Wearable therapy garment with internchangeable hydrogel electrodes and biogel electrodes

Abstract

A hydrogel electrode comprises an external hydrogel material layer and a flexible plastic platform. The flexible platform forms an opening. The external hydrogel material layer is adhered to the flexible plastic platform. The flexible plastic platform is configured to attach to a domatrode, such that when attached, a metallic dome of the domatrode extends through the opening of the flexible plastic platform and electrically couples to the external hydrogel material layer.

Description

WEARABLE THERAPY GARMENT WITH INTERNCHANGEABLE HYDROGEL ELECTRODES AND BIOGEL ELECTRODESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present patent application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 531,093, filed on August 7, 2023. The contents of this provisional application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to medical devices and particularly to a wearable therapy garment that uses interchangeable electrodes for applying electrical stimulation to patients for therapeutic purposes.BACKGROUND

[0003] Electrical stimulation is a therapeutic technique that helps patients reduce pain and stimulate muscle activity. This therapy is one of the widely recognized non-invasive and drag free approaches that uses electrodes to transmit electrical energy to the body to alleviate pain and enhance muscle activity.

[0004] Depending on a number of factors, patients may respond better to certain electrodes than others. Some patients may be allergic to the chemical make-up of an electrode. An amount of underlying hair can impede current flow or cause an unequal distribution of current flow across an electrode, resulting in hot spots or areas of current concentration. An electrical resistance from the electrode to the patient’s skin can be too high, reducing the flow of current. The pressure from a person’s body weight in certain areas may cause an undesired distribution of conductive gel in an electrode, resulting in an uneven distribution of electrical current. Inflexible electrodes may result in less than optimum contact between the electrode and the patient’s skin. In some cases, to achieve optimal placement, it may be necessary to adjust a placement of an electrode once the patient is wearing the therapy garment.SUMMARY

[0005] Hydrogel electrodes that are interchangeable with biogel electrodes in a wearable therapy garment provide an option that can improve the effectiveness of treatment. Hydrogel electrodes include an external hydrogel material layer for making direct contact with the skin of a user. Biogel electrodes include a conductive gel inside the electrodes to disperse current flow from the electrode to the skin.

[0006] In an example system, a wearable therapy garment is worn by a patient. The wearable therapy garment includes one or more domatrodes for providing electrical connections to electrodes. The domatrodes are attachable to an interior of the garment via an attachment mechanism, for example a hook and loop attachment method such as Velcro®. The domatrodes are shiftable and positionable anywhere on the interior of the garment within a reasonable proximity of an electrical wire exit point. Attachable icons can be attached to the interior of the garment, and can be used by, for example, by a medical practitioner, to indicate an ideal location for the domatrodes and associated electrodes. In this manner, the domatrodes can be positioned over key muscle groups or areas of pain specific to the patient being treated and can be attached to the therapy garment with an optimal location and orientation. The domatrodes are configured to interchangeably receive (and electrically couple to) either the biogel electrode or the hydrogel electrode.

[0007] In the wearable therapy garment, the domatrodes, together with their respective electrical wires, transmit electrical current from a stimulator to the electrodes. Each domatrode includes a metallic dome that makes electrical contact between the domatrode and either an external hydrogel material layer of the hydrogel electrode or a metallic component of the biogel electrode. The hydrogel electrodes and biogel electrodes are configured to be used interchangeably in the wearable therapy garment, providing more flexibility in patient treatment.

[0008] A currently known therapy system uses an electrical stimulation garment including biogel electrodes to provide electrical stimulation to a patient. Such a system is disclosed, for example, in U.S. patent no. 11,541,228 B2, issued on January 3, 2023, (the ‘228 patent) the contents of which are incorporated by reference to the fullest extent legally allowable in regions in which this patent application or an offspring patent application is filed. Biogel electrodes (identified simply as “electrodes” in the ‘ 228 patent) include a conductive gel inside the electrodes to disperse current flow from the electrodes to the skin.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the one or more hydrogel electrodes, wherein the conducting hydrogel is in direct contact to the user’s skin, are interchangeable with the biogel electrodes in the wearable therapy garment. Potential advantages of the hydrogel electrode include:1) Reduced allergic reaction to the electrode;2) More evenly distributed current in areas where underlying hair can impede the flow of electrical current;3) Reduced electrical resistance in the contact area between the electrode and skin of the user resulting in improved and more evenly distributed current flow; and4) Better adaptation to user’s body shape resulting in improved and more evenly distributed electrical coupling between the electrode and the and skin of the user.

[0010] Placing the hydrogel and biogel electrodes in an optimal location inside a wearable therapy garment is critical to the success of the electrical stimulation treatment. Displacement of the electrode away from an optimal location may decrease the effectiveness of stimulation. Therefore, provision is made to indicate the placement of electrodes. Icons, that can be placed, for example, by a health care professional, to indicate an optimal positioning of the domatrodes and the optimal positioning and orientation of the associated hydrogel and biogel electrodes. The biogel or hydrogel electrode, once placed properly on the domatrode, may conduct electricity accurately and consistently from session to session. This allows the domatrodes and attached electrodes to be positioned according to the needs of the user and ensures that the user achieves the most out of the stimulation exercise or treatment.

[0011] In a first aspect of the disclosure, a hydrogel electrode comprises an external hydrogel material layer and a flexible plastic platform. The flexible platform forms an opening. The external hydrogel material layer is adhered to the flexible plastic platform. The flexible plastic platform is configured to attach to a domatrode, such that when attached, a metallic dome of the domatrode extends through the opening of the flexible plastic platform and electrically couples to the external hydrogel material layer.

[0012] In an example of the hydrogel electrode, the external hydrogel material layer has a first side and a second side. The first side, when in use, can couple to skin of a patient and the second side can adhere to the flexible plastic platform. The external hydrogel material layer can include aconductive grid embedded in the second side, designed and arranged to electrically couple with the metallic dome of the domatrode.

[0013] In an example, the flexible plastic platform can be flexible, such that the hydrogel electrode can conform to a shape of a patient.

[0014] In an example, he flexible plastic platform can include a first side and a second side. The external hydrogel material layer can be adhered to the first side. The second side can include a hook and loop attachment mechanism for attaching to a wearable therapy garment including the domatrode.

[0015] In an example of the hydrogel electrode, the external hydrogel material layer can have a thickness of about 1 / 8thinch.

[0016] In an example of the hydrogel electrode, the external hydrogel material layer can be configured to be removable from the flexible plastic platform.

[0017] In an example of the hydrogel electrode, the flexible plastic platform can include a textured surface to improve adherence of the external hydrogel material layer and prevent slippage during use.

[0018] Tn an example of the hydrogel electrode, the flexible plastic platform can form an opening through which the metallic dome of the domatrode can extend to electrically couple to the external hydrogel material layer.

[0019] In a second aspect of the disclosure, a wearable therapy garment comprises one or more domatrodes. Each of the one or more domatrodes includes a metallic dome. The one or more domatrodes are configured to interchangeably receive either of a biogel electrode including a conductive gel inside the biogel electrode to disperse current flow from the biogel electrode to skin of a patient; or a hydrogel electrode including an external hydrogel material layer for making direct contact to the skin of the patient.

[0020] In an example of the wearable therapy garment, the wearable therapy garment can comprise one or more hydrogel electrodes. Each of the one or more hydrogel electrodes can be arranged such that, when coupled with a corresponding domatrode from the one or more domatrodes, the external hydrogel material layer of the hydrogel electrodes can be electrically coupled to themetallic dome of the corresponding domatrode. The one or more domatrodes can be removably attachable to an interior of the wearable therapy garment and can be positioned ac cording to needs of the patient. The one or more hydrogel electrodes can be removably attachable to an interior of the wearable therapy garment.

[0021] In an example of the wearable therapy garment, the therapy garment can further comprise one or more hydrogel electrodes; and one or more biogel electrodes. At least one domatrode of the one or more domatrodes can receive a hydrogel electrode from the one or more hydrogel electrodes and at least one domatrode of the one or more domatrodes can receive a biogel electrode from the one or more biogel electrodes.

[0022] In an example of the wearable therapy garment, the biogel electrode can have a cap designed to mate with the respective metallic dome on each of the one or more domatrodes, and the hydrogel electrode can include a flexible plastic layer forming an opening configured to receive the respective metallic dome of any one of the one or more domatrodes and enable electrically coupling of the respective metallic dome to the external hydrogel material layer of the hydrogel electrode.

[0023] In an example of the wearable therapy garment, the external hydrogel material layer of the hydrogel electrode can be removable and replaceable.

[0024] In an example of the wearable therapy garment, the external hydrogel material layer of the hydrogel electrode can include an embedded metal grid for electrically coupling to the metallic dome of the domatrode.

[0025] In an example of the wearable therapy garment, the wearable therapy garment can be configured to measure and report a resistance between two domatrodes of the one or more domatrodes.

[0026] In a third aspect of the disclosure, a method for providing electrical stimulation using a wearable therapy garment, comprises placing a wearable therapy garment on a user and attaching one or more domatrodes inside the wearable therapy garment at predefined locations, wherein the predefined locations are user-specific locations. The method further comprises securing one of a hydrogel el ectrode or a biogel electrode to each of the attached one or more domatrodes, ensuring proper contact with a user's skin, transmitting an electrical current to each of the hydrogelelectrodes and / or each of the biogel electrodes via the one or more doniatrodes to provide electrical stimulation to a contacted skin area, and administering desired electrical stimulation patterns, wherein the wearable therapy garment includes at least one hydrogel electrode.

[0027] In an example according to the method, wearable therapy garment further can include at least one biogel electrode.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The following drawings are illustrative of examples of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.

[0029] Like reference numerals in the following drawings refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the an that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components, electronic components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

[0030] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an example wearable therapy garment for electrical stimulation, according to the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. IB is a schematic illustration of the example wearable therapy garment for electrical stimulation of FIG. 1A.

[0032] FIG. 2A is a top view of an example domatrode, according to the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 2B is a side view of the example domatrode of FIG. 2A.

[0034] FIG. 3A is a top view' of an example external hydrogel material layer for a hydrogel electrode.

[0035] FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the example external hydrogel material layer of FIG. 3A.

[0036] FIG. 3C is a side view of the example external hydrogel material layer of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0037] FIG. 4A is a top view of an example flexible plastic platform for the hydrogel electrode.

[0038] FTG. 4B is a botom view of the example flexible plastic platform of FIG. 4A.

[0039] FIG.4C is a side view of the example flexible plastic platform of 4A and 4B.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows an example biogel electrode.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting an example method of the present disclosure whereby the wearable therapy garment is used for electrical stimulation.

[0042] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following description.DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present disclosure is described in the following description with reference to the atached drawings.

[0044] The following description provides examples only. The examples of the present disclosure include specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the examples. These examples are not intended to be limiting in any way and other variations may be considered within the scope of the disclosure. For example, various elements such as electronic units, processes etc., may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the examples in unnecessary' detail. Also, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these examples are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and fully conveys its scope. It can be understood that the function and arrangement of elements might be changed without departing from the essence and scope of the disclosure as set forth.

[0045] The terminology used in the detailed description of the examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements. Also, it is pertinent to note that some of the examples may be described as a method e.g., in the form of a flow diagram, a flowchart, a structure diagram, a data flow diagram, or a block diagram. In these examples the method may be described as a sequential process, however many of the steps may be performed in parallel or concurrently, or the steps may be re-arranged.

[0046] Further, a figure may indicate that a method is terminated when its steps are completed, however, there may be additional steps that are not included in the figure. Additionally, variousfeatures of the present disclosure can each be used independently of one another or w'ifh any combination of other features.

[0047] Terms such as “exemplary” indicate an illustration, an instance, or an example, and the disclosed subject matter is not limited by such examples. Furthermore, the detailed description or the claims may contain terms such as “has,” “contains,” and “includes,” etc., however it is important to note that such terms are intended to be inclusive — in a manner similar to an open transition word such as the term “comprising” — without precluding any additional or other elements.

[0048] The present disclosure provides a wearable therapy garment that uses interchangeable electrodes for applying electrical stimulation to users for therapeutic purposes. More specifically, the wearable therapy garment uses a hydrogel electrode that is interchangeable with a biogel electrode, which can reduced allergic reaction to the electrode, more evenly distributed electric current in areas where underlying hair can impede the flow' of the electrical current, reduced electrical resistance in the contact area between the electrode and skin of the user, resulting in improved and more evenly distributed current flow', and better adaptation to user’s body shape, resulting in improved and more evenly distributed electrical coupling between the electrode and the user's skin.

[0049] Hereinafter, examples of the present disclosure will be described w'ith reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] FIGS. 1A and IB illustrate a w'earable therapy garment 100 to apply electrical stimulation therapy to specific areas of the body, improving therapeutic outcomes for the user, according to an example. In an example, the w'earable therapy garment (also referred to herein as the therapy garment) 100 may include a garment that is worn on a part of a body of the user for electrical stimulation. For example, the therapy garment 100 may include a garment body 101 (as shown in FIG. 1 B) that is designed to be worn by the user, covering specific treatment areas to ensure proper placement of the electrode assembly for effective therapy. In an exemplary example, the therapy garment 100 may be constructed from neoprene® material. Additionally or alternatively, the materials may be hypoallergenic materials to make the therapy garment suitable for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies, minimizing the risk of skin reactions. The therapy garment 100 may further include temperature-regulating fibers to maintain a comfortable body temperature forthe user, which may be important during prolonged use of the therapy garment 100. Additionally, the therapy garment 100 may have padding to help distribute pressure evenly across the skin and reduce the risk of discomfort and pressure sores ensuring the user remains comfortable while wearing the therapy garment 100.

[0051] In another example, the therapy garment 100 may be constructed from other beneficial materials or incorporate additional features to enhance its functionality' and user comfort.

[0052] The therapy garment 100 includes one or more domatrodes 112. A domatrode 112 is an electrical connector configured to conduct electricity from a stimulator 114 to a hydrogel electrode 104 or a biogel electrode 106. FIGS. 1A and IB illustrate a therapy garment 100 including both hydrogel electrodes 104 and biogel electrodes 106. This is not intended to be limiting. The therapy garment 100 can include only hydrogel electrodes 104, only biogel electrodes 106, or a combination of hydrogel electrodes 104 and biogel electrodes 106.

[0053] FIG. 2A and 2B show respectively a top view and a side view of an example domatrode 112. As depicted, the domatrode 112 includes a metallic dome 202, an electrical wire 204 and a connector 206. The connector 206 is configured to connect to the stimulator 114. The electrical wire 204 is configured to electrically couple the connector 206 with the metallic dome 202. The metallic dome 202 is configured to make electrical contact with a stainless-steel cap on the biogel electrode 106, or with an external hydrogel material layer 108 in the hydrogel electrode 104. In an example, the domatrode 112 may include a magnet, for example placed within the metallic dome 202, to apply a magnetic force on the metallic cap of the biogel electrode 106 or on a metal grid embedded in the external hydrogel material layer 108 of the hydrogel electrode 104. The domatrode 112 may further include, for example, a hook and loop type attachment mechanism to attach the domatrode 112 to the therapy garment 100. Othe attachment methods such as snaps, press-studs, magnetic coupling, or specialized holders may also be considered within the scope of the disclosure.

[0054] The attachment mechanism, for example the hook and loop attachment mechanism, allows the domatrode 112 to be placed within the therapy garment 100 according to the needs of the patient using the therapy garment 100. As described further below, the hydrogel electrode 104 or biogel electrode 106 may then be attached to the therapy garment 100 at a location such that the metallic cap of the biogel electrode 106 or a receiving opening of the hydrogel electrode 104 alignwith the metallic dome 202 of the domatrode 1 12. Other types of attachment mechanisms can be used to attach the hydrogel electrodes 104 and / or biogel electrodes 106 to the garment while aligning the dome 202 of the domatrode with either the metallic cap of the biogel electrode 106 or the receiving opening of the hydrogel electrode 104. The domatrodes 112, biogel electrodes 106 and hydrogel electrodes 104 can be optimally attached to the therapy garment 100 to optimally deliver current to the locations of most effective therapy for the patient.

[0055] As disclosed, the therapy garment 100 can include one or more hydrogel electrodes 104 and / or one or more biogel electrodes 106.

[0056] The hydrogel electrodes 104 are designed to make direct contact with the skin, ensuring optimal electrical conductivity and therapeutic effectiveness. These electrodes 104 can come in many sizes and shapes depending on the area to be treated. In some cases, and for some patients, the hydrogel electrodes 104 may reduce allergic reactions and improve the user comfort.

[0057] In an example, the hydrogel electrode 104 includes an external hydrogel material layer 108 and a flexible plastic platform 110, shown respectively in FIGS. 3A - 3C, and FIGS. 4A - 4C.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, respectively a top view, a bottom view and a side view of the external hydrogel material layer 108 are depicted, according to an example of the present disclosure. As depicted, the external hydrogel material layer 108 has a first side 302 and a second side 304, wherein the first side 302 is configured to couple with the skin of the user and the second side 304 is configured to be attached to the flexible plastic platform 110. An example manufacturer of hydrogel material is Gentian Sendees. LTD, Unit 89.3, Shannon Free Zone West, Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland, V14E177.

[0059] In an example, the external hydrogel material layer 108 has a specific thickness to ensure consistent and optimal electrical coupling with the skin, adherence to the skin, and reduced resistance. The thickness generally provides several advantages, such as comfort (as excessive thickness may cause discomfort or impede movement), easy removal for cleaning, and easy replacement when the external hydrogel material layer 108 wears out or loses its adhesive properties with repeated use. This maintains the electrode's performance and the therapy’s effectiveness. Additionally, it is cost-effective since only the worn-out external hydrogel materiallayer 108 needs to be replaced instead of the entire hydrogel electrode 104. This can be more convenient for users and caregivers.

[0060] In an example, the external hydrogel material layer 108 may have a thickness ranging from 2 mm to 5 mm to enable easy replacement and maintenance, thereby ensuring consistent and optimal electrical coupling with the skin of the user. This range is not intended to be limiting, and other thicknesses of the external hydrogel material layer 108 can also be used. In an example, the external hydrogel material layer 108 has a thickness of about l / 8thinches (3.175 mm) and is configured to be removable to enable easy replacement and maintenance.

[0061] The external hydrogel material layer 108 is required to be flexible enough to conform to the shape of the user's body. This flexibility ensures that it maintains good contact with the skin, even on curved or moving body parts. Therefore, the external hydrogel material layer 108 is typically composed of materials that are not only conductive but also biocompatible. This reduces the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions, making the therapy safe for long-term use.

[0062] In an example, the external hydrogel material layer 108 may include one or more of, a Polyacrylamide (PAM), a Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), a proprietary blends of silver nanoparticles, conductive polymers, and moisturizing agents to optimize electrical conductivity and skin compatibility.

[0063] In another example, the external hydrogel material layer 108 may include one or more of a water-swellable acrylate copolymer, a poly (N-vinyl lactam), and an active agent.

[0064] In yet another example, a very thin layer of elastomer can be utilized on the external hydrogel material layer 108 to effectively prevent evaporation of water from the external hydrogel material layer 108.

[0065] The second side 304 of the external hydrogel material layer 108 is configured to embed with an electrically conductive grid 306. hi an example, the electrically conductive grid 306 is embedded on the surface of the second side 304, such that it can couple with a source of electrical energy, such as the metallic dome 202 of domatrode 112. When in contact with the source of electrical energy, the conductive grid 306 serves to spread an electrical current across the area of the external hydrogel material layer 108. This provides uniform current distribution across the surface of the external hydrogel material layer 108 and to the skin of the user. This uniform currentdistribution can enhance the effectiveness of the electrical stimulation and reduce hotspots or discomfort during therapy.

[0066] The electrically conductive grid 306 can be designed to provide minimum resistance and maximum conductivity, resulting in a uniform distribution of current throughout the entire grid. Copper or silver, for example, can be used due to their high conductivity properties. These materials offer low resistance, enabling efficient current flow across the grid.

[0067] The spacing between grid elements of the external hydrogel material electrode layer 108 can be determined to ensure that a resistance through the external hydrogel electrode layer 108, which includes the resistance of the grid and the resistance of the external hydrogel material layer 108 remains sufficiently low to provide sufficient current to the patient for the intended therapy. As the resistance through the external hydrogel material layer 108 is higher than the resistance through the grid 306, smaller spacing between grid elements will result in a lower total resistance through the external hydrogel material layer 108.

[0068] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict respectively a view of a top side 310 and a view of bottom side 312 of a flexible plastic platform 110. FIG. 4C depicts a side view of the flexible plastic platform 110.

[0069] The flexible plastic platform 110 is configured for supporting the external hydrogel material layer 108. In an example, the top side 310 of the flexible plastic platform 110 is configured to adhere to the external hydrogel material layer 108. In an example, the top side 310 can include a textured surface to improve adherence to the external hydrogel material layer 108 and prevent slippage during use. The flexible plastic platform 110 may be of the same size or shape as the external hydrogel material layer 108. Alternatively, the flexible plastic platform 110 may be either smaller or larger, or of a different shape from the external hydrogel material layer 108.

[0070] In an example, the flexible plastic platform 110 may be made up of a material selected from a group including vinyl and other flexible materials to enable the hydrogel electrode 104 to conform to the shape of the user’s body. The flexible material allows the external hydrogel material layer to stick to the flexible plastic platform 110 and to be removed and replaced as necessary from time to time.

[0071] In an example, the flexible plastic platform 1 10 also includes a receiving opening 320 to allow the metallic dome 202 of a domatrode 112 to extend through and enable electrical contact of the domatrode 112 with the external hydrogel material layer 108. The receiving opening 320 may be formed in a middle or at any other suitable position on the flexible plastic platform 110. Although as disclosed, a hydrogel electrode 104 is electrically connected to a single domatrode 112 through a single metallic dome 202 on the domatrode 112, it would be possible within the scope of the disclosure that a hydrogel electrode 104 is designed to receive multiple metallic domes 202 from a single domatrode 112, or multiple metallic domes 202, each dome associated with a different domatrode 112. It is important in the context of the disclosure that the receiving openings 320 of the hydrogel electrodes 104 and the metallic caps of the biogel electrodes (discussed below) are both compatible with a shape of the metallic dome 202 of the domatrode 112.

[0072] The flexible plastic platform 110 can further include a hook and loop attachment material 322 on the bottom side 312 to attach to the interior of the wearable therapy garment 100. The hook and loop type attachment material 322 is configured to hold the hydrogel electrode 104 to the therapy garment 100 at a location above the domatrode 112, such that the metallic dome 202 of the domatrode aligns with and passes through the receiving opening 320 to couple with the grid 306 embedded in the external hydrogel material layer 108.

[0073] Biogel electrodes 106 are known, for example, as disclosed in U.S. patent no. 11,541,228 B2, issued on January 3, 2023. The biogel electrode 106 receives electrical energy from the domatrode 112 and conducts the electrical energy to the skin of the patient.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 5, an example biogel electrode 106 includes a metallic cap 502 and an attachment mechanism 504. The metallic cap 502 is designed to mate with the metallic dome 202 of the domatrode 112, thereby forming an electrical coupling with the domatrode 112. In an example, the metallic cap 502 is made of stainless steel. The attachment mechanism is designed to attach the biogel electrode 106 to the therapy garment 100, and can be, for example, a hook and loop attachment mechanism.

[0075] . The biogel electrode 106 includes an inside cavity containing a conductive gel that disperses current flow from the metallic cap 502 across a surface area of the biogel electrode 106 making contact to the skin of the patient.

[0076] The therapy garment 100 further includes attachable icons (not shown in the FIGS) configured to be attached to an interior of the therapy garment 100 to indicate an ideal location for the one or more domatrodes 112 and the electrode assembly 102 to ensure optimal placement over key muscle groups or areas of pain specific to the user being treated.

[0077] The therapy garment 100 may include a mechanism (not shown in the FIGS) to monitor and report electrical resistance between electrodes, for example, any pair of two electrodes, to enable a health practitioner to recognize when, for example, a resistance of a hydrogel electrode 104 is increased due, for example to wear, or when an electrical contact to the body of the patient is less than optimal.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 6, a flow chart depicts an example method 600 whereby the wearable therapy garment is used for electrical stimulation.

[0079] In an implementation, the method 600 is based on the use of a therapy garment 100, as described above. The therapy garment 100 may be worn by the user or placed on the user to implement the features of the method 600. As depicted in FIG. 6, the method 600 starts at step 602.

[0080] At step 602 the method 600 includes placing a wearable therapy garment 100 on a user. A preparation process can include inspecting the therapy garment 100 for any damage or issues. This inspection can help ensure that the therapy garment 100 is in proper working condition and safe to use.

[0081] At a step 604, the method further includes attaching one or more domatrodes 112 inside the wearable therapy garment 100 at predefined locations. In an example, the predefined locations are user-specific locations or locations where the user is feeling pain. Icons, placed for example by a health practitioner, may indicate an optimal location of the domatrodes 112. By attaching the domatrodes 112 at these predefined locations, the wearable therapy garment 100 may provide targeted therapeutic benefits to the user.

[0082] The method further includes, at a step 606, attaching hydrogel electrodes 104 or biogel electrodes 106 to the one or more domatrodes 112 to establish electrical contact to the skin of the user. As both the hydrogel electrodes 104 and biogel electrodes 106 are compatible with thedomatrodes 1 12, any combination of hydrogel electrodes 104 and biogel electrodes 106 can be used within the therapy garment 100.

[0083] The method 600 further includes, at a step 608, transmitting an electrical current to the one or more hydrogel electrodes 104 and'or one or more biogel electrodes 106 in the therapy garment 100 via the one or more domatrodes 112 to provide electrical stimulation to the contacted skin area.

[0084] Thereafter, the method 600 includes administering desired electrical stimulation patterns, at step 610. In an example, a measuring and reporting mechanism can be used to monitor and report electrical resistance. A health practitioner may then, based on the reported information, make adjustments such as changing the location of an electrode, replacing an electrode or changing a type of electrode. For example, a health practitioner may determine, based on electrical resistance measurements, that the contact resistance of an electrode is too high, and change the type of electrode from a biogel electrode 106 to a hydrogel electrode 104, or vice versa, to improve electrical contact between the electrode and the patient.

[0085] Thus, the present disclosure provides a novel solution for providing electrical stimulation using a wearable therapy garment. The present disclosure provides a technically advanced solution wherein the domatrode is configured to interchangeably receive hydrogel electrodes and / or biogel electrodes. This solution further supports the use of both biogel electrodes and hydrogel electrodes simultaneously within a therapy garment.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hydrogel electrode comprising: an external hydrogel material layer; and a flexible plastic platform forming an opening; wherein; the external hydrogel material layer is adhered to the flexible plastic platform; and the flexible plastic platform is configured to attach to a domatrode, such that when attached, a metallic dome of the domatrode extends through the opening of the flexible plastic platform and electrically couples to the external hydrogel material layer.

2. The hydrogel electrode of claim 1, wherein the external hydrogel material layer has a first side and a second side, wherein: the first side, when in use, couples to skin of a patient; the second side adheres to the flexible plastic platform; and the external hydrogel material layer includes a conductive grid embedded in the second side, designed and arranged to electrically couple with the metallic dome of the domatrode.

3. The hydrogel electrode of claim 1, wherein the flexible plastic platform is flexible, such that the hydrogel electrode can conform to a shape of a patient.

4. The hydrogel electrode of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible plastic platform includes a first side and a second side; wherein: the external hydrogel material layer is adhered to the first side; and the second side includes a hook and loop attachment mechanism for attaching to a wearable therapy garment including the domatrode.

5. The hydrogel electrode of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the external hydrogel material layer has a thickness of about I / 8thinch.

6. The hydrogel electrode of any one of claims I to 3, wherein the external hydrogel material layer is configured to be removable from the flexible plastic platform.

7. The hydrogel electrode of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible plastic platform includes a textured sur face to improve adherence of the external hydrogel material layer and prevent slippage during use.

8. The hydrogel electrode of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible plastic platform forms an opening through which the metallic dome of the domatrode can extend to electrically couple to the external hydrogel material layer.

9. A wearable therapy garment comprising: one or more domatrodes, each of the one or more domatrodes including a metallic dome; wherein the one or more domatrodes are configured to interchangeably receive either of a biogel electrode including a conductive gel inside the biogel electrode to disperse current flow from the biogel electrode to skin of a patient; or a hydrogel electrode including an external hydrogel material layer for making direct contact to the skin of the patient.

10. The wearable therapy garment of claim 9, further comprising: one or more hydrogel electrodes, each of the one or more hydr ogel electrodes arranged such that, when coupled with a corresponding domatrode from the one or more domatrodes, the external hydrogel material layer of the hydrogel electrodes is electrically coupled to the metallic dome of the corresponding domatrode; wherein: the one or more domatrodes are removably attachable to an interior of the wearable therapy garment and can be positioned according to needs of the patient; and the one or more hydrogel electrodes are removably attachable to an interior of the wearable therapy garment.

11. The wearable therapy garment of claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising: one or more hydrogel electrodes; andone or more biogel electrodes; wherein: at least one domatrode of the one or more domatrodes receives a hydrogel electrode from the one or more hydrogel electrodes; and at least one domatrode of the one or more domatrodes receives a biogel electrode from the one or more biogel electrodes.

12. The wearable therapy garment of claim 9 or claim 11 , wherein: the biogel electrode has a cap designed to mate with the respective metallic dome on each of the one or more domatrodes; and the hydrogel electrode includes a flexible plastic layer forming an opening configured to receive the respective metallic dome of any one of the one or more domatrodes and enable electrically coupling of the respective metallic dome to the external hydrogel material layer of the hydrogel electrode.

13. The wearable therapy garment of claim 9 wherein the external hydrogel material layer of the hydrogel electrode is removable and replaceable.

14. The wearable therapy garment of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the external hydrogel material layer of the hydrogel electrode includes an embedded metal grid for electrically coupling to the metallic dome of the domatrode.

15. The wearable therapy garment of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the wearable therapy garment is configured to measure and report a resistance between two domatrodes of the one or more domatrodes.

16. A method for providing electrical stimulation using a wearable therapy garment, comprising: placing a wearable therapy garment on a user: attaching one or more domatrodes inside the wearable therapy garment at predefined locations, wherein the predefined locations are user-specific locations; securing one of a hydrogel electrode or a biogel electrode to each of the attached one or more domatrodes, ensuring proper contact with a user's skin;transmitting an electrical current to each of the hydrogel electrodes and / or each of the biogel electrodes via the one or more domatrodes to provide electrical stimulation to a contacted skin area; and administering desired electrical stimulation patterns, wherein the wearable therapy garment includes at least one hydrogel electrode.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the wearable therapy garment further includes at least one biogel electrode.

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