TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to printed ink circuits for delivering electrical impulses to a human or animal body, and in particular to related assemblies, garments or kits for use with such printed ink circuits.

BACKGROUND

It is known in the prior art to use external electric stimulation to improve muscle condition. Such devices are described in, for example W003006106. The use of such devices may be to develop muscle tone, either for cosmetic purposes or for the treatment of medical conditions. One condition for which treatment of this nature may be effective is incontinence, as described in W02007138071. In such devices, targeted impulses are sent via conductive pads producing over 180 contractions per session. The pelvic floor muscles are contracted, improving muscle strength and control, directly targeting a primary cause of stress urinary incontinence. It is estimated that over 5 million women in the UK experience the symptoms of urinary incontinence and of these, half of all sufferers aged between 18 and 65 years of age are moderately or greatly bothered by it. About one third of women experience urinary incontinence after giving birth, and over 65% of these women are still affected by it 12 years later. 23% of women with urinary incontinence say that it reduces their activity level; 23% state that it adversely affects their sex life; and 31% dress differently because of their symptoms. Whilst pelvic floor disorders mainly affect women, they can also affect men.

It is important that the impulses are correctly delivered, to target the correct muscles. Durability of devices for delivering the impulses, and in particular durability of conductive circuits within such devices, is a key factor in ensuring such correct delivery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general terms, the present invention relates to improvements in a printed ink circuit and related assemblies, kits and/or garments.

A first aspect of the invention provides an assembly of a fabric base carrying a printed ink circuit comprising one or more printed conductive ink layers, and a socket mounted on the fabric base for providing an electro-mechanical connection between the printed ink circuit and a controller device for delivering an electromagnetic signal to the printed ink circuit, and/or receiving an electromagnetic signal from the printed ink circuit, wherein the socket comprises: a first housing with a receiving region for receiving a controller device; a printed circuit board comprising one or more contact landing pads in electrical contact with the one or more printed conductive ink layers of the printed ink circuit, one or more first pin landing pads, and one or more conductive traces, each conductive trace providing an electrical connection between a respective one of the one or more contact landing pads and the one or more first pin landing pads; and one or more first electrical connector pins, each with a first end in electrical contact with a respective one of the first pin landing pads and a second end exposed at the receiving region of the housing for providing an electrical contact with a controller device received by the receiving region.

This arrangement provides a particularly robust electro-mechanical connection between the socket and the printed ink circuit carried by the fabric base. The printed circuit board (PCB) provides a rigid platform for the tracings that can be clamped firmly, evenly and securely to the fabric base to ensure even distribution of clamping (or fastening) forces across the interface. In particular, this even distribution of ferees maximises quality control during manufacture and assembly, and minimises variance in electrical resistance across the printed ink circuit. In addition, an even distribution of clamping forces avoids undesirable point loading at the interfaces between the socket and the printed ink circuit. A further advantage of the first aspect of the invention is that the socket can be particularly low- profile, which is considered to be a particular advantage in embodiments in which the assembly is incorporated into a garment.

The first housing is preferably a rigid component with high stiffness. This minimises unwanted deflection in the PCB and thus maintains optimum electrical connection with the printed ink circuit.

The printed ink circuit preferably includes one or more non-conductive ink layers. For example, the printed ink circuit may include a first non-conductive ink layer between the printed conductive ink layer and the fabric base. Alternatively, or in addition, the printed ink circuit may include a second non-conductive ink layer over the printed conductive ink layer.

The printed ink circuit may include one or more electrodes for delivering an electromagnetic signal to a human or animal body, and one or more connection tracks each providing an electrically conductive path between the socket and a respective one of the one or more electrodes. The one or more electrodes and one or more connection tracks may be formed by the printed conductive ink layer.

The one or more first electrical connector pins provide for a particularly space-efficient means of connecting the one or more first pin landing pads with a controller device received by the receiving region. This is in particular because of the double-ended configuration, with a first end providing electrical contact with a respective first pin landing pad and a second end providing electrical contact with the controller device. This configuration also provides for a particularly reliable electrical connection.

The second end of the first electrical connector pins are exposed at the receiving region in the sense that they are accessible by an electrical connector element of a controller device received by the receiving region. This may mean that the second ends are visible at the receiving region, or alternatively may mean that they are not visible but are nevertheless accessible.

The PCB may comprise a laminated sandwich structure of conductive and electrically- and thermally-insulating substrate layers, the one or more conductive traces, one or more contact landing pads and/or one or more first pin landing pads being formed in one or more of the conductive substrate layers.

The PCB preferably includes one or more heat-dissipation conductive substrate layers that are electrically isolated from the one or more conductive traces, one or more contact landing pads, and one or more first pin landing pads. The one or more heat-dissipation layers serve to enhance heat dissipation away from a controller device seated in the receiving region of the socket. The one or more heat-dissipation conductive substrate layers may comprise copper.

Preferably, no electronic components are mounted directly on the printed circuit board. That is, the PCB is preferably unpopulated. Thus, the PCB is being utilised in an unusual way in order to achieve the advantages discussed above.

The fabric base is preferably sandwiched between the printed circuit board and the first housing. This arrangement provides for a particularly well-controlled electrical connection between the printed ink circuit and the socket.

In such arrangements the fabric base may include at least one opening for permitting passage of the one or more electrical connector pins therethrough.

The one or more electrical connector pins preferably each comprise a spring-loaded electrical connector pin reconfigurable from an extended configuration to a compressed configuration to thereby reduce a distance between the first end and second end. A particularly preferred form of spring-loaded pin is a pogo pin. A spring-loaded pin provides for a particularly reliable electrical connection.

The socket preferably includes one or more fasteners clamping the first housing to the printed circuit board to thereby urge the one or more electrical connector pins towards the compressed configuration. This arrangement enables particularly straight-forward assembly, while still achieving the advantages discussed above. The socket preferably comprises a second housing, and the printed circuit board is preferably sandwiched between the first housing and the second housing. Preferably, the fabric is sandwiched between the first housing and the PCB.

The second housing is preferably a rigid component with high stiffness. This prevents unwanted deflection in the PCB and thus maintains optimum electrical connection with the printed ink circuit.

The socket may include one or more fasteners clamping the first housing to the second housing to thereby clamp the printed circuit board therebetween. In arrangements in which the one or more electrical connector pins comprise spring-loaded pins, the one or more fasteners may clamp the first housing to the second housing to thereby urge the one or more electrical connector pins towards the compressed configuration. Thus, tightening of the one or more fasteners results in a reliable electrical connection.

The socket may include a gasket clamped between the first housing and the printed circuit board. For example, the gasket may comprise a TPU sheet. This arrangement has been found to provide a good barrier to water ingress during washing of the assembly by an end user.

The assembly of the first aspect may further comprise a controller device for delivering an electromagnetic signal to the printed ink circuit, the controller device being receivable by the receiving region of the first housing of the socket. The controller device may be operable to deliver electromagnetic signals as described in W02007138071, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The controller device may include a power supply.

The socket may include a first pair of socket magnets having a first polarity and a second pair of socket magnets having a second polarity, and the controller device may include a corresponding first pair of controller device magnets having the second polarity and a corresponding second pair of controller device magnets having the first polarity, wherein when the controller device is correctly oriented relative to the receiving region the first pair of socket magnets connect with the first pair of controller device magnets, and the second pair of socket magnets connect with the second pair of controller device magnets. In this way, correct orientation of the controller device relative to the receiving region is assured.

The socket or the controller device may include a pair of location members protruding from the receiving region of the socket, and the other of the controller device or the socket may include a corresponding pair of location recesses configured to receive the pair of location members. This arrangement serves to aid correct location of the controller device, and also prevents accidental displacement of the controller device during use. A second aspect of the invention provides a wearable garment comprising an assembly according to the first aspect, the fabric base of the assembly providing a fabric of the garment.

The garment may be wearable on a lower body region of a human or animal body, the garment comprising two assemblies according to the first aspect, including a first assembly comprising a first printed ink circuit having one or more electrodes configured to contact a left side of the body and a second assembly comprising a second printed ink circuit having one or more electrodes configured to contact a right side of the body.

The garment may comprise a left panel carrying the first printed ink circuit and a right panel carrying the second printed ink circuit, the left and right panels encircling left and right thighs, hips and/or glutes (buttocks) of the body in use.

For example, the garment may comprise shorts.

The garment may include, or be provided in kit form with, a power supply, control unit and/or controller device for providing an electromagnetic signal to, and/or receiving an electromagnetic signal from, the printed ink circuit. The power supply and control unit and/or controller device may be provided as an integrated unit.

The garment may comprise a fabric band assembly and a second electrical device, the fabric band assembly including: a fabric band including a fabric channel portion, wherein the fabric band is stretchable between an unextended configuration and an extended configuration; and a wiring assembly including one or more wires extending through the fabric channel portion and being electrically connected at a first end to the socket and at a second end to the second electrical device, the one or more wires having a waveform shape to permit an overall length of the wiring assembly to change as the fabric band transitions between the unextended and extended configurations.

This arrangement accommodates a high degree of stretch of the fabric band, for example during wear and during donning and doffing of the garment. It also provides for particularly straightforward, repeatable and reliable assembly.

In preferred embodiments the wiring assembly includes a first plug-and-socket connector providing the electrical connection between the first end of the one or more wires and the socket, and a second plug-and-socket connector providing the electrical connection between the second end of the one or more wires and the second electrical device. Thus, the wiring assembly can be particularly straightforwardly assembled to the garment. In preferred embodiments the second electrical device comprises a connector device in electrical communication with a second printed ink circuit.

For example, the one or more wires may be fastened into the fabric channel portion and the fabric band subsequently fastened to one or more other fabric elements of the garment. The wiring assembly can then be straightforwardly connected to the socket and the second electrical device via the first and second plug-and-socket connectors.

The printed circuit board of the socket may comprise one or more wiring landing pads and one or more second pin landing pads, each of the one or more second pin landing pads being electrically connected to a respective one of the one or more wiring landing pads, and the socket may further comprise one or more second electrical connector pins each with a first end in electrical contact with a respective one of the second pin landing pads and a second end exposed at the receiving region of the housing for providing an electrical contact with a controller device received by the receiving region, wherein the first end of the wiring assembly is electrically connected to the one or more wiring landing pads. This arrangement enables a particularly neat means of ensuring electrical connection between the second electrical device and a controller device received by the receiving region. In particular, where the second electrical device comprises a connector device electrically connected to a second printed ink circuit, this arrangement provides an electrical connection between the second printed ink circuit and a controller device received by the receiving region.

In preferred embodiments the fabric band comprises a waistband. Waistbands require significant degrees of stretching to accommodate different user fits and donning and doffing, and so the invention is particularly advantageous in such applications.

A third aspect of the invention provides a garment comprising a fabric band assembly, a first electrical device and a second electrical device, the fabric band assembly including: a fabric band including a fabric channel portion, wherein the fabric band is stretchable between an unextended configuration and an extended configuration; and a wiring assembly including one or more wires extending through the fabric channel portion and being electrically connected at a first end to the first electrical device and at a second end to the second electrical device, the one or more wires having a waveform shape to permit an overall length of the wiring assembly to change as the fabric band transitions between the unextended and extended configurations.

This arrangement accommodates a high degree of stretch of the fabric band, for example during wear and during donning and doffing of the garment. It also provides for particularly straightforward, repeatable and reliable assembly. In preferred embodiments the wiring assembly includes a first interface device mechanically connected to, but electrically isolated from, the one or more wires, and mechanically connected to, but electrically isolated from, a housing of the first electrical device. The first interface device is preferably flexible to permit flexing of the one or more wires relative to the housing of the first electrical device. The first interface device may also be connected to a fabric portion of the fabric band assembly via one or more stitches, optionally one or more stitches looped around a bobbin portion of the first interface device. The first interface device may comprise a protruding portion, such as a protruding flange, that is retained by the housing of the first interface device to thereby mechanically connect the first interface device to the housing.

Similarly, the wiring assembly may include a second interface device mechanically connected to, but electrically isolated from, the one or more wires, and mechanically connected to, but electrically isolated from, a housing of the second electrical device. The second interface device is preferably flexible to permit flexing of the one or more wires relative to the housing of the second electrical device. The second interface device may also be connected to a fabric portion of the fabric band assembly via one or more stitches, optionally one or more stitches looped around a bobbin portion of the second interface device. The second interface device may comprise a protruding portion, such as a protruding flange, that is retained by the housing of the second interface device to thereby mechanically connect the second interface device to the housing.

The garment may further comprise a fabric base carrying a printed ink circuit comprising one or more printed conductive ink layers, wherein the first electrical device comprises a socket mounted on the fabric base for providing an electro-mechanical connection between the printed ink circuit and a controller device for delivering an electromagnetic signal to the printed ink circuit, and/or for receiving an electromagnetic signal from the printed ink circuit.

In such embodiments the second electrical device may comprise a connector device in electrical communication with a second printed ink circuit.

For example, the one or more wires may be fastened into the fabric channel portion and the fabric band subsequently fastened to one or more other fabric elements of the garment. The wiring assembly can then be straightforwardly connected to the first and second electrical devices via the first and second plug-and-socket connectors.

In embodiments in which the first electrical device comprises a socket, the printed circuit board of the socket may comprise one or more wiring landing pads and one or more second pin landing pads, each of the one or more second pin landing pads being electrically connected to a respective one of the one or more wiring landing pads, and the socket may further comprise one or more second electrical connector pins each with a first end in electrical contact with a respective one of the second pin landing pads and a second end exposed at the receiving region of the housing for providing an electrical contact with a controller device received by the receiving region, wherein the first end of the wiring assembly is electrically connected to the one or more wiring landing pads. This arrangement enables a particularly neat means of ensuring electrical connection between the second electrical device and a controller device received by the receiving region of the socket. In particular, where the second electrical device comprises a connector device electrically connected to a second printed ink circuit, this arrangement provides an electrical connection between the second printed ink circuit and a controller device received by the receiving region.

In preferred embodiments the fabric band comprises a waistband. Waistbands require significant degrees of stretching to accommodate different user fits and donning and doffing, and so the invention is particularly advantageous in such applications.

The fabric band may comprise a fastening element configured to allow the fabric band to be opened and closed between a first portion of the fabric band and a second portion of the fabric band, the fabric channel portion extending around the fabric band from the first portion to the second portion. Thus, the waveform shape of the wiring assembly enables the overall length of the wiring assembly to automatically alter as the fabric band is opened and closed.

The garment may comprise an assembly according to the first aspect, wherein the first electrical device is the socket of the assembly. The garment may have any features described herein in relation to the first aspect or second aspect.

In such embodiments the printed circuit board of the socket may comprise one or more wiring landing pads and one or more second pin landing pads, each of the one or more second pin landing pads being electrically connected to a respective one of the one or more wiring landing pads, and the socket may further comprise one or more second electrical connector pins each with a first end in electrical contact with a respective one of the second pin landing pads and a second end exposed at the receiving region of the housing for providing an electrical contact with a controller device received by the receiving region, wherein the first end of the wiring assembly is electrically connected to the one or more wiring landing pads. This arrangement enables a particularly neat means of ensuring electrical connection between the second electrical device and a controller device received by the receiving region of the socket. In particular, where the second electrical device comprises a connector device electrically connected to a second printed ink circuit, this arrangement provides an electrical connection between the second printed ink circuit and a controller device received by the receiving region. The fabric base of the garment may carry two printed ink circuits including a first printed ink circuit having one or more electrodes configured to contact a left side of the body and a second printed ink circuit having one or more electrodes configured to contact a right side of the body.

The garment may comprise a left panel carrying the first printed ink circuit and a right panel carrying the second printed ink circuit, the left and right panels encircling left and right thighs of the body in use.

For example, the garment may comprise shorts.

The garment may comprise, or be provided in kit form with, a power supply, control unit and/or controller device for providing an electromagnetic signal to, and/or receiving an electromagnetic signal from, the or each printed ink circuit. The power supply and control unit and/or controller device may be provided as an integrated unit.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a printed ink circuit comprising a plurality of printed layers forming: an electrical contact for connection to a controller device arranged to supply an electromagnetic signal to the printed ink circuit; first and second electrodes for delivering an electromagnetic signal to a human or animal body, and/or receiving an electromagnetic signal from the printed ink circuit; and a connection track providing an electrically conductive path between the electrical contact and the second electrode; wherein the plurality of printed layers includes: a first non-conductive ink layer provided continuously in an encapsulating region; and a conductive ink layer over the first non-conductive ink layer, the conductive ink layer comprising, in the encapsulating region, a track region providing at least a first section of the connection track, and a first electrode region providing the first electrode, wherein the first section of the connection track is generally aligned with, but offset from, an edge of the first electrode.

This arrangement provides for a particularly robust printed ink circuit. It enables the track to be located directly adjacent to an electrode (the first electrode), which may be particularly advantageous in configurations in which there is limited space around an electrode within which to route a track. The plurality of printed layers may further comprise: a second non-conductive ink layer over the conductive ink layer, the second non-conductive ink layer being provided continuously in the encapsulating region but not in an exposed region in which the first electrode region of the conductive ink layer is exposed. The second non-conductive ink layer provides an encapsulating layer over the conductive ink layer, to increase durability and minimise stretch in the encapsulating region.

In preferred embodiments the first section of the connection track has a straight path. Preferably, a second section of the connection track has a waveform path. A or the second section of the connection track may extend from the first section to the second electrode.

The printed ink circuit preferably further comprises a fabric base, the plurality of printed layers being supported by the fabric base, optionally wherein the fabric base comprises a stretch fabric base.

In the printed ink circuit an elastic modulus of the plurality of printed layers is preferably higher than an elastic modulus of the fabric base. That is, there is a higher resistance to stretching in the plurality of printed layers than in the fabric base. Minimised stretching is advantageous since this prevents undesirable increases in electrical resistance in the printed ink circuit.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for providing a printed ink circuit according to the fourth aspect, comprising a substrate carrying the plurality of printed layers, the substrate being configured to enable transfer of the plurality of printed layers onto a base by a transfer process to provide the printed ink circuit.

The kit may comprise a layer of adhesive on the plurality of printed layers, the layer of adhesive being configured to adhere the plurality of printed layers to a base during the transfer process.

Similarly, a related aspect provides a kit comprising a printed ink circuit according to the fourth and/or other aspects and a power supply, control unit and/or controller device for providing an electromagnetic signal to, and/or receiving an electromagnetic signal from, the one or more electrodes of the printed ink circuit. The power supply and control unit and/or controller device may be provided as an integrated unit.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a wearable garment comprising one or more printed ink circuits according to the fourth aspect, a fabric of the garment forming a base of the one or more printed ink circuits.

The garment may be wearable on a lower body region of a human or animal body, the garment comprising two printed ink circuits according to the fourth aspect, including a first printed ink circuit having first and second electrodes configured to contact a left side of the body and a second printed ink circuit having corresponding first and second electrodes configured to contact a right side of the body.

The garment may comprise a left panel carrying the first printed ink circuit and a right panel carrying the second printed ink circuit, the left and right panels encircling left and right thighs, hips and/or glutes (buttocks) of the body in use.

The garment may comprise, or be provided in a kit with, a power supply, control unit and/or controller device for providing an electromagnetic signal to the or each printed ink circuit. The power supply and control unit and/or controller device may be provided as an integrated unit.

The assembly, garment, printed ink circuit, or kit of parts according to any aspect of the invention may be for the use in: stimulating muscle activity; detecting muscle stimulation, contraction or relaxation; or treating incontinence, particularly stress incontinence.

The assembly, garment, printed ink circuit, or kit of parts may be for regular use, optionally for daily use or for use between 1 and 7 times per week.

The assembly, garment, printed ink circuit, or kit of parts may be for use for 15, 20, 25, or 30 minute periods.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides a method of stimulating muscle activity; detecting muscle stimulation, contraction or relaxation; comprising the step of applying an assembly, garment, printed ink circuit, or kit of parts according to any aspect of the invention to the human or animal body. Embodiments of the invention in which electromagnetic signals are received from the printed ink circuit by a control unit and/or controller device may be particularly applicable to such methods.

An eighth aspect of the invention provides a method of treating incontinence, particularly stress incontinence; comprising the step of applying an assembly, garment, printed ink circuit, or kit of parts according to any aspect of the invention to the human or animal body. Embodiments of the invention in which electromagnetic signals are provided to the printed ink circuit by a control unit and/or controller device may be particularly applicable to such methods.

In the methods, the assembly, garment, printed ink circuit, or kit of parts may be applied to the hips, thighs and/or buttocks of the human body.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other components, integers or steps. Moreover the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires: in particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. In particular, all aspects of printed ink circuits, assemblies, kits, garments or methods described herein may be applied to any aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A, and IB are front and rear views, respectively, of a garment according to a first embodiment of the invention, in which left and right printed ink circuit. On an inner surface of the fabric of the garment are shown in phantom;

Figure 1C is a perspective view of the garment of the first embodiment, without the printed ink circuits visible;

Figure ID is an alternative perspective view of the garment of the first embodiment, shown inside-out so that the printed ink circuits are visible;

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate left and right leg panels, respectively, of the garment of the first embodiment;

Figure 3A is a further perspective view of the garment of the first embodiment;

Figure 3B shows a detail view of a portion of the waistband of the garment shown in Figure 3A;

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a wiring assembly suitable for the garment of the first embodiment, while Figures 4C and 4B show similar views to Figures 4A and 4B but with outlines of the controller socket and bridge device shown in phantom for clarity;

Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a controller socket and controller device suitable for the garment of the first embodiment;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the controller device of Figure 5;

Figures 7A and 7B show the controller socket and controller device of Figure 5 in unmated and mated configurations, respectively;

Figures 8A and 8B illustrate the operation of the magnets of the controller socket and controller device of Figure 5 when the controller device is located correctly (Figure 8A) and incorrectly (Figure 8B);

Figures 9A and 9B show an exploded view and an assembled view, respectively, of the controller socket of Figure 5;

Figures 10A and 10B show an exploded view and an assembled view, respectively, of the controller device of Figure 5; Figure 11 shows another exploded view of the controller socket of Figure 5 assembled with the left leg panel;

Figure 12 shows certain features of the controller socket of Figure 5 assembled with the left leg panel, with some features omitted for clarity;

Figure 13 shows the controller socket PCB and socket pogo pins of the controller socket of Figure 5;

Figure 14 shows the controller socket PCB of the controller socket of Figure 5 assembled with the left leg panel;

Figure 15 shows an exploded view of the controller socket PCB of the controller socket of Figure 5; and

Figure 16 shows an alternative embodiment of a printed ink circuit suitable for use in the garment of the first embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention provides developments for a printed ink conductive circuit which may be applied to a garment, for example a garment for the stimulation of pelvic floor muscles. While the embodiments are directed to arrangements in which electromagnetic signals are delivered to the printed ink conductive circuit, each of the embodiments can be alternatively deployed in an arrangement in which electromagnetic signals are received from the printed ink conductive circuit, for example to detect muscle stimulation or otherwise provide data about muscle stimulation.

In the embodiments illustrated in the figures the garment comprises a pair of shorts 100. The shorts 100 are made from stretch fabric comprising a polyamide and elastane, and are designed to fit closely to the body. The shorts are provided with two legs and a waistband area. The shorts 100 are constructed from multiple panels connected together by seams. In the illustrated embodiments the seams are secured via stitching, but in other embodiments the seams may be secured by other means such as e.g. bonding or heat sealing.

As is best seen in Figures 1A to ID, the waistband 70 comprises a central rear panel 72, left-side and right-side panels 74, and front fastening band 76. The front fastening band 76 comprises two co-operating portions which can be fastened together by a fastening device 77 to secure the waistband 70 around the waist of a wearer of the shorts 100, or can be separated to allow the wearer to don and doff the shorts 100. The fastening device 77 may comprise any suitable fastening means, such as co-operating hook and loop pads (e.g. velcro™), or one or more hook and eye fasteners, press studs, or buttons. To improve fit and user comfort, the central rear panel 72 and left-side and right-side panels 74 of the waistband 70 are relatively tall, or deep, while the front fastening band 76 is relatively short, or shallow.

Joined to the waistband 70 are a left panel 60 and a right leg panel 62. The left leg and right leg panels 60, 62 are joined together by an inseam panel 64 in the inner leg region of the shorts that extends from a lower edge of each leg to a crotch region of the shorts. Above the crotch region the left leg and right leg panels 60, 62 are joined by a front rise seam 66 extending from the front fastening band 76 of the waistband 70 to an uppermost front edge of the inseam panel 62, and a rear rise seam 68 extending from the central rear panel 72 of the waistband 70 to an uppermost rear edge of the inseam panel 62. The front rise seam 66 includes a zipper 67 that is openable to allow the wearer to don and doff the shorts 100 and closeable to secure the left leg panel 60 and right leg panel 62 in a close fit around the wearer's upper legs. The left 60 and right 62 leg panels each include a dart seam 69 to ensure a close fit of the lower leg portion of the shorts 100 around a wearer's legs.

The shorts 100 comprise left and right printed ink circuits 20a, 20b. The left printed ink circuit 20a is provided on the left leg panel 60 of the shorts 100 and the right printed ink circuit 20b is provided on the right leg panel 62 of the shorts 100. Other than the seams described above, there are no further seams joining the left leg and right leg panels 60, 62 that extend generally or substantially vertically. In this way, each printed ink circuit 20a, 20b is contained within a single panel of fabric, and neither printed ink circuit 20a, 20b crosses a seam of the shorts 100. Seams have been found to adversely affect the electrical resistance of the circuit.

The left printed ink circuit 20a includes a controller socket 200 provided on the left leg panel 60, and the right printed ink circuit includes a bridge device 90 provided on the right leg panel 62. The controller socket 200 is arranged to receive a controller device 250 configured to provide an electromagnetic signal to the left 20a and right 20b printed ink circuits. The bridge device 90 serves to provide an electrical connection between the right printed ink circuit 20b and the controller socket 200 via a wiring assembly 110. These features will be described in more detail below.

The controller socket 200 and bridge device 90 are located in a region directly below the front fastening band 76 of the waistband 70 and between the left-side and right-side 74 panels 74. In user testing it has been found that locating the controller socket 200 and bridge device 90 in the waistband area of the shorts to be particularly comfortable. Moreover, by locating the controller socket 200 and bridge device 90 on the leg panels 60, 62, rather than within the waistband 70 itself, there is no requirement for any seams to cross the printed ink circuits 20a, 20b. Each printed ink circuit 20a, 20b comprises four electrodes 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b comprising areas of the circuit in which a conductive area of the circuit is arranged to contact the skin of a wearer. The electrodes are each electrically connected to a respective one of eight printed contacts 30a, 30b by a respective conductive track 40. Thus, four of the printed contacts 30a comprise part of the left printed ink circuit 20a, and the remaining four printed contacts 30b comprise part of the right printed ink circuit 20b.

The four printed contacts 30a, 30b for each printed ink circuit 20a, 20b are each clustered together towards the top of the respective leg panel 60, 62 in a region below the front fastening band 76 of the waistband 70 and between the left-side and right-side 74 panels 74. The four electrical contact points 30a of the left printed ink circuit 20a are electrically connected to the controller socket 200 (as described below), and the four printed contacts 30b of the right printed ink circuit 20b are electrically connected to the bridge device 90.

Each electrode is positioned relative to the shorts 100, and in particular relative to its respective leg panel 60, 62, so that it is in contact with a specific region of a user's body when worn. The electrodes 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b are generally located so that they are in contact with the user's skin in the region of the pelvis, to thereby apply a muscular stimulation current which flows laterally across the midline of the user through the user's pelvic floor. That is, current is passed across the pelvis from one leg/hip region to the other via the pelvic floor. Thus, each leg of the shorts is provided with four conductive areas, arranged to contact the skin on the thighs and buttocks of a user when the shorts are worn. The eight conductive areas thus together provide four electrodes for each leg of the shorts.

In alternative embodiments a plurality of the electrodes 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b may be provided as a plurality of discrete conductive areas exposed within a single region of encapsulating non-conductive material.

In the illustrated embodiments the first pair of electrodes 22a, 22b (the 'hip electrodes' 22) are located in the region of a user's hip, the second pair of electrodes 24a, 24b are located generally in the region of a user's upper anterior (front) thigh, the third pair of electrodes 26a, 26b (the 'gluteal electrodes' 26) are located generally in the region of the user's buttock, and the fourth pair of electrodes 28a, 28b are located generally in the region of the user's upper posterior (rear) thigh.

In the illustrated embodiments the printed ink circuits 20a, 20b are each a mirror image of the other (other than in the regions of the electrical contacts 30a, 30b), but in other embodiments the layout of the printed ink circuits 20a, 20b could be varied so that they differ from one another. In particular, the route and shape of the tracks 40 may be different on each leg panel 60, 62. In most embodiments it is expected that the position and shape of the left and right electrodes 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b will be mirror images of one another.

In the arrangements illustrated herein, the tracks 40 have a generally wavy, or waveform, path such that each track zig-zags between the respective electrode 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b and printed contact 30a, 30b. This arrangement has been found to be particularly beneficial because the waveform shape of the tracks 40 allows for the fabric of the leg panel 60, 62 to be stretched during use of the shorts 100 without unduly affecting the electrical resistance provided by the tracks 40. That is, the wavelength and/or amplitude of the waveform can vary to thereby minimise stretching of the one or more conductive layers of the track.

In alternative arrangements, the tracks may instead have a generally linear path.

Each printed ink circuit 20a, 20b is formed by printing of a series of conductive and non- conductive layers onto the fabric of the shorts (i.e. the fabric of each of the left and right leg panels 60, 62). An appropriate method of printing the printed ink circuits 20a, 20b is described in GB2555592A.

The nature of the printed layers depends on the region of the printed ink circuit 20a, 20b to be formed. That is, the arrangement of printed layers differs between the regions of the printed ink circuit 20a, 20b in which electrical contact between the printed ink circuit 20a, 20b and the skin of the user is wanted (i.e. the electrodes 22, 24, 26, 28) and the regions in which electrical contact between the printed ink circuit 20a, 20b and the skin of the user is not wanted (i.e. the tracks 40).

In general terms, a series of printed layers is applied onto the fabric of the shorts to form each printed ink circuit 20a, 20b. The layers applied are an adhesive layer (optional; not shown), a first non-conductive ink layer 120 (which may comprise a plurality of layers of non-conductive ink), a conductive ink layer 122 (which may comprise a plurality of layers of conductive ink), and a second non-conductive ink layer 123 (which may comprise a plurality of layers of non-conductive ink).

The conductive ink layer 124 is provided in a continuous pattern to form each of the printed ink circuits 20a, 20b. For the left printed ink circuit 20a the conductive ink is provided over the first non-conductive ink layer 120 to form the four electrodes 22a, 24a, 26a, 28a, the four printed contacts 30a, and each of the four tracks 40 that connect a respective one of the electrodes with its contact. Similarly, for the right printed ink circuit 20b the conductive ink is provided over the first non-conductive ink layer 120 to form the four electrodes 22b, 24b, 26b, 28b, the four printed contacts 30b, and each of the four tracks 40 that connect a respective one of the electrodes with its contact. For each printed ink circuit 20a, 20b, the first non-conductive ink layer 120 is sandwiched between the fabric of the respective leg panel 60, 62 and the conductive ink layer 122. The first non-conductive ink layer 120 has a perimeter edge that is generally aligned with, but offset from, the perimeter edge of the conductive ink layer 122, so that the first non- conductive ink layer 120 overlaps the conductive ink layer 122. The first non-conductive ink layer 120 entirely covers the conductive ink layer 122 other than in regions in which the conductive ink layer is exposed to provide the printed contacts 30a, 30b.

The second non-conductive ink layer 124 has a perimeter edge that generally corresponds to the perimeter edge of the first non-conductive ink layer 120. The second non-conductive ink layer 124 overlaps areas of the conductive ink layer 122 that should not be in contact with a wearer's skin, such as the tracks 40, but is absent to expose the conductive ink layer 124 in the regions of the electrodes 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b where contact between the conductive ink layer 124 and a wearer's skin is desired.

This arrangement ensures that the conductive ink layer 122 can provide an electrical connection between the electrodes 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b and the controller socket 200, via the bridge device 90 and wiring harness 300, while the second non-conductive layer 124 prevents any direct electrical connection between the conductive ink layer 122 and the skin of the user other than in the regions of the electrodes.

The first non-conductive ink layer 120 serves not only to electrically isolate the conductive ink layer 122 from the fabric of the leg panels 60, 62, it also minimises stretching of the fabric in the region of each electrode. Minimised stretching is advantageous since this prevents undesirable increases in electrical resistance in the electrodes.

Undesirable stretching of the fabric is also achieved by offsetting the perimeter edges of the first 120 and second 124 non-conductive ink layer from the perimeter edge of the conductive ink layer 122. This offset also protects the perimeter edge of the conductive ink layer 122 from damage by peeling or fretting.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the second non-conductive ink layer 124 comprises one or more base layers of non-conductive material 125 overlaying the conductive ink layer 122 and at least one encapsulating layer of non-conductive material 126 overlaying the one or more base layers of non-conductive material 125. At some or all perimeter edges of the second non-conductive ink layer 124, the at least one encapsulating layer 126 overhangs the one or more base layers 125 so that the at least one encapsulating layer 126 obscures and encapsulates the perimeter edge of the one or more base layers 125. In the illustrated examples the overhang provides an offset between a perimeter edge of the at least one encapsulating layer 126 and the one or more base layers 125 of about 1mm. This arrangement ensures that load concentrations around the perimeter edges of the second non-conductive ink layer 124 are reduced, and the risk of in-service peeling of the second non-conductive ink layer 124 away from the conductive ink layer 122 is minimised.

The printed ink circuits 20a, 20b are generally formed by printing the printed layers in a desired order onto a substrate (not shown), and then transferring the printed layers from the substrate onto the respective leg panel 60, 62 by a transfer process. For example, the substrate may be placed over the leg panel 60, 62, heat and pressure applied to transfer the printed layers to the leg panel 60, 62, and the substrate subsequently peeled away. In such embodiments the printed layers may include an adhesive layer to facilitate bonding between the printed layers and the leg panel 60, 62. In other embodiments the layers may be printed directly onto the fabric of the leg panel 60, 62.

Appropriate printing methods include, but are not limited to, screen printing, reel-to-reel printing, dot matrix printing, laser printing, cylinder press printing, ink jet printing, flexographic printing, lithographic printing, offset printing, digital printing, gravure printing or xerographic printing.

A suitable printing ink for the first 120 or second 124 non-conductive layers comprises a water-based printing ink, an ultraviolet-cured printing ink, a solvent based ink, or a latex printing ink, for example. A particularly preferred ink for the non-conductive layers comprises a screen-printable ink of CMYK toner.

The conductive material for the conductive ink layer 122 may comprise an electrically conductive metal, such as silver, silver chloride, copper or combinations or alloys thereof, or another conductive material such as a carbon-containing material. Suitable conductive inks may be supplied by Engineering Materials Systems, Inc. under the brand name Engineered Conductive Materials (ECM) ^TM .

Each of the layers of conductive or non-conductive material deposited to form the first non- conductive ink layer 120, conductive ink layer 122 or second non-conductive ink layer 124 may have a thickness of 0.5mm or less, 0.4mm or less, 0.3mm or less, 0.2mm or less, 0.1mm or less, 0.05mm or less. For example, each layer of non-conductive material may be approximately 0.018mm thick. Similarly, each layer of conductive material may be approximately 0.006mm thick. In the embodiments illustrated herein, for example, three layers of conductive material are provided in the tracks 40 and two layers are provided in the electrodes 22, 24, 26, 28.

Electrical connectivity between the electrodes 22, 24, 26, 28 and the user's skin is preferably maximised by use of an electrolytic fluid. For example, the user may spray the electrodes with electrolytic solution or saline solution prior to use. Figures 6 to 15 illustrate various features of the controller socket 200 and the controller device 250 which mates with the controller socket 200 in a mating configuration to enable an electromagnetic signal to be delivered by the controller device 250 to the left 20a and right 20b printed ink circuits. The controller device 250 may take many different forms. For example, the controller device 250 may include a receiver (not shown) configured to receive control signals from a remote device, such as a mobile or cellular smart phone, or other computing device, and a power source and circuitry (not shown) for delivering an electromagnetic signal to the left 20a and right 20b printed ink circuits in response to received control signals. The controller device 250 may operate similarly to the controller described in W02007138071. Alternatively, the controller device 250 may comprise a device suitable for connection to a controller as described in W02007138071.

The controller socket 200 comprises a rigid rear housing 202 fastened to a rigid front housing 204, with a non-populated rigid controller socket PCB (printed circuit board) 206 sandwiched therebetween. A suitable PCB may include an FR4 PCB. When assembled, the fabric of the left leg panel 60 is sandwiched between the controller socket PCB 206 and the front housing 204. In use, the rear housing 202 contacts the wearer's skin, and the front housing 204 faces outwardly. The front housing 204 and rear housing 202 may be formed by moulding fibre-reinforced composite material.

The front housing 204 includes a recessed receiving region 210 within which the controller device 250 is seated in the mating configuration. Located within the recessed receiving region 210 is a raised connection region 222 carrying an array of eight socket pogo pins 220, which interconnect with corresponding controller device pogo pins 254 of the controller device 250.

Magnets 230, 232 are located within the controller socket 200 and the controller device 250 to ensure that the controller device 250 is correctly located and orientated within the controller socket 200 in order to ensure correct alignment of the controller device pogo pins 254 with the socket pogo pins 220. In the controller socket 200 there are four magnets 230 arranged in a rectangular array beneath the recessed receiving region 210. Similarly, in the controller device 250 there are four magnets 232 arranged in a corresponding array. A first pair of the magnets 230 in the controller socket 200 have negative polarity, and the corresponding first pair of the magnets 232 in the controller device 250 have positive polarity. A second pair of the magnets 230 in the controller socket 200 have positive polarity, and the corresponding second pair of the magnets 232 in the controller device 250 have negative polarity. In this way, when the controller device 250 is correctly located and oriented within the controller socket 200 the magnets 230, 232 are attracted to one another so that the controller device 250 is secured in the mating configuration. Moreover, if the controller device 250 is misaligned the magnets 230, 232 repel one another and prevent the controller device 250 from being incorrectly mated with the controller socket 200.

The controller socket 200 also includes a pair of locator protrusions 234 projecting from a base surface of the recessed receiving region 210. The locator protrusions 234 mate with a corresponding pair of locator recesses 236 in a base surface of the controller device 250. This arrangement not only aids correct location of the controller device 250 within the recessed receiving region 210 of the controller socket 200, it also prevents accidental displacement of the controller device 250 during use.

In the illustrated embodiments, the controller device 250 has a female charger port 252 for receiving a male charging connector (not shown). The controller device 250 is located within the recessed receiving region 210 in the mating configuration so that the charger port 252 is completely obscured. This prevents undesirable charging of the controller device 250 while the shorts 100 are in use.

The fabric of the left leg panel 60 includes fastener holes 240 through which fasteners 242 connecting the rear housing portion 202 and front housing portion 204 can pass, and a pin connector hole 244 through which the eight socket pogo pins 220 can pass.

The controller socket 200 also includes a gasket sheet 248 sandwiched between the fabric and the front housing 204 to provide a seal between rear housing 202 and front housing 204. The gasket sheet 248 may, for example, be formed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

The controller socket PCB 206 includes four left tracings 212 that each provide an electrical connection between a respective one of four contact landing pads 214 and four left pin landing pads 216. The contact landing pads 214 each coincide with a respective one of the printed contacts 30a of the left printed ink circuit 20a to provide an electrical connection therebetween. Thus, there is an electrical connection between each of the electrodes 22a, 24a, 26a, 28a of the left printed ink circuit 20a and a respective one of the four left pin landing pads. In turn, the four left pin landing pads 216 each provide a landing target for four of the eight socket pogo pins 220.

The controller socket PCB 206 further includes four right pin landing pads 218, each of which provides a landing target for the remaining four of the eight socket pogo pins 220. The four right pin landing pads 218 are each electrically connected to a respective one of four harness landing pads 219 on a reverse side of the controller socket PCB 206. Each harness landing pad 219 is electrically connected to a respective one of the electrodes 22b, 24b, 26b, 28b of the right printed ink circuit 20b via the wiring harness 300 and bridge device 90. Thus, there is an electrical connection between each of the electrodes 22b, 24b, 26b, 28b of the right printed ink circuit 20b and a respective one of the four right pin landing pads 218.

In the illustrated embodiments the socket pogo pins 220 each comprise an electrical connector in the form of a spring-loaded pin. Each pin comprises a plunger movable in a linear direction within a barrel between compressed and extended positions; a spring serves to urge the plunger towards the extended position. Each of the plunger and barrel have flat contact faces that are directly opposed to one another. In use, the plunger is displaced within the barrel towards the compressed position against the action of the spring, so that the contact faces are urged away from one another.

When the controller socket 200 is assembled, the eight socket pogo pins 220 are compressed between the controller socket PCB 206 and the front housing 204 so that a first contact face of each socket pogo pin 220 is urged into electrical contact with the left 216 or right 218 pin landing pads, respectively, and a second contact face of each socket pogo pin 220 is exposed in the raised connection region 222 within the recessed receiving region 210.

When the controller device 250 is correctly located within the recessed receiving region 210 of the controller socket 200, the controller device pogo pins 254 are each urged into electrical contact with a second contact face of a respective one of the socket pogo pins 220. Thus, an electrical connection between the controller device 250 and each of the left 20a and right 20b printed ink circuits is completed.

As noted above, a wiring harness 300 provides an electrical connection between the controller socket 200 and bridge device 90. This is best illustrated in Figures 3 and 4A to 4D.

The wiring harness 300 includes a bundle of four wires 310 extending through a fabric channel 330 in an upper portion of the waistband 70 of the shorts 100. The wires 310 have a longer overall length than the fabric channel 330, but are gathered within the channel 330 so that they have a generally wave-like shape. Thus, the overall length of the wiring harness 300 can be altered by increasing or decreasing the wavelength of the wires 310. In this way, when the fabric channel 330 changes length during donning and doffing of the shorts 100, the wavelength of the wires 310 increases and/or decreases to ensure a snug fit of the wires 310 within the fabric channel 330.

The wires 310 are each electrically connected (e.g. by soldering) at a first end to a respective one of the four harness landing pads 219 on the reverse side of the controller socket PCB 206 that forms part of the controller socket 200. Similarly, the wires 310 are each electrically connected (e.g. by soldering) at a second end to a respective one of four harness landing pads 342 on a non-populated bridge device PCB 340 that forms part of the bridge device 90. Thus, the wires 310 provide an electrical connection between the controller socket 200 and the bridge device 90.

A first interface device 312 is mounted around the wires 310 at the interface between the wires 310 and the controller socket 200. Similarly, a second interface device 314 is mounted around the wires 310 at the interface between the wires 310 and the bridge device 90.

The first 312 and second 314 interface devices comprise flexible components moulded around the wires 310. The flexible nature of first 312 and second 314 interface devices minimises unwanted stress concentrations at the interfaces between controller socket 200, and thereby minimises strains within the wires 310 at those interfaces which could affect performance or reliability.

Each of the first 312 and second 314 interface devices serves to anchor the wires 310 to the controller socket 200 or bridge device 90, respectively, via a protruding flange 316. The protruding flange 316 is retained by the housing of the controller socket 200, or bridge device 90, respectively, as illustrated in Figures 4C and 4D, to thereby provide a secure yet flexible sealed mechanical connection between the wires 310 and the controller socket 200 or bridge device 90, respectively.

Each of the first 312 and second 314 interface devices also comprises a bobbin portion 318 that includes a central spindle sandwiched between two flanges. The bobbin portion 318 serves to anchor the wires 310 to the fabric of the left leg panel 60 and right leg panel 62, respectively. One or more loops of thread are wound around the central spindle of the bobbin portion and stitched into the fabric (and the gasket) via an overlooking stitch. This arrangement prevents strain from being transferred into the wire connections when the waistband is stretched during donning and doffing of the shorts 100.

The bridge device PCB 340 includes four right tracings (not shown) that each provide an electrical connection between a respective one of four contact landing pads 344 and a respective one of the four harness landing pads 342. The contact landing pads 344 each coincide with a respective one of the printed contacts 30b of the right printed ink circuit 20b to provide an electrical connection therebetween.

Thus, when the first plug 312 is connected with the first socket 316, and the second plug 314 is connected with the second socket 320, there is an electrical connection between each of the electrodes 22b, 24b, 26b, 28b of the right printed ink circuit 20b and a respective one of the four right pin landing pads 218 of the controller socket 200, via the wiring harness 300. This arrangement is particularly beneficial for ease of manufacture and assembly, since the wiring harness 300 can be readily connected to the controller socket 200 and bridge device 90 simply by connecting two plug-and-socket connectors. Moreover, the wires 310 of the wiring harness 300 can be stitched into the fabric channel 330 during assembly of the waistband 70, and the waistband subsequently joined to the left 60 and right 62 leg panels prior to connection of the plugs 312, 314 and sockets 316, 320. This assembly sequence is particularly efficient.

Figure 15 shows an exploded view of the controller socket PCB 206, in which it can be seen that the PCB includes two copper layers 207 laminated between its outer layers which carry the tracings 212, contact landing pads 214, and pin landing pads 216, 218. The copper layers 207 are electrically isolated from the tracings 212, contact landing pads 214, and pin landing pads 216, 218. Their purpose is to improve heat dissipation within the controller socket 200, and thereby avoid operational issues associated with over-heating of the controller device 250 when mated with the controller socket 200.

Figure 16 illustrates a left printed ink circuit 20a', which can be applied to shorts 100 as an alternative to the left printed ink circuit 20a described above. Although only the left printed ink circuit 20a' is illustrated, the features shown can equally be applied to the right printed ink circuit 20b described above. For example, a right printed ink circuit 20b' may comprise a mirror image of the left printed ink circuit 20a'.

In the left printed ink circuit 20a', the track 40' extending between the left gluteal electrode 26a' and its respective printed contact 30a' is modified. The track 40' comprises an elongate region of the conductive ink layer 124 with a first section 42 that is generally aligned with (i.e. parallel to) an edge of the left hip electrode 22a', and a second section 44 that extends between the left hip electrode 22a' and the left gluteal electrode 26a'. The first section 42 has a straight, linear path. The second section 44 has a generally wavy, or waveform, path such that the track 40' zig-zags between the left hip electrode 22a' and the left gluteal electrode 26a'.

The first non-conductive ink layer 120 is deposited in a continuous encapsulating region 130 on which are provided the portions of the conductive ink layer 124 that form the left hip electrode 22a' and the first section 42 of the track 40'. The second non-conductive ink layer 122 extends continuously across the encapsulating region 130, other than in an opening in which the conductive ink layer 124 is exposed to provide the left hip electrode 22a'

In this way, the portion of the conductive ink layer 124 forming the first section 42 of the track 40' is encapsulated within the same encapsulating region 130 by the first 120 and second 122 non-conductive ink layers that also encapsulate the portion of the conductive ink layer 124 forming the left hip electrode 22a'. The skilled reader will recognise that the principle illustrated by the track 40' may be applied to any track 40 connecting any of the electrodes 22, 24, 26, 28 to any of the printed contacts 30.

This arrangement enables the track 40' to be located directly adjacent to an electrode, which may be particularly advantageous in configurations in which there is limited space around an electrode within which to route a track.