Adaptive support apparel systems and methods

Abstract

Systems and apparatus related to adaptive support garments including adaptive support structures, lacing systems, and an adaptive engine are discussed. In an example, an adaptive support apparel system includes an activity sensor, an adaptive support garment, and a control circuit. The activity sensor monitors activity of a user. The adaptive support garment includes an integrated adaptive support system coupled to the adaptive engine to automatically adjust a portion of the adaptive support garment through manipulation of the adaptive support system. The control circuit configured to send commands to the adaptive engine in response to input received from the activity sensor.

The claimed invention includes: 
     
         1 . An adaptive support apparel system comprising:
 an activity sensor configured to monitor activity of a user;   an adaptive bra including an adaptive support system integrated into the adaptive bra and an adaptive engine coupled to the adaptive support system to automatically adjust a portion of the adaptive bra through manipulation of an effective length of a lacing system coupled to the adaptive engine within the adaptive support system; and   a control circuit configured to send commands to the adaptive engine in response to input received from the activity sensor.   
     
     
         2 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 1 , wherein the lacing system is routed through a posterior portion of the adaptive bra. 
     
     
         3 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 2 , wherein the lacing system is integrated into at least shoulder straps of the adaptive bra. 
     
     
         4 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 2 , wherein the adaptive engine engages a portion of the lacing system along a posterior portion of the adaptive bra. 
     
     
         5 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 1 , wherein the control circuit is configured to select a pre-defined activity classification based on data received from the activity sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 5 , wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine a support level based on the selected pre-defined activity classification. 
     
     
         7 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 6 , wherein the adaptive engine is configured to adjust the adaptive support system based on control commands received from the control circuit corresponding to the determined support level. 
     
     
         8 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 1 , wherein the activity sensor is embedded within a footwear assembly. 
     
     
         9 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 1 , wherein the activity sensor is embedded within the adaptive bra. 
     
     
         10 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 9 , wherein the activity sensor is configured to detect soft tissue movement. 
     
     
         11 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 10 , wherein the activity sensor is disposed within a portion of a breast contacting surface of the adaptive bra. 
     
     
         12 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 10 , wherein the activity sensor is disposed within a shoulder strap of the adaptive bra. 
     
     
         13 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 1 , wherein the control circuit is disposed within a computing device including a display and a communication circuit. 
     
     
         14 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 13 , wherein the communication circuit is configured to send commands to the adaptive engine wirelessly. 
     
     
         15 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 13 , wherein the computing device is one of a smart watch, a smartphone, or a heart rate monitor. 
     
     
         16 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 1 , wherein the lacing system is adjustable to alter relative positions of the separate portions of the adaptive bra to produce different support characteristics. 
     
     
         17 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 16 , wherein the adaptive support system includes a plurality of lace guides to route the lacing system through the separate portions of the adaptive bra. 
     
     
         18 . The adaptive support apparel system of  claim 1 , wherein the control circuit is configured to analyze data received from the activity sensor to determine whether to adjust the adaptive support system integrated into the adaptive bra. 
     
     
         19 . An adaptive support apparel system comprising:
 an activity sensor configured to monitor a parameter indicative of an activity level of a user;   an adaptive bra including an adaptive support system integrated into at least a posterior portion of the adaptive bra and an adaptive engine coupled to the adaptive support system to adjust a first portion of the adaptive bra relative to a second portion of the adaptive bra through manipulation of the adaptive support system; and   a control circuit configured to send commands to the adaptive engine in response to input received from the activity sensor.   
     
     
         20 . An adaptive bra comprising:
 an adaptive support system including a lacing system integrated into the adaptive bra;   an adaptive engine integrated into the adaptive support system and engaging the lacing system to adjust a first portion of the adaptive support garment relative to a second portion of the adaptive support garment through manipulation of the lacing system; and   a control circuit configured to control the adaptive engine in response to input received indicative of an activity level of a user,   wherein manipulation of the lacing system includes manipulation of an effective length of a portion of the lacing system through activation of a motorized lacing spool within the adaptive engine.