FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to apparatuses, systems, and methods for wearable electronics. More specifically, the disclosure relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for flexible electronic panels that can be incorporated into various garments.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Wearable electronics and smart garments are becoming increasingly popular. These wearable electronics, such as smart watches can detect the pulse rate and oxygen saturation of a wearer. Smart garments can detect the movement of a wearer, potentially alerting a user of an unsafe condition or can cause a garment to light up, enhancing visibility in low light conditions or for advertising or marketing purposes. Further, the capability of wearable electronics has increased dramatically during the last number of years, while the price of wearable electronics decreased, adding to the popularity of these items. However, garments are typically made of multiple fabric panels that are sewn together. The electronic circuitry of a smart garment is often required to extend from one panel to another panel, and interconnects between adjacent panels must be used to connect the electronics where the two panels meet. These electrical connections coupling two panels may have excessive wear due to the regular flexing of material at the seams of the garment, leading to the electronic panel being inoperable. Embodiments disclosed herein solve these problems.

SUMMARY

[0003] As mentioned above, wearable electronics and smart garments are becoming increasingly popular. However, there are manufacturing challenges associated with smart garments. Garments typically require multiple panel pieces, where adjacent panel pieces are joined by sewing, stitching, bonding, adhering, welding or joining to form the finished garment. For example, a shirt can be produced from at least 4 panels, a front trunk portion, a rear trunk portion and two arm portions. The panels can be sewn together at adjacent edges to form the garment. The present disclosure describes a unitary panel comprising at least one conductive trace that can be used as one of the panel pieces to produce a garment. The use of a unitary panel with at least one conductive trace allows for a garment where the electronic connections are not required to cross from one panel to another panel, thereby producing a durable smart garment. As used herein the phrases “unitary panel” and “electronic panel” are equivalent and mean a panel that is free from a seam crossing over the panel. At least one edge portion of the unitary panel may have a seam joining the unitary panel to an adjacent panel or joining one edge of the unitary panel to itself, for example, in the case of the panel encircling a cuff portion. It should be understood that the electronic panel is a unitary panel comprising at least one conductive trace.

[0004] According to one example, the present disclosure relates to a garment comprising a plurality of panels, wherein a first panel is a unitary panel extending from a first appendage of the garment to a second appendage of the garment, wherein at least the first panel comprises at least one conductive trace and wherein the remaining plurality of panels form the remainder of the garment. The garment can be a shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, a short-sleeved shirt, pants, shorts, overall, upper body garment, lower body garment, whole body garment, jacket, mid-layer, base-layer, coverall, gloves, socks, or hats. The appendages of the garment is meant to denote the arm portions or sleeve(s), the leg portions or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the unitary panel can extend from a distal portion of a first arm portion (i.e. , a first appendage) to a distal portion of a second arm portion (i.e., a second appendage). In other embodiments, the unitary panel can extend from a distal portion of a first leg portion to a distal portion of a second leg portion. As used herein, the phrase “a distal portion” means at any point of the appendage. For example, if the garment is a long-sleeved shirt, with sleeves extending to each wrist, the unitary panel can extend from any point of the first appendage, the wrist, forearm, elbow or bicep portion of the first arm portion independently to the wrist, forearm, elbow or bicep portion of the second appendage. As is typical with garments, the appendage length can vary depending upon the design, the function or both the design and function of the garment.

[0005] According to another example, the present disclosure relates to a unitary panel that is substantially flat and that is capable of being incorporated into a garment (or an article) to form a 3-dimensional garment/article piece, wherein the unitary panel is a conductive panel comprising at least one conductive trace. The garment can be a shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, a short-sleeved shirt, pants, shorts, overalls, coveralls, gloves, socks, or hats. In aspects, the unitary panel is flexible and/or stretchable. In aspects, the unitary panel extends from a first point to a second point on a garment. In aspects, the first point and the second point are on a torso of the garment. In some aspects, the first point is on the same side of the torso of the garment as the second point. In other aspects, the first point is on a different side of the torso of the garment as the second point. In some aspects, the unitary panel wraps around less than half of the torso. In other aspects, the unitary panel wraps around more than half of the torso, e.g., wraps around an entire circumference of the torso.

[0006] According to yet another example, the present disclosure relates to two or more garments, wherein the two or more garments are a base layer, a mid-layer, an outer layer, a pair of pants, coveralls, overalls, gloves, socks, or hats, wherein each of the two or more garments comprises the unitary panel of the previous example; and wherein the unitary panel of the first garment is in electronic communication with the unitary panel of the second garment and/or subsequent garments. The garments can be shirts, long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, overalls, coveralls, gloves, socks, and/or hats.

[0007] According to another example, the present disclosure relates to an electronic panel that is substantially flat and configured to be incorporated into an article to be worn by a user, wherein the electronic panel is devoid of any seams extending: laterally across a portion of the panel, longitudinally across a portion of the panel, or combination thereof; wherein the electronic panel is coupled to a plurality of fabric panels of the article such that the electronic panel and the plurality of fabric panels form the article; and wherein the electronic panel comprises at least one conductive trace.

[0008] According to another example, the present disclosure relates to an electronic panel that is substantially flat and configured to be incorporated into an article to be worn by a user, wherein the electronic panel is devoid of any seams extending: laterally across a portion the electronic panel, longitudinally across a portion of the electronic panel, or combination thereof; wherein the electronic panel is configured to extend across at least a joint of the user; and wherein the electronic panel comprises at least one conductive trace.

[0009] In aspects of any of the previous examples, the electronic panel includes a synthetic polymer membrane compressed in the x-y direction and the conductive trace is located within the synthetic polymer membrane; the electronic panel comprises a stretchable substrate bonded to the synthetic polymer membrane; and the conductive trace is buckled in the z-direction.

[00010] In certain aspects, the article is a long sleeve shirt and the electronic panel extends from a central portion across a front or a back of the garment to a distal portion of the first arm and to a distal portion of the second arm.

[00011] In certain other aspects, the article is a pair of pants and the electronic panel extends from a central portion across a front or a back of the garment to a distal portion of a first leg and to a distal portion of a second leg.

[00012] In even other aspects, the article is a one-piece coverall garment and the electronic panel extends from a central portion across a front or a back of the garment from a distal portion of a first arm to a distal portion of a second arm; and further comprises a trunk extension portion extending from the front or back of the one-piece coverall garment to a trunk portion of the one-piece coverall garment and further comprises at least one leg extension portion extending from a distal portion of the trunk extension portion to a distal portion of at least one of a leg portion of the one-piece garment.

[00013] In aspects of any of the previous examples, at least one portion of at least one of the distal portions of the electronic panel further comprises a laterally elongated portion which circumferentially wraps around a portion of the article. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic panel is a textile fabric, a film, a microporous membrane, or other suitable substrates, which independently may or may not have some degree of elasticity, or a laminate thereof.

[00014] In certain aspects of any of the previous examples, the electronic panel comprises a microporous membrane having the conductive trace imbibed in the pores, on the microporous membrane or a combination thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic panel further comprises an electrical connection coupled to the at least one conductive trace and configured to releasably couple to one or more electronic components. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic panel comprises an electrical connection coupled to the at least one conductive trace and configured to permanently couple to one or more electronic components.

[00015] In aspects of the previous example, the one or more electronic components is one or more of: a power supply, a power switch, a sensor, electronic circuit, antenna, wireless transmitter, wireless receiver, a remote control, a display device, a touch screen, an audio transmitter, a speaker, a microphone, a haptic device, a heating element, or a combination thereof.

[00016] In aspects of the previous example, at least two of: the power supply, the power switch, the sensor, the electronic circuit, the antenna, the wireless transmitter, the wireless receiver, the remote control, the display device, the touch screen, the audio transmitter, the speaker, the microphone, the haptic device, the heating element, or the combination thereof are connected to each other by the conductive trace.

[00017] In certain aspects of either of previous two examples, at least one of: the power supply, the power switch, the sensor, the electronic circuit, the antenna, the wireless transmitter, the wireless receiver, the remote control, the display device, the touch screen, the audio transmitter, the speaker, the microphone, the haptic device, the heating element, or the combination thereof is removable and/or replaceable.

[00018] In aspects of any of the previous examples, the electronic panel is a multilayer electronic panel comprising one or more of textile, film, a combination or a laminate thereof.

[00019] In certain embodiments of the previous example, the multilayer electronic panel is a laminate comprising an outer textile layer, a middle film layer and an inner textile layer.

[00020] In certain aspects of the previous embodiment, the middle film layer is a microporous layer wherein the conductive trace is within the microporous layer.

[00021] In aspects of any of the previous examples, the electronic panel further comprises a conductive connection configured to route electricity or electrical signals from the first panel to a second panel. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one portion of the electronic panel further comprises a power supply housing. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic panel is flexible and/or stretchable. Additionally, or alternatively, wherein the garment is a shirt and comprises a collar housing for storing one or more electronic components.

[00022] In certain aspects of the previous example, the one or more electronic components is one or more of: a power supply, a power switch, a sensor, electronic circuit, antenna, wireless transmitter, wireless receiver, a remote control, a display device, a touch screen, an audio transmitter, a speaker, a microphone, a haptic device, a heating element, or a combination thereof.

[00023] According to yet another example, the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a garment, the method comprising: providing a plurality of panels, wherein a first panel of the plurality of panels is a unitary panel comprising a conductive trace; coupling the first panel to a second panel of the plurality of panels at a seam; coupling any remaining panels to the first panel and /or the second panel to form the garment, wherein the first panel is devoid of any seams extending: laterally across a portion of the panel, longitudinally across a portion of the panel, or a combination thereof.

[00024] In aspects of the previous embodiment, wherein the first panel portion extends from a first appendage of the garment to a second appendage of the garment. Alternatively, the garment is a shirt, wherein the first panel extends from a central portion across a front or a back of the shirt to a distal portion of the first arm and to a distal portion of the second arm. Alternatively, the garment is a pair of pants and the first panel extends from a central portion across a front or a back of the garment to a distal portion of the first leg and to a distal portion of the second leg. Alternatively, the garment is a one-piece coverall, wherein the garment is a one-piece coverall garment and the first panel further comprises a trunk extension portion extending from the front or back of the one-piece coverall garment to a trunk portion of the one-piece coverall garment and further comprises at least one leg extension portion extending from a distal portion of the trunk extension portion to a distal portion of at least one of a leg portion of the one-piece garment.

[00025] In aspects of any of the previous method of manufacturing examples, coupling the first panel to the second panel comprises a sewn seam, an adhesive seam, a welded seam, a bonded seam or a combination thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, the method of manufacturing the garment further comprise forming the unitary panel by arranging the conductive trace on or within a synthetic polymer membrane.

[00026] In aspects of the previous embodiment, the electronic panel is a multilayer panel comprising one or more of textile, film, a combination or a laminate thereof. In aspects of the previous embodiment, the electronic panel is a multilayer panel that is a laminate comprising an outer textile layer, a middle film layer and an inner textile layer. In aspects of the previous embodiment, the middle film layer is a microporous layer wherein the conductive trace is within the microporous layer. In aspects of any of the previous embodiments, the method of manufacturing further comprises coupling one or more electronic components to the conductive trace.

[00027] In aspects of the previous example, the one or more electronic components is one or more of: a power supply, a power switch, a sensor, electronic circuit, antenna, wireless transmitter, wireless receiver, a remote control, a display device, a touch screen, an audio transmitter, a speaker, a microphone, a haptic device, a heating element, or a combination thereof.

[00028] The foregoing Examples are just that, and should not be read to limit or otherwise narrow the scope of any of the inventive concepts otherwise provided by the instant disclosure. While multiple examples are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative examples. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature rather than restrictive in nature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00029] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[00030] FIG. 1 is an example system of an electronic panel incorporated into a garment that can be worn by a subject, according to at least one embodiment;

[00031] FIGS. 2A-B is an example of an electronic panel incorporated into a garment, according to at least one embodiment;

[00032] FIG. 3 is an example of the electronic panel illustrated in FIGS. 2A-B decoupled from the garment, according to at least one embodiment;

[00033] FIGS. 4A-B is another example of an electronic panel incorporated into a garment, according to at least one embodiment;

[00034] FIGS. 5A-B is yet another example of an electronic panel incorporated into a garment, according to at least one embodiment;

[00035] FIGS. 6A-C are schematic illustrations of the formation of a conductive article where the electrically conductive trace has been applied to the surface of the synthetic polymer membrane and buckled, according to at least one embodiment;

[00036] FIG. 6D is a schematic illustration of the application of an electronic panel to both sides of a garment, according to at least one embodiment;

[00037] FIG. 6E is a schematic illustration of a stretchable substrate having thereon a buckled synthetic polymer membrane on each side thereof, according to at least one embodiment;

[00038] FIG. 6F is a schematic illustration of a synthetic polymer membrane having electrically conductive traces on both sides thereof and imbibed electrically conductive traces electrically interconnecting the electrically conductive traces where the synthetic polymer membrane is in a buckled configuration, according to at least one embodiment;

[00039] FIG. 7A is a schematic illustration of a conductive article where the electrically conductive trace has been imbibed into the synthetic polymer membrane and buckled, according to at least one embodiment;

[00040] FIG. 7B is a schematic illustration of a conductive article having a buckled synthetic polymer membrane on each side of the stretchable substrate, according to at least one embodiment;

[00041] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating physical components (e.g., hardware) of a computing device with which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced;

[00042] FIG. 9A is a simplified diagram of a mobile computing device with which aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced; and

[00043] FIG. 9B is another simplified block diagram of a mobile computing device with which aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced.

[00044] FIG. 10 is another example of an electronic panel incorporated into a garment, according to at least one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00045] The disclosures of all cited patent and non-patent literature are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[00046] As used herein, the term "embodiment" or "disclosure" is not meant to be limiting, but applies generally to any of the embodiments defined in the claims or described herein. These terms are used interchangeably herein.

[00047] Unless otherwise disclosed, the terms "a" and "an" as used herein are intended to encompass one or more (i.e., at least one) of a referenced feature.

[00048] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily understood, by those of ordinary skill in the art from reading the following detailed description. It is to be appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described above and below in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single element. Conversely, various features of the disclosure that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any sub-combination. In addition, references to the singular may also include the plural (for example, "a" and "an" may refer to one or more) unless the context specifically states otherwise.

The use of numerical values in the various ranges specified in this application, unless expressly indicated otherwise, are stated as approximations as though the minimum and maximum values within the stated ranges were both proceeded by the word "about". In this manner, slight variations above and below the stated ranges can be used to achieve substantially the same results as values within the ranges. Also, the disclosure of these ranges is intended as a continuous range including each and every value between the minimum and maximum values.

Description of Various Embodiments

[00049] Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various aspects of the present disclosure can be realized by any number of methods and apparatuses configured to perform the intended functions. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawing figures referred to herein are not necessarily drawn to scale but may be exaggerated to illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure, and in that regard, the drawing figures should not be construed as limiting.

[00050] FIG. 1 is an example system 100 of an electronic panel 102 incorporated into a garment 104 that can be worn by a subject 106, in accordance with an embodiment. As illustrated, the electronic panel 102 can be incorporated into various types of garments 104 including but not limited to shirts (e.g., long-sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, tank tops, etc.), pants, shorts, overalls, coveralls, leggings, dresses, skirts, underwear, gloves, socks, hats, and/or the like. According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 102 and/or the garment 104 can be a textile fabric, a film, a microporous membrane, or other suitable substrates, which independently may or may not have some degree of elasticity, or a laminate thereof. Additional details of these examples are provided below.

[00051] In some embodiments, the electronic panel 102 can be a unitary panel that, along with panel pieces A’, A”, A’”, B’, and/or B”, form the garment 104. In these embodiments, the electronic panel 102 is attached to one or more panels pieces A’, A”, A’”, B’, and/or B” at or near the perimeter of each panel piece and forms a portion of the garment 104. In aspects, individual panel pieces A’, A”, A’”, B’, and/or B” and the electronic panel 102 that form the garment 104 may be attached to each other by a seam. For example, the electronic panel 102 can be coupled to the individual panel pieces by at least one seam 108’, 108”, 108”’ that extends around at least a portion of the perimeter of the electronic panel 102. Attachment methods to form the seam can include, for example, stitching, bonding, laminating, gluing, adhesion, welding or a combination thereof. Because the electronic panel 102 can be unitary and is attached to more than one panel piece A’, A”, A’”, B’, and/or B” of the garment 104, electrical connections between individual garment panels are not required. An electrically conductive trace (e.g., the electrically conductive trace 120 discussed below) can allow the connection of one or more electrical components adjacent to multiple portions of the garment 104, for example, adjacent to multiple panel pieces A’, A”, A’”, B’, and/or B”, by extending along a portion of a length of the electronic panel 102 and/or along an entirety of the length of the electronic panel 102. Additionally, or alternatively, an electrically conductive trace (e.g., the electrically conductive trace 120 discussed below) can allow the connection of one or more electrical components adjacent to multiple portions of the garment 104, for example, panel pieces A’, A”, A’”, B’, and/or B”, by extending along a portion of a width of the electronic panel 102 and/or along an entirety of the width of the electronic panel 102. As such, the electronic panel 102 and the functionality thereof can be associated with multiple panel pieces A’, A”, A’”, B’, and/or B”. It should be understood that the present disclosure describes the formation of garments from a unitary panel and one or more additional panels, those one or more additional panels are described herein as A’, A”, A’”, B’ and/or B”, for convenience only. The garment may be produced from the unitary panel, that is, the electronic panel, and from at least one additional panel. In some embodiments, the number of additional panels could be 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more. The exact number of additional panels used to form the garment will depend upon many factors and, for example, can be a design choice, a functional decision or a combination of design and function.

[00052] In aspects, the electronic panel 102 can be an electronic panel that is devoid of any seams and extends between and/or is attached to at least one of the panel pieces A’, A”, A’”, B’, and/or B” of the garment 104. In certain instances, the electronic panel 102 is devoid of any seams extending laterally across a portion of the electronic panel 102, i.e., extending across a portion of the width of the electronic panel 102. Additionally, or alternatively, in certain instances, the electronic panel 102 is devoid of any seams extending longitudinally across a portion of the electronic panel 102, i.e., extending across a portion of the length of the electronic panel 102.

[00053] According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 102 is sewn, applied, and/or adhered to the other panel pieces A’, A”, A’”, B’, and/or B” to form the garment 104. In certain embodiments where the garment 104 is a shirt, the electronic panel 102 may be attached to multiple panels A’, A”, A’” by extending from a first appendage of the garment 104 to a second appendage of the garment 104, for example, a distal portion of a first arm portion 110 to a distal portion of a second arm portion 112. In certain instances, the distal portion of the first arm portion 110 may be referred to herein as a first distal portion of a first arm portion 110, the distal portion of a second arm portion 112 may be referred to herein as a second distal portion of a second arm portion 112, and, collectively, the distal portion of the first arm portion 110 and the distal portion of a second arm portion 112 may be referred to herein as distal arm portions 110, 112.

[00054] Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic panel 102 may be attached to a portion of the torso of the garment 104, as illustrated in Fig. 1. In some of these embodiments, the electronic panel 102 can extend from a first point 113 on the torso of the garment 104 to a second point 115 on the torso of the garment 104. In some embodiments, the first point 113 and the second point 115 are on the same side of the torso of the garment 104 and in other embodiments the first point 113 and the second point 115 are on different sides of the torso of the garment 104. In some embodiments, the electronic panel 102 wraps around less than half of the torso of the garment 104 and in other embodiments the electronic panel 102 wraps around more than half of the torso of the garment 104. In some embodiments, the electronic panel 102 wraps around an entire circumference of the torso of the garment 104.

[00055] According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 102 can include a laterally elongated portion 110, 112 at one or more of the arm portions, which circumferentially wraps around at least a portion of one or both of the arm portions of the subject 106. By including a laterally elongated portion that wraps around at least a portion of the arm portion, the electronic panel 102 may, in some embodiments, provide a relatively tight fit around one or more arms of the subject 106, which can facilitate accurate readings by one or more sensors incorporated into the electronic panel 102, as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the electronic panel 102 can include a laterally elongated portion 110, 112, arranged at a distance from one or more of the distal arm portions which circumferentially wraps around at least a portion of one or both of the arm portions of the subject 106. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic panel 102 can include a laterally elongated portion 110, 112, which circumferentially wraps around a distal portion of one or both of the arm portions of the subject 106. In some embodiments, the laterally elongated portion 110 extends around more than half of the arm portion as illustrated and in other embodiments the laterally elongated portion 112 extends around less than half of the arm portion as illustrated.

[00056] In certain embodiments where the garment 104 is a pair of pants, the electronic panel 102 is attached to multiple panels by extending from a distal portion of a first leg portion 116 to a distal portion of a second leg portion 114. In certain instances, the distal portion of the first leg portion 116 may be referred to herein as a first distal portion of a first leg portion 116, the distal portion of a second leg portion 114 may be referred to herein as a second distal portion of a second leg portion 114, and, collectively, the distal portion of the first leg portion 116 and the distal portion of a second leg portion 114 may be referred to herein as distal leg portions 116, 114.

[00057] According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 102 can include a laterally elongated portion 114, 116 at one or more of the leg portions which circumferentially wraps around at least a portion of one or both of the leg portions of the subject 106. By including a laterally elongated portion that wraps around at least a portion of the leg portion, the electronic panel 102 may, in some embodiments, provide a relatively tight fit around one or more legs of the subject 106, which can facilitate accurate readings by one or more of the sensors incorporated into the electronic panel 102, as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the electronic panel 102 can include a laterally elongated portion 114, 116 arranged at a distance from one or more of the distal leg portions which circumferentially wraps around at least a portion of one or both of the leg portions of the subject 106. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic panel 102 can include a laterally elongated portion 114, 116 which circumferentially wraps around a distal portion of one or both of the leg portions of the subject 106.

[00058] Other examples of garments 104 and the incorporation of the electronic panel 102 into the exemplary garments 104 is explained in more detail below.

[00059] In at least some embodiments, the electronic panel 102 includes a synthetic polymer membrane 118 and an electrically conductive trace 120. According to certain embodiments, the electrically conductive trace 120 can include multiple electrically conductive traces 120. In certain embodiments, the synthetic polymer membrane 118 and the electrically conductive trace 120 can partially or fully span the electronic panel 102. Accordingly, the electrically conductive trace 120 can be adjacent to multiple panel pieces (e.g., panel pieces A’, A”, A’”, B’, and/or B”) and provide an electrical connection at various portions of the garment.

[00060] According to certain embodiments, the electrically conductive trace 120 may be positioned on the surface of or be imbibed into the pores through the thickness of the synthetic polymer membrane 118. The electronic panel 102 may be compressed within the membrane plane such that buckling of the synthetic polymer membrane 118 occurs out of the membrane plane or in the “thickness” direction of the synthetic polymer membrane 118. Additionally, the synthetic polymer membrane 118 may be porous or non-porous. In some embodiments, the synthetic polymer membrane 118 is microporous.

[00061] Advantageously, the electronic panel 102 can retain conductive performance over a range of stretch, thereby reducing the likelihood the electronic panel 102 becomes inoperable due to the flexing of the garment 104. For example, the electronic panel 102 can have negligible resistance change when stretched up to 50% strain of the original, relaxed configuration of the electronic panel 102. “Strain”, as defined herein, is meant to denote the extension of the synthetic polymer membrane 118 relative to its original, relaxed configuration. In some embodiments, the electronic panel 102 has negligible resistance change when stretched up to 100% strain or even over 100% strain. In some embodiments, the electronic panel 102 is more stretchable than the garment 104 into which the electronic panel 102 is incorporated.

[00062] According to certain embodiments, the term “electrically conductive trace” as used herein is meant to describe a continuous line or continuous pathway that is able to conduct electrons therethrough. In exemplary embodiments, non-conducting regions are located alongside the electrically conductive trace 120 on or within the synthetic polymer membrane 118. In some embodiments, an electrically conductive ink may be used to deposit the electrically conductive trace 120 on or into the synthetic polymer membrane 118. The term “electrically conductive ink” as used herein refers to materials that incorporate electrically conductive particles in a carrier liquid (e.g., a solvent). In some embodiments, the electrically conductive particles include silver, gold, copper, or platinum particles. Non-limiting examples of suitable electrically conductive inks include 2108-IPA (Nanogap Inc., Richmond, CA), UTDAgPA (UT Dots, Inc., Champaign, IL), UTDAg60X (UT Dots, Inc., Champaign, IL), PE872 (DuPont, Wilmington, DE), 125-19FS (Creative Materials, Inc., Ayer, MA), and CM 036 (Engineered Conductive Materials, Delaware, OH). Non-limiting examples of other electrically conductive materials that form the electrically conductive trace 120 include electrically conductive metal particles or nanoparticles ( e.g., silver, gold, copper, and platinum), particles or nanoparticles of other electrically conductive materials {e.g., graphite or carbon black), electrically conductive nanotubes, electrically conductive metal flakes, electrically conductive polymers, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the term “nanoparticle” is meant to describe a particle that has a size from 1 .0 nm to 100 nm in at least one dimension of the conductive particle.

[00063] In certain examples, the electrically conductive trace may be distributed onto the outer surface of a porous or non-porous synthetic polymer membrane 118 and/or deposited in the pores of a porous (or microporous) synthetic polymer membrane 118. Non-limiting examples of suitable synthetic polymer membranes include polyurethanes, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA), modified polytetrafluoroethylene polymers, tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymers, polyalkylenes such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyester sulfone (PES), polyesters, poly (p- xylylene) (ePPX) as taught in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016/0032069, porous ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (eUHMWPE) as taught in U.S. Patent No. 9,926,416 to Sbriglia, porous ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (eETFE) as taught in U.S. Patent No. 9,932,429 to Sbriglia, porous polylactic acid (ePLLA) as taught in U.S. Patent No. 7,932,184 to Sbriglia, et al., porous vinylidene fluoride-co-tetrafluoroethylene or trifluoroethylene [VDF-co-(TFE or TrFE)] polymers as taught in U.S. Patent No. 9,441 ,088 to Sbriglia and copolymers and combinations thereof.

[00064] In at least one embodiment, the synthetic polymer membrane 118 is a microporous synthetic polymer membrane 118, such as a microporous fluoropolymer membrane 118 having a node and fibril microstructure where the nodes are interconnected by the fibrils and the pores are the voids or space located between the nodes and fibrils throughout the membrane. An exemplary node and fibril microstructure is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,953,566 to Gore.

[00065] The microporous membranes 118 described herein may be differentiated from other membranes or structures in that they have a specific surface area of greater than about 4.0 m ² / cm ³ , greater than about 10 m ² /cm ³ , greater than about 50 m ² / cm ³ , greater than about 75 m ² /cm ³ , and up to 100 m ² /cm ³ . In some embodiments, the specific surface area is from about 4.0 m ² /cm ³ and 100 m ² /cm ³ . Herein, specific surface area is defined on the basis of skeletal volume, not envelope volume. In addition, the majority of the fibrils in the microporous synthetic polymer membrane 118 have a diameter that is less than about 1.0 pm, or from about 0.1 pm to about 1.0 pm, from about 0.3 pm to about 1.0 pm, from about 0.5 pm to about 1.0 pm, or from about 0.7 pm to about 1.0 pm. Additionally, the microporous membranes 118 are thin, having a thickness less than about 100 pm, less than about 75 pm, less than about 50 pm, less than about 35 pm, less than about 25 pm, less than about 20 pm, less than about 10 pm, less than about 5 pm, or less than about 3 pm. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the synthetic polymer membrane 118 is an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes prepared in accordance with the methods described in U.S. Patent No. 3,953,566 to Gore, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0173978 to Bowen et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,306,729 to Bacino et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,476,589 to Bacino, or U.S. Patent No. 5,183,545 to Branca et al. may be used herein.

[00066] In certain embodiments, the conductive trace 120 may be applied to the outer surface of the synthetic polymer membrane 118 (e.g., a non-porous synthetic polymer membrane) to form the electronic panel 102. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive trace forms a monolithic (e.g., continuous) coating on portions of the outer surface of the synthetic polymer membrane 118. In at least one embodiment, a stencil having the desired pattern is applied to the surface of the synthetic polymer membrane 118. Other forms of forming a pattern on the surface of a synthetic polymer membrane 118 known to those of skill in the art are considered to be within the purview of this disclosure. In exemplary embodiments, the synthetic polymer membrane 118 is flat (7.e., planar) and contains no wrinkles when the electrically conductive material is applied. The electrically conductive material (e.g., an electrically conductive ink) is applied over the stencil such that once the stencil is removed, the electrically conductive material remains on the synthetic polymer membrane 118 in the desired pattern, forming the electrically conductive trace 120. The electrically conductive material may be applied such that the electrically conductive trace 120 is positioned on at least a portion of the outer surface of the synthetic polymer membrane 118 to form the electronic panel 102.

[00067] It is to be appreciated that the term “on” as used herein with respect to the electrically conductive trace 120 is meant to denote that the trace is on the surface of the synthetic polymer membrane 118 (7.e. , no electrically conductive material is located in the pores of the synthetic polymer membrane 118) or that the trace is substantially located on the surface of the synthetic polymer membrane 118 (/.e., a negligible amount of an electrically conductive material may be located in the pores of the synthetic polymer membrane 118). “On” is also meant to denote that the electrically conductive trace 120 may be positioned directly on the substrate (with no intervening elements) or that intervening elements may be present. Although not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the negligible penetration (e.g., a micron) of the electrically conductive material into the pores of the synthetic polymer membrane 118 results in an improved adhesion of the electrically conductive trace 120 to the surface of the synthetic polymer membrane 118.

[00068] In another embodiment, the electrically conductive material (e.g., electrically conductive ink) may be applied to a porous or microporous synthetic polymer membrane 118 such that the conductive material is imbibed into the synthetic polymer membrane 118 to place the electrically conductive material, and thus the electrically conductive trace 120, within the synthetic polymer membrane 118 to form the electronic panel 102.

[00069] “Imbibed” as used herein is meant to describe the inclusion and/or deposition of an electrically conductive trace 120 into the existing pores or void spaces of a porous or microporous synthetic polymer membrane 118 via a liquid carrier (such as an electrically conductive ink) and specifically excludes filled membranes where the electrically conductive trace 120 is an integral part of the synthetic polymer membrane 118 and which may have some exposed electrically conductive trace 120 within a pore or void space. It is to be noted that any known method of depositing electrically conductive material(s) into the pores or void spaces in a membrane may be utilized herein. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive trace 120 occupies the pores through the thickness of a porous or microporous synthetic polymer membrane 118.

[00070] As such, the electrically conductive trace 120 may occupy the majority of the pore volume in the porous or microporous synthetic polymer membrane 118. In exemplary embodiments, the pores contain an amount of electrically conductive material that is sufficient to create an electrically conductive trace 120 for the passage of electrons therethrough. The electrically conductive material may be applied to the synthetic polymer membrane 118 by known deposition, coating methods, and imbibing methods such as, for example, screen printing, over-coating, pad printing, flexographic printing, inkjet printing, digital printing, and gravure printing to form the electrically conductive trace. The synthetic polymer membrane 118 having thereon or therein an electrically conductive trace 120 is referred to herein as an electronic panel 102.

[00071] In order to impart stretch to the electronic panel 102, a synthetic polymer membrane 118 with a conductive trace on and/or within the polymer membrane may be positioned on a stretched substrate (e.g., an elastic textile) such that, when the stretched substrate (e.g., the elastic textile) is released and reverts to its relaxed, unstretched state, buckling of the synthetic polymer membrane 118 occurs out of the plane of the membrane, or in the “thickness” direction of the synthetic polymer membrane 118, to introduce stretch into the electronic panel 102. In certain instances, the electronic panel 102 is attached to the elastic substrate by a discontinuous adhesive. In certain examples, an insulative overcoat is positioned over the electrically conductive trace 120 to protect the electrically conductive trace 120 from external forces. This planar compression of the electronic panel 102 stores length in the synthetic polymer membrane 118. A variety of techniques may be used to introduce stretch into an electronic panel 102, such as by imparting stretch into a planar membrane (WO2016/135188 to Zaggl et al.; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016/0167291 to Zaggl et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,026,513 to Flouse et al.; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/183515 to White; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/167547 to Jain; U.S. Patent No. 4,443,511 to Worden et al.; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/227165 to Imai, and U.S. Patent No. 5,804,011 to Dutta, et al.). Mechanical and non-mechanical (e.g., thermal) processing techniques may be used. [00072] One approach is to mechanically compress or buckle the electronic panel 102 to wrinkle or produce out-of-plane structures within the electronic panel 102. In exemplary embodiments, the compression is conducted on a planar printed circuit. “Buckling” or a “buckled orientation” as used herein is meant to describe an electronic panel 102 that shows out-of-plane structures, such as wrinkles, corrugations, or folds. Buckling may be introduced into the electronic panel 102 in one or two directions. As used herein, “compressed in the x-y direction”, “x-y compression”, or “x-y compressing” refers to the introduction of stretch into the printed circuit via compression in one direction (i.e. , “x” direction or “y” direction) or in both directions (i.e. , “x” and “y” directions). The electronic panel 102 may be compressed in the “x” and “y” directions either sequentially or simultaneously.

[00073] In at least one embodiment, the compression is conducted in one direction (e.g., “x” direction). The compression of the electronic panel 102 in the “x” direction (e.g., in the membrane plane) may introduce “buckles” or structures that are out-of- plane (i.e., in the “z” direction). Such a process is generally disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016/0167291 to Zaggl et al. in which a porous film is applied onto a stretchable substrate in a stretched state such that a reversible adhesion of the porous film on the stretched stretchable substrate occurs. The stretchable substrate is then relaxed with the applied porous film thereon to obtain a structured or compacted porous film. In an alternative embodiment taught in, WO2016/135188 to Zaggl et al. a porous membrane having a node a fibril structure may be compressed such that there is little or no introduction of a substantial structure in the “z” direction (i.e., fibril compaction within the node and fibril structure).

[00074] The “buckles” or out-of-plane structures in the electronic panel 102 may have a height that is at least two times the thickness of the non-com pressed electronic panel 102. In addition, the height of the out-of-plane (i.e., z-direction) structures may range from about 2 pm to about 2000 pm or from about 20 pm to about 1000 pm. Further, the structure density in at least one direction is at least 1 buckle per mm, at least 2 buckles per mm, at least 3 buckles per mm, at least 4 buckles per mm, at least 5 buckles per mm, at least 6 buckles per mm, at least 7 buckles per mm, at least 8 buckles per mm, at least 9 buckles per mm, or at least 10 buckles per mm. In some embodiments, the structure density is from 1 buckle per mm to 10 buckles per mm, from 1 buckle per mm to 7 buckles per mm, from 1 buckle per mm to 5 buckles per mm, or from 1 buckle per mm to 3 buckles per mm.

[00075] In certain embodiments, the electronic panel 102 may be a multi-layer panel comprising one or more of textile, film, a combination or a laminate thereof. For example, the electronic panel 102 may be a multi-layer laminate comprising an outer textile layer (i.e. , the layer that faces the exterior when the laminate is made into a garment), a middle film layer, and an inner textile layer (i.e., the layer that is interior facing and/or body-contacting when the laminate is made into a garment). In some of these embodiments, the middle film layer may be a microporous layer wherein the electrically conductive trace is within the microporous layer. In other embodiments, the electronic panel 102 may be a two-layer laminate comprising an outer film layer (exterior facing) and an inner textile layer (interior facing and/or body contacting).

[00076] In certain examples, one or more electronic components 122 are electrically coupled to the electrically conductive trace 120, which can then be used to provide one or more of the following functions: sensing (e.g., sensing one or more parameters associated with the subject 106 that can be stored as data), collecting data, processing data, storing data, transmitting data, providing power to the electronic panel 102 and its components, providing a user interface (e.g., a touch screen, a microphone), and/or providing feedback (e.g., sensory, haptic, audio, visual, and/or the like). Examples of electronic components 122 include, but are not limited to, the following: a computing device, a power supply, a power switch, a sensor, an electronic circuit, an antenna, a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, a user interface, a remote control, a display device, a touch screen, an audio transmitter, a speaker, a microphone, a haptic device, a heating element, a temperature regulating device, e.g., heating and/or cooling device, an accelerometer, a strain gauge, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, an ECG sensor, an EMG sensor, a charger, or a combination thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more electronic components 122 can be electrically coupled together via the electrically conductive trace 120. For example, an electronic component 122A located on a first arm 110 and the electronic component 122B located on a second arm 112, can be electrically and communicatively coupled to one another via the electrically conductive trace 120. Similarly, an electronic component 122C located on a first leg 114 and the electronic component 122D located on a second leg 1146 can be electrically and communicatively coupled to one another via the electrically conductive trace 120.

[00077] According to certain embodiments, one or more of the electronic components such as for example those shown at 122 can be releasably coupled to an electronic panel such as that shown at 102 via an electrical connection 124. As such, one or more of the electronic components 122 can be removed and/or replaced in the event it is desirous to upgrade one or more of the electronic components 122 and/or one of the electronic components 122 fails. In at least some embodiments, the electrical connection 124 can be incorporated into a feature of the electronic panel 102 and/or garment 104, e.g., a zipper, a button, a snap, a male connector, a female connector, a pocket, or a combination thereof. According to certain embodiments, the term “releasably coupled” as used herein is meant to describe an electrical and/or informational connection between at least a first electrical component and a second electrical component that can be repeatedly (e.g., more than once) connected and disconnected. The connection can facilitate the transfer of electricity or electrical/data signals between two or more components and can be any of the known connections. Known connections can include, for example, but are not limited to, USB, mini-USB, USB-C, POGO, MAG-Safe, ethernet, SATA, Firewire, serial connectors. The connectors may or may not be waterproof.

[00078] In at least some embodiments, the electronic panel 102 and/or the garment 104 can include one or more housings 126 one or more of the electronic components 122. In certain instances, the housing 126 can be located: proximal a distal portion of the electronic panel 102 and/or garment 104 (e.g., one or more of the distal portions 110, 112, 114, and/or 116) as shown by housing 126A and/or arranged away from a distal portion of the electronic panel 102 and/or garment 104 as shown by housing 126B. In at least some embodiments, the housing 126 can be incorporated into a feature of the electronic panel 102 and/or garment 104, e.g., a collar.

[00079] According to certain embodiments, data (e.g., sensed data) can be transmitted from the electronic panel 102 and/or the electronic component 122 to one or more computing devices 128 (e.g., a laptop and/or desktop computer 128A and/or a mobile device 128B) and from one or more computing devices 128 to the electronic panel 102 and/or the electronic component 122 via a communication link (not shown). In certain embodiments, the computing devices 128 can process and/or store data sensed and/or collected by the electronic panel 102 and/or the electronic component 122. Additionally, or alternatively, data can be sent to and received from one or more servers 130 via a communication link and network 132, which can then process and/or store data sensed and/or collected by the electronic panel 102 and/or the electronic component 122.

[00080] In certain instances, the data sensed and/or collected by electronic panel 102 and processed by the electronic panel 102 and/or by the computing device 128 and/or server 130 may facilitate determining various biometrics parameters for the subject. For example, in certain embodiments, the data collected and/or sensed by the electronic panel may indicate how often the subject 106 is moving in a particular manner. Additionally, or alternatively, the data collected by electronic panel 102 can be used to determine whether the subject 106 is moving in a manner that is likely to lead to injury and/or is moving in a manner that indicates the subject 106 is operating at a reduced capacity. In certain embodiments, determining whether the subject 106 is moving in a manner that is likely to lead to injury and/or is moving in a manner that indicates the subject 106 is operating at a reduced capacity may be based upon comparing the movement data of the subject 106 to movement data from other healthy subjects. And, if the movement data of the subject 106 varies from the movement data from other healthy subjects by a threshold, the electronic panel 102, the computing device 128, and/or server 130 may determine the subject 106 is moving in a manner that is likely to lead to injury and/or is moving in a manner that indicates the subject 106 is operating at a reduced capacity

[00081] In certain embodiments, a notification can be provided to the subject 106 via a user interface of the electronic panel 102, the computing device 128 and/or server 130 about how the subject 106 is moving, how often the subject 106 is moving in a particular manner, and/or whether the frequency of the movement and/or manner of movement has or will lead to injury.

[00082] As another example, the data collected and/or sensed by the electronic panel may indicate one or more biometric parameters, for example, the temperature of the subject 106, the pulse rate of the subject 106, the blood pressure of the subject 106, the oxygen saturation of the subject 106, other cardiac and/or respiratory parameters of the subject 106. Similarly, notifications pertaining to any of these parameters can be provided to the subject 106 via a user interface of the electronic panel 102, the computing device 128 and/or server 130.

[00083] In certain embodiments, the communication link may be, or include, a wired link (e.g., a link accomplished via a physical connection) and/or a wireless communication link such as, for example, a short-range radio link, such as Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11 , near-field communication (NFC), WiFi, a proprietary wireless protocol, and/or the like. The term "communication link" may refer to an ability to communicate some type of information in at least one direction between at least two devices, and should not be understood to be limited to a direct, persistent, or otherwise limited communication channel. That is, according to embodiments, the communication link may be a persistent communication link, an intermittent communication link, an ad-hoc communication link, and/or the like. The communication link may refer to direct communications between the electronic panel 102, the electronic component 122, the computing devices 128, and/or the server 130, and/or indirect communications that travel between the electronic panel 102, the electronic component 122, the computing devices 128, and/or the server 130 via at least one other device (e.g., a repeater, router, hub, and/or the like). The communication link may facilitate uni-directional and/or bidirectional communication between the electronic panel 102, the electronic component 122, the computing devices 128, and/or the server 130. Data and/or control signals may be transmitted between the electronic panel 102, the electronic component 122, the computing devices 128, and/or the server 130 to coordinate the functions of the electronic panel 102, the electronic component 122, the computing devices 128, and/or the server 130. In certain embodiments, data may be downloaded from one or more of the electronic panel 102, the electronic component 122, the computing devices 128, and/or the server 130 periodically or on command. In certain instances, the subject may communicate with the electronic panel 102, the electronic component 122, the computing devices 128, and/or the server 130, for example, to acquire data sensed and/or collected by the electronic panel 102 and/or the electronic component 122, or to initiate, terminate and/or modify recording and/or therapy.

[00084] Additional details regarding the computing devices 128 and the server 130 are provided in FIGS. 9-10B below.

[00085] FIGS. 2A-B is an example of an electronic panel 202 incorporated into a garment 204. In particular, FIG. 2A illustrates the back of the garment 204 including a portion of the electronic panel 202 and FIG. 2B illustrates the front of the garment 204 including another portion of the electronic panel 202. In addition, FIG. 3 is an example of the electronic panel 202 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-B decoupled from the garment 204, according to at least one embodiment.

[00086] According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 202 can have the same or similar characteristics as the electronic panel 102 and/or the garment 204 can have the same or similar characteristics as the garment 104. For example, according to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 202 and/or the garment 204 can be a textile fabric, a film, a microporous membrane, or other suitable substrates, which independently may or may not have some degree of elasticity, or a laminate thereof.

[00087] As illustrated, the garment 204 can be a long sleeve shirt and includes multiple panel pieces (e.g., panel pieces A’, A”, and/or A’”). Similar to the electronic panel 102, the electronic panel 202 can be a unitary panel that, along with panel pieces A’, A”, A’”, form the garment 204. In these embodiments, the electronic panel 202 is attached to one or more panels pieces A’, A”, A’” at or near the perimeter of each panel piece and forms a portion of the garment 204. In aspects, individual panel pieces A’, A”, A’” and the electronic panel 202 that form the garment 204 may be attached to each other by a seam. For example, the electronic panel 202 can be coupled to the individual panel pieces by at least one seam 206 that extends around at least a portion of the perimeter of the electronic panel 202. Because the electronic panel 202 can be unitary and is attached to more than one panel piece A’, A”, and/or A’” of the garment 204, electrical connections coupling electronic panels that are associated with each panel piece A’, A”, and/or A’” are not required. An electrically conductive trace (e.g., the electrically conductive trace 218 discussed below) can allow the connection of one or more electrical components adjacent to multiple portions of the garment 204, for example, adjacent to panel pieces A’, A”, and/or A’”, by extending along a portion of a length of the electronic panel 202 and/or along an entirety of the length of the electronic panel 202. Additionally, or alternatively, an electrically conductive trace (e.g., the electrically conductive trace 218 discussed below) can allow the connection of one or more electrical components adjacent to multiple panel pieces A’, A”, and/or A’” by extending along a portion of a width of the electronic panel 202 and/or along an entirety of the width of the electronic panel 202. As such, the electronic panel 202 and the functionality thereof can be associated with multiple panel pieces A’, A”, and/or A’”.

[00088] In aspects, the electronic panel 202 can be an electronic panel that is devoid of any seams and extends between and/or is attached to more than one panel piece A’, A”, and/or A’” of the garment 204. In certain instances, the electronic panel 202 is devoid of any seams extending laterally across a portion of the electronic panel 202, i.e., extending across a portion of the width of the electronic panel 202.

Additionally, or alternatively, in certain instances, the electronic panel 202 is devoid of any seams extending longitudinally across a portion of the electronic panel 202, i.e., extending across a portion of the length of the electronic panel 202.

[00089] According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 202 is sewn, applied, and/or adhered to the other panel pieces A’, A”, A’” to form the garment 204. In certain embodiments, the electronic panel 202 is attached to multiple panels A’, A”, A’” by extending from a first appendage of the garment 204 to a second appendage of the garment 204, for example a distal portion of a first arm portion 208 to a distal portion of a second arm portion 210. In certain instances, the distal portion of the first arm portion 208 may be referred to herein as a first distal portion of a first arm portion 208, the distal portion of a second arm portion 210 may be referred to herein as a second distal portion of a second arm portion 210, and, collectively, the distal portion of the first arm portion 208 and the distal portion of a second arm portion 210 may be referred to herein as distal arm portions 208, 210.

[00090] According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 202 can include a laterally elongated portion 212 at one or more of the distal arm portions 208, 210, which circumferentially wraps around at least a portion of one or both of the distal arm portions 208, 210. In certain instances, the laterally elongated portion 212 may form a cuff of the garment 204. By including a laterally elongated portion 212 that wraps around at least a portion of the distal arm portions 208, 210, the electronic panel 202 may be provide a relatively tight fit around one or more arms of the wearer of the garment 204, which can facilitate accurate readings by one or more sensors incorporated into the electronic panel 202. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic panel 202 can include a laterally elongated portion 212 arranged at a distance from one or more of the distal arm portions 208, 210, which circumferentially wraps around at least a portion of one or both of the arm portions of a wearer of the garment 204. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic panel 202 can include a laterally elongated portion 212 which circumferentially wraps around a portion of a wearer of the garment 204 other than one or both of the arm portions of a wearer of the garment 204.

[00091] According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 202 extends from a back central portion 214 of the garment 204 to the distal portion of the first arm 208 and/or to the distal portion of the second arm 210. Due to the electronic panel 202 extending from a central portion 214 of the garment 204 to one or more distal arm portions 208, 210, the electronic panel 202 may be able to better sense movement of a wearer’s arm(s) in relation to the wearer’s torso, which can better indicate whether the user is likely to be injured and/or the user’s movement is compensating for an injury. Additionally, or alternatively, by being located proximal to a central portion 214 of the garment 204, more accurate biometric readings may be taken, such as pulse rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, body temperature, and/or other cardiac and/or respiratory parameters.

[00092] In at least some embodiments, the electronic panel 202 includes a synthetic polymer membrane 216 and an electrically conductive trace 218. According to certain embodiments, the electrically conductive trace 218 can include multiple electrically conductive traces 218. In certain embodiments, the synthetic polymer membrane 216 and the electrically conductive trace 218 can partially or fully span the electronic panel 202. Accordingly, the electrically conductive trace 218 can be adjacent to multiple panel pieces (e.g., panel pieces A’, A”, and/or A’”) and provide an electrical connection at various portions of the garment.

[00093] In certain examples, one or more electronic components 220 are electrically coupled to the electrically conductive trace 218, which can then be used to provide one or more of the following functions: sensing (e.g., sensing one or more parameters associated with a wearer of the garment 204 that can be stored as data), collecting data, processing data, storing data, transmitting data, providing power to the electronic panel 202 and its components, providing a user interface (e.g., a touch screen, a microphone), and/or providing feedback (e.g., sensory, haptic, audio, visual, and/or the like). Examples of electronic components 220 include, but are not limited to, the following: a computing device, a power supply, a power switch (e.g., power switch 220A), a sensor (e.g., sensor 220B), an electronic circuit, an antenna, a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, a user interface (e.g., user interface 220C), a remote control, a display device, a touch screen, an audio transmitter, a speaker, a microphone, a haptic device, a heating element, a charger, or a combination thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more electronic components 220 can be electrically coupled together via the electrically conductive trace 218. For example, even though the electronic component 220C is located at a first distal portion of a first arm 208 and the electronic component 220B is located at on a portion of the second arm, they can be electrically and communicatively coupled to one another via the electrically conductive trace 218.

[00094] According to certain embodiments, one or more of the electronic components 220 can be releasably coupled to the electronic panel 202 via an electrical connection 222. As such, one or more of the electronic components 220 can be removed and/or replaced in the event it is desirous to upgrade one or more of the electronic components 220 and/or one of the electronic components 220 fails. In at least some embodiments, the electrical connection 222 can be incorporated into a feature of the electronic panel 202 and/or garment 204, e.g., a zipper, a snap, a male connector, a female connector, a button, a pocket, or a combination thereof.

[00095] In at least some embodiments, the electronic panel 202 and/or the garment 204 can include one or more housing 224 for housing one or more of the electronic components 220. In certain instances, the housing 224 can be located: proximal a distal portion of the electronic panel 202 and/or garment 204 (e.g., one or more of the distal portions 208 and/or 210) as shown by housing 224A and/or arranged away from a distal portion of the electronic panel 202 and/or a distal portion of garment 204 as shown by housing 224B. In at least some embodiments, the housing 224 can be incorporated into a feature of the electronic panel 202 and/or garment 204, e.g., a collar.

[00096] According to certain embodiments, data (e.g., sensed data) can be transmitted from the electronic panel 202 and/or the electronic component 220 to one or more computing devices (e.g., a laptop and/or desktop computer 128A and/or a mobile device 128B) and from one or more computing devices to the electronic panel 202 and/or the electronic component 220 via a communication link (not shown). In certain embodiments, the computing devices can process and/or store data sensed and/or collected by the electronic panel 202 and/or the electronic component 220. Additionally, or alternatively, data can be sent to and received from one or more servers (e.g., server 130) via a communication link and network (e.g., network 132), which can then process and/or store data sensed and/or collected by the electronic panel 202 and/or the electronic component 220.

[00097] FIGS. 4A-B is another example of an electronic panel 302 incorporated into a garment 304, according to at least one embodiment. According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 302 can have the same or similar characteristics as the electronic panel 102 and/or 202 and/or the garment 304 can have the same or similar characteristics as the garment 104 and/or 204. For example, according to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 302 and/or the garment 304 can be a textile fabric, a film, a microporous membrane, or other suitable substrates, which independently may or may not have some degree of elasticity, or a laminate thereof.

[00098] As illustrated, the garment 304 is a pair of pants and includes multiple panel pieces (e.g., panel pieces A’ and/or A”). Similar to the electronic panels 102 and/or 202, the electronic panel 302 can be a unitary panel that, along with panels A’, A”, form the garment 304. In these embodiments, the electronic panel 302 is attached to one or more panels pieces A’, A” at or near the perimeter of each panel piece and forms a portion of the garment 304. In aspects, individual panel pieces A’, A” and the electronic panel 302 that form the garment 304 may be attached to each other by a seam. For example, the electronic panel 302 can be coupled to the individual panel pieces by at least one seam 306 that extends around at least a portion of the perimeter of the electronic panel 302. Because the electronic panel 302 can be unitary and is attached to more than one panel piece A’ and/or A” of the garment 304, electrical connections coupling electronic panels that are associated with each panel piece A’ and/or A” are not required. An electrically conductive trace (e.g., the electrically conductive trace 318 discussed below) can allow the connection of one or more electrical components adjacent to multiple portions of the garment 304, for example, panel pieces A’ and/or A”, by extending along a portion of a length of the electronic panel 302 and/or along an entirety of the length of the electronic panel 302. Additionally, or alternatively, an electrically conductive trace (e.g., the electrically conductive trace 318 discussed below) can allow the connection of one or more electrical components adjacent to multiple panel pieces A’ and/or A” by extending along a portion of a width of the electronic panel 302 and/or along an entirety of the width of the electronic panel 302. As such, the electronic panel 302 and the functionality thereof can be associated adjacent to multiple panel pieces A’ and/or A”.

[00099] In aspects, the electronic panel 302 can be an electronic panel that is devoid of any seams and extends between and/or is attached to more than one panel piece A’ and/or A” of the garment 304. In certain instances, the electronic panel 302 is devoid of any seams extending laterally across a portion of the electronic panel 302, i.e. , extending across a portion of the width of the electronic panel 302. Additionally, or alternatively, in certain instances, the electronic panel 302 is devoid of any seams extending longitudinally across a portion of the electronic panel 302, i.e., extending across a portion of the length of the electronic panel 302.

[000100] According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 302 is sewn, applied, and/or adhered to other panel pieces A’, A” to form the garment 304. In certain embodiments, the electronic panel 302 is attached to multiple panels by extending from a distal portion of a first leg portion 308 to a distal portion of a second leg portion 310. In certain instances, the distal portion of the first leg portion 308 may be referred to herein as a first distal portion of a first leg portion 308, the distal portion of a second leg portion 310 may be referred to herein as a second distal portion of a second leg portion 310, and, collectively, the distal portion of the first leg portion 308 and the distal portion of a second leg portion 310 may be referred to herein as distal leg portions 308, 310.

[000101] According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 302 can include a laterally elongated portion 312A at one or more of the distal leg portions 308, 310, which circumferentially wraps around at least a portion of one or both of the distal leg portions 308, 310. In certain instances, the laterally elongated portion 312A may form a leg cuff of the garment 304. By including a laterally elongated portion 312 that wraps around at least a portion of the distal leg portions 308, 310, the electronic panel 302 may provide a relatively tight fit around one or more legs of the wearer of the garment 304, which can facilitate accurate readings by one or more sensors incorporated into the electronic panel 302. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic panel 302 can include a laterally elongated portion 312B arranged at a distance from one or more of the distal leg portions 308, 310, which circumferentially wraps around at least a portion of one or both of the leg portions of a wearer of the garment 304. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic panel 302 can include a laterally elongated portion 312 which circumferentially wraps around a portion of a wearer of the garment 304 other than one or both of the leg portions of a wearer of the garment 304.

[000102] According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 302 extends from a back central portion 314’ (and/or a front central portion 314”) of the garment 304 to the distal portion of the first leg 308 and/or to the distal portion of the second leg 310. Due to the electronic panel 302 extending from a central portion 314 of the garment 304 to one or more distal leg portions 308, 310, the electronic panel 302 may be able to better sense movement of a wearer’s leg(s) in relation to the wearer’s hips, which can better indicate whether the user is likely to be injured and/or the user’s movement is compensating for an injury. Additionally, or alternatively, by being located proximal to a central portion 314 of the garment 304, more accurate physiological parameters may be sensed.

[000103] In at least some embodiments, the electronic panel 302 includes a synthetic polymer membrane 316 and an electrically conductive trace 318. According to certain embodiments, the electrically conductive trace 318 can include multiple electrically conductive traces 318. In certain embodiments, the synthetic polymer membrane 316 and the electrically conductive trace 318 can partially or fully span the electronic panel 302. Accordingly, the electrically conductive trace 318 can be adjacent to multiple panel pieces (e.g., panel pieces A’ and/or A”) and provide an electrical connection at various portions of the garment.

[000104] In certain examples, one or more electronic components 320 are electrically coupled to the electrically conductive trace 318, which can then be used to provide one or more of the following functions: sensing (e.g., sensing one or more parameters associated with a wearer of the garment 304 that can be stored as data), collecting data, processing data, storing data, transmitting data, providing power to the electronic panel 302 and its components, providing a user interface (e.g., a touch screen, a microphone), and/or providing feedback (e.g., sensory, haptic, audio, visual, and/or the like). Examples of electronic components 320 include, but are not limited to, the following: a computing device, a power supply, a power switch (e.g., power switch 320A), a sensor (e.g., sensors 320B and/or 320C), an electronic circuit, an antenna, a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, a user interface (e.g., user interface 320D), a remote control, a display device, a touch screen, an audio transmitter, a speaker, a microphone, a haptic device, a heating element, a charger, or a combination thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more electronic components 320 can be electrically coupled together via the electrically conductive trace 318. For example, even though the electronic component 320B is located at a first distal portion of a first leg 308 and the electronic component 320C is located at on a portion of the second leg 310, they can be electrically and communicatively coupled to one another via the electrically conductive trace 318.

[000105] According to certain embodiments, one or more of the electronic components 320 can be releasably coupled to the electronic panel 302 via an electrical connection 322. As such, one or more of the electronic components 320 can be removed and/or replaced in the event it is desirous to upgrade one or more of the electronic components 320 and/or one of the electronic components 320 fails. In some embodiments, the one or more electronic components 320 are releasably coupled to the electronic panel 302 via a male/female connector. Additionally, or alternatively, the electrical connection 322 can be incorporated into a feature of the electronic panel 302 and/or garment 304, e.g., a zipper, a button, a snap, a male connector, a female connector, a pocket, or a combination thereof.

[000106] In at least some embodiments, the electronic panel 302 and/or the garment 304 can include one or more housings 324 for one or more of the electronic components 320. In certain instances, the compartment 324 can be located: proximal a distal portion of the electronic panel 302 and/or garment 304 (e.g., one or more of the distal portions 308 and/or 310) and/or arranged away from a distal portion of the electronic panel 302 and/or a distal portion of garment 304 as shown by housing 324. In at least some embodiments, the housing 324 can be incorporated into a feature of the electronic panel 302 and/or garment 304, e.g., a waist band.

[000107] According to certain embodiments, data (e.g., sensed data) can be transmitted from the electronic panel 302 and/or the electronic component 320 to one or more computing devices (e.g., a laptop and/or desktop computer 128A and/or a mobile device 128B) and from one or more computing devices to the electronic panel 302 and/or the electronic component 320 via a communication link (not shown). In certain embodiments, the computing devices can process and/or store data sensed and/or collected by the electronic panel 302 and/or the electronic component 320. Additionally, or alternatively, data can be sent to and received from one or more servers (e.g., server 130) via a communication link and network (e.g., network 132), which can then process and/or store data sensed and/or collected by the electronic panel 302 and/or the electronic component 320.

[000108] FIGS. 5A-B is yet another example of an electronic panel 402 incorporated into a garment 404, according to at least one embodiment. According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 402 can have the same or similar characteristics as the electronic panel 102, 202, and/or 302 and/or the garment 404 can have the same or similar characteristics as the garment 104, 204, and/or 304. For example, according to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 402 and/or the garment 404 can be a textile fabric, a film, a microporous membrane, or other suitable substrates, which independently may or may not have some degree of elasticity, or a laminate thereof.

[000109] As illustrated, the garment 404 is a one-piece coverall garment and includes multiple panel pieces (e.g., panel pieces A’, A”). As used herein, a one-piece coverall garment means a single garment comprising a trouser-like portion and a top portion with or without long sleeves. Similar to the electronic panels 102, 202, and/or 302, the electronic panel 402 can be a unitary panel that, along with, for example, panels A’, A”, form the garment 404. In these embodiments, the electronic panel 402 is attached to one or more panels pieces, for example, A’, A” at or near the perimeter of each panel piece and forms a portion of the garment 404. In aspects, individual panel pieces A’, A” and the electronic panel 402 that form the garment 404 may be attached to each other by a sewn seam. For example, the electronic panel 402 can be coupled to the individual panel pieces by at least one seam 406 that extends around at least a portion of the perimeter of the electronic panel 402. Because the electronic panel 402 can be unitary and is attached to more than one panel piece A’ and/or A” of the garment 404, electrical connections coupling electronic panels that are associated each panel piece A’, A” are not required. An electrically conductive trace (e.g., the electrically conductive trace 418 discussed below) can allow the connection of one or more electrical components adjacent to multiple panel pieces A’ and/or A’ by extending along a portion of a length of the electronic panel 402 and/or along an entirety of the length of the electronic panel 402. Additionally, or alternatively, an electrically conductive trace (e.g., the electrically conductive trace 418 discussed below) can allow the connection of one or more electrical components adjacent to multiple panel pieces A’ and/or A” by extending along a portion of a width of the electronic panel 402 and/or along an entirety of the width of the electronic panel 402. As such, the electronic panel 402 and the functionality thereof can be associated adjacent to multiple panel pieces used to form the garment, for example, panel pieces A’ and/or A”.

[000110] In aspects, the electronic panel 402 can be an electronic panel that is devoid of any seams and extends between and/or is attached to more than one panel piece A’ and/or A” of the garment 404. In certain instances, the electronic panel 402 is devoid of any seams extending laterally across a portion of the electronic panel 402, i.e. , extending across a portion of the width of the electronic panel 402. Additionally, or alternatively, in certain instances, the electronic panel 402 is devoid of any seams extending longitudinally across a portion of the electronic panel 402, i.e., extending across a portion of the length of the electronic panel 402.

[000111] According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 402 is sewn, applied, and/or adhered to panel pieces A’, A” to form the garment 404. In certain embodiments, the electronic panel 402 can span multiple panels and include a trunk extension portion 408 extending from the front or back trunk portion of the one-piece coverall garment 404 to at least one leg extension portion 411. In aspects, the leg extension portion 411 extends from a distal portion of the trunk extension portion 409 to a distal portion of at least one of a leg portion 410 of the one-piece garment 404.

[000112] According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 402 can include a laterally elongated portion 412A at one or more of a distal leg portions 410, which circumferentially wraps around at least a portion of one or both of the distal leg portions 410. In certain instances, the laterally elongated portion 412A may form a leg cuff of the garment 404. By including a laterally elongated portion 412 that wraps around at least a portion of the distal leg portions 410, the electronic panel 402 may be provide a relatively tight fit around one or more legs of the wearer of the garment 404, which can facilitate accurate readings by one or more sensors incorporated into the electronic panel 402. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic panel 402 can include a laterally elongated portion 412B arranged at a distance from one or more of the distal leg portions 410, which circumferentially wraps around at least a portion of one or both of the leg portions of a wearer of the garment 404. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic panel 402 can include a laterally elongated portion 412C at one or more of the distal arm portions 413, which circumferentially wraps around at least a portion of one or both of the distal arm portions 413. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronic panel 402 can include a laterally elongated portion 412 which circumferentially wraps around a portion of a wearer of the garment 404 other than one or both of the leg portions and/or arm portions of a wearer of the garment 404. [000113] According to certain embodiments, the electronic panel 402 extends from a back central portion 414’ (and/or a front central portion 414” (not illustrated)) of the garment 404 to the one or more distal leg portions 410 and/or to one or more distal arm portions 413. Due to the electronic panel 402 extending from a central portion 414 of the garment 404 to one or more distal leg portions 410 and/or one or more distal arm portions 413, the electronic panel 402 may be able to better sense movement of a wearer’s leg(s) and/or arm(s) in relation to the wearer’s torso, which can better indicate whether the user is likely to be injured and/or the user’s movement is compensating for an injury. Additionally, or alternatively, by the electronic panel 402 being located proximal to a central portion 414 of the garment 404, more accurate physiological parameters may be sensed.

[000114] In at least some embodiments, the electronic panel 402 includes a synthetic polymer membrane 416 and an electrically conductive trace 418. According to certain embodiments, the electrically conductive trace 418 can include multiple electrically conductive traces 418. In certain embodiments, the synthetic polymer membrane 416 and the electrically conductive trace 418 can partially or fully span the electronic panel 402. Accordingly, the electrically conductive trace 418 can be adjacent to multiple panel pieces (e.g., panel pieces A’ and/or A”) and provide an electrical connection at various portions of the garment.

[000115] In certain examples, one or more electronic components 420 are electrically coupled to the electrically conductive trace 418, which can then be used to provide one or more of the following functions: sensing (e.g., sensing one or more parameters associated with a wearer of the garment 404 that can be stored as data), collecting data, processing data, storing data, transmitting data, providing power to the electronic panel 402 and its components, providing a user interface (e.g., a touch screen, a microphone), and/or providing feedback (e.g., sensory, haptic, audio, visual, and/or the like). Examples of electronic components 420 include, but are not limited to, the following: a computing device, a power supply, a power switch (e.g., power switch 420A), a sensor (e.g., sensors 420B and/or 420C), an electronic circuit, an antenna, a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, a user interface (e.g., user interface 420D), a remote control, a display device, a touch screen, an audio transmitter, a speaker, a microphone, a haptic device, a heating element, a charger, or a combination thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more electronic components 420 can be electrically coupled together via the electrically conductive trace 418. For example, even though the electronic component 420B is located at a first distal portion of a first leg 410 and the electronic component 420C is located at on a portion of a first arm 413, they can be electrically and communicatively coupled to one another via the electrically conductive trace 418.

[000116] According to certain embodiments, one or more of the electronic components 420 can be releasably coupled to the electronic panel 402 via an electrical connection 422. As such, one or more of the electronic components 420 can be removed and/or replaced in the event it is desirous to upgrade one or more of the electronic components 420 and/or one of the electronic components 420 fails. In at least some embodiments, the electrical connection 422 can be incorporated into a feature of the electronic panel 402 and/or garment 404, e.g., a zipper, a button, a snap, a male connector, a female connector, a pocket, or a combination thereof.

[000117] In at least some embodiments, the electronic panel 402 and/or the garment 404 can include one or more housings 424 for one or more of the electronic components 420. In certain instances, the housing 424 can be located: proximal a distal portion of the electronic panel 402 and/or garment 404 (e.g., one or more of the distal portions 410 and/or 413) and/or arranged away from a distal portion of the electronic panel 402 and/or a distal portion of garment 404 as shown by housing 424. In at least some embodiments, the housing 424 can be incorporated into a feature of the electronic panel 402 and/or garment 404, e.g., a waist band, a collar, etc.

[000118] According to certain embodiments, data (e.g., sensed data) can be transmitted from the electronic panel 402 and/or the electronic component 420 to one or more computing devices (e.g., a laptop and/or desktop computer 128A and/or a mobile device 128B) and from one or more computing devices to the electronic panel 402 and/or the electronic component 420 via a communication link (not shown). In certain embodiments, the computing devices can process and/or store data sensed and/or collected by the electronic panel 402 and/or the electronic component 420. Additionally, or alternatively, data can be sent to and received from one or more servers (e.g., server 130) via a communication link and network (e.g., network 132), which can then process and/or store data sensed and/or collected by the electronic panel 402 and/or the electronic component 420.

[000119] Referring to FIGS. 6A-F, in some embodiments, to produce an electronic panel 600 (e.g., electronic panel 102, 202, 302, 402 and/or 502) including a conductive trace 670 and a synthetic polymer membrane 660 on a stretchable substrate 610. In some embodiments, a stretchable substrate 610 is first stretched in the direction of arrows 615 (e.g., x-direction) prior to the application of the conductive trace containing polymer membrane 650 as shown in FIG. 6B. As used herein, the term “stretchable” is meant to denote a material that can be pulled in one or more directions, but when it is released, the material returns or substantially returns to its original shape. In addition, the stretchable substrate 610 has thereon a discontinuous adhesive, such as thermoplastic adhesive or thermoset adhesive. The adhesive may be applied in a pattern by a gravure printer in the form of adhesive dots 620, such as is shown in FIG. 6A. It is to be appreciated that the pattern of the adhesive on the stretchable substrate 610 is not limited so long as the discontinuous adhesion of the conductive trace containing polymer membrane 650 (or a continuous adhesion on the conductive trace containing polymer membrane 650) permits the conductive trace containing polymer membrane 650 to be compressed in the x- and/or -y direction and buckle in the z- direction. Thus, other patterns, such as grids or parallel lines are considered to be within the purview of the invention so long as the electronic panel compresses in the x- and/or y-direction and buckles in the z-direction.

[000120] In some embodiments, the conductive trace containing polymer membrane 650 is discontinuously attached to the stretched substrate 610 by an adhesive, e.g., a thermoplastic adhesive, in its stretched state. The stretchable substrate may be stretched to 1 .25 times, 1.5 times, 1 .7 times, 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, 5 times, 6 times, 7 times, 8 times, 9 times, or 10 times its original, relaxed length (or more), depending on the elasticity of the stretchable substrate. In some embodiments, the stretchable substrate 610 is stretched until the elastic limit of the substrate is reached.

[000121] Once the stretchable substrate 610 is stretched to its desired amount, the conductive trace containing polymer membrane 650 containing the synthetic polymer membrane 660 and conductive trace 670 is positioned over the stretched substrate 610 and is attached to the stretched substrate 610 via the adhesive dots 620 previously attached to the stretchable substrate 610, as is shown in FIG. 6B. It is to be appreciated that the conductive trace 670 may be positioned such that it faces away from the stretched substrate 610 as depicted in FIG. 6B, or the conductive trace 670 may be positioned such that it faces towards the stretched substrate (not depicted). The stretchable substrate 610 having thereon the conductive trace containing polymer membrane 650 is then allowed to return to its non-stretched (/.e., relaxed) state in the direction of arrows 625, as depicted in FIG. 6C, thereby compressing the conductive trace containing polymer membrane 650 in the x-direction and buckling the membrane in the z- plane to form out-of-plane structures (e.g., wrinkles, corrugations, or folds). [000122] The conductive trace containing polymer membrane 650 demonstrates out-of-plane geometries such as wrinkles or folds in the z-direction in the synthetic polymer membrane such as, but not limited to, those described in conjunction with the methods set forth in EP3061598 A1 to Zaggl et al. and US Patent No. 9,849,629 to Zaggl, et al. In such embodiments, the synthetic polymer membrane has a buckled orientation. Examples of stretchable substrates that may be used include, but are not limited to, a stretchable textile or fabric, a stretchable nonwoven material, or a stretchable membrane. The electronic panel 600 formed in FIG. 6C illustrates an embodiment where the conductive trace 670 has been applied to the surface of the synthetic polymer membrane 660, such as by printing the trace 670 on the synthetic polymer membrane 660 and been allowed to retract to its relaxed configuration in the direction of arrows 625. It can be seen in FIG. 6C that the conductive trace 670 and synthetic polymer membrane 660 have a buckled orientation, with discrete adhesion points to the stretchable substrate 610 at the adhesive dots 620. This buckling permits the conductive trace containing polymer membrane 650 to move with the stretchable substrate 610 as it is stretched in one or more directions without breaking the conductivity in the conductive trace 670.

[000123] In some embodiments, conductive trace containing polymer membranes 650, 651 , each having a synthetic polymer membrane 660 and a conductive trace 670, may be applied to both sides of the stretched substrate 610 (/.e., stretched in the direction of arrows 615) as shown in FIG. 6D. In other words, conductive trace containing polymer membrane 650 may be positioned on one side of the stretched substrate 610 and conductive trace containing polymer membrane 651 may be positioned on the opposing side of the stretched substrate 610. Similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6C, the stretched substrate 610 is allowed to return to is non-stretched, relaxed state in the direction of arrows 625, thereby compressing the conductive trace containing polymer membranes 650, 651 in the x- direction and buckling the synthetic polymer membranes 660 in the z-plane to form out- of-plane structures (e.g., wrinkles, corrugations, or folds) as shown in FIG. 6E. It is to be noted that the synthetic polymer membranes 660 and the conductive traces 670 in the conductive trace containing polymer membranes 650, 651 may be the same or different from each other.

[000124] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6F, an electrically conductive trace 670 and an electrically conductive trace 671 may be located opposing sides of the synthetic polymer membrane 660, forming a portion of the electronic panel 600. As depicted in FIG. 6G, an electrically conductive trace 670 is positioned on one side of the synthetic polymer membrane 660 and electrically conductive trace 671 is positioned on the opposing side of the synthetic polymer membrane 660 and vertical interconnect accesses (VIA) 675 allow the electrically conductive traces 670, 671 to communicate electrically with each other, and form conductive trace containing polymer membrane 680. The VIAs 675 may be formed by creating a through hole in the synthetic polymer membrane and filling the hole with electrically conductive material. Alternatively, the VIA may be formed by imbibing the electrically conductive material through the thickness of the porous synthetic polymer membrane, without the need to first create a through hole. It is to be noted that electrically conductive traces 670, 671 may be the same or different from each other.

[000125] In some embodiments, the stretchable substrate 610 can be stretched up to 50% strain of the original, relaxed configuration of the stretchable substrate while maintaining conductivity. In other words, the resistance of the electronic panel remains substantially unchanged as the electronic panel is elongated to 50% strain. That is, the resistance of the electronic panel remains substantially unchanged as the electronic panel is elongated to 50% strain. For example, if the electronic panel was 10 mm, it could be stretched to a length of 15 mm without loss or significant loss of resistance.

[000126] In other embodiments, the electronic panels have negligible resistance change when stretched up to 100% or even greater than 100% of the original, relaxed configuration of the stretchable substrate. The corrugations or buckling allow the conductive trace to stretch freely in one or more directions with nearly the same characteristics as the stretch textile without an electronic panel thereon.

[000127] In an alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 7A, the electrically conductive trace is imbibed into the synthetic polymer membrane 710, forming the conductive trace containing polymer membrane 750. It is to be noted that the structure of the electronic panel 700 is the same as that shown in FIGS. 6A-6C with the exception that the conductive trace has been imbibed into the synthetic polymer membrane 710 and as such, is not separately depicted. It is to be appreciated that some amount of conductive material may remain on the surface or on portions of the surface of the synthetic polymer membrane as a consequence of the imbibing process. The conductive trace containing polymer membrane 750, which includes the synthetic polymer membrane 710 containing therein the conductive trace, has a buckled configuration on the stretchable substrate 730 when the stretchable substrate 730 is in its relaxed (nonstretched) state. The conductive trace containing polymer membrane 750 is discretely attached to the stretchable substrate 730 by adhesive dots 720 (e.g., thermoplastic or thermoset adhesive dots). The buckling of the synthetic polymer membrane 710 in the z-plane permits the conductive trace containing polymer membrane 750 to move with the stretchable substrate 730 as it is stretched in one or more directions without breaking the conductivity in the conductive trace. In another embodiment depicted in FIG. 7B, conductive trace containing polymer membranes 750, 751 , each having therein conductive trace, are each applied to opposite sides of the substrate 730 by discrete adhesive dots 720. The buckling of the synthetic polymer membranes 710, 715 in the z- plane permits the conductive trace containing polymer membranes 750, 751 to move with the stretchable substrate 730 as it is stretched in one or more directions without breaking the conductivity in the conductive trace it is to be noted that the synthetic polymer membranes 710, 715 and conductive traces therein may be the same or different from each other.

[000128] Although not depicted in any figure, it is to be appreciated that some conductive trace may be located on the surface or on portions of the synthetic polymer membrane as a consequence of the imbibing process. In embodiments where the conductive trace is applied via a liquid carrier (e.g., an electrically conductive ink) heat may be applied to the electronic panel to remove at least a portion of the liquid carrier. The temperature applied may be sufficient to at least partially fuse the conductive trace (e.g., metal particles) within the synthetic polymer membrane to form a continuous network of conductive particles. In other embodiments, such as where the conductive trace is applied to the surface of the synthetic polymer membrane, heat may be applied to the electronic panel to at least partially melt the conductive trace (e.g., metal particles) to form a continuous network of conductive particles on the surface of the synthetic polymer membrane. In other embodiments, heat be used to remove ligands or other processing aids from the conductive particles.

[000129] In some embodiments, an insulative overcoat may be applied over the electrically conductive trace to assist in protecting the electrically conductive trace from external elements, such as, but not limited to, abrasion. Non-limiting examples of materials used to insulate the electrically conductive trace include urethanes, acrylics, silicones, Styrene Isoprene Butadiene Block Copolymers, Viton FKM (a synthetic rubber and fluoropolymer elastomer), polyolefins, or fluoropolymers.

[000130] Advantageously, the conductive articles described herein are highly flexible, having a flexibility of less than 0.1 grams force-cm2/cm as evidenced by the Kawabata test set forth below. Additionally, the conductive articles are highly durable and are able to withstand multiple washings while still maintaining conductivity in the electronic panel. Further, the conductive articles are highly stretchable, as defined by the Stretch v. Resistance test set forth herein. Also, the conductive articles are also highly breathable, having an MVTR of at least 2,000 as evidenced by the Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) test described herein.

[000131] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating physical components (e.g., hardware) of a computing device, which may be incorporated into and/or communicatively coupled to an electronic panel as described herein (e.g., the electronic panel 102, 202, 302, 402, and/or 502). The computing device components described below may be able to sense and/or process physiological data (e.g., movement data, pulse rate data, blood pressure data, oxygen saturation data and/or other cardiac and/or respiratory data). In a basic configuration, the computing device 800 may include at least one processing unit 802 and a system memory 804. Depending on the configuration and type of computing device, the system memory 804 may comprise, but is not limited to, volatile storage (e.g., random access memory), non-volatile storage (e.g., read-only memory), flash memory, or any combination of such memories. The system memory 804 may include an operating system 805 and one or more, such as a sensing and processing component 820.

[000132] The operating system 805, for example, may be suitable for controlling the operation of the computing device 800. Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with a graphics library, other operating systems, or any other application program and is not limited to any particular application or system. This basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 8 by those components within a dashed line 808. The computing device 800 may have additional features or functionality. For example, the computing device 800 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable). Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 8 by a removable storage device 809 and a non-removable storage device 810.

[000133] As stated above, a number of program modules and data files may be stored in the system memory 804. While executing on the processing unit 802, the program modules 806 (e.g., the sensing and processing component 820) may perform processes including, but not limited to, the aspects, as described herein, e.g., the sensing aspects described in FIG. 1 .

[000134] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in an electrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizing a microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements or microprocessors. For example, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced via a system-on-a-chip (SOC) where each or many of the components illustrated in FIG. 8 may be integrated onto a single integrated circuit. Such an SOC device may include one or more processing units, graphics units, communications units, system virtualization units and various application functionality all of which are integrated (or “burned”) onto the chip substrate as a single integrated circuit. When operating via an SOC, the functionality, described herein, with respect to the capability of client to switch protocols may be operated via application-specific logic integrated with other components of the computing device 800 on the single integrated circuit (chip). Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. In addition, embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced within a general purpose computer or in any other circuits or systems.

[000135] The computing device 800 may also have one or more input device(s) 812 such as visual image sensors, audio sensors, a sound or voice input device, a touch or swipe input device, etc. The output device(s) 814 such as a display, speakers, etc. may also be included. The aforementioned devices are examples and others may be used. The computing device 800 may include one or more communication connections 816 allowing communications with other computing devices 850 (e.g., computing devices 128 and/or 130). Examples of suitable communication connections 816 include, but are not limited to, radio frequency (RF) transmitter, receiver, and/or transceiver circuitry; universal serial bus (USB), parallel, and/or serial ports.

[000136] The term computer readable media as used herein may include computer storage media. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, or program modules. The system memory 804, the removable storage device 809, and the non-removable storage device 810 are all computer storage media examples (e.g., memory storage). Computer storage media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, optical storage, magnetic storage devices, or any other article of manufacture which can be used to store information and which can be accessed by the computing device 800. Any such computer storage media may be part of the computing device 800. Computer storage media does not include a carrier wave or other propagated or modulated data signal.

[000137] Communication media may be embodied by computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” may describe a signal that has one or more characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media.

[000138] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a mobile computing device 900, for example, a mobile telephone, a smart phone, wearable computer (such as a smart watch), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, and the like, with which embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced. For example, the computing devices 128 and/or 130 may have some or all of the functionality of the mobile computing device 900. In certain embodiments, some of the processing and/or storing of the physiological signals sensed by the electronic panel embodiments may be performed by the mobile computing device 900. Additionally, or alternatively, the mobile computing device 900 may transmit data to the electronic panel embodiments and/or provide a way for a subject (e.g., the subject 106) to interact with the electronic panel embodiments.

[000139] In a basic configuration, the mobile computing device 900 is a handheld computer having both input elements and output elements. The mobile computing device 900 typically includes a display 905 and one or more input buttons 910 that allow the user to enter information into the mobile computing device 900. The display 905 of the mobile computing device 900 may also function as an input device (e.g., a touch screen display). If included, an optional side input element 915 allows further user input. The side input element 915 may be a rotary switch, a button, or any other type of manual input element. In alternative aspects, mobile computing device 900 may incorporate more or less input elements. For example, the display 905 may not be a touch screen in some embodiments. In yet another alternative embodiment, the mobile computing device 900 is a portable phone system, such as a cellular phone. The mobile computing device 900 may also include an optional keypad 935. Optional keypad 935 may be a physical keypad or a “soft” keypad generated on the touch screen display. In various embodiments, the output elements include the display 905 for showing a graphical user interface (GUI), a visual indicator 920 (e.g., a light emitting diode), and/or an audio transducer 925 (e.g., a speaker). In some aspects, the mobile computing device 900 incorporates a vibration transducer for providing the user with tactile feedback. In yet another aspect, the mobile computing device 900 incorporates input and/or output ports, such as an audio input (e.g., a microphone jack), an audio output (e.g., a headphone jack), and a video output (e.g., a HDMI port) for sending signals to or receiving signals from an external device.

[000140] FIG. 9B is a block diagram illustrating the architecture of one aspect of a mobile computing device. That is, the mobile computing device 900 can incorporate a system (e.g., an architecture) 902 to implement some aspects. In one embodiment, the system 902 is implemented as a “smart phone” capable of running one or more applications (e.g., browser, e-mail, calendaring, contact managers, messaging clients, games, and media clients/players). In some aspects, the system 902 is integrated as a computing device, such as an integrated personal digital assistant (PDA) and wireless phone.

[000141] One or more application programs 966 may be loaded into the memory 962 and run on or in association with the operating system 964. Examples of the application programs include phone dialer programs, e-mail programs, personal information management (PIM) programs, word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, Internet browser programs, messaging programs, and so forth. The system 902 also includes a non-volatile storage area 968 within the memory 962. The nonvolatile storage area 968 may be used to store persistent information that should not be lost if the system 902 is powered down. The application programs 966 may use and store information in the non-volatile storage area 968, such as email or other messages used by an email application, and the like. A synchronization application (not shown) also resides on the system 902 and is programmed to interact with a corresponding synchronization application resident on a host computer to keep the information stored in the non-volatile storage area 968 synchronized with corresponding information stored at the host computer. As should be appreciated, other applications may be loaded into the memory 962 and run on the mobile computing device 900, including the instructions for providing an input-based FOA model as described herein (e.g., language parser, object detector, object selector, and/or movement detector, etc.).

[000142] The system 902 has a power supply 970, which may be implemented as one or more batteries. The power supply 970 may further include an external power source, such as an AC adapter or a powered docking cradle that supplements or recharges the batteries. [000143] The system 902 may also include a radio interface layer 972 that performs the function of transmitting and receiving radio frequency communications. The radio interface layer 972 facilitates wireless connectivity between the system 902 and the “outside world” (e.g., the electronic panel embodiments) via a communications carrier or service provider. Transmissions to and from the radio interface layer 972 are conducted under control of the operating system 964. In other words, communications received by the radio interface layer 972 may be disseminated to the application programs 966 via the operating system 964, and vice versa.

[000144] The visual indicator 920 may be used to provide visual notifications, and/or an audio interface 974 may be used for producing audible notifications via an audio transducer 925 (e.g., audio transducer 925 illustrated in FIG. 9A). In the illustrated embodiment, the visual indicator 920 is a light emitting diode (LED) and the audio transducer 925 may be a speaker. These devices may be directly coupled to the power supply 970 so that when activated, they remain on for a duration dictated by the notification mechanism even though the processor 960 and other components might shut down for conserving battery power. The LED may be programmed to remain on indefinitely until the user takes action to indicate the powered-on status of the device. The audio interface 974 is used to provide audible signals to and receive audible signals from the user. For example, in addition to being coupled to the audio transducer 925, the audio interface 974 may also be coupled to a microphone to receive audible input, such as to facilitate a telephone conversation. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the microphone may also serve as an audio sensor to facilitate control of notifications, as will be described below. The system 902 may further include a video interface 976 that enables an operation of peripheral device 930 (e.g., on-board camera) to record still images, video stream, and the like. Audio interface 974, video interface 976, and keyboard 935 may be operated to receive input (e.g., a verbal cue or a textual cue, as described herein).

[000145] A mobile computing device 900 implementing the system 902 may have additional features or functionality. For example, the mobile computing device 900 may also include additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 9B by the non-volatile storage area 968.

[000146] Data/information generated or captured by the mobile computing device 900 and stored via the system 902 may be stored locally on the mobile computing device 900, as described above, or the data may be stored on any number of storage media that may be accessed by the device via the radio interface layer 972 or via a wired connection between the mobile computing device 900 and a separate computing device associated with the mobile computing device 900, for example, a server computer in a distributed computing network, such as the Internet. As should be appreciated such data/information may be accessed via the mobile computing device 900 via the radio interface layer 972 or via a distributed computing network. Similarly, such data/information may be readily transferred between computing devices for storage and use according to well-known data/information transfer and storage means, including electronic mail and collaborative data/information sharing systems.

[000147] As should be appreciated, FIGS. 9A and 9B are described for purposes of illustrating the present methods and systems and is not intended to limit the disclosure to a particular sequence of steps or a particular combination of hardware or software components.

[000148] FIG. 10 is yet another example of an electronic panel 1202 incorporated into a garment 1204 which is shown for purposes of example as a shirt. FIG. 10 illustrates the back of the garment 1204. In certain embodiments, the electronic panel 1202 can span multiple panels and include a trunk extension portion 1208 extending from the front (not shown in FIG. 10) or back trunk portion of the garment 1204. In aspects, the trunk extension portion 1208 extends toward and to the bottom portion of the garment 1204, such as for example to the portion of the garment located near the waist of a wearer of the garment in the exemplary illustrated shirt. According to certain embodiments, one or more of the electronic components 1220 can be releasably coupled to the electronic panel 1202 via an electrical connection 1222. As such, one or more of the electronic components 1220 can be removed and/or replaced in the event it is desirous to upgrade one or more of the electronic components 1220 and/or one of the electronic components 1220 fails. In at least some embodiments, the electrical connection 1222 can be incorporated into a feature of the electronic panel 1202 and/or garment 1204, e.g., a zipper, a button, a snap, a male connector, a female connector, a pocket, or a combination thereof.

[000149] In at least some embodiments, the electronic panel 1202 and/or the garment 1204 can include one or more housings 1224 for one or more of the electronic components 1220 coupled to the electrically conductive trace 1218. In certain instances, such as those shown for example in FIG. 10, the housing 1224 can be located on the trunk extension portion 1208, and near the waist of a wearer of the garment in the exemplary illustrated shirt. In certain examples, one or more electronic components 1220 are electrically coupled to the electrically conductive trace 1218, which can then be used to provide one or more of the following functions: sensing (e.g., sensing one or more parameters associated with a wearer of the garment 1204 that can be stored as data), collecting data, processing data, storing data, transmitting data, providing power to the electronic panel 1202 and its components, providing a user interface (e.g., a touch screen, a microphone), and/or providing feedback (e.g., sensory, haptic, audio, visual, and/or the like). FIG. 10 shows an embodiment wherein one electrically conductive wire 1218 is shown extending from the trunk extension portion 1208 to a first appendage. It should be understood that the electrically conductive wire 1208 can include a single wire or multiple wires extending from the trunk portion to any other portion of the electrical panel 1202. In some embodiments, multiple wires can be attached to the electronic panel 1202 independently of each other. In other embodiments, additional wires may branch from a wire or wire bundle at a junction. Examples of electronic components 1220 include, but are not limited to, the following: a computing device, a power supply, a power switch (e.g., power switch 1220A), a sensor, an electronic circuit, an antenna, a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, a user interface, a remote control, a display device, a touch screen, an audio transmitter, a speaker, a microphone, a haptic device, a heating element, a charger, or a combination thereof. Other than the features relating to the trunk extension portion 1208 and the location of the electronic components 1220 and/or one or more housings 1224 on the trunk extension portion 1208 (e.g., near the waist of the wearer of the garment 1204), the garment 1204 and electronic panel 1202 may include one or more features the same as or similar to other garments and electronic panels described herein, including those described in connection with FIGs. 2A, 2B, 3, 5A and 5B. Features of the embodiments shown in FIG. 10 that are similar to those shown in FIGs. 2A, 2B, 3, 5A and 5B are identified by similar reference numbers.

[000150] The invention of this application has been described above both generically and with regard to specific embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the embodiments cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.