TEXTILE-BASED ELECTRODE

• US 20090112079A1
• Filed: 12/31/2008
• Published: 04/30/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/16/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Adidas AG
• Original Assignee: Textronics Incorporated (Adidas AG)
• Inventors: Burr, Stacey B., Schultze, Claudia, Karayianni, Eleni, Hassonjee, Qaizar N., Micka, Thomas A., Bartecki, Robert-Michael, Cera, Juan
• Granted Patent: US 7,970,451 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/388
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/1281 with incorporated means for medical monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0245 by using sensing means generating electric signals, i.e. ECG signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/282 Holders for multiple electrodes for introduction into the body A61B5/287
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6805 Vests
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0408 Use-related aspects
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0484 Garment electrodes worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0492 Patch electrodes A61N1/0412, A61N1/0428 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: D02G 3/441 Yarns or threads with antistatic, conductive or radiation-shielding properties electroconductive, anti-static or radiation-shielding filaments D01F1/09, D01F1/106; anti-static fabrics D03D15/533; conducting, insulating or anti-static layers for floor coverings D06N7/0042
• CPC Class Codes: D04B 1/14 Other fabrics or articles characterised primarily by the use of particular thread materials
• CPC Class Codes: D10B 2403/02431 with electronic components, e.g. sensors or switches

Abstract

Textile-based electrodes include a fabric portion having stretch-recovery non-conductive yarns and an electrically conductive region having stretch-recovery electrically conductive yarn filaments. The electrodes can further include float yarns and can be configured in a textured or ribbed construction. When incorporated into a garment, the electrodes can be used to monitor biophysical characteristics, such as the garment wearer'"'"'s heart rate.

Claims

1. A textile-based electrode system, comprising:

at least a first fabric portion and a second fabric portion;

wherein;

the first fabric portion comprises at least a first electrically conductive region;

the second fabric portion comprises at least a second electrically conductive region;

the first and second fabric portions at least partially overly one another;

the electrically conductive region of the first fabric portion and the electrically conductive region of the second fabric portion cooperate to provide a region of at least partial physical contact; and

the region of at least partial physical contact establishes electrical conduction between the first electrically conductive region and the second electrically conductive region.

2. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of:

(i) the electrically conductive region of the first fabric portion and (ii) the electrically conductive region of the second fabric portion, comprises a float yarn.

3. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of:

(i) the electrically conductive region of the first fabric portion and (ii) the electrically conductive region of the second fabric portion, comprises at least a portion of an elastified electrically conductive yarn.

4. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of:

(i) the electrically conductive region of the first fabric portion and (ii) the electrically conductive region of the second fabric portion, comprises an elastic yarn at least partially plated with a conductive yarn.

5. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of:

(i) the electrically conductive region of the first fabric portion and (ii) the electrically conductive region of the second fabric portion, comprises a fabric having a textured or ribbed construction.

6. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 2, wherein:

(i) the electrically conductive region of the first fabric portion and (ii) the electrically conductive region of the second fabric portion both comprise float yarns that are stitched together.

7. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of:

(i) the electrically conductive region of the first fabric portion and (ii) the electrically conductive region of the second fabric portion, further comprises at least a portion including a hydrophilic material.

8. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 1, wherein at least one hydrophobic material is incorporated into an electrically conductive region of either the first fabric portion or the second fabric portion or both fabric portions.

10. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 1, further comprising means for transferring signals from at least one of the electrically conductive regions to a measuring device.

11. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 10, wherein the measuring device is attached to at least one of the fabric portions.

12. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 11, wherein a snap engagement attaches the measuring device to at least one of the fabric portions.

13. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 12, wherein said snap engagement is attached to at least one fabric portion and reinforced with a reinforcement material attached to said at least one fabric portion.

14. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 10, wherein the measuring device is a heart rate monitor.

15. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 12, where the measuring device is placed such that snaps used in the snap engagement are adapted for facing away from skin of a wearer of the textile-based electrode system.

16. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 12, where the measuring device is placed such that snaps used in the snap engagement are adapted for facing towards skin of a wearer of the textile-based electrode system.

17. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 1, further comprising a coating of polymer solution on and/or around the electrically conductive regions of the first fabric portion and the second fabric portion of the textile-based electrode system.

18. The textile-based electrode system according to claim 1, wherein at least the first fabric portion is of a knit construction.

19. A wearable article incorporating the textile-based electrode system of claim 1.

20. The wearable of claim 19, comprising a garment selected from the group consisting of:

brassiere, shirt, tank top, underwear, sleeve, cuff, strap, belt and band.