Patent Description:
One of the most deadly forms of heart arrhythmias is ventricular fibrillation, which occurs when the normal, regular electrical impulses are replaced by irregular and rapid impulses, causing the heart muscle to stop normal contractions and to begin to quiver. Normal blood flow ceases, and organ damage or death can result in minutes if normal heart contractions are not restored. Although frequently not noticeable to the victim, ventricular fibrillation is often preceded by ventricular tachycardia, which is a regular but fast rhythm of the heart. Because the victim has no noticeable warning of the impending fibrillation, death often occurs before the necessary medical assistance can arrive.

Because time delays in applying the corrective electrical treatment can result in death, pacemakers and defibrillators have significantly improved the ability to treat these otherwise life-threatening conditions. Normal heart function often can be restored to a person suffering ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia by a procedure known as cardioversion, the synchronized application of electrical therapy to the heart muscle. Pacemakers and defibrillators that apply corrective electrical pulses externally to the patient's chest wall also are used to correct such life-threatening arrhythmias, but suffer from a drawback insofar as it cannot be possible to apply the device in time during an acute arrhythmic emergency to save the patient's life. Such treatment is needed within a few minutes to be effective.

Consequently, when a patient is deemed at high risk of death from such arrhythmias, electrical devices often are implanted so as to be readily available when treatment is needed. However, patients that have recently had a heart attack or are awaiting such an implantable device can be kept in a hospital where corrective electrical therapy is generally close at hand. Long-term hospitalization is frequently impractical due to its high cost, or due to the need for patients to engage in normal daily activities.

<CIT> relates to a wearable health monitoring system for use on a daily basis. <CIT> discloses a garment accessory including a member having first and second ends, with the length of the member between the first and second ends being less than the circumference of a subject that the member is configured for and a pair of fastener mechanisms disposed in proximity to the first and second ends of the member, the fastener mechanisms configured to attach the member to an article of clothing worn by a subject. <CIT> discloses a "garment for ambulatory, physiological monitoring of a patient includes a belt, having first and second end portion with closures at the end portions to wrap around a user's chest, a strap having a first end coupled to a portion of the belt with the strap having a second end, a pair of shoulder strap portions" and "a back portion that joins the second ends of the pair of shoulder strap portions, with at least one of the belt, strap portions and back portion having an accommodation for carrying a sensor. " It is also disclosed in <CIT> that "The harness (Y shaped, single strap, and suspenders) can all be worn comfortably with a conventional bra" which is shown in <FIG> of the document.

Wearable defibrillators have been developed for patients that have recently experienced cardiac arrest, that are susceptible to heart arrhythmias and are at temporary risk of sudden death, and that are awaiting an implantable device. Support garments have been developed for housing the components of such wearable defibrillators, particularly the sensing and therapeutic energy delivery electrodes, such that the electrodes are properly positioned against the patient's skin. However, such support garments do not provide specific support for the front upper torsal anatomy of female patients.

Accordingly, a need exists for a support garment for a cardiac monitoring and/or treatment device, such as a wearable defibrillator, that incorporates structure configured to support front upper torsal female anatomy.

Non-limiting examples of the disclosure will now be described.

In an example, a support garment for supporting a patient wearable defibrillator is provided. The support garment is made from a fabric having an outside surface and an inside surface and is configured to be worn about a chest of a patient. The support garment comprises: a back portion; a belt defined by side portions extending from the back portion around a front of the patient; and shoulder straps configured to be attached to the back portion and the belt. The back portion and the belt are configured to support a plurality of sensing electrodes and at least one therapeutic defibrillator electrode on the inside surface thereof. The support garment further comprises at least one bra portion detachably connected to the belt and the shoulder straps, so as to be detachable from the support garment. The at least one bra portion is configured to support front upper torsal female anatomy, the at least one bra portion comprising two cups configured to support the patient's breasts.

The shoulder straps can be configured to be selectively attached to the belt at the front of the patient.

The fabric of the support garment can comprise an elastic, low spring rate material.

The support garment can further comprise at least one pocket configured to receive the at least one therapeutic defibrillator electrode at the front or back of the patient.

The back portion and belt of the support garment can be configured to distribute the plurality of sensing electrodes around a circumference of the chest of the patient.

The bra portion can be connected to the belt by at least one of the following: hook and pile fasteners, a clasp, a button, a snap, a mateable buckle, and a mateable slide connector.

The bra portion can further comprise a halter strap connected to a top of the bra portion proximate to both lateral sides thereof, the halter strap being configured to extend around a neck of the patient.

The bra portion can comprise flaps at both lateral sides thereof, the flaps being configured to wrap around the straps and comprising fastening mechanisms to secure ends of the flaps.

The bra portion, the belt, and the straps can comprise corresponding mateable slide connectors configured to connect the bra band to the belt and the straps.

The at least one bra portion can comprise two bra portions configured to be connected to the shoulder straps, and the belt, each of the two bra portions comprising a cup configured to contact and support one of the patient's breasts.

The two bra portions can comprise a closure mechanism configured to connect the bra portions at the front of the patient.

The belt and the bra portions can comprise a common closure mechanism configured to connect the bra portions and ends of the belt at the front of the patient.

The two bra portions can be disposed between the straps and the belt with each of the two cup portions being connected to a respective belt portion.

Each of the two bra portions can be connected to the respective belt portion and the respective strap by at least one of the following: hook and pile fasteners, a clasp, a button, a snap, a mateable buckle, and a mateable slide connector.

The at least one bra portion can comprise an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a fit of the bra portion to the patient.

These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limit of the invention.

Further features and other examples and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the drawings.

As used herein, the singular form of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms "right", "left", "top", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Also, it is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative variations and stage sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are examples.

Any numerical value, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. For example, a range of "<NUM> to <NUM>" is intended to include any and all sub-ranges between and including the recited minimum value of <NUM> and the recited maximum value of <NUM>, that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value equal to or greater than <NUM> and ending with a maximum value equal to or less than <NUM>, and all subranges in between, e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>.

As used herein, the terms "communication" and "communicate" refer to the receipt or transfer of one or more signals, messages, commands, or other type of data. For one unit or component to be in communication with another unit or component means that the one unit or component is able to directly or indirectly receive data from and/or transmit data to the other unit or component. This can refer to a direct or indirect connection that can be wired and/or wireless in nature. Additionally, two units or components can be in communication with each other even though the data transmitted can be modified, processed, routed, and the like, between the first and second unit or component. For example, a first unit can be in communication with a second unit even though the first unit passively receives data, and does not actively transmit data to the second unit. As another example, a first unit can be in communication with a second unit if an intermediary unit processes data from one unit and transmits processed data to the second unit. It will be appreciated that numerous other arrangements are possible.

This disclosure relates to systems and techniques for interfacing cardiac monitoring and therapeutic devices with one or more cardiac monitoring and/or therapeutic electrodes attached to a patient. A cardiac monitoring and therapeutic device is configured to monitor a patient for a predetermined cardiac related physiologic condition, e.g., a cardiac arrhythmia, and provide a treatment on detecting the condition. Such a device can include an automated external defibrillator (AED), a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD), or an external cardiac pacing device. The cardiac monitoring and/or therapeutic device as described herein can be ambulatory, e.g., the device is capable of and designed for moving with the patient.

The cardiac device is capable of extended and continuous (e.g., substantially continuous) use by the patient. In some implementations, the continuous use may be substantially continuous in nature. That is, the cardiac device may be continuously used, except for sporadic periods during which the use temporarily ceases (e.g., while the patient bathes, while the patient is refit with a new and/or a different garment, while the battery is charged/changed, while the garment is laundered, etc.). For example, such substantially continuous use as described herein may nonetheless qualify as continuous use.

The cardiac device is also capable of extended and /or long-term use. For example, the cardiac device can be configured to be used by the patient for hours, days, weeks, months, or even years. In some examples, the cardiac device may be continuously used by a patient for a period of at least one week. In some examples, the cardiac device may be continuously used by a patient for a period of at least <NUM> days. In some examples, the cardiac device may be continuously used by a patient for a period longer at least one month. In some examples, the cardiac device may be continuously used by a patient for a period of at least two months. In some examples, the cardiac device may be continuously used by a patient for a period of at least three months. In some examples, the cardiac device may be continuously used by a patient for a period of at least six months. In some examples, the cardiac device may be continuously used by a patient for a period of at least one year. In some implementations, the extended use may be continuous in nature. The use (e.g., the continuous and/or extended use) of the wearable medical device can include continuous wear by the patient, continuous attachment to the patient, and/or continuous monitoring of the patient. For example, the continuous use can include continuous wear or attachment of the device to the patient, e.g., through one or more of the electrodes as described herein, during both periods of monitoring and periods when the device may not be monitoring the patient but is otherwise still worn by or otherwise attached to the patient. The cardiac device is configured to continuously monitor the patient for cardiacrelated information (e.g., ECG information, including arrhythmia information, heart sounds, etc.) and/or non-cardiac information (e.g., blood oxygen, the patient's temperature, glucose levels, tissue fluid levels, and/or lung sounds). The cardiac device may carry out its monitoring in periodic or aperiodic time intervals or times. For example, the monitoring during intervals or times can be triggered by a user action or another event.

As noted above, the cardiac device can be configured to monitor other physiologic parameters of the patient in addition to cardiac related parameters. For example, the device can be configured to monitor, for example, lung sounds (e.g., using microphones and/or accelerometers), breath sounds, sleep related parameters (e.g., snoring, sleep apnea), tissue fluids (e.g., using radio-frequency transmitters and sensors), among others.

Other example external cardiac monitoring and therapeutic devices capable of interfacing with the electrode connectors disclosed herein include automated cardiac monitors and/or defibrillators for use in certain specialized conditions and/or environments such as in combat zones or within emergency vehicles. Such devices can be configured so that they can be used immediately (or substantially immediately) in a life-saving emergency. In some examples, the defibrillators described herein can be pacing-enabled, e.g., capable of providing therapeutic pacing pulses to the patient.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary therapeutic medical device <NUM> that is external, ambulatory, and wearable by a patient P, and configured to implement one or more configurations described herein. For example, the medical device <NUM> can be an external or noninvasive medical device, e.g., the device <NUM> configured to be located substantially external to the patient. For example, the therapeutic medical device <NUM>, shown in <FIG> as a wearable defibrillator <NUM>, as described herein can be bodily-attached to the patient such as the LifeVest® wearable cardioverter defibrillator available from ZOLL® Medical Corporation of Pittsburgh, PA and Chelmsford, MA. The wearable defibrillator <NUM> can be worn or carried by an ambulatory patient P. According to one example of the present disclosure, the wearable defibrillator <NUM> is used as an ambulatory cardiac monitoring and treatment device within a monitoring and treatment system according to the present disclosure.

Such wearable defibrillators can be typically worn nearly continuously for two to three months at a time. During the period of time in which they are worn by the patient, the wearable defibrillator <NUM> can be configured to continuously monitor the vital signs of the patient, to be user-friendly and accessible, to be as light-weight, comfortable, and portable as possible, and to be capable of delivering one or more life-saving therapeutic shocks when needed. Non-limiting examples of suitable ambulatory, wearable defibrillators are disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

The monitoring and treatment system illustrated in <FIG> includes the ambulatory, wearable defibrillator <NUM> connected to an electrode assembly <NUM> comprised of a number of monitoring/sensing electrodes <NUM> worn by the patient P so as to be in contact with the patient's skin. According to one example, the monitoring/sensing electrodes <NUM> can be configured to receive ECG signals from the patient P. The monitoring and treatment system illustrated in <FIG> also includes two or three therapy electrodes <NUM> worn by the patient P on his/her front and back so as to be in contact with the patient's skin. The therapy electrodes <NUM> can be configured to deliver one or more life-saving therapeutic shocks when needed. Prior to delivering the shock, one or more conductive gel deployment mechanisms may be deployed to cause conductive gel to be applied between the electrode(s) <NUM> and the patient's skin. In one implementation, a conductive gel deployment mechanism may be included in each therapy electrode <NUM> and the conductive gel may be deployed to the patient's skin via perforations in a conductive plate portion of the therapy electrode <NUM>. The sensing electrodes <NUM> and the therapy electrodes <NUM> may be mutually connected by wires to form a single electrode assembly <NUM> that is connected to the wearable defibrillator <NUM>. The electrode assembly <NUM> may further incorporate a vibration box <NUM> connected by wires to the sensing electrodes <NUM>, the therapy electrodes <NUM>, and to the wearable defibrillator <NUM>. The vibration box <NUM> may be utilized to provide the patient P with a tactile alarm that the sensing electrodes <NUM> and/or the therapy electrodes <NUM> are not in proper contact with the patient's skin.

A patient being monitored by an in-hospital defibrillator and/or pacing device may be confined to a hospital bed or room for a significant amount of time (e.g., <NUM>% or more of the patient's stay in the hospital). As a result, a user interface can be configured to interact with a user other than the patient, e.g., a nurse, for device-related functions such as initial device baselining, setting and adjusting patient parameters, and changing the device batteries.

In implementations, an example of a therapeutic medical device can include a shortterm continuous monitoring defibrillator and/or pacing device, for example, a short-term outpatient ambulatory, wearable defibrillator. For example, such a short-term outpatient wearable defibrillator can be prescribed by a physician for patients presenting with syncope. A wearable defibrillator can be configured to monitor patients presenting with syncope by, e.g., analyzing the patient's cardiac activity for aberrant patterns that can indicate abnormal physiological function. For example, such aberrant patterns can occur prior to, during, or after the onset of symptoms. In such an example implementation of the short-term wearable defibrillator, the electrode assembly can be adhesively attached to or otherwise supported against the patient's skin and have a similar configuration as the in-hospital defibrillator described above.

For example, the therapeutic medical devices described above (e.g., the wearable defibrillator, the in-hospital defibrillator, and the short-term defibrillator) can protect patients at risk for sudden cardiac death. It can be used for a wide range of patient conditions or situations, including following a recent myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization. In one scenario, the ambulatory, wearable defibrillator can give caregivers time to optimize medical therapy and assess a patient's long-term risk for sudden death. The wearable defibrillator is configured to continuously monitor the patient's heart and, if a life-threatening heart rhythm is detected, the device can issue an alert to the patient. For example, a monitor can include a touchscreen for programming as well as patient interaction, and response buttons for the patient to use when responding to treatment alerts. If the patient does not respond (e.g., by holding down the response buttons) the wearable defibrillator can deliver a treatment shock to restore normal heart rhythm.

In accordance with one or more examples, a support garment <NUM> is provided to keep the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> in place against the patient's body while remaining comfortable during wear. <FIG> illustrate such a support garment <NUM> in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. Such an exemplary support garment is described in <CIT>.

In order to obtain a reliable ECG signal so that the monitor can function effectively and reliably, the sensing electrodes must be in the proper position and in good contact with the patient's skin. The electrodes need to remain in a certain position, and not move excessively or lift off the skin's surface. If there is movement or lifting, the ECG signal will be adversely affected with noise and can cause problems with the detection system and in the monitoring system. Similarly, in order to effectively deliver the defibrillating energy, the therapy electrodes must be in the proper position and in good contact with the patient's skin. If the therapy electrodes are not firmly positioned against the skin, there can be problems with high impedance, leading to a less effective delivery of energy. If the therapy electrodes are not firmly positioned, there can also be damage to the patient's skin, such as burning, when the shock is delivered.

In accordance with one or more examples, the support garment <NUM> may provide comfort and functionality under circumstances of human body dynamics, such as bending, twisting, rotation of the upper thorax, semi-reclining, and lying down. These are also positions that a patient may assume if he/she were to become unconscious due to an arrhythmic episode. The design of the garment is generally such that it minimizes bulk, weight and undesired concentrations of force or pressure, while providing the necessary radial forces upon the treatment and sensing electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> to ensure device functionality. The wearable defibrillator <NUM> may be disposed in a support holster (not shown) operatively connected to or separate from the support garment <NUM>. The support holster may be incorporated in a band or belt worn about the patient's waist or thigh.

As shown in <FIG>, the support garment <NUM> may be provided in the form of a vest or harness having back portion <NUM> and sides extending around the front of the patient P to form a belt <NUM>. The ends of the belt <NUM> are connected at the front of the patient P by a closure <NUM>, which may comprise one or more clasps. Multiple corresponding closures <NUM> may be provided along the length of the belt <NUM> to allow for adjustment in the size of the secured belt <NUM> in order to provide a more customized fit to the patient P. An exemplary clasp closure is illustrated in <FIG> and comprises a hook <NUM> disposed on one side to be connected and a corresponding eye <NUM> disposed on the opposing side to be connected. It is to be appreciated that the closure <NUM> may be of any type known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art, such as a zipper, corresponding hook and pile fasteners, buttons, or snaps. The support garment <NUM> may further include two straps <NUM> connecting the back portion <NUM> to the belt <NUM> at the front of the patient P. The straps <NUM> have an adjustable size to provide a more customized fit to the patient P. The straps <NUM> may be provided with sliders <NUM> to allow for the size adjustment of the straps <NUM>. The straps <NUM> may also be selectively attached to the belt <NUM> at the front of the patient P. The support garment <NUM> may be comprised of an elastic, low spring rate material that stretches appropriately to keep the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> in place against the patient's skin while the patient moves and is lightweight and breathable. For example, the support garment <NUM> may have elastic, low spring rate material composition based on a fiber content of about <NUM>% elastic fiber, <NUM>% polyester fiber, and up to <NUM>% or more of nylon or other fiber. Appropriate materials for the support garment <NUM> are discussed in detail in the above-mentioned <CIT>.

In accordance with one or more examples, the support garment <NUM> may be formed from an elastic, low spring rate material and constructed using tolerances that are considerably closer than those customarily used in garments. The materials for construction are chosen for functionality, comfort, and biocompatibility. The materials may be configured to wick perspiration from the skin. The support garment <NUM> may be formed from one or more blends of nylon, polyester, and spandex fabric material. Different portions or components of the support garment <NUM> may be formed from different material blends depending on the desired flexibility and stretchability of the support garment <NUM> and/or its specific portions or components. For instance, the belt <NUM> of the support garment <NUM> may be formed to be more stretchable than the back portion <NUM>. According to one example, the support garment <NUM> is formed from a blend of nylon and spandex materials, such as a blend of <NUM>% nylon and <NUM>% spandex. According to another example, the support garment <NUM> is formed from a blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex materials, such as <NUM>% nylon, <NUM>% polyester, and <NUM>% spandex. According to another example, the support garment <NUM> is formed from a blend of polyester and spandex materials, such as <NUM>% polyester and <NUM>% spandex or <NUM>% polyester and <NUM>% spandex. Stitching within the support garment <NUM> may be made with industrial stitching thread. According to one example, the stitching within the support garment <NUM> is formed from a cotton wrapped polyester core thread.

The support garment <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be configured for one-sided assembly of the electrode assembly <NUM> onto the support garment <NUM> such that the garment <NUM> does not need to be flipped or turned over in order to properly position the therapy electrodes <NUM> and the sensing electrodes <NUM> on the garment <NUM>. The inside surface of the back portion support garment <NUM> includes pocket(s) <NUM> for receiving one or two therapy electrodes <NUM> to hold the electrode(s) <NUM> in position against the patient's back. The pocket <NUM> is made from a non-elastic, conductive mesh fabric designed to isolate the metallic therapy electrode(s) <NUM> from the skin of the patient P while allowing a conductive gel that may be automatically extruded from the electrode(s) <NUM> to easily pass through. The forces applied to the electrode(s) <NUM> by the fabric, in addition to the use of the conductive gel, may help ensure that proper contact and electrical conductivity with the patient's body are maintained, even during body motions. The fabric material of the pocket(s) <NUM> also maintains electrical contact between the electrode(s) <NUM> through the mesh material before the conductive gel is dispensed, which allows for monitoring of the therapy electrode(s) <NUM> to ensure that the electrode(s) are positioned against the skin such that a warning may be provided by the wearable defibrillator <NUM> if the therapy electrode(s) <NUM> is not properly positioned. Another pocket <NUM> made from the same non-elastic, conductive mesh fabric is included on an inside surface of the belt <NUM> for receiving a therapy electrode <NUM> and holding the electrode <NUM> in position against the patient's left side. According to one example, the pockets <NUM>, <NUM> are formed from a knit electrically conductive material. The material of the pockets <NUM>, <NUM> may have a metal coating, such as a silver coating, applied thereto to provide electrical conductivity. The pockets <NUM>, <NUM> may be closed by conventional fasteners, such as snaps, buttons or hook and pile fasteners.

In other examples, instead of being removably disposed within pocket(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, the electrode(s) <NUM> may be permanently integrated in a non-removable fashion into the support garment <NUM>. In some implementations involving electrode(s) <NUM> that are permanently integrated into the support garment <NUM>, conductive gel may be stored in one or more removably attached receptacles that are disposed in proximity to each electrode(s) <NUM>. Such exemplary support garments having permanently integrated electrodes and removably attached conductive gel receptacles are described in <CIT>.

The back portion <NUM> and the belt <NUM> of the support garment <NUM> may further incorporate attachment points <NUM> for supporting the sensing electrodes <NUM> in positions against the patient's skin in spaced locations around the circumference of the patient's chest. The attachment points <NUM> may include hook and pile fasteners for attaching electrodes <NUM> having a corresponding fastener disposed thereon to the inside surface of the belt <NUM>. The attachment points <NUM> may be color coded to provide guidance for appropriately connecting the sensing electrodes <NUM> to the support garment <NUM>. The support garment <NUM> may further be provided with a flap <NUM> extending from the back portion <NUM>. The flap <NUM> and the back portion <NUM> include snap fasteners <NUM> for connecting the flap <NUM> to the inside surface of the back portion <NUM> in order to define a pouch or pocket for holding the vibration box <NUM>. The outer surface of the belt <NUM> may incorporate a schematic <NUM> imprinted on the fabric for assisting the patient or medical professional in assembling the electrode assembly <NUM> onto the support garment <NUM>.

In an alternative exemplary support garment, the back portion includes a pocket accessible from an outer side of the garment for receiving the therapy electrode(s). A layer of the mesh material may form the inner surface of the back portion to allow the conductive gel to pass therethrough to contact the patient's skin. The pocket may be closed with snap fasteners. The back portion also includes an external holster pocket for receiving the vibration box therein. A strap is provided on the back portion for securing the vibration box in the external holster. Another holster or pocket is provided on the inner surface of the belt on the patient's left side for receiving another therapy electrode. The pocket is accessible from the inside surface of the belt and may include a snap enclosure for securing the therapy electrode. The pocket includes a layer of the mesh material discussed above to allow the conductive gel to pass through to the patient's skin. The inside surface of the back portion and the belt also include attachment points, as discussed above, for connection of the sensing electrodes to the support garment. Accordingly, in order to assemble the electrode assembly onto the support garment, the support garment must be turned over to access the pocket and holster on the back portion and subsequently the pocket on the belt and the attachment points. The support garment according to this example may include three straps. Two straps extend from the top of the back portion over the patient's shoulders and under the patient's arms to connect to points on the back portion below the pocket for the therapy electrode(s). A third strap extends from the left shoulder strap at a point near the patient's shoulder to the left side of the belt proximate to the pocket on the belt for receiving the therapy electrode. The straps may be selectively attached to the back portion and the belt and may have an adjustable size.

<FIG> illustrate various examples of a support garment according to the present disclosure. The illustrated examples of the support garment each include a bra or bra portion configured to support front upper torsal female anatomy. In particular, each of the illustrated support garments <NUM> includes two cups configured to contact and support the patient's breasts.

During use of the support garment <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG>, female patients are advised to put on the garment <NUM> before putting on a bra or similar garment that provides support to their breasts such that the garment <NUM> is positioned underneath the patient's bra. However, this arrangement is uncomfortable because the garment straps <NUM> and fabric interfere with the fit and comfort of the bra. Further, the bra is still likely to interfere with the position of the support garment <NUM>, and thereby the position of the sensing electrodes <NUM> and the therapy electrodes <NUM>, on the patient.

The examples illustrated with respect to <FIG> provide multiple solutions to the problems found with the support garment <NUM>. The examples illustrated with respect to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> provide female patients with a support bra attachment portion or similar attachment garment that attaches to the existing support garment <NUM> discussed above in order to provide female patients more comfortable support for their breasts while wearing the support garment <NUM>. As illustrated in these examples, the bra structure may be in the form of a bra attachment portion(s) or breast plate <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>) that connects to at least one of the shoulder straps <NUM>, the belt <NUM>, and the back portion <NUM> of the support garment <NUM>. As illustrated, various garment structures and attachment mechanisms may be utilized in connection with these examples. The bra attachment portion(s) or breast plates may be provided in different sizes and styles to accommodate different body types and breast sizes. The bra attachment portion(s) or breast plates may be provided with adjustable support, as will be discussed in further detail.

The examples illustrated with respect to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> provide female patients with a support garment <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>), <NUM> (<FIG>) that is formed as a bra or incorporates a bra structure and incorporates one or more support members and attachment points on the inside surface thereof for supporting the electrode assembly <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG> on the support garment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> such that the sensing electrodes <NUM> and the therapy electrode(s) <NUM> may be positioned against the patient's skin at the proper locations on the patient's body. The support garments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> according to these examples are provided as an alternative garment for the support garment <NUM> discussed above. The support garments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> incorporate cups for contacting and supporting the patient's breasts in a more comfortable manner. The support garments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided in different sizes and styles to accommodate different body types and breast sizes. The cups may be provided with adjustable support, as will be discussed in further detail.

The support garments according to the present disclosure offer several improvements/advantages over the support garment <NUM>, discussed above, and other similar support garments known in the art. As stated above, the support garment <NUM>, as well as other similar garments, is intended to be worn under the patient's bra, but this is very uncomfortable because the support garment <NUM> interferes with the bra and the bra causes the garment <NUM> to dig into the skin, especially the straps. As such, female patients tend to wear their bra under the support garment <NUM>, which results in the bra interfering with the positioning of the electrodes against the patient's skin.

The support garments illustrated in <FIG> eliminates the need for patients to wear a bra separate from the support garment, which as discussed above, can possibly be worn in a manner that interferes with the electrodes. The support garments illustrated in <FIG> combine the bra structure into the support garment for supporting and holding the electrodes in the proper positions against the patient's skin to form a single structure so that both the bra and the support garment can be worn properly by the patient and move together as the patient moves.

The support garments illustrated in <FIG> improves the comfort and styling of the therapeutic garment for female patients. This is accomplished by eliminating/reducing multiple layers of fabric worn by the patient and reducing the number of over the shoulder straps and other elastic elements to be worn by the patient. Further, the support garments illustrated in <FIG> may incorporate any structural support and styling features typically used in bras subject to the requirements of supporting the electrode assembly and holding the electrodes against the patient's skin in the proper locations on the patient's body.

The patient's bra and the support garment <NUM> tend to occupy the same space on the patient's front below the breasts and the support garment <NUM> will ride up over the bra regardless of whether the bra is worn under or over the support garment <NUM>. The support garments illustrated in <FIG> eliminate this problem by using the structure of the support garment as the base structure of the bra.

The support garments illustrated in <FIG> eliminates the redundant structures of the bra and the support garment <NUM>, such as the straps, back, and the front support structure for the cups by incorporating the bra structure into the support garment or by incorporating the electrode assembly <NUM> into a suitably configured bra or similar garment.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a support garment for supporting a patient wearable defibrillator according to an example of the present disclosure. The illustrated support garment is a combination of the support garment <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG> and a bra attachment portion <NUM> in the form of a breast plate. As discussed above, the support garment <NUM> is made from a fabric having an outside surface and an inside surface and is configured to be worn about a chest of a patient P. The support garment <NUM> comprises a back portion <NUM>, a belt <NUM> defined by side portions extending from the back portion <NUM> around a front of the patient P, and shoulder straps <NUM> attached to the back portion <NUM> and the belt <NUM>. The back portion <NUM> and the belt <NUM> are configured to support a plurality of sensing electrodes <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, and at least one therapeutic defibrillator electrode <NUM>, also shown in <FIG>.

The bra attachment portion <NUM> is configured to support front upper torsal female anatomy and extends between and is connected to the straps <NUM> and the belt <NUM> of the support garment <NUM> at the front of the patient P. The bra attachment portion <NUM> includes two cups <NUM> that are configured to contact and support the patient's breasts. The cups <NUM> incorporate suitable structure for supporting the patient's breasts in a comfortable and stylized manner that is typical of various bra garments known in the art. Accordingly, the cups <NUM> may include layers of foam padding, underwire, and/or plastic inserts typically used in bra garments to provide comfortable support for the patient's breasts and a suitable fit for the patient. The cups <NUM> may be structured, through the use of the above-mentioned layers of foam padding, underwire, and/or plastic inserts, in a smooth rounded shape to match the contours of the patient's front upper torsal anatomy and to define a smoothed, stylized silhouette such that the bra attachment portion <NUM> may be worn under the patient's normal clothing in a manner that minimizes noticeable protrusion of the bra attachment portion <NUM> and interference with the fit and comfort of the patient's clothing. In other words, the bra attachment portion <NUM> is structured to fit closely to the patient's body and to conform to the shape of the patient's front upper torsal anatomy such that the outward extension of the bra attachment portion <NUM> from the patient's body is minimized so that the bra attachment portion <NUM> does not extend or only minimally extends into a space generally occupied by the patient's normal clothing.

The bra attachment portion <NUM> includes fastening mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> for connecting the bra attachment portion <NUM> to the belt <NUM> and the straps <NUM> of the support garment <NUM>. The support garment <NUM> includes corresponding fastener mechanisms <NUM> on the belt <NUM> and on the straps <NUM>. According to one example of the disclosure, the fastening mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> include corresponding hook and pile fasteners provided on the sides and bottom of the bra attachment portion <NUM> and along the top inside surface of the belt <NUM> and on the straps.

According to another example of the disclosure illustrated in <FIG>, the fastening mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> include corresponding plastic male and female mateable slide connectors <NUM>, <NUM>. According to this example, the bra attachment portion <NUM> is provided with a male or female connector <NUM>, <NUM> on each of its lateral sides and along its bottom. The belt <NUM> and the straps <NUM> are provided with corresponding male or female connectors <NUM>, <NUM>. The bra attachment portion <NUM> is connected to the support garment <NUM> by sliding the male connectors <NUM> into and along the corresponding female connectors <NUM> until the bra attachment portion <NUM> is properly connected and positioned on the support garment <NUM>. The male and female slide connectors <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached by stitching or adhered to the bra attachment portion <NUM> and to the belt <NUM> and straps <NUM> of the support garment <NUM>. The mateable slide connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are useful to integrate the bra attachment portion <NUM> more fully into the structure of the support garment <NUM> so that the bra attachment portion <NUM> is more secure.

According to the example of the disclosure illustrated in <FIG>, the bra attachment portion <NUM> is connected to the belt <NUM> and/or the straps <NUM> of the support garment <NUM> by a plurality of clasps provided on the lateral sides and the bottom of the bra attachment portion <NUM> and on the belt <NUM> and the straps <NUM>. Each clasp mechanism includes a hook <NUM> provided on one of the bra attachment portion <NUM> and the support garment <NUM> and a corresponding eye <NUM> provided on the other of the bra attachment portion <NUM> and the support garment <NUM>. The bra attachment portion <NUM> is secured on the support garment <NUM> by sliding the hooks <NUM> into the corresponding eyes <NUM>.

According to the example of the disclosure illustrated in <FIG>, the bra attachment portion <NUM> is connected to the belt <NUM> and/or the straps <NUM> of the support garment <NUM> by a plurality of buttons <NUM> and corresponding button holes <NUM> provided on the lateral sides and the bottom of the bra attachment portion <NUM> and on the belt <NUM> and the straps <NUM>. The bra attachment portion <NUM> is secured by inserting the buttons <NUM> on one of the bra attachment portion <NUM> and the support garment <NUM> into the corresponding button holes <NUM> provided on the other of the bra attachment portion <NUM> and the support garment <NUM>.

According to the example of the disclosure illustrated in <FIG>, the bra attachment portion <NUM> is connected to the belt <NUM> and/or the straps <NUM> of the support garment <NUM> by a plurality of snaps each comprised of female snap <NUM> and a male snap <NUM>. The corresponding snaps <NUM>, <NUM> are provided on the lateral sides and the bottom of the bra attachment portion <NUM> and on the belt <NUM> and the straps <NUM>. The bra attachment portion <NUM> is secured by inserting the male snaps <NUM> into the corresponding female snaps <NUM>.

According to another example of the disclosure, the bra attachment portion <NUM> is connected to the belt <NUM> and/or the straps <NUM> by press fit connectors <NUM>, which are illustrated in <FIG>, or by mateable buckles <NUM>, which are illustrated in <FIG>. It is to be appreciated that any fastening mechanism or mechanisms, including combinations of the fastening mechanisms discussed above, may be used to secure the bra attachment portion <NUM> to the belt <NUM> and the straps <NUM> of the support garment <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the bra attachment portion <NUM> may be formed from any material or materials known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art. In particular, the bra attachment portion <NUM> may be formed from the same elastic, low spring rate material as the support garment <NUM>, discussed above with reference to <FIG>, such as a blend of spandex material with nylon and/or polyester materials. As also discussed above, the stitching may be made from a cotton wrapped polyester core thread. The bra attachment portion <NUM> may be provided in multiple sizes and with multiple cup sizes to fit patients of different body types. For instance, the bra attachment portion <NUM> may be provided in multiple sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL, etc. corresponding to the size of the support garment <NUM>. The bra attachment portion <NUM> may also be provided having different sized cups A, B, C, D, etc. typically found in bra garments. The bra attachment portion <NUM> may also include an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a fit of the bra attachment portion <NUM> to the patient P. The adjustment mechanism is configured to provide a more customizable fit of the bra attachment portion <NUM> to the patient P. The inclusion of the adjustment mechanism in the bra attachment portion <NUM> may also allow for a reduction in the number of specific cup sizes provided for the bra attachment portion <NUM> at each of the multiple sizes in order to reduce the manufacturing and inventory costs associated with manufacturing and managing inventory for bra attachment portions <NUM> at each particular cup size used for bra garments.

With reference to <FIG>, in accordance with one example the adjustment mechanism comprises an inflatable insert <NUM> that may be inserted into each of the cups <NUM> of the bra attachment portion <NUM>. The size of the inflatable insert <NUM> may be increased by pressing the pump button <NUM> on the top side of the insert <NUM> to inflate the insert <NUM> and may be decreased by pressing the release button <NUM> on the top side of the insert <NUM> to release air from the insert <NUM>. The inflatable insert <NUM> may be placed into the cups <NUM> separately by the patient P or permanently attached or adhered to the bra attachment portion <NUM> during manufacturing. The inflatable insert <NUM> may also be used to adjust the styling of the bra attachment portion <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, in accordance with another example the adjustment mechanism comprises a plurality of drawstrings <NUM>. As illustrated, the drawstrings <NUM> are incorporated into the cups <NUM> of a support garment <NUM> according to any one of the examples of <FIG>. Each cup <NUM> may be provided with five drawstrings <NUM> incorporated into the structure of the cup <NUM> and extending from the center of the cup <NUM>. Four of the drawstrings <NUM> extend diagonally from the center of the cup <NUM> to the outside of the cut <NUM>. A fifth drawstring <NUM> extends from the center of the cup <NUM>. The cups <NUM> are structured to allow for changes in the sizing of the cups <NUM>. During fitting of the support garment <NUM>, the drawstrings <NUM> may be drawn to decrease the size of the cups <NUM> to provide the patient P with a customized fit. When the fit is completed, the ends of the drawstrings <NUM> may be cut and tied off or otherwise secured to maintain the size of the cups <NUM>. Alternatively, the sizing of the cups <NUM> may remain adjustable by providing suitable clamps on the drawstrings <NUM>.

The bra attachment portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is advantageous because it requires minimal modification to the existing support garment <NUM> so that different sized support garments <NUM> may be matched with different sized bra attachment portions <NUM> at the time of fitting and utilizes existing support garments <NUM> to supplement the structure of the bra attachment portion <NUM> to form a bra. When the male and female plastic slide connectors <NUM>, <NUM> are utilized to connect the bra attachment portion <NUM> to the support garment <NUM>, the plastic slide connectors <NUM>, <NUM> integrate the bra attachment portion <NUM> more fully into the structure of the support garment <NUM> so that the bra attachment portion <NUM> is more secure.

<FIG> illustrate a patient wearable defibrillator <NUM> that includes a support garment <NUM> in the form of a bra or similar garment, such as a tank top, halter top, or camisole, according to an example of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the treatment components (e.g., the therapeutic defibrillator electrode <NUM> and associated circuitry) may be optional, e.g., such components may be removably attached to the support garment <NUM>. Accordingly, while the disclosure herein refers to a patient wearable defibrillator <NUM>, it is understood that the device may be in the form of a cardiac monitor as described above, and include optional, removably attached defibrillation and/or treatment elements.

A defibrillator <NUM> includes an electrode assembly <NUM> having a plurality of sensing electrodes <NUM> configured to monitor a cardiac function of the patient P and, if provided, at least one therapeutic defibrillator electrode <NUM>, as discussed above with reference to <FIG>. In addition, as noted above, the defibrillator <NUM> can be configured to monitor other physiologic parameters of the patient in addition to cardiac related parameters. For example, the device can be configured to monitor, for example, lung sounds (e.g., using microphones and/or accelerometers), breath sounds, respiration, sleep related parameters (e.g., snoring, sleep apnea), tissue fluids (e.g., using radio-frequency transmitters and sensors), among others.

For example, referring to <FIG>, an acoustic sensor <NUM> may be provided to monitor one or more of a patient's lung sounds, heart sounds, breath sounds, respiration, and/or other sounds produced within the patient's body. For example, the acoustic sensor <NUM> may be configured to determine fiducial timepoints in the mechanical activity of the heart (such as detection and monitoring of S1, S2, S3, and S4 sounds) as exemplified by AUDICOR® Technology from Inovise Medical of Beaverton, Oregon.

For example, referring again to <FIG>, a fluid monitor <NUM> may be provided to monitor one or more of a patient's lung and/or other tissue fluid level, e.g., using ultra wide band (UWB) radio frequency technology.

The support garment <NUM> is made from a fabric having an outside surface and an inside surface and is configured to be worn about a chest of the patient P. The support garment <NUM> is configured to support and hold the sensing electrodes <NUM> and the at least one therapeutic defibrillator <NUM> against the patient's skin at the proper locations on the patient's body in a manner similar to the support garment <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG>.

According to one example, the support garment <NUM> may be formed from a blend of nylon and spandex materials, such as a blend of <NUM>% nylon and <NUM>% spandex. According to another example, the support garment <NUM> is formed from a blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex materials, such as <NUM>% nylon, <NUM>% polyester, and <NUM>% spandex. According to another example, the support garment <NUM> is formed from a blend of polyester and spandex materials, such as <NUM>% polyester and <NUM>% spandex or <NUM>% polyester and <NUM>% spandex. The material used in the support garment <NUM> may vary depending on the portion of the garment and the part of the anatomy that the garment comes in contact with. For example, the portion of the garment that comes in contact with the front upper torsal female anatomy as described below may use different material than the rest of the support garment <NUM>. Stitching within the support garment <NUM> may be made with industrial stitching thread. According to one example, the stitching within the support garment <NUM> is formed from a cotton wrapped polyester core thread. Further, the support garment <NUM> may be based on a low elasticity, low spring rate material. For example, the fiber content of such a low spring rate material may be about <NUM>% elastic fiber, <NUM>% polyester fiber, and up to <NUM>% or more of nylon or other fiber.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the support garment <NUM> includes a back portion <NUM> and a front portion <NUM> connected to the back portion <NUM> by sides <NUM>. The front portion <NUM> of the garment <NUM> is configured to support front upper torsal female anatomy. The support garment <NUM> also includes shoulder straps <NUM> connecting the front portion <NUM> to the back portion <NUM>. The shoulder straps <NUM> may be provided with sliders <NUM> so that the size of the shoulder straps <NUM> can be adjusted.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sensing electrodes <NUM> and the at least one therapeutic defibrillator electrode <NUM> are supported on the inside surface of the support garment <NUM>. The support garment <NUM> includes at least one support member <NUM>, <NUM> on the inside surface thereof for supporting the at least one therapeutic defibrillator electrode <NUM> on the support garment <NUM>. In particular, the inside surface of the back portion <NUM> has a support member in the form of pocket(s) <NUM> defined thereon, which is configured to receive one or two therapy electrodes <NUM> therein in the same manner as the pocket(s) <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG>. The pocket(s) <NUM> includes a layer of conductive, mesh material disposed between the at least one therapy electrode <NUM> and the patient's skin to allow for the conductive gel to pass through the mesh material and into contact with the patient's skin and to allow for electrical connnection to be maintained between the therapy electrodes <NUM> and the patient's skin. Further, by detecting contact between the therapy electrodes <NUM> and the mesh material, the wearable defibrillator <NUM> is able to detect if the therapy electrodes <NUM> are not in proper contact with the patient. The inside surface of the front portion <NUM> also has a support member in the form of a pocket <NUM> defined thereon, which is configured to receive another therapy electrode therein in the same manner as the pocket <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG>. The pocket <NUM> also includes a layer of mesh material disposed between the therapy electrode <NUM> and the patient's skin. According to one example, the pockets <NUM>, <NUM> are formed from a knit electrically conductive material. The material of the pockets <NUM>, <NUM> may have a metal coating, such as a silver coating, applied thereto to provide electrical conductivity between the therapy electrodes <NUM> and the patient's skin. The support garment <NUM> also includes attachment points <NUM> on the inside surface thereof for attaching the sensing electrodes <NUM> to the inside surface of the support garment <NUM> and distributing the sensing electrodes <NUM> around the circumference of the patient's chest in a similar manner as the attachment points <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG>. The attachment points <NUM> may be similarly color coded for proper assembly of the sensing electrodes <NUM> onto the support garment <NUM>. The support garment <NUM> may further include a flap <NUM> depending from the back portion <NUM> that can be connected to the back portion <NUM> to form a pouch or pocket for supporting a vibration box <NUM> of the electrode assembly <NUM> in the same manner as the flap <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG>.

The support garment <NUM> includes two cups <NUM> that are configured to contact and support the patient's breasts. The cups <NUM> incorporate suitable structure for supporting the patient's breasts in a comfortable and stylized manner that is typical of various bra garments known in the art. Accordingly, the cups <NUM> may include layers of foam padding, underwire, and/or plastic inserts typically used in bra garments to provide comfortable support for the patient's breasts and a suitable fit for the patient. The cups <NUM> may be structured, through the use of the above-mentioned layers of foam padding, underwire, and/or plastic inserts, in a smooth rounded shape to match the contours of the patient's front upper torsal anatomy and to define a smoothed, stylized silhouette such that the support garment <NUM> may be worn under the patient's normal clothing in a manner that minimizes noticeable protrusion of the support garment <NUM> and interference with the fit and comfort of the patient's clothing. In other words, the support garment <NUM> may be structured to fit closely to the patient's body and to conform to the shape of the patient's front upper torsal anatomy such that the outward extension of the support garment <NUM> from the patient's body is minimized so that the support garment <NUM> does not extend or only minimally extends into a space generally occupied by the patient's normal clothing. The support garment <NUM> may be split in the front and provided with a front closure mechanism, such as a zipper, a plurality of clasps or a similar fastener, to connect the separate halves of the front portion <NUM> at the front of the patient P in order to facilitate wearing and removing of the support garment <NUM>.

The support garment <NUM> may be formed from any material or materials known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art. In particular, the support garment <NUM> may be formed from the same elastic, low spring rate material as the support garment <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG>, such as a blend of spandex material with nylon and/or polyester materials. As also discussed above, the stitching may be made from a cotton wrapped pop[ polyester core thread. The support garment <NUM> may be provided in multiple sizes and with multiple cup sizes to fit patients of different body types. For instance, the support garment <NUM> may be provided in multiple sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL, etc. The support garment <NUM> may also be provided having different cup sizes A, B, C, D, etc. typically found in bra garments. Each cup <NUM> of the support garment <NUM> may also include an adjustment mechanism <NUM> configured to adjust a fit of the cup <NUM> to the patient P. The inclusion of the adjustment mechanisms <NUM> in the support garment <NUM> may also allow for a reduction in the number of specific cup sizes provided for the support garment <NUM> at each of the multiple sizes in order to reduce the manufacturing and inventory costs associated with manufacturing and managing inventory for support garments <NUM> at each particular cup size used for bra garments. The adjustment mechanism <NUM> may comprise an inflatable insert <NUM> as discussed above with reference to <FIG> or a plurality of drawstrings <NUM> as discussed above with reference to <FIG>.

The support garment <NUM> is advantageous because it fully integrates the support structures for the electrode assembly <NUM> found in the support garment <NUM> into a bra garment such that the bra garment can fulfill the function of the support garment <NUM> and provide similar comfort and styling features as a typical bra garment.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a support garment for supporting a patient wearable defibrillator according to an example of the present disclosure. The illustrated support garment is a combination of the support garment <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG> and a bra attachment portion <NUM> in the form of a bra band.

The bra attachment portion <NUM> is configured to support front upper torsal female anatomy and extends between and is connected to the straps <NUM> and the belt <NUM> of the support garment <NUM> at the front of the patient P. The bra attachment portion <NUM> includes two cups <NUM> that are configured to contact and support the patient's breasts. The cups <NUM> incorporate suitable structure for supporting the patient's breasts in a comfortable and stylized manner that is typical of various bra garments known in the art. Accordingly, the cups <NUM> may include layers of foam padding, underwire, and/or plastic inserts typically used in bra garments to provide comfortable support for the patient's breasts and a suitable fit for the patient. The cups <NUM> may be structured, through the use of the above-mentioned layers of foam padding, underwire, and/or plastic inserts, in a smooth rounded shape to match the contours of the patient's front upper torsal anatomy and to define a smoothed, stylized silhouette such that the bra attachment portion <NUM> may be worn under the patient's normal clothing in a manner that minimizes noticeable protrusion of the bra attachment portion <NUM> and interference with the fit and comfort of the patient's clothing. In other words, the bra attachment portion <NUM> may be structured to fit closely to the patient's body and to conform to the shape of the patient's front upper torsal anatomy such that the outward extension of the bra attachment portion <NUM> from the patient's body is minimized so that the bra attachment portion <NUM> does not extend or only minimally extends into a space generally occupied by the patient's normal clothing.

The bra attachment portion <NUM> includes fastening flaps <NUM> on both lateral sides thereof. The flaps <NUM> are configured to wrap around the straps <NUM> of the support garment <NUM> and include fastening mechanisms <NUM> to secure the ends of the flaps <NUM> to the bra attachment portion <NUM> in order to connect the bra attachment portion <NUM> to the straps <NUM>. According to an example of the present disclosure, the fastening mechanisms <NUM> comprise corresponding strips of hook and pile fasteners. It is to be appreciated that other fastening mechanisms, such as clasps, buttons, or snaps, may be used to secure the ends of the flaps <NUM> to the bra attachment portion <NUM>.

The bra attachment portion <NUM> also includes a fastening mechanism <NUM> disposed along the bottom thereof for connecting the bra attachment portion <NUM> to the belt <NUM>. The belt <NUM> includes corresponding fastening mechanisms <NUM>. As discussed above with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fastening mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise strips of hook and pile fasteners, plastic male and female mateable slide connectors <NUM>, <NUM> of the type shown in <FIG>, a plurality of clasps of the type shown in <FIG>, a plurality of buttons of the type shown in <FIG>, and/or a plurality of snaps of the type shown in <FIG>. The bra attachment portion <NUM> may also be connected to the belt <NUM> by press fit connectors or by mateable buckles.

The bra attachment portion <NUM> may be formed from any material or materials known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art. In particular, the bra attachment portion <NUM> may be formed from the same elastic, low spring rate material as the support garment <NUM>, discussed above with reference to <FIG>, such as a blend of spandex material with nylon and/or polyester materials. As also discussed above, the stitching may be made from a cotton wrapped polyester core thread. The bra attachment portion <NUM> may be provided in multiple sizes and with multiple cup sizes to fit patients of different body types. For instance, the bra attachment portion <NUM> may be provided in multiple sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL, etc. corresponding to the size of the support garment <NUM>. The bra attachment portion <NUM> may also be provided having different sized cups A, B, C, D, etc. typically found in bra garments. The bra attachment portion <NUM> may also include an adjustment mechanism, such as the inflatable insert <NUM> shown in <FIG> or the plurality of drawstrings <NUM> shown in <FIG>, configured to adjust a fit of the bra attachment portion <NUM> to the patient P.

The bra attachment portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is advantageous because it requires minimal modification to the existing support garment <NUM> so that different sized support garments <NUM> may be matched with different sized bra attachment portions <NUM> at the time of fitting and utilizes existing support garments <NUM> to supplement the structure of the bra attachment portion <NUM> to form a bra.

<FIG> illustrates a support garment for supporting a patient wearable defibrillator according to an example of the present disclosure. The illustrated support garment is a combination of the support garment <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG> and two bra attachment portions <NUM> each comprising a cup <NUM> configured to contact and support one of the patient's breasts. As discussed above, the support garment <NUM> is made from a fabric having an outside surface and an inside surface and is configured to be worn about a chest of a patient P. The support garment <NUM> comprises a back portion <NUM>, a belt <NUM> defined by side portions extending from the back portion <NUM> around a front of the patient P, and shoulder straps <NUM> attached to the back portion <NUM> and the belt <NUM>. The back portion <NUM> and the belt <NUM> are configured to support a plurality of sensing electrodes <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, and at least one therapeutic defibrillator electrode <NUM>, also shown in <FIG>.

The two bra attachment portions <NUM> are connected by fasteners or by stitching to opposing sides of the back portion <NUM> of the support garment <NUM> and are configured to extend around the patient's sides. The two bra attachment portions <NUM> comprise a closure mechanism <NUM>, such as a zipper, configured to connect the bra attachment portions <NUM> at the front of the patient. Alternatively, the closure mechanism <NUM> may comprise one or more clasps as described herein. It is to be appreciated that the closure mechanism <NUM> may be of any type known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art.

The cups <NUM> of the bra attachment portions <NUM> incorporate suitable structure for supporting the patient's breasts in a comfortable and stylized manner that is typical of various bra garments known in the art. Accordingly, the cups <NUM> may include layers of foam padding, underwire, and/or plastic inserts typically used in bra garments to provide comfortable support for the patient's breasts and a suitable fit for the patient. The cups <NUM> may be structured, through the use of the above-mentioned layers of foam padding, underwire, and/or plastic inserts, in a smooth rounded shape to match the contours of the patient's front upper torsal anatomy and to define a smoothed, stylized silhouette such that the bra attachment portions <NUM> may be worn under the patient's normal clothing in a manner that minimizes noticeable protrusion of the bra attachment portions <NUM> and interference with the fit and comfort of the patient's clothing. In other words, the bra attachment portion <NUM> may be structured to fit closely to the patient's body and to conform to the shape of the patient's front upper torsal anatomy such that the outward extension of the bra attachment portion <NUM> from the patient's body is minimized so that the bra attachment portion <NUM> does not extend or only minimally extends into a space generally occupied by the patient's normal clothing.

The bra attachment portions <NUM> may be formed from any material or materials known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art. In particular, the bra attachment portions <NUM> may be formed from the same elastic, low spring rate material as the support garment <NUM>, discussed above with reference to <FIG>, such as a blend of spandex material with nylon and/or polyester materials. As also discussed above, the stitching may be made from a cotton wrapped polyester core thread. The bra attachment portions <NUM> may be provided in multiple sizes and with multiple cup sizes to fit patients of different body types. For instance, the bra attachment portions <NUM> may be provided in multiple sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL, etc. corresponding to the size of the support garment <NUM>. The bra attachment portions <NUM> may also be provided having different sized cups A, B, C, D, etc. typically found in bra garments. The bra attachment portions <NUM> may also each include an adjustment mechanism, such as the inflatable insert <NUM> shown in <FIG> or the plurality of drawstrings <NUM> shown in <FIG>, configured to adjust a fit of the bra attachment portions <NUM> to the patient.

The support garment incorporating the bra attachment portions <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is advantageous because it structurally incorporates the bra attachment portions into the existing support garment <NUM> and because it will be easier to fasten for patients having arthritis or similar conditions affecting their ability to manipulate the bra attachment portions <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a support garment for supporting a patient wearable defibrillator according to an example of the present disclosure. The illustrated support garment is a combination of the support garment <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG> and two bra attachment portions <NUM> each comprising a cup <NUM> configured to contact and support one of the patient's breasts. As discussed above, the support garment <NUM> is made from a fabric having an outside surface and an inside surface and is configured to be worn about a chest of a patient P. The support garment <NUM> comprises a back portion <NUM>, a belt <NUM> defined by side portions extending from the back portion <NUM> around a front of the patient P, and shoulder straps <NUM> attached to the back portion <NUM> and the belt <NUM>. The back portion <NUM> and the belt <NUM> are configured to support a plurality of sensing electrodes <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, and at least one therapeutic defibrillator electrode <NUM>, also shown in <FIG>.

The two bra attachment portions <NUM> are built or integrated into the front of the support garment <NUM> to form a hybrid support garment with the bra attachment portions <NUM> being disposed between the straps <NUM> and the belt <NUM>. Each bra attachment portion <NUM> is connected to a respective portion of the belt <NUM> at a bottom side thereof. As shown, the bra attachment portions <NUM> are connected to the respective portions of the belt <NUM> by seams of stitching <NUM>. The bra attachment portions <NUM> are integrated into the respective portions of the belt <NUM> such that the bra attachment portions <NUM> and the belt <NUM> may be provided with a common closure mechanism <NUM>, such as a zipper, configured to connect the bra attachment portions and the ends of the belt <NUM> at the front of the patient P. Alternatively, the closure mechanism <NUM> may comprise one or more clasps as described herein. It is to be appreciated that the closure mechanism <NUM> may be of any type known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art.

Shortened straps <NUM> are provided to connect the back portion <NUM> of the support garment <NUM> to a top side of a respective bra attachment portion <NUM>. The bra attachment portions <NUM> may be connected to the respective straps <NUM> by stitching or by a suitable detachable fastening mechanism such as a mateable buckle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, mateable plastic slide connectors as shown in <FIG>, one or more clasps as shown in <FIG>, one or more buttons as shown in <FIG>, one or more snaps as shown in <FIG>, or another fastening mechanism known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art.

The bra attachment portions <NUM> may be formed from any material or materials known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art. In particular, the bra attachment portions <NUM> may be formed from the same elastic, low spring rate material as the support garment <NUM>, discussed above with reference to <FIG>, such as a blend of spandex material with nylon and/or polyester materials. As also discussed above, the stitching may be made from a cotton wrapped polyester core thread. The bra attachment portions <NUM> may be provided in multiple sizes and with multiple cup sizes to fit patients of different body types. For instance, the bra attachment portions <NUM> may be provided in multiple sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL, etc. corresponding to the size of the support garment <NUM>. The bra attachment portions <NUM> may also be provided having different sized cups A, B, C, D, etc. typically found in bra garments. The bra attachment portions <NUM> may also each include an adjustment mechanism, such as the inflatable insert <NUM> shown in <FIG> or the plurality of drawstrings <NUM> shown in <FIG>, configured to adjust a fit of the bra attachment portions <NUM> to the patient P.

The support garment incorporating the bra attachment portions <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is advantageous because it more fully integrates the bra attachment portions <NUM> into the support garment <NUM> and because it will be easier to fasten for patients having arthritis or similar conditions affecting their ability to manipulate the garment.

<FIG> illustrates a support garment for supporting a patient wearable defibrillator according to an example of the present disclosure. The illustrated support garment is a combination of the support garment <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG> and a bra attachment portion <NUM> in the form of a halter style bra.

The bra attachment portion <NUM> is configured to support front upper torsal female anatomy and extends between the straps <NUM> and the belt <NUM> of the support garment <NUM> at the front of the patient. The bra attachment portion <NUM> includes two cups <NUM> that are configured to contact and support the patient's breasts. The cups <NUM> incorporate suitable structure for supporting the patient's breasts in a comfortable and stylized manner that is typical of various bra garments known in the art. Accordingly, the cups <NUM> may include layers of foam padding, underwire, and/or plastic inserts typically used in bra garments to provide comfortable support for the patient's breasts and a suitable fit for the patient. The cups <NUM> may be structured, through the use of the above-mentioned layers of foam padding, underwire, and/or plastic inserts, in a smooth rounded shape to match the contours of the patient's front upper torsal anatomy and to define a smoothed, stylized silhouette such that the bra attachment portion <NUM> may be worn under the patient's normal clothing in a manner that minimizes noticeable protrusion of the bra attachment portion <NUM> and interference with the fit and comfort of the patient's clothing. In other words, the bra attachment portion <NUM> may be structured to fit closely to the patient's body and to conform to the shape of the patient's front upper torsal anatomy such that the outward extension of the bra attachment portion <NUM> from the patient's body is minimized so that the bra attachment portion <NUM> does not extend or only minimally extends into a space generally occupied by the patient's normal clothing. Gel strips (not shown) may be provided on the sides of the bra attachment portion <NUM> for fit and to hold the bra attachment portion <NUM> against the patient's skin.

The bra attachment portion <NUM> includes a single halter strap <NUM> connected to the top of the bra attachment portion <NUM> proximate to both lateral sides thereof. The halter strap <NUM> is configured to extend around a neck of the patient.

The bra attachment portion <NUM> also includes one or more fastening mechanisms <NUM> disposed along the bottom thereof for connecting the bra attachment portion <NUM> to the belt <NUM>. The belt <NUM> includes corresponding fastening mechanisms <NUM>. As discussed above with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fastening mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise strips of hook and pile fasteners, plastic male and female mateable slide connectors <NUM>, <NUM> of the type shown in <FIG>, a plurality of clasps of the type shown in <FIG>, a plurality of buttons of the type shown in <FIG>, and/or a plurality of snaps of the type shown in <FIG>. The bra attachment portion <NUM> may also be connected to the belt <NUM> by press fit connectors or by mateable buckles.

The bra attachment portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is advantageous because it requires minimal modification to the support garment <NUM> so that different sized support garments <NUM> may be matched with different sized bra attachment portions <NUM> at the time of fitting and utilizes the support garment <NUM> to supplement the structure of the bra attachment portion <NUM>. The halter strap <NUM> provides support without interfering with the straps <NUM> of the support garment <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a support garment for supporting a patient wearable defibrillator according to an example of the present disclosure. The illustrated support garment is a combination of the support garment <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG> and two bra attachment portions <NUM> each comprising a cup <NUM> configured to contact and support one of the patient's breasts.

Each bra attachment portion <NUM> is connected to a respective portion of the belt <NUM> at a bottom side thereof and to a respective strap <NUM> at a lateral side thereof. The bra attachment portions <NUM> may be permanently connected during fitting to the respective portions of the belt <NUM> and to the respective straps <NUM> by one or more press fit connectors <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, or by an alternative connection such as steams of stitching as shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, the bra attachment portions <NUM> may be detachably connected to the respective portions of the belt <NUM> and/or the respective straps <NUM> by a suitable detachable fastening mechanism such as hook and pile fasteners, one or more mateable buckles <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, mateable plastic slide connectors as shown in <FIG>, one or more clasps as shown in <FIG>, one or more buttons as shown in <FIG>, one or more snaps as shown in <FIG>, or other fastening mechanism knowns to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art.

The two bra attachment portions <NUM> comprise a closure mechanism <NUM>, such as a zipper, configured to connect the bra attachment portions <NUM> at the front of the patient. Alternatively, the closure mechanism <NUM> may comprise one or more clasps as described herein. It is to be appreciated that the closure mechanism <NUM> may be of any type known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art.

The support garment incorporating the bra attachment portions <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is advantageous because it requires minimal modification to the existing support garment <NUM> so that different sized support garments <NUM> may be matched with different sized bra attachment portions <NUM> at the time of fitting and utilizes support garment <NUM> to supplement the structure of the bra attachment portions <NUM>. When press fit connectors <NUM> are utilized to permanently connect the bra attachment portions <NUM> to the belt <NUM> and the straps <NUM>, the bra attachment portions <NUM> become a permanent part of the support garment <NUM> and do not need to be re-fastened or adjusted.

The two bra attachment portions <NUM> are detachably connected to the front of the support garment <NUM> between the straps <NUM> and the belt <NUM>. Each bra attachment portion <NUM> is connected to a respective portion of the belt <NUM> at a bottom side thereof by quick disconnect features, such as one or more mateable buckles <NUM> attached or adhered to the bra attachment portions <NUM> and the portions of the belt <NUM>. Each buckle <NUM> includes a male portion having a protruding button or tab and a female portion that includes a recess or aperture therein for receiving the button or tab on the male portion when the male portion is inserted into the female portion. The bra attachment portions <NUM> may be connected to the belt <NUM> by a different suitable detachable fastening mechanism such as hook and pile fasteners, mateable plastic slide connectors as shown in <FIG>, one or more clasps as shown in <FIG>, one or more buttons as shown in <FIG>, one or more snaps as shown in <FIG>, or other fastening mechanisms known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art.

Shortened straps <NUM> are provided to connect the back portion <NUM> of the support garment <NUM> to a top side of a respective bra attachment portion <NUM>. The bra attachment portions <NUM> are also connected to the respective straps <NUM> by mateable buckles <NUM>. Alternatively, the bra attachment portions <NUM> may be detachably connected to the respective straps <NUM> by mateable plastic slide connectors as shown in <FIG>, one or more clasps as shown in <FIG>, one or more buttons as shown in <FIG>, one or more snaps as shown in <FIG>, or another fastening mechanism known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art. A halter style strap of the type described above with reference to <FIG> may be provided for additional support.

The support garment incorporating the bra attachment portions <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is advantageous because it structurally incorporates the bra attachment portions <NUM> into the support garment <NUM> and because it will be easier to fasten/connect for patients having arthritis or similar conditions affecting their ability to manipulate the garment.

<FIG> illustrates a support garment <NUM> for a patient wearable defibrillator in the form of a vest according to an example of the present disclosure. The defibrillator includes an electrode assembly <NUM> having a plurality of sensing electrodes <NUM> configured to monitor a cardiac function of the patient P and at least one therapeutic defibrillator electrode <NUM>, as discussed above with reference to <FIG>. The vest <NUM> is made from a fabric having an outside surface and an inside surface and is configured to be worn about a chest of the patient. As discussed above with reference to the support garment <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the vest <NUM> is configured to support and hold the sensing electrodes <NUM> and the at least one therapeutic defibrillator <NUM> against the patient's skin at the proper locations on the patient's body in a manner similar to the support garment <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG>.

As shown, vest <NUM> includes a back portion <NUM> and a front portion <NUM> connected to the back portion <NUM>. The front portion <NUM> of the vest <NUM> is configured to support front upper torsal female anatomy. The inside surface of the vest <NUM> includes at least one support member on the inside surface thereof for receiving and supporting at least one therapeutic defibrillator electrode <NUM> on the vest <NUM> and one or more attachment points for attaching the sensing electrodes <NUM> to the inside surface of the vest <NUM> and distributing the sensing electrodes <NUM> around the circumference of the patient's chest. According to one example, the inside surface of the vest <NUM> incorporates the same pockets <NUM>, <NUM>, attachment points <NUM>, and flap <NUM> in the same positions as the above-described support garment <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The vest <NUM> includes two cups <NUM> that are configured to contact and support the patient's breasts. The cups <NUM> incorporate suitable structure for supporting the patient's breasts in a comfortable and stylized manner that is typical of various bra garments known in the art. Accordingly, the cups <NUM> may include layers of foam padding, underwire, and/or plastic inserts typically used in bra garments to provide comfortable support for the patient's breasts and a suitable fit for the patient. The cups <NUM> may be structured, through the use of the above-mentioned layers of foam padding, underwire, and/or plastic inserts, in a smooth rounded shape to match the contours of the patient's front upper torsal anatomy and to define a smoothed, stylized silhouette such that the vest <NUM> may be worn under the patient's normal clothing in a manner that minimizes noticeable protrusion of the vest <NUM> and interference with the fit and comfort of the patient's clothing. In other words, the vest <NUM> may be structured to fit closely to the patient's body and to conform to the shape of the patient's front upper torsal anatomy such that the outward extension of the vest <NUM> from the patient's body is minimized so that the vest <NUM> does not extend or only minimally extends into a space generally occupied by the patient's normal clothing.

As shown, the vest <NUM> is split in the front and provided with a front closure mechanism <NUM>, such as a zipper, a plurality of clasps or a similar fastener, to connect the separate halves of the front portion <NUM> at the front of the patient in order to facilitate wearing and removing of the vest <NUM>. An elastic drawstring <NUM> may also be provided around the bottom of the vest <NUM> to allow the patient to more closely draw the vest <NUM> to the patient's body. The drawstring <NUM> may be provided with clamps or clips to hold the drawstring at the desired length.

The vest <NUM> may be formed from any material or materials known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art. In particular, the portions of the vest <NUM> which support the electrode assembly <NUM> on the vest <NUM> and which define the cups <NUM> may be formed from the same elastic, low spring rate material as the support garment <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG>, such as a blend of spandex material with nylon and/or polyester materials. As also discussed above, the stitching may be made from a cotton wrapped polyester core thread. Other portions of the vest <NUM>, such as the mesh portions <NUM> around the patient's shoulders and underarms may be formed from a lighter, more breathable mesh material to reduce the weight of the vest <NUM> and to allow the vest <NUM> to be more breathable and cooler while still helping to hold the position of the vest <NUM> on the patient's body.

The vest <NUM> may be provided in multiple sizes and with multiple cup sizes to fit patients of different body types. For instance, the vest <NUM> may be provided in multiple sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL, etc. The vest <NUM> may also be provided having different cup sizes A, B, C, D, etc. typically found in bra garments. Each cup <NUM> of the vest <NUM> may also include an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a fit of the cup <NUM> to the patient. The adjustment mechanism may comprise an inflatable insert <NUM> as discussed above with reference to <FIG> or a plurality of drawstrings <NUM> as discussed above with reference to <FIG>.

The vest <NUM> is advantageous because it fully integrates the support structures for the electrode assembly <NUM> found in the support garment <NUM> with a garment that also functions to support front upper torsal female anatomy. The vest <NUM> also serves to more securely support and position the electrode assembly <NUM> on the patient's body and will be easier to put on and fasten/connect for patients having arthritis or similar conditions affecting their ability to manipulate the garment.

<FIG> illustrates a support garment <NUM> for a patient wearable defibrillator in the form of a modular, multi-piece garment customizable garment. The defibrillator includes an electrode assembly <NUM> having a plurality of sensing electrodes <NUM> configured to monitor a cardiac function of the patient P and at least one therapeutic defibrillator electrode <NUM>, as discussed above with reference to <FIG>. The support garment <NUM> is made from multiple pieces fabric that are assembled during fitting to form a support garment that is customized to the size and body of a particular patient, male or female. The support garment <NUM>, when assembled, has an outside surface and an inside surface and is configured to be worn about a chest of the patient. As discussed above with reference to the support garment <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and the vest <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the support garment <NUM> is configured to support and hold the sensing electrodes <NUM> and the at least one therapeutic defibrillator <NUM> against the patient's skin at the proper locations on the patient's body in a manner similar to the support garment <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG>.

As shown, the support garment <NUM> includes a standard back portion <NUM> for male and female patients, a front/side belt <NUM> for male patients or a front/side tank or halter <NUM> incorporating cups <NUM> for female patients, and optional straps <NUM> for connecting the back portion <NUM> to the front/side belt <NUM> or front/side tank or halter <NUM>. The front/side tank or halter <NUM> for female patients may incorporate straps for connecting to the back portion <NUM>. The straps utilized in the support garment <NUM> may have an adjustable size. All of the above-mentioned components <NUM> come in different sizes to accommodate patients of different sizes and body types. The front/side tank or halter <NUM> for female patients is configured to support front upper torsal female anatomy.

The inside surface of the support garment <NUM> includes at least one support member on the inside surface thereof for receiving and supporting at least one therapeutic defibrillator electrode on the support garment <NUM> and one or more attachment points for attaching the sensing electrodes <NUM> to the inside surface of the support garment <NUM> and distributing the sensing electrodes <NUM> around the circumference of the patient's chest. According to one example, the back portion <NUM>, the front/side belt <NUM>, and the front/side tank or halter <NUM> are formed to incorporate the same the same pockets <NUM>, <NUM>, attachment points <NUM>, and flap <NUM> in the same positions as the above-described support garment <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The front/side tank or halter <NUM> includes two cups <NUM> that are configured to contact and support the patient's breasts. The cups <NUM> incorporate suitable structure for supporting the patient's breasts in a comfortable and stylized manner that is typical of various bra garments known in the art. Accordingly, the cups <NUM> may include layers of foam padding, underwire, and/or plastic inserts typically used in bra garments to provide comfortable support for the patient's breasts and a suitable fit for the patient. The cups <NUM> may be structured, through the use of the above-mentioned layers of foam padding, underwire, and/or plastic inserts, in a smooth rounded shape to match the contours of the patient's front upper torsal anatomy and to define a smoothed, stylized silhouette such that the support garment <NUM> may be worn under the patient's normal clothing in a manner that minimizes noticeable protrusion of the support garment <NUM> and interference with the fit and comfort of the patient's clothing. In other words, the support garment <NUM> may be structured to fit closely to the patient's body and to conform to the shape of the patient's front upper torsal anatomy such that the outward extension of the support garment <NUM> from the patient's body is minimized so that the support garment <NUM> does not extend or only minimally extends into a space generally occupied by the patient's normal clothing. The front/side tank or halter <NUM> may be provided having different cup sizes A, B, C, D, etc. typically found in bra garments. Each cup <NUM> of the front/side tank or halter may also include an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a fit of the cup <NUM> to the patient. The adjustment mechanism may comprise an inflatable insert <NUM> as discussed above with reference to <FIG> or a plurality of drawstrings <NUM> as discussed above with reference to <FIG>.

As shown, the front/side belt <NUM> and the front/side tank or halter <NUM> may be provided as two separate pieces split in the front and provided with a front closure mechanism <NUM>, such as a zipper, a plurality of clasps or a similar fastener, to connect the separate halves of the front/side belt <NUM> or the front/side tank or halter <NUM> at the front of the patient in order to facilitate wearing and removing of the support garment <NUM>.

The components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the support garment <NUM> may be formed from any material or materials known to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art. In particular, the components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed from the same elastic, low spring rate material as the support garment <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG>, such as a blend of spandex material with nylon and/or polyester materials. As also discussed above, the stitching may be made from a cotton wrapped polyester core thread.

During fitting of the support garment <NUM>, the standard components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of different types and sizes are selected for the patient and are then assembled, such as by sewing or stitching, to form a custom garment.

The support garment <NUM> is advantageous because it provide for a customized garment for all patients made from standardized components and allows for the breast support structure to be fully integrated with the components for attaching the electrode assembly <NUM> to the garment <NUM>. The support garment <NUM> will also be easier to put on and fasten/connect for patients having arthritis or similar conditions affecting their ability to manipulate the garment.

Claim 1:
A support garment (<NUM>) for supporting a patient wearable defibrillator, the support garment being made from a fabric having an outside surface and an inside surface and being configured to be worn about a chest of a patient (P), the support garment comprising:
a back portion (<NUM>);
a belt (<NUM>) defined by side portions extending from the back portion around a front of the patient; and
shoulder straps (<NUM>) configured to be attached to the back portion and the belt,
wherein the back portion and the belt are configured to support a plurality of sensing electrodes (<NUM>) and at least one therapeutic defibrillator electrode (<NUM>) on the inside surface thereof,
wherein the support garment further comprises at least one bra portion (<NUM>) detachably connected to the belt and the shoulder straps to form a single structure of the bra portion (<NUM>) and the support garment (<NUM>) for wearing by the patient and wherein the at least one bra portion (<NUM>) is detachable from the support garment, and
wherein the at least one bra portion is configured to support front upper torsal female anatomy, the at least one bra portion comprising two cups (<NUM>) configured to support the patient's breasts.