Wearable garment with integrated tumor treatment field voltage generator - Patents.com

Abstract

A garment configured to generate an AC voltage is provided, the garment including: a support layer configured to be worn on a subject's body; an amplifier for converting an input voltage into an 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.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 393,290, filed December 21, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 435,636, filed December 28, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. [Background technology]

[0002] Tumor treating fields (TT fields) are low-intensity alternating current electric fields in the mid-frequency range (e.g., 50 kHz to 1 MHz) that can be used to treat tumors, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,565,205. TT fields are noninvasively induced in a region of interest by placing transducers 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 positioned on the subject's body. An AC voltage is applied between the first pair of transducers for a first time interval, generating an electric field with field lines running generally in the anterior-posterior direction. Next, an AC voltage at the same frequency is applied between the second pair of transducers for a second time interval, generating an electric field with field lines running generally in the lateral direction. The system repeats this two-step sequence throughout the treatment. Conventionally, the AC voltage is applied to the transducers via an AC voltage generator positioned away from the subject's body and coupled to the transducers via leads. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0003] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary system including a garment with an integrated voltage generating component. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary vest with an integrated voltage generating component. [Figure 3] 1 shows a belt with an integrated voltage generating component. [Figure 4]1 illustrates an exemplary system including a vest and belt with an integrated voltage generating component. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary subassembly having a voltage generation component. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating an exemplary subassembly having a voltage generation component. [Figure 6] 1 shows a cross section of a portion of a garment having one or more integrated voltage generating components. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates another exemplary system including a garment with an integrated voltage generating component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This application describes exemplary wearable garments with voltage generation components integrated therein that allow a subject to wear an AC voltage generator on their body.

[0005] Typically, one or more pairs of transducers are placed on the subject's body and used to apply a TT field to the subject's body (e.g., the subject's head, torso, or other parts) in an alternating fashion. The pair of transducers are electrically coupled to an AC voltage generator via leads, which is conventionally placed in an external housing away from the subject's body. For example, the AC voltage generator may be placed several feet away from the location of the transducers placed on the subject's body. The AC voltage generator is bulky and must be kept close to the subject at all times during TT field treatment. Typically, when a subject is traveling with the transducers (on the subject's body) connected to the generator via leads, the subject carries the generator in a backpack or shoulder bag, and may tend to place the AC voltage generator on the floor while remaining in one location for a period of time. Continuous tethering to a bulky external AC voltage generator can be cumbersome, reduce the subject's motivation, and reduce the time the subject spends using the system for TT field treatment.

[0006] As discovered by the inventors, the 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 may be articles of clothing. The wearable garment(s) include voltage-generating components, such as an amplifier, control circuitry, and one or more batteries, all of which may be disposed on or within the garment(s) and connected together to provide a low-profile AC voltage generator. The exemplary disclosed wearable garment(s) with an integrated AC voltage generator address shortcomings associated with conventional AC voltage generators. In particular, exemplary embodiments provide a less intrusive AC voltage generator that can be more easily incorporated into a subject's daily activities. Using the exemplary wearable garment(s) with integrated voltage-generating components, a subject is no longer tethered to bulky external devices that restrict or inhibit freedom of movement and / or the subject no longer needs to carry a backpack wherever they go. Furthermore, the entire AC voltage generator can be positioned against the subject's body while the subject is wearing the garment(s), so no wires hang down from the subject's body. The low profile and ease of movement of the wearable garment(s) of the present invention with integrated voltage generation components may encourage subjects to use the TT field therapy device for longer periods of time, and longer treatment times may lead to improved treatment results.

[0007] 1 illustrates a system 100 that includes a garment 102 having voltage-generation components integrated therein. The garment 102 may be configured to generate an AC voltage 103 using the voltage-generation components. The garment 102 may include a support layer 104 configured to be worn on a subject's body. The support layer 104 may be formed from one or more layers of fabric. The support layer 104 may be configured to support the weight of the voltage-generation components integrated into the garment 102. These voltage-generation components may include an amplifier 106, a control circuit 108, and one or more batteries 110.

[0008] The garment 102 may include an amplifier 106 for converting an input voltage to an AC voltage 103. The AC voltage 103 may be used to generate an AC electric field between at least one pair of transducers 112. The AC electric field may function as a TT field for treating the body of a subject wearing the garment 102. Optionally, as described further herein, the at least one pair of transducers 112 may be supported by the garment 102 (FIG. 1).

[0009] The garment 102 may include control circuitry 108 (e.g., on or including one or more control boards) that is communicatively coupled to the amplifier 106 and may be configured to control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage 103 output from the amplifier 106. The control circuitry 108 may include one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs), in particular one or more flexible PCBs.

[0010] The garment 102 may include at least one battery 110 coupled to the amplifier 106 and configured to provide an input voltage to the amplifier 106. While the illustrated embodiment includes two batteries 110, it should be noted that other embodiments of the garment 102 may include any other number of batteries 110 integrated therein (e.g., one, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more batteries 110). Furthermore, the batteries 110 need not be the same size (allowing flexibility with respect to duration of use) or located in a single location on the garment 102, but may be positioned to distribute weight more evenly across the body. The amplifier 106, control circuitry 108, and at least one battery 110 may be integrated into the garment 102 such that the weight of the amplifier 106, control circuitry 108, and at least one battery 110 is supported by the support layer 104.

[0011] In other embodiments, the amplifier 106 may not be present in the garment 102, and the functions of the amplifier 106 may be performed by a control circuit 108 (e.g., control circuit 708 of FIG. 7). In such embodiments, the control circuit 108 may be communicatively coupled to one or more batteries 110 and configured to generate an output voltage (e.g., an AC voltage 103). The control circuit 108 may also be configured to control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage 103 output from the control circuit 108.

[0012] It should be noted that although described as generating an AC voltage 103, in other embodiments the garment 102 may be configured to generate a DC voltage using an integrated voltage generation component.

[0013] The garment 102 disclosed herein can take many forms. For example, the garment 102 can include a vest, as shown in FIG. 2 . In another embodiment, the garment 102 can include a belt or fanny pack, as shown in FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, the garment 102 can be modular and / or adapted to be worn over one or more anatomical regions of the 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 improve comfort and / or convenience for the subject. In other embodiments, the system 100 can include voltage-generating components distributed among multiple garments 102 (e.g., a vest combined with either a belt or a fanny pack), as shown in FIG. 4 . In either case, the garment(s) 102 function as wearable devices that can be worn on the subject's body. The garment(s) 102 can be conformable to be worn under the subject's clothing. In other embodiments, the garment(s) 102 may be worn over the subject's clothing, particularly if the garment(s) 102 incorporate a fashionable design on the outward facing portion of the support layer 104 .

[0014] The support layer 104 of the garment 102 may include at least one compartment 114 (e.g., 114A, 114B, 114C, and 114D) for holding voltage-generating components incorporated into the garment 102. In particular, at least one compartment 114 (e.g., 114A, 114B, 114C, and 114D) may hold at least one battery 110, amplifier 106, and control circuitry 108 therein. As shown in FIG. 1 , for example, the battery 110 may be disposed in the first compartment 114A, the amplifier 106 may be disposed in the second compartment 114B, and the control circuitry 108 may be disposed in the third compartment 114C. In other embodiments, a single compartment 114 in the support layer 104 may hold a combination of the battery 110, amplifier 106, and / or control circuitry 108 therein. In still other embodiments, one or more of the battery 110, amplifier 106, and control circuitry 108 may be connected to and supported by the support layer 104 without the use of compartment(s) 114. The control circuitry 108 may include multiple PCBs communicatively coupled to each other and distributed across different compartments 114 of the garment 102.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 , other components of the AC voltage generator (e.g., lead connector 116) may be held within one or more compartments (e.g., compartment 114D). Additionally, other components of the AC voltage generator (e.g., one or more output devices 118, charging port 120, one or more input devices 130, etc.) may or may not be located within compartments of support layer 104. One or more compartments 114 may include rigid or semi-rigid housings or flexible material compartments sized for the particular component(s) designed to be located therein. Compartment 114 may be a pocket that is easily accessible by the subject while wearing garment 102. In other embodiments, compartment(s) 114 may be secured within the outer shell of support layer 104. To prevent any components from moving within compartment 114, compartment 114 may have any components within compartment 114 snugly positioned to prevent movement. As an example, the section 114 may include elastic portions and / or hook and loop portions for securing any components subsequent to the support layer 114 .

[0016] One or more batteries 110 of the garment 102 may be thin batteries. The term “thin battery” may refer to a battery that occupies less three-dimensional space or is arranged in a flexible manner that allows for easier subject movement compared to the large cylindrical batteries used in conventional AC voltage generators. For example, the battery 110 may be square and / or thin so that it is worn less intrusively across the subject's body. As another example, the battery 110 may have a curvature that matches the portion of the subject's body where the battery 110 is located when the subject is wearing the garment 102. In another example, one or more batteries 110 may be arranged in a semi-rigid case, allowing for increased flexibility within the garment 102. In another example, multiple smaller batteries 110 may be connected together by a flexible substrate and / or wiring, allowing the battery pack to flex around the subject's body.

[0017] The batteries 110 of the garment 102 may be electrically coupled together in series or in parallel. The batteries 110 may be stacked in a manner that maintains a relatively low profile for the connected batteries 110. In other embodiments, the individual batteries 110 of the garment 102 may be electrically isolated from one another, and the control circuitry 108 may control switching between one battery (or group of batteries) 110 and another battery (or group of batteries) 110 to output the input voltage to the amplifier 106. Thus, one battery 110 (or group of batteries 110) may act as the primary power source for the amplifier 106, and another battery 110 (or group of batteries 110) may act as a backup battery for the garment 102.

[0018] The batteries 110 may be replaceable with new batteries and / or batteries of different sizes. In particular, at least one battery 110 may be removably disposed within the support layer 104 and replaceable with at least one other battery 110. Other voltage-generating components within the garment 102 (e.g., the amplifier 106 and the control circuitry 108) may be adaptable to operate with batteries 110 of different voltages installed within the garment 102. Thus, the size and / or capacity of the battery may be easily adjusted to suit the needs of the subject wearing the garment 102.

[0019] The control circuitry 108 may be coupled to at least one battery 110 and configured to monitor the remaining charge of the at least one battery 110. When the control circuitry 108 detects low charge in the primary battery, it may send a signal to automatically switch from one battery 110 (e.g., the primary battery) to another battery 110 (e.g., a backup battery) to provide input voltage to the amplifier 106. Additionally or alternatively, the control circuitry 108 may send a signal to output a low-battery charging indication to the user. As an example, the garment 102 may include one or more output devices 118. For example, the garment 102 may include an output device 118 communicatively coupled to the control circuitry 108, and the control circuitry 108 may cause the output device 118 to output a low-battery indication when it detects that the remaining charge of the at least one battery 110 is below a threshold. The output device 118 may 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 may be located outside the garment 102 (e.g., integrated into an external power source 122, a user device (e.g., a mobile phone), etc.). In other embodiments, the output device 118 may communicate with an off-garment device.

[0020] In one example, output device 118 may include one or more lights and / or a display, and the low battery indication may include, for example, a flashing or red light and / or a visual output on a 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 haptic-enabled device, and the low battery indication may include a 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 to a separate user device (e.g., a cellular phone) via a Bluetooth connection (or other wireless communication).

[0021] In one example, the output device 118 may provide output information and / or transmit a signal related to the output information. Such output information may include, for example, data related to the condition of the garment, data related to the performance of the garment, data related to a treatment (e.g., a TT field) being administered to the subject using the garment, data related to a treatment or therapy parameter associated with a treatment being administered to the subject using the garment, or other information related to the garment and / or a treatment being administered using the garment. In another example, if the output device 118 wirelessly transmits a signal (e.g., via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, a personal area network, etc.), the transmitted signal may be received by an off-garment device (e.g., a designated wireless device customized to receive the transmitted signal or a personal mobile device having a mobile application stored thereon). Transmitting information from the garment 102 to an off-garment device may enhance the wearability and / or convenience of the garment 102. For example, the transmitted signal may be received by a device on the subject, a device of the subject's caregiver, or a device at a remote location that monitors the condition of the garment 102. Furthermore, using such off-garment devices may also reduce the weight of the garment 102 by reducing the number of components carried by the garment 102. These examples of various types of output devices 118, off-garment devices, low battery indications, and output information may be used in any combination.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control circuitry 108 may receive a signal to start, adjust, or stop generation of the AC electric field (e.g., the TT field). The signal may be initiated by a user (e.g., a subject wearing the garment 102 or a caregiver of a 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 circuitry 108, and the control circuitry 108 may receive a signal from the input device 130 to start, adjust, or stop generation of the AC 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 external to the garment 102 (e.g., integrated into an external power source 122, a user device (e.g., a mobile phone), etc.).

[0023] In one example, input device 130 may include one or more buttons or switches and / or a touchscreen display. In one example, input device 130 may include a Bluetooth device (or other wireless communication device). In one example, input device 130 and output device 118 may be integrated into a single device (e.g., a touchscreen display or a Bluetooth device (or other wireless communication device)). These examples of various types of input device 130 may be used in any combination.

[0024] 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 a component 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 a TT field via an AC voltage 103 output from the amplifier 106 (or, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, via the control circuit 708). The pair(s) of transducers 112 may be configured to be positioned on the subject's body, on the subject's body torso, or elsewhere on the subject's body. As shown in FIG. 1, the pair(s) of transducers 112 may be integrated into the garment 102 such that the weight of the pair(s) of transducers 112 is supported by the support layer 104. To that end, one pair(s) of transducers 112 may be integrated into the garment 102 at specific locations that allow two pairs(s) of transducers 112 to apply an alternating electric field (e.g., a TT field) at a desired frequency and intensity to a target region (e.g., a tumor) within the subject's body (e.g., within the torso of the subject's body). Examples of pairs of transducers integrated into garments 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 may be positioned external to the garment 102 (e.g., freestanding and / or attached directly to the subject's body), but electrically coupled to the garment 102.

[0025] The garment 102 may include a lead connector 116 electrically coupled to the amplifier 106 and configured to transmit an AC voltage 103 to the leads 124 for the pair of transducers 112. For example, in some embodiments, the voltage generation component supplies the transducers with an electrical signal having an alternating current waveform at a frequency ranging from about 50 kHz to about 1 MHz. The lead connector 116 may be integrated into the garment 102 such that the weight of the lead connector 116 is supported by the support layer 104. The lead connector 116 may include control and / or monitoring circuitry. The lead connector 116 may communicate with one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors) on the pair of transducers 112. In other embodiments, the lead connector 116 may simply function as an electrical connection point without additional circuitry, and the control circuit 108 may perform all control and / or monitoring operations. In embodiments in which the pair of transducers 112 are external to the garment 102, the lead connector 116 may be disposed on a surface of the support layer 104 (e.g., attached to the support layer 104), or may allow for simple connection of the lead wires 124 from a transducer disposed within a section 114, e.g., 114D, of the support layer 104, to an AC voltage generator within the garment 102. In some embodiments, the garment 102 may not include the lead connector 116, and instead may have the lead wires 124 connected directly to the amplifier 106.

[0026] The garment 102 may include leads 124 for coupling the amplifier 106 to the pair of transducers 112, and the leads 124 may be disposed within the support layer 104 so that the leads 124 do not contact the subject's skin while the subject is wearing the garment 102. 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 lead connector 116) may be disposed within the support layer 104 so that the wiring does not contact the subject's skin while the subject is wearing the garment 102.

[0027] As shown, the system 100 may include an external power source 122 separate from and connectable to the garment 102. This external power source 122 may include a larger external battery pack into which the voltage-generating components of the garment 102 may be plugged as a charger or power source. In another example, the external power source 122 may be any standard grid connection (e.g., a wall outlet).

[0028] 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 an external power source 122. The charging port 120 may be the only component of the AC voltage generator that extends outside the support layer 104 of the garment 102 (e.g., to connect to the external power source 122). As shown in FIG. 1 , the charging port 120 may also be connected to at least one battery 110. Having the charging port 120 connected to at least one battery 110 may allow the external power source 122 to provide input voltage to the amplifier 106 to directly power the transducer 112 (battery override) and / or charge the battery 110 within the garment 102 (battery charging). The charging port 120 may further 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 for charging the at least one battery 110 and / or to the amplifier 106 for providing an input voltage.

[0029] The charging port 120 may include a breakaway 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 a magnetic connection to the external power source 122 that allows the charging port 120 to remain securely plugged into the external power source 122 until, for example, the subject moves away from the external power source 122 to trigger a breakaway function.

[0030] The amplifier 106 may generate the most heat of all voltage-generating components within the garment 102. Therefore, the garment 102 may be equipped with features to protect the subject from excessive heat and / or to keep the amplifier 106 and other components within the garment 102 from overheating. For example, the garment 102 may include a reflective or insulating material 126 disposed between the amplifier 106 and the skin-facing portion of the support layer 104 to protect the subject's skin from heat generated by the amplifier 106. In the embodiment of FIG. 7 , one or more portions of the control circuitry 708 may generate the most heat, and the garment 102 may include a similar reflective or insulating material disposed between these one or more portions of the control circuitry 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 may be disposed between any system component that generates an uncomfortable amount of heat and the skin-facing portion of the support layer 104.

[0031] Returning to FIG. 1 , the garment 102 may include a cooling system 128 configured to cool the amplifier 106. The cooling system 128 may 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 may include, for example, a passive cooling system, such as a heat sink, or an active cooling system, such as a fan and / or a refrigerant circulation system. The active cooling system may be coupled to the control circuit 108 and / or the battery 110, where the control circuit 108 may provide control signals to the active cooling system and the battery 110 may provide power to the active cooling system. In the embodiment of FIG. 7 , one or more portions of the control circuit 708 may generate the most heat, and the garment 102 may include a similar cooling system configured to cool these one or more portions of the control circuit 708. The same or similar cooling system may be used to cool any system component that generates an amount of heat that requires dissipation (e.g., a large amount of heat or an uncomfortable amount of heat).

[0032] In some embodiments, the garment 102 may be equipped with a relatively small battery 110 that has a limited charge (e.g., only 15-30 minutes of charging). Such a small size may reduce the weight of the battery 110 on the support layer 104 and ultimately on the subject wearing the garment 102. In such cases, the battery 110 may be rechargeable by plugging the garment 102 into an external power source 122 via a charging port 120 on the garment 102, as described above. Having a small battery 110 may allow the subject to disconnect the external power source 122 for a specific period of time without having to remain constantly connected to a large battery bank or wall outlet. In one example, a sufficient number of small batteries may be carried on the garment 102 to maintain power to the garment during one or more activities of the subject. Thus, having a small battery 110 may provide increased mobility and ease of use for the subject wearing the garment 102.

[0033] 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 may include multiple compartments 114 of different sizes, each compartment configured to hold a different number of batteries 110 or batteries 110 of different sizes. Having such multiple compartments 114 of different sizes may allow for simple battery switching if a larger or smaller battery capacity is desired. The number and weight of batteries 110 that can be supported within the garment 102 may allow an individual subject to customize their garment 102 based on the weight they wish to carry and the battery life they desire.

[0034] Like the battery 110, the amplifier 106 and control circuitry 108 may be removable from the support layer 104 (e.g., via removal from compartment 114) to allow for easy maintenance, repair, or replacement of defective equipment, as well as to allow for cleaning of the support layer 104.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a garment 202 in the form of a vest. The term "vest" may include any article of clothing that can be worn around the torso. The vest may or may not have sleeves in the armholes. The vest may include an opening (with a clasp, button, zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, etc.) in the center of its front to facilitate donning and fastening the garment 202 to the subject. The vest may be a compression garment. As illustrated, the garment 202 may include the support layer 104, amplifier 106, control circuitry 108, and at least one battery 110, as discussed in detail above. The garment 202 may also include any other features of the garment 102 described above with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, various components of the integrated AC generator may be distributed across different locations on the vest, for example, to balance the weight of the garment 202 across the subject's body and provide a lower profile. As illustrated, the at least one battery 110 may be positioned in the support layer 104 below the armholes 250 of the vest (202). The battery 110 may be the largest component of the AC voltage generator, and therefore a location below the arm holes 250 may provide increased space for the battery 110 while maintaining a low profile for the vest.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a garment 302 in the form of a belt (or fanny pack). In some embodiments, the belt may take the form of a tool belt with multiple compartments disposed around the belt. As shown, the garment 302 may include the support layer 104, the amplifier 106, the control circuitry 108, and at least one battery 110, as discussed in detail above. The garment 302 may also include any other features of the garment 102 described above with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, various components of the integrated AC generator may be distributed across different locations on the belt, for example, to balance the weight of the garment 302 across the subject's body and allow the garment 302 to have a lower profile. In some embodiments, the garment 302 may take the form of a fanny pack with the largest component(s) (e.g., the battery 110) in the main compartment. In other embodiments, the garment 302 may take the form of a fanny pack with the amplifier 106 being hottest and needing to be kept cooler in the main compartment so that the amplifier 106 remains further away from the subject's skin. The belt / fanny pack style garment 302 may be worn around the waist of the subject's body or across the torso (eg, over one shoulder).

[0037] FIG. 4 shows a system 400 including multiple garments 402A and 402B having voltage-generating components disposed therein. The system 400 may be configured to generate an AC voltage. The first garment 402A may be or include a vest configured to be worn on the subject's body, and the second garment 402B may be or include a belt or fanny pack configured to be worn on the subject's body. The system 400 may include an amplifier 106 for converting an input voltage to 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, as described above with reference to FIG. 1 , 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 the combination of the vest and the belt or fanny pack. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the amplifier 106 may be located in the vest (402A), at least a portion of the control circuit 108 may be located in the vest (402A), and the at least one battery 110 may be located in the belt or fanny pack (402B). In other embodiments, the amplifier 106 may be located in the belt or fanny pack (402B), at least a portion of the control circuit 108 may be located in the vest (402A), and the at least one battery 110 may be located in the vest (402A). Other embodiments may include other combinations of voltage-generating components and locations (e.g., located in the vest 402A and the belt or fanny pack 402B).

[0038] As shown, garment 402A may include support layer 104A, amplifier 106, and control circuitry 108, while garment 402B may include support layer 104B and at least one battery 110. These voltage-generating components may operate as described above with reference to FIG. 1. One or both of garments 402A, 402B may also include any other features of garment 102 described above with reference to FIG. 1. While shown as being located within vest garment 402A, control circuitry 108 may, in other embodiments, be located within belt garment 402B, or control circuitry 108 may be distributed between both garments 402A and 402B (e.g., with at least one PCB located in each of the vest (402A) and belt or fanny pack (402B)). One or more leads may extend between component(s) on the first garment 402A and component(s) on the second garment 402B. These leads may extend from one garment to a connector located on the other garment. In some embodiments, the first garment 402A may include all components of the AC generator (e.g., amplifier 106, control circuit 108, and one or more primary batteries 110), and the second garment 402B may include one or more backup batteries 110 that can be switched in by the control circuit 108 when the one or more primary batteries 110 are discharged or nearly discharged. In some embodiments, the first garment 402A may include all components of the AC generator (e.g., amplifier 106, control circuit 108, and one or more batteries 110 currently in use), and the second garment 402B may include one or more spare batteries that can be replaced by the subject with the battery 110 when it is discharged. In some embodiments, the one or more spare batteries (e.g., in the second garment 402B) may not be electrically connected to the components of the AC generator.

[0039] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an exemplary subassembly 500 having certain components of an AC voltage generator that may be integrated into the garment(s) described above. The illustrated subassembly 500 may include the amplifier 106 and control circuit 108 described above. Additionally, the subassembly 500 may include a housing 502 forming a battery compartment 504 configured to receive a battery (e.g., 110, FIG. 1). The illustrated subassembly 500 also includes an output device 118 and a cooling system 128 (e.g., a fan). The subassembly 500 of FIG. 5A may be configured to include all three: the amplifier 106, the control circuit 108, and the battery (110). These voltage-generation components may similarly be packaged together within a wearable garment (e.g., 102, FIGS. 1-3). However, due to the large size, rigidity, and resulting bulkiness of the subassembly 500 of FIGS. 5A and 5B, it may be desirable to divide the voltage-generation components into multiple separate locations (e.g., compartments 114) within the garment(s) (102). For example, the voltage-generation components may be arranged in multiple smaller subassemblies that are arranged around the garment(s) 102. Having multiple smaller subassemblies may allow for a more even distribution of the weight of the voltage-generation components and a thinner profile across the subject's body, so that the AC voltage generator is less visible or obscured. Distributing the voltage-generation components in multiple locations within the garment(s) 102 may also improve flexibility in switching between batteries of different sizes (e.g., to adjust the battery capacity of the AC voltage generator).

[0040] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a portion of the garment 102 in which the amplifier 106 and a reflective or insulating material 126 are disposed between the amplifier 106 and a skin-facing portion 600 of the support layer 104. FIG. 6 illustrates the relative placement of these components (shown as layers) within the garment 102 with respect to a skin layer 602 of the subject's body. It should be understood that the cross-section of FIG. 6 is exemplary, and the exact shape, size, and dimensions of these layers of components may vary. Additional layers of components, materials, and / or spaces may also be disposed in this portion of the garment 102. In embodiments without an amplifier (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7 ), the portion of the control circuitry 708 that generates heat may be further isolated from the subject using the reflective or insulating material 126. For example, the reflective or insulating material 126 may be disposed between the skin-facing portion 600 and the control circuitry 708 (in place of the amplifier 106 shown in FIG. 6 ).

[0041] The skin-facing portion 600 of the support layer 104 may be continuous with an outward-facing portion 604 of the support layer 104 that faces away from the subject's skin. In other embodiments, the skin-facing portion 600 may form an inner support layer, with the outward-facing portion 604 being an outer shell positioned above and attached to the inner support layer. The outward-facing portion 604 of the support layer 104 may be removable and interchangeable 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.

[0042] 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 removable from an interior compartment that holds the voltage generator component for cleaning. As another example, the voltage generator component may be removable from the support layer 104 so that all portions of the support layer (including the compartment) may be cleaned.

[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary system 700 including a garment 702 having voltage-generation components integrated therein. The garment 702 can be configured to generate an output voltage (e.g., an AC voltage 103) using the voltage-generation components. The garment 702 can include a support layer 104 configured to be worn on a subject's body and configured to support the weight of the voltage-generation components integrated into the garment 702. These voltage-generation components can include, for example, at least a control circuit 708 (which can provide output signals to one or more output devices 118 and / or receive input signals from one or more input devices 130) and one or more batteries 110. These voltage-generation components can function similarly (or differently) to those described above with reference to FIG. 1. The control circuit 708 can convert an input voltage to an output voltage and can also control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage 103 output from the control circuit 708. The control circuit 708 can additionally provide any amplification necessary to generate the output voltage (e.g., the AC voltage 103). With the control circuit 708, the functionality of an amplifier (e.g., amplifier 106 of FIG. 1) may be incorporated into the control circuit 708, and a separate amplifier (e.g., amplifier 106 of FIG. 1) may be unnecessary. At least one battery 110 may be configured to provide 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., a control circuit 708 and at least one battery 110), at least one compartment 114 (e.g., 114A, 114C, and 114D) for holding 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 lead connector 116 electrically coupled to the control circuit 708 and configured to transmit an output voltage to leads 124 for the pair of transducers 112, leads 124 for coupling the control circuit 708 to the pair of transducers 112, a charging port 120 coupled to the control circuit 708 and which may be selectively coupled to an external power source 122, an input device 130 communicatively coupled to the control circuit 708, or any combination thereof.The previously described voltage generating components and configurations of FIGS. 1-6 may be combined with the embodiment of FIG. 7 except where mutually exclusive.

[0044] Illustrative Embodiments The present invention includes other exemplary embodiments ("embodiments") as follows.

[0045] Embodiment 1: 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 to the AC voltage; a control circuit communicatively coupled to the amplifier and configured to control a frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage output from the amplifier; and at least one battery coupled to the amplifier and configured to provide 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.

[0046] Embodiment 2: The garment of embodiment 1, wherein the garment comprises a vest.

[0047] Embodiment 3: The garment of embodiment 2, wherein one or more of the at least one battery is positioned on the support layer below the armholes of the vest.

[0048] Embodiment 4: The garment of embodiment 1, wherein the garment comprises a belt or a fanny pack.

[0049] Embodiment 5: The garment of embodiment 1, wherein the support layer includes at least one compartment that holds one or more of the at least one battery, the amplifier, and / or the control circuitry therein.

[0050] Embodiment 6: The garment of embodiment 1, wherein one or more of the at least one battery is removably disposed within the support layer and is replaceable with at least one other battery.

[0051] Embodiment 7: The garment of embodiment 1, wherein the control circuitry is coupled to the at least one battery and configured to monitor a remaining charge of the at least one battery.

[0052] Embodiment 8: The garment of embodiment 7, further comprising an output device communicatively coupled to the control circuitry, the control circuitry configured to cause the output device to output a low battery indication upon detecting that the remaining charge of the at least one battery falls below a threshold.

[0053] Embodiment 9: The garment of embodiment 1, wherein at least the skin-facing portion of the support layer is washable.

[0054] Embodiment 10: The garment of embodiment 1, further comprising a pair of transducers electrically coupled to the amplifier, the pair of transducers configured to induce a tumor treatment field (TT field) 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.

[0055] Embodiment 11: The garment of embodiment 1, further comprising a lead connector electrically coupled to the amplifier and configured to transmit an AC voltage to leads for a pair of transducers and receive sensor signals from the pair of transducers, the lead connector being integrated into the garment such that the weight of the lead connector is supported by the support layer.

[0056] Embodiment 12: The garment of embodiment 1, further comprising leads for coupling the amplifier to a pair of transducers, the leads being positioned within the support layer such that the leads do not contact the subject's skin while the subject is wearing the garment.

[0057] Embodiment 13: The garment of embodiment 1, 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.

[0058] Embodiment 14: The garment of embodiment 13, wherein the charging port is coupled to the at least one battery and the control circuit, and 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 provide the input voltage.

[0059] Embodiment 15: The garment of embodiment 13, wherein the charging port includes a breakaway connector.

[0060] Embodiment 16: The garment of embodiment 1, further comprising a reflective or insulating material positioned between the amplifier and the skin-facing portion of the support layer.

[0061] Embodiment 17: The garment of embodiment 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.

[0062] Embodiment 18: A system configured to generate an AC voltage, the system including: a first garment including a vest configured to be worn on a body of a subject; a second garment including a belt or fanny pack configured to be worn on the body of the subject; 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 the combination of the vest and the belt or fanny pack.

[0063] Embodiment 19: The system of embodiment 18, wherein the amplifier is located within the vest, at least a portion of the control circuitry is located within the vest, and one or more of the at least one battery is located within the belt or fanny pack.

[0064] Embodiment 20: The system of embodiment 18, wherein the amplifier is located within the belt or fanny pack, at least a portion of the control circuitry is located within the vest, and one or more of the at least one battery is located within the vest.

[0065] Embodiment 21: A system, comprising: a garment configured to generate an output voltage, the garment including: a support layer configured to be worn on a body of a subject; at least one battery configured to provide an input voltage to the system; and a control circuit communicatively coupled to the battery and configured to generate the output voltage, the at least one battery and the control circuit being integrated into the garment such that the weight of the at least one battery and the control circuit is supported by the support layer.

[0066] Embodiment 22: The system of embodiment 21, wherein the output voltage is an AC voltage.

[0067] Embodiment 23: The system of embodiment 22, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage output from the control circuit.

[0068] Embodiment 24: The system of embodiment 22, further comprising a pair of transducers electrically coupled to the control circuit, the pair of transducers configured to induce a tumor treatment field (TT field) 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.

[0069] Embodiment 25: The system of embodiment 22, further comprising a lead connector electrically coupled to the control circuit and configured to transmit an AC voltage to leads for a pair of transducers and receive sensor signals from the pair of transducers, the lead connector being integrated into the garment such that the weight of the lead connector is supported by the support layer.

[0070] Embodiment 26: The system of embodiment 21, 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, and the control circuit configured to selectively direct power from the charging port to the at least one battery for charging the at least one battery or to the control circuit for providing the input voltage.

[0071] Optionally, for each embodiment described herein, the voltage generation component supplies the transducer with an electrical signal at a frequency in the range of about 50 kHz to about 1 MHz and having an alternating current waveform suitable for providing TT field therapy to the subject's body.

[0072] Embodiments described under any heading or in any portion of this disclosure may be combined with embodiments described under the same heading or in another portion of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by context. For example, and not by way of limitation, embodiments described in dependent claim form with respect to a given embodiment (e.g., a given embodiment described in independent claim form) may be combined with other embodiments (written in independent or dependent claim form).

[0073] Numerous modifications, variations, and alterations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the described embodiments, but rather to have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A garment configured to generate an AC voltage, the garment comprising: a support layer configured to be worn on the body of a subject; an amplifier for converting an input voltage to said 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; at least one battery coupled to the amplifier and configured to provide the input voltage to the amplifier; The garment, 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 of claim 1 , wherein the garment comprises a vest.

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

4. The garment of claim 1 , wherein the support layer includes at least one compartment that holds one or more of the at least one battery, the amplifier, and / or the control circuitry therein.

5. The garment of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the at least one battery is removably disposed within the support layer and is replaceable with at least one other battery.

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

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

8. 2. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a pair of transducers electrically coupled to the amplifier, the pair of transducers configured to induce a tumor treatment field (TT field) via the AC voltage output from the amplifier, the pair of transducers being integrated into the garment such that a weight of the pair of transducers is supported by the support layer.

9. 10. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a lead connector electrically coupled to the amplifier and configured to transmit an AC voltage to leads for a pair of transducers and to receive sensor signals from the pair of transducers, the lead connector being integrated into the garment such that a weight of the lead connector is supported by the support layer.

10. 10. The garment of claim 1, further comprising leads for coupling the amplifier to a pair of transducers, the leads being positioned within the support layer such that the leads do not contact the subject's skin while the subject is wearing the garment.

11. The garment of claim 1 , 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 garment of claim 1 , further comprising a reflective or insulating material positioned between the amplifier and the skin-facing portion of the support layer.

13. The garment of claim 1 , further comprising a cooling system configured to cool the amplifier, the cooling system being integrated into the garment such that a weight of the cooling system is supported by the support layer.

14. 1. A system configured to generate an AC voltage, the system comprising: a first garment including a vest configured to be worn on a body of a subject; a second garment comprising a belt or fanny pack configured to be worn on the subject's body; an amplifier for converting an input voltage to said 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; at least one battery coupled to the amplifier and configured to provide the input voltage to the amplifier; The system, 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 the combination of the vest and the belt or fanny pack.

15. the amplifier is located within the vest, at least a portion of the control circuitry is located within the vest, and one or more of the at least one battery is located within the belt or fanny pack; 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the amplifier is located within the belt or fanny pack, at least a portion of the control circuitry is located within the vest, and one or more of the at least one battery is located within the vest.

Images