"Garment, in particular for electrostimulation, and process for producing the garment"

The present invention relates to a garment, in particular of the type for electrostimulation, and the process for the production thereof.

Garments provided with electrodes engaged to the base fabric of the garment in various ways are known; an example of this type of garment is represented by electrostimulation suits. The electrodes can moreover be connected to one another by means of electrical cables. However, the electrical cables are particularly awkward for the user of the suit since they have a certain rigidity that hinders or precludes certain movements of the user. Such rigidity is thus particularly undesirable, as it decreases the comfort and freedom of movement of the user wearing the suit. In order to simplify and facilitate the movements of the user it would therefore be advisable for the suit to have a certain flexibility also in the areas comprising the electrical cables. A further disadvantage of the known suits is due to the fact that the insulation of the electrical cables is not simple but complicated and can therefore lead to problems for the physical safety of the user and malfunctions or poor performance of the suit.

As said previously, the electrodes can be engaged to the fabric in various ways. For example, patent document US20100317954 illustrates a "fabric electrode" stitched onto a textile layer and patent document WO2008022482 illustrates a "textile electrode" embroidered onto a textile layer.

However, the process of producing the electrodes is complex and laborious. Moreover, the electrodes and the electrical cables do not have an optimal elasticity and flexibility and can thus end up hindering the movements of the user wearing the garment. In addition, the electrical cables of the suit are not simple to produce and usually result in leakage at the site of the electrode.

In light of the above, a principal object of the present invention is to resolve one or more of the problems found in the prior art.

One object of the present invention is to provide a garment, in particular for electrostimulation, which is comfortable for the user and has a simple and rational structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a garment, in particular for electrostimulation, which is capable of decreasing leakage of an electrical type inside the garment.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing a garment, in particular a garment for electrostimulation, which makes it possible to produce garments that are qualitatively superior to those of the prior art.

These objects and still others, which will become more apparent from the following description, are substantially achieved by a garment and a process for producing a garment in accordance with what is expressed in one or more of the accompanying claims and/or the following aspects, taken individually or in any combination with one another or in combination with any one of the accompanying claims and/or in combination with any one of the further aspects or features described hereunder.

In the context of the present discussion, the term "conductive" means "electrically conductive". In the context of the present discussion, the term "connection member" means an electrical connection member.

In the context of the present discussion, the term "setting into communication" means "setting into electrical communication".

In an independent aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a garment comprising:

a body of the garment made of fabric;

at least one connector configured to receive and/or send electrical signals, under conditions of use of the garment,

at least one conductive area defined on said garment body and configured to receive or send electrical signals from/to said connector under conditions of use of the garment, said at least one conductive area being intended to be positioned at least partially in contact with a body area of the user,

at least one connection member between said connector and said at least one conductive area.

In one aspect, said connection member comprises at least one knitted conductive thread.

In one aspect, the connection member sets said at least one connector and said at least one conductive area into electrical communication.

In one aspect, the garment is configured to detect, under conditions of use and particularly in the conductive areas, signals, in particular electrical signals, correlated with physiological parameters or vital parameters of the user (such as heart rate, body temperature etc.).

In one aspect, said garment is a garment for electrostimulation, in particular an electrostimulation suit.

In one aspect, "conductive area" means an area capable of releasing electrical signals for electrostimulation. In particular, the conductive area is configured to come into contact with body surfaces of the user wearing the garment.

In one aspect, the connection member is a textile cable comprising fibre and conductive material.

In one aspect, the connection member comprises one or more fibre threads and one or more base threads made of conductive material, preferably comprising, or coated with a metal material, preferably silver.

In one aspect, knitting or knitting-in conductive threads means working the conductive threads in such a way as to produce a plurality or succession of knit stitches, particularly a chain of knit stitches.

In one aspect, knitting or knitting-in conductive threads means working the conductive threads, particularly with a sewing machine, in such a way as to produce a plurality or succession of stitches.

In one aspect, knitting or knitting-in conductive threads means working the conductive threads, particularly with a sewing machine, in such a way as to produce a of chain stitches.

In one aspect, knitted conductive thread means a conductive thread comprising stitches made with a sewing machine.

In one aspect, the connection member comprises a plurality or succession of knit stitches, particularly a chain of knit stitches.

In one aspect, the connection member comprises an elastic element apt for providing said connection member with elasticity. In one aspect, the elastic element is engaged to said at least one conductive thread.

In one aspect, said at least one conductive thread is engaged around the elastic element.

In one aspect, said at least one conductive thread is knitted around the elastic element; in particular, it is knitted with other conductive threads around the elastic element.

In one aspect, the elastic element extends in a central portion of the connection member.

In one aspect, the connection member comprises a plurality of conductive threads knitted or woven together. In one aspect, the connection member comprises an elastic element and a plurality of conductive threads knitted or woven together around an elastic element.

In one aspect, said at least one conductive thread comprises conductive material, preferably metal material, preferably silver.

In one aspect, said at least one conductive thread comprises at least one fibre thread, for example made of polyamide, and at least one base thread made of conductive material comprising or coated with a metal material, preferably silver.

In one aspect, the base thread comprises a fibre thread, for example made of polyamide, coated with electrically conductive material, preferably silver.

In one aspect, said at least one conductive thread comprises a plurality of base threads twisted around said fibre thread.

In one aspect, said connection member is realized by knitting or weaving together two, three, four or five conductive threads around an elastic element.

In one aspect, the garment comprises a sheath, the connection member being housed within the sheath.

In one aspect, the sheath is at least partially made of thermoplastic material, particularly of polyurethane.

In one aspect, the sheath comprises a first and a second layer, the connection member being housed between the first and second layers, the first layer and/or the second layer being made of thermoplastic material, particularly of polyurethane.

In one aspect, the sheath is heat-sealed to a surface of the garment, particularly to an internal surface of the garment.

In one aspect, said at least one conductive area is integrated into the fabric of said garment body.

In one aspect, said at least one conductive area is obtained by knitting at least one respective conductive thread into the fabric of said garment body during the production of the fabric.

In one aspect, said at least one conductive area is knitted into the fabric of said garment body and/or wherein said at least one conductive area comprises at least one respective conductive thread knitted into the fabric of said garment body.

In one aspect, said respective conductive thread is of the same type as said base thread of the connection member. In other words, the conductive thread used to realize the conductive areas is of the same type as the base threads used to realize the connection member.

In one aspect, the connection member comprises a first end engaged to a connector and a second end engaged to a conductive area. In one aspect, the first end of the connection member is at least partially coated with a conductive and/or water-repellent and/or waterproof substance, particularly with silicone.

In one aspect, the first end of the connection member is at least partially coated with conductive silicone. In one aspect, the connector is configured to allow the passage of electrical signals.

In one aspect, the connector is engaged to, and constrains, a first end of the connection member.

In one aspect, said at least one connector extends at least partially on, or protrudes from, an outer fabric surface of the garment.

In one aspect, said at least one connection member is engaged on an internal surface of the garment.

In one aspect, the garment comprises a plurality of connectors, a plurality of conductive areas and a plurality of connection members, each connection member setting a respective connector into communication with one or more conductive areas.

In one aspect, said plurality of connectors is arranged in a connecting portion of the garment.

In one aspect, each connector is connected to at least one respective conductive area.

In one aspect, the connectors are made of conductive material, particularly of metal material.

In one aspect, the garment comprises a number of connectors comprised between 2 and 40, in particular between 10 and 30 and preferably about 20.

In one aspect, the garment comprises two connecting portions having respective pluralities of connectors. In one aspect, each connecting portion comprises a same number of connectors, for example about 10 connectors.

In one aspect, each connecting portion is positioned in portions of the garment intended to be situated, under conditions of use of the garment, on the user's legs.

In one aspect, said at least one connector is positioned in proximity to a connecting portion of the garment, the garment further comprising, in proximity to the connecting portion, at least one additional fabric portion configured to cover/isolate from water and/or stiffen the connecting portion.

In one aspect, the garment comprises, in proximity to the connecting portion, two additional fabric portions configured to cover/isolate from water and/or stiffen the connecting portion, a first portion being engaged on an external surface of the garment and a second fabric portion being engaged on an internal surface of the garment.

In one aspect, the internal surface and the external surface of the garment are opposite surfaces of the garment body.

In one aspect, said at least one connector protrudes from said connecting portion on the external surface of the garment.

In one aspect, the first portion is heat-sealed to the external surface of the garment and the second portion is movably engaged to the internal surface of the garment.

In one aspect, the first end of the connection member extends in the connecting portion between the internal surface of the garment and the second portion. In one aspect, an internal portion of the connector, defined in proximity to the internal surface of the garment in the connecting portion, is directly engaged to the first end of the connection member.

In one aspect, the first portion is heat-sealed to the external surface of the garment and the second portion is heat-sealed to the internal surface of the garment.

In one aspect, an internal portion of the connector, defined in proximity to the internal surface of the garment in the connecting portion, is engaged to the first end of the connection member via the second fabric portion. In one aspect, the garment comprises a third additional fabric portion engaged to the second fabric portion in such a way as to cover the internal portion of the connector.

In one aspect, the third fabric portion is heat-sealed to the second fabric portion.

In one aspect, under operating conditions of the garment, the connection members transmit electrical signals from said at least one connector to said conductive area.

In an independent aspect thereof, the present invention relates to an apparatus comprising:

at least one garment in accordance with any one of the preceding aspects,

a device, such as a belt, configured to be connected to said at least one connector in such a way as to send electrical signals to said at least one connector and/or receive electrical signals from said at least one connector.

In one aspect, the apparatus is an electrostimulation apparatus and further comprises a console configured to dialogue with said device, to enable the selection of an electrostimulation program and send control signals to said device, in a wireless or Wi-Fi mode, in accordance with the electrostimulation program selected via the console.

In one aspect, the device comprises a control unit configured to send electrical signals to said at least one connector in accordance with the electrostimulation program selected via the console.

In one aspect, the device comprises a battery for powering said control unit.

In an independent aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a process for producing a garment comprising at least the following steps:

providing a garment body made of textile material and comprising at least one connecting portion configured, under conditions of use of the garment, to receive and/or send electrical signals, and at least one conductive area defined on the garment body and configured to receive or send electrical signals from/to said connecting portion;

- realizing a connection member comprising at least one conductive thread;

setting said connecting portion into communication with said at least one conductive area by means of said connection member.

In one aspect, the step of realizing a connection member comprises a step of knitting said at least one conductive thread.

In one aspect, the step of realizing a connection member comprises a step of realizing at least one conductive thread, the step of realizing at least one conductive thread comprising a step of twisting base threads made of conductive material, preferably comprising or coated with a metal material, preferably silver, around a fibre thread.

In one aspect, the step of knitting at least one conductive thread comprises realizing a plurality or succession of knit stitches, in particular a chain of knit stitches.

In one aspect, the step of realizing said connection member comprises a step of engaging said at least one conductive thread to an elastic element.

In one aspect, the step of realizing said connection member comprises a step of knitting said at least one conductive thread around an elastic element.

In one aspect, the step of realizing said connection member comprises a step of sewing a plurality of conductive threads to each other by means of a sewing machine.

In one aspect, the process comprises a step of constraining a first end of said at least one connection member to said connecting portion by means of a connector.

In one aspect, the step of constraining a first end of said at least one connection member to said connecting portion comprises a step of tightening said connector onto said connecting portion.

In one aspect, the process comprises a step of coating or treating a first end of the connection member with a conductive and/or water-repellent and/or waterproof substance, particularly silicone, and preferably conductive silicone, said step being carried out before the step of constraining or tightening the end of the connection member.

In one aspect, the process comprises a step of engaging at least one additional fabric portion in proximity to the connecting portion on an internal surface of the garment and/or an external surface of the garment.

In one aspect, the process comprises the steps of:

housing said at least one connection member within a sheath; and

heat-sealing the sheath to a surface of the garment, particularly to an internal surface of the garment. In one aspect, the step of housing said at least one connection member within a sheath comprises a step of preparing a first layer of the sheath, a step of positioning said connection member on said first layer, and a step of engaging a second layer of the sheath to said first layer.

In one aspect, the process comprises a step of positioning the sheath between said at least one conductive area and said connecting portion.

In one aspect, the process comprises a step of positioning opposite ends of the sheath respectively in proximity to a conductive area and in proximity to the connecting portion.

In one aspect, the process comprises the steps of:

housing the connection member within a sheath;

removing an end portion of the sheath positioned at a first end of the connection member, the step of removing said end portion comprising uncovering opposite surfaces of said first end of the connection member; and

following removal of said end portion of the sheath, engaging said first end of the connection member to the connecting portion, particularly by means of a connector. In one aspect, the process comprises the steps of:

housing the connection member within a sheath;

removing an end portion of the sheath positioned at a second end of the connection member, the step of removing said end portion comprising uncovering a surface of said second end of the connection member; and

following removal of said end portion of the sheath, engaging said second end of the connection member to the conductive area on said uncovered surface.

In one aspect, the process comprises a step of coating or treating a first end of the connection member with a conductive and/or water-repellent and/or waterproof substance, particularly silicone, and preferably conductive silicone.

In one aspect, the step of providing the garment body comprises the steps of:

realizing at least one tubular article, said step comprising the steps of:

o providing a first base thread made of conductive material comprising or coated with a metal material, preferably silver, and a second thread, particularly a fibre thread, for example elastomer or polyamide fibre; and

o realizing said at least one conductive area, said step comprising knitting the first base thread and the second thread.

In one aspect, the step of providing the garment body comprises the steps of:

realizing a plurality of tubular articles; and

- assembling the plurality of tubular articles to produce the garment body.

In one aspect, the step of assembling the plurality of tubular articles comprises a step of sewing or gluing or heat-sealing the tubular articles to each other.

In one aspect, said garment body or said at least one tubular article is produced by means of a circular knitting machine of the seamless type.

In one aspect, said garment body is produced by means of a linear knitting machine or a loom or other machines configured for producing a weft.

In one aspect, the process comprises the steps of:

o positioning a first end of the connection member in the connecting portion of the garment;

o engaging a first and a second additional fabric portion on opposite surfaces of the connecting portion; o constraining a first end of said at least one connection member to said connecting portion by means of a connector; and

o engaging a third additional fabric portion to the first or second additional fabric portion.

In one aspect, the step of constraining a first end of said at least one connection member to said connecting portion comprises a step of tightening said connector onto said connecting portion.

In one aspect, the step of engaging a first and a second additional fabric portion on opposite surfaces of the connecting portion comprises a step of heat-sealing the first and second portions to opposite surfaces of the connecting portion. In one aspect, the step of engaging a third additional fabric portion to the first or second additional fabric portion comprises a step of heat-sealing the third portion.

In an independent aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a process for producing a garment comprising the steps of:

o providing a first base thread made of conductive material and comprising or coated with a metal material, preferably silver, and a second thread, particularly a fibre thread, for example elastomer or polyamide fibre;

o by means of a textile machine, realizing at least one tubular article, defining the garment body, by knitting said second thread; and

o realizing said at least one conductive area by knitting the first base thread and the second thread.

In an independent aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a process for producing a garment comprising at least the following steps:

realizing at least one tubular article, said step comprising the steps of:

o providing a first base thread made of conductive material and comprising or coated with a metal material, preferably silver, and a second thread, particularly a fibre thread, for example elastomer or polyamide fibre; and

o realizing said at least one conductive area, said step comprising knitting the first base thread and the second thread.

In one aspect, said at least one tubular article is produced by means of a circular knitting machine of the seamless type.

In one aspect, the process comprises a step of realizing a plurality of tubular articles and a step of assembling said plurality of tubular articles.

In one aspect, the process comprises a step of engaging, in a connecting portion of the tubular article, at least one connector configured to allow the passage of electrical signals.

In one aspect, the process comprises a step of realizing a connection member, wherein the step of realizing a connection member comprises a step of knitting at least one conductive thread.

In one aspect, the process comprises a step of setting a connecting portion of the tubular article into communication with said at least one conductive area by means of said connection member.

In an independent aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a process for producing a garment comprising at least the following steps:

providing a garment body made of textile material comprising a connecting portion configured to receive and/or send electrical signals and at least one conductive area defined on said garment body and configured to receive or send electrical signals from/to said connecting portion;

providing a sheath, the sheath being intended to house a connection member between the connecting portion and the conductive area;

heat-sealing the sheath to a surface of the garment, particularly to an internal surface of the garment. In one aspect, the process comprises the steps of: realizing a connection member; and

housing the connection member within the sheath prior to heat-sealing the sheath;

wherein realizing a connection member comprises a step of knitting at least one conductive thread.

In one aspect, the step of providing the garment body comprises:

o preparing a first base thread made of conductive material and comprising or coated with a metal material, preferably silver, and a second thread, particularly a fibre thread, for example elastomer or polyamide fibre;

o realizing by means of a textile machine, at least one tubular article, defining the garment body, by knitting said second thread; and

o realizing said at least one conductive area by knitting the first base thread and the second thread.

In one aspect, said step of knitting the first base thread and the second thread produces a conductive area wherein said first thread and said second thread are knitted to each other.

In one aspect, said at least one tubular article is produced by means of a circular knitting machine of the seamless type.

In one aspect, the process comprises a step of realizing a plurality of tubular articles and a step of assembling said plurality of tubular articles.

There now follows, by way of non-limiting example, a detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments of the invention, in which:

figure 1 represents a front view of a garment in accordance with a possible embodiment of the present invention;

figure 2 represents a vista rear of the garment in figure 1 ;

figure 3 represents a front view of the internal portion of the garment in figure 1 ;

figure 4 represents a vista rear of the internal portion of the garment in figure 1;

figure 5 is a (partial) front schematic representation of the internal portion of a garment in accordance with a possible embodiment of the present invention illustrating in particular the connection members between conductive areas and connectors;

figure 6 is a (partial) rear schematic representation of the internal portion of a garment in accordance with a possible embodiment of the present invention illustrating in particular the connection members between conductive areas and connectors;

figure 7 represents a possible embodiment of a connection member engaged within a sheath;

figure 8 represents an image illustrating an example of a connection member engaged within a sheath;

figure 9 represents a detail of a garment in accordance with the present invention illustrating a connecting portion;

figure 10 schematically represents some elements of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention. With reference to the figures, 1 denotes a garment in its entirety. The garment 1 is configured to receive and/or send electrical signals from/to a user wearing the garment 1 via the provided electrically conductive areas, as will be seen in greater detail further below. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the garment 1 is a garment for electrostimulation, in particular an electrostimulation suit. The garment 1 comprises a garment body 2 made of fabric and one or more connecting portions 3 provided with a plurality of connectors 4. The garment 1 further comprises a plurality of conductive areas 5 and a plurality of connection members 6 configured to set the electrical connectors 4 and conductive areas 5 into electrical communication. The conductive areas 5 are integrated onto the garment body 2 and are connected to the connectors 4 by means of the connection members 6; in particular, a connection member 6 can connect a connector 4 to one or more conductive areas 5. The connection member 6 extends between a first end 61 engaged to a connector 4 and a second end 62 engaged to at least one conductive area 5 (see figure 5). The connection member 6 is made at least partially of conductive material and is configured to receive electrical signals from the connectors 4 and send them to one or more conductive areas 5 connected to it. The conductive areas 5 constitute portions of the garment 1 which, under conditions of use of the garment 1 , are in contact with surfaces of the user's body so as to provide electrostimulation signals to them. The conductive areas 5 thus act as electrodes and can be arranged in the garment 1 so as to be intended to come into contact with specific muscular areas of the user. As will be seen in greater detail further below, the conductive areas 5 are produced from fibre threads and conductive threads (or base threads) comprising conductive metal material and can be knitted into a base fabric of the garment 1.

The connecting portion 3 enables the garment 1 to interface with further devices 100, for example with devices delivering electrical signals. Such devices can be connected to the connectors 4 by means of electrical cables.

From an operational perspective, the connecting portion 3 receives electrical signals from a device 100 which can consist, for example, of a belt intended to be worn by the user under conditions of use of the garment 1. The device 100 is configured to dialogue, particularly in a wireless or Wi-Fi mode, with a console 101 (see figure 10), from which an electrostimulation program can be selected. Following the selection of an electrostimulation program, the console 101 will send control signals to the device 100, in a wireless or Wi-Fi mode, in accordance with the selected electrostimulation program. The device 100 processes these signals and transmits them, for example by means of duly insulated electrical cables, to the connectors 4 arranged in the connecting portion 3. The signals can be processed and sent by means of a dedicated control unit 102 of the device 100. The device 100 can further comprise an electric battery 103 to power the control unit 102. After receiving the electrical signals from the device 100, the connectors 4 permit the passage thereof to the connection members 6, which send the electrical signals to the conductive areas 5 connected to them. The conductive areas 5 act as electrostimulation terminals at which, under operating conditions operative of the garment 1 , the user receives the electrostimulation signal.

In accordance with a possible application of the garment 1 , under conditions of use it enables electrical signals correlated to physiological or vital parameters of the user (such as heart rate, body temperature, etc.) to be picked up. In other words, the body surfaces of the user that come into contact with the conductive areas 5 do not receive electrical signals, but rather serve as areas for sensing physiological or vital parameters of the user. Such parameters generate, for example by means of suitable sensors or transducers positioned in the conductive area 5, electrical signals that are picked up by the conductive areas 5 and transmitted, by means of the connection members 6, to the connectors 4 arranged in the connecting portions 3. The electrical signals are transmitted by the connectors 4 to the device 100 by means of electrical cables and can thus reach the console 101 , for example in a wireless or Wi-Fi mode. The console 101 can for example enable the electrical signals or physiological or vital parameters of the user to be read or processed. In other words, during use of the garment 1 to sense parameters, the circulation of electrical signals between the connectors 4 and the conductive areas 5 of the garment 1 has a reverse direction relative to the forward direction of electrical signals during use of the garment 1 for electrostimulation. Preferably, the garment 1 can be used, with the same structure, alternatively for electrostimulation and for sensing the aforesaid parameters. As illustrated in figure 1, the garment 1 comprises two connecting portions 3, each of which is defined in portions of the garment 1 intended to be situated preferably on the user's legs. Each connecting portion 3 comprises a plurality of connectors 4, which can substantially consist of buttons made of electrically conductive metal material. Extending from the connectors 4 is a plurality of connection members 6, which are configured to electrically connect the connectors 4 to the conductive areas 5. The connection members 6 are illustrated in the schematic representations of figures 5 and 6, whereas they are not visible in figure 3 and in figure 4 since, in assembled conditions of the garment 1 , they are positioned within respective sheaths 7. The connection member 6 comprises a plurality of conductive threads, preferably five conductive threads, knitted or woven together around an elastic element 63 (which can be made, for example, of polyamide or nylon). Each conductive thread comprises a fibre thread (for example polyamide) and at least two base threads twisted (by means of a twisting process) around the fibre thread. Preferably, each conductive thread comprises four base threads twisted around the fibre thread. Providing a fibre thread enables elasticity to be imparted to the conductive thread, preventing it from being broken during subsequent processing, which is preferably carried out with a sewing machine, which will be described below. The base thread can consist in turn of a thread made of polyamide coated with electrically conductive material, preferably silver. The conductive threads thus produced, each of which comprises a fibre thread around which a plurality of base threads is twisted, are processed by means of a sewing machine in order to realize the connection member 6. Preferably, the sewing machine with which the conductive threads are processed is a sewing machine of the "four-needle" type, though only three needles are active at the time of the formation of the connection member 6 (one needle is inactive and can be removed). Each needle works on a conductive thread and the interaction among the three needles enables the conductive threads to be knitted or woven together around a central elastic element 63. In other words, the sewing machine is not fed with a base fabric to be sewn, but rather works directly on the conductive threads, weaving or knitting them together, preferably around a central elastic element 63. Providing an elastic element 63 imparts elasticity to the connection member 6; elasticity is particularly desirable in order not to limit the movements of the user wearing the garment 1 in the assembled condition in which the connection members 6 are engaged to the garment 1. The result of the processing carried out with the sewing machine preferably consists of a connection member 6 comprising an elastic element 63 in the central portion and five conductive threads knitted around the elastic element 63. The connection member 6 produced by means of the sewing machine is illustrated by way of example in figure 8. The connection member 6 thus obtained is flexible and at the same time enables an optimal transmission of electrical signals. Experimental tests have demonstrated that realizing the connection member 6 by means of a sewing machine of the "four-needle" type, where only three are active, makes it possible to obtain a low resistance of the connection member 6 to the passage of electrical current, and therefore a better transmission of the electrical signal by the connection member 6.

Each connection member 6 is preferably housed within a sheath 7, which is applied to an internal surface 20 of the garment 1 , for example by heat-sealing. Heat-sealing ensures a stable engagement of the sheath 7 (and hence of the connection member 6 housed within it) to the garment 1. As the sheath 7 is engaged on the internal surface 20 of the garment 1, it is not visible from outside the garment 1 itself and therefore the garment 1 has a pleasing exterior appearance. The sheath 7 comprises a first layer 71 and a second layer 72, between which the connection member 6 is positioned. The first and second layers 71 , 72 can be made of adhesive, particularly of thermoplastic material, for example polyurethane. The first and second layers 71 , 72 can have different colours in order to enable visual recognition of the layer to be engaged to the internal surface 20 of the garment 1.

The present invention further relates to a process for producing a garment 1. The process envisages realizing first of all a garment body 2 made of textile material. The garment body 2 can be made from one or more tubular articles produced using a circular knitting machine for knitwear or hosiery, preferably of the seamless type. For example, the garment 1 can be made from two tubular articles, that is, a first tubular article, intended to make up the trunk and "leg" portions of the garment 1 itself, and a second tubular article, intended to make up the sleeves of the garment 1. Following the production thereof, the first tubular article is cut and sewn (for example by means of a sewing machine of the "four-needle" type) in order to make the two "legs" of the garment 1. Similarly, the second tubular article is cut so as to be divided into the two sleeves; at this point, the tubular articles are engaged to each other so as to obtain a garment body 2 made of textile material. The tubular articles can be engaged to each other by sewing or gluing (for example by applying an adhesive tape) or heat-sealing or taping.

In one possible embodiment, the tubular articles can be realized using a circular knitting machine of the seamless type, which comprises eight feeds of thread, supplied by means of respective bobbins with fibre threads (for example polyamide) and by means of respective bobbins with elastomer threads. In other words, there can be provided eight bobbins of fibre thread (one for each thread feed) and eight bobbins of elastomer threads (one for each thread feed). The elastomer is knitted with the fibre thread to impart elasticity to the fabric of the garment 1. In some areas of the fabric being formed, two base threads are also fed (double feed); the base threads are preferably of the same type as those previously described and used to realize the connection member 6. The feeding of base threads in specific areas of the fabric being formed enables the realization of the conductive areas 5. Using the same base thread to realize both the connection members 6 and the conductive areas 5 is advantageous in that it simplifies the process for producing the garment 1 by limiting the number of materials used to make the garment 1. At the time of realization of the conductive areas 5, the base threads are knitted at least to the elastomer threads and in particular also to the fibre threads. Providing two base threads intended to cooperate with the elastomer and/or fibre threads to form the conductive areas 5 makes it possible to obtain a greater concentration of conductive material in the conductive area 5. The conductive areas 5 thus realized are the result of knitting conductive base threads into the fabric the garment 1 is made of. In other words, operating with circular knitting machines of the seamless type and providing for a suitable feed of base threads in specific areas of the fabric, it is possible to realize the conductive areas 5 directly during production of the tubular articles themselves.

Following the production of the tubular articles, the latter are cut and sewn together (for example as previously described) and can be dyed the desired colour.

The process further comprises realizing the connection member 6 by knitting a plurality of conductive threads to each other. In particular, the connection member 6 can be realized as previously described, preferably by means of a sewing machine of the "four-needle" type (one of which is preferably inactive).

Following the realization of the connection member 6, the latter is housed within a respective sheath 7. This step can be carried out by positioning the connection member 6 between the first and second layers 71 , 72 of the sheath 7 and engaging the first and second layers 71 , 72 to each other laterally relative to the connection member 6, in such as way as to limit the movements of the connection member 6 within the sheath 7 and bring about a reduction in the thickness of the connection member 6. The first and second layers 71 , 72 can have a substantially strip- or band-like conformation. The sheath 7 is then heat-sealed to an internal surface 20 of the garment 1 , preferably on the first layer 71. Engaging the first and second layers 71 , 72 together makes it possible to obtain substantially flat sheath 7 having a substantially planar surface (in particular the external surface of the first layer 71), which simplifies heat-sealing the sheath 7. To enable an electrical connection of the connection member 6 placed within the sheath 7 to the respective connector 4 and to the respective conductive area 5, portions of the sheath 7 are removed. In particular, at the first end 61 of the connection member 6 (intended to be engaged to a connector 4), an end portion of the sheath 7 is removed so as to uncover opposite surfaces of the first end 61 of the connection member 6, i.e. an upper surface and a lower surface of the first end 61. The first end 61 of the connection member 6 is then constrained to the connecting portion 3 by applying a connector 4. The connector 4 is configured to be press fitted to secure the first end 61 of the connection member 6 in the connecting portion 3. This press fitting is capable of limiting electrical leakage and enables an optimal passage of current between the connector 4 and connection member 6. The connector 4 can consist of two elements made of conductive metal material that are engaged by pressing on opposite sides relative to the fabric of the connecting portion 3; one element of the connector 4 is engaged directly in contact with the first end 61 of the connection member 6 (for example on the internal surface 20 of the garment 1), whilst the other element of the connector 4 is engaged on the opposite side relative to the fabric of the garment body 2 (for example on the external surface 40 of the garment 1). The connector 4 protrudes from an external fabric surface 40 of the garment 1 (see figure 9). Preferably, prior to application of the connectors 4, a conductive and/or water-repellent and/or waterproof substance is applied at first end 61 of the connection member 6. Preferably, the substance is silicone, particularly conductive silicone. This substance serves to isolate the first end 61 of the connection member 6 from water to prevent water from possibly compromising the electrical properties of the first end 61 of the connection member 6.

Furthermore, an end portion of the sheath 7 can also be removed at the second end 62 of the connection member 6, so as to uncover a surface (for example a lower surface) of the second end 62 of the connection member 6 intended to be engaged in a conductive area 5. The uncovered lower surface of the second end 62 of the connection member 6 is then engaged to the conductive area 5 in such a way as to enable an electrical connection between the connection member 6 and the conductive area 5, whilst the upper surface of the connection member 6 remains covered by a layer of the sheath 7 intended to be placed facing a surface of the user's body. This covering serves to electrically insulate the connection member 6 in the conductive area 5 of the garment 1 , thus preventing a possible dispersion of the electrical signal on the internal surface 20 of the garment 1 intended to come into contact with surfaces of the user's body.

As regards the application of the connectors 4 to the connecting portion 3, this can be achieved, for example, in two alternative ways, which will be described further below with reference to the application of a single connector 4 to the connecting portion 3.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the connecting portion 3, end portions of the sheath 7 are removed at the first end 61 of the connection member 6 and the first end 61 of the connection member 6 is positioned on the internal surface 20 of the garment 1. Moreover, a first additional fabric portion 8 configured to cover/isolate from water the connecting portion 3 (or to stiffen the connecting portion 3) is applied (for example by heat-sealing) on an external surface 40 of the garment 1 and a connector 4 is applied (in accordance with the previously described manner) in such a way as to secure the first end 61 of the connection member 6 so that it is engaged in the connecting portion 3. The connectors 4 protrude from the external surface of the first portion 8, as illustrated in figure 9. Subsequently, a second additional fabric portion 9 is engaged onto an internal surface 20 of the garment 1 in proximity to the connecting portion 3; the second portion 9 can be movably engaged to the internal surface 20 of the garment 1. The second portion 9 is configured, under conditions of use, to cover/isolate from water the connecting portion 3 (or to stiffen the connecting portion 3) and to provide protection for the user by preventing the connectors 4 from coming into contact with surfaces of the user's body under conditions of use of the garment 1. The movable engagement of the second portion 9 to the internal surface 20 of the garment 1 enables the second portion 9 to be moved away from the connecting portion 3, for example by lifting it; this can favour the drying of the connecting portions 3 after the garment 1 is washed. For example, the second portion 9 lifted from the connecting portion 3 is illustrated in figure 4. In accordance with a second embodiment of the connecting portion 3, end portions of the sheath 7 are removed at the first end 61 of the connection member 6 and the first end 61 of the connection member 6 is positioned on the internal surface 20 of the garment 1 , particularly in the connecting portion 3. First and second additional fabric portions are engaged, respectively, on an external and internal surface of the connecting portion 3. For example, the first portion can be applied (in particular by heat-sealing) on the external surface of the connecting portion 3 and the second portion can be applied (in particular by heat- sealing) on the internal surface of the connecting portion 3. At this point a connector 4 is applied so as to secure the first end 61 of the connection member 6 in the connecting portion 3. The connector 4 is applied by pressing (in accordance with the previously described manner) and consists of two elements made of conductive metal material which are engaged, respectively, in the first portion and the second portion so as to secure the first portion 61 of the connection member in the connecting portion 3. After engagement, an outer portion of the connector 4 protrudes from the external surface 40 of the garment 1.

Thereafter, a third additional fabric portion is applied (in particular by heat-sealing) on the second portion in such a way as to cover an internal portion of the connector 4 positioned on an internal surface 20 of the garment 1. The heat-sealing of the third portion prevents water from coming into contact with the first end 61 of the connection member 6, either under conditions of use of the garment 1 or during the washing thereof. In accordance with the second embodiment, the connecting portion 3 has a layered structure in which, proceeding from the outside towards the inside, there are: the protruding outer portion of the connector 4, the first fabric portion, the base fabric of the garment body 2, the first end 61 of the connection member 6 engaged to the internal portion of the connector 4 through the second fabric portion, and the third fabric portion.

The additional fabric portions can be, for example, made of neoprene-like material or polyurethane.

Following the realization of the connecting portion 3, stitching of the garment 1 is completed and a zipper can be applied to it.

The present invention makes it possible to obtain one or more of the following advantages and to resolve one or more of the problems encountered in the prior art. Firstly, the invention provides a garment that is simple, flexible, comfortable and compact.

The invention moreover provides a garment endowed with a flexible connection member able to allow electrical energy to pass from the connectors to the conductive areas efficiently and without any safety risks for the user wearing the garment.

Furthermore, as the conductive areas (electrodes) are knitted into a seamless garment, which is in itself elastic and adheres to the user's body, it follows that the conductive areas themselves adhere in an optimal manner to the user's body, and the electrical signal transmitted is more homogeneous on the body surface. The invention moreover enables, by means of the previously described connection members, electrical signals to be transmitted within a garment in a simple, effective and safe manner. The invention further provides a production process that makes it possible to produce garments, in particular garments for electrostimulation, which are comfortable and efficient from the standpoint of the transmission of electrical signals.

The invention is moreover convenient to use and easy to implement.