Temperature controlled and vibration therapy strap assembly

Abstract

A wearable temperature control assembly includes a temperature control module including a contact and a thermal element configured to heat or cool the contact. The assembly also includes a main band configured to receive the temperature control module and secure the contact to the object. The assembly also includes a secondary strap configured to be connected to the primary strap. The secondary band is configured to provide pressure adjustment between the contact and the object when the primary band secures the contact to the object.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 18 / 069,827, filed on December 21, 2022, which is a partial continuation of 17 / 823,449, filed on August 30, 2022, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 238,354, filed on August 30, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] One problem with wraps, garments, and bands for cooling or freezing body parts with curvature is maintaining contact with the user's skin. Such undulations or curvature can cause gaps in the contact between the heating or cooling device and the skin, thereby reducing the efficiency of heat transfer between the wearer and the device. Accordingly, there is a need for a wrap that provides heat transfer to a body part of a user while maintaining good contact with the user's skin.

[0004] Any background description disclosed anywhere in this patent application includes information that may be used to understand the present disclosure. It is not admitted that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed concepts, nor is it admitted that any of the publications explicitly or implicitly referenced are prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Described herein is a garment that includes integrated temperature and vibration therapy. In some embodiments, the garment is stretchable and compresses against the wearer's skin. For example, the garment can be a shirt (long - sleeved or short - sleeved), pants, shorts, vest, bra, sleeve, sock, etc. In another embodiment, the garment can be a compression wrap or sleeve around a particular body part (and can include straps for securing in place), such as a knee, ankle, shoulder, etc., and the compression wrap can also include heating or cooling capabilities.

[0006] The garment provides vibration therapy to the wearer. The vibration device, motor, or unit cell used in the garment can generate vibrations with an amplitude less than 20 mm (e.g., 0.2 mm to 20 mm). These vibrations can provide an increase in blood flow and oxygen in the wearer's body. These vibration devices are small enough to be integrated into wearable devices, fabrics, garments, and clothing. Thus, these garments can be used not only for pre - and post - exercise treatment, but also during exercise.

[0007] The garment assembly can also be used for non - exercise purposes. For example, the garment or device can be used to reduce cellulite and for other cosmetic treatments, or can also be used to treat medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease or restless legs syndrome.

[0008] In some examples, the garment or system includes a feedback function that allows for controlling vibration therapy and adapting to the wearer's specific scenario or situation, and turning the vibration on and off as needed. For example, during exercise or during a game, if the wearer's heart rate drops below a certain level (e.g., if the wearer leaves the game or stops running for a period of time), the vibration can be turned on, for example, to prevent the wearer from being constricted. Thus, the vibration can be turned on due to a first trigger event (e.g., when the heart rate drops below a predetermined level or the motion sensor senses that the motion has stopped or dropped below a predetermined level), and can be turned off due to a second trigger event (e.g., when the heart rate rises above a predetermined level or the motion sensor senses that the motion has started or risen above a predetermined level).

[0009] In some examples, the system includes three separate systems therein: 1) a grid or layer of actuators (vibration devices); 2) a grid or layer of sensors; and 3) a compressible flexible fabric to house all of the necessary components and electronics. It should be understood that the actuators / vibration devices and sensors can be incorporated into a single layer.

[0010] The grid or layer of actuators can include an array of small, self - contained vibration motors. These can be brushless motors with a depth or thickness of 1 to 4 mm and a diameter or width and length dimension of 3 to 20 mm. In some examples, the vibration motors are electronically grouped into clusters of 1 to 10 throughout the garment such that each cluster can be controlled separately from the other clusters (e.g., a wearable sleeve can have a first cluster of motors for the biceps and a second cluster of motors for the triceps). In other examples, the motors can be distributed throughout the garment and different clusters can be controlled individually. In this embodiment, a single motor can be part of more than one controllable cluster. For example, on the thigh portion of the garment, there can be separate clusters for providing therapy to the quadriceps, IT band, and hamstrings. However, the cluster for providing therapy to the IT band can include some of the same motors in each cluster that are used to provide therapy to the quadriceps and / or hamstrings. Thus, in use, a first cluster of vibration devices can be activated at a first time and for a first period of time, and a second cluster of vibration devices can be activated at a second time and for a second period of time.

[0011] The mesh or layer of the actuator may include a sensor array. Depending on the desired application of the garment, the garment component or system may include one or more different types of sensors that provide feedback on different biometric characteristics of the user. This feedback can be used to activate / deactivate groups of actuators (or a single actuator) throughout the garment. For example, a pair of running shorts may include motion sensors that trigger or activate a vibration motor when it senses that the user has stopped or slowed to a walking pace, between runs in a series of exercise, or is cooling down after a run. As needed, the garment component may include skin and / or muscle temperature sensors, pulse or heart rate sensors (e.g., optical or infrared), pulse oximeters, motion sensors (e.g., gyroscopic sensors / accelerometers), and other sensors.

[0012] The elastic compression fabric can be made of, for example, nylon, spandex, neoprene, or other flexible fabrics or materials. The garment may include multiple fabric layers, such as an inner layer and an outer layer, to enclose or house components (e.g., actuators and one or more sensor layers) and provide space or a path for electronics and circuit boards. The fabric may also include breathable areas as well as sealed sections to make the cables and electronics waterproof.

[0013] In another embodiment, the garment component may include temperature control or modulation. In particular, the garment component may include a temperature control module, which may be permanent or removable.

[0014] In some embodiments, the wrap component includes wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth) such that it can communicate with a software application on a mobile device (e.g., a phone) to provide a "smart" garment system. The wireless communication device may be housed on a PCB that also communicates electrically and / or data-wise with the vibration device, temperature control module, main control module, etc.

[0015] The wearable device or garment component may include temperature modulation and application, such as via a temperature control module located on or integrated within it. The garment component may include both vibration and heat / cold or may include one or the other. In some examples, the wrap portion includes magnets located on or within it. At certain locations on the garment portion, the temperature control module may be fixed to the magnet. The temperature control module may be arranged throughout the garment component. In some examples, there is no garment or fabric layer between the temperature control module and the user's skin. Instead, the underlying or surface of the temperature control module or some other thermally conductive portion or material is in contact with the user's skin.

[0016] In another embodiment, the temperature control module includes a fan, a radiator, and a Peltier module or device housed within a module housing. In this embodiment, the temperature control module includes a magnet on its bottom that can be magnetically connected or fixed to a magnet on or in a fabric portion or a clothing portion of the garment assembly. A frame (e.g., a plastic frame) can be embedded in or attached to the clothing portion to assist in connecting the temperature control module.

[0017] In another embodiment, a magnet-to-magnet system secures the temperature control module to a wrap or clothing portion and transfers or conducts heat or cold from the module to the user's skin, as the magnet can be made of a heat-conductive and / or cold-conductive material. In an embodiment, the wrap assembly can include a flexible heat-conductive or cold-conductive member, such as a band, a patch, etc. (e.g., made of copper or aluminum), to assist in transferring heat or cold, thereby increasing the effective area of heat / cold treatment. The heat-conductive member can be in contact with or connected to the magnet such that heat or cold is conducted from the magnet and through the heat-conductive member.

[0018] In an embodiment having multiple connecting magnets at different locations, multiple options are provided to the user for where to position one or more temperature control modules. For example, if a user has a right shoulder problem being treated, they can place one or more temperature control modules only at that location. At a later time, they can use the same shirt to treat an abdominal problem. A vibration device can be embedded in the clothing portion (e.g., between an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer) and can be arranged around the magnet such that the temperature control module can be connected to the magnet above and below the knee cap. This is merely an example, and any pattern or number of vibration devices and temperature control modules can be used. It should be understood that any configuration of the vibration device is within the scope of the present disclosure. The vibration device can be configured to address a specific problem and can be arranged in a pattern around a sleeve or a wrap, such as a triangle, a star, a circle, a spiral, other patterns, etc., and can increase blood flow and provide therapeutic benefits as needed.

[0019] In another embodiment, the garment assembly includes multiple magnets or a single magnet that can overlap, with multiple locations where the magnet on the temperature control module can be placed to allow the temperature control module to be movable or positionable within the same general area. This allows the user to move the module to the exact problem location. It also allows a single garment size to be used for different purposes / users, as no two bodies are exactly the same. In another embodiment, most or all of the garment can be magnetized, thereby allowing the module to be attached anywhere.

[0020] In another embodiment, the present disclosure includes an intelligent vibration system. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that at a specific frequency (depending on the mass attached to the system), the vibration can cause the user's body to resonate, thus increasing the amplitude of the perceived vibration. To utilize this resonance frequency principle, which is different from person to person and from body part to body part, the present disclosure may include a closed-loop system with sensors that scan different speeds of the vibration device or motor until the resonance frequency is found. This can be achieved by adding an accelerometer near the motor position, which can measure the actual vibration being generated when the motor is attached to a body part. In an exemplary embodiment, a strain gauge that can measure the displacement of the clothing is included in the position of the motor.

[0021] In some examples, the garment assembly is washable and includes at least some components (such as a waterproof enclosed motor, cables, etc.) that are permanently embedded in the garment, attached to the garment, etc., and other removable components (battery pack, PCB). The permanent components can be sealed in the garment (e.g., between the layers of the garment), and the user can wash the garment after removing the power supply unit system (battery pack, PCB, etc.).

[0022] In another embodiment, the garment assembly can be a wrap-around or belt-type garment assembly that includes a heating / cooling system and local vibration. In some embodiments, the garment assembly is incorporated into a compression wrap. One or more layers of the device may include vibration capabilities. The temperature control module may or may not include an integrated battery (i.e., within the module). Depending on the required treatment, the module can be removed from the belt device and placed in different cavities of the belt assembly.

[0023] Depending on the muscle group or surface area to be treated, the temperature control module can have different sizes. The device (or a separate device) may also include belts of different sizes and shapes to fit different body parts.

[0024] The wrap assembly can be embodied in a wristband and / or knee band assembly. In some embodiments, the wrap portion may include (a plurality of) positions or cavities defined therein, each position or cavity being configured to receive a temperature control module. The main controller can be electrically connected to the temperature control module and communicate data with the temperature control module such that the modules can be powered by the controller and controlled by the controller. Wires can be embedded in the main body portion, and plugs or jacks can be used for attaching and detaching the electrical connection. The wires can also be external. A wireless connection between any and / or all components may also be included. In another embodiment, the battery can be located in the module, making each module independent and interchangeable, such that it can simply be placed in the cavity or belt-type garment assembly, or fixed to a "wearable" garment assembly via a magnet or other attachment mechanism.

[0025] In another embodiment, the module housing includes a groove around it that receives a portion of the wrapping part, allowing it to be positioned within the cavity (or module seat). It should be understood that the wrapping part is made of a material that is sufficiently pliable and flexible to allow the module to be inserted into and removed from the cavity (e.g., pressed into place and removed therefrom). In embodiments with larger and smaller modules, one or more of the larger modules are the primary heater or cooler (for the user). Heat can conduct outward from the larger module. In cases where it is difficult to conduct heat from the larger module, smaller modules can be used to provide additional heat or cold. In some examples, the body part and / or the strap includes a heat-conductive material therein or thereon.

[0026] In an embodiment, the wrapping assembly can include modules of different sizes, such as one larger module and several smaller modules. Some or all of the temperature control modules can also include a vibration device or a motor therein (e.g., on the inner side of the housing). In another embodiment, one or more vibration devices can be placed on or in the radiator. The vibration device can also be included and embedded in the body part or the strap part. It should be understood that any and all embodiments discussed or disclosed herein, as well as any components or concepts included in the embodiments, are fully interchangeable, exchangeable, and usable together. It should be understood that the strap assembly or the wrapping part can be configured to fit any body part or multiple body parts, such as the shoulder, back, knee, elbow, wrist, neck, ankle, etc.

[0027] In another embodiment, the temperature control module can include a concave module structure or bottom surface such that it can conform to the contours of different parts of the body (such as the thigh, calf, shin, etc.). In some examples, the temperature control module further includes a fan bracket and a Peltier housing, the Peltier housing including an upper housing part that houses the Peltier device and a lower housing part that houses the vibration device and the PCB. The module housing can include a lower portion that includes a concave surface on its bottom. The lower portion also includes a conduction member that conducts heat or cold from the Peltier device to the concave bottom surface. The upper housing part and the lower housing part of the Peltier housing define a vibration device recess. All temperature control modules herein include vents or openings in the module housing to allow heat to dissipate therefrom. It should be understood that the strap can include Velcro or the like for fastening.

[0028] In another embodiment, the main control module or component includes a plurality of buttons and / or switches for controlling the temperature control module and / or the vibration device. For example, for various body parts, the buttons can control the on and off of the device, cooling and heating, time or duration, change of mode, control of the vibration device, and on and / or off. An LED light can also be included as a charging or time indicator. Some features are controlled by pressing the associated button multiple times. In an exemplary embodiment, each button can operate as follows. Pressing the mode button can cycle through the following vibration modes - constant, fluctuating, regular, fluctuating, off. Cold button - one press for 5°C control, two presses for 10°C control, three presses for unlimited control and four presses for off. Hot button - one press for 38°C control, two presses for 40°C control, three presses for 42°C control and four presses for off. Time button - when powered on, the time is set to 15 minutes, one press sets it to 30 minutes, two presses set it to 60 minutes, and the third press is for unlimited time.

[0029] One of the advantages of certain concepts in the present disclosure is the ability to provide flexibility such that the various modules can be used, for example, on belt devices and clothing or wearable devices. Mounting the various modules on a belt device provides high performance and high efficiency. The belt allows multiple modules to work together and treat a large area. Mounting the various modules on wearable devices (such as shirts, pants, shorts, etc.) provides the user with vibrating clothing and the flexibility to add a temperature control module as needed.

[0030] It should be understood that the wrap component according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a battery-powered wearable device that can replace an ice pack and is shaped to treat body parts such as the waist, shoulders, and upper or lower back. The component can also be used for heat therapy and can have a temperature control module, a vibration motor, or both embedded in a belt or clothing to promote blood flow and recovery. In some embodiments, the belt component includes a removable battery, one or more temperature control modules, and optionally one or more vibration motors in the clothing or belt. The motors can be grouped, for example, in groups of three, and the speed or on / off function of each group can be independently controlled. The device can also include a Bluetooth connection, enabling it to connect to an application on a mobile device. Exemplary use cases for athletes and non-athletes include post-shoulder surgery treatment, post-workout recovery, and users suffering from chronic shoulder, neck, and upper back pain.

[0031] It should be understood that body parts that can use the sub-component include curved surfaces. In some examples, the temperature control module includes an extension member or finger extender, which essentially increases the footprint area of the cooling / heating module and allows some devices according to the present disclosure to distribute the desired temperature over curved regions of the body (e.g., calf, thigh, shoulder, trapezius muscle). In an exemplary embodiment, the finger extender allows the treatment area to extend around the curved surface.

[0032] In some embodiments, the temperature control module includes modular extension legs, extension members, or expanders made of, for example, thin copper stacks, and the expander can be divided into smaller fingers to increase flexibility in the vertical direction and help conform to the body. The expander can be attached to the main board below the main expander by different methods, such as bolting (or other threaded receivers), riveting, hinging, welding, etc.

[0033] The vibration motor can be mounted on the belt, in a garment part, inside a housing, or on the expander. The expander, expander member, finger extender, leg, or extension member can be made of aluminum or another metal, and pivot points of the expander, etc., can be made of copper or other metals.

[0034] In another embodiment, the expander can be enclosed or sewn into a garment part. A fabric or belt can be located on top of the expander, allowing the bottom surface of the expander to contact the user's skin. In this embodiment, when the belt or garment part is wrapped around a body part (e.g., the leg), the expander will move or pivot through the fabric to help the expander get closer to or against the leg. The user can also push the expander through the fabric to help the expander reach the desired position.

[0035] In some examples, the expander member and / or finger extender can include multiple metal layers. In such an embodiment, thin copper layers (e.g., die-cut layers) are stacked on top of each other and form separate main expander members and extension legs or finger expanders. The extension legs can optionally be pivotally or otherwise movably connected relative to the main expander, and the main expander can be considered part of the hub portion of the entire temperature control module. Thus, by creating thin layers, the desired shape can be created, depending on the body part being targeted. The stacking of these layers can include aluminum layers or thicker copper layers above or below in areas where increased rigidity is needed, and each copper layer can be formed into a different shape to precisely conform to the geometry of the muscle to be treated.

[0036] Any type of attachment system that can be used to attach a garment component to a user's leg or other body part is within the scope of the present disclosure. The attachment system may include a magnetic fastening and adjustment system therein. The attachment system may include a mechanical latch or fastening system and magnets for aligning components to make connection easier. For example, a Fidlock magnetic buckle or system may be used.

[0037] In another embodiment, the wrap component includes one or more cushion or pad members on the inner side of the wrap portion, which provide comfort for the user and may also be removable to enable cleaning or replacement. The pad member may include magnets or other attachment mechanisms (Velcro, snaps, buttons, etc.) so that the pad member can be fixed or removably attached to the wrap portion. Upper and lower cushion portions or first and second cushion portions for the upper and lower parts may be included. The pad member provides a layer generally parallel to the heat dissipation surface, which improves comfort and may be a layer that is sacrificed or replaced due to the accumulation of sweat and moisture over time. Any soft material is within the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the pad member includes a memory foam layer wrapped in a fabric shell. The magnets may be embedded in the memory foam or between layers (and complementary magnets are included in the wrap portion). The thickness is selected to provide comfort while allowing the vibration motor to contact the user's skin.

[0038] The wrap component may include a mounting skirt and / or mounting member for mounting or otherwise attaching the temperature control module and / or the main control module to the wrap portion (e.g., by stitching). A ring or annular member may be positioned around the knee or a central opening and helps to align the wrap component over the user's kneecap when worn. The annular member may be semi-rigid to rigid and allows the user's kneecap to extend at least partially therethrough to help support the wrap component on the user's leg and help prevent the straps from sliding along the user's leg. The annular member may be made of a plastic material such that it is rigid for support but has a degree of flexibility such that it can move and bend when the user bends their knee. The wrap portion may include an inner layer and an outer layer such that some components (e.g., wires, the ring for the central opening, etc.) can be sandwiched therebetween.

[0039] It should be understood that any type of system for holding the temperature control module in place on the body part is within the scope of the present disclosure. Any type of strap, clamp, buckle, etc. or combinations thereof are within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the wrap portion or fabric portion of the component may be modified or changed to make the product smaller, streamlined, or generally lighter in weight. In some examples, any part or all of the wrap component / fabric portion may include a layer of far-infrared reflective or FIR fabric (or consist thereof) or use far-infrared reflective or FIR fabric.

[0040] In another aspect, a wearable temperature control assembly may include a main band that includes an opening extending through the main band and a channel extending along the length of the main band. The channel may include two channel ends, and the assembly may further include a sub-band configured to be disposed through the channel and including two sub-band ends configured to be securable to the main band. Each sub-band end may be configured to extend beyond a corresponding channel end when they are joined together. The wearable temperature control assembly may further include a temperature control module configured to be disposed through the opening. The temperature control module may include a contact and a heating element configured to heat or cool the contact.

[0041] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the channel may be a first channel, the sub-band may be a first sub-band, the main band may include a second channel extending along the length of the main band on a side of the opening opposite the first sub-band, and the assembly may include a second sub-band configured to be disposed through the second channel.

[0042] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the opening may be a first opening, the temperature control module may be a first temperature control module, the main band may include a second opening between the first channel and the second channel, and the assembly may include a second temperature control module configured to be disposed through the second opening.

[0043] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the contact may include an expander configured to extend transversely beyond the perimeter of the opening in a direction perpendicular to the thickness of the main band when the temperature control module is disposed through the opening. These extended expanders may optionally be finger-like expanders, and the contact may further optionally include a central expander, with the finger-like expanders extending away from the central expander.

[0044] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the first channel and the second channel may be spaced apart from each other by a spacing distance across the opening, and the expander may be configured to extend in a direction transverse to the length of the main band relative to the temperature control module when the temperature control module is disposed through the opening, such that the total width of the contact in a direction parallel to the spacing distance is greater than the spacing distance.

[0045] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the expander may be one of a plurality of expanders included by the contact and is configured to be positioned closest to the opening when the temperature control module is disposed through the opening. Thus, the contact may optionally include a plurality of individual finger-like expanders.

[0046] In some settings according to any of the foregoing, the expanders among the plurality of expanders may each be configured to be movably connected to the hub of the temperature control module at corresponding connection points, and configured to be biased about their respective connection points in a direction away from the main band relative to the hub of the control module when the temperature control module is disposed through the opening.

[0047] In some settings according to any of the foregoing, the secondary band may have greater elasticity than the main band.

[0048] In some settings according to any of the foregoing, the secondary band may have a lower spring constant than the main band.

[0049] In some settings according to any of the foregoing, the secondary band may be shorter than the main band in all directions.

[0050] In some settings according to any of the foregoing, the heating element may be a thermoelectric heater or cooler.

[0051] In some settings according to any of the foregoing, the heating element may be a heat pump.

[0052] In some settings according to any of the foregoing, the main band may include a first pair of fasteners configured to releasably connect two portions of the first strap to each other so that the main band can be fixed around the torso. Additionally, the secondary band may include a second pair of fasteners configured to releasably connect two portions of the secondary band to the main band in a configuration in which the secondary band extends around the torso and around a portion of the temperature control module.

[0053] In some settings according to any of the foregoing, the first pair of fasteners and the second pair of fasteners may each include a hook material patch and a loop material patch configured to form a hook-and-loop connection with each other when pressed together.

[0054] In some settings according to any of the foregoing, the contact member may include an expander configured to extend across the perimeter of the opening transversely to the thickness of the main band, and configured to be movably connected to the hub of the temperature control module at a connection point, and biased about the connection point in a direction away from the main band relative to the hub of the temperature control module when the temperature control module is disposed through the opening.

[0055] In another aspect, a wearable temperature control assembly may include a temperature control module that includes a contact and a thermal element configured to heat or cool the contact. The assembly may also include a removable battery associated with the temperature control module. The assembly may also include a main strap configured to receive the temperature control module and secure the contact to an object. The assembly may also include a secondary strap configured to connect to the main strap and further configured to provide pressure adjustment between the contact and the object when the main strap secures the contact to the object.

[0056] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the main strap may be an elongate item that includes two portions configured to be releasably connectable to each other such that when the two portions are connected to each other, the main strap forms a loop.

[0057] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the temperature control module may be configured to extend through the main strap and include a heat sink positioned relative to the contact such that the heat sink is positioned on an opposite side of the main strap from the contact when the heat sink is disposed through the opening.

[0058] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the secondary strap may be a first secondary strap, and the assembly includes a second secondary strap that is configured to be located on an opposite other side of the temperature control module from the first secondary strap, connected to the main strap, and further configured to adjust the pressure between the contact and the object when the main strap encircles the object.

[0059] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the first secondary strap and the second secondary strap may be configured to be spaced apart a distance in a width direction, and the contact is wider than the distance.

[0060] In another aspect, a wearable treatment device may include a strap configured to wrap around a wearer's abdomen and include a middle portion, a first end portion extending from the middle portion, and a second portion extending from an opposite side of the middle portion from the first end portion. The device may also include a control module located on the strap, and the control module may include a removable battery. The device may also include a first fastener attached to the first end portion and a second fastener complementary to the first fastener and attached to the second end portion. The device may also include a first heating element located in the first end portion and a second heating element located in the middle portion.

[0061] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, a vibration motor may be embedded within the middle portion.

[0062] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the vibration motor may be positioned to overlap with the second heating element.

[0063] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the device may include a knitted fabric layer, the knitted fabric including fibers containing germanium.

[0064] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the device may include a fabric layer that emits infrared radiation.

[0065] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the fabric that emits infrared radiation may emit infrared radiation passively.

[0066] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the device may include a pad located between each motor and the second heating element.

[0067] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the device may include a cushioning layer between the heating element and the surface of the strap.

[0068] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the vibration motor may be located between the second heating element and the cushioning layer.

[0069] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the first heating element and the second heating element may be panels of carbon fiber or carbon fiber mesh.

[0070] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, a gap may exist between the first heating element and the second heating element.

[0071] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the second end portion may be without any heating element.

[0072] In another aspect, a wearable treatment device may include a strap configured to wrap around a wearer's abdomen and include a surface layer facing the wearer that is at least partially made of germanium. The device may also include a control module located on the strap. The control module may include a removable battery. The device may also include at least one vibration motor embedded in the strap.

[0073] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the surface layer facing the wearer may be a knitted fabric including fibers of germanium or germanium alloy.

[0074] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the device may include heating features for heating the wearer's back and stomach.

[0075] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the heating features may include a first heating element located in the middle portion of the strap and a second heating element spaced apart from the first heating element and located in the first end portion of the strap, and the strap includes a second end portion extending from a side of the middle portion opposite the first end portion.

[0076] In some arrangements according to any of the foregoing, the heating feature may include a panel of carbon fiber or a carbon fiber mesh. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a temperature - controllable wrap assembly secured to a user's leg, with the apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure attached to the user's leg;

[0078] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a front view of the temperature - controllable wrap assembly of

[0079] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a front perspective view of the temperature - controllable wrap assembly of

[0080] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a temperature control module according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0081] Figure 5 is a cross - sectional view of the temperature control module;

[0082] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the temperature control module;

[0083] Figure 7 is Figure 1 a rear view of the temperature - controllable wrap assembly of

[0084] Figure 8 is Figure 1 a rear perspective view of the temperature - controllable wrap assembly of

[0085] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an expander member with a thermistor disassembled therefrom;

[0086] Figure 10 is a cross - sectional view of the expander member and the thermistor;

[0087] Figure 11 is Figure 1 an exploded view of the temperature - controllable wrap assembly of

[0088] Figure 12 is an exploded view of a pad attachment and Figure 1 the temperature - controllable wrap assembly of

[0089] Figure 13 is Figure 1 a plan view of the temperature - controllable wrap assembly of

[0090] Figure 14 shows various contact expander members that can be used with Figure 4 the temperature control module of

[0091] Figure 15 is an inclined perspective view of the contact side of a temperature control module according to another arrangement;

[0092] Figures 16 - 18 is a component that can be used with Figure 4 and 15 a contact expander used with the temperature control module;

[0093] Figure 19 is an inclined perspective view of a temperature control module according to another arrangement, with an elastic band connected to the temperature control module;

[0094] Figure 20 is Figure 19 a component diagram of the temperature control module;

[0095] Figure 21 shows an arm wearing a therapeutic garment according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

[0096] Figure 22 is Figure 21 a cross-sectional view of a part of the garment;

[0097] Figure 23 is Figure 21 a plan view of the garment;

[0098] Figure 24 shows the Figure 21 garment in a partially disassembled state;

[0099] Figure 25 shows the Figure 21 vibration motor of the garment;

[0100] Figure 26 shows the Figure 25 vibration motor in a partially disassembled state;

[0101] Figure 27 is Figure 21 a front cross-sectional view of the temperature control module of the garment;

[0102] Figure 28 is according to another arrangement Figure 21 a front cross-sectional view of the temperature control module of the garment;

[0103] Figure 29 shows a therapeutic garment according to another arrangement;

[0104] Figure 30 shows features for connecting a temperature control module to Figure 21 and 29 the therapeutic garment;

[0105] Figure 31 shows a therapeutic garment having Figure 30 connection features;

[0106] Figure 32 shows a therapeutic garment having connection features according to another arrangement;

[0107] Figure 33 is Figure 32 an enlarged view of the connection features of the therapeutic garment;

[0108] Figure 34 is an inclined perspective view of the top side of the strap that holds the temperature control module;

[0109] Figure 35 is Figure 34 an inclined perspective view of the bottom side of the strap;

[0110] Figure 36 is Figure 34 a cross-sectional view of the strap;

[0111] Figures 37 - 39 is an inclined perspective view of the top side of the strap that holds the temperature control module according to another arrangement;

[0112] Figure 40 is a cross-sectional view of the temperature control module according to another arrangement;

[0113] Figure 41 is a partially cut-away view of the temperature control module according to another arrangement;

[0114] Figure 42 is an inclined perspective view of the temperature control module according to another arrangement;

[0115] Figure 43 is an inclined perspective view of the temperature control module according to another arrangement;

[0116] Figure 44 is Figure 43 an exploded view of the temperature control module;

[0117] Figure 45 is Figure 43 a cross-section of the temperature control module;

[0118] Figure 46 is an inclined perspective view of the temperature control module according to another arrangement;

[0119] Figure 47 is Figure 46 a cross-section of the temperature control module;

[0120] Figure 48 is Figure 46 of the temperature control module atFigure 47 Cross-section on a plane orthogonal to the cross-section;

[0121] Figure 49 is for holding Figure 43 and 46 Oblique perspective view of the outer side of the garment of the temperature control module;

[0122] Figure 50 is Figure 49 Oblique perspective view of the inner side of the garment;

[0123] Figure 51 and 52 shows Figure 49 the garment worn on the leg;

[0124] Figure 53 shows the control assembly for Figure 49 the garment;

[0125] Figure 54 shows the temperature control module according to another aspect of the present disclosure adhered to the leg;

[0126] Figure 55 shows the garment fastening system applied to the garment and the leg;

[0127] Figure 56 shows the front view and the rear view of an individual wearing a therapeutic strap;

[0128] Figure 57 shows an individual wearing a therapeutic strap according to another arrangement;

[0129] Figure 58 shows the Figure 57 therapeutic strap in a partially disassembled state;

[0130] Figure 59 shows an individual wearing a therapeutic band assembly;

[0131] Figure 60 shows the Figure 59 therapeutic band assembly in an unfolded state;

[0132] Figure 61 shows Figure 59 the end portion of the therapeutic band assembly;

[0133] Figure 62 shows the Figure 59 therapeutic band assembly in a wrapped state;

[0134] Figure 63 is the rear front view of a therapeutic device according to another arrangement;

[0135] Figure 64Ais worn by a user Figure 63 Rear perspective view of a treatment device;

[0136] Figure 64B is worn by a user Figure 63 Front perspective view of a treatment device;

[0137] Figure 65 is Figure 63 Cross-section of a portion of a treatment device;

[0138] Figure 66 is Figure 63 Front orthographic view of a portion of a device.

[0139] In several views of the drawings, like reference numerals denote like components. Detailed Description

[0140] The following description and the drawings are illustrative and should not be construed as restrictive. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, in some instances, well-known or conventional details are not described to avoid obscuring the description. A reference to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but is not necessarily, a reference to the same embodiment; and, such a reference means at least one of these embodiments. If a component is not shown in the drawings, this provides support for a negative limitation in a claim stating that the component "does not" exist. However, the foregoing statement is not restrictive, and in another embodiment, the missing component can be included in the claimed embodiment.

[0141] As used herein, the phrases "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "a preferred embodiment", or any other phrase that refers to the word "embodiment" mean that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and also mean that any specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one embodiment may be included in any embodiment, or may be omitted or excluded from any embodiment. The phrase "in one embodiment" that appears in different places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. In addition, various features are described that may be exhibited by some embodiments but not by other embodiments and may be omitted from any embodiment. In addition, any specific feature, structure, or characteristic described herein may be optional. Similarly, the various requirements described may be requirements of some embodiments but not of other embodiments. Where appropriate, any feature discussed herein in connection with one aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to another aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure. Similarly, where appropriate, any feature discussed herein in connection with one aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure may be optional and / or omitted from that aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure or any other aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure discussed or disclosed herein.

[0142] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, in the context of the present disclosure, and in the particular context in which each term is used. Certain terms used to describe the present disclosure are discussed below or elsewhere in the specification to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the present disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example, using italics and / or quotation marks: the use of highlighting has no effect on the scope and meaning of the term; in the same context, the scope and meaning of a term are the same whether or not it is highlighted.

[0143] It should be understood that the same thing can be expressed in more than one way. Accordingly, any one or more of the terms discussed herein may have alternative languages and synonyms. There is no particular significance to whether a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided herein. The listing of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any of the terms discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the present disclosure or any exemplary term. Similarly, the present disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments given in this specification.

[0144] Without intending to further limit the scope of the present disclosure, examples of instruments, devices, methods, and their associated results according to embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that, for the convenience of the reader, headings or subheadings may be used in the examples, which shall in no way limit the scope of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In case of conflict, the present document, including the definitions, will prevail.

[0145] It should be understood that terms such as "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "side", "short", "long", "upper", "lower", "back", "forward", "inner", "outer", and "beneath" used herein are for ease of description only and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0146] Described and shown herein in Figures 1 - 10 is a temperature - controllable wrap assembly 10, which may include temperature control and vibration therapy integrated therein. Figures 1 - 10 Shown is a garment assembly embodied as a closable sleeve or wrap configured to be worn on a wearer's knee. However, it should be understood that this is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and the wrap assembly 10 can be any type of wearable garment, wrap, or band including the temperature - control module disclosed herein.

[0147] As Figure 1 shown, in some examples, the temperature - controllable wrap assembly 10 includes a garment or wrap portion 12 configured to be worn around a user's leg, a plurality of temperature - control modules 14 located on or extending through the wrap portion 12, a central opening 16, and a main control module 18. As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, in some examples, the wrap portion 12 includes a lower portion 20, an upper portion 22, and a knee portion 24 extending between the lower portion 20 and the upper portion 22. The central opening 16 may be at least partially defined in or through the knee portion 24.

[0148] The temperature - control modules 14 may be mounted in retention openings 26 defined in the wrap portion 12, which may include one or more layers. As Figure 2As shown, two temperature control modules 14 and the main control module 18 may be located on the upper part 22, and the two temperature control modules 14 are located on the lower part 20. In some embodiments, the strap portions 28 extend outward from the upper and lower legs. One of the strap portions 28 may include a handle 29 for pulling the strap portion to provide a desired amount of tension and securing it to the strap portion on the other side. The strap portion 28 may include hook-and-loop material 30 (Velcro) thereon such that the temperature-controllable wrap assembly 10 can be secured around the user's leg. As Figure 2 shown, the wrap portion 12 may further include a secondary strap 31 that provides the ability to further tighten the strap on one side to the Velcro strap on the other side. Any arrangement of hook material on one strap and loop material on the other strap is within the scope of the present disclosure to allow the strap portion 28 and the secondary strap 31 to function within the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the strap portion may be omitted, and the wrap portion may be a closed sleeve that is stretchable to fit over the user's leg. It should be understood that any type of system for holding the temperature control module in place on the body part is within the scope of the present disclosure. Any type of strap, clip, buckle, etc. or combinations thereof are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0149] Figures 4 - 6 The temperature control module 14 is shown. In some embodiments, the temperature control module 14 includes a housing 32, a fan 34, a heat sink 36, a thermoelectric cooler, a Peltier device or a controllable temperature element 38, an extender board or member 40, and a plurality of finger extenders 42 pivotally attached to the extender member 40. In some embodiments, the housing 32 includes an upper part 44 and a lower part 46. In use, the lower surface 40a and the inner or lower surface 42a of the extender member 40 are positioned to contact the user's body part and transfer thermal energy (heat or cold) to the user's body part. As discussed above and herein, the lower surface of the controllable temperature element 38 is configured to transfer thermal energy to the upper surface of the extender member 40, and the heat sink 36 is configured to remove heat from the upper surface of the controllable temperature element 38. The fan 34 helps to dissipate heat from the heat sink 36 and other components. In use, the main extender member 40 is cooled or heated by the controllable temperature element 38, and heat or cold is conducted from the main extender 40 to the finger extenders 42. In some embodiments, the temperature control module 14 further includes a PCB 48 for electrical and data communication (with the main control module 18 or other controllers) and for controlling the module.

[0150] In some embodiments, the expander member 40 is configured to conduct thermal energy to the finger expander 42. The expander member 40 includes first and second opposite edges 40b and 40c and third and fourth opposite edges 40d and 40e. In some embodiments, the finger expander 42 extends from and / or extends past a plurality of outer edges of the expander member. For example, as Figure 6 shown, three finger expanders 42 extend from the first edge 40b and one finger expander 42 extends from the third edge 40d. In another embodiment, one or more finger expanders may extend from all or three edges.

[0151] Any type of pivotable connection between the finger expander and the expander member is within the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the finger expander 42 is hingedly attached to the expander member 40. To provide the hinge connection, the expander member 40 includes one or more knuckle portions 50, and the finger expander 42 includes a pin portion 52 received within the knuckle portion 50. The contact portion 54 of the finger expander 42 extends beyond the knuckle portion 50, and the pin portion 52 is rotatable within the knuckle portion 50. Figure 5 The finger expander 42 is shown in solid lines in a first position and in dashed lines in a second position. In some embodiments, at least in the second position, the distal end 42a of the (one or more) finger expanders 42 is positioned below the lower surface 40a of the expander member 40.

[0152] In some embodiments, the knuckle portion 50 includes an upper stop member 51 and a lower stop member 53, and the upper stop member 51 and the lower stop member 53 include a pivot space 55 therebetween (see Figure 9 ). The finger expander 42 is pivotable within the pivot space 55 and between the upper stop member 51 and the lower stop member 53. The upper stop member 51 and the lower stop member 53 define upper and lower limits of the pivot angle of the finger expander. Figure 5 The finger expander 42 is shown in a first position in solid lines with its upper surface abutting the upper stop member 51 and in a second position in dashed lines with its lower surface abutting the lower stop member 53.

[0153] As Figure 5 and 7 shown, in some embodiments, the temperature control module 14 includes a pad member 57 that at least partially covers the expander member 40 and allows the contact portion 59 of the expander member 42 to extend therearound (see Figure 7 ). The pad member 57 may be included to improve comfort. For example, it may be made of a soft material such as TPE rubber or other rubber and overmolded onto the plastic lower part of the housing.

[0154] It should be understood that in wrap components for different parts of the body, different numbers of finger-like expanders can be used at different positions of the main expander member 40 or extend from different sides of the main expander member 40 to adapt to different parts, regions or shapes of the human anatomy. For example, as Figure 7 shown, each temperature control module 14 includes three finger-like expanders 42 and one finger-like expander 42. The three finger-like expanders 42 extend outward from the temperature control module 14 when the wrap component 10 is fixed to the user's leg and extend in a generally circumferential direction around the user's leg (they adapt to and secure to the user's quadriceps and calf), and the one finger-like expander 42 extends upward or downward toward the user's patella when the wrap component is fixed to the user's leg such that they surround the patella. The individual finger-like expanders 42 provide flexibility to accommodate different sizes and geometries of the user's body parts. When the wrap portion 12 is wrapped around the user's leg, the lower surface or inner surface of the wrap portion 12 contacts the upper surface of the finger-like expander 42 and causes the finger-like expander 42 to pivot into contact with the user's skin.

[0155] As Figure 5 shown, in some embodiments, the wrap portion 12 is sandwiched between an upper portion 44 and a lower portion 46 of the housing 32. The lower portion 46 may include a plurality of spike members 59 that engage the wrap portion 12 and help hold the temperature control module 14 on the wrap portion 12. As Figure 6 shown, the lower portion 46 further includes a track 61 that houses an end of the PCB 48. The lower portion 46 further includes a knuckle portion recess 63 in which the knuckle portion 50 of the expander member 40 is received. An alignment member 65 may extend upward from the upper surface of the expander member 40 and is received in an alignment opening 67 defined in the lower portion 46 of the housing 32.

[0156] As Figures 7 - 8 shown, the wrap component 10 includes temperature control modules 14 on opposite sides, which include finger-like expanders 42 (three finger-like expanders) that extend outward in generally opposite directions. It should be understood that since the finger-like expanders are pivotable, they do not always extend in the same direction or point in the same direction. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art should understand that, as Figure 7 shown, three finger-like expanders extend outward to the left and three finger-like expanders extend outward to the right, but are not precisely 180° opposite to each other. And, at any position within their pivotable range of motion, the three finger-like expanders on the left still extend outward to the left and the three finger-like expanders on the right still extend outward to the right. These settings meet the definition of extending generally outward and generally opposite to each other or in generally opposite directions. Each finger-like expander 42 is pivotable about a pivot axis A1 (seeFigure 5 ) pivot or move such that the bottom surface or contact surface of the finger expander 42 abuts against the desired body part. It should be understood that in embodiments having a plurality of finger expanders 42, each finger expander 42 can pivot, move, or bend individually to provide further flexibility in contacting the user's skin and distributing heat or cold.

[0157] As Figures 7 - 8 shown, in some embodiments, the wrap assembly 10 further includes a plurality of vibration motors or devices 70 disposed within or on the wrap portion 12 and / or the strap portion 28. Figures 7 - 8 The vibration device 70 is shown in hidden lines, Figure 7 and one of the vibration devices 70 is broken out therefrom to show an exemplary type of vibration device used therein. In some embodiments, the vibration device is located external to the temperature control module 14. In other words, the wrap portion 12 includes a central axis A2 that extends between the temperature control modules 14 on both sides. The temperature control module 14 on the left is located between the vibration device(s) 70 on the left and the central axis, and the temperature control module 14 on the right is located between the vibration device(s) 70 on the right and the central axis.

[0158] As Figures 9 - 10 shown, in some embodiments, the thermistor 60 or other temperature measurement device or sensor is located or embedded below the controllable temperature element 38 and optionally adjacent to the center of the controllable temperature element 38. Figure 9 The thermistor 60 is shown broken out from the thermistor opening 62 defined in the controllable temperature element 38. The thermistor 38 communicates with the control system / master control module 18 (see wire 64, which extends through a groove 66 defined in the upper surface of the expander member 40), and helps to control the temperature of the expander member 40 and the temperature of the lower surface 40a that abuts against the user's skin. Positioning the thermistor 38 at or near the center of the expander member 40 and / or the controllable temperature element 38 allows for the continuous monitoring of the hottest and coldest points, thereby improving the accuracy of the control system and preventing the expander member 40 from becoming too hot or too cold and causing skin damage. Figure 10 The thermistor 60 is shown embedded in a material (epoxy resin, glue, or other material) within the thermistor opening 62.

[0159] As ​ shown, the master control module 18 includes a plurality of buttons / switches 56 for controlling the wrap assembly 10. The master control module 18 is in electrical communication with the temperature control module 14. In ​In the exemplary embodiment shown, the main control module 18 includes four buttons for controlling vibration, heat, cold, and on / off from left to right. Below the vibration, heat, and cold buttons are shown three LED lights for each button. These represent different levels of vibration, heat, and cold intensity when the button is pressed multiple times. In some embodiments, the main control module 18 includes a removable battery module 58, as ​ shown exploded outwards in ​ the opposite side in ​ shown. The battery module 58 can be pushed from one side (

[0160] the opposite side in

[0161] ​ and 12 shown) such that the battery module 58 slides out of the battery opening 58a defined in the main control module 18. The battery module 58 or the main control module may include a light (e.g., an LED) that displays the remaining charge in the battery thereon. In some embodiments, the battery module 58 is magnetically fixed within the battery opening 58a in the main control module, and the battery module is pushed with a predetermined amount of force to overcome the magnetic force, thereby removing the battery module from the main control module. ​ ​ ​ also shows mounting skirts 82 and mounting members 84 for mounting or otherwise attaching the temperature control module 14 and the control module 18 to the upper and lower strap portions 22, 20, respectively. For example, the mounting skirts 82 and the mounting members 84 can be stitched to the upper and lower strap portions 22, 20, and can mechanically engage the temperature control module 14 and the control module 18 to hold the modules to the assembly 10. ​ ​

[0162] ​A padding member 81 is shown that can be attached to the inside, or wearer-facing side, of the strap assembly 10. The padding member 81 can optionally be provided with a reinforcement member 83 disposed between the padding member 81 and the strap assembly 10. The padding member 81 and reinforcement member 83, if present, can be removably attached to the strap assembly 10 by any suitable mechanism, such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or magnets.

[0163] ​ The strap assembly 10 is shown having one or more pillows or padding members 81 attached thereto, which provide comfort to the user and may also be removable so that they can be cleaned or replaced. The padding member 81 may include magnets 85 (shown as four dots) or other attachment mechanisms (velcro, buckles, buttons, etc.) so that the padding member can be fixedly or removably attached to the strap portion 88. For the upper 22 and lower 20 of the strap assembly 10, an upper padding portion and a lower padding portion or a first padding portion and a second padding portion may be included. The padding member provides a layer that is roughly parallel to the heat diffusion surface, which improves comfort and can be a layer that is sacrificed or replaced due to the accumulation of sweat and moisture over time. Any soft material, such as foam or fabric pads, is within the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the padding member includes a memory foam layer wrapped in a fabric shell. The magnets may be embedded in the memory foam or between the layers (and complementary magnets included in the corresponding strap portion 20 or 22). The thickness is selected to provide comfort while allowing the vibrations from the vibration motor to reach the user's skin. The pad or strap may optionally contain a channel for a secondary strap 456 for pressing the temperature control module against the skin, as described in further detail below.

[0164] ​ Also shown is a belt assembly 10 having a temperature control module 14 in which the number of finger spreaders 142 installed is twice that of the previous example. ​ Each of the temperature control modules has four sides, wherein six finger spreaders 142 extend from one of the four sides, and two finger spreaders 142 extend from adjacent ones of the four sides. ​ The temperature control module of is similar in all respects to the temperature control module 14 described above.

[0165] Expander arrangements according to various other configurations are also applicable to any of the aforementioned exemplary temperature control modules. Thus, the belt assembly 10 described above can be used with a temperature control module having any expander arrangement disclosed herein, which may also be referred to as a contact member or contact portion. Similarly, any other assembly or garment described herein as being usable with any particular temperature control module can be used with a temperature control module having any contact member or expander arrangement disclosed elsewhere herein. ​ Several variations of contact members or contact portions that can be used with the temperature control module 14 described above are shown in place of the specific extender member 40 shown in the previous examples. Each such contact member or contact portion includes a main extender 140 and finger-like extenders 142 extending from the main extender 140. Different numbers of extenders 142 of different widths and lengths can be used in different places or extend from different sides of the main extender 140 to accommodate different parts, locations, or shapes of the human anatomy. For example, ​ As shown, each temperature control module 14 includes six finger extenders that extend outwardly from the temperature control module and extend in a generally circumferential direction when the strap assembly is secured to the user's leg, and two finger extenders that extend upward or downward toward the user's kneecap (which adapt to and secure to the user's quadriceps and calf) so that they encircle the kneecap when the strap assembly is secured to the user's leg. The separate finger extenders provide flexibility to accommodate users of different sizes and geometries. The finger extenders 142 are biased to the ​ Position shown.

[0166] ​ A bottom view of a temperature control module is shown having a curved main extender 140, three wide finger extenders 142, and multiple groups of four narrow finger extenders 142. The four smaller finger extenders 142 in each group can each be individually pivoted or bent to provide further flexibility in contacting the user's skin and distributing heat or cold.

[0167] ​A exploded view showing other examples of the contacts that can be used with the temperature control module 14 is presented. In these embodiments, thin copper layers 106 (e.g., die-cut layers) are stacked on top of each other and form the aforementioned separate main expander 140 and finger expander 142. The finger expander 142 can pivot relative to the main expander 140, or they may not pivot relative to the main expander 140. Thus, by creating the thin copper layers 106, the desired shape (depending on the target body part) can be created. The stacking of these layers can include aluminum layers or thicker copper layers 108 above and below the areas where increased rigidity is needed, and the copper layers can be formed into different shapes to precisely fit the geometry of the muscle to be treated. Additionally, the number of layers and the materials of the layers are merely examples, and either or both can be changed in other arrangements.

[0168] ​ Shows a contact having a shape similar to the one ​ shown above, but with a different number of finger expanders 142. Specifically, ​ the contact only includes two sets of three finger expanders 142 each, with the finger expanders within each set extending parallel to each other and at an acute angle relative to the finger expanders in the other set. ​ The contact is particularly suitable for use on the calf muscle or in the strap assembly 150 described below. ​ Shows a contact that can be used on the hamstring.

[0169] ​ and 20 Show the temperature control module 114 with an elastic band 107 mounted. The temperature control module 114 is similar to the temperature control module 14 in all respects except those explicitly stated or shown here, and thus can include a Peltier device or other thermal element, a heat sink 36, and a fan 34, such as those described above for the temperature control module 14 in the previous example. Thus, the temperature control module 114 includes a contact that itself includes a main expander 140 and a movable or bendable finger expander 140. ​A temperature control module 114 is shown in partial disassembly and without a housing, showing that the temperature control module 114 includes at least one vibration motor 70 on the main expander 140. A Peltier device is located on the main expander 140 such that the contact can conduct heat or cold to the user. In use, the main expander 140 is cooled or heated by the Peltier device, and the heat or cold is conducted from the main expander 140 to the finger expander 142. The vibration motor 70 can alternatively or additionally be included in the belt 107 (a clothing part) within the housing of the temperature control module 114, or included on the expander 140 or 142. Like the contacts according to other examples herein, the expander, expander member, leg or extension member can be made of aluminum or another metal, and pivot points of the expander etc. can be made of copper or other metals.

[0170] The attachment of the elastic belt 107 enables the temperature control module 114 to be easily worn on any limb. Additionally, since the belt 107 can be adapted to many shapes, the temperature control module 114 can be easily repositioned around the limb to enable thermotherapy or cryotherapy at specific points. The elastic belt 107 can be used with a temperature control module that does not carry the vibration motor 70 thereon, such as the one given in the illustrated example, but adding the vibration motor 70 to the temperature control module attached to the belt 107 allows the user to easily and precisely combine thermotherapy and vibration therapy on any limb.

[0171] The contacts of the temperature control modules 14, 114 of any of the foregoing examples including the main expanders 40, 140 and the finger expanders 42, 142 can be enclosed or sewn into a clothing part. A fabric or belt can be located above the expander, allowing the bottom surface of the expander to contact the user's skin. In this embodiment, when the belt or clothing part is wrapped around a body part (e.g., a leg), the finger expander 142 will move or pivot through the fabric to help the expander move closer to or against the leg. The user can also push the expander through the fabric to help the expander reach the desired position.

[0172] Described and shown herein in ​ is a clothing assembly 210 that includes vibration therapy integrated therein. ​ A clothing assembly embodied as a sleeve is shown. However, it should be understood that this is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and the clothing assembly 210 can be any type of wearable clothing.

[0173] ​ An example of the clothing assembly 210 is shown. As ​As shown, in some embodiments, the garment assembly 210 includes an inner fabric layer 212, an outer fabric layer 214, and a vibration layer 216, and the vibration layer 216 includes a plurality of vibration devices 218. The inner fabric layer 212 and the outer fabric layer 214 sandwich the vibration layer 16 and the vibration devices 218 therebetween. The vibration devices 218 and associated components may be housed in a housing (flexible or rigid) or fixed to a bracket, a PCB, or a layer. As ​ shown, the thickness 211 of the garment assembly 210 is defined as the distance between the inner side of the inner layer 212 and the outer side of the outer layer 214.

[0174] In some embodiments, the garment assembly 210 further includes a sensor 220. The sensor 220 may be part of the vibration layer 216, the sensor 220 may be a separate layer, or as ​ shown, at least some of the sensors 220 may be embedded in or positioned on the inner surface of the inner fabric layer 212 such that the one or more sensors are positioned adjacent to or in contact with the skin of the wearer (e.g., to sense the heart rate of the wearer). The sensor 220 may be any type of sensor, including any type of sensor discussed herein. The vibration layer 216 may include a filling material 222 in which the vibration devices 18 are embedded, as ​ shown. ​ And ​ shows a vibration layer 16 without the filling material. The vibration layer 216 (or any other layer) further includes a cable or wire 224 (and a path defined therefor) for making electrical or data connections or communications between various components as needed.

[0175] The vibration devices 218 may be fixed to the surface of the inner layer and / or the outer layer, and a vibration damping layer may be included on the outer side of the vibration devices 218 (e.g., between the vibration devices 218 and the outer layer 214 or outward from the outer layer 214) to prevent the outer layer or the outer side of the garment assembly from vibrating or to reduce the vibration of the outer side. A vibration amplification layer may be included inward from the vibration devices 218 (e.g., between the vibration devices 218 and the inner layer 212 or on the inner side of the inner layer 212) to transmit and distribute or diffuse the vibration from the plurality of vibration devices to further transmit to the wearer.

[0176] In some embodiments, the garment assembly 210 includes wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth) such that it can communicate with a software application on a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone) to provide a "smart" garment system. The wireless communication device may be housed on a PCB 226 (see ​ ), and the PCB 226 also makes electrical and / or data communications with the vibration devices 218 and various sensors 220.

[0177] ​ And26 An exemplary vibration device actuator or motor 218 that can be used in the present disclosure is shown. ​ The vibration device 218 is shown next to a quarter for exemplary scale purposes. ​ The interior of the vibration device 218 is shown, including a rotating counterweight 228 that provides vibration, a rotating shaft 230 for rotating the counterweight, and a coil 232 that generates a magnetic field to rotate the shaft 230. Thus, in an example where the vibration device 218 according to the illustrated embodiment is positioned flat between the inner layer 212 and the outer layer 214 of the garment assembly 210, or flat on the skin of the wearer when the garment assembly 210 is worn, the shaft 230 will be aligned with ​ the thickness 211 of the illustrated garment assembly 210. In such an example, each vibration device 218 will cause the counterweight 228 to rotate about an axis orthogonal to the plane in which the corresponding portion of the garment assembly 210 lies or orthogonal to the underlying portion of the closest wearer's skin. It should be understood that this type of motor is not a limitation of the present disclosure. Any type of motor that provides the desired vibration or amplitude is within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the motor can include an electromagnetic coil through which a shaft extends, and wherein the shaft linearly reciprocates (is pushed and pulled) due to the magnetic field generated by the coil. The shaft can include on it some type of member or portion that provides vibration or impact on the skin of the wearer. Such a linearly reciprocating motor can be oriented such that the shaft reciprocates along an axis having any angular relationship with the thickness direction of the garment assembly 210 or the wearer's skin. For example, such a linearly reciprocating motor can be arranged such that the shaft reciprocates parallel to the thickness 211 of the garment assembly 210 and perpendicular to the surface of the wearer's skin, or alternatively such that the shaft reciprocates perpendicular to the thickness 211 of the garment assembly 210 and parallel to the surface of the wearer's skin.

[0178] As described above, in another embodiment, the wearable device or garment assembly can include temperature modulation and application, e.g., via an integrated temperature control module. The temperature control module can be configured to provide heating, cooling, or both heating and cooling. The garment assembly can include either or both of the vibration device 218 and the temperature control module (e.g., the temperature control module 234 described below).

[0179] ​ An exemplary garment assembly 210 is shown that can have any one or any combination of the features described above with respect to the garment assembly 210, or can be different from the garment assembly 210 in addition to any commonalities described below. The garment assembly 210 is provided with a plurality of temperature control modules 234 positioned thereon or integrated therein. The temperature control modules 234 can be generally similar to the temperature control modules 14, 114 described elsewhere herein, except for differences specifically noted or illustrated.​ An embodiment is shown in which the garment portion 248 of the garment assembly 210 includes a magnet 246 positioned thereon or therein. At some locations on the garment portion, the temperature control module 234 is secured to the magnet 246. For example, as ​ shown, the garment assembly 210 can include temperature control modules 234 disposed throughout the garment assembly 210. In some embodiments, there is no garment layer or fabric layer between the temperature control module 234 and the user's skin 217. Instead, the bottom or underside or some other thermally conductive portion or material of the temperature control module 234 contacts the user's skin 217.

[0180] As ​ shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the temperature control module 234 includes a fan 236, a heat sink 238, and a thermal element 240, such as a Peltier module or device, another type of thermoelectric heater, cooler, or heat pump, or a chemical heater or cooler, which are contained within the module housing 242. In this embodiment, the temperature control module 234 includes a magnet 244 on its bottom, which can be magnetically connected or secured to a magnet 246 above or within the fabric portion or the garment portion 248 of the garment assembly 210. A frame 250 configured to hold the magnet 246, such as a plastic frame, a metal collar, or any other holding structure, can be embedded in or attached to the garment portion 248.

[0181] In some embodiments, the magnet-to-magnet system (i.e., magnets 244 and 246) secures the temperature control module 234 to the garment portion 248 and transfers or conducts heat or cold from the module to the user's skin, since the magnets can be made of thermally conductive and / or thermally conductive materials.

[0182] ​ An embodiment similar to ​ is shown, but having a flexible thermally conductive member 250, such as a strip, patch, etc. made of a thermally conductive material, such as copper, aluminum, or other metal or metal alloy or certain ceramics, to help transfer heat or cold and thus increase the effective area of the heating or cooling treatment. The thermally conductive member 250 can be in contact with or connected to the magnet such that heat or cold is conducted from the magnet and through the thermally conductive member 250. ​ An embodiment is shown in which the temperature control module 234 is separated from the garment portion 248, which has a series (matrix) of bands 251 surrounding the magnet 246, and these bands 251 themselves can be thermally conductive members 250. ​ An embodiment is shown in which the temperature control module 234 is separated from the magnet 246 on the garment portion 248, and shows how the temperature control module 234 can be attached to the magnet 246.

[0183] ​ A schematic view of a garment assembly is shown, which has a temperature control module 234 that can be fixed or attached to multiple locations of the garment assembly. ​ Multiple locations without the temperature control module 234 are shown, thus showing the connecting magnets 246, and multiple locations where the temperature control module 234 is attached to the garment assembly are shown. This provides a variety of options for a user wearing the garment ( ​ the shirt in this case) to position one or more temperature control modules 234. For example, if a user has a right shoulder problem being treated, they can place one or more temperature control modules 234 only in that location to heat or cool the right shoulder. At a later time, they can use the same shirt to treat a different condition, such as an abdominal problem.

[0184] ​ A garment assembly 210 is shown, which is embodied as a knee wrap or sleeve that includes both a vibration device 218 and a temperature control module 234. As ​ shown, the vibration device 218 is embedded in the garment portion 248 (e.g., between an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer) and is arranged around the magnet 246 such that the temperature control module 234 can be connected to the magnet 246 above and below the kneecap. This is merely an example, and any pattern or number of vibration devices 218 and temperature control modules 234 can be used. It should be understood that any configuration of the vibration device 218 is within the scope of the present disclosure. The vibration device can be configured to treat certain problems and can be placed in a pattern around the sleeve or wrap, such as a triangle, star, circle, spiral, other patterns, etc., and can increase blood flow and provide desired therapeutic benefits.

[0185] As ​ shown, in some embodiments, the garment assembly 210 can include multiple magnets 246 that form an overlapping set of magnets, labeled 246a, 246b, and 246c in the shown arrangement where each set has three magnets, or a single magnet with multiple locations where the magnet 244 on the temperature control module 234 can be placed to allow the temperature control module 234 to be movable or locatable within the same general area. This allows the user to move the module to the exact location of the problem. This also allows a single garment size to be used for different usage scenarios (since no two bodies are exactly the same). In another embodiment, most or all of the garment can be magnetized, allowing the module to be attached at any location.

[0186] In ​ the shown embodiment, three magnetic circles or locations 246a, 246b, and 246c are provided, which give the user three locations for placing the temperature control module 234, such as on the shoulder.

[0187] Devices according to some aspects of the present disclosure include intelligent vibration systems. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that at certain frequencies (depending on the mass attached to the system), vibrations can cause the user's body to resonate and therefore increase the amplitude of the perceived vibrations. In order to exploit this resonant frequency principle (which is different from person to person and from body part to body part), devices according to the present disclosure may include a closed-loop system with a sensor that scans different speeds of the vibration device or motor until a resonant frequency is found. This can be achieved by adding an accelerometer near the motor location that can measure the actual vibrations generated when the motor is attached to the body part. In an exemplary embodiment, a strain gauge that can measure the displacement of the clothing is included in the location of the motor.

[0188] In some embodiments, the garment assembly is washable and includes at least some components that are permanently embedded, attached, etc. into the garment (e.g., waterproof enclosed motor, cables, etc.) and other components that are removable (battery pack, PCB). The permanent components can be sealed into the garment (e.g., between garment layers), and the user can wash the garment after removing the power supply system (battery pack, PCB, etc.).

[0189] In some embodiments, the garment assembly can be a package or belt garment assembly 52 that includes a temperature control system and localized vibration. The garment assembly can be incorporated into a compression package. One or more layers of the device can include vibration capabilities. In addition, any of the concepts disclosed herein can be applied to compression packages (e.g., smart technology, a vibration device cluster, one or more temperature control modules, etc.). The temperature control module may or may not include an integrated battery (i.e., within the module). Depending on the desired treatment, these modules can be removed from the belt device and placed in different cavities 53 in the belt assembly 52.

[0190] The temperature control module can be of different sizes depending on the muscle group or surface area desired to be treated. The device (or a separate device) can also include straps of different sizes and shapes to accommodate different body parts.

[0191] ​ 、 ​ and ​ Lap straps 251, 257, 259 are shown, ​ A wristband 252 is shown having an opening or cavity for receiving a temperature control module. ​ The diagram is to scale and therefore shows the specific arrangement of the larger and smaller temperature control modules 234. However, the arrangement of the larger and smaller temperature control modules 234 shown and ​The proportions of the objects shown are generally merely specific examples, and variations in the relative sizes of all these features can be envisioned. The straps 251, 252, 257, 259 can be generally similar to the straps of the strap assembly 10 described above, except for any differences specifically illustrated or described herein. Each of the straps 251, 252, 257, 259 includes an opening or cavity for receiving a temperature control module. ​ The straps 251, 252, 257, 259 are shown having openings filled with the temperature control module 234 according to the example just described above, but according to various examples, these straps can have openings for receiving any type of temperature control module described herein. The control member and / or battery pack 254 is also fixed to each of the straps 251, 252, 257, 259. In this embodiment, the battery pack 254 is also removable (which is clipped onto the strap by a clip 258). The controller 254 can be electrically connected to the module 234 and communicate data with the module 234 such that the module is powered and can be controlled by the controller 254. Wires connecting the battery pack / controller 254 to the module 234 are shown. The wires can be embedded in the body portion 264, and plugs or jacks can be used for attaching and detaching the electrical connection. The wires can also be external. A wireless connection between any and / or all components can also be included.

[0192] ​ Three temperature control modules 234 are shown in the opening of the knee strap 251, which includes a strap extension 262 and a body portion 264 in which these modules are located. These modules can also be located on the strap. In another embodiment, the battery can be located in the module, making each module independent and interchangeable such that it can simply be placed in the cavity or the wearable garment assembly, or fixed to a "wearable" garment assembly, such as the garment assembly 210, via magnets or other attachment mechanisms.

[0193] As ​ shown, in some embodiments, the module housing 242 includes a groove 260 that receives a portion of the body portion 264 such that it can be positioned in the cavity 253 (or module seat). It should be understood that the body portion 264 is made of a material that is sufficiently resilient and flexible to allow the module 234 to be inserted into and removed from the cavity 253 (e.g., pressed into place and removed therefrom). In embodiments having larger and smaller modules, one or more of the larger modules are the primary heaters or coolers (for the user). Heat can conduct outward from this larger module. The smaller modules can be used to provide additional heat or cold in areas where it is difficult for heat to conduct from the larger module. In some embodiments, the body portion and / or the strap includes a thermally conductive material therein or thereon.

[0194] ​Illustrates other configurations of the tape assemblies 252, 257, 259 respectively including two, five, and seven temperature control modules 234.

[0195] As ​ can be seen, the illustrated embodiments include larger modules 234 and several smaller modules 234. ​ is a cross-section of the larger temperature control module 234 and shows that it includes components similar to all of the above-described temperature control modules 14, 114 for heating and cooling, but also includes a vibration device or motor 218 with a counterweight 256. The smaller modules may have the same configuration or the vibration device may be omitted. In another embodiment, as ​ shown, another embodiment of the temperature control module 234 is illustrated, in which one or more vibration devices 218 may be placed on or in the heat sink 238. The vibration device may also be embedded in the body portion or the tape portion. It should be understood that any and all embodiments discussed or disclosed herein and any components or concepts included in the embodiments are fully interchangeable, exchangeable, and usable together.

[0196] Similar tape assemblies or wraps can be constructed to fit any body part or multiple body parts, such as the shoulder, back, knee, elbow, wrist, neck, ankle, etc.

[0197] ​ Illustrates a temperature control module 314 according to another example. The temperature control module 314 includes three sub-modules 315, each sub-module 315 including the contacts, heating elements, heat sinks, and optional fans described above with respect to any of the other temperature modules 14, 114, 214. The sub-modules 315 are connected in a row by a flexible connector 316, which can be any type of elastic flexible material, such as metal or plastic. Any of the above-described garments, tapes, or assemblies that can be used with any type of temperature control module can be adapted to receive the temperature control module 314 in the same manner.

[0198] ​ Illustrates another embodiment of the temperature control module 366, which includes a concave module structure or bottom surface such that it can conform to the contours of different parts of the body (such as the thigh, calf, etc.). Many components of the temperature control module 366 are similar to the temperature control module 234 and other temperature control modules discussed herein, unless otherwise explicitly stated or shown. As ​As shown, the temperature control module 366 includes a module housing 342, a fan 336, a heat sink 338, a Peltier device 340, a vibration device 318, and a counterweight 356. In some embodiments, the temperature control module 366 further includes a fan bracket 367 and a Peltier housing 371. The Peltier housing 371 includes an upper housing portion 372 that houses the Peltier device and a lower housing portion 374 that houses the vibration device 318 and the PCB 377. The module housing 342 may optionally include a lower part 378 that includes a concave surface 383 on its bottom. The lower part 378 further includes a conduction member 382 that conducts heat or cold from the Peltier device 340 to the concave bottom surface. The upper and lower housing portions of the Peltier housing 371 define a motor recess 384.

[0199] ​ Shown is a temperature control module 368, which is similar to the temperature control module 366 and other temperature control modules discussed herein, unless otherwise explicitly stated or shown. The temperature control module 368 is longer than the temperature control module 366 and includes a fan 336 that is next to rather than above the heat sink 338. All of the temperature control modules herein include ventilation holes or openings in the module housing to allow heat to dissipate therefrom.

[0200] ​ Shown are the temperature control modules 366 and 368 included in the leg strap assembly 370. As ​ and ​ shown, the strap assembly 370 includes three longer temperature control modules 368, two temperature control modules 366, and a controller or control assembly 373. As can be seen from ​ it, the bottom surfaces 383 of the temperature control modules 366 and 368 are curved such that they follow the contour of the leg. It should be understood that the strap may include Velcro or the like for fixation.

[0201] ​ and 52 Shown is the strap assembly 370 on a user's leg, particularly the temperature control module 366 on the user's calf and hamstring and the temperature control module 368 on the user's quadriceps and tibia regions. ​Shows the control module or component 373 and a plurality of buttons or switches thereon for controlling modules 366 and 368. Button 375 turns the device on and off, button 376 controls cooling and heating, button 376 controls time or duration, button 379 is used to change the mode, and button 380 is used to control the vibration devices 318 for various body parts and turn them on and / or off (as shown in the depiction of the legs on the module and the associated LED lights). Light 381 is a charging indicator. LED light 385 is a time indicator. Some of these features are controlled by pressing the relevant button multiple times. In an exemplary embodiment, the buttons can work as follows. Pressing the mode button 379 can cycle through the following vibration modes: constant, fluctuating, regular, fluctuating, off. Cold button 376 - one press controls at 5°C, two presses control at 10°C, three presses control infinitely, and four presses turn off. Hot button 376 - one press controls at 38°C, two presses control at 40°C, three presses control at 42°C, and four presses turn off. Time button 377 - when powered on, sets the time to 15 minutes, one press sets it to 30 minutes, two presses set it to 60 minutes, and the third press sets it to unlimited time.

[0202] The device according to some aspects of the present disclosure provides flexibility such that the module (e.g., including any one or both of the vibration device or the thermal module) can be used in, for example, a belt device (e.g., ​ ) and a garment or wearable device (e.g., ​ ). Mounting the module on a belt device provides high performance and high efficiency. The belt allows multiple modules to work together and treat a large area. Mounting the module on a wearable device (e.g., a shirt, pants, shorts, etc.) provides the user with vibrating clothing and can flexibly add a temperature control module as needed.

[0203] In some embodiments, module 234, 366, or 368 can be directly adhered to, placed on, or positioned on the user's skin, as ​ shown. This embodiment allows the user or a professional practitioner to place the module at the desired location or point. The module can include an adhesive layer or sticker on its bottom. In some embodiments, the sticker has good thermal conductivity and provides a "thermal bridge" between module 334 and the skin, and module 334 can be similar to any other temperature control module disclosed herein.

[0204] ​The upper and lower attachment systems 104 are shown, which can be used to attach any of the garments, garment components, or strap components disclosed herein to a user's leg or other body part. The attachment system 104 can include a magnetic fastening and adjustment system therein. The attachment system 104 includes a mechanical latch or fastening system and magnets for aligning components to make the connection easier. For example, a Fidlock magnetic buckle or system can be used.

[0205] ​ Front and rear views of the shoulder strap assembly 386 are shown. As shown, the shoulder strap assembly 386 is a battery-powered wearable device that can replace an ice pack and is shaped to treat the shoulder and upper back. The assembly 386 can also be used for heat therapy and can have several vibration motors embedded in the strap or garment to promote blood flow and recovery. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder strap assembly 386 includes a removable battery and controller 396, at least three temperature control modules 390, and optionally vibration motors embedded in the garment or strap. When included, the embedded vibration motors can be present in a number, for example, from six to twelve. The vibration motors can be grouped in threes, and the speed or activation state of each group can be controlled independently of each other. The assembly 386 can also include a Bluetooth connection, enabling it to connect to an application on a mobile device. Exemplary use cases for athletes and non-athletes include post-shoulder surgery treatment, post-workout recovery, and users suffering from chronic shoulder, neck, and upper back pain.

[0206] The shoulder strap assembly 386 includes a garment portion or strap portion 388 and temperature control modules 390. The temperature control modules 390 can be any of the temperature control modules shown and described herein (e.g., 14, 114, 234, 366, and 368). Thus, the temperature control modules 390 include a contact, a fan, a heat sink, and a thermal element, such as a Peltier device configured to heat or cool the contact.

[0207] Because the body parts to which any of the above-mentioned garments, garment components, straps, and strap components can be used include curved surfaces, they can benefit from using temperature control modules 14, 114, 234, 366, 368, 390 having contacts that include extension members or expanders (e.g., finger expanders 42, 142), which substantially increase the occupancy area of the contact and enable the device according to this aspect of the disclosure to distribute the desired temperature around a curved region in the body (e.g., the calf, shoulder, or trapezius muscle). The treatment area from outside the coverage area of the Peltier device to the expander can have a small temperature gradient, for example, a difference of 2 - 3 °C.

[0208] The finger extenders 42, 142 can be used as modular extension legs or extension members for the contacts of a given temperature control module 14, 114, 234, 314, 366, 368, 390. As described above, the contacts including the main extenders 40, 140 and the finger extenders 42, 142 can be made of, for example, thin copper stacks. The extenders can be divided into smaller fingers to increase flexibility in the vertical direction and help conform to the body. The finger extenders can be attached to the main extender below it by different methods, for example, bolted or otherwise threaded, riveted, welded, or otherwise attached.

[0209] As ​ and 58 shown, the strap assembly 410 includes a first strap member 412 and a second strap member 414 which, when fixed together, cooperate to define a neck opening 416. The first strap member 412 includes a temperature control module thereon, and the second strap member 414 is removably fixed to the first strap member 412 at both ends. This allows the user to adjust the size of the neck opening 416 and the position of the temperature control module 434 on their shoulders. The temperature control module 434 is any of the other temperature control modules discussed herein, including the temperature control modules 14, 114, 234, 314, 366, 368, 334, 390. The first and second strap members can be connected via any releasable system that allows the strap members to separate. In some embodiments, the first and second strap members include complementary fastening members 418 (also referred to as "adjustable elements" in ​ ). ​ and 58 show hook-and-loop material as the fastening member 418, but in other examples other fastening members can be used, such as buckles, buttons, or pins. Any type of fastening member or attachment system is within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, magnets, straps, snaps, hooks, etc. can be used.

[0210] In use, the user can put on the strap assembly 410 by passing their head through the neck opening 416 without having to slide their arm through the opening. In another embodiment, an arm opening can be included. The weight of the temperature control module 434 helps to maintain the heated or cooled surface of the first strap member and the cold / hot module close to the body. With the ​ module arrangement shown, the strap assembly addresses several muscles in the shoulder joint (pectoralis, deltoid, trapezius, latissimus dorsi), but it is symmetric and / or reversible and can be used on the left and right shoulders.

[0211] ​Shows a strap assembly 450 similar to the above-described strap assembly 10, but designed for use on a user's torso, or more specifically, as shown in ​ shown for use on the user's lower back. The strap assembly 450 includes features that help maintain the thermal or cold contact surfaces (such as the main expanders 40, 140 and the finger expanders 42, 142) of the temperature control module 434 in close contact with the user's skin when the strap is worn. In the ​ example applied, the finger expanders 42, 142 will be denoted hereinafter by the reference numeral 442, but they can be any of the finger expanders 42, 142 discussed or shown elsewhere in this application. The user's skin surface is not flat, but includes a surface with undulations and variations. Therefore, straps, bands, etc. for holding or pressing the main expanders 40, 140 and the finger expanders 442 against the user's skin may be helpful. In some embodiments, the strap assembly 450 includes a removable battery pack associated with the temperature control module 454 and configured to power the temperature control module 454. In some embodiments, the removable battery pack in the strap assembly 450 can generally be similar to any of the battery embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, the strap assembly 450 can be washable and can include at least some components (such as, water-resistant enclosed motors, cables, etc.) permanently embedded or attached in the strap assembly 450 and other removable components (such as the battery pack, PCB). In some embodiments, the permanent components can be sealed in the strap assembly 450 (such as, between the layers of the garment), and the user can wash the strap assembly 450 after removing the control module and / or the power components (battery pack, PCB, etc.).

[0212] The "double strap" feature discussed here (referring to using a main strap to secure the treatment garment in place and using one or more secondary straps connected to the main strap to press the temperature control module against the wearer) can be applied to any of the strap assemblies disclosed herein. For example, ​ the dashed line in

[0213] The strap assembly 450 includes straps for two different purposes: a main strap 452 for securing the strap assembly 450 to the user's body / body part ( ​shown is a lower back strap) and one or more secondary straps 456 that operate to hold, press against, or secure the temperature control module and its extender and finger extenders 442 against the user's skin. Stated another way, the main strap 452 can be used to generally hold the temperature control module 434 in place relative to the wearer such that the contact portions of the temperature control module 434 (including the main extenders 40, 140 and any finger extenders 442 or other extensions) contact or at least are positioned near the portion of the wearer intended to be heated or cooled, while the secondary straps 456 can be used to supplement or adjust the amount of pressure between the contact portions of the temperature control module 434 and the wearer's skin. The strap assembly 450 can also include a control module or control assembly 473 that is generally similar to the control assembly 373 described above or other types of controllers. Optionally, the main strap 452 can include a socket in which the control assembly 473 can be mounted as shown in the illustrated example.

[0214] To enable the strap assembly 450 to be secured to the wearer, the main strap 456 can include fasteners or other features that enable two attachable portions of the main strap 452 to be releasably connected to one another to form the main strap 452 into a loop. Thus, the strap assembly 450 can be secured to the wearer by wrapping the main strap 452 around the wearer's torso and connecting the two attachable portions of the main strap 452 together, thereby closing the loop around the wearer. Subsequently disconnecting the attachable portions of the main strap 452 enables the strap assembly to be easily removed.

[0215] In the example shown, the two attachable portions of the main band 452 are the ends 451a, 451b of the main band 452. Additionally, according to the example shown, the ends 451a, 451b are provided with fasteners in the form of a hook material patch 454a at one end 451a and a loop material patch 454b at the other end 451b such that the ends 451a, 451b can be fastened together by a hook-and-loop connection. The ends 451a, 451b can each have a hook material patch and a loop material patch on both sides, or the hook material patch 454a can be located on the side of the main band 452 opposite the loop material patch 454b such that when the main band 452 is wound into a loop and the ends 451a, 451b overlap each other, the hook material patch 454a and the loop material patch 454b will contact. In other examples, the main band 452 can be provided with fasteners other than the hook and loop material patches 454a, 454b, for example, a buckle at one or both ends 451a, 451b, a pin or hook that can engage with a hole at both ends 451a, 451b, or a tie cord that can be tied together and connected to both ends 451a, 451b. In other examples, the ends 451a, 451b can be long enough and flexible enough to be tied together by themselves. In some other examples, the main band 452 can be a single continuous material loop that is otherwise fixed to and removable from the wearer. For example, the main band 452 can be a large elastic material band that can be stretched when the user puts on or removes the band assembly 450.

[0216] The secondary band 456 of the example shown is connected to the main band 452 by being arranged to pass through a corresponding channel 460 defined in the main band 452. In other examples, the secondary band 456 can be additionally or alternatively connected to the main band 452 in any other manner near its respective midpoint, such as by sewing to the main band 452, or by buckling or otherwise releasably fastening to the main band 452. Each secondary band 456 can be, for example, an elastic band or the like. Each end of each secondary band 456 can also include a hook material patch, a loop material patch, or a hook-and-loop material patch that can fasten to the loop material patches 454a, 454b of the main band 452, or other fasteners for fixing the secondary band 456 to a portion of the main band 452.

[0217] As ​ shown, each secondary band 456 extends through a corresponding channel 460 or space formed between two layers or portions of the first band 452. The channel 460 extends along at least a portion of the length of the main band 452. The secondary band 456 enters the channel 460 through an opening 462 in the outer layer 464 and includes a stop 466 that prevents the loose end of the secondary band 456 from entering the opening 462. As ​ shown, in the channel 460, the secondary band 456 overlaps or extends on the back surface of the finger expander 442. ​Shows the strap assembly 450 in the closed position, where the hook-and-loop material 454 is secured around the user's torso. In use, after securing the first strap 452 around the torso, the user pulls on the slack or distal end of the secondary strap 454 to press the finger extender 442 against the user's back and secure the hook-and-loop material 455 on the secondary strap 454 to the hook-and-loop material 454a or 454b on the first strap 452. In some examples, the secondary strap 456 can be elastic enough such that opposite ends of a single secondary strap 456 can be secured to each other by the hook-and-loop material 455. In further examples, as an alternative or supplement to the hook-and-loop material 455, the ends of the secondary strap 456 can include other fasteners in addition to the hook-and-loop material 455, and such other fasteners can be adapted to secure the ends of the secondary strap 456 to corresponding fasteners on the primary strap 452 and either or both of the opposite ends of the same secondary strap 456.

[0218] In the example shown, when the temperature control module 434 is received in the opening 458, the finger extender 442 extends transversely to the length and thickness of the primary strap 452 so as to extend across the channel 460 such that contraction of the secondary strap 456 around the wearer will cause the secondary strap 456 to press directly against the finger extender 442, thereby improving the contact between the finger extender 442 and the wearer. As shown above, the temperature control module can be constructed with the extender 442 in any of a variety of configurations, and thus the temperature control module can be mounted in the strap assembly 450 with the extender 442 extending across one or both of the channels 460. In some embodiments including the example shown, when the temperature control module 434 is mounted through the opening 458, the extender 442 can extend transversely to the length and thickness of the primary strap 452 such that the total width of the contact portion of the temperature control module 434 (including all extenders 40 or 140 and 442 of the temperature control module 434) exceeds the distance between the channels 460 across the opening 458. In such an example, the contact portion of the temperature control module 434 includes a laterally extending extender that extends across both channels 460. The temperature control module 434 can optionally include a vibration motor such that the strap assembly 450 can provide vibratory therapy to the wearer. In additional examples, a vibration motor (such as the vibration device 70 described above) can optionally be integrated into the primary strap 452, the secondary strap 456, or both to enable the strap assembly 450 to provide vibratory therapy to the wearer.

[0219] As described above, the finger expander 442 may be movably connected to the remainder or hub of the temperature control module 434. In the foregoing example, such a movable connection includes a mechanical hinge formed by respective pivot members and a flexible hinge formed by a flexible material, and the expander 442 may be elastically biased to a downwardly extended rest position by an external spring or an internal elasticity, or generally away from the radiator or corresponding features of the temperature control module 434. Thus, when the temperature control module 434 according to such an example is installed in the opening 458 and the strap assembly 450 is worn, the expander 442 is biased both towards the user and away from the user-facing side of the main strap 456. Thus, the bias on the expander 442 cooperates with the secondary strap to increase the pressure of the contact portion of the temperature control module 434 on the wearer.

[0220] The secondary strap 456 may be more elastic than the primary strap 452 to facilitate providing a static load to the wearer. While the primary strap 452 holds the strap assembly 450 on the wearer, the secondary strap 456 applies pressure between the expanders 40, 140, 442, and the wearer may adjust by stretching the secondary strap 456 more or less before securing the ends of the secondary strap 456 to the primary strap 452 or to each other. The secondary strap 456 may be shorter than the primary strap 452 in all dimensions such that the amount by which the secondary strap 456 may be stretched is a significant proportion of its rest length without being equal in length to or significantly longer than the length of the primary strap 452. In addition to being more elastic than the primary strap 452, the secondary strap 456 may optionally have a lower spring constant than the primary strap 452 to facilitate stretching the secondary strap 456 to a desired length.

[0221] In another arrangement, the primary strap 452 may include a finger expander, similar to the finger expander 442 of the temperature control module 434, integrated into the primary strap 452 at the location of the finger expander 442 shown in the example on the surface of the primary strap 452 intended to face the wearer. Thus, ​The component labeled 442 in the figure should be interpreted as indicating the position where the finger extender of the temperature control module 434 can be located when the temperature control module 434 is installed in the opening 458 in the above example, and also indicating the position where such an integrated finger extender can be located on the surface of the main band 450 facing the wearer in an example including an integrated finger extender in the main band. Thus, each such integrated finger extender will be located near one of the openings 458 and between one of the channels 460 and the wearer when the belt subassembly 450 is worn. Accordingly, the sub-band 456 will press the integrated finger extender against the wearer in the same manner as the sub-band 456 presses the finger extender 442 of the temperature control module 434 against the wearer. Additionally, such an integrated finger extender can extend into the opening 458 or can otherwise approach the periphery of the opening 458 to interface with the temperature control module that can be installed in the opening 458. In the same manner as the thermal control modules disclosed herein can be provided with any one of a variety of finger extender arrangements in addition to those specifically shown, the integrated finger extenders can also vary in number, size, shape, and angle.

[0222] ​ A treatment device 500 according to another embodiment is shown. As ​ shown, the device 500 includes a belt 510 and a control module 544 mounted to the belt. The belt 510 includes an intermediate portion 520, a first end portion 530 extending from the intermediate portion 520, and a second end portion 540 extending from the side of the intermediate portion 530 opposite the first end portion 520. In the example shown, the intermediate portion 520 is wider than the end portions 530, 540, but in various other examples, the end portions 530 and 540 and the intermediate portion 520 can have any widths relative to each other.

[0223] The control module 544 includes a user interface that allows a user to control the device 500, which can be provided by the buttons and indicator lights shown, or in other examples, by a touch screen or any other feature with which the user can interact. The control module 544 also houses the electronic components for controlling and operating the device 500. The control module 544 can optionally include a connection through which external power can be supplied to the device 500 and the battery, but either or both of the power supply and the battery can be located elsewhere on the device 500 or omitted altogether. In some embodiments, the control module 544 can include a slot or opening into which a removable battery can be inserted to power the treatment device 500. In some embodiments, the removable battery in the control module 544 can generally be similar to any of the battery embodiments described herein. In the example shown, the control module 544 is located on the second end portion 540 of the strap 510, but in other examples, the control module 544 can be located at any other position on the strap 510, divided into multiple distributed modules at any position on the strap 510, or omitted altogether. In an example where the control module 544 is omitted altogether, the electronic components of the device 500 can be integrated into the strap 510, and the device 500 can be controlled remotely or wirelessly by an external device such as a smart device or a computer. In some embodiments, the treatment device 500 can be washable and can include one or more removable components and / or one or more components permanently attached within the strap 510.

[0224] ​ The side of the treatment device 500 intended to face away from the wearer is shown. As ​ shown, the device 500 can be worn in such a way that the middle portion 520 of the strap 510 is placed on the lower middle back of the wearer, and as ​ shown, the first end 530 is placed on the wearer's stomach and overlaps the second end 540. When the device 500 is worn as ​ and 64B shown, the user interface of the control module 544 faces outward and is easily accessible to the wearer.

[0225] In the example shown, the strap 510 includes a hook-and-loop patch 532 attached to the outside of the first end portion 530, as ​ shown, for fastening to a complementary hook-and-loop patch (not shown) attached to the inside of the second end portion 540. Thus, as ​ and 64BAs shown, by pressing the outer band 540 against the inner band 530, the wearer can easily and adjustably fasten the device 500. The band 510 of the illustrated example also includes a tab 542 extending from the second end portion 540 to facilitate adjustment and release of the hook-and-loop connection. The hook-and-loop patch is just one example of a suitable type of fastener. In other examples, the band 510 can have any other fastener, such as a buckle, a zipper, a button, or the secondary band 456 and channel 460 described above, in place of or in addition to the hook-and-loop patch. The tab 542 can optionally be omitted or included in any such variation of the band 510.

[0226] ​ A cross-section of the intermediate portion 520 of the band 510 is shown in a plane parallel to ​ the perspective view. The band 510 includes an outer layer 550 intended to face away from the wearer, an inner layer 556 intended to contact the wearer, and a cushioning layer 554 located between the outer layer 550 and the inner layer 556. The outer layer 550 can be any suitable flexible and durable material or fabric, and neoprene is an example. In further examples, the outer layer 550 can be any one or any combination of the following: neoprene, Lycra, styrene-butadiene rubber, and combinations of any similar materials, woven or knitted fabrics, or single layers.

[0227] The cushioning layer 554 can be a pad, a polymer foam, or any other elastic compressible material that makes the band 510 comfortable for the wearer. The fabric layer can optionally be bonded or stitched to the inner side of the cushioning layer 554, the outer side of the cushioning layer 554, or both.

[0228] The inner layer 556 of the illustrated example is a knitted fabric that includes germanium yarns, monofilament fibers made of germanium or germanium alloys, or otherwise germanium-infused yarns. The knitted fabric can specifically include germanium or germanium alloys, having a state and constitution that passively emit infrared radiation or more specifically far-infrared radiation, to provide infrared radiation therapy to the wearer. An example of a suitable alloy is an alloy of germanium and titanium. The knitted fabric can also include polymeric or organic yarns or fibers interwoven with the germanium yarns or fibers in any proportion. In other examples, the inner layer 556 can be a fabric that does not contain any germanium content, or any material suitable for the outer layer 550 with or without the addition of germanium or germanium alloys. In other examples, the inner layer 556 can include other materials that passively emit infrared radiation, in place of or in addition to germanium. Other examples of materials that can be included in the inner layer 556 to cause the inner layer 556 to passively emit infrared radiation include sericite minerals such as fine-grained mica, or nanoparticles of ceramics that emit infrared or far-infrared radiation. In other examples, germanium or other infrared-emitting materials can be included in the inner layer 556 in the form of solid plates or rods rather than in the form of yarns within the knitted fabric. In a further example, the inner layer 556 or another part of the device 500 includes an active infrared radiation emitter, such as an infrared light-emitting diode or another electrically powered emitter, in place of or in addition to the passive infrared-emitting materials.

[0229] Germanium fabrics and the other examples of infrared-emitting materials for the inner layer 556 described above reflect heat and radiation from the wearer's body back to the wearer, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effect of the device 500 by promoting temperature control, blood circulation, muscle relaxation, and other benefits associated with infrared and heat therapy. For example, it has been found that a germanium-embedded fabric with an emission power of 3.53 x 102 W / m 2 (35.3 mW / cm 2 ) within the wavelength range of 5 - 20 μm and an emissivity of 0.874 can effectively provide the above-described therapeutic benefits, but the emission power, wavelength range, and emissivity can vary to values higher or lower than these, yet still have a similar effect on the wearer. Increasing the proportion of germanium in the fabric will tend to increase the reflection and emission efficacy of the fabric while reducing the flexibility of the fabric, and thus, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure, the amount of germanium can be varied to achieve different criteria for various articles. In another example, it has been found that a fabric constitution of 15 mg or approximately 15 mg of pure germanium per kilogram of fabric is effective for providing the above-described therapeutic benefits without making the device 500 overly rigid and is comfortable to wear, but in other examples, the proportion of germanium in the fabric may vary.

[0230] The strap 510 further includes a carbon fiber layer 552 disposed inwardly from the outer layer 550. In various examples, the carbon fiber 552 can be a continuous sheet or mesh. Whether provided as a continuous sheet or mesh, the carbon fiber 552 can be relatively thin and thus sufficiently resilient such that the portion of the strap 510 including the carbon fiber 552 is flexible. The carbon fiber 552 is connected to a power source that can be housed in the control module 544 or otherwise mounted to the strap 510 to serve as a heating element. That is, the carbon fiber 552 is a series resistor in the circuit built into the device 500 and thus resistively generates heat when the circuit is operational. Skin temperatures equal to or slightly higher than 42 °C produce beneficial therapeutic effects such as muscle relaxation and improved blood flow, while skin temperatures higher than 45 °C can be uncomfortable. Accordingly, the circuit and the carbon fiber 552 can be configured to generate sufficient heat to bring the skin in contact with the inner layer 556 to 42 °C, at least 42 °C, or within a range of 42 °C to 45 °C in various examples. Since the strap 510 can be constructed of various materials and thicknesses of each layer, the heating ability of the circuit and the carbon fiber 552 can vary according to different embodiments of the device 500 to heat the wearer's skin to the aforementioned temperature through any of the layers 554, 556 located within the carbon fiber 552. The device 500 can optionally be controllable, such as via the control module 544 or an external device, to regulate the thermal output of the carbon fiber 552, and the device 500 can optionally include a thermostat for maintaining the carbon fiber 552 or the inner layer 556 at a desired temperature. In various examples, the device 500 can be configured to allow temperature regulation only within the temperature range of 42 °C to 45 °C corresponding to the wearer's skin, or the device 500 can allow regulation above, below, or above and below this temperature range. Additionally, the carbon fiber 552 is just one example of the type of heating element that the device 500 can include. In other examples, the device 500 can include any type of heating element that is capable of safely heating the wearer's skin to between 42 °C and 45 °C (as an alternative or addition to the carbon fiber 552) and is located within or on the strap 510.

[0231] The device 500 includes an embedded motor 560 that vibrates to provide a therapeutic effect to the wearer, such as improved blood flow and muscle relaxation. Accordingly, the motor 560 can work in concert with the heating ability of the strap 510 to relieve tension and promote recovery. The motor 560 can be placed in any position relative to the other layers of the strap 510, such as ​As shown, the motor 560 is placed inside the outer layer 550 and on the outer side of at least a portion of the carbon fiber 552 and the inner liner layer 556, giving the strap 510 an attractive form factor while cushioning the wearer from the vibrations of the motor 560. The strap 510 also includes a pad 558 located between the motor 560 and the carbon fiber 552. The pad 558 can be made of any material capable of manufacturing the inner liner layer 556. The pad 558 protects the carbon fiber 552 from the direct impact of the vibrating motor 560 and thus reduces the tendency of the device 510 to rattle when the motor 560 is operating. The motor 560 can optionally be housed in a compartment made of additional carbon fiber at least on the side facing away from the wearer and towards the pad 558.

[0232] ​ As seen from an ​ opposite angle, a portion 500’ of the device 500 is shown. For illustrative purposes, the portion 500’ lacks the inner layer 556, the inner liner layer 554, and the pad 558, but in the fully assembled device 500, the inner layer 556 and the inner liner layer 554 can co - extend fully or almost fully (meaning except at the frills, seams, or both) with the outer layer 550. As ​ shown, the carbon fiber 552 is disposed in two different panels, namely a back panel 552A and a front panel 552B. The back panel 552A is located in the middle portion 520 of the strap 510 and is thus positioned to effectively heat the wearer's back when the wearable device 500 is worn as ​ and 64B shown. Similarly, the front panel 552B is located in the first end portion 530 and is thus positioned to ​ and 64BThe wearable device 500 shown effectively heats the front of the wearer. The gap between the back panel 552A and the front panel 552B reduces the total area of the carbon fiber 552, thus reducing the total power consumption of the heating function of the device 500. In addition, the gap between the back panel 552A and the front panel 552B contributes to the flexibility and durability of the strap 510 by keeping the part where the first end portion 530 of the strap 510 intersects the middle portion 520 (where the strap 510 may fold into a relatively small radius of curvature when worn) free of the carbon fiber 522. However, in other examples, a single continuous panel of carbon fiber 552 may extend from the middle portion 520 to the first end portion 530 to heat the back and stomach of the wearer. Although in the example shown there is no carbon fiber 552 or other heating element in the second end portion 540 of the strap 510, in other examples, carbon fiber 552 or another heating element may be added to the second end portion 540 to replace the carbon fiber 552 in the first end portion 530 or as an addition. The carbon fiber 552 added to the second end portion 540 may be a different panel or may extend from the back panel 55A.

[0233] As ​ As shown, a motor 560 is disposed in the middle portion 520 of the strap 510 for providing vibration therapy to the back of the wearer. The motor 560 is symmetrically offset to either lateral side of the center of the middle portion 520 to avoid vibrating onto the wearer's spine or other bones and affecting the muscles on either side of the spine. The motor 560 overlaps with the back panel 552A of the carbon fiber 552, which means the device 500 can provide heat therapy and vibration therapy to the same point on the wearer's body. In other examples, the device 500 may have a motor 560 disposed away from the carbon fiber 522.

[0234] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", etc. shall be construed in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to". As used herein, the term "connected", "coupled" or any variation thereof means any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between elements can be physical, logical or a combination thereof. Additionally, when used in this application, the words "here / in this application", "above", "below" and words of similar import shall refer to the whole of this application rather than any particular part of this application. Where the context permits, the use of singular or plural words in the above detailed description may also respectively include the plural or singular. The word "or" in reference to a list of two or more items covers all of the following interpretations of that word: any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combination of items in the list.

[0235] The above detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the exact forms disclosed above. Although specific embodiments and examples of the present disclosure have been described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made within the scope of the present disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. In addition, any specific numbers described herein are merely examples: alternative embodiments can employ different values, measurements, or ranges.

[0236] Although the operations of any method disclosed or described herein, either explicitly or implicitly, are shown and described in a particular order, the order of operations of each method can be changed so that some operations can be performed in the reverse order, or so that some operations can be performed at least partially concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, the instructions or sub-operations of different operations can be implemented in an intermittent and / or alternating manner.

[0237] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the systems described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements or dimensions described or used herein are merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present disclosure. Other measurements or dimensions are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0238] Any of the above patents and applications, as well as other references, including any patents and applications and other references that may be listed in the accompanying application documents, are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If necessary, aspects of the present disclosure can be modified to adopt the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0239] These and other changes can be made to the present disclosure in accordance with the above detailed description. Although the above description describes certain embodiments of the present disclosure and describes the contemplated best mode, these teachings can be practiced in many ways regardless of how detailed the above may be in the text. The details of the system can vary significantly in implementation details while still being covered by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, the specific terms used in describing certain features or aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as implying that the term is redefined herein to be limited to any specific characteristic, feature, or aspect of the present disclosure associated with that term. In general, the terms used in the appended claims should not be construed to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above detailed description section specifically defines these terms. Thus, the actual scope of the present disclosure not only covers the disclosed embodiments. But also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the present disclosure according to the claims.

[0240] While certain aspects of the present disclosure are presented below in some claim forms, the inventors contemplate various aspects of the present disclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, although only one aspect of the present disclosure is recited as an apparatus-plus-function claim according to 35 U.S.C. § 112 other aspects may likewise be embodied as apparatus-plus-function claims or in other forms, such as embodied in a computer-readable medium (any claim intended to be processed according to 35 U.S.C. § 112 will include the word "means for"). Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to seek such additional claim forms for other aspects of the present disclosure.

[0241] Accordingly, although certain concepts of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it should be understood that all terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A wearable component, comprising: a temperature control module including a contact member and a heating element configured to heat or cool the contact member; a removable battery associated with the temperature control module; a main strap configured to receive the temperature control module and secure the contact member to an object; and a sub - strap configured to be connected to the main strap and further configured to provide pressure adjustment between the contact member and the object when the main strap secures the contact member to the object.

2. The wearable component according to claim 1, wherein The main strap is an elongate article including two portions configured to be releasably connectable to each other such that the main strap forms a loop when the two portions are connected to each other.

3. The wearable component according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature control module is configured to extend through the main strap and includes a heat sink positioned relative to the contact member such that the heat sink is positioned on an opposite side of the main strap from the contact member when the heat sink is disposed through an opening.

4. The wearable component according to claim 1, wherein, The sub - strap is a first sub - strap, and the component includes a second sub - strap configured to be disposed on an opposite side of the temperature control module from the first sub - strap, connected to the main strap, and further configured to adjust pressure between the contact member and the object when the main strap surrounds the object.

5. The wearable component according to claim 4, wherein, The first sub - strap and the second sub - strap are configured to be spaced apart from each other by a distance in a width direction, and the contact member is wider than the distance.

6. A wearable treatment device, comprising: a strap configured to wrap around a wearer's abdomen and including a middle portion, a first end portion extending from the middle portion, and a second portion extending from an opposite side of the middle portion from the first end portion; a control module disposed on the strap, the control module including a removable battery; a first fastener attached to the first end portion and a second fastener complementary to the first fastener and attached to the second end portion; a first heating element disposed in the first end portion; a second heating element disposed in the middle portion; and a vibration motor embedded within the middle portion and disposed to overlap the second heating element.

7. The wearable treatment device according to claim 6, comprising a knitted fabric layer, the knitted fabric including fibers containing germanium.

8. The wearable treatment device according to claim 6, comprising a fabric layer that emits infrared radiation.

9. The wearable treatment device according to claim 8, wherein, The fabric layer that emits infrared radiation emits infrared radiation passively.

10. The wearable treatment device according to claim 9, comprising a pad located between each vibration motor and the second heating element.

11. The wearable treatment device according to claim 9, comprising a cushioning layer between the heating element and the surface of the strap.

12. The wearable treatment device according to claim 11, wherein, The vibration motor is disposed between the second heating element and the cushioning layer.

13. The wearable treatment device according to claim 6, wherein, The first heating element and the second heating element are panels of carbon fiber or carbon fiber mesh.

14. The wearable treatment device according to claim 13, wherein, There is a gap between the first heating element and the second heating element.

15. The wearable treatment device according to claim 13, wherein, The second end portion does not have any heating element.

16. A wearable treatment device, comprising: A belt configured to wrap around a wearer's abdomen and including a surface layer facing the wearer that is at least partially made of germanium; A control module disposed on the belt, the control module including a removable battery; and At least one vibration motor embedded in the belt.

17. The wearable treatment device according to claim 16, wherein, The surface layer facing the wearer is a knitted fabric including fibers of germanium or a germanium alloy.

18. The wearable treatment device according to claim 16, including heating features for heating a wearer's back and stomach.

19. The wearable treatment device according to claim 18, wherein, The heating features include a first heating element in an intermediate portion of the belt and a second heating element spaced apart from the first heating element and disposed in a first end portion of the belt, and the belt includes a second end portion extending from a side of the intermediate portion opposite the first end portion.

20. The wearable treatment device according to claim 18, wherein The heating features include a panel of carbon fiber or a carbon fiber mesh.

Images