Wearable garment with integrated tumor therapy electric field voltage generator

Abstract

A garment configured to generate an AC voltage, the garment comprising: a support layer configured to be worn on a body of a subject; an amplifier for converting an input voltage into the AC voltage; a control circuit communicatively coupled to the amplifier and configured to control a frequency and an amplitude of the AC voltage output from the amplifier; and at least one battery coupled to the amplifier and configured to supply the input voltage to the amplifier; wherein the amplifier, the control circuit, and the at least one battery are integrated into the garment such that the weight of the amplifier, the control circuit, and the at least one battery is supported by the support layer.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 393,290, filed on December 21, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 435,636, filed on December 28, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Background of the Invention

[0003] Tumor treating fields (TTFields) are low - intensity alternating electric fields in the intermediate frequency range (e.g., 50 kHz to 1 MHz), which can be used to treat tumors, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,565,205. TTFields are non - invasively induced into the region of interest by transducers placed on the subject's body and applying an AC voltage between the transducers. Conventionally, a first pair of transducers and a second pair of transducers are placed on the subject's body. An AC voltage is applied between the first pair of transducers during a first time interval to generate an electric field having field lines extending generally in the anterior - posterior direction. Then, an AC voltage is applied between the second pair of transducers at the same frequency during a second time interval to generate an electric field having field lines extending generally in the left - right direction. Then, the system repeats this two - step sequence throughout the treatment. Conventionally, the AC voltage is applied to the transducers via an AC voltage generator that is remote from the subject's body and coupled to the transducers via wires. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] Figure 1 An example system including a garment having integrated voltage - generating components is depicted.

[0005] Figure 2 An example vest having integrated voltage - generating components is depicted.

[0006] Figure 3 An example belt having integrated voltage - generating components is depicted.

[0007] Figure 4 An example system including a vest and a belt having integrated voltage - generating components is depicted.

[0008] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are a perspective view and an exploded view depicting an example sub - assembly having voltage - generating components.

[0009] Figure 6 A cross - section of a portion of a garment having one or more integrated voltage - generating components is depicted.

[0010] Figure 7 Another example system including a garment having integrated voltage - generating components is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] This application describes exemplary wearable garments that have voltage generating components integrated therein. These wearable garments allow a subject to wear an AC voltage generator on their body.

[0012] Typically, one or more pairs of transducers are positioned on the subject's body and are used to alternately apply TTFields to the subject's body (e.g., the subject's head, torso, or other part). These pairs of transducers are electrically coupled via wires to an AC voltage generator, which is typically located in an external housing remote from the subject's body. For example, the AC voltage generator may be located several feet away from the location of the transducers positioned on the subject's body. The AC voltage generator is large and must always be kept near the subject during TTFields treatment. Typically, as the subject moves around, they carry the generator with them in a backpack or shoulder bag, to which the transducers (on the subject's body) are connected via wires, and when they stay in one place for a period of time, they may tend to place the AC voltage generator on the floor. This continuous attachment to the larger external AC voltage generator can be cumbersome and frustrating for the subject, and may cause the subject to reduce the time they use the system for TTFields treatment.

[0013] As discovered by the inventors, an AC voltage generator can be integrated into one or more wearable garments, such as a vest, belt, or fanny pack, that can be worn against a subject's body for extended periods of time. Such wearable garments can be clothing. The wearable garment includes voltage-generating components, such as an amplifier, control circuitry, and one or more batteries, and all of these components can be located on or inside the garment and connected together to provide a low-profile AC voltage generator. The disclosed exemplary wearable garment with an integrated AC voltage generator addresses the shortcomings associated with conventional AC voltage generators. Specifically, the exemplary embodiments provide a less invasive AC voltage generator that subjects can more easily incorporate into their daily activities. When using the exemplary wearable garment with integrated voltage-generating components, subjects are no longer constrained by larger external devices that restrict or inhibit free movement, and / or subjects no longer need to carry a backpack. Furthermore, because the entire AC voltage generator can be worn against the subject's body when the garment is worn, there are no long wires dangling from the subject's body. The wearable garment with integrated voltage generating components of the present invention is compact and easy to move, which can encourage subjects to use the TTFields therapy device for longer periods of time, and longer treatment times can be associated with improved treatment outcomes.

[0014] Figure 1Depicts a system 100 that includes a garment 102 in which a voltage generation component is integrated. The garment 102 can be configured to generate an AC voltage 103 using the voltage generation component. The garment 102 can include a support layer 104 configured to be worn on a subject's body. The support layer 104 can be formed of one or more layers of fabric. The support layer 104 can be configured to support the weight of the voltage generation components incorporated in the garment 102. These voltage generation components can include an amplifier 106, a control circuit 108, and one or more batteries 110.

[0015] The garment 102 can include an amplifier 106 that is configured to convert an input voltage into the AC voltage 103. The AC voltage 103 can be used to generate an alternating electric field between at least a pair of transducers 112. The alternating electric field can be used as TTFields for treating the body of the subject wearing the garment 102. Optionally, at least a pair of transducers 112 can be supported by the garment 102 ( Figure 1 ) as further described herein.

[0016] The garment 102 can include a control circuit 108 (e.g., on one or more control boards, or including one or more control boards) that can be communicatively coupled to the amplifier 106 and is configured to control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage 103 output from the amplifier 106. The control circuit 108 can include one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs), particularly one or more flexible PCBs.

[0017] The garment 102 can include at least one battery 110 that is coupled to the amplifier 106 and is configured to supply an input voltage to the amplifier 106. Although the illustrated embodiment includes two batteries 110, it should be noted that other embodiments of the garment 102 can include any other number of batteries 110 incorporated therein (e.g., one, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more batteries 110). Additionally, the batteries 110 do not need to have the same size (allowing flexibility in terms of usage duration) or be located in a single location of the garment 102, but can be positioned such that the weight is more evenly distributed on the body. The amplifier 106, the control circuit 108, and the at least one battery 110 can be integrated into the garment 102 such that the weight of the amplifier 106, the control circuit 108, and the at least one battery 110 is supported by the support layer 104.

[0018] In other embodiments, the amplifier 106 can be absent from the garment 102, and the function of the amplifier 106 can be performed by the control circuit 108 (e.g., Figure 7is executed by the control circuit 708). In such embodiments, the control circuit 108 can be communicatively coupled to one or more batteries 110 and configured to generate an output voltage (e.g., the AC voltage 103). The control circuit 108 can also be configured to control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage 103 output from the control circuit 108.

[0019] Although described as generating the AC voltage 103, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the garment 102 can be configured to generate a DC voltage using an integrated voltage generation component.

[0020] The garment 102 disclosed herein can take various forms. For example, the garment 102 can include a vest, as Figure 2 shown. In another embodiment, the garment 102 can include a belt or a fanny pack, as Figure 3 shown. In other embodiments, the garment 102 can be modular and / or adapted to be worn on one or more anatomical regions of a subject, which can allow various components of the garment 102 to be attached to one or more anatomical regions of the subject, and such an arrangement can provide greater comfort and / or convenience to the subject. In other embodiments, the system 100 can include voltage generation components distributed between multiple garments 102 (e.g., a vest combined with a belt or a fanny pack), as Figure 4 shown. In any case, the garment 102 serves as a wearable device that can be worn on the body of a subject. The garment 102 can be form-fitting so as to be worn under the subject's clothing. In other embodiments, the garment 102 can be worn over the subject's clothing, especially where the garment 102 incorporates a fashionable design on the outward-facing portion of the support layer 104.

[0021] The support layer 104 of the garment 102 can include at least one compartment 114 (e.g., 114A, 114B, 114C, and 114D) for accommodating the voltage generation components incorporated in the garment 102. Specifically, at least one compartment 114 (e.g., 114A, 114B, 114C, and 114D) can accommodate at least one battery 110, the amplifier 106, and the control circuit 108 therein. As Figure 1As shown, for example, the battery 110 may be located in the first compartment 114A, the amplifier 106 may be located in the second compartment 114B, and the control circuit 108 may be located in the third compartment 114C. In other embodiments, a single compartment 114 in the support layer 104 may house a combination of the battery 110, the amplifier 106, and / or the control circuit 108 therein. In still other embodiments, one or more of the battery 110, the amplifier 106, and the control circuit 108 may be connected to and supported by the support layer 104 without using the compartment 114. The control circuit 108 may include a plurality of PCBs that are communicatively coupled to each other and distributed in different compartments 114 of the garment 102.

[0022] As Figure 1 shown, other components of the AC voltage generator (e.g., the wire connector 116) may be housed in one or more compartments (e.g., the compartment 114D). Additionally, other components of the AC voltage generator (e.g., one or more output devices 118, the charging port 120, one or more input devices 130, etc.) may or may not be located in the compartments of the support layer 104. The one or more compartments 114 may include a rigid or semi-rigid housing, or a flexible material compartment sized to fit a particular component designed to be placed therein. The compartment 114 may be a pocket that is easily accessible to the subject when the subject is wearing the garment 102. In other embodiments, the compartment 114 may be fixedly internal to the outer shell of the support layer 104. To prevent any component from moving within the compartment 114, the compartment 114 may hold any component within the compartment 114 in a snug position to avoid movement. As an example, the compartment 114 may include an elastic portion and / or a hook-and-loop portion to hold any component tightly against the support layer 114.

[0023] One or more batteries 110 of the garment 102 may be small form factor batteries. The term "small form factor battery" may refer to a battery that occupies less three-dimensional space or is arranged in a flexible manner that allows for easier movement of the subject compared to the larger cylindrical batteries used in traditional AC voltage generators. For example, the battery 110 may be square and / or thin so as to be less invasive when worn on the subject's body. As another example, the battery 110 may have a curvature that matches a portion of the subject's body, along which the battery 110 will be positioned when the subject wears the garment 102. In another example, one or more batteries 110 may be located in a semi-rigid housing, thereby allowing for increased flexibility within the garment 102. In another example, a plurality of smaller batteries 110 may be connected together by a flexible substrate and / or wiring, thereby allowing the battery pack to bend around the subject's body.

[0024] The batteries 110 of the garment 102 can be electrically coupled together in series or in parallel. The batteries 110 can be stacked in a manner that maintains a relatively small profile of the connected batteries 110. In other embodiments, the individual batteries 110 of the garment 102 can be electrically separated from each other, and the control circuit 108 can control the switching between one battery (or battery pack) 110 and another battery (or battery pack) 110 to output an input voltage to the amplifier 106. In this way, one battery 110 (or battery pack 110) can serve as the primary power source for the amplifier 106, while another battery 110 (or battery pack 110) can serve as a backup battery for the garment 102.

[0025] The battery 110 can be replaceable with new and / or different sized batteries. Specifically, the at least one battery 110 can be removably disposed in the support layer 104 and can be replaceable with at least one other battery 110. Other voltage generating components in the garment 102 (e.g., the amplifier 106 and the control circuit 108) can be adapted to operate with batteries 110 of different voltages installed in the garment 102. In this way, the battery size and / or capacity can be easily adjusted to meet the needs of the subject wearing the garment 102.

[0026] The control circuit 108 can be coupled to the at least one battery 110 and configured to monitor the remaining charge of the at least one battery 110. Upon detecting a low primary battery charge, the control circuit 108 can send a signal to automatically switch from one battery 110 (e.g., the primary battery) to another battery 110 (e.g., the backup battery) to provide an input voltage to the amplifier 106. Additionally or alternatively, the control circuit 108 can send a signal to output an indication of the low battery charge to the user. As an example, the garment 102 can include one or more output devices 118. For example, the garment 102 can include an output device 118 communicatively coupled to the control circuit 108, and the control circuit 108 can cause the output device 118 to output a low charge indication when detecting that the remaining charge of the at least one battery 110 is below a threshold. The output device 118 can be integrated into the garment 102 such that the weight of the output device 118 is supported by the support layer 104. In other embodiments, the output device 118 can be located external to the garment 102 (e.g., integrated into an external power source 122, a user device (e.g., a cellular phone), etc.). In other embodiments, the output device 118 can communicate with an external device of the garment.

[0027] In one example, output device 118 may include one or more lights and / or displays, and the low battery indication may include, for example, a flashing or red light and / or a visual output on the display. In another example, output device 118 may include a speaker, and the low battery indication may include an audible sound, alarm, or message output from the speaker. In another example, output device 118 may include a device with haptic capabilities, and the low battery indication may include haptic feedback output to the subject. In another example, output device 118 may include a Bluetooth device (or other wireless communication device), and the low battery indication may include a message, alarm, or notification sent via a Bluetooth connection (or other wireless communication) to a separate user device (e.g., a cellular phone).

[0028] In one example, output device 118 may provide output information and / or send a signal regarding the output information. Such output information may include, for example, the status of the garment, data related to the performance of the garment, data related to a therapy (e.g., TTFields) administered to the subject using the garment, data related to a therapy or therapy parameter associated with the therapy administered to the subject using the garment, or other information regarding the garment and / or the therapy administered to the subject using the garment. In another example, if output device 118 wirelessly sends a signal (e.g., via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, personal area network, etc.), the signal sent may be received by a device external to the garment (e.g., a designated wireless device customized to receive the signal sent or a personal mobile device with a mobile application stored thereon). Sending information from garment 102 to a device external to the garment may increase the wearability and / or convenience of garment 102. For example, the signal sent may be received by the subject's device, the subject's caregiver's device, or a device located remotely that monitors the status of garment 102. Additionally, using such devices external to the garment may also reduce the weight of garment 102 by reducing the number of components carried by garment 102. These examples of various types of output devices 118, devices external to the garment, low battery indications, and output information may be used in any combination.

[0029] In some embodiments, the control circuit 108 may receive signals to start, adjust, or stop generating an alternating electric field (e.g., TTFields). The signal may be initiated by a user (e.g., a subject wearing the garment 102 or a caregiver of the subject wearing the garment 102). As an example, the garment 102 may include one or more input devices 130. For example, the garment may include an input device 130 communicatively coupled to the control circuit 108, and the control circuit 108 may receive signals from the input device 130 to start, adjust, or stop generating an alternating electric field. The input device 130 may be integrated into the garment 102 such that the weight of the input device 130 is supported by the support layer 104. In other embodiments, the input device 130 may be located outside the garment 102 (e.g., integrated into an external power source 122, a user device (e.g., a cellular phone), etc.).

[0030] In one example, the input device 130 may include one or more buttons or switches and / or a touch screen display. In one example, the input device 130 may include a Bluetooth device (or other wireless communication device). In one example, the input device 130 and the output device 118 may be integrated into a single device (e.g., a touch screen display or a Bluetooth device (or other wireless communication device)). These examples of various types of input devices 130 may be used in any combination.

[0031] The garment 102 may include a pair of transducers 112 electrically coupled to the amplifier 106. In some embodiments, two pairs of transducers 112 may be located on or electrically coupled to components of the garment 102. Each transducer 112 may include one or more electrode elements. As an example, each transducer 112 may include an array of electrode elements. The pair(s) of transducers 112 may be configured to induce TTFields via an AC voltage 103 output from the amplifier 106 (or, in Figure 7 embodiments, via the control circuit 708). The pair(s) of transducers 112 may be configured to be placed on the head of the subject's body, on the torso of the subject's body, or on other parts of the subject's body. As Figure 1As shown, the transducer(s) 112 can be integrated into the garment 102 such that the weight of the transducer(s) 112 is supported by the support layer 104. To this end, the transducer(s) 112 can be integrated into the garment 102 at specific locations that enable the transducer(s) 112 to apply an alternating electric field (e.g., TTFields) to a target region (e.g., a tumor) within the subject's body (e.g., within the torso of the subject's body) at a desired frequency and intensity. Examples of pairs of transducers integrated into a garment are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 062,372, filed December 6, 2022, U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 062,421, filed December 6, 2022, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 063,464, filed December 8, 2022, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In other embodiments, one or more pairs of transducers 112 can be located outside the garment 102 (e.g., freestanding and / or directly attached to the subject's body), but are electrically coupled to the garment 102.

[0032] The garment 102 can include a wire connector 116 that is electrically coupled to the amplifier 106 and is configured to send an AC voltage 103 to the wires 124 of the transducer(s) 112. For example, in some embodiments, a voltage generating component supplies an electrical signal having an alternating current waveform with a frequency in the range of about 50 kHz to about 1 MHz to the transducer. The wire connector 116 can be integrated into the garment 102 such that the weight of the wire connector 116 is supported by the support layer 104. The wire connector 116 can include control and / or monitoring circuitry. The wire connector 116 can communicate with one or more sensors (e.g., a temperature sensor) on the transducer(s) 112. In other embodiments, the wire connector 116 can serve only as an electrical connection point without providing additional circuitry, and the control circuit 108 can perform all control and / or monitoring operations. In embodiments where the transducer(s) 112 are located outside the garment 102, the wire connector 116 can be located on the surface of the support layer 104 (e.g., attached to the support layer 104 or located in a compartment 114, such as 114D of the support layer 104) such that the wires 124 can be simply connected from the transducer to the AC voltage generator in the garment 102. In some embodiments, the garment 102 can not include a wire connector 116, but rather the wires 124 can be directly connected to the amplifier 106.

[0033] The garment 102 may include wires 124 for coupling the amplifier 106 to the pair of transducers 112, and the wires 124 may be located within the support layer 104 such that when the subject wears the garment 102, the wires 124 do not contact the subject's skin. Other types of wiring in the garment 102 (e.g., between the battery 110 and the amplifier 106, between the charging port 120 and the battery 110, between the charging port 120 and the amplifier 106, and / or between the amplifier 106 and the wire connector 116) may be located within the support layer 104 such that when the subject wears the garment 102, the wiring does not contact the subject's skin.

[0034] As shown, the system 100 may include an external power source 122 that is separate from and connectable to the garment 102. The external power source 122 may include a larger external battery pack into which the voltage generating components of the garment 102 may be inserted as a charger or power source. In another example, the external power source 122 may be any standard electrical grid connection (e.g., a wall socket).

[0035] The garment 102 may include a charging port 120 coupled to the amplifier 106. The charging port 120 may be integrated into the garment 102 such that the weight of the charging port 120 is supported by the support layer 104. The charging port 120 may be selectively coupled to the external power source 122. The charging port 120 may be the only component of an AC voltage generator that extends outside the support layer 104 of the garment 102 (e.g., connected to the external power source 122). As Figure 1 shown, the charging port 120 may also be connected to at least one battery 110. Connecting the charging port 120 to the at least one battery 110 may allow the external power source 122 to directly power the transducers 112 (battery override) and / or charge the battery 110 in the garment 102 (battery charging) by providing an input voltage to the amplifier 106. The charging port 120 may also be coupled to the control circuit 108. The control circuit 108 may be configured to selectively direct power from the charging port 120 to the at least one battery 110 to charge the at least one battery 110, and / or to the amplifier 106 to supply the input voltage.

[0036] The charging port 120 may include a detachable connector that allows the charging port 120 to be disconnected from the external power source 122 with a small amount of force (e.g., in response to the subject moving away from the external power source 122). The charging port 120 may include, for example, a magnetic connection to the external power source 122 that enables the charging port 120 to remain firmly inserted into the external power source 122 until the subject moves away from the external power source 122, thereby triggering the detachment function.

[0037] Among all the voltage - generating components in the garment 102, the amplifier 106 may generate the most heat. Thus, the garment 102 can be equipped with features to protect the subject from excessive heat and / or prevent overheating of the amplifier 106 and other components in the garment 102. For example, the garment 102 can include a reflective or insulating material 126 located between the amplifier 106 and the skin - facing portion of the support layer 104 to protect the subject's skin from the heat generated by the amplifier 106. In Figure 7 an embodiment, one or more portions of the control circuit 708 may generate the most heat, and the garment 102 can include a similar reflective or insulating material between these one or more portions of the control circuit 708 and the skin - facing portion of the support layer 104 to protect the subject's skin from excessive heat. A similar reflective or insulating material can be located between any system component (the amount of heat it generates is uncomfortable) and the skin - facing portion of the support layer 104.

[0038] Returning to Figure 1 , the garment 102 can include a cooling system 128 configured to cool the amplifier 106. The cooling system 128 can be integrated into the garment 102 such that the weight of the cooling system 128 is supported by the support layer 104. The cooling system 128 can include, for example, a passive cooling system (such as a heat sink) or an active cooling system (such as a fan and / or a coolant circulation system). The active cooling system can be coupled to the control circuit 108, where the control circuit 108 can provide control signals to the active cooling system and / or the battery 110, and the battery 110 can provide power to the active cooling system. In Figure 7 an embodiment, one or more portions of the control circuit 708 may generate the most heat, and the garment 102 can include a similar cooling system configured to cool these one or more portions of the control circuit 708. The same or a similar cooling system can be used to cool any system component that generates heat that needs to be dissipated (e.g., a large amount of heat or an uncomfortable amount of heat).

[0039] In some embodiments, the garment 102 can be equipped with relatively small batteries 110 that carry a limited amount of power (only enough to last for 15 to 30 minutes). Such small size can reduce the weight of the batteries 110 on the support layer 104 and ultimately reduce the weight on the subject wearing the garment 102. In such cases, as described above, the batteries 110 can be rechargeable by inserting the garment 102 into an external power source 122 via the charging port 120 on the garment 102. Having small batteries 110 can allow the subject to unplug from the external power source 122 for a certain length of time to do something without having to maintain continuous contact with a large battery pack or a wall socket. In one example, a sufficient number of small batteries can be carried on the garment 102 to maintain the power of the garment during one or more activities of the subject. Thus, having small batteries 110 can provide greater mobility and ease of use for the subject wearing the garment 102.

[0040] As described above, the size, quantity, and capacity of the batteries 110 used in the garment 102 can be adjusted. In certain embodiments, the support layer 104 can include multiple compartments 114 of different sizes, each compartment being configured to accommodate a different number or different sizes of the batteries 110. Having such multiple compartments 114 of different sizes can allow for easy switching of the batteries when a greater or smaller battery capacity is needed. The number and weight of the batteries 110 that can be supported in the garment 102 can allow an individual subject to customize their garment 102 based on the weight they wish to carry with them and the desired battery life.

[0041] Similar to the batteries 110, the amplifier 106 and the control circuit 108 can be removed from the support layer 104 (e.g., via removal from the compartment 114) to allow for easy maintenance, repair, or replacement of faulty devices, as well as to enable the support layer 104 to be cleaned.

[0042] Figure 2 A garment 202 in the form of a vest is depicted. The term "vest" can include any clothing item that can be worn on the torso. The vest may or may not have sleeves at the armholes. The vest can include an opening in the middle of its front (with buttons, snaps, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc.) to make it easier for the subject to put on and fasten the garment 202. The vest can be a compression garment. As shown, the garment 202 can include a support layer 104, an amplifier 106, a control circuit 108, and at least one battery 110, as discussed in detail above. The garment 202 can also include any other features of the garment 102 discussed above with reference to Figure 1 discussed. As Figure 2As shown, the various components of the integrated AC generator can be distributed at different locations on the vest. For example, to balance the weight of the garment 202 on the subject's body and make the profile of the garment 202 smaller. As shown, the at least one battery 110 can be disposed at a location of the support layer 104 below the armhole 250 of the vest (202). The battery 110 can be the largest component of the AC voltage generator, so the location below the armhole 250 can provide increased space for the battery 110 while maintaining the small profile of the vest.

[0043] Figure 3 Depicts a garment 302 in the form of a belt (or fanny pack). In some embodiments, the belt can take the form of a tool belt having a plurality of compartments located around the belt. As shown, the garment 302 can include a support layer 104, an amplifier 106, a control circuit 108, and at least one battery 110, as discussed in detail above. The garment 302 can also include any other features of the garment 102 discussed above with reference to Figure 1 discussion. As Figure 3 shown, the various components of the integrated AC generator can be distributed at different locations on the belt, for example, to balance the weight of the garment 302 on the subject's body and make the profile of the garment 302 smaller. In some embodiments, the garment 302 can take the form of a fanny pack having the largest component (e.g., the battery 110) in the main compartment. In other embodiments, the garment 302 can take the form of a fanny pack having an amplifier 106 that runs hottest in the main compartment and needs to be kept cooler in order to keep the amplifier 106 further away from the subject's skin. The belt / fanny pack garment 302 can be worn around the waist or torso of the subject's body (e.g., across one shoulder).

[0044] Figure 4 Depicts a system 400 including multiple garments 402A and 402B in which voltage generating components are integrated. The system 400 can be configured to generate an AC voltage. The first garment 402A can be or can include a vest configured to be worn on the subject's body, and the second garment 402B can be or can include a belt or fanny pack configured to be worn on the subject's body. As discussed above with reference to Figure 1As discussed, system 400 may include: an amplifier 106 configured to convert an input voltage into an AC voltage; a control circuit 108 communicatively coupled to the amplifier 106 and configured to control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage output from the amplifier 106; and at least one battery 110 coupled to the amplifier 106 and configured to supply the input voltage to the amplifier 106. The amplifier 106, the control circuit 108, and the at least one battery 110 may be integrated into the first garment 402A and the second garment 402B such that the weight of the amplifier 106, the control circuit 108, and the at least one battery 110 is supported by a combination of a vest and a belt or a fanny pack. For example, as Figure 4 shown, the amplifier 106 may be disposed in the vest (402A), at least a portion of the control circuit 108 may be disposed in the vest (402A), and the at least one battery 110 may be disposed in the belt or fanny pack (402B). In other embodiments, the amplifier 106 may be disposed in the belt or fanny pack (402B), at least a portion of the control circuit 108 may be disposed in the vest (402A), and the at least one battery 110 may be disposed in the vest (402A). Other embodiments may include other combinations of voltage generating components and locations (e.g., disposed in the vest 402A and the belt or fanny pack 402B).

[0045] As shown, the garment 402A may include a support layer 104A, the amplifier 106, and the control circuit 108, and the garment 402B may include a support layer 104B and the at least one battery 110. These voltage generating components may operate as discussed above with reference to Figure 1 . One or both of the garments 402A, 402B may also include what was discussed above with reference to Figure 1Any other features of the garment 102 discussed. Although shown as being located in the vest garment 402A, in other embodiments, the control circuit 108 may be located in the belt garment 402B, or the control circuit 108 may be distributed between the two garments 402A and 402B (e.g., at least one PCB is located on each of the vest (402A) and the belt or waist pack (402B)). One or more wires may extend between components on the first garment 402A and components on the second garment 402B. These wires may extend from one garment to a connector located on the other garment. In some embodiments, the first garment 402A may include all of the components of the AC generator (e.g., the amplifier 106, the control circuit 108, and one or more primary batteries 110), and the second garment 402B may contain one or more backup batteries 110, and when one or more of the primary batteries 110 are discharged or nearly discharged, the control circuit 108 may switch to the one or more backup batteries. In some embodiments, the first garment 402A may include all of the components of the AC generator (e.g., the amplifier 106, the control circuit 108, and the one or more batteries 110 that are currently in use), and the second garment 402B may contain one or more backup batteries, and after the battery 110 is discharged, the subject may use the one or more backup batteries to replace the battery 110. In some embodiments, one or more of the backup batteries (e.g., in the second garment 402B) may not be electrically connected to the components of the AC generator.

[0046] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Depicted is an exemplary subassembly 500 having certain components of an AC voltage generator that may be integrated into the garments described above. The illustrated subassembly 500 may include the amplifier 106 and the control circuit 108 discussed above. Additionally, the subassembly 500 may further include a housing 502 that forms a battery compartment 504 configured to receive a battery (e.g., Figure 1 110). The illustrated subassembly 500 further includes an output device 118 and a cooling system 128 (e.g., a fan). Figure 5A and Figure 5B The subassembly 500 in Figures 1 to 3 may be configured to include all three of the amplifier 106, the control circuit 108, and the battery (110). These voltage generating components may similarly be encapsulated together within a wearable garment (e.g., Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe sub-component 500 therein is relatively large in size and rigidity (resulting in a relatively large volume), and thus it may be necessary to disperse the voltage generating components to multiple separate locations (e.g., compartments 114) within the garment (102). For example, the voltage generating components may be located in multiple smaller sub-components around the garment 102. Having multiple smaller sub-components can make the weight of the voltage generating components more evenly distributed on the subject's body and make the profile smaller, such that the AC voltage generator is not visible or obtrusive. Distributing the voltage generating components at multiple locations in the garment (102) can also improve the flexibility in switching different sized batteries (e.g., for adjusting the battery capacity of the AC voltage generator).

[0047] Figure 6 Depicts a cross-section of a portion of the garment 102 having an amplifier 106 and a reflective or insulating material 126, wherein the reflective or insulating material is located between the amplifier 106 and the skin-facing portion 600 of the support layer 104. Figure 6 Illustrates the relative placement of these components (shown as layers) within the garment 102 with respect to the skin layer 602 of the subject's body. It should be understood that Figure 6 the cross-section is exemplary, and the exact shape, dimensions, and sizes of these component layers may vary. Additional layers of components, materials, and / or spaces may also be located in this portion of the garment 102. In embodiments without an amplifier (e.g., as Figure 7 shown), the heat-generating portion of the control circuit 708 can be further separated from the subject by using a reflective or insulating material 126. For example, the reflective or insulating material 126 can be located between the skin-facing portion 600 and the control circuit 708 (instead of Figure 6 the amplifier 106 shown).

[0048] The skin-facing portion 600 of the support layer 104 can be continuous with the outward-facing portion 604 of the support layer 104, which faces away from the subject's skin. In other embodiments, the skin-facing portion 600 can form an inner support layer, while the outward-facing portion 604 is a housing located above and attached to the inner support layer. The outward-facing portion 604 of the support layer 104 can be removable and capable of being replaced with another outward-facing portion (e.g., having a different color, design, pattern, material, shape, and / or style) to change the appearance of the garment 102.

[0049] In some embodiments, at least the skin-facing portion 600 of the support layer 104 may be washable. For example, the skin-facing portion 600 of the support layer 104 may be removable for cleaning. As another example, the skin-facing portion 600 and the outward-facing portion 604 may be removed from the internal compartment that houses the voltage generator components for cleaning. As another example, the voltage generator components may be removed from the support layer 104 such that all portions of the support layer, including the compartment, may be cleaned.

[0050] Figure 7 FIG. depicts a system 700 that includes a garment 702 in which voltage generating components are integrated. The garment 702 may be configured to use the voltage generating components to generate an output voltage (e.g., an AC voltage 103). The garment 702 may include a support layer 104 that is configured to be worn on a subject's body and that is configured to support the weight of the voltage generating components incorporated in the garment 702. These voltage generating components may include, for example, at least a control circuit 708 (which may provide an output signal to and / or receive an input signal from one or more output devices 118) and one or more batteries 110. These voltage generating components may function similarly (or differently) from those described above with reference to Figure 1 The control circuit 708 may convert an input voltage to an output voltage and may also control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage 103 output from the control circuit 708. The control circuit 708 may additionally provide any amplification required to generate the output voltage (e.g., the AC voltage 103). With the control circuit 708, the function of an amplifier (e.g., Figure 1 amplifier 106) may be incorporated into the control circuit 708, and a separate amplifier (e.g., Figure 1amplifier 106). The at least one battery 110 may be configured to supply an input voltage to the control circuit 708. The support layer 104 of the garment 702 may include, for example: voltage generating components (e.g., the control circuit 708 and the at least one battery 110); at least one compartment 114 (e.g., 114A, 114C, and 114D) for accommodating the voltage generating components incorporated into the garment 702; an output device 118 communicatively coupled to the control circuit 708; a pair of transducers 112 electrically coupled to the control circuit 708; a wire connector 116 electrically coupled to the control circuit 708 and configured to send an output voltage to the wires 124 of the pair of transducers 112; wires 124 for coupling the control circuit 708 to the pair of transducers 112; a charging port 120 coupled to the control circuit 708 and selectively couplable to an external power source 122; an input device 130 communicatively coupled to the control circuit 708; or any combination thereof. Unless mutually exclusive, the previously described Figures 1 to 6 voltage generating components and configurations may be combined with Figure 7 the embodiments of

[0051] Exemplary embodiment

[0052] The present invention includes the following additional exemplary embodiments ("embodiments").

[0053] Embodiment 1: A garment configured to generate an AC voltage, the garment comprising: a support layer configured to be worn on a subject's body; an amplifier for converting an input voltage into the AC voltage; a control circuit communicatively coupled to the amplifier and configured to control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage output from the amplifier; and at least one battery coupled to the amplifier and configured to supply the input voltage to the amplifier; wherein the amplifier, the control circuit, and the at least one battery are integrated into the garment such that the weight of the amplifier, the control circuit, and the at least one battery is supported by the support layer.

[0054] Embodiment 2: The garment according to Embodiment 1, wherein the garment includes a vest.

[0055] Embodiment 3: The garment according to Embodiment 2, wherein one or more of the at least one battery are disposed at a location of the support layer below the armholes of the vest.

[0056] Embodiment 4: The garment according to Embodiment 1, wherein the garment includes a belt or a fanny pack.

[0057] Example 5: The garment according to Example 1, wherein the support layer includes at least one compartment that houses therein one or more of the at least one battery, the amplifier, and / or the control circuit.

[0058] Example 6: The garment according to Example 1, wherein one or more of the at least one battery are removably disposed in the support layer and are capable of being replaced with at least one other battery.

[0059] Example 7: The garment according to Example 1, wherein the control circuit is coupled to the at least one battery and is configured to monitor the remaining charge of the at least one battery.

[0060] Example 8: The garment according to Example 7, the garment further includes an output device communicatively coupled to the control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to cause the output device to output a low battery indication when it detects that the remaining charge of the at least one battery is below a threshold.

[0061] Example 9: The garment according to Example 1, wherein at least the skin-facing portion of the support layer is washable.

[0062] Example 10: The garment according to Example 1, the garment further includes a pair of transducers electrically coupled to the amplifier, the pair of transducers being configured to induce tumor treating fields (TTFields) via the AC voltage output from the amplifier, the pair of transducers being integrated into the garment such that the weight of the pair of transducers is supported by the support layer.

[0063] Example 11: The garment according to Example 1, the garment further includes a wire connector electrically coupled to the amplifier and configured to send the AC voltage to the wires of a pair of transducers and receive sensor signals from the pair of transducers, the wire connector being integrated into the garment such that the weight of the wire connector is supported by the support layer.

[0064] Example 12: The garment according to Example 1, the garment further includes wires for coupling the amplifier to a pair of transducers, the wires being located within the support layer such that when the subject wears the garment, the wires do not contact the subject's skin.

[0065] Example 13: The garment according to Example 1, the garment further includes a charging port coupled to the amplifier, the charging port being integrated into the garment such that the weight of the charging port is supported by the support layer.

[0066] Example 14: The garment according to Example 13, wherein the charging port is coupled to the at least one battery and the control circuit, and wherein the control circuit is configured to selectively direct power from the charging port to the at least one battery to charge the at least one battery or to the amplifier to supply the input voltage.

[0067] Example 15: The garment according to Example 13, wherein the charging port includes a separable connector.

[0068] Example 16: The garment according to Example 1, further comprising a reflective material or an insulating material disposed between the amplifier and the skin-facing portion of the support layer.

[0069] Example 17: The garment according to Example 1, further comprising a cooling system configured to cool the amplifier, the cooling system being integrated into the garment such that the weight of the cooling system is supported by the support layer.

[0070] Example 18: A system configured to generate an AC voltage, the system comprising: a first garment including a vest configured to be worn on a subject's body; a second garment including a belt or a fanny pack configured to be worn on the subject's body; an amplifier for converting an input voltage to the AC voltage; a control circuit communicatively coupled to the amplifier and configured to control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage output from the amplifier; and at least one battery coupled to the amplifier and configured to supply the input voltage to the amplifier; wherein the amplifier, the control circuit, and the at least one battery are integrated into the first garment and the second garment such that the weight of the amplifier, the control circuit, and the at least one battery is supported by a combination of the vest and the belt or fanny pack.

[0071] Example 19: The system according to Example 18, wherein the amplifier is disposed in the vest, at least a portion of the control circuit is disposed in the vest, and one or more of the at least one battery are disposed in the belt or fanny pack.

[0072] Example 20: The system according to Example 18, wherein the amplifier is disposed in the belt or fanny pack, at least a portion of the control circuit is disposed in the vest, and one or more of the at least one battery are disposed in the vest.

[0073] Example 21: A system, the system comprising: a garment configured to generate an output voltage, the garment including: a support layer configured to be worn on a subject's body; at least one battery configured to supply an input voltage to the system; and a control circuit communicatively coupled to the battery and configured to generate the output voltage; wherein the at least one battery and the control circuit are integrated into the garment such that the weight of the at least one battery and the control circuit is supported by the support layer.

[0074] Example 22: The system according to Example 21, wherein the output voltage is an AC voltage.

[0075] Example 23: The system according to Example 22, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage output from the control circuit.

[0076] Example 24: The system according to Example 22, the system further comprising a pair of transducers electrically coupled to the control circuit, the pair of transducers configured to induce tumor treating fields (TTFields) via the AC voltage output from the control circuit, the pair of transducers being integrated into the garment such that the weight of the pair of transducers is supported by the support layer.

[0077] Example 25: The system according to Example 22, the system further comprising a wire connector electrically coupled to the control circuit and configured to send the AC voltage to wires of a pair of transducers and receive sensor signals from the pair of transducers, the wire connector being integrated into the garment such that the weight of the wire connector is supported by the support layer.

[0078] Example 26: The system according to Example 21, the system further comprising a charging port coupled to the control circuit and the at least one battery, the charging port being integrated into the garment such that the weight of the charging port is supported by the support layer, wherein the control circuit is configured to selectively direct power from the charging port to the at least one battery to charge the at least one battery, or to the control circuit to supply the input voltage.

[0079] Optionally, for each embodiment described herein, the voltage generating component supplies an electrical signal having an alternating current waveform with a frequency in the range of about 50 kHz to about 1 MHz to the transducer and is suitable for delivering TTFields therapy to the subject's body.

[0080] Unless otherwise specified herein or clearly contradicted by the context, the embodiments illustrated under any heading or in any part of the present disclosure may be combined with the embodiments illustrated under the same or any other heading or other part of the present disclosure. By way of example and not limitation, embodiments described in the format of dependent claims for a given embodiment (e.g., a given embodiment described in the format of an independent claim) may be combined with other embodiments (described in the format of independent claims or dependent claims).

[0081] Various modifications, alterations, and changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but rather have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A garment configured to generate an AC voltage, the garment comprising: A support layer configured to be worn on a subject's body; An amplifier for converting an input voltage into the AC voltage; A control circuit communicatively coupled to the amplifier and configured to control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage output from the amplifier; And At least one battery coupled to the amplifier and configured to supply the input voltage to the amplifier; Wherein the amplifier, the control circuit, and the at least one battery are integrated into the garment such that the weight of the amplifier, the control circuit, and the at least one battery is supported by the support layer.

2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment comprises a vest.

3. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment comprises a belt or a fanny pack.

4. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the support layer comprises at least one compartment for receiving therein one or more of the at least one battery, the amplifier, and / or the control circuit.

5. The garment according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one battery are removably disposed in the support layer and are capable of being replaced with at least one other battery.

6. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit is coupled to the at least one battery and is configured to monitor the remaining charge of the at least one battery.

7. The garment according to claim 1, wherein at least the skin-facing portion of the support layer is washable.

8. The garment according to claim 1, the garment further comprising a pair of transducers electrically coupled to the amplifier, the pair of transducers configured to induce Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) via the AC voltage output from the amplifier, the pair of transducers being integrated into the garment such that the weight of the pair of transducers is supported by the support layer.

9. The garment according to claim 1, the garment further comprising a wire connector electrically coupled to the amplifier and configured to send the AC voltage to a wire of a pair of transducers and receive a sensor signal from the pair of transducers, the wire connector being integrated into the garment such that the weight of the wire connector is supported by the support layer.

10. The garment according to claim 1, the garment further comprising a wire for coupling the amplifier to a pair of transducers, the wire being located within the support layer such that the wire does not contact the subject's skin when the subject wears the garment.

11. The garment according to claim 1, the garment further comprising a charging port coupled to the amplifier, the charging port being integrated into the garment such that the weight of the charging port is supported by the support layer.

12. The clothing according to claim 1, wherein the clothing further comprises a reflective material or an insulating material, and the reflective material or the insulating material is located between the amplifier and the skin-facing portion of the support layer.

13. The clothing according to claim 1, wherein the clothing further comprises a cooling system configured to cool the amplifier, and the cooling system is integrated into the clothing such that the weight of the cooling system is supported by the support layer.

14. A system configured to generate an AC voltage, the system comprising: a first piece of clothing including a vest configured to be worn on a subject's body; a second piece of clothing including a belt or a fanny pack configured to be worn on the subject's body; an amplifier configured to convert an input voltage into the AC voltage; a control circuit communicatively coupled to the amplifier and configured to control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage output from the amplifier; and at least one battery coupled to the amplifier and configured to supply the input voltage to the amplifier; wherein the amplifier, the control circuit, and the at least one battery are integrated into the first piece of clothing and the second piece of clothing such that the weight of the amplifier, the control circuit, and the at least one battery is supported by the combination of the vest and the belt or the fanny pack.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the amplifier is disposed in the vest, at least a portion of the control circuit is disposed in the vest, and one or more of the at least one battery are disposed in the belt or the fanny pack, or wherein the amplifier is disposed in the belt or the fanny pack, at least a portion of the control circuit is disposed in the vest, and one or more of the at least one battery are disposed in the vest.

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