Apparel having sensor system
First Claim
1. A sensor system comprising:
- a plurality of sensors configured to be connected to an article of apparel, wherein the sensors are formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein at a first dispersion density, and wherein each of the sensors is configured to increase in resistance when deformed under pressure; and
a plurality of conductive leads connected to the sensors and extending away from the sensors, wherein the leads have sufficient conductivity such that each lead is configured to conduct an electronic signal to or from the sensor in any state of deformation,wherein at least one of the sensors comprises a plurality of generally parallel branches having one or more bridges extending between the branches to connect the branches together.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A sensor system configured for use with an article of apparel includes one or a plurality of sensors formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein and conductive leads connecting the sensors to a port. The leads may also be formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein. The conductive material is dispersed in the sensor(s) at a first dispersion density and the conductive material is dispersed in the leads at a second dispersion density that is higher than the first dispersion density. Each of the sensors is configured to increase in resistance when deformed under pressure, which is detected by a module connected to the port. The second dispersion density is such that each of the leads has sufficient conductivity that the leads are configured to conduct an electronic signal between each sensor and the port in any state of deformation.
191 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A sensor system comprising:
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a plurality of sensors configured to be connected to an article of apparel, wherein the sensors are formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein at a first dispersion density, and wherein each of the sensors is configured to increase in resistance when deformed under pressure; and a plurality of conductive leads connected to the sensors and extending away from the sensors, wherein the leads have sufficient conductivity such that each lead is configured to conduct an electronic signal to or from the sensor in any state of deformation, wherein at least one of the sensors comprises a plurality of generally parallel branches having one or more bridges extending between the branches to connect the branches together. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A sensor system comprising:
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a plurality of sensors configured to be connected to an article of apparel, wherein the sensors are formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein at a first dispersion density, and wherein each of the sensors is configured to increase in resistance when deformed under pressure; and a plurality of conductive leads connected to the sensors and extending away from the sensors, wherein the leads have sufficient conductivity such that each lead is configured to conduct an electronic signal to or from the sensor in any state of deformation, wherein at least one of the sensors comprises a plurality of branches having one or more bridges extending between the branches to connect the branches together, wherein the branches and the bridges are arranged in an alternating pattern. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A sensor system comprising:
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an interface configured for connection to an electronic module comprising at least one of a memory and a processor, wherein the interface is configured for connection to an article of apparel; a first sensor configured to be connected to the article of apparel, wherein the first sensor is formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein at a first dispersion density, wherein the first sensor is configured to increase in resistance when deformed under pressure, and wherein the first sensor comprises a plurality of generally parallel branches having one or more bridges extending between the branches to connect the branches together; a first conductive lead connected to the first sensor and extending from the first sensor to the interface, such that the electronic module is configured to be in communication with the first lead and the first sensor through the interface, wherein the first lead has sufficient conductivity such that the first lead is configured to conduct an electronic signal to or from the first sensor in any state of deformation. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A sensor system comprising:
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an interface configured for connection to an electronic module comprising at least one of a memory and a processor, wherein the interface is configured for connection to an article of apparel; a first sensor configured to be connected to the article of apparel, wherein the first sensor is formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein at a first dispersion density, wherein the first sensor is configured to increase in resistance when deformed under pressure, and wherein the first sensor comprises a plurality of branches having one or more bridges extending between the branches to connect the branches together, wherein the branches and the bridges are arranged in an alternating pattern; a first conductive lead connected to the first sensor and extending from the first sensor to the interface, such that the electronic module is configured to be in communication with the first lead and the first sensor through the interface, wherein the first lead has sufficient conductivity such that the first lead is configured to conduct an electronic signal to or from the first sensor in any state of deformation. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification