HK1211808B - Method for limiting elasticity of selected regions in knitted fabrics - Google Patents

Description

Method for limiting the elasticity of selected areas in a knitted fabric

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims rights from U.S. provisional application 61/763,963 filed on day 13, 2013 and U.S. provisional application 61/771,874 filed on day 3, 2013, both in accordance with 35 USC 119(e), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to knitted fabrics, and more particularly, to wearable health monitoring systems having knitted electrodes, wherein the knitted electrodes and the knitted fabrics in the vicinity of the knitted electrodes are designed to maintain a substantially stable size and a substantially stable distance from each other, particularly between laterally adjacent electrodes.

Background

Knitted electrodes in garments are made of conductive yarn that is woven with other base yarns such as nylon, bare spandex, covered spandex and/or other types of yarn (knit).

The positioning of the electrodes on the monitored living being is extremely important for obtaining a proper ECG signal, especially when the monitored living being is in motion. In addition, the repeatability of the electrode positions on the body is extremely important for comparing the ECG signals during individual measurements.

When designing knitted ECG garments, it is desirable to ensure that the electrodes are repeatably positioned in the same respective preconfigured positions relative to the monitored living being for a given garment size designed to be worn by a variety of people. Typically, although the garments are the same size, people of the same size have different body structures, weights and heights, which can affect the respective positions of the electrodes on their bodies.

Electrode weaving (knit) in fabric, natural stretching is achieved, which can affect the quality and destroy the reproducibility of the recorded ECG signal due to the introduction of artifacts (artifacts). These destructive artifacts can arise due to changes in the electrical characteristics of the electrodes whose spatial position relative to the monitored organ can change, and can cause unwanted noise within the system during respiration and body motion.

Therefore, it is desirable and would be beneficial to have a method for knitting (knotting) garments such that the elasticity of one or more selected regions is prevented or at least limited thereby maintaining the original dimensions of these regions. In addition, when the monitored person is at rest or moving, jumping or walking, a stable and repeatable positioning of the electrodes at the respective pre-configured body positions is required, which is extremely important for obtaining a good ECG signal, in favor of a clinical level ECG.

It should be noted that the term "ECG signal" as used herein refers to any physiological signal of the monitored living being that can be sensed directly or indirectly by the electrodes, including signals used for ECG analysis.

As used herein in connection with wearable articles of apparel, the term "undergarment" or "garment" refers to seamless wearable articles of apparel that preferably can be worn against the body of the monitored organism, typically the skin, including vests, sweaters, bras, underpants, hospital-specific shirts, socks, and the like. Generally, the term "undergarment" or "garment" refers to a ready-to-wear article: which is worn adjacent to the outer surface of the user's body, under a garment or as the sole garment, in such a way that the sensors are embedded therein, and are not visible to anyone else in everyday activities. Underwear items may also include ready-made articles of clothing that are not themselves underwear but that are still in direct and preferably close contact with the skin, such as T-shirts, sleeveless or sleeved shirts, athletic bras, tights, dance wear, and pants. In this case, the sensor can be embedded in a manner that is still not visible to outsiders, to meet the "seamless" requirement.

As used herein in connection with ECG measurements, the phrase "clinical level ECG" refers to the number of professionally acceptable leads, sensitivity and specificity required by most cardiologists to obtain a definitive conclusion when there is suspected a dangerous cardiac problem (e.g., arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, heart failure) that requires immediate further investigation or intervention. Currently, there are at least 12 lead ECGs and preferably 15 lead ECGs, combined with motion/posture compensation elements and a real-time processor with appropriate algorithms.

The term "base yarn" as used herein refers to the yarn from which the fabric of the garment is woven (knit). Fabrics are typically woven from nylon, bare spandex and covered spandex (knit). In another exemplary embodiment, the fabric is typically woven from base yarns such as nylon and covered spandex (knit). It should be noted that such garments may be woven using any type of base yarn (knit), including textured or plain weave nylon yarns, selected types of nylon, polyester, polypropylene, acetate, rayon, natural yarns such as cotton, bamboo, wool, and blends thereof. The yarns are also selected based on fabric weight, male and female body sizes, desired fabric weight and design.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for knitting (knotting) a garment such that the elasticity of one or more selected zones is prevented or at least limited and thereby the original dimensions of these zones are substantially maintained.

It should be noted that the invention will be described in terms of regions that are knitted electrodes in which region elasticity is substantially prevented or at least limited, but these regions are not limited to knitted (knit) electrodes and may be any knitted (knit) region in a knitted fabric.

Knitted electrodes in garments are made of conductive yarn that is knitted with other base yarns such as nylon, bare spandex, covered spandex and/or other types of synthetic, synthetic or natural yarns (knit).

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for obtaining a stable and repeatable positioning of electrodes at various preconfigured body positions when the monitored person is at rest or in motion (including running, jumping or walking), the positioning of the electrodes being extremely important for obtaining a good ECG signal, in favor of a clinical level ECG. It is an object of the present invention to ensure that ECG signals are acquired from substantially the same location on the monitored body.

When selecting electrodes for each garment size: in the exact position of RA, LA, V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, RL and LL and optionally V7, V8 and V9, the electrodes are knitted (knotted) in their specially knitted (knotting) structure using conductive yarns with a pre-configured distance between each other.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for maintaining this substantially fixed distance between each electrode even when the garment is stretched during wear or while the wearer is moving.

According to the teachings of the present invention, there is provided a method for substantially reducing the elasticity of at least one selected textile area of a garment, the method comprising the steps of: producing a garment comprising at least one conductive textile electrode; and hardening the at least one selected textile area. The stiffening process includes applying a stiffening substance to or within the at least one selected textile region.

The at least one selected textile area is selected from the group consisting of a conductive textile electrode and an area of the garment located between two adjacent textile electrodes.

Typically, but not exclusively, the garment and the at least one conductive textile electrode are produced by a knitting machine.

Optionally, the rigidizer is a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), wherein the TPU is laminated to the outer surface of the at least one selected textile region.

Optionally, the rigidizer is a fusible knit (knitting) yarn having a low melting point, wherein the fusible yarn is knit (knitted) on an outer surface of the at least one selected textile region. When the fabric of the garment is dyed, the fusible yarn melts and thereby creates a stable and hardened zone.

Optionally, the rigidizer is a non-elastic braided (knotting) yarn with no or limited elasticity, wherein a frame having a preconfigured width is braided (knotted) around the at least one conductive textile electrode using the non-elastic yarn.

Optionally, the rigidizer is a non-elastic yarn having no or limited elasticity, wherein the non-elastic yarn is sewn to the at least one selected textile region.

Optionally, the rigidizer is a non-elastic knit (knotting) yarn having no or limited elasticity, wherein the non-elastic yarn is knit (knotted) into a region of the garment between two adjacent textile electrodes.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is a cross-linked polymer lubricant, wherein the cross-linked polymer lubricant is sprayed on the at least one selected textile region.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, there is provided a method for knitting (knitting) a garment having a (knitted) tubular form knitted with a base yarn, comprising knitting (knitting) at least one conductive textile electrode using a knitting machine having N participating yarn feeders and M needles. The method comprises the following steps: continuously weaving (knotting) the tubular structure with one or more flexible non-conductive base yarns; and integrally weaving (knotting) the at least one textile electrode within the tubular structure using conductive yarns in addition to non-conductive yarns.

The conductive yarn is knitted (knotted) into a float loop configuration by knitting (knotting) one stitch and skipping over y stitches, as follows:

a) preferably in the knitting (knit) & non-knitting (knitting) scheme, when starting to knit (knitting) the current line segment of the conductive textile electrode, continuing knitting (knitting) with at least one base yarn;

b) using a feeder F_iCombined needle D_jKnitting (knitting) the thread segment L is started_k；

c) Using the next feeder F_i+1Combined needle D_j+sThe knitting of the first float loop is started to knit (knit) the next line segment L_k+1Wherein 0 is<s<y；

d) Repeating steps (i) and (ii) for N feeders and for a preconfigured number of segments, wherein each segment has a preconfigured length;

e) when the knitting (knitting) of the current line segment is completed, the knitting (knitting) with the base yarn is resumed.

The weaving (knit) & non-weaving (knit) scheme is selected from the group of weaving (knitting) schemes comprising:

a) weave (knit) one & not weave (knitting) pattern;

b) weave (knit) two & not weave one weave (knitting) pattern;

c) weave (knit) one & not weave (knitting) pattern.

Optionally, the preconfigured regions of the tubular structure arranged around and adjacent to said at least one textile electrode are knitted (knotted) at a higher knitting (knotting) density than the preconfigured knitting (knotting) density of the tubular structure.

According to a further teaching of the present invention, there is provided a garment having a tubular structure knitted (knotting) with a base yarn by a seamless knitting machine, the garment comprising at least one conductive textile electrode, the at least one conductive textile electrode comprising a plurality of knitted (knotted) segments, each knitted (knotted) segment being knitted with a conductive yarn and a spandex yarn, wherein the spandex yarn is knitted (knotted) continuously.

Preferably in the knitting (knit) & non-knitting (knitting) scheme, at least one base yarn continues to be knitted (knitting) when the current line segment of the conductive textile electrode begins to be knitted (knitting).

Preferably, the conductive yarn has a float loop structure forming a plurality of float loops, wherein each float loop is knitted by skipping y-needles between consecutive stitches (knotted). Needle D for a given line segment_jKnitting begins and the next line section is knitted with needle D_j+sStarting to knit, wherein 0<s<y。

Optionally, at least one selected textile region of the garment is stiffened by applying stiffeners onto or into the at least one selected textile region, wherein the at least one selected textile region is selected from the group consisting of a conductive textile electrode and a region of the garment located between two adjacent textile electrodes.

Optionally, the at least one selected textile area is stiffened using TPU, and wherein the TPU is laminated to an outer surface of the at least one selected textile area.

Optionally, the at least one selected textile area is stiffened using fusible yarns having a low melting point, wherein the fusible yarns are knitted (knitted) on an outer surface of the at least one selected textile area and, when the garment is dyed, the fusible yarns melt and thereby establish a stable and stiffened area.

Optionally, the at least one selected textile area is stiffened using a non-elastic yarn, or a non-elastic yarn with limited elasticity, wherein a frame with a preconfigured width is knitted around the at least one conductive textile electrode using the non-elastic yarn (knotted).

Optionally, the at least one selected textile area is stiffened using a non-elastic yarn, either inelastic or with limited elasticity, wherein the non-elastic yarn is knitted (knotted) in an area between two adjacent textile electrodes of the garment.

Optionally, the rigidifying matter is a cross-linked polymer lubricant, and wherein the cross-linked polymer lubricant is sprayed on the at least one selected textile region.

Drawings

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration and example only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary garment having a tubular structure into which textile electrodes according to embodiments of the present invention are woven and then cured.

Fig. 2 summarizes an exemplary knitting (knotting) scheme for a conductive electrode designed for a santoni-type knitting machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the conductive electrode is stiffened with nylon yarn.

Fig. 3a is a schematic illustration of an exemplary garment having a tubular structure, wherein textile electrodes are woven therein, and wherein regions of the garment immediately adjacent to the textile electrodes are stiffened, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3b is a schematic detailed illustration of the textile structure (160).

Detailed Description

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

The examples are illustrations or embodiments of the invention. The various appearances of "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "some embodiments" are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. While various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, these features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, for clarity, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

Reference in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is not to be construed as limiting, but merely as a descriptive matter.

The methods of the present invention may be practiced by performing or completing selected steps or tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. The term "method" refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. The descriptions, examples, methods and materials set forth in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only.

Unless defined otherwise, the meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are those commonly understood in the art to which this invention belongs. The invention can be practiced in the testing or practice using methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

It should be noted that directions-related descriptions, such as "bottom", "upper", "lateral", "vertical", "lower", "top", and the like, are assumed to be directions in which a person in a standing position wears.

Knitted electrodes in garments are made of conductive yarns, where each conductive yarn is woven with other base yarns such as nylon, bare spandex, covered spandex, and/or other types of yarns (knit). The method described assumes the use of a santoni knitting machine or equivalent.

The electrode position and the pressure level of the electrode on the body, in particular for textile electrodes, are crucial for measuring Electrocardiograms (ECG), electroencephalograms (EEG), Electrooculogram (EOG) and other medical parameters. The position, shape, size of each electrode is critical for good and effective ECG, EEG, EOG signal reading when considering the efficiency of ECG reading signals, wearing comfort, fit size for men and women, knitting (knotting) ability, etc. In addition, the spacing between the electrodes remains stable and critical for measuring ECG, EEG, EOG and other medical parameters.

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary knitted (knitted) smart garment 20 having knitted (knitted) textile electrodes 100 knitted therein, wherein typically the textile electrodes 100 are interconnected to a processor (not shown) by a conductive member (not shown), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The knitted smart garment 20 has a tubular structure in which the textile electrodes 100 are integrally knitted. The knitted electrodes are located in selected areas on the fabric based on the desired ECG signal efficiency.

Fig. 1 shows different types of hardening methods. While textile electrode 100 represents a non-hardened electrode, textile electrodes 110, 120, 130, and 140 represent hardened electrodes.

Textile electrode 110 represents an electrode hardened by a thin film of rigid material, such as Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the electrode 110 is typically laminated with a hardened film on the surface of the electrode 110 distal from the skin of the monitored body (referred to herein as the "outer surface" of the electrode). In some embodiments, the outer surface of the electrode 110 is the side that is not woven (knit). Typically, no heat or pressure need be applied to bond the films.

In some embodiments, special TPU films are used, wherein the film is bonded to the fabric by glue. Optionally, a face of the film has glue applied thereto, and thus can be bonded to the fabric.

When the TPU is bonded to the selected electrode, the TPU substantially prevents or at least limits stretching of the electrode 110 and thus facilitates receiving a stable signal reading.

It should be noted that the TPU film may have a selected color or may be completely colorless.

Textile electrode 120 represents an electrode hardened by fusible yarn having a low melting point. Special fusible yarns (white lines in fig. 1) are woven with the electrode (knit) extending proximally to the outer surface of the electrode 120.

Typically, when the fabric is dyed, the fusible yarns melt thereby creating a stable and hardened zone, which prevents or at least limits the elasticity of the electrode 120.

The number of fusible yarns in the electrode is determined by the number of weft loops in the electrode which are woven (knotted) with fusible yarns.

According to a certain embodiment of the invention, the textile electrodes 130 represent electrodes that are stiffened in such a way that a rigid frame is formed around the select electrodes 100 by building up a rigid zone around the select electrodes 100, thereby preventing or at least limiting the elasticity of the electrodes 130.

The woven (knit) frames are made of inelastic or limited elastic yarns around each electrode except for the edges that connect to conductive traces or handles (conductive tape) or conductive wires.

In one exemplary embodiment, a non-stretchable structure having a preconfigured width is woven (knit) around the electrode to form a stable frame. For example, 12 adjacent pins are used to form the width.

When the garment is in use and stretched, the fabric itself stretches during wear, however, the electrodes remain substantially the same size and position.

Textile electrode 140 represents an electrode hardened by spraying a special cross-linked polymer lubricant on the outer surface of electrode 140, wherein the chemical cross-linked polymer lubricant is absorbed into the yarns of electrode 140 to stabilize the electrode dimensions. Special cross-linked polymer lubricants may also be sprayed on selected areas of the garment between two adjacent textile electrodes 100.

Preferably, the particular lubricant has the ability to withstand at least a pre-configured number of cleanings, a comfortable feel when the garment is in contact with the skin, and wearing comfort.

Referring now to fig. 2, an exemplary knitting (knotting) scheme 200 for a conductive electrode designed for a santoni-type knitting machine is outlined, wherein the conductive electrode is stiffened with nylon yarn, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thereby, the elasticity of the produced electrode is substantially reduced.

It should be noted that in previous electrode weaving (knitting) constructions, the nylon-based yarns involved in the weaving (knitting) procedure were not woven (knitted) in the electrode area, but instead floated off the back of the electrode. This is done to allow the conductive yarn to create a float loop and make substantial contact with the body.

In the present invention, nylon-based yarns are woven (knit) with the conductive yarns of the electrodes to form a more rigid and stable fabric.

As depicted in fig. 2, the knitted electrodes are knitted (knit) to form a float loop made of conductive yarn (e.g., 70/2Den by Xstatic), which is designed to float on the surface of the fabric within a range of needles according to the design. The length of the float ring is determined by the number of needles on which the float ring floats. Woven textile electrodes of this type are described in international patent application PCT/IL2013/050964 (' 964), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for the purpose as if fully set forth herein.

As described in' 964, the float loop length and the specific weave (knitting) density in the knit electrode areas and in selected areas of the base garment are determined by the desired level of quality of the ECG signal. In addition, the use of floats in a shift needle knitting (knitting) scheme, along with a unique digital knitting (knitting) density control, can achieve the following important advantages:

improving the pressure and tightness of the electrode against the body, which is a key parameter for a well-efficient ECG reading.

Good electrical conductivity across the braided (knitted) wire segments is obtained.

The electrodes are well positioned at the designated body location even if the body is in motion.

The floating collar electrodes can pass through hairs on hairy skin, allowing a good ECG signal to be achieved without the need to remove hairs as is now done in conventional ECG examinations.

The floating coil electrode eliminates the use of gel or other wet materials currently used to obtain ECG signals.

The float loop electrodes are woven (knotted) together in the same weaving (knotting) process as the base garment is woven (knotted) and formed from the machine as a single unit. The tight float weaving (knitting) scheme creates a rigid electrode with respect to the fabric adjacent to the electrode.

However, to further stiffen the float ring electrode, as outlined in FIG. 2, the present invention describes an exemplary weaving (knotting) method 200 that produces a rigid float ring electrode. In this exemplary embodiment 200, the conductive yarn is made of nylon coated with silver or stainless steel, and the non-conductive yarn: the covered spandex 50 (and/or bare spandex 52) are knitted together (knitted) on an 8-way santoni-type circular knitting machine (or machine with equivalent capacity). In this exemplary embodiment, the weaving (knitting) scheme 210 is designed for a 4 (four) -way system, but according to a variant of the invention, in this example, without limitation, the weaving (knitting) scheme 210 uses an 8-way santo-ton type knitting machine. The 4 feeders knit (knit) four knitting (knitted) lines in a four-turn continuous knitting (knitted) spiral shape, comprising a respective line segment of each electrode located on the garment portion being knitted (knitted).

In this embodiment, as can be seen and understood by those skilled in the art in fig. 2, in all knitted (knotting) courses, the float loops formed by conductive yarn 60 float on 7 needles, while the non-conductive covered (or alternatively bare) spandex 50 is continuously knitted (knotted) in the same knitted (knotted) course. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the base yarn refers to a nylon base yarn, without limitation.

In the example shown in fig. 2, four of eight available feeders are used: the feeders 1, 3, 5 and 7 are not used, but the feeders 2, 4, 6 and 8 are used. Typically, the same weaving (knitting) pattern 210 is used in all courses. However, the loop stitch starting needle D in the i +2 th of the yarn feeder_jThe stitch start needle in the i-th side of the feeder is shifted by s-needles. In the example shown in fig. 3b, s is 1.

The invention is not limited to the knitting (knotting) parameters and the corresponding descriptions in the description as shown in the example shown in fig. 2. The example as shown in fig. 2 illustrates a method for knitting (knotting) a garment 20 having a tubular structure, which comprises knitting (knotting) at least one conductive textile electrode using a knitting machine having N yarn feeders and M needles.

In one embodiment, the method comprises: continuously weaving (knotting) the tubular form 20 with flexible non-conductive yarns 50 and nylon-based yarns 70; in addition to using non-conductive yarns, at least one textile electrode is integrally knitted (knotting) within the tubular structure 20 using conductive yarns 60. However, in the electrode region, the nylon-based yarn 70 is preferably woven in a weave (knit) & miss scheme (knitted). The nylon-based yarns 70 may be knitted (knitted) in a continuous scheme or a knit (knit) & miss scheme, wherein knit (knit) & miss may be in any combination, including knit (knit) one and miss one (knit) one & miss one), knit two and skip one (knit) two & miss one), knit one and skip two (knit) one & miss (knit) two), and so on.

Conductive yarn 60 is knitted into a float loop configuration by knitting a stitch and then skipping over the y-stitches, as follows:

i) using a feeder F_iAnd starts at needle D_jTo weave (knotting) a weft k, i.e. a line segment L_kWherein the starting stitch of the next floating ring is at the position of the y needle far away from the starting stitch of the previous floating ring;

ii) using the next participating feeder and with needle D_j+sKnitting (knitting) the length L of the first float loop is started_k+1Wherein 0 is<s<y and typically j ═ 1; and

iii) repeating steps (i) and (ii) for a preconfigured length of the tubular structure 20, i.e. for a preconfigured number of knitted (knotting) weft loops.

It should be noted that each line segment has a preconfigured length.

It should further be noted that a pre-configured number of yarn feeders of a knitting machine participate in the knitting (knitting) process of the garment.

Reference is now made to fig. 3a, which is a schematic illustration of an exemplary garment 21 having a tubular structure, wherein textile electrodes 100 are woven therein, and wherein regions of the garment 21 immediately adjacent to the textile electrodes 100 are stiffened, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Different types of hardening methods are shown in fig. 3 a. Textile electrodes 160, 170, and 180 represent hardened electrodes when textile electrode 100 represents a non-hardened electrode.

Textile structure 160, also shown in detail in fig. 3b, represents a knitted structure for maintaining a substantially constant distance between laterally adjacent electrodes 100, according to a certain embodiment of the present invention, wherein non-elastic threads 162 are knitted (knotted) between selected laterally adjacent electrodes 100.

At least one substantially inelastic thread 162 is knitted (knotted) to interconnect adjacent vertical edges 102 of laterally adjacent electrodes 100, wherein each electrode 100 is given a certain amount of allowable controlled elongation (subsension) depending on the intended wearer's body size. Similarly, special threads may be woven (knit) to interconnect adjacent lateral edges of vertically adjacent electrodes 100.

When the knitted garment 21 is stretched over the monitored body (e.g., during wear), the inelastic threads 162 that are woven (knit) between the electrodes 100 are extended to a preconfigured distance while the electrodes 100 maintain a stable and substantially equal relative distance between a pair of electrodes 100.

The non-elastic thread 162 may be a nylon yarn or a polyester yarn having limited elasticity.

Textile structure 180 represents a structure for maintaining a substantially stable distance between laterally adjacent electrodes 100, wherein the space between laterally adjacent electrodes 110 is stiffened by a film of rigid material such as TPU. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, electrode 100 is typically laminated with a hardened film on the outer surface of electrode 100. Typically, no heat or pressure need be applied to bond the films. A film of rigid material may also be laminated to the fabric area between vertically adjacent electrodes 100.

The knitted garment 21 as shown in figure 3a includes at least one laminated structure 180 for substantially reducing the elasticity of the space between laterally adjacent electrodes 100. A thin film of TPU having limited stretchability is laminated to the area of garment 21 between select electrodes 100.

As garment 100 is stretched during wear, the overlap area 180 between laterally adjacent electrodes 100 is stretched to a preconfigured distance between electrodes 100 as allowed by the TPU film, thereby maintaining the selected pair of electrodes 100 in a preconfigured relative position and preventing further stretching.

According to a certain embodiment of the invention, knitted garment 21 as shown in fig. 3a comprises at least one structure 170 for substantially reducing the elasticity of electrode 100 and the garment fabric surrounding electrode 100, wherein a safety net is built around electrode 100 or sewn between selected adjacent electrodes 100.

Non-elastic yarns with limited stretchability are stitched on the electrodes 100 and/or between selected adjacent electrodes 100.

When garment 100 is stretched during wear, sewn structure 170 extends to a preconfigured distance and sewn structure 170 prevents further stretching of electrode 100 as garment (21) itself continues to stretch.

This will maintain and ensure the relative position of each selected electrode 100 with respect to each other.

When the structure 170 is sewn as a safety mesh over and around the selected electrode 100, the structure 170 stiffens the selected electrode 100.

The invention has thus been described in terms of embodiments and examples, but it will be obvious that the invention may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (27)

1. A method for reducing the elasticity of at least one selected textile area of a knitted garment, the method comprising the steps of:

a) knitting a garment in a tubular configuration, wherein at least one conductive textile electrode is integrally knitted into the garment when the garment is knitted; and

b) hardening the at least one selected textile region, wherein the hardening comprises applying a hardening substance onto and/or into the at least one selected textile region, thereby reducing the elasticity of the at least one selected textile region.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one selected textile area is the at least one conductive textile electrode.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one selected textile area is an area of the garment located between two adjacent textile electrodes.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the rigidifying matter is Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), and wherein the TPU is laminated to the outer surface of the at least one selected textile region.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the hardened substance is a fusible yarn having a low melting point;

wherein said fusible yarn is knitted on an outer surface of said at least one selected textile region; and is

Wherein when the fabric of the garment is dyed, the fusible yarn melts and thereby establishes a stable and hardened zone.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the rigidifying matter is a non-elastic yarn having no or limited elasticity; and is

Wherein a frame having a preconfigured width is woven around the at least one conductive textile electrode using the non-elastic yarn.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the rigidifying matter is a non-elastic yarn having no or limited elasticity, and

wherein the non-elastic yarn is sewn to the at least one selected textile region.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the rigidifying matter is a non-elastic yarn having no or limited elasticity, and

wherein the non-elastic yarn is knitted into the area between two adjacent textile electrodes of the garment.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the hardening substance is a cross-linked polymer lubricant; and is

Wherein the crosslinked polymeric lubricant is sprayed on the at least one selected textile region.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of improving the elasticity of at least one other selected region of the garment.

11. A method for knitting a garment having a tubular form knitted with a base yarn, comprising knitting at least one conductive textile electrode using a knitting machine having N participating feeders and M needles, the method comprising the steps of:

a) continuously knitting the tubular structure with one or more flexible non-conductive base yarns; and

b) integrally knitting the at least one textile electrode within the tubular structure using conductive yarn in addition to the non-conductive yarn, wherein the conductive yarn is knitted in a float loop configuration by knitting a stitch and skipping over y-stitches, by:

i) continuing knitting with at least one base yarn when knitting of a current line segment of the conductive textile electrode is started;

ii) using a yarn feeder F_iCombined needle D_jKnitting the thread segment L by starting knitting_k；

iii) using the next feeder F_i+1Combined needle D_j+sKnitting the next line segment L by starting to knit the first float collar_k+1Wherein 0 is<s<y；

Iv) repeating steps (i) and (ii) for N feeders and for a preconfigured number of segments, wherein each segment has a preconfigured length; and

v) resuming knitting with the base yarn when knitting of the current thread segment is completed,

wherein knitting the float loops is performed in a shifted needle knitting scheme, along with a unique digital knit density control, thereby improving the pressure and tightness of the at least one conductive textile electrode against the user's skin.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said continuing knitting with the at least one base yarn is knitting with a knit & miss knitting scheme to improve elasticity of at least one selected textile region of the knitted garment.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein j-1.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the weave & unwoven scheme is selected from a group of weave schemes comprising:

a) weave one & not weave one pattern;

b) weaving two and not weaving one; and

c) weave one & not weave two weave patterns.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein a preconfigured region of said tubular structure disposed around and adjacent to said at least one textile electrode is braided at a higher braid density than said preconfigured braid density of said tubular structure.

16. A garment having a tubular form knitted with a base yarn by a seamless knitting machine, the garment comprising at least one conductive textile electrode comprising a plurality of knitted line segments, each knitted with a conductive yarn and a spandex yarn,

wherein the spandex yarn is continuously knitted;

wherein in the knit & miss knit scheme, at least one of the base yarns continues to knit when a current line segment of the conductive textile electrode begins to knit;

wherein the conductive yarn has a float loop structure forming a plurality of float loops;

wherein each of said floats is knitted by skipping y-stitches between successive stitches; and

wherein the given line segment is used with a needle D_jKnitting is started and the next of said line segments is knitted with needle D_j+sStarting to knit, wherein 0<s<y。

17. The garment of claim 16, wherein the weave & miss scheme is selected from a group of weave schemes comprising:

a) weave one & not weave one pattern;

b) weaving two and not weaving one; and

c) weave one & not weave two weave patterns.

18. The garment as in claim 16, wherein a preconfigured region of said tubular form, disposed around and adjacent to said at least one textile electrode, is knitted with a higher knitting density than said preconfigured knitting density of said tubular form.

19. The garment of claim 16, wherein at least one selected textile region of the garment is stiffened by applying a stiffener to or into the at least one selected textile region.

20. The garment as in claim 19, wherein said at least one selected textile area is a conductive textile electrode.

21. The garment of claim 19, wherein said at least one selected textile area is an area of said garment located between two adjacent textile electrodes.

22. The garment of claim 19, wherein the at least one selected textile area is stiffened using TPU, and wherein the TPU is laminated to an outer surface of the at least one selected textile area.

23. The garment of claim 19, wherein the at least one selected textile region is stiffened using a fusible yarn having a low melting point,

wherein said fusible yarn is knitted on an outer surface of said at least one selected textile region; and is

Wherein when the garment is dyed, the fusible yarn melts and thereby establishes a stable and hardened zone.

24. The garment as in claim 19, wherein said at least one selected textile region is stiffened using a non-elastic yarn having no or limited elasticity.

25. The garment as in claim 24, wherein a frame having a preconfigured width is knitted around said at least one conductive textile electrode using said non-elastic yarn.

26. The garment of claim 24, wherein said non-elastic yarn is knitted in said area between two adjacent textile electrodes of said garment.

27. The garment of claim 19, wherein the rigidizer is a cross-linked polymer lubricant, and wherein the cross-linked polymer lubricant is sprayed on the at least one selected textile region.