A modular garment

Abstract

A modular garment comprising: a plurality of wearable segments adapted to be releasably attachable to respective portions of a user's body to at least partially cover the respective portions of the user's body in use. The plurality of wearable segments include one or more electrical heat generating elements comprising an electrically conductive composite fabric. At least one electrical connector is associated with each of the plurality of wearable segments. The at least one electrical connector is electrically connectable to the one or more electrical heat generating elements for connection to a power source and / or another wearable segment. A portable control unit is adapted to selectively and independently control a power delivered to each of the one or more electrical heat generating elements to increase or decrease an amount of heat provided to a corresponding portion of the user's body.

Description

A Modular GarmentFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present application relates to a thermally adjustable garment and in particular to modular garments for regulating the temperature of a user.

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention are particularly adapted for a surgical and post operative environment. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is applicable in broader contexts and other applications.BACKGROUND

[0003] The precise regulation of a patient’s temperature before, during and after surgery is critical in order to achieve a positive clinical outcome. For instance, a patient’s core body temperature can drop up to 1.7 degrees Centigrade due to anesthetization. As such, perioperative hypothermia is a risk for such patients.

[0004] Also operating theatres are often operated at a cool temperature for the comfort of the surgeons performing the procedure on a given patient. Present devices used for warming a patient during a surgical procedure are typically not portable, and cannot be worn by the patient once the patient leaves the operating theatre.

[0005] Typically, as current warming devices utilize blankets, they are not readily wearable, nor can sections be readily removed to reveal parts of the patient’s body during surgery.

[0006] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular garment comprising: a plurality of wearable segments adapted to be releasably attachable to respective portions of a user’s body to at least partially cover the respective portions of the user’s body in use, the plurality of wearable segments including one or more electrical heat generating elements comprising an electrically conductive composite fabric; at least one electrical connector associated with each of the plurality of wearable segments, the at least one electrical connector being electrically connectable to the one or more electrical heat generatingelements for connection to a power source and / or another wearable segment; and a portable control unit adapted to selectively and independently control a power delivered to each of the one or more electrical heat generating elements to increase or decrease an amount of heat provided to a corresponding portion of the user’s body.

[0008] In one embodiment, the power source is a portable power source.

[0009] In one embodiment, the portable power source is a rechargeable battery. In one embodiment, the portable power source is a non-rechargeable battery.

[0010] In one embodiment, the modular garment further includes a connector for connection to a mains operated power supply.

[0011] In one embodiment, the plurality of wearable segments are releasably attachable by way of a hook and loop fastener configuration.

[0012] In one embodiment, the plurality of wearable segments are releasably attachable by way of a button configuration.

[0013] In one embodiment, the plurality of wearable segments are releasably attachable by way of a press stud.

[0014] In one embodiment, the plurality of wearable segments are releasably attachable by way of a magnet.

[0015] In one embodiment, the plurality of wearable segments are releasably attachable by way of a zip fastener configuration.

[0016] In one embodiment, the plurality of wearable segments are releasably attachable by way of a clip.

[0017] In one embodiment, the one or more electrical heat generating elements includes an embedded resistive wire for providing heat to the user’s body.

[0018] In one embodiment, the one or more electrical heat generating elements includes a printed element for providing heat to the user’s body. In some embodiments, the printed elements comprise one or more conductive inks. In some embodiments, the one or more conductive inks may comprise partly of silver or a combination of silver and carbon. The conductive inks may be applied using a robotic spray nozzle which is controlled to apply the conductive ink to the fabric of the wearable segments.

[0019] In one embodiment, the plurality of wearable segments are comprised of a composite fabric.

[0020] In one embodiment, the portable control unit is wearable on the user’s body.

[0021] In one embodiment, each segment includes a power source.

[0022] In one embodiment, the power source is a battery.

[0023] In one embodiment, the battery is rechargeable.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of wearable segments is connected to mains power.

[0025] In one embodiment, the portable control unit includes full temperature regulation control.

[0026] In one embodiment, the garment includes one or more temperature sensors for sensing a current temperature of the segments of the user’s body.

[0027] In one embodiment, information from the temperature sensors is used to regulate the temperature of the one or more electrical heat generating elements.

[0028] In one embodiment, connections between segments are reconnectable to cover combinations of segments.

[0029] In one embodiment, the control unit is embedded within or attached to a segment of the garment.

[0030] In one embodiment, the means of attachment is a hook and loop configuration.

[0031] In one embodiment, the portable control unit is removeable for attachment to different sections of the garment.

[0032] In one embodiment, the portable control unit is a handheld device.

[0033] In one embodiment, the wearable segments include one or more of a torso, legs, arms, feet.

[0034] In one embodiment, the portable control unit has a user interface.

[0035] In one embodiment, the garment further includes wireless connectivity.

[0036] In one embodiment, the plurality of wearable segments include respective control units.

[0037] In accordance with a second aspect, there is provided a modular garment comprising: a plurality of wearable segments adapted to be releasably attachable to respective portions of a user’s body to at least partially cover the respective portions of the user’s body in use, the plurality of wearable segments including one or more electrical heat generating elements comprising an electrically conductive composite fabric; and a portable control unit adapted to selectively and independently control a power delivered to each of the one or more electrical heat generating elements to increase or decrease an amount of heat provided to a corresponding portion of the user’s body.

[0038] In accordance with a third aspect, there is provided a modular garment comprising: a plurality of wearable segments adapted to be releasably attachable to respective portions of a user’s body to at least partially cover the respective portions of the user’s body in use, the plurality of wearable segments including one or more electrical heat generating elements; at least one electrical connector associated with each of the plurality of wearable segments, the at least one electrical connector being electrically connectable to the one or more electrical heat generating elements for connection to a power source and / or another wearable segment; and a portable control unit adapted to selectively and independently control a power delivered to each of the one or more electrical heat generating elements to increase or decrease an amount of heat provided to a corresponding portion of the user’s body.

[0039] In some embodiments, the one or more electrical heat generating elements comprise a conductive composite fabric. In some embodiments, the composite fabric is electrically conducting. In some embodiments, the one or more electrical heat generating elements comprise one or more printed elements. In some embodiments, the printed elements comprise one or more conductive inks.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0040] Example embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a modular garment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;Figure 2 shows exemplary heating elements in accordance with the embodiment in Figure 1 ;Figure 3 is a plan view of an exemplary power supply used in some embodiments of the invention;Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a portable control unit used in some embodiments of the invention;Figure 5 is a schematic front view of a modular garment utilising batteries for each garment section in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;Figure 6 is a schematic front view of a modular garment utilising a single battery control unit in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;Figure 7 is a schematic front view of a modular garment utilising multiple battery control units in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;Figure 8 is a schematic front view of a modular garment utilising multiple battery control units in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;Figure 9 is a schematic front view of a modular garment utilising a single controller with isolation in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; andFigure 10 is a system diagram schematically illustrating an exemplary architecture of a portable control unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in the context of clinical applications where the user is a patient. However, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may be used in other applications where regulating a user’s body temperature is important such as in cold environments, triage, sporting applications, military applications, survival and domestic use.

[0042] Referring initially to Figure 1 , there is illustrated a modular garment 100 to be worn by a user, such as a patient (not shown) in a clinical environment, as one example. The garment 100 is comprised of a plurality of wearable segments 102A-102E (collectively referred to as item 102). Although five wearable segments are illustrated, it will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, modular garment 100 may comprise greater or fewer wearable segments.

[0043] As can be seen in Figure 1 , the wearable segments 102 each have respective shapes so as to conform to a corresponding portion of the user’s body. Wearable segment 102A is adapted to cover the user’s chest, torso, shoulders and back. Wearable segment 102A takes the general form of a short sleeve t-shirt. Wearable segments 102B and 102C are adapted to cover the user’s arms and generally take the form of sleeves. Wearable segments 102D and 102E are adapted to cover the user’s legs and generally take the form of sleeves also.

[0044] The wearable segments 102 are preferably made from an insulating material such as a composite fabric, including a polyester blend, a polyester and nylon blend, a wool, PVC layer and polyester blend or other suitable fabric with hydrophobic or water-repellent, durable, insulating and heat reflecting properties. Additionally, it is preferable that the fabric of the wearable segments 102 is readily reusable and cleanable for the purposes of reuse. The wearable segments 102 may be comprised of a number of layers of fabric forming a laminated structure. The layers may be sewn together or bonded using an adhesive. This structure and composition of the layers will be important when discussing the electrical heat generating elements 200 as will be discussed below. In some embodiments, approximately 2m2of material comprising the wearable segments 102 is used to cover an entire human body in the (95thpercentile range). In some embodiments, the material used to form the various wearable segments 102 has a degree of flex or resilience such that the wearable segments conform closely to the skin of the user.

[0045] Each of the wearable segments 102 are adapted to be independently releasably attachable to respective portions of a user’s body to at least partially cover the respective portions of the user’s body in use. To assist the positioning on the user’s body, the wearable segments 102 are shaped to conform with respective portions of a user’s body and may utilize a variety of means of attachment to each other. For instance, along the periphery of each of the wearable segments, a hook and loop fastener configuration such as Velcro ® may be used. The hook and loop configuration may be sewn into the fabric of the wearable segments 102 about their perimeter, or may be attached using a suitable adhesive. By way of example, wearablesegments 102B and 102C include hook and loop straps 120 and 122 which adhere to corresponding sections located on wearable segments 102B and 102C. The hook and loop configuration may also be used to attach other items to each of the wearable segments 102.

[0046] Other fasteners that can be used on each or the wearable segments 102 include, a button configuration, a press stud configuration, a magnetic attachment, a zip fastener configuration or a clip as some examples. The buttons of the button configuration may be sewn into the wearable segments 102. However, the press studs (also known as snap fasteners) are typically applied using a specialised tool. The magnetic attachments may be sewn into the fabric of the wearable segments 102 or inserted between the layers of the fabric of the wearable segments (in the case of multiple layers). It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, that different strength magnets may be required depending on the location of the magnets within the wearable segments 102. For instance, if the magnets are embedded between layers of the associated fabric of the wearable segments 102, stronger magnets may be required as compared to the magnets being disposed on the outside of the fabric by way of say an adhesive. In which case, weaker magnets may be utilised.

[0047] As was mentioned previously, a clip can be used on each or the wearable segments 102 as a fastener. The clip may be comprised of a resilient material which may be fabricated from a resilient metallic material or a resilient polymer as some examples. The clip may be attached to the wearable segment 102 using an adhesive compound or through the use of an attachment thread or by threading the clip through an aperture in the wearable segments 102.

[0048] In one embodiment, one or more of the wearable segments 102 can include one or more belt loops (not shown) for securely attaching the wearable segments 102 to the user’s body. In this regard, the belt loop may be threaded through apertures (not shown) in the wearable segments 102. The one of more belt loops may be beneficial in the case where the user is in motion, such as when they are walking.

[0049] With reference to Figure 2, the plurality of wearable segments 102 includes one or more electrical heat generating elements 200 comprising an electrically conductive composite fabric. The heat generating elements 200 may be embedded within the layers of the fabric comprising the wearable segments 102. In alternate embodiments, the heating elements may be applied to the outside of the fabric layers comprising the wearable segments 102.

[0050] In some embodiments, the heat generating elements 200 include an array of embedded resistive wire or wires. The heat generating elements 200 may be configured to provide uniform or targeted heating across the parts of the user. The embedded resistive wire is flexible, light weight and provides a low-cost solution. As illustrated in Figure 2, the embedded resistive wire may be configured to overlap each other to form a wire grid mesh. Alternatively, the embedded resistive wire may be configured take a serpentine shape. In this regard, a substrate may be used to ensure that the resistive wire maintains its shape when inserted into the wearable segments 102. In this case, the resistive wire may be adhered to or embedded within the substrate and then inserted between layers of the wearable segments 102.

[0051] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the heat (H) generated from a conductor with resistance R is expressed as:• H = l2Rt (Joules equation of electrical heating)

[0052] Where I = Current in Amperes, R = Resistance in Ohms, and t = time. The above formula may be used to calculate the maximum and minimum amount of heat that can be generated by the resistive wire. This calculation will take into account the maximum and minimum current supply for the system.

[0053] In other embodiments, the heat generating elements 200 may comprise one or more printed elements, such as conductive inks that may be applied to a surface of the wearable segments 102 using printing techniques. The conductive inks may comprise partly of silver or a combination of silver and carbon as some examples. The conductive ink may be applied using a robotic spray nozzle which is controlled to apply the conductive ink to the fabric of the wearable segments 102. Examples of suitable printing machinery include those manufactured by Voltera Inc. The application of the conductive ink is controllable by a number of parameters including the viscosity of the conductive ink and the size of the nozzle adapted to apply the conductive ink to the wearable segments 102. The printed element also provides a good uniform heating solution and can be provided in custom patterns. Typically, the printed heat generating elements 200 are printed onto a flexible material using a special ink. Examples of suitable inks include Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) conductive inks that include flexible substrates. The printed element may be applied to the outer layers of the wearable segments 102, or alternatively on an interior of each of the wearable segments. Thus, providing additional protection for the printed element when in use. In other embodiments, the printed heatingelements may be printed onto suitably sized sheets of flexible material and inserted between layers of each of the wearable segments 102.

[0054] In one preferred embodiment, the electrical heat generating elements 200 comprise an electrically conductive composite fabric. The electrically conductive composite fabric has the benefit of being radiolucent and may provide all of the advantages of embedded resistive wire and a printed element. Examples of a suitable electrically conductive composite fabric may include the products EeonTex ® or CoTexx ®. EeonTex ® is a nonwoven microfiber adapted to generate heat when current is applied to the structure of the microfiber. The electrically conductive composite fabric may be sewn into the outer layers of the wearable segments 102, or in the case where the wearable segments 102 comprise layers, the electrically conductive composite fabric may be inserted between layers of the wearable segments 102.

[0055] In some embodiments, the electrically conductive composite fabric forming the heat generating elements may be inserted between adjacent insulating layers and partially or fully enclosed therein. In this manner, heat generated by the heat generating elements can be distributed throughout an enclosed region of the wearable segments 102. The enclosed region or the electrically conductive composite fabric may cover substantially all of a wearable segment 102 or may cover only a portion of a wearable segment 102.

[0056] Referring back to Figure 1 , each of the plurality of wearable segments includes at least one electrical connector 104. The electrical connectors 104 are electrically connectable to the one or more electrical heat generating elements 200 for electrical connection to a power source 106 (as will be discussed below). Alternatively, the electrical connectors 104 may be connected to corresponding electrical connectors 104 of another wearable segment 102. In that case, the power may be derived from a powered wearable segment 102, rather than directly from a power source 106 by daisy chaining.

[0057] As will be described below, various connection architectures may be possible in modular garment 100. In some embodiments, the heat generating elements 200 within each of the wearable segments 102 are independently powered through electrical connectors 104. In other embodiments, some or all of the heat generating elements 200 within each of the wearable segments 102 are powered indirectly through other wearable segments 102 via electrical connectors 104. This allows each wearable segment 102 to be independently electrically controlled to respective temperatures that may be the same or different than other wearable segments.

[0058] The electrical connectors are preferably formed within a waterproof housing or adapted to receive a waterproof protective cap to facilitate cleaning and allow for the wearable segments 102 to be used in a washing machine or other suitable system for cleaning. The electrical connectors 104, may comprise a plug and recess configuration as an example.

[0059] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, two examples of a power source 106 is shown. As was previously mentioned, the power source 106 is adapted to supply power to the heat generating elements 200. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , the power source 106 is connected to mains power through an isolation unit 1 10. However, for improved portability of the modular garment 100, the power source 106 is preferably a portable power source having a local power supply such as a battery (not shown). In some embodiments, each of the plurality of wearable segments may have an associated power source.

[0060] As can be seen in Figure 3, the power source 106 may take one input through input line 124 and provide multiple power outputs (three in the illustrated embodiment) through output lines 126, 127 and 128. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , the power source includes five output lines to supply power to heat generating elements 200 within each of the five wearable segments 102A-102E. The input line 124 of the power source 106 may include a connection for mains operated power supply, such as 240 V RMS or 1 10V RMS. The mains socket may include a universal IEC plug allowing for connection to a variety of different plug connections for use in different countries. In this regard, an isolation unit 110 (shown in Figure 1 ) in the form of a transformer is utilised to provide safe electrical isolation from the mains power. The isolation unit may be attached to a bracket on a bed or to a bed pole when the patient is being transported to the ward or operating theatre.

[0061] The power source 106 preferably utilizes a rechargeable battery such as Lithium ion, nickel cadmium, alkaline or nickel metal hydride as some examples. As such, a charging circuit is included with the ability to charge the battery when connected to a mains power supply. In these embodiments, the input line 124 may be used to recharge the battery from mains power or another power supply such as a charging station.

[0062] The ability to utilize mains power provides for longer term patient heating, which is necessary while the patient is undergoing an operation of when the patient has returned to their room. The use of a portable power source is required when the patient is being transported or is away from a reliable mains power source.

[0063] Referring to Figure 4, one or more portable control units 108 are adapted to selectively and independently control power derived from the power source 106, to each of the one or more electrical heat generating elements 200 to increase or decrease an amount of heat provided to a corresponding portion of the user’s body. The portable control unit 108 includes a processor such as a microcontroller, integrated circuit or System-On-Chip device for performing local data processing. The portable control unit 108 may include local memory such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and other equivalent memory or storage systems as should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The processor is configured to execute code stored in the memory and to store data in the memory.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiments of Figures 3 and 4, both the power source 106 and portable control unit 108 are integrated into a single unit and may be used to control each of the individual heating elements 200. In other embodiments, the power source 106 and the control unit 108 may be separate units, in which case the power source 106 and the control unit 108 may be connected together using an electrical connector and cable. In a further embodiment, the control unit 108 may connect wirelessly with the power source 106 or an associated wireless transceiver connected with the power source 106.

[0065] As illustrated in Figure 4, the portable control unit 108 includes a display 130 illustrating relevant information such as a current temperature of parts of the user covered in the wearable segments 102 and / or an overall temperature of the user (e.g. average temperature of the different wearable segments). As illustrated in Figure 3, the portable control unit 108 may include one or more buttons 135 to receive user input to adjust parameters such as the temperature of each wearable segment 102. In some embodiments, display 103 includes a touchscreen interface allowing user input control. Adjustment of the temperature at portable control unit 108 adjusts a current supplied to the heat generating elements 200 of a corresponding wearable segment 102 to increase or decrease the temperature accordingly.

[0066] The portable control unit 108 ideally includes full temperature regulation control. In this regard, the portable control unit 108 is connected to one or more temperature sensors in the form of a thermostatically controlled device such as a thermocouple (NTC). In other embodiments, the temperature sensors may comprise a thermistor, RTD or a linear device such as an integrated circuit sensor with examples being the LM335 or the AD590. The thermocouples or other temperature sensors are located within the wearable segments 102 ofmodular garment 100. By way of example, the temperature sensors may be placed between the heat pads and the garment layer closest to the skin of the user. Each wearable segment 102 may include one or multiple temperature sensors.

[0067] The output from the temperature sensors can then be used to provide control information to the portable control unit 108 to regulate the power being supplied to the heat generating elements 200. Thus, the temperature of each of the wearable segments is controlled via the portable control unit 108. In alternative embodiments, the temperature may be controllable by one or more external temperature sensor(s) (not shown) that is used to measure a temperature of a patient. The external temperature sensor may then be plugged into the control unit 108 and / or communicated wirelessly with the control unit 108 and used to alter the temperature of the heat generating elements 200 in respect of the patient’s core temperature as derived from the temperature measurements received from the external temperature sensor.

[0068] The portable control unit 108 is preferably wearable by the user and may be attached to a wearable segment 102 using a hook and loop fastener or similar means of attachment / detachment. Alternatively, the portable control unit 108 may be locatable within a pocket or pouch of a wearable segment 102. In some embodiments, the control unit is embedded within or attached to a wearable segment 102 of the modular garment 100.

[0069] The portable control unit 108 may also be in the form of a handheld device, allowing for easier control by a user. To allow for remote control, a wireless interface may be included in the portable control unit 108 to connect the portable control unit 108 to one or more external network devices such as a smartphone or tablet computer. Such protocols as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee may be utilised in this regard.

[0070] Various other embodiments will now be described in which common elements of modular garment 100 are designated with the same reference numerals. Further, some elements common to modular garment 100 described above or not labelled so as to improve visibility of new or alternate features being described and illustrated.

[0071] Referring now to Figure 5, there is illustrated a modular garment 100A in which the connectors and associated cabling shown in relation to Figure 1 may be dispensed with. In this regard, each of the wearable segments 102 has its own individual power source and portable power regulation unit as a single unit 1 12. The embodiment shown in Figure 5 provides a plurality of battery control units 112A-1 12G, which provides the added benefit that no powercords or wiring are required. As this embodiment does not utilise mains power, the isolation unit shown in previous embodiments is not required. In this embodiment, the battery control units 1 12A-G, which include the batteries themselves, are electrically connectable to the heat generating elements 200 via a releasable connector. The releasable connector allows for the battery control units 112A-G to be removed for the purposes of external charging or maintenance. However, it will be appreciated that the battery control units 1 12A-G may be connected to the heat generating elements 200 using a semi-permanent means such as a crimp or solder joint connection.

[0072] For the purposes of charging, the connectors associated with the battery control units 1 12 may be adapted to interface with an external charger to provide electrical energy to the battery control units 1 12 for the purposes of charging. In other embodiments, the battery control units 1 12 may utilise internal circuitry to enable inductive charging. The inductive charging may be achieved using a protocol such as the Qi ® wireless charging protocol or the Power Matters Alliance (PMA) protocol as some examples. In some embodiments, the battery control units 1 12A-G may be configured to communicate wirelessly with external devices such as a smartphone or tablet computer. This may be achieved by each of the battery control units 1 12A-G incorporating a wireless communication device such as a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth adaptor. Such functionality allows a user to selectively control battery control units 1 12A-G to independently or collectively control the temperature of the different wearable segments 102.

[0073] Now turning to Figure 6, an embodiment modular garment 100B utilising a portable control unit in the form of a single battery control unit 600 is exemplified. In this embodiment, the single battery control unit 600 is adapted to power each of the wearable segments 102 comprising the modular garment 100. The single battery control unit 600 is adapted for connection to an isolation unit 1 10. The isolation unit 1 10 provides stepped down mains power to the battery control unit 600 for charging the batteries of the battery control unit 600 and providing steady mains power when power is required over a long period of time. The battery control unit 600 may be located in close proximity to the patient. Alternatively, the battery control unit 600 may be attached to a bed or on a pole as some examples. The embodiment shown in Figure 6, provides a single battery controller 600 for positioning proximal to a patient’s body. This arrangement allows for the patient to move independently when disconnected from the isolation unit 1 10.

[0074] The battery control unit 600 may be attached to the user or other structures such as the side of a bed using a variety or means including, but not limited to, a hook and loop fastener arrangement, straps, or a snap fastener arrangement as some examples. Each of the wearable segments 102 has an electrical connector 602 associated with each wearable segment 102, to provide electrical connection between the battery control unit 600 and each of the heat generating elements 200 associated with each of the wearable segments 102.

[0075] The isolation unit 110 is operably connected to the battery control unit 600 to provide power to the battery control unit 600 for charging purposes and when mains power is preferred. The isolation unit 1 10 includes a transformer for converting mains voltage to a safe voltage level for operating the battery control unit 600. The isolation unit 1 10 may be attached to a bed or associated bed poles when the patient is in transit.

[0076] Referring to Figure 7, an embodiment modular garment 100C is shown in which multiple battery control units 600A to 600E are used. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, each of the battery control units 600 contain batteries in addition to the associated control circuitry in a single battery control unit 600. Like the previous embodiments, the multiple battery control units 600 are operably connected to an isolation unit 1 10 via a hub 700 which provides electrical connection between the multiple battery control units 600 and the isolation unit 1 10. The isolation unit 1 10, as previously discussed, includes a transformer for transforming down mains voltage to a safer voltage level for use with the battery control units 600. Each of the battery control units 600 may have temperature sensors (not shown) to monitor the temperature in the region of the sensor and to provide temperature information to facilitate temperature control.

[0077] Figure 8 shows an embodiment modular garment 100D in which the battery control units 600A to 600E are divided into sections for the upper and lower body. The legs and torso have separate cable connections for connection to the isolation unit 1 10. This allows for the upper and lower body to be powered independently of each other. Independent temperature control may be provided for the upper and lower body sections in this configuration. In this regard, each of the battery control units may have an associated temperature sensor (not shown) for determining the temperature proximal to the sensor, providing information allowing for the regulation of the temperature for the wearable segment 102 in the vicinity of the temperature sensor.

[0078] Referring to Figure 9, a modular garment 100E is illustrated. In modular garment 100E, the battery control units including batteries and isolation unit are included in a single control unit 900 which is located separate from the wearable garment 100. The single control unit 900 provides power control for each of the wearable segments 1 O2.This results in the electronics and battery storage being located distal from the patient’s body. Thus, in the embodiment of Figure 9, the garment includes electrical cabling and connectors only. The electronics and battery storage are located separate from the wearable garment 100 and the patient’s body and is included in the single control unit 900.

[0079] The single control unit 900 may be mounted to a patient’s bed or adjacent pole in a similar fashion to previous embodiments. The power output of the single control unit 900 is applied to a junction connector 904, which is adapted to distribute power to the respective wearable segments 102, comprising the wearable garment 100. In this regard, each of the wearable segments 102 has at least one electrical connector 902 associated with it for providing power to the wearable segment 102 associated with each connector 902. Each connector 902 is electrically connected to the heat generating elements 200 associated with the wearable segment 102 as were previously described.

[0080] Now referring to Figure 10, there is illustrated a schematic of a portable control unit 108 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The portable control unit 108 may consist of two or more subsystems. However, in some embodiments one subsystem may be utilised. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the portable control unit 108 is divided into two subsystems. The two subsystems include a subsystem associated with the one or more heat generating elements 200, labelled as “Heater Assembly” 1000 for providing heating and sensing and the second subsystem is a controller including battery control labelled as “Common Battery & Control Module” 1002. The two subsystems 1000 and 1002 may be connected using one or more connectors 1004. In the embodiment in Figure 10, an 8-pin connector is shown. As a skilled person will appreciate, the connectors chosen will depend on a variety of factors including the data being sent via the connector and the number of power busses required between the subsystems. Other connectors (not shown) may include a single multi-pin connector being connectable to an external jack for connection to an external power supply to support battery charging.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, the heater assembly 1000 may include a variety of temperature sensors 1006, which are well known in the art, such as a Negative TemperatureCoefficient (NTC) thermistor, a thermocouple, a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) thermistor or a sense resistor among others. These temperature sensors 1006 provide temperature sensing at various sections of the wearable segments 102A-102F of the modular garment 100. This provides discrete temperature sensing of various parts of the patient’s body associated with the wearable segments 102A-102F.

[0082] The heater control module 1008 may be situated in the battery control 1002 which is in communication with a microcontroller 1010 such as a PIC, ARM or one of the family of 8051 microcontrollers. The microcontroller 1010 handles a number of functions including the control logic behind the heating system, the user interface of LEDs and buttons or a touch panel display, all of which will be explained in more detail below.

[0083] The heater control module 1008 is responsible for switching the power supplied to the heating elements comprising the electrical heat generating elements 200. Also in communication with the microcontroller 1010 is a battery management circuit 1012. The battery management circuit 1012 is adapted to monitor parameters of the battery including battery health, state of charge and current draw as some examples. These parameters can then be used to display the state of charge to a user along with other battery critical information.

[0084] The battery 1014 is operably connected to the battery management circuit 1012 via a battery protection circuit 1016. Included in the battery control 1002, is a user interface 1018. The user interface 1018 in a fundamental form, may include an on / off switch in the form of a button or a soft switch located on a touch screen. The user interface may also include a LED indicator 1022 used to provide indications to the user such as power on status and battery level indication. This may be achieved using an RGB LED with different colours indicating different information to the user.

[0085] In other embodiments, a touch screen (not shown) may be used to provide the dual purpose of providing a means for user input and to provide useful information to the user via the touch screen. An external DC socket 1022 (labelled DC Barrell) may be used to provide an external source of power above the battery 1014, which in the embodiment shown, forms part of the heater control module 1008.Garment in use for surgery

[0086] In use, the modular garment 100 may be worn by a patient prior to going into theatre for the purposes of getting the patient’s core body temperature to a suitable level for preparationfor surgery. It is anticipated that the patient would wear the appropriate number of wearable segments as is required.

[0087] The patient is initially instructed to put on the relevant wearable segments 102 required. A clinician may assist the patient in this process. Once the wearable segments are worn by the patient, they are securely attached by the relevant attachment devices mentioned above to ensure they stay in place. A clinician then connects the electrical connections 104 of the wearable segments 102 to the power source 106 and portable control unit 108 to provide power to the respective heat generating elements 200. The clinician also sets the desired temperature at the portable control unit 108 or at an external device.

[0088] During a surgical procedure, wearable segments 102 may be removed to reveal sections of the patient’s body which need to be operated on. This may be done by first disconnecting the corresponding electrical connections 104 and releasing the attachment devices (if any) of that wearable segment 102. The reverse process can be used to replace the wearable segment 102.

[0089] During the process, the portable control unit 108 and / or an external device gathers temperature information from the temperature sensors and displays this to the clinician or other personnel via the interface on the portable control unit 108 or an external device (e.g. smartphone screen or LED indicator). In some embodiments, the portable control unit 108 may be adapted to generate alerts if the temperature of the patient falls above or below a desired temperature range. These alerts may be an audible or visible alert issued through the portable control unit 108 or via a connected external device.

[0090] Following surgery, and / or a certain time in the ward after surgery, the electrical connections 104 are disconnected and the wearable segments 102 removed from the patient.

[0091] The temperature data gathered during the procedure may be stored in a database and subsequently used for refinement of the temperature control and / or fed to a machine learning algorithm as training data.INTERPRETATION

[0092] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in some embodiments” or“in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0093] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0094] In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements / features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements / features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

[0095] It should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, various features of the disclosure are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, Fig., or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this disclosure.

[0096] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the disclosure, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0097] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0098] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limited to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical, electrical or optical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

[0099] Embodiments described herein are intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described and explained in terms of particular exemplary embodiments, one skilled in the art will realize that additional embodiments can be readily envisioned that are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A modular garment comprising: a plurality of wearable segments adapted to be releasably attachable to respective portions of a user’s body to at least partially cover the respective portions of the user’s body in use, the plurality of wearable segments including one or more electrical heat generating elements comprising an electrically conductive composite fabric; at least one electrical connector associated with each of the plurality of wearable segments, the at least one electrical connector being electrically connectable to the one or more electrical heat generating elements for connection to a power source and / or another wearable segment; and a portable control unit adapted to selectively and independently control a power delivered to each of the one or more electrical heat generating elements to increase or decrease an amount of heat provided to a corresponding portion of the user’s body.

2. The modular garment of claim 1 , wherein the power source is a portable power source.

3. The modular garment of claim 1 or 2, wherein the portable power source is a rechargeable battery.

4. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, further including a connector for connection to a mains operated power supply.

5. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of wearable segments are releasably attachable by way of a hook and loop fastener configuration.

6. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of wearable segments are releasably attachable by way of a button configuration.

7. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of wearable segments are releasably attachable by way of a press stud.

8. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of wearable segments are releasably attachable by way of a magnet.

9. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of wearable segments are releasably attachable by way of a zip fastener configuration.

10. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more electrical heat generating elements includes an embedded resistive wire for providing heat to the user’s body.1 1 . The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more electrical heat generating elements includes a printed element for providing heat to the user’s body.

12. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable control unit is wearable on the user’s body.

13. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each segment includes a power source.

14. The modular garment of claim 13, wherein the power source is a battery.

15. The modular garment of claim 14, wherein the battery is rechargeable.

16. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of wearable segments is connected to mains power.

17. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable control unit includes full temperature regulation control.

18. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, further including one or more temperature sensors for sensing a current temperature of the segments of the user’s body.

19. The modular garment of claim 18, wherein information from the temperature sensors is used to regulate the temperature of the one or more electrical heat generating elements.

20. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein connections between segments are reconnectable to cover combinations of segments.21 . The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, the control unit is embedded within or attached to a segment of the garment.

22. The modular garment of claim 21 , wherein the means of attachment is a hook and loop configuration.

23. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable control unit is removeable for attachment to different sections of the garment.

24. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable control unit is a handheld device.

25. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wearable segments include one or more of a torso, legs, arms, feet.

26. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable control unit has a user interface.

27. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, further including wireless connectivity.

28. The modular garment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of wearable segments include respective control units.

29. A modular garment comprising: a plurality of wearable segments adapted to be releasably attachable to respective portions of a user’s body to at least partially cover the respective portions of the user’s body in use, the plurality of wearable segments including one or more electrical heat generating elements comprising an electrically conductive composite fabric; and a portable control unit adapted to selectively and independently control a power delivered to each of the one or more electrical heat generating elements to increase or decrease an amount of heat provided to a corresponding portion of the user’s body.

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