GB2630568A - Article comprising a knitted component - Google Patents

Abstract

An article comprising: a knitted component comprising a tubular knit structure comprising a first knit layer and a second knit layer, wherein at the edges of the tubular knit structure, yarn crosses between the first knit layer and the second knit layer to secure the first knit layer to the second knit layer, and wherein between the edges of the tubular knit structure, the first knit layer is separable from the second knit layer to define a channel located between the first knit layer and the second knit layer; an electronics assembly comprising a first device, a second device, and at least one electrically conductive pathway that is connected to the first device and the second device such that the first device and second device are communicatively coupled to one another via the at least one electrically conductive pathway, wherein the at least one electrically conductive pathway is located at least partially within the channel of the tubular knit structure. Also claimed is a method of assembling an article by inserting an electrically conductive pathway into a tubular knit with a channel and method of disassembling an article by removing electrically conductive pathway from a tubular knit with a channel.

Description

ARTICLE COMPRISING A KNITTED COMPONENT

[0001] The present invention is directed towards an article comprising a knitted component, and in particular an article comprising a tubular knit structure within an internal channel for supporting an electrically conductive pathway.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Peripheral devices can communicate with one or more host devices over a serial protocol. Example serial protocols include Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Inter-Integrated Circuit (12C), Controller Area Network (CAN), and Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232). In these and other example protocols, many peripheral devices may be connected to the host device over one or more shared communication lines. Beneficially, this reduces the number of physical communication lines which can reduce the cost and complexity of the resultant sensor system. This is particularly advantageous for wearable articles such as garments as having many communication lines can reduce the comfort and physical appearance of the wearable article.

[0003] UK Patent Application Publication No. 2589359 A discloses a sensor device, wearable article, system, and method. The sensor device comprises a buffer to store time-series sensor data sensed by a sensor module and an input-output interface arranged to send and receive data over a bidirectional line such as a single wire connection. The bidirectional line may be incorporated into a wearable article such as clothes, headwear, or footwear whereby the conductor is incorporated into the fibre or yarn and the sensor device or system be removable or incorporated into the wearable article. The sensor device may be provided in a system further comprising multiple sensors and a master device, whereby it is arranged to send time series-data or compressed representation of the data sensed by the sensor. A programmable and erasable non-volatile memory receives and stores an identifier for the sensor device. The sensor module may be a motion, electropotential, electroimpedance, chemical, optical, or bio-sensor module. The sensor device may receive power over the input-output interface and store the power in a power source such as a capacitor or rechargeable battery.

[0004] International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2016/118746 Al discloses a flexible electric conductive narrow fabric tape. The tape includes an electric conductive wire between two layers of insulation. The tape is fused to a garment by heat pressing using a flat press or continuous press. The portions of the electric conductive wire that extend beyond the sides of the fabric tape are used as connection points for an electronic device or sensor.

[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved arrangement for incorporating electrically conductive pathways into articles such as garments.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention is directed towards an article, method of assembling the article, and method of disassembling the article as set out in the independent claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims and the description which follows [0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an article. The article comprises a knitted component. The knitted component comprises a tubular knit structure comprising a first knit layer and a second knit layer. At the edges of the tubular knit structure, yarn crosses between the first knit layer and the second knit layer to secure the first knit layer to the second knit layer. Between the edges of the tubular knit structure, the first knit layer is separable from the second knit layer to define a channel located between the first knit layer and the second knit layer. The article further comprises an electronics assembly comprising a first device, a second device, and at least one electrically conductive pathway that is connected to the first device and the second device such that the first device and second device are communicatively coupled to one another via the at least one electrically conductive pathway. The at least one electrically conductive pathway is located at least partially within the channel of the tubular knit structure.

[0008] Advantageously, the article comprises a tubular knit structure formed from fabric which defines a channel. The at least one electrically conductive pathway is at least partially located within the channel such that the electrically conductive pathway is retained, supported, and protected by the tubular knit structure. It is not necessary to heat press, bond or stitch the electrically conductive pathway to the article and instead the electrically conductive pathway can be installed simply by inserting the electrically conductive pathway into the channel. This simplifies the assembly of the article.

[0009] The tubular knit structure can be integrally knit as part of the knitted component. The properties of the tubular knit structure such as the width, length, and direction of extension can be varied by varying the knitting pattern/program. The tubular knit structure is easy to form by knitting as part of the knitted component simply by selectively crossing yarn between the front and back needle beds in a tubular jacquard approach to define the edges of the tubular knit structure. The edges of the tubular knit structure hold the first knit layer and second knit layer together as a consequence of the yarn crossing between the first and second knit layers without requiring additional knitted stitches (or subsequent securing steps) to secure the two knit layers together. Between the edges, the first knit layer and second knit layer may not be attached to one another, and yarn may not cross between the first knit layer and second knit layer.

[0010] The width of the channel may be selectively varied in order to change the properties of the channel along its length. A wider channel region positioned between narrower channel regions can be used to retain a device within the channel. The device can be inserted into the channel via the inherent stretch of the channel, but once the device has been located in the wider channel region, the device is retained in the wider channel region. It will not be possible to remove the device without the exertion of a deliberate force to pull or push the device into one of the narrower channel regions.

[0011] The at least one electrically conductive pathway may be removable from the channel.

[0012] Advantageously, the electrically conductive pathway may be removed from the channel to assist in replacing the electrically conductive pathway or in the disassembly of the article for recycling/disposal. The channel arranged to hold the electrically conductive pathway provide a convenient mechanism for separating the electrically conductive pathway from the knitted component.

[0013] The at least one electrically conductive pathway may be unattached to the tubular knit structure.

[0014] Advantageously, the at least one electrically conductive pathway is not required to be attached to the tubular knit structure such as by stitching or bonding. This simplifies assembly and disassembly of the article. The tubular knit structure may have stretch and recovery properties. In the neutral, unstretched, state, the tubular knit structure may urge against the at least one electrically conductive pathway to help hold the electrically conductive pathway in place without requiring the electrically conductive pathway to be permanently attached to the tubular knit structure. The tubular knit structure may be stretched to open up the channel and facilitate insertion or removal of the electrically conductive pathway.

[0015] The at least one electrically conductive pathway may be unattached to the knitted component.

[0016] Advantageously, the at least one electrically conductive pathway is not required to be attached to the knitted component such as by stitching or bonding. This simplifies assembly and disassembly of the article.

[0017] The at least one electrically conductive pathway is located entirely within the channel.

[0018] Advantageously, the electrically conductive pathway may be housed within the channel and protected from the external environment by the tubular knit structure.

[0019] The first device may be located at least partially within the channel. The first device may be located entirely within the channel.

[0020] Advantageously, the first device may be housed within the channel and protected from the external environment by the tubular knit structure.

[0021] The first device may be removable from the channel.

[0022] Advantageously, the first device may be removed from the channel to assist in replacing the first device or in the disassembly of the article for recycling/disposal. The channel arrangement for holding the first device provides a convenient mechanism for separating the first device from the knitted component.

[0023] The first device may be unattached to the tubular knit structure.

[0024] Advantageously, the first device is not required to be attached to the tubular knit structure such as by stitching or bonding. This simplifies assembly and disassembly of the article. The tubular knit structure may have stretch and recovery properties. In the neutral, unstretched, state, the tubular knit structure may urge against the first device to help hold the first device in place without requiring the first device to be permanently attached to the tubular knit structure. The tubular knit structure may be stretched to open up the channel and facilitate insertion or removal of the first device.

[0025] The first device may be unattached to the knitted component.

[0026] Advantageously, the first device is not required to be attached to the knitted component such as by stitching or bonding. This simplifies assembly and disassembly of the article.

[0027] The second device may be located at least partially within the channel. The second device may be located entirely within the channel.

[0028] Advantageously, the second device may be housed within the channel and protected from the external environment by the tubular knit structure.

[0029] The second device may be removable from the channel.

[0030] The second device may be unattached to the tubular knit structure.

[0031] Advantageously, the second device is not required to be attached to the tubular knit structure such as by stitching or bonding. This simplifies assembly and disassembly of the article. The tubular knit structure may have stretch and recovery properties. In the neutral, unstretched, state, the tubular knit structure may urge against the second device to help hold the second device in place without requiring the second device to be permanently attached to the tubular knit structure. The tubular knit structure may be stretched to open up the channel and facilitate insertion or removal of the second device.

[0032] The second device may be unattached to the knitted component.

[0033] Advantageously, the second device is not required to be attached to the knitted component such as by stitching or bonding. This simplifies assembly and disassembly of the article.

[0034] The first device may be a host device and the second device may be a peripheral device. The first device may receive data from the second device over the at least one electrically conductive pathway.

[0035] The first device may comprise a controller, an interface for intercommunication with the second device via the electrically conductive pathway, and a communicator for communicating with an external computing device.

[0036] The second device may comprise a sensor module. The sensor module may comprise an inertial sensor.

[0037] The article may be or may form part of a garment.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of assembling an article.

The method comprises inserting an electrically conductive pathway into a channel defined by a tubular knit structure of a knitted component such that the electrically conductive pathway is located at least partially within the channel of the tubular knit structure. The tubular knit structure comprises a first knit layer and a second knit layer, wherein at the edges of the tubular knit structure, yarn crosses between the first knit layer and the second knit layer to secure the first knit layer to the second knit layer, and wherein between the edges of the tubular knit structure, the first knit layer is separable from the second knit layer to define the channel located between the first knit layer and the second knit layer. The method comprises connecting the electrically conductive pathway to a first device and a second device such that the first device and second device are communicatively coupled to one another via the at least one electrically conductive pathway.

[0039] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of disassembling an article.

The method comprises removing an electrically conductive pathway from a channel defined by a tubular knit structure of a knitted component. The tubular knit structure comprises a first knit layer and a second knit layer. At the edges of the tubular knit structure, yarn crosses between the first knit layer and the second knit layer to secure the first knit layer to the second knit layer. Between the edges of the tubular knit structure, the first knit layer is separable from the second knit layer to define the channel located between the first knit layer and the second knit layer. The method comprises removing a first device and a second device from the article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0041] FIG. 1A shows a sectional view of an example article according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 1B shows a plan view of the article of FIG. 1A.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a knitting notation diagram showing example knitting operations to knit the knitted component of the article of FIG. 1A.

[0044] FIG 3 shows a sectional view of an example article according to aspects of the present disclosure [0045] FIG. 4 is a knitting notation diagram showing example knitting operations to knit the knitted component of the article of FIG. 3.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of an example article according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a knitting notation diagram showing example knitting operations to knit a knitted component of an example article according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of an example knitted component of an article according to aspects of the

present disclosure

[0049] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for an example device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for an example device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for an example electronics assembly according to aspects of the

present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0053] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure.

Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0054] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0055] The present disclosure is directed towards articles comprising knitted components, which may be knitted components. Knitted fabrics include weft knitted and warp knitted fabrics. Weft knitted fabrics are preferred for the knitted components of the present disclosure.

[0056] A weft knitted fabric may be provided on a knitting machine such as a V-bed knitting machine. Other forms of knitting machine may also be used as will be appreciated by the skilled person. For example circular knitting machines (such as seamless knitting machines manufactured by Santoni S.p.a) with a dial and cylinder, and which are capable of electronically/mechanically selecting individual needles to knit a tubular jacquard structure may be used to form the knitted components. The dial of the circular knitting machine would function in a similar way as one of the front needle bed and back needle bed of the V-bed knitting machine as described below while the cylinder would function in a similar way as the other of the front needle bed and back needle bed.

[0057] A V-bed knitting machine comprises a front needle bed and a back needle bed. The front needle bed and back needle bed diagonally approach one another at an angle generally between 90 degrees and 104 degrees to each other, giving an inverted V-shape appearance. The front needle bed and back needle bed each comprise a large number of needles. The needles are typically latch needles. Each needle is able to create and manipulate individual stitches.

[0058] The number of needles per inch is referred to as the gauge of the knitting machine. Typically, V-bed knitting machines have a gauge of between 7 and 20. Circular machines (such as by Santoni S.p.a) typically have a gauge of between 16 and 70.

[0059] The needles are controlled by a needle cam that traverses across the needle beds in both left-to-right and right-to-left directions. The needle cam is designed to knit a course of loops on one or both the front needle bed and the back needle bed during a traverse in either the left or the right direction. Similarly, circular machines would produce this fabric by rotating the dial and cylinder in a synchronised manner, with the needles being selected either on the dial or cylinder to create a tubular jacquard.

[0060] Yarn is fed to the needle beds by one or more yarn carriers. Multiple yarn carriers are typically used to allow for a variety of yarns to be introduced into the fabric article at desired locations.

[0061] Example knitted fabrics as described in the present disclosure comprise knitted loops selectively formed using the front needle bed, back needle bed, or both the front and back needle bed. Other knit stitches, such as tuck stitches, may be additionally used in the construction of the knitted fabric. Tuck stitches are produced when a needle holding an existing loop also receives a new loop which rather than being intermeshed through the existing loop is tucked in behind the existing loop on the reverse side of the stitch.

[0062] The article may be a wearable article. "Wearable article" as referred to throughout the present disclosure may refer to any form of article which may be worn by a user. The wearable article may be a garment. The garment may refer to an item of clothing or apparel. The garment may be a top. The top may be a shirt, t-shirt, blouse, sweater, jacket/coat, or vest. The garment may be a dress, brassiere, shorts, pants, arm or leg sleeve, vest, jacket/coat, glove, armband, underwear, headband, hat/cap, collar, wristband, stocking, sock, or shoe, athletic clothing, swimwear, wetsuit or drysuit. The wearable article/garment may be constructed from natural fibres, synthetic fibres, or a natural fibre blended with one or more other materials which can be natural or synthetic. The yarn may be cotton. The cotton may be blended with polyester and/or viscose and/or polyamide according to the particular application. Silk may also be used as the natural fibre. Cellulose, wool, hemp, and jute are also natural fibres that may be used in the wearable article/garment. Polyester, polycotton, nylon and viscose are synthetic fibres that may be used in the wearable article/garment. The garment may be a tight-fitting garment. Beneficially, a tight-fitting garment helps ensure that the sensor devices of the garment are held in contact with or in the proximity of a skin surface of the wearer. The garment may be a compression garment. The garment may be an athletic garment such as an elastomeric athletic garment.

[0063] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show an article 102 according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A shows a section through the article 102 and FIG. 1B shows the article 102 viewed from above.

[0064] The article 102 comprises a knitted component 104. The knitted component 104 in this example is a weft knitted component.

[0065] The knitted component 104 comprises a tubular knit structure 106. The tubular knit structure 106 comprises a first knit layer 108 and a second knit layer 110. The first knit layer 108 and the second knit layer 110 are secured to one another at the edges 112, 114 of the tubular knit structure 106 and are otherwise not connected together in the region between the edges 112, 114. This means that the first knit layer 108 and second knit layer 110 are separable from one another and not interlinked.

[0066] The tubular knit structure 106 has a length which extends along multiple wales of the knitted component 104 and the edges 112, 114 extend along the length of the tubular knit structure 106. The edges 112, 114 are spaced from one another in the knitting (course) direction.

[0067] A channel 116 is formed between the first knit layer 108 and second knit layer 110 in the region of the tubular knit structure 106. The channel 116 extends between edge 112 and edge 114 of the tubular knit structure 106 and along the length of the tubular knit structure 106.

[0068] The tubular knit structure 106 has a hollow structure formed by the first knit layer 108 and second knit layer 110 which overlap one another. The tubular knit structure 106 may be formed by a tubular knitting process where the first knit layer 108 is formed on a first needle bed (e.g., front needle bed) of the knitting machine and the second knit layer 110 is formed on a second needle bed (e.g., back needle bed) of the knitting machine. The first knit layer 108 and second knit layer 110 have a single-jersey or similar knit structure. The edges 112, 114 of the tubular knit structure 106 (which extend along the length of the tubular knit structure 106) may be locations which utilize both needle beds, to lock the first knit layer 108 and the second knit layer 110. This means that at the edges 112, 114 yarn crosses from the first knit layer 108 to the second knit layer 110 and from the second knit layer 110 to the first knit layer 108 to secure the first knit layer 108 and second knit layer 110 together.

[0069] The knitted component 104 in this example also comprises a base fabric 118 which in this example also comprises first knit layer 108 and second knit layer 110. In the regions of the base fabric 118, the first knit layer 108 and the second knit layer 110 are secured to one another at multiple locations such that channels are not formed. The base fabric 118 may have a lx1 rib knit structure but of course other knit structures are possible. In the base fabric 118 of this example, yarn crosses between the first knit layer 108 and the second knit layer 110 at multiple locations.

[0070] The knitted component 104 is integrally knit such that the base fabric 118 and the tubular knit structure 106 form a continuous body of knitted fabric that is knitted integrally by a knitting machine. Multiple manufacturing and assembly stages are not required to form the knitted component 104.

[0071] The article 102 further comprises an electronics assembly 120. The electronics assembly 120 comprises a first device 122, a second device 124, and an electrically conductive pathway 126. The electrically conductive pathway 126 connects the first device 122 to the second device 124 and enables signal and/or power transfer between the first device 122 and the second device 124.

[0072] The electrically conductive pathway 126 is located partially within the channel 116 of the tubular knit structure 106. The electrically conductive pathway 126 extends along the length of the channel 116 and extends out of the upper end 128 and lower end 130 of the tubular knit structure 106. In this example, the first knit layer 108 and the second knit layer 110 are separable from one another at the upper end 128 and the lower end 130 such that openings are provided for the electrically conductive pathway 126 to extend through.

[0073] The first device 122 and second device 124 are located outside of the tubular knit structure 106 and are attached to the knitted component 104 of the article 102. The attachment may be through bonding, stitching or the use of a releasable attachment mechanisms such as studs or a pocket. The first device 122 and second device 124 may be located on another component of the article 102 rather than the knitted component 104.

[0074] The electrically conductive pathway 126 is unattached to the first knit layer 108 and the second knit layer 110 of the tubular knit structure 106. This simplifies the installation of the electrically conductive pathway 126 on the article 102 as the electrically conductive pathway 126 does not need to be stitched or bonded to the fabric. Instead, the electrically conductive pathway 126 is housed and supported within the channel 116 which restricts movement of the electrically conductive pathway 126 and prevents the electrically conductive pathway 126 from being unintentionally separated from the article 102. Moreover, as the electrically conductive pathway 126 is not permanently attached to the article 102 it is easier to remove the electrically conductive pathway 126 at the end of life of the article 102. This simplifies the process of deconstructing the article 102 for recycling or disposal.

[0075] In an example implementation, the first device 122 is a host device and the second device 124 is a peripheral device. The second device 124 comprises a sensor module such as an inertial sensor module. The first device 122 obtains sensor data from the second device 124 via the electrically conductive pathway 126. The first device 122 may also send power to the second device 124 via the electrically conductive pathway 126.

[0076] In an example method of assembly, the knitted component 104 is formed using a knitting machine.

The first device 122 and second device 124 are attached to the knitted component 104. The electrically conductive pathway 126 is fed through the channel 116 of the tubular knit structure 106 via either the upper end 128 or the lower end 130 and connected to the first device 122 and second device 124.

[0077] In another example method of assembly, the knitted component 104 is formed using a knitting machine. The first device 122, second device 124, and electrically conductive pathway 126 are connected together to form the electronics assembly 120. The electronics assembly 120 is fed through the channel 116 of the tubular knit structure 106 such that the first device 122 and second device 124 are positioned at opposing ends of the tubular knit structure 106 and the electrically conductive pathway 126 extends through the channel 116. The first device 122 and second device 124 are attached to the knitted component 104.

[0078] In its neutral, unstretched, state, the tubular knit structure 106 snugly holds the electrically conductive pathway 126 in place and applies a degree of pressure to the electrically conductive pathway 126 to limit movement of the electrically conductive pathway 126. The tubular knit structure 106 is stretchable to enable the electrically conductive pathway 126 / first device 122 / second device 124 to be inserted into the channel 116. The stretch and recovery properties of the tubular knit structure 106 can be achieved through the inherent stretch and recovery properties of knitted fabric and may be enhanced by incorporating elastomeric yarns into the tubular knit structure 106.

[0079] In this example, the first device 122 and second device 124 are not disposed in the channel 116. This is not required in all examples. The first device 122 and/or second device 124 may be located in the channel 116 as shown in the example of FIG. 5.

[0080] In this example, a single electrically conductive pathway 126 is provided in the channel 116. This is not required in all examples. Multiple electrically conductive pathways 126 may be provided such as two support two-wire, three-wire or more than three-wire communication and/or power transfer protocols.

[0081] In this example, the knitted component 104 has a single tubular knit structure 106. This is not required in all examples. Two or more tubular knit structures 106 may be provided as shown in the examples of FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 6.

[0082] In this example, the tubular knit structure 106 has a uniform width along its length. This is not required in all examples. The width of the tubular knit structure 106 may vary along its length such that some regions of the tubular knit structure 106 are wider than others. This can be used to create pouch regions for holding devices as described below in relation to FIG. 5. Widening or narrowing the tubular knit structure 106 can be achieved by varying the needles used for knitting the tubular knit structure 106 in different courses.

[0083] In this example, the tubular knit structure 106 extends in a straight line. This is not required in all examples. The tubular knit structure 106 may extend in any geometry such as diagonally, curved, or a plurality of different geometries. Changing how the tubular knit structure 106 extends can be achieved by varying the needles used for knitting the tubular knit structure 106 in different courses.

[0084] The electrically conductive pathway 126 may be a conductive yarn or wire. The electrically conductive pathway 126 may comprise an electrically conductive core covered by an insulator. Other examples of electrically conductive pathways may also be used.

[0085] FIG. 2 shows an example knitting notation diagram for forming part of the knitted component 104 of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B according to aspects of the present disclosure. The knitted component comprises one tubular knit structure 106 in this example.

[0086] The knitting machine used in this example is a V-bed flat knitting machine that uses a front needle bed and a back needle bed to produce weft knitted fabrics. Other knitting machines may be used as described above.

[0087] The knitting notation diagram is read from bottom to top and details a series of traverses 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 of one or more yarn carriers of the knitting machine while the needles of the front needle bed and back needle bed are selectively controlled to perform knitting operations.

[0088] Each traverse 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 forms a "course" of knitted fabric although the term "course" can also refer to knitted fabric formed from multiple traverses as explained below. Different traverses may use different yarns held on different yarn carriers, but this is not required in all examples. Using different yarns can impart different visual or functional visual effects on the knitted fabric.

[0089] The multiple traverses 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 result in "wales" of knitted fabric being formed where the term "wale" refers to a series of intermeshed or interlooped knitted loops generally produced by the same needle at successive (but not necessarily all) courses or knitting cycles.

[0090] The tubular knit structure 106 is formed using a tubular jacquard style of knitting where, during each traverse 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 only one of the front needle bed and the back needle bed is used to form either the first knit layer 108 or the second knit layer 110 of the tubular knit structure 106. The first knit layer 108 of the tubular knit structure 106 is formed using the front needle bed and the second knit layer 110 is formed using the back needle bed. Using only the front needle bed or the back needle bed in each traverse means that the first knit layer 108 and the second knit layer 110 are separable from one another to define the channel.

[0091] The base fabric 118 is formed using an interlock style of knitting. Interlock knitting involves forming knitted loops on both the front and back needle beds during each traverse 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212. A pair of traverses (such as traverse 202 and traverse 204) are referred to as an interlock course. Alternate needles are used on each traverse in the interlock course. This means that a needle location used in the first traverse 202 is not used on the second traverse 204.

[0092] The first knit layer 108 is joined to the second knit layer 110 at the edges 112, 114 of the tubular knit structure 106 by the yarn crossing from the front needle bed to the back needle bed or the back needle bed to the front needle bed.

[0093] The knitting operation can best be understood by considering the traverses 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 in pairs (202-204, 206-208, and 210-212). During the first traverse 202, 206, 208 in each pair, alternate needles on the front and back needle beds are used to form the base fabric 118 and the yarn crosses from the front to the back needle bed to knit the second knit layer 110 of the tubular knit structure 106. During the second traverse 204, 206, 208 the sequence is reversed such that needle locations used to knit on the front needle bed are now used to knit on the back needle bed and vice versa. The yarn crosses from the back needle bed to the front needle bed to knit the first knit layer 108 of the tubular knit structure 106. The edges 112, 114 are defined by the yarn crossing from the front to the back needle bed or from the back needle bed to the front needle bed. The crossing of the yarn between the needle beds acts to secure the first knit layer 108 and second knit layer 110 together at the edges 112, 114.

[0094] Each traverse forms a half-gauge 1x1 rib course for the base fabric 118 and a full-gauge single jersey course for either the first knit layer 108 or the second knit layer 110. A pair of traverses forms a full-gauge 1x1 rib course for the base fabric 118, a full-gauge single jersey course for the first knit layer 108 and a full-gauge single jersey course for the second knit layer 110. The fabric structure of the knitted component 104 can be referred to as balanced as the base fabric 118 and the tubular knit structure 106 comprise the same number of knit courses. By contrast, if every needle were used for each traverse of the base fabric 118 then two full-gauge 1x1 rib courses would be formed for every 1 course of the tubular knit structure 106 leading to an unbalanced fabric.

[0095] The first knit layer 108 of the tubular knit structure 106 is formed using the front needle bed and the second knit layer 110 of the tubular knit structure 106 is formed using the back needle bed. The first knit layer 108 is joined to the second knit layer 110 at the edges of the tubular knit structure 106 by the yarn crossing from the front needle bed to the back needle bed or the back needle bed to the front needle bed.

[0096] The first knit layer 108 and the second knit layer 110 of the tubular knit structure 106 each comprise a plurality of single-jersey knit courses. The number of knit courses depends on the desired length of the channel 116 which may be influenced by factors such as the desired distance between the first device 122 and the second device 124. In this example, the first knit layer 108 and the second knit layer 110 comprise the same number of courses. This is not always required, the first knit layer 108 and second knit layer 110 may have different numbers of courses and/or may otherwise be differently sized.

[0097] It will be appreciated that the knitting notation diagram of FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram that only shows a limited number of needle locations and traverses. A greater number of needle locations and traverses may be used to form the knitted component 104.

[0098] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of another example article 102 according to aspects of the present

disclosure.

[0099] The article 102 comprises knitted component 104. The knitted component 104 comprises a plurality of tubular knit structures 106, 302, 304, 306. Each of the plurality of tubular knit structures 106, 302, 304, 306 comprises a first knit layer 108 and a second knit layer 110. The first knit layer 108 and the second knit layer 110 are secured to one another at the edges of each of the tubular knit structures 106, 302, 304, 306 and are otherwise not connected together in the region between the edges. This means that the first knit layer 108 and second knit layer 110 are separable from one another and not interlinked.

[0100] Channels 116, 314, 316, 318 are formed between the first knit layer 108 and second knit layer 110 for each of the tubular knit structures 106, 302, 304, 306. The channels 116, 314, 316, 318 extend between the edges of the tubular knit structures 106, 302, 304, 306 and along the length of the tubular knit structures 106, 302, 304, 306.

[0101] In this example, electrically conductive pathways 126, 308, 310, 312 are located in each of the channels 116, 314, 316, 318 for use in connecting with different devices as described above in relation to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1 B. For example, the electrically conductive pathway 126 connects a first pair of devices together, the electrically conductive pathway 308 connects a second pair of devices together, the electrically conductive pathway 310 connects a third pair of devices together, and the electrically conductive pathway 312 connects a fourth pair of devices together.

[0102] It is not required that an electrically conductive pathway is located in every channel. Providing multiple tubular knit structures provides flexibility in terms of how to position the devices on the knitted component and connect the devices together using an electrically conductive pathway.

[0103] FIG. 4 shows an example knitting notation diagram for forming a knitted component 104 such as the knitted component 104 of FIG. 3. The knitted component comprises a plurality (four in this example) of tubular knit structures 402, 404, 406, 408.

[0104] The knitting machine used in this example is a flat knitting machine that uses a front needle bed and a second needle bed. The first knit layer is formed using the front needle bed and the second knit layer is formed using the back needle bed. The first knit layer is joined to the second knit layer at the edges of the tubular knit structures by the yarn crossing from the front needle bed to the back needle bed or the back needle bed to the front needle bed.

[0105] The tubular knit structures 402, 404, 406, 408 are formed using tubular jacquard knitting.

[0106] In a first traverse 410, the yarn crosses from the front needle bed to the back needle bed to define a first edge of the first tubular knit structure 402. Part of the second knit layer of the first tubular knit structure 402 is formed by knitting loops (six in this example) on the back needle bed. The yarn crosses from the back needle bed to the front needle bed to define the second edge of the first tubular knit structure 402 and the first edge of the second tubular knit structure 404. Part of the first knit layer of the second tubular knit structure 404 is formed by knitting loops (six in this example) on the front needle bed. The yarn crosses from the front needle bed to the back needle bed to define the second edge of the second tubular knit structure 404 and the first edge of the third tubular knit structure 406, Part of the second knit layer of the third tubular knit structure 406 is formed by knitting loops (six in this example) on the back needle bed. The yarn crosses from the back needle bed to the front needle bed to define the second edge of the third tubular knit structure 406 and the first edge of the fourth tubular knit structure 408. Part of the first knit layer of the fourth tubular knit structure 408 is formed by knitting loops (six in this example) on the front needle bed. The yarn crosses from the front needle bed to the back needle bed to define the second edge of the fourth tubular knit structure 408.

[0107] In a second traverse 412, the knit sequence is reversed such that knitted loops formed on the front needle bed in the first traverse 410 are formed on the back needle bed in the second traverse 412 and knitted loops on the back needle bed in the first traverse 410 are formed on the front needle bed in the second traverse 412. The second traverse 412 forms part of the first knit layer of the first tubular knit structure 402, part of the second knit layer of the second tubular knit structure 404, part of the first knit layer of the third tubular knit structure 406, and part of the second knit layer of the fourth tubular knit structure 408.

[0108] The third traverse 414 is a repetition of the first traverse 410. The fourth traverse 416 is a repetition of the second traverse 412. The fifth traverse 418 is a repetition of the first traverse 410. The sixth traverse 420 is a repetition of the second traverse 412.

[0109] FIG. 5 shows a view from above of another example article 102 according to aspects of the present

disclosure.

[0110] The article 102 comprises knitted component 104. The knitted component 104 comprises a tubular knit structure 106 as described above in relation to FIG. 1A to FIG. 4.

[0111] In this example, however, the tubular knit structure 106 has pouch regions 502, 506, 508 positioned along the length of the tubular knit structure 106. The pouch regions 502, 506, 508 are sections of the channel 116 in which devices may be located. The pouch regions 502, 506, 508 may be wider than other sections of the channel 116.

[0112] The pouch region 502 houses the first device 122. The pouch region 506 houses the second device 124. The pouch region 508 houses a third device 510. The electrically conductive pathway 126 extends along the length of the channel 116 and connects the first device 122, second device 124, and third device 510 together.

[0113] The pouch region 502 is located at one end of the tubular knit structure 106. The first knit layer 108 and second knit layer 110 are connected together along the outer edges of the pouch region 502.

[0114] The pouch region 508 is located at the other end of the tubular knit structure 106. The first knit layer 108 and second knit layer 110 are connected together along the outer edges of the pouch region 508.

[0115] One or both of the pouch region 502 and the pouch region 508 may have an opening via which the devices and electrically conductive pathway 126 may be inserted into and removed from the channel.

[0116] Narrower channel regions are provided between the pouch regions 502, 506, 508. The narrower channel regions help to restrict movement of the devices out of the pouch regions 502, 506, 508 unless a deliberate pulling or pushing force is applied to cause the tubular knit structure 106 to stretch and open the channel.

[0117] In an example implementation, the first device 122, second device 124, and third devices 510 and electrically conductive pathway 126 may be provided pre-assembled as electronics assembly 120. The electronics assembly 120 may then be inserted into the channel 116 via an opening in one of the pouch regions 502, 508 and fed through the channel 116 until the devices are positioned in their respective pouch regions 502, 506, 508.

[0118] In its neutral, unstretched, state, the tubular knit structure 106 snugly holds the electrically conductive pathway 126, first device 122, second device 124 and third device 510 in place and applies a degree of pressure to the electrically conductive pathway 126, first device 122, second device 124 and third device 510 to limit movement of the electrically conductive pathway 126, first device 122, second device 124 and third device 510. The tubular knit structure 106 is stretchable to enable the electrically conductive pathway 126 / first device 122 I second device 124 / third device 510 to be inserted into the channel 116. The stretch and recovery properties of the tubular knit structure 106 can be achieved through the inherent stretch and recovery properties of knitted fabric and may be enhanced by incorporating elastomeric yarns into the tubular knit structure 106.

[0119] FIG. 6 shows an example knitting notation diagram for forming a knitted component according to aspects of the present disclosure. The knitted component comprises two tubular knit structures 602, 604 in this example.

[0120] The knitting machine used in this example is a flat knitting machine that uses a front needle bed and a second needle bed. The first knit layer is formed using the front needle bed and the second knit layer is formed using the back needle bed. The first knit layer is joined to the second knit layer at the edges of the tubular knit structures by the yarn crossing from the front needle bed to the back needle bed.

[0121] The base fabric of the knitted component comprise a single fabric layer formed using knitted loops on the front needle bed. The base fabric is not required to comprise first and second knit layers.

[0122] In traverse 606, knitted loops held on the back needle bed are transferred to the front needle bed.

This means that in subsequent traverses, knitting of the base fabric is performed using the front needle bed and the back needle bed is not used to form knitted loops. The knitted loops are not transferred at the needle locations which form the tubular knit structures 602, 604 such that needles on both the front and back needle beds are used to form the separable first and second knit layers.

[0123] Similar to the interlock approach of FIG. 2, alternate needles are used to form the base fabric on consecutive traverses (e.g., traverse 608 and 610). Needles used in traverse 608 are not used in traverse 610 for example. This helps ensure that a balanced fabric structure is produced. Each pair of traverses (e.g., pair of traverses 608 and 610) effectively produce one course of base fabric on the front needle bed and one course of the first knit layer of the tubular knit structures 602, 604. The number of knit courses formed on the front needle bed for the base fabric and the tubular knit structures 602, 604 is the same.

[0124] FIG. 7 shows a view from above of another example article 102 according to aspects of the present

disclosure.

[0125] The article 102 comprises a knitted component 104. The knitted component 104 comprises a tubular knit structure 106 as described above in relation to FIG. 1A to FIG. 6.

[0126] In this example, the tubular knit structure 106 does not extend solely in a straight line. Instead, the tubular knit structure 106 bends to the right approximately half-way along its length. This change in direction of the tubular knit structure 106 is achieved by varying the needles used for knitting the tubular knit structure 106 in different courses.

[0127] The electrically conductive pathway (not shown) follows the trajectory of the tubular knit structure 106 when positioned within the channel of the tubular knit structure.

[0128] FIG. 8 shows an example device 802 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The device 802 in this example is a host device 802 which controls the operation of peripheral device(s) (FIG. 9) coupled to the host device 802 by the electrically conductive pathway(s) 816.

[0129] The device 802 comprises a controller 804, memory 806, a power source 808, sensor module 810, and a communicator 812.

[0130] The device 802 further comprises an input-output (I/O) interface 814. The interface 814 is connected to a bidirectional communication line (electrically conductive pathway 816) via the interface 814. The device 802 is also connected to ground 820 via a ground line 818. The ground line 818 is not always required depending on the communication protocol used.

[0131] In this example, the I/O interface 814 is a single-wire bus interface and the bidirectional communication line 816 is a single-wire bidirectional line. The single-wire bidirectional line may be referred to as a one-wire bus, 1-wire, SDQ(TM), or a single-wire serial interface. The device 802 may be referred to as a single-wire device. The use of a single-wire bidirectional line means that only one-wire is used to send and receive data over the device 802. This reduces the number of physical hardware connections required for data transmission to/from the device 802 to the minimum possible number.

[0132] The present example is not limited to single-wire bidirectional communication lines and instead multiple communication lines (conductive pathways) may be provided for data and/or power transfer. Example serial protocols that can be used include Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Inter-Integrated Circuit (12C), Controller Area Network (CAN), and Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232).

[0133] The power source 808 may comprise a plurality of power sources. The power source may be a battery.

The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a rechargeable battery adapted to be charged wirelessly such as by inductive charging. The power source may comprise an energy harvesting device. The energy harvesting device may be configured to generate electric power signals in response to kinetic events such as kinetic events performed by a wearer of the article. The kinetic event could include walking, running, exercising or respiration of the wearer. The energy harvesting material may comprise a piezoelectric material which generates electricity in response to mechanical deformation of the converter. The energy harvesting device may harvest energy from body heat of a wearer. The energy harvesting device may be a thermoelectric energy harvesting device. The power source may be a super capacitor, or an energy cell.

[0134] The device 802 may send power from the power source 808 to the peripheral devices. The power may be sent by the bidirectional line 816 or via a separate power line.

[0135] The sensor module 810 is arranged to sense data. The sensor module 810 is not required for the device 802 in all examples as sensing may be performed solely by the peripheral devices.

[0136] The sensor module 810 may comprise one or more of a temperature sensor module, a humidity sensor module, a motion sensor module, an electropotential sensor module, an electroimpedance sensor module, an optical sensor module, and an acoustic sensor module. The temperature sensor module may be arranged to measure an ambient temperature, a skin temperature of a human or animal body, or a core temperature of a human or animal body. The humidity sensor module may be arranged to measure humidity or skin-surface moisture levels for a human or animal body. The motion sensor module may comprise one or more of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer sensor module. The motion sensor module may comprise an inertial measurement unit. The electropotential sensor module may be arranged to perform one or more bioelectrical measurements. The electropotential sensor module may comprise one or more electrocardiography (ECG) sensor modules, electrogastrography (EGG) sensor modules, electroencephalography (EEG) sensor modules, and electromyography (EMG) sensor modules. The electroimpedance sensor module may be arranged to perform one or more bioimpedance measurements. Bioimpedance sensor modules can include one or more of plethysmography sensor modules (e.g., for respiration), body composition sensor modules (e.g., hydration, fat, etc.), and electroimpedance tomography (EIT) sensor modules. An optical sensor module may comprise a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor module. The sensor module comprises one or more sensor modules.

[0137] The communicator 812 may be a mobile/cellular communicator operable to communicate the data wirelessly via one or more base stations. The communicator 812 may provide wireless communication capabilities for the garment and enables the garment to communicate via one or more wireless communication protocols such as used for communication on: a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless metroarea network (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a near field communication (NFC), and a cellular communication network. The cellular communication network may be a fourth generation (4G) LTE, LTE Advanced (LTE-A), fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), and/or any other present or future developed cellular wireless network. A first communicator of the host device 802 may be provided for cellular communication and a separate communicator may be provided for short-range local communication over WLAN, WPAN, NFC, or Bluetooth ®, WiFi or any other electromagnetic RF communication protocol.

[0138] The device 802 may receive sensor data from peripheral device(s) and transmit the sensor data to an external device such as a user electronic device, gateway or base station.

[0139] The device 802 may be a removable electronic module for the article. The electronic module may be configured to be releasably coupled to the article. The coupling of the electronic module to the article may be provided by a mechanical interface such as a clip, a plug and socket arrangement, etc. The device 802 may be held in a pocket. The mechanical coupling or mechanical interface may be configured to maintain the electronic module in a particular orientation with respect to the garment when the electronic module is coupled to the article. This may be beneficial in ensuring that the electronic module is securely held in place with respect to the article and/or that any electronic coupling of the electronic module and the electrically conductive pathway(s) can be optimized. The mechanical coupling may be maintained using friction or using a positively engaging mechanism, for example.

[0140] FIG. 9 shows an example device 902 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The device 902 comprises a number of electronics components provided within a package. The electronics components comprise a sensor module 910, buffer 906, input-output (I/O) interface 914, power source 908, memory 904, and translator 912. The device 902 is connected to a bidirectional communication line (electrically conductive pathway 916) via the input-output interface 914. The device 902 is also connected to ground 920 via a ground line (electrically conductive pathway 918).

[0141] In this example, the I/O interface 914 is a single-wire bus interface and the bidirectional communication line 916 is a single-wire bidirectional line. The single-wire bidirectional line may be referred to as a one-wire bus, 1-wire, SDQ(TM), or a single-wire serial interface. The device 902 may be referred to as a single-wire device. The use of a single-wire bidirectional line means that only one-wire is used to send and receive data over the device 902. This reduces the number of physical hardware connections required for data transmission to/from the device 902 to the minimum possible number.

[0142] The present example is not limited to single-wire bidirectional communication lines and instead multiple communication lines (conductive pathways) may be provided for data and/or power transfer. Example serial protocols that can be used include Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Inter-Integrated Circuit (12C), Controller Area Network (CAN), and Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232).

[0143] The sensor module 910 is arranged to sense data. The sensed data is temporarily stored in the buffer 906 prior to transmission of the data over the single-wire bidirectional line connected to the I/O interface 914 [0144] The sensor module 910 may comprise one or more of a temperature sensor module, a humidity sensor module, a motion sensor module, an electropotential sensor module, an electroimpedance sensor module, an optical sensor module, and an acoustic sensor module. The temperature sensor module may be arranged to measure an ambient temperature, a skin temperature of a human or animal body, or a core temperature of a human or animal body. The humidity sensor module may be arranged to measure humidity or skin-surface moisture levels for a human or animal body. The motion sensor module may comprise one or more of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer sensor module. The motion sensor module may comprise an inertial measurement unit. The electropotential sensor module may be arranged to perform one or more bioelectrical measurements. The electropotential sensor module may comprise one or more electrocardiography (ECG) sensor modules, electrogastrography (EGG) sensor modules, electroencephalography (EEG) sensor modules, and electromyography (EMG) sensor modules. The electroimpedance sensor module may be arranged to perform one or more bioimpedance measurements. Bioimpedance sensor modules can include one or more of plethysmography sensor modules (e.g., for respiration), body composition sensor modules (e.g., hydration, fat, etc.), and electroimpedance tomography (EIT) sensor modules. An optical sensor module may comprise a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor module. The sensor module comprises one or more sensor modules.

[0145] The device 902 may be supplied with power over the single-wire bidirectional line. However, power may only be available during idle periods of the single-wire bidirectional line when data is not being transmitted over the single-wire bidirectional line. To ensure consistent supply of power to the electronics components of the device 902, the device 902 comprises a power source 908. The power source 908 supplies power to the electronics components of the device 902 even when power is not able to be source from the single-wire bidirectional line. During idle periods, the power source 908 may be charged over the single-wire bidirectional line. In some examples, the power source 908 is a capacitor such as a super capacitor. In some examples, the power source 908 is a rechargeable battery. It is not required that the device 802 draws power from the bidirectional line. A separate power line may be provided.

[0146] The memory 904 of the device 902 is arranged to store an identifier for the device 902. The identifier may be a serial number for the device 902. The identifier for the device 902 may function as a device address and may enable the sensor device 10 to be individually selected from among a plurality of slave devices connected to the single-wire bidirectional line. The identifier may be in a global unique address format which may comprise a family code that identifies the device type, an individual address, and cyclic redundancy check (CRC) value. The CRC value enables the host device 802 to determine if an address was read without error. Of course, other identifier formats may be used as appropriate by the skilled person in the art.

[0147] The translator 912 manages the flow of data to and from the device 902 and controls the interaction between the sensor module 910, memory 904, and buffer 906. The translator 912 may also be known as a memory controller or one-wire port. The translator 912 may not be required such as when serial communication protocols are used.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a schematic diagram of an example electronics assembly comprising the device 802 (FIG 8) and a plurality of devices 902 (FIG 9) The device 802 acts as a host device and devices 902 acts as peripheral devices.

[0149] The host device 802 is connected to peripheral devices 902 by the bidirectional line (electrically conductive pathway 916). The host device 802 and peripheral devices 902 also have a ground line (electrically conductive pathway 918) for connecting the host device 802 and peripheral devices 902 to ground 920. No other wired connections between the device 802 and devices 902 in this example [0150] The host device 802 initiates the peripheral devices 902 and controls the transmission of data over the bidirectional line 916. The host device 802 is arranged to transmit data to the peripheral devices 902 and receive data from the peripheral devices 902 over the bidirectional line 916. Power may also be transferred from the host device 802 to the peripheral devices 902 over the bidirectional line 916.

[0151] In an example operation, the host device 802 first transmits a "reset" command to the peripheral devices 902 which synchronises all of the devices connected to the single-wire bidirectional line 916. The host device 802 then transmits a selection command comprising an identifier for one of the peripheral devices 902 to the peripheral devices 902 over the single-wire bidirectional line 916. The peripheral device 902 with the corresponding identifier stored in the memory of the peripheral device 902 is selected while the other peripheral devices 902 configure themselves to ignore subsequent communications over the single-wire bidirectional line 916 until the next "reset" command is transmitted by the host device 802 over the single-wire bidirectional line 916.

[0152] Once the host device 802 has selected a particular peripheral device 902, the host device 802 is able to transmit commands to the peripheral device 902 as well as data to the peripheral device 902. The host device 802 is also able to read data from the peripheral device 902 The host device 802 may read data from the buffer of the peripheral device 902. This enables the host device 802 to read time-series data from the buffer of the peripheral device 902. The host device 802 may write data to the memory of the peripheral device 902.

[0153] In some situations, it may be desirable to provide data to the host device 802 in real-time or near real time. The host device 802 is able to transmit a request for recent data sensed by the peripheral device 902, and the peripheral device 902 transmits the recent data as a result. Meanwhile, the peripheral device 902 may still retain data locally on the buffer. Once the host device 802 no longer requires real-time or near-real time data, the host device 802 may read out the original high resolution time-series sensor data from the buffer of the peripheral device 902. This approach enables the host device 802 to obtain low-resolution data or data at a low sampling rate for real-time processing operations while still maintaining the original high-resolution/high sampling rate data for later retrieval and analysis.

[0154] Although the example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated if described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" or "comprises" means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of others.

[0155] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0156] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0157] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (21)

1. CLAIMS1. An article comprising: a knitted component comprising a tubular knit structure comprising a first knit layer and a second knit layer, wherein at the edges of the tubular knit structure, yarn crosses between the first knit layer and the second knit layer to secure the first knit layer to the second knit layer, and wherein between the edges of the tubular knit structure, the first knit layer is separable from the second knit layer to define a channel located between the first knit layer and the second knit layer; an electronics assembly comprising a first device, a second device, and at least one electrically conductive pathway that is connected to the first device and the second device such that the first device and second device are communicatively coupled to one another via the at least one electrically conductive pathway, wherein the at least one electrically conductive pathway is located at least partially within the channel of the tubular knit structure.
2. 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one electrically conductive pathway is removable from the channel.
3. 3. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one electrically conductive pathway is unattached to the tubular knit structure.
4. 4. The article of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one electrically conductive pathway is unattached to the knitted component.
5. 5. The article of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one electrically conductive pathway is located entirely within the channel.
6. 6. The article of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first device is located at least partially within the channel.
7. 7. The article of claim 6, wherein the first device is removable from the channel.
8. 8. The article of claim 6 or 7, wherein the first device is unattached to the tubular knit structure.
9. 9. The article of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first device is unattached to the knitted component.
10. 10. The article of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the first device is located entirely within the channel.
11. 11. The article of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second device is located at least partially within the channel.
12. 12. The article of claim 11, wherein the second device is removable from the channel.
13. 13. The article of claim 11 or 12, wherein the second device is unattached to the tubular knit structure.
14. 14. The article of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the second device is unattached to the knitted component.
15. 15. The article of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the second device is located entirely within the channel.
16. 16. The article of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first device comprises a controller, an interface for intercommunication with the second device via the electrically conductive pathway, and a communicator for communicating with an external computing device.
17. 17. The article of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the second device comprises a sensor module.
18. 18. The article of claim 17, wherein the sensor module comprises an inertial sensor.
19. 19. The article of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the article is or forms part of a garment.
20. 20. A method of assembling an article, the method comprising: inserting an electrically conductive pathway into a channel defined by a tubular knit structure of a knitted component such that the electrically conductive pathway is located at least partially within the channel of the tubular knit structure, wherein the tubular knit structure comprises a first knit layer and a second knit layer, wherein at the edges of the tubular knit structure, yarn crosses between the first knit layer and the second knit layer to secure the first knit layer to the second knit layer, and wherein between the edges of the tubular knit structure, the first knit layer is separable from the second knit layer to define the channel located between the first knit layer and the second knit layer; connecting the electrically conductive pathway to a first device and a second device such that the first device and second device are communicatively coupled to one another via the at least one electrically conductive pathway.
21. 21. A method of disassembling an article, the method comprising: removing an electrically conductive pathway from a channel defined by a tubular knit structure of a knitted component, wherein the tubular knit structure comprises a first knit layer and a second knit layer, wherein at the edges of the tubular knit structure, yarn crosses between the first knit layer and the second knit layer to secure the first knit layer to the second knit layer, and wherein between the edges of the tubular knit structure, the first knit layer is separable from the second knit layer to define the channel located between the first knit layer and the second knit layer; removing a first device and a second device from the article.