to the one or more activity sensors 504 sensing increased or sufficient muscle activity or joint activity of the subject. As another example, in response to the instructions stored in the memory 512, the control system 508 may direct the one or more actuators 504 to cause the compression garment 502 to selectively relieve compression on at least one portion of the subject wearing the compression garment 502 in response to the one or more activity sensors 504 sensing decreased or relatively low muscle activity or joint activity of the subject.

In one embodiment, the memory 512 stores sensory data corresponding to one or more sensory signals from the one or more activity sensors 504 and stores actuation data corresponding to the selective compression or selective decompression of the flexible compression garment 502, which can be downloaded by any user interface 514 disclosed herein (e.g., a mobile phone, desktop computer, or laptop computer) or other computing device. For example, the user interface 514 can download sensory data and actuation data, such as the frequency and duration of compression and decompression of at least one body part, via the flexible compression garment 502.

The clothing system disclosed herein can also be used with a motion sensing system for teaching or correcting the motion of a subject during different activities (e.g., walking, running, jumping, or specific athletic activities). FIG6 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a clothing system 600, which includes a motion sensing system 602 and a compression garment 604 configured to be worn by a subject 606. For example, the motion sensing system 602 can be a Microsoft Kinect™ system or a machine vision sensing system configured to track the body motion of the subject 606 (e.g., the motion of one or more limbs of the subject). For example, such body motion can be a sports activity such as a baseball bat swing, a golf swing, a tennis racket swing, or other types of activities, or general motion for physical therapy (e.g., walking or arm movements). The compression garment 604 includes one or more activity sensors 608 and one or more actuators 610, which are schematically shown and can be configured as any activity sensor and actuator disclosed herein.

Garment system 600 also includes a control system 612 having control circuitry 614 configured to direct one or more actuators 610 via one or more actuation signals 616 to cause flexible compression garment 604 to selectively compress or selectively relieve compression of at least one body part of subject 606 in response to receiving one or more sensing signals from one or more activity sensors 608 and one or more motion signals 606 from motion sensing system 602. Control system 612 also includes a memory 620 operably coupled to control circuitry 614 that can be programmed with instructions via a user interface 622, and a power source 618 (e.g., a battery or other suitable power source) capable of powering at least some components of garment system 600 (e.g., control circuitry 614, one or more activity sensors 608, or one or more actuators 610).

Memory 620 may be programmed via user interface 622, thereby storing instructions for the operation of garment system 600 on memory 620. For example, user interface 622 may include a keyboard, a monitor, a touch screen, voice command recognition, or a combination thereof operably coupled to control circuitry 614 of control system 612. A subject wearing garment system 600 or another party (e.g., a medical or athletic professional) may program instructions for the operation of one or more activity sensors 608 or one or more actuators 610 via user interface 622.

In operation, in response to receiving one or more sensing signals from one or more activity sensors 608 and one or more motion signals 609 from motion sensing system 602, control circuitry 614 of control system 612 directs one or more actuators 610 to cause flexible compression garment 604 to selectively compress or selectively relieve compression of at least one body part of subject 606. Selective compression or release of compression is provided to guide the movement of subject 606 to correspond to a motion or motion pattern stored in control circuitry 614 of control system 612. For example, the stored motion or motion pattern may be a model golf swing or other competitive motion input by a golf professional or other sports professional via user interface 622. Selective compression or release of compression of at least one body part (e.g., subject 606's arm) is provided to guide the movement of subject 606 to correspond to and substantially follow the motion or motion pattern stored in memory 620. Thus, garment system 600 can be used to assist in training subject 606 in specific movements of athletic activity or in general movements (e.g., walking for physical therapy). In another embodiment, in response to receiving input from the motion sensing system 602 via one or more motion sensing signals 609 , the memory 620 may be programmed with at least one operating program according to which actuation of the one or more actuators 610 occurs.

7 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 700 for selectively compressing or relieving compression of at least one body part of a subject in response to sensory feedback from one or more activity sensors. Instructions for any of the methods disclosed herein may be stored in a memory of a garment system, such as memory 512 of garment system 500.

Method 700 includes an act 702 of attaching at least one flexible compression garment of a clothing system to at least one body part of a subject. For example, the at least one body part where the at least one flexible compression garment is attached includes at least a portion of an arm, at least a portion of a forearm, at least a portion of a wrist, at least a portion of a thigh, at least a portion of a calf, at least a portion of a neck, or at least a portion of a chest. The clothing system includes one or more activity sensors configured to sense at least one characteristic related to muscle activity or joint activity of at least one muscle or at least one joint of the at least one body part, and one or more actuators configured to cause the at least one flexible compression garment to selectively compress the at least one body part or selectively relieve compression of the at least one body part, as disclosed in any clothing system disclosed herein, such as clothing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 .

Method 700 also includes an action 704 of sensing at least one characteristic of at least one muscle or at least one joint of at least one body part using one or more activity sensors. As previously described, the at least one characteristic can include: neural activity of at least one muscle of at least one body part, temperature of at least one muscle of at least one body part or at least one joint, oxygenation of at least one muscle of at least one body part, acoustic emissions from at least one joint of at least one body part, or other suitable characteristic that can be correlated with muscle activity or joint activity. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the one or more activity sensors can sense only muscle activity (e.g., one or more muscle activity sensors) or only joint activity (e.g., one or more joint activity sensors).

Method 700 also includes an action 706 of actuating one or more actuators to cause at least one flexible compression garment to selectively compress at least one body part or selectively relieve compression of at least one body part in response to sensing at least one characteristic via one or more activity sensors. For example, in one embodiment, actuating the one or more actuators to cause the at least one flexible compression garment to selectively compress at least one body part is in response to at least one characteristic sensed by the one or more activity sensors exceeding or falling below a threshold level, such as indicating at least one muscle injury, exertion, or strain exceeding a strain limit. For example, such threshold levels can be stored in a memory of the garment system, such as memory 512 of garment system 500.

8 , an embodiment of method 800 includes an act 802 of receiving input from a motion sensing system as the subject moves. Method 800 also includes an act 804 of programming at least one operating program into a control system of at least one garment in response to receiving the input, according to which actuation of one or more actuators occurs.

Thus, in one embodiment, one or more actuators are actuated according to at least one preprogrammed operating program to cause at least one flexible compression garment to selectively compress at least one body part or selectively relieve compression of at least one body part. For example, the at least one operating program can be programmed into a memory of a control system that controls the one or more actuators, such as garment system 500 shown in FIG5 . In one embodiment, the at least one operating program is associated with skill training for at least one selected activity (e.g., strength training, golf, baseball, basketball, handball, tennis, soccer, billiards, darts or Frisbee, or physical therapy).

The reader will recognize that the state of the art advances in systems with respect to hardware and software implementations make little difference; the use of hardware or software is often (but not always, as the choice between hardware and software can be significant in certain circumstances) a design choice that represents a trade-off between cost and efficiency. The reader should understand that there are a variety of tools (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware) that can implement the processes and/or systems and/or other techniques described herein, and that the preferred tool will vary depending on the environment in which the processes and/or systems and/or other techniques are deployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may select primarily hardware and/or firmware tools; or, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may select primarily software implementations; or, again alternatively, the implementer may select some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Thus, there are several possible tools by which the processes and/or devices and/or other techniques described herein can be implemented, with no one tool being inherently superior to another, as any tool to be used is a choice dependent on the environment in which the tool will be deployed and the implementer's specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability), any of which may vary. The reader will recognize that the optical aspects of an implementation will typically employ optically oriented hardware, software, and/or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has described various embodiments of devices and/or processes using block diagrams, flow charts, and/or examples. As long as these block diagrams, flow charts, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, those skilled in the art will understand that each function and/or operation in these block diagrams, flow charts, or examples can be implemented individually and/or collectively by various hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, several portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), or other integrated format. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein may be equivalently implemented in whole or in part in an integrated circuit as: one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., one or more computer programs running on one or more computer systems), one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), firmware, or any combination thereof. Based on the present disclosure, designing circuits and/or writing software and/or firmware code will be within the skill of those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the reader should understand that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a variety of forms of program products, and that the illustrative embodiments of the subject matter described herein apply regardless of the particular type of signal-bearing medium used to actually perform the distribution. Examples of signal-bearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable media, such as floppy disks, hard drives, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), digital tape, computer memory, and the like; and transmission-type media, such as digital and/or analog communication media (e.g., fiber optic cables, waveguides, wired communication links, wireless communication links, and the like).

In a general sense, the various embodiments described herein may be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by various types of electromechanical systems having a wide range of electrical components (e.g., hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof) and a wide range of components that can impart mechanical force or motion (e.g., rigid bodies, springs or torsions, hydraulic devices, and electromagnetic actuation devices, or virtually any combination thereof). Thus, as used herein, "electromechanical system" includes, but is not limited to, circuits operatively coupled to transducers (e.g., actuators, motors, piezoelectric crystals, etc.), circuits having at least one discrete circuit, circuits having at least one integrated circuit, circuits having at least one application-specific integrated circuit, circuits forming a general-purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general-purpose computer configured by a computer program that at least partially performs the processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that at least partially performs the processes and/or devices described herein), circuits forming a storage device (e.g., in the form of random access memory), circuits forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, or an optoelectronic device), and any non-electrical analogs thereof (e.g., optical analogs or other analogs). Those skilled in the art will also understand that examples of electromechanical systems include, but are not limited to, various consumer electronics systems, as well as other systems (e.g., electric transportation systems, factory automation systems, security systems, and communication/computing systems). Those skilled in the art will recognize that electromechanical systems, as used herein, are not necessarily limited to systems having both electrical and mechanical actuation, unless the context dictates otherwise.

In a general sense, the various aspects described herein, which may be implemented individually and/or collectively by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, and/or any combination thereof, may be considered to be comprised of various types of "circuits." Thus, as used herein, "circuitry" includes, but is not limited to, circuitry having at least one discrete circuit, circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, circuitry having at least one application-specific integrated circuit, circuitry forming a general-purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general-purpose computer configured by a computer program that at least partially performs the processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that at least partially performs the processes and/or devices described herein), circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., in the form of random access memory), circuitry forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, or an optoelectronic device). The subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital manner, or some combination thereof.

For the sake of conceptual clarity, the components (e.g., steps), devices, and objects described herein and the discussion related thereto are used. Therefore, as used herein, the specific examples set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more general categories. Generally, the use of any specific example herein is also intended to be representative of its category, and the inclusion of these specific components (e.g., steps), devices, and objects herein should not be considered to indicate a need for limitation.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, the reader can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as applicable to the context and/or application. For the sake of clarity, the various singular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein.

The subject matter described herein sometimes illustrates the different parts that are contained in different other parts or are connected with different other parts.Should be understood that the architecture described in this way is merely exemplary, and in fact many other architectures that realize the same function can be implemented.In the sense of conception, any arrangement of the parts that realize the same function is effectively "associated" so that the desired function is realized.Therefore, any two components that are combined to realize a specific function herein can be considered to be "associated" with each other so that the desired function is realized, and have nothing to do with architecture or intermediate components.Similarly, any two parts that are associated in this way can also be considered to be "operably connected" or "operably coupled" to realize the desired function, and any two parts that can be associated in this way can also be considered to be "operably coupled" to realize the desired function.The specific example of operable coupling includes but is not limited to: physically pairable and/or physically interactive components, and/or wirelessly interactive and/or wirelessly interactive components, and/or logically interactive and/or logically interactive components.

In some cases, one or more components may be referred to herein as being “configured to.” The reader will recognize that “configured to” may generally include active state components and/or inactive state components and/or standby state components, unless the context requires otherwise.

While particular aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based on the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects, and, therefore, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope all such changes and modifications that come within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that the invention is defined by the appended claims. In general, the terms used herein, and particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the bodies of the appended claims), are generally intended to be “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” etc.). It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that if a specific number of claim recitations is intended, such intent will be explicitly stated in the claim, and in the absence of such statement, no such intent is present. For example, to aid understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, usage of such phrases should not be construed to imply that introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite article “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and an indefinite article such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” or “an” should typically be construed to mean “at least one” or “an”). The same applies to the use of definite articles to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of claim recitations is explicitly stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitations should generally be interpreted to mean at least the stated number (e.g., the unmodified expression "two recitations" without other modifiers generally means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). In addition, in those cases where idioms similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." are used, generally speaking, such constructions are intended to mean the idiomatic meaning that those skilled in the art would understand (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but are not limited to: a system having only A, a system having only B, a system having only C, a system having both A and B, a system having both A and C, a system having both B and C, and/or a system having both A, B, and C, etc.). In those cases where idioms similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." are used, generally speaking, such constructions are intended to mean the idiomatic meaning that those skilled in the art would understand (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include, but are not limited to: a system having only A, a system having only B, a system having only C, a system having both A and B, a system having both A and C, and/or a system having both A, B, and C, etc.). In practice, any disjunctive word or phrase connecting two or more alternatives, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to include the possibility of one, either, or both of the alternatives. For example, the phrase "A or B" should generally be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

With respect to the appended claims, the recited operations may generally be performed in any order. Examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless the context dictates otherwise. With respect to the context, even terms such as "responsive to," "related to," or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless the context dictates otherwise.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, they have been presented for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (40)

1. A clothing system comprising: At least one flexible compression garment is configured to be worn on at least one body part of a subject, the at least one flexible compression garment defining an internal space configured to accommodate the at least one body part; One or more motion sensors, supported by the at least one flexible compression garment, are positioned and configured to sense at least one feature of at least one muscle of the at least one body part in relation to its muscle activity, and the one or more motion sensors are further configured to output one or more sensing signals indicating the at least one feature, wherein the one or more motion sensors are configured to sense the initiation of muscle activity of the at least one muscle. One or more actuators, positioned relative to the at least one flexible compression garment and configured to cause the at least one flexible compression garment to selectively compress the at least one body part or selectively relieve the compression on the at least one body part; and A control system operatively coupled to the one or more actuators and also operatively coupled to the one or more motion sensors to receive the one or more sensing signals therefrom, the control system including control circuitry configured to direct the one or more actuators in response to the one or more sensing signals from the one or more motion sensors to cause the at least one flexible compression garment to selectively compress or selectively relieve pressure on the at least one body part, wherein the control circuitry is configured to direct the one or more actuators to selectively compress the at least one body part in response to sensing the initiation of muscle activity but prior to the occurrence of the muscle activity. 2. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible compression garment is formed at least in part from at least one of nylon, synthetic rubber or fabric. 3. The clothing system according to claim 2, wherein the synthetic rubber is neoprene rubber. 4. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible compression garment is substantially tubular, the tubular shape being configured to substantially conform to the at least one body part, wherein the at least one body part includes: at least a portion of an arm, at least a portion of a wrist, at least a portion of a hand, at least a portion of a thigh, at least a portion of a calf, at least a portion of a foot, at least a portion of a neck, or at least a portion of a chest. 5. The clothing system of claim 4, wherein the arm is the forearm. 6. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein the one or more activity sensors are configured to sense only the at least one feature of the at least one muscle. 7. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one feature of the at least one muscle of the at least one body part includes at least one of the neural activity of the at least one muscle, the temperature of the at least one muscle, acoustic emission from the at least one muscle, or the biochemical activity of the at least one muscle. 8. The clothing system of claim 7, wherein the at least one feature of the at least one muscle of the at least one body part includes oxygenation of the at least one muscle. 9. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein the one or more activity sensors include at least one of an electromyography sensor, a thermal sensor, a muscle oxygenation sensor, a chemical sensor, or an acoustic sensor. 10. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein the one or more activity sensors are configured to sense nerve impulses of the at least one muscle that indicate the initiation of the muscle activity. 11. The clothing system of claim 10, wherein the one or more activity sensors include electromyography (EMG) sensors. 12. The clothing system of claim 9, wherein the thermal sensor comprises a passive infrared sensor positioned and configured to sense infrared radiation from the at least one muscle of the at least one body part. 13. The clothing system of claim 9, wherein the muscle oxygenation sensor comprises a passive infrared sensor positioned and configured to sense infrared radiation from the at least one muscle of the at least one body part. 14. The clothing system of claim 9, wherein the acoustic sensor includes an acoustic transducer configured to irradiate the at least one muscle of the at least one body part with acoustic radiation and to receive reflected acoustic radiation in response thereto. 15. The clothing system of claim 14, wherein each of the acoustic radiation and the reflected acoustic radiation comprises ultrasonic radiation. 16. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein the flexible compression garment includes an inner surface defining the internal space, and wherein the one or more motion sensors are at least partially disposed on the inner surface. 17. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein the one or more actuators comprise at least one of one or more electroactive polymer actuators, one or more electroactive metal actuators, one or more motors, or one or more hydraulic actuators. 18. The clothing system of claim 17, wherein the one or more electroactive polymer actuators comprise one or more actuator elements formed at least partially of a ferroelectric polymer, a dielectric elastomer, or an electrostrictive grafted elastomer. 19. The clothing system of claim 17, wherein the one or more electroactive metal actuators comprise one or more actuator elements formed at least partially of a shape memory material. 20. The clothing system of claim 19, wherein the shape memory material comprises a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy. 21. The garment system of claim 17, wherein the one or more motors comprise one or more microelectromechanical motors. 22. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the one or more actuators extend circumferentially along the at least one flexible compression garment and are positioned and configured to increase or decrease the internal space of the at least one flexible compression garment in response to their actuation. 23. The garment system of claim 22, wherein the one or more actuators comprise a plurality of actuators, each actuator extending circumferentially around the at least one flexible compression garment. 24. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein the one or more actuators comprise substantially tubular actuators. 25. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein the one or more actuators are at least partially embedded within the flexible compression garment. 26. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein the flexible compression garment defines an exterior, and wherein the one or more actuators extend around at least a portion of the exterior of the flexible compression garment. 27. The garment system according to claim 1, wherein the control system comprises: A power supply operablely coupled to the one or more actuators and the control circuitry; and The control circuitry of the control system is configured to direct the power supply to change the actuation excitation of the one or more actuators in response to the one or more sensing signals from the one or more active sensors, thereby causing them to actuate. 28. The clothing system of claim 27, wherein the one or more actuators comprise one or more electroactive polymer actuators, and wherein the power source comprises a voltage source configured to apply a voltage to the one or more electroactive polymer actuators to cause them to actuate. 29. The clothing system of claim 27, wherein the one or more actuators comprise one or more electroactive metal actuators, and wherein the power source is configured to apply current to the one or more electroactive metal actuators to actuate them. 30. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit of the control system is configured to direct the one or more actuators to apply a pressure gradient along the at least one body part in response to the one or more sensing signals from the one or more activity sensors. 31. The clothing system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit of the control system is configured to direct the one or more actuators to apply a pressure pulse to the at least one body part in response to the one or more sensing signals from the one or more activity sensors. 32. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the control system includes a memory configured to store data corresponding to the one or more sensing signals and data corresponding to the selective compression of the at least one flexible compression garment or the selective relief of the compression on the at least one flexible compression garment. 33. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit of the control system is configured to direct the one or more actuators in response to the one or more sensing signals from the one or more activity sensors indicating that the at least one feature is below or above a threshold level, so that the at least one flexible compression garment selectively compresses the at least one body part. 34. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit of the control system is configured to direct the one or more actuators in response to the one or more sensing signals from the one or more activity sensors indicating that the at least one muscle strain exceeds the strain limit or is injured, so that the at least one flexible compression garment selectively compresses the at least one body part. 35. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry of the control system is configured to direct the one or more actuators in response to one or more sensing signals from the one or more activity sensors indicating force exerted by the at least one muscle, so that the at least one flexible compression garment selectively compresses the at least one body part. 36. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the control system includes a user interface through which the control system can be programmed using at least one operating procedure, the at least one operating procedure controlling the amount of selective pressure applied by the one or more actuators. 37. The clothing system of claim 36, wherein the at least one operating procedure relates to skills training for at least one selected activity. 38. The clothing system of claim 37, wherein the at least one selected activity includes at least one of strength training, golf, baseball, basketball, handball, tennis, football, billiards, darts, or frisbee. 39. The clothing system according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more additional sensors are configured to sense the subject's heart rate; and The control circuitry of the control system is configured to direct the one or more actuators in response to the one or more additional sensors sensing the heart rate, so that the at least one flexible compression garment selectively compresses or selectively relieves the compression on the at least one body part. 40. A clothing system comprising: At least one flexible compression garment is configured to be worn on at least one body part of a subject, the at least one flexible compression garment defining an internal space configured to accommodate the at least one body part; One or more muscle activity sensors, supported by the at least one flexible compression garment, are positioned and configured to sense at least one feature of at least one muscle of the at least one body part in relation to its muscle activity, and are further configured to output one or more sensing signals indicating the at least one feature. One or more actuators, positioned relative to the at least one flexible compression garment and configured to cause the at least one flexible compression garment to selectively compress the at least one body part or selectively relieve the compression on the at least one body part; and A control system operatively coupled to the one or more actuators and also operatively coupled to the one or more muscle activity sensors to receive the one or more sensing signals therefrom, the control system including control circuitry configured to direct the one or more actuators in response to the one or more sensing signals from the one or more muscle activity sensors indicating that the muscle activity exceeds or falls below a threshold level, so that the at least one flexible compression garment selectively compresses the at least one body part.