U.S. patent application number 14/091278 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-27 for apparatus and methods for charging an implanted medical device power source.
This patent application is currently assigned to BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Gregory Baldwin, Rafael Carbunaru, Andrew DiGiore, Jeffery Van Funderburk, Kristen Jaax, Mun Pook Lui, James C. Makous, Michael A. Moffitt, Brett Daniel Schleicher, Todd K. Whitehurst.
Application Number | 20140084860 14/091278 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40472549 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140084860 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jaax; Kristen ; et
al. |
March 27, 2014 |
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CHARGING AN IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICE
POWER SOURCE
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for charging an implanted medical
device.
Inventors: |
Jaax; Kristen; (Santa
Clarita, CA) ; Carbunaru; Rafael; (Valley Village,
CA) ; Lui; Mun Pook; (Northridge, CA) ;
Whitehurst; Todd K.; (Frederick, MD) ; DiGiore;
Andrew; (San Francisco, CA) ; Schleicher; Brett
Daniel; (New York, NY) ; Baldwin; Gregory;
(Golden, CO) ; Moffitt; Michael A.; (Valencia,
CA) ; Funderburk; Jeffery Van; (Stevenson Ranch,
CA) ; Makous; James C.; (N. Potomac, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION |
Valencia |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION
CORPORATION
Valencia
CA
|
Family ID: |
40472549 |
Appl. No.: |
14/091278 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12233810 |
Sep 19, 2008 |
8626297 |
|
|
14091278 |
|
|
|
|
60974062 |
Sep 20, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
320/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/3787 20130101;
H02J 7/007192 20200101; H02J 7/025 20130101; H02J 50/10
20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
320/108 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/02 20060101
H02J007/02 |
Claims
1. A charging appliance for use with an implanted medical device,
comprising: an inductor; power supply and control apparatus
operably connected to the inductor; and a fastener apparatus
configured to removably secure the inductor to a wearable
device.
2.-66. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to
previously filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/974,062, filed Sep. 20, 2007, which is entitled "Apparatus and
Methods For Charging An Implanted Medical Device Power Source" and
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS
[0002] 1. Field of Inventions
[0003] The present inventions relate generally to apparatus and
methods for charging the rechargeable batteries (and/or other
rechargeable power sources) in implanted medical devices.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A variety of power consuming medical devices may be
implanted into a patient. Examples of such implantable medical
devices include, but are not limited to, microstimulators (e.g.
occipital nerve stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, and
stimulators that may be positioned at various locations to treat
rheumatoid arthritis), implantable pulse generators, drug infusion
pumps, speech processors, pacemakers and defibrillators. In
addition to their therapeutic and/or diagnostic components, the
implantable medical devices include rechargeable power sources such
as rechargeable batteries, capacitors, and combinations thereof.
The length of time that an implantable medical device can operate
between chargings of the rechargeable power source varies from
device to device. For example, pacemaker batteries may only need to
be recharged every few years, while microstimulators (e.g. an
occipital nerve stimulator) may need to be recharged several times
a day.
[0006] The present inventors have determined that conventional
methods and apparatus for charging the rechargeable power sources
in implanted medical devices are susceptible to improvement. For
example, the present inventors have determined that conventional
methods and apparatus for charging the rechargeable power sources
can involve the use of large and bulky chargers that are difficult
to incorporate into daily life. The present inventors have also
determined that it can be difficult to maintain the proper position
of conventional chargers on the body relative to the implanted
medical device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS
[0007] Apparatus and methods in accordance with one of the present
inventions include, and/or involve the use of, an inductor and a
fastener apparatus configured to removably secure the inductor to a
wearable device.
[0008] Apparatus and methods in accordance with one of the present
inventions include, and/or involve the use of, a wearable device
and an inductor permanently associated with the wearable
device.
[0009] Apparatus and methods in accordance with one of the present
inventions include, and/or involve the use of, an implanted medical
device charger and a mounting apparatus configured to removably
mount the implanted medical device charger on an article of
clothing.
[0010] Apparatus and methods in accordance with one of the present
inventions include, and/or involve the use of, an implanted medical
device charger and a mounting apparatus configured to removably
mount the implanted medical device charger on the torso of a
wearer.
[0011] Apparatus and methods in accordance with one of the present
inventions include, and/or involve the use of, a non-wearable
device having utility beyond implanted medical device charging and
an inductor associated with the non-wearable device.
[0012] Such apparatus and methods are advantageous for a variety of
reasons. For example, the apparatus and methods provide a
convenient way to incorporate the charging of an implanted medical
device into daily life and to maintain the proper position of a
charging inductor (or an entire charger) on or near the body
relative to the implanted medical device.
[0013] The above described and many other features of the present
inventions will become apparent as the inventions become better
understood by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the
inventions will be made with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0015] FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram of a medical device
and a charging appliance in accordance with one embodiment of a
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 1B is a functional block diagram of a charging
appliance in accordance with one embodiment of a present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 2A is a side view of an inductor in accordance with one
embodiment of a present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2B is a side view of an inductor in accordance with one
embodiment of a present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2C is a plan view of an inductor in accordance with one
embodiment of a present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2D is a side view of the inductor illustrated in FIG.
2C.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front view of a charging appliance in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention secured to a shirt
collar.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side view of a portion of the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a front view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 3 secured to a necktie.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a front view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 3 secured to a coat collar.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a front view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 3 secured to a scarf.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 3 secured to a turtleneck collar.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 3 secured to a hat.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a rear view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 3 secured to a hat.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a side view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 3 secured to a helmet.
[0032] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 3 secured to a helmet.
[0033] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 3 secured to a belt.
[0034] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 3 secured to a heart rate monitor.
[0035] FIG. 17 is a front view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 3 secured to a knee brace.
[0036] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0037] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 18 secured to shirt.
[0038] FIG. 20 is a plan view of a charging appliance in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0039] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 20 secured to shirt.
[0040] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention secured to
shirt.
[0041] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention secured to
shirt.
[0042] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0043] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 24 secured to shirt.
[0044] FIG. 26 is an exploded view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0045] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 26 secured to shirt.
[0046] FIG. 28A is a perspective view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0047] FIG. 28B is rear perspective view of the mounting apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 28A.
[0048] FIG. 28C is a perspective view showing the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 28A secured to shirt.
[0049] FIG. 29A is a front perspective view of a mounting apparatus
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0050] FIG. 29B is a front perspective view of a mounting apparatus
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0051] FIG. 29C is rear perspective view of the mounting apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 29B.
[0052] FIG. 29D is a front perspective view of a mounting apparatus
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0053] FIG. 29E is rear perspective view of the mounting apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 29D.
[0054] FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0055] FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 30.
[0056] FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0057] FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 32.
[0058] FIG. 34 is a front perspective view of a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0059] FIG. 35 is a rear perspective view of the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 34.
[0060] FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0061] FIG. 37 is a rear perspective view of the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 36.
[0062] FIG. 38 is a front perspective view of a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0063] FIG. 39 is a rear perspective view of the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 38.
[0064] FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0065] FIG. 41 is a rear perspective view of the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 40.
[0066] FIG. 42 is a front perspective view of a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0067] FIG. 43 is a rear perspective view of the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 42.
[0068] FIG. 44 is a front perspective view of a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0069] FIG. 45 is a rear perspective view of the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 44.
[0070] FIG. 46 is a front perspective view of a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0071] FIG. 47 is a top plan view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0072] FIG. 48 is a bottom plan view of the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 47.
[0073] FIG. 49 is a front perspective view showing the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 47 over both shoulders.
[0074] FIG. 50 is a rear perspective view showing the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 47 over a single shoulder.
[0075] FIG. 51 is a top plan view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0076] FIG. 52 is a bottom plan view of the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 51.
[0077] FIG. 53 is a front perspective view showing the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 51 being worn.
[0078] FIG. 54 is a top plan view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0079] FIG. 55 is a front perspective view showing the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 54 being worn.
[0080] FIG. 56 is a rear perspective view showing the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 54 being worn.
[0081] FIG. 57 is a front perspective view of a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0082] FIG. 58 is a front perspective view of a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0083] FIG. 59 is a front perspective view of a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0084] FIG. 60 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the
charging appliance illustrated in FIG. 59.
[0085] FIG. 61 is front view of a garment in accordance with one
embodiment of a present invention.
[0086] FIG. 62 is a rear perspective view of a charger pouch in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0087] FIG. 63 is a front perspective view of the charger pouch
illustrated in FIG. 62.
[0088] FIG. 64 is a perspective view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0089] FIG. 65 is a side view of a portion of the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 64.
[0090] FIG. 66 is a plan view of a portion of the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 64.
[0091] FIG. 67 is a front view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0092] FIG. 68 is a bottom view of a portion of the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 67.
[0093] FIG. 69 is a plan view of a charging appliance in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0094] FIG. 70 is a plan view of a charging appliance in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0095] FIG. 71 is a front view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0096] FIG. 72 is a plan view of a charging appliance in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0097] FIG. 73 is a front view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0098] FIG. 74 is a front view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0099] FIG. 75 is a front view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0100] FIG. 76 is a bottom view of a portion of the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 75.
[0101] FIG. 77 is a front view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0102] FIG. 78 is a bottom view of a portion of the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 77.
[0103] FIG. 79 is a perspective view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0104] FIG. 80 is a perspective view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0105] FIG. 81 is a plan view of a charging appliance in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0106] FIG. 82 is a side view of a portion of the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 81.
[0107] FIG. 83 is a side, partial section view of an alternate
portion of the charging appliance illustrated in FIG. 81.
[0108] FIG. 84 is a side view of a charging appliance in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0109] FIG. 85 is a plan view of a portion of the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 84.
[0110] FIG. 86 is a side view of a charging appliance in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention in a relaxed state.
[0111] FIG. 87 is a side view of the charging appliance illustrated
in FIG. 86 secured to skin.
[0112] FIG. 88 is a rear view of a charging appliance in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0113] FIG. 89 is a front view of a portion of the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 88.
[0114] FIG. 90 is a section view taken along line 90-90 in FIG.
89.
[0115] FIG. 91 is a rear view of a charging appliance in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0116] FIG. 92 is a front view of a portion of the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 91.
[0117] FIG. 93 is a section view taken along line 93-93 in FIG.
92.
[0118] FIG. 94 is a plan view of a charging appliance in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0119] FIG. 95 is a perspective view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0120] FIG. 96 is a front view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0121] FIG. 97 is a plan view of a portion of the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 96.
[0122] FIG. 98 is a plan view of a charging appliance in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0123] FIG. 99 is a plan view of a charging appliance in accordance
with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0124] FIG. 100 is a plan view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0125] FIG. 101 is a plan view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0126] FIG. 102 is a perspective view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0127] FIG. 103 is a perspective view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0128] FIG. 104 is a perspective view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0129] FIG. 105 is a front view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0130] FIG. 106 is a rear view of a portion of the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 105.
[0131] FIG. 107 is a front view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0132] FIG. 108 is a front view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0133] FIG. 109 is a rear exploded view of a portion of the
charging appliance illustrated in FIG. 108.
[0134] FIG. 110 is a front view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0135] FIG. 111 is a top plan view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0136] FIG. 112 is a bottom plan view of a portion of the charging
appliance illustrated in FIG. 111.
[0137] FIG. 113 is a front view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0138] FIG. 114 is a rear view of the charging appliance
illustrated in FIG. 113.
[0139] FIG. 115 is a side view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0140] FIG. 116 is a side view of a portion of a charging appliance
in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
[0141] FIG. 117 is a plan view of a charging appliance in
accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0142] The following is a detailed description of the best
presently known modes of carrying out the inventions. This
description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made
merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of
the inventions. The detailed description is organized as follows:
[0143] I. Overview [0144] II. Exemplary Charging Appliances That
May Be Associated With Wearable Devices [0145] III. Charging
Appliances That May Be Associated With Non-Wearable Devices
[0146] The section titles and overall organization of the present
detailed description are for the purpose of convenience only and
are not intended to limit the present inventions.
I. Overview
[0147] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, a medical device 10, having an
external housing 12, an internal inductor 14 (e.g. a conductive
coil and a core of air or a ferromagnetic material), a rechargeable
power source 16, and power consuming apparatus (e.g. a controller
18 and electrodes or other therapeutic devices 20a and 20b), may be
implanted in a patient P. Examples of medical devices that may be
implanted into a patient include, but are not limited to, occipital
nerve stimulators, such as that illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.
6,735,474, other microstimulators, implantable pulse generators,
drug infusion pumps, speech processors, pacemakers and
defibrillators. The power source 16 in the medical device 10 may be
charged with a charging appliance 22.
[0148] The exemplary charging appliance 22, all or part of which
may be positioned on or near the patient in close proximity to the
implanted medical device 10, includes one or more inductors 24
(herein after "inductor"), inductor related circuitry 25 (e.g.
tuning capacitors, switches and temperature sensors), a power
supply 26 (e.g. a primary battery, a replenishable or rechargeable
battery such as a lithium ion battery, an electrolytic capacitor, a
super- or ultra-capacitor, or some other power supply), a
controller 28 and a user interface 30. In those instances where the
power supply is replenishable or rechargeable, apparatus for
replenishing or recharging the power source (e.g., an RF link, an
optical link, a thermal link, or other energy-coupling link, may be
provided. The user interface 30 may consist of any suitable
instrumentality including, for example, one or more buttons, a
touch screen, one or more LEDs (or other visible indicators), and a
buzzer (or other sound emitting device) or a vibrating mechanism.
The power source 16 in the implanted medical device 10 may be
charged by transferring power from the power supply 26 to the
implanted power source 16 by way of the inductors 14 and 24.
[0149] As is described in greater detail below, the charging
appliance 22 (or at least a portion thereof) may be carried by,
part of, secured to and/or otherwise related to an apparatus that
is associated with the patient's everyday life. For example, and
referring to FIG. 1A, the inductor 24 and inductor related
circuitry 25 may be incorporated into a device 32 that is carried
by, part of, or secured to an apparatus that is associated with the
patient's everyday life, while the power supply 26, controller 28,
and user interface 30 will be included in a remote housing 34 that
is connected to the inductor 24 by a cable 36 with an output line
and a return line. The cable connection may, however, be replaced
by wireless connection in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A and
in each of the embodiments described below that includes a cable
connection. Alternatively, in the exemplary charging appliance 22a
illustrated in FIG. 1B, the inductor 24, inductor related circuitry
25, power supply 26, controller 28, and user interface 30 may be
part of the same device 32a, which has a single common housing and
may be carried by, part of, or secured to an apparatus that is
associated with the patient's everyday life.
[0150] The actual position of the inductor will depend on the
location of the implanted medical device. An inductor that is
positioned adjacent to the back of the neck may be used, for
example, to charge the power source in an occipital nerve
stimulator or an implantable pulse generator (IPG) with one or more
leads for trigeminal nerve stimulation or deep brain stimulation.
An inductor that is positioned near the front or side portion of
the neck may be used, for example, to charge the power source in a
vagus nerve stimulator. An inductor that is positioned on or behind
the ear may be used, for example, to charge the power source in an
IPG with one or more leads (e.g. for trigeminal nerve stimulation)
implanted behind ear or to charge the power source in a cochlear
implant, while an inductor that is positioned on or in front of the
ear may be used, for example, to charge the power source in an
auriculotemporal nerve stimulator. Inductors that are positioned on
or adjacent to the chin or forehead may be used, for example, to
charge the power source in a trigeminal nerve stimulator. Inductors
that are positioned at various locations around the waist may be
used, for example, to charge the power source in an ilioinguinal
nerve stimulator or the power source in an IPG that is mounted at
or near buttocks with leads that may be used in any of a wide
variety of stimulation therapies. An inductor that is positioned
just below the chest may be used, for example, to charge the power
source in an intercostal nerve stimulator or the power source in a
phrenic nerve stimulator. Inductors that are positioned on or
adjacent to other portions of the torso (e.g. beneath the axilla,
on the upper chest near the shoulder, or in the mid-back area) may
be used, for example, to charge the power source in an IPG with one
or more leads for spinal cord stimulation, occipital nerve
stimulation, deep brain stimulation, or to charge the power source
in a stimulator implanted to treat post thoracotomy pain. Inductors
that are positioned on or adjacent to joints (e.g. the knee or the
wrist) may be used, for example, to charge the power sources in
stimulators that treat rheumatoid arthritis. An inductor that is
positioned on or adjacent to the pelvic region may be used, for
example, to charge the power source in a pudendal nerve
stimulator.
[0151] It should also be noted that a wide variety of inductors 24
may be employed. By way of example, the inductor 24a illustrated in
FIG. 2A includes a coil 38 and a ferromagnetic core 40, while the
inductor 24b illustrated in FIG. 2B includes the coil 38 and an air
core. Turning to FIG. 2C, the inductor 24c includes a relatively
flat, tightly wound coil 42 and a ferromagnetic core 44. In each
instance, the dimensions of the inductor may depend on the
dimensions of the underlying charging appliance. For example, the
inductor 24c may have a relatively small diameter in some of the
embodiments described below and a relatively large diameter in
others.
II. Charging Appliances that May be Associated with Wearable
Devices
[0152] Wearable devices are one example of apparatus that charging
appliances may be carried by, part of, secured to and/or otherwise
associated with. As used herein, a "wearable device" refers to all
clothing (or "garments"), clothing clasps, costumes, harnesses,
jewelry, piercings, hats and other head coverings, eye glasses,
uniforms, sporting goods that are carried by the body or are
otherwise worn, prosthetics, footwear and shoe inserts, protective
gear, bags (e.g. a backpack or purse), externally worn medical
devices and externally worn non-medical electronic devices (e.g.
headphones). Regardless of the type of wearable device, the
wearable device and charging appliance will cooperatively position
the associated inductor in close proximity to the implanted medical
device to facilitate charging in, for example, the manner described
above with reference to FIG. 1A.
[0153] As illustrated in FIGS. 3-6, an exemplary charging appliance
100 includes a magnetic clasp 102 that carries one or more
inductors and inductor related circuitry (e.g. inductor 24c and
related circuitry 25) and a remote housing 104 that carries the
power supply and control apparatus (e.g. the power supply 26,
controller 28 and user interface 30). A cable 106 connects the
inductor and inductor related circuitry carried by the magnetic
clasp 102 to the power supply and control apparatus carried by the
remote housing 104. The cable 106 may be replaced by wireless
connection in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-6 and in each
of the embodiments described below that includes a cable
connection. The magnetic clasp 102 may be secured to a shirt or
blouse collar 108, any other garment or portion thereof, or any
other wearable device, while the remote housing 104 includes a clip
110 that allows the remote housing to be mounted on, for example, a
belt or other article of clothing.
[0154] The exemplary magnetic clasp 102 in the illustrated
embodiment has a main portion 112, which includes the inductor 24c
and related circuitry 25, and a backing 114, which cooperates with
the main portion to secure the magnetic clasp to the collar 108.
The inductor 24c and inductor related circuitry 25 may be molded
into an epoxy, silicone, or urethane structure that is carried
within a plastic case 116, thereby electrically insulating the main
portion 112 from the wearer. Alternatively, the inductor 24c and
inductor related circuitry 25 may be carried within a polycarbonate
case, that is itself coated with an insulating encapsulate such as
silicone, rubber-like polymers, Teflon, and other plastics. Here
too, the main portion 112 will be electrically insulated from the
wearer. Turning to the backing, the exemplary backing 114 consists
of a magnet 118 that is carried within a plastic housing 120 and
attracted to the ferromagnetic core 44 of the inductor 24c. The
backing may, alternatively, consist solely of a magnet.
[0155] The magnetic clasp 102 may, in some implementations, be
provided with apparatus that centers the main portion 112 relative
to the backing 114. In the exemplary implementation illustrated in
FIGS. 3-6, the main portion 112 includes a post 122 that is
configured to pass through the associated article of clothing (i.e.
is relatively sharp and thin) and the backing 114 includes an
aperture 124 that is configured to receive the post. It should also
be noted here that the main portion and the backing may,
alternatively, be secured to one another through the use of
non-magnetic instrumentalities, such as a snap, a button or thread,
and that the backing 114 may be omitted and the main portion 112
secured to a garment or other wearable device with pins, hooks,
buttons, clasps, buckles, clips, snaps or any other suitable
mechanical fastener.
[0156] With respect to use, and as illustrated for example in FIG.
3, the main portion 112 of the exemplary magnetic clasp 102 may be
placed on the inner surface of the collar 108, so that the inductor
24c is close to the implanted medical device, while the backing 114
may be placed on the outer surface of the collar under the collar
flap. As a result, the cable 106 will be located within the shirt
or blouse and the charging appliance 100 will be completely, or
almost completely depending on the location of the remote housing
104, out of sight. The wearer may then charge the power source of
the implanted medical device by operating the user interface on the
remote housing 104 (e.g. by pressing a button). The locations of
the main portion 112 and backing 114 may also be reversed, so that
the cable 106 will be located on the outside of the shirt or
blouse, if so desired.
[0157] The charging appliance 100 may, of course, be used in
combination with a wide variety of garments. By way of example, but
not limitation, the charging appliance 100 may be used in
combination with necktie 126 (FIG. 7), a coat 128 (FIG. 8), a scarf
130 (FIG. 9), a turtleneck collar 132 (FIG. 10) so as to position
an inductor adjacent to a medical device that is implanted within
the neck.
[0158] The charging appliance 100 may also be secured to caps,
hats, helmets and other items that are typically worn on the head.
One such hat, which is generally represented by reference numeral
134 in FIG. 11, includes a main portion 136, an inner rim 137 and a
bill 138. The magnetic clasp 102 may be attached to any part of the
main portion 136, the inner rim 137 (as shown), or the bill 138.
Another exemplary hat is the safari hat 140 illustrated in FIG. 12,
which includes a main portion 142, a bill (not shown), and flap 144
that shades the back of the neck. In addition to the main portion
142 and the bill, the magnetic clasp 102 may be attached to the
flap 144 (as shown).
[0159] Turning to helmets, one example of a helmet to which the
charging appliance 100 may be secured is the bicycle helmet 146
illustrated in FIG. 13, which includes a main portion 148 (e.g. a
hard shell with an inner padded liner), a chin strap 150 and side
straps 152 that are positioned in front of and behind the ear. The
magnetic clasp 102 may be attached to the chin strap 150 (as
shown), or to one of the side straps 152, or to the main portion
148. An exemplary equestrian helmet 154, which includes a main
portion 156 (e.g. a hard shell with an inner padded liner), a chin
strap 158 and side straps 160 that are positioned in front of and
behind the ear, is illustrated in FIG. 14. Here too, the magnetic
clasp 102 may be attached to the chin strap 158 or to one of the
side straps 160 (as shown).
[0160] The charging appliance 100 may also be secured to belts and
belt-like devices. Referring first to FIG. 15, the charging
appliance 100 may be secured to a belt 162 that includes an
elongate strap 164, which is sized to encircle the wearer's waist,
and a mechanism to fasten one portion of the strap to another (e.g.
the holes 166 and buckle 168). In the illustrated embodiment, the
magnetic clasp 102 is secured to one portion of the elongate strap
164, while the clip 110 may be used to secure the remote housing
104 to another portion of the strap. A heart rate monitor 170 is
one example of a belt-like device to which the charging appliance
100 may be secured. The exemplary heart rate monitor includes a
sensor/display apparatus 172, an elongate strap 174 formed from an
elastomeric material such as that sold under the trade name
Neoprene, and a mechanism to fasten one portion of the strap to
another such as hook and loop strips 176 and 178 (e.g. the fastener
strips commonly sold under the trade name Velcro). Here, the
magnetic clasp 102 is secured to the elongate strap 174. The heart
rate monitor 170 will typically be positioned around the wearer's
torso just below the chest. A similar constructed fetal monitor
(not shown) is another example of a belt-like device to which the
charging appliance 100 may be secured.
[0161] A joint brace, such as those commonly used to support the
wrist, elbow, ankle or knee, is another example of a type of device
to which the charging appliance 100 may be secured. Referring to
FIG. 17, one specific example of a joint brace is the knee brace
180, which includes a cuff 182 formed from an elastomeric material
such as that sold under the trade name Neoprene, an opening 184 for
the wearer's patella, and adjustable straps 186.
[0162] The exemplary charging appliances illustrated in FIGS. 1A
and 3-17 above and FIGS. 64-95 and 100 below include an inductor
and inductor related circuitry which are located remotely from, and
connected by a cable (or wireless connection) to, the user
interface, controller and power supply. Other exemplary charging
appliances, which are illustrated in FIG. 1B above and FIGS. 18-63
and 96-99 below include a charger with an inductor, inductor
related circuitry, user interface, controller and power supply that
are associated with a common housing or common overall device. The
charger may be positioned adjacent to the implanted medical device,
or part of the implanted medical device, in a variety of ways. For
example, the charger may be secured to an article of clothing in
such a manner that the article of clothing maintains the charger in
the intended location. Alternatively, the charger may be carried by
a wearable device that is configured to position the charger
adjacent to an implanted medical device, or part of the implanted
medical device, without the assistance of an article of
clothing.
[0163] One example of a charging appliance that is configured be
secured to an article of clothing is generally represented by
reference numeral 200 in FIGS. 18 and 19. The exemplary charging
appliance 200 includes a charger 202 and a mounting apparatus 204
that may be used to secure the charger 202 to an article of
clothing or other wearable device. The exemplary charger 202 has a
housing 206 in which the inductor, inductor related circuitry,
power supply, and controller are carried. The user interface is in
the form of a button 208 and a light emitting element, such as an
LED, that is visible through a slot 210 formed in the button. The
mounting apparatus 204 in the exemplary charging appliance 200
includes a pair of magnets 212 and 214 that are attracted to one
another. Magnet 212 is associated with the charger 202 and may be
carried within the housing 206 (as shown) or secured to the
exterior of the housing. Alternatively, the magnet 212 may be
omitted and the magnet associated with the inductor, e.g. the
magnets 40 and 44 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2C, used in its
place.
[0164] The mounting apparatus 204 may be used to secure the
charging appliance 200 to an article of clothing in, for example,
the manner illustrated in FIG. 19. The article of clothing will, in
turn, maintain the position of charging appliance 200 relative to
the wearer generally, and the implanted medical device in
particular. More specifically, the charger 202 may be positioned
between a shirt 216 and the upper portion of the wearer's chest.
The magnet 214 may then be positioned on the exterior of the shirt
216 in alignment with the magnet 212, thereby securing the charging
apparatus 200 to the shirt. The button 208 may be pressed through
the shirt 216 as desired to charge the associated implanted medical
device.
[0165] Another exemplary charging appliance that may be secured to
clothing is generally represented by reference numeral 218 in FIGS.
20 and 21. The exemplary charging appliance 218 includes the
aforementioned charger 202 and a mounting apparatus 220. The
mounting apparatus 220 includes a pair of magnets 212 and 224 that
are attracted to one another, and a pouch 226 with pockets 228 and
230. The charger 202 may be removably positioned within pocket 228
and, to that end, the exterior of the pouch 226 includes a slit 232
which provides access to the pocket. Magnet 212 is associated with
the charger 202 and may be carried within the charger housing (as
shown) or secured to the exterior of the housing. Alternatively,
the magnet 212 may be permanently or removably positioned within a
pouch pocket. The magnet 212 may also be omitted and the magnet
associated with the inductor, e.g. the magnets 40 and 44
illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2C, used in its place. Magnet 224 may
be permanently or removably positioned within pouch pocket 230. The
portions of the pouch 226 that include the pockets 228 and 230 are
connected to one another by a flexible hinge 234.
[0166] Suitable materials for the pouch 226 include, but are not
limited to, synthetic textile materials such as that sold under the
trade name Cambrelle, elastomeric material such as that sold under
the trade name Neoprene, materials woven from fibers, such as those
sold under the trade name Hydrofil, which include a water-absorbing
component, and any combinations thereof. Such materials are also
suitable for the pouches described below in the context of FIGS.
22-25, 28A-29E and 34.
[0167] The mounting apparatus 220 may be used to secure the
charging appliance 218 to an article of clothing in, for example,
the manner described below with reference to FIG. 21. The article
of clothing will, in turn, maintain the position of charging
appliance 218 relative to the wearer generally, and the implanted
medical device in particular. Turning to FIG. 21, the charger 202
and associated portion of the pouch 226 may be positioned between
the shirt 216 and the user's chest, and the flexible hinge 234 bent
around the shirt collar 236 as shown. The user will then align the
magnet 224 with the magnet 212, thereby securing the charging
apparatus 218 to the shirt 216. The button 208 may then pressed
through the shirt as desired to charge the associated implanted
medical device.
[0168] Still other exemplary charging appliances which are
configured to be secured to an article of clothing are illustrated
in FIGS. 22 and 23. Here, the charging appliances employ a clip,
pin, hook, clasp or other mechanical fastener to secure the charger
to an article of clothing. Referring first to FIG. 22, the
exemplary charging appliance 238 includes a charger 202a and a
mounting apparatus 240. The exemplary charger 202a is identical to
the charger 202, but for the absence of the magnet 212. Turning to
the mounting apparatus, the exemplary mounting apparatus 240
includes a pouch 242 that carries the charger 202a and a clip 244
that secures the pouch to an article of clothing, such as the shirt
216. In the illustrated embodiment, the pouch has a slit or other
opening on the side that is not visible in FIG. 22, which allows
the charger 202a inserted into, and removed from, a pouch pocket
243. The clip 244 is biased to the closed orientation illustrated
in FIG. 22. The respective configurations of the pouch 242 and clip
244, as well as the manner in which the pouch and clip are secured
to one another, will typically result in charging appliance 238
being positioned on the exterior of the associated article of
clothing.
[0169] Turning to FIG. 23, the exemplary charging appliance 246 is
configured such that one portion will be located on the exterior of
the associated article of clothing (e.g. the shirt 216) and another
portion will be located between the wearer and the article of
clothing. More specifically, the exemplary charging appliance 246
includes the charger 202a and a mounting apparatus 248. The
exemplary mounting apparatus 248 includes a pouch 250 that carries
the charger 202a and a clip 252 that secures the pouch to a portion
of an article of clothing, such as the collar 236 of the shirt 216.
In the illustrated embodiment, the pouch 250 has a slit or other
opening (not shown) under a flap 254, which facilitates the
insertion and removal of the charger 202a from the pouch pocket
255. The clip 252 is secured to the flap and is biased to the
closed orientation illustrated in FIG. 23. The respective
configurations of the pouch 250 and clip 252, as well as the manner
in which the pouch and clip are secured to one another, allows the
clip to secure a portion of the pouch flap 254 to the shirt collar
236 while the charger 202a and remainder of the pouch is located
under the shirt 216.
[0170] Charging appliances may also be configured such that they
may be secured both to the wearer and to an article of clothing.
One example of such a charging appliance is generally represented
by reference numeral 256 in FIGS. 24 and 25. The exemplary charging
appliance 256 includes the above-described charger 202 and a
mounting apparatus 258 that carries the charger 202 and is
configured to secure the charger to both the wearer and to an
article of clothing. To that end, the mounting apparatus 258
includes a pouch 260 with a slot 262 which allows the charger 202
to be inserted into and removed from a pocket 264, a pair of straps
266 and 268 that extend from the pouch, fasteners 270 (e.g. hook
and loop fasteners) associated with the ends of the straps opposite
pouch, and a pair of magnets 212 and 272 that are attracted to one
another. Although the magnet 212 is located within the charger
housing in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments it may
be secured to the exterior of the charger housing, carried by the
pouch 260, or simply omitted and replaced functionally by the
magnet associated with the charger inductor.
[0171] The mounting apparatus 258 may be used to secure the
charging appliance 256 to an anchoring location on the wearer's
body and to an article of clothing in, for example, the manner
illustrated in FIG. 25. The wearer's body and the article of
clothing will, in turn, maintain the position of charger 202
relative to the wearer generally, and the implanted medical device
in particular. More specifically, the charger 202 and pouch 260 may
be positioned between a shirt 216 and the wearer's upper chest area
such that the straps 266 and 268 extend out from under the shirt
collar 236. The straps 266 and 268 may then be positioned around
the wearer's neck and secured to one another with the fastener 270.
The magnet 272 may then be positioned on the exterior of the shirt
216 in alignment with the magnet 212, thereby securing the charging
appliance 256 to the shirt.
[0172] Other charging appliances may be configured such that the
mounting apparatus, or at least a portion thereof, is a permanent
part of an otherwise conventional article of clothing. One example
of such a charging appliance is generally represented by reference
numeral 274 in FIGS. 26 and 27. Referring first to FIG. 26, the
exemplary charging appliance 274 includes the above-described
charger 202a and a mounting apparatus 276 that mounts the charger
on an article of clothing. The mounting apparatus 276 is a two-part
structure which consists of a base 278 that may be secured to the
article of clothing and a cover 280 that may be secured to the base
with the charger 202a therebetween. To that end, the exemplary base
278 consists of a U-shaped length of fastener material 282 (e.g.
hook or loop material) with an adhesive backing 284. Suitable
adhesives for the backing 284 include pressure sensitive adhesives
and heat activated adhesives. A release liner 286 may also be
provided. The cover 280 includes an indentation 288 that is
configured to snuggly receive the charger 202a, an aperture 290 for
the charger button 208, and U-shaped length of fastener material
292 (e.g. hook or loop material) with the same size and shape as
the U-shaped length of fastener material 282. Suitable materials
for the cover 280 include, but are not limited to, synthetic
textile materials such as that sold under the trade name Cambrelle,
elastomeric material such as that sold under the trade name
Neoprene, materials woven from fibers, such as those sold under the
trade name Hydrofil, which include a water-absorbing component,
fabrics with moisture management aspects such as those sold under
the trade name Dri-Lex (e.g. Dri-Lex 1230, Dri-Lex 2000, and
Dri-Lex Fantasia), and any combinations thereof.
[0173] It should also be noted that, in other implementations, the
adhesive backing 284 may be omitted and the base 278 attached to
the article of clothing with stitches. Moreover, buttons, snaps,
and other mechanical fasteners may be substituted for the faster
material 282 and 292.
[0174] Turning to FIG. 27, the adhesive backing 284 may be used to
permanently secure the base 278 to the interior surface of the
shirt 216, thereby rendering the shirt ready to receive the charger
202a and cover 280. Typically, the user will position the charger
202a within the indentation 288 (note FIG. 26), align the cover 280
with the base 278, and then secure the cover to the base with the
U-shaped lengths of fastener material 282 and 292, thereby securing
the charging appliance 274 to the shirt 216. The charger button 208
may be pressed before or after the charging appliance 274 is
secured to the shirt.
[0175] Although the charging appliance 274 is secured to the upper
chest portion of the shirt 216 in the illustrated embodiment, the
location may be varied as necessitated by the location of the
implanted medical device. The charging appliance 274 may also be
associated with the exterior of the shirt 216 or other article of
clothing. It should be noted that, in some instances, it is
desirable to position the inductor within the charger as closed as
practicable to the patient's skin. The charger 202a may, in such
instances, be positioned such that the side of the charger housing
206 opposite the button 208 faces the aperture 290 when the
mounting apparatus 276 is located on the inner surface of the
shirt. The button 208 will face the shirt 216 through the base 278,
and be pressed through the shirt.
[0176] One example of a charging appliance with a mounting
apparatus that is a permanent part of an otherwise conventional
article of clothing is generally represented by reference numeral
294 in FIGS. 28A and 28C. The exemplary charging appliance 294
includes the above-described charger 202a and a mounting apparatus
296 that mounts the charger on an article of clothing. Here, the
mounting apparatus consists of a pouch 298, with a pocket 300 for
the charger 202a, a front aperture 302, a flap 304, and an adhesive
backing 306 (FIG. 28B) on the back of the pouch. As noted above,
depending on the orientation of the charger 202a, the front
aperture 302 either allows the charger button 208 to been observed
and pressed, or facilitates placement of the charger inductor as
close as practicable to the patient's skin. Suitable adhesives for
the backing 306 include pressure sensitive adhesives and heat
activated adhesives. A release liner (not shown) may also be
provided.
[0177] As illustrated for example in FIG. 28C, the adhesive backing
306 may be used to permanently secure pouch 298 to the inner
surface of the shirt 216. The charger 202a may be inserted into,
and removed from, the pouch pocket 300 as desired. The pouch may
also be secured to any other location on the interior or exterior
of the shirt. It should also be noted that the pouch 296, as well
as the pouches 296a-296c described below, may be permanently or
temporarily secured to any other article of clothing (e.g. pants)
required to position a charger adjacent to an implanted medical
device.
[0178] A variety of other mounting apparatus may also be employed
in place of the mounting apparatus 296. By way of example, but not
limitation, the mounting apparatus 296a illustrated in FIG. 29A is
substantially similar to the mounting apparatus 296 illustrated in
FIGS. 28A-28C and similar elements are represented by similar
reference numerals. Here, however, the front portion of pouch 298a
is formed from soft mesh material 302a, such as the mesh material
sold by Novatex International under the trade name Super Mesh. Like
the front opening 302, the soft mesh material allows the charger
button to observed and pressed. Adhesive (not shown) is provided on
the rear side of the pouch 298a. Turning to FIGS. 29B and 29C, the
exemplary mounting apparatus 296b is also substantially similar to
the mounting apparatus 296 illustrated in FIGS. 28A-28C and similar
elements are represented by similar reference numerals. Here,
however, the pouch 298b includes a rear aperture 303b in addition
to the front aperture 302. The adhesive backing 306b is annularly
shaped in order to accommodate the rear aperture 303b. Another
exemplary mounting apparatus, which is generally represented by
reference numeral 296c in FIGS. 29D and 29E, includes a pouch 298c
with a front portion formed from soft mesh material 302c and a rear
aperture 303c. An annularly shaped adhesive backing 306c is
positioned around the rear aperture 303c. Other exemplary mounting
apparatus include pouches similar to pouch 298, but without an
aperture, and pouches formed entirely from soft mesh material.
[0179] Still other charging appliances may be configured to be
secured to, or otherwise carried by, the wearer's body in such a
manner that the associated charger will be aligned with an
implanted medical device. Such charging appliances may be worn
under, over, or in the absence of conventional articles of
clothing. One such charging appliance is generally represented by
reference numeral 308 in FIGS. 30 and 31. The exemplary charging
appliance 308 includes the charger 202a and a shoulder harness 310
that is configured to mount the charger in a plurality of different
locations relative to the wearer. To that end, the exemplary
shoulder harness includes a pair of shoulder straps 312 and a pair
of chest straps 314 that are connected to one another as shown to
form an integral unit, and a plurality of pockets 316 with exterior
openings 318 that are configured to receive the charger 202a. The
pockets 316 can extend in one direction from the openings 318 (as
shown), or in two directions. Additionally, although the
illustrated embodiment includes four pockets associated with the
front side of the shoulder harness 310 (three are visible in FIG.
30), the number of pockets may be increased or decreased, and
pockets may be located on the back side (FIG. 31) of the shoulder
harness.
[0180] The exemplary shoulder harness 310 is configured such that
there will be a tight fit in order to insure that the charger 202a
remains close to wearer generally, and in its intended location
adjacent to an implanted medical device in particular. The
exemplary shoulder harness 310 does not, however, include a
mechanism that allows portions shoulder harness to be separated
from one another when the shoulder harness is be put on and taken
off. Accordingly, the exemplary shoulder harness 310 is formed from
an elastomeric material, such as that sold under the trade name
Neoprene, materials woven from fibers, such as those sold under the
trade name Hydrofil, which include a water-absorbing component,
fabrics with moisture management aspects such as those sold under
the trade name Dri-Lex (e.g. Dri-Lex 1230, Dri-Lex 2000, Dri-Lex
Aero Spacer and Dri-Lex Fantasia), and any combinations thereof.
Such materials allow the shoulder harness to stretch and then
return to its pre-stretched size and shape.
[0181] Nevertheless, it should be noted that other shoulder
harnesses formed form elastomeric materials may include a mechanism
that allows portions shoulder harness to be separated from one
another when the shoulder harness is be put on and taken off,
thereby increasing the ease of use and the likelihood that a proper
fit will be achieved. The charging appliance 320 illustrated in
FIGS. 32 and 33 is one example of a charging appliance that
includes, in addition to a charger 202a, such a shoulder harness.
The exemplary shoulder harness 322 is substantially similar to
shoulder harness 310 in that it includes shoulder straps 312 and
chest straps 314 as well as a plurality of pockets 316 with
openings 318 that are configured to receive the charger 202a. Here,
however, the shoulder harness 322 is also provided with a pair of
separable flaps 324 and 326 that may be releasably secured to one
another with a fastener. The exemplary fastener, which consists of
a length of hook (or loop) material 328 on the inner surface of
flap 324 and a length of loop (or hook) material 330 on the
exterior surface of flap 326, allows the size of the shoulder
harness to be adjusted. Other fastening arrangements may also be
employed. For example, the loop material 330 may be omitted and the
exterior surface of the flap 324 formed from a hook compatible
material (e.g. cotton or fleece). Other suitable fasteners include,
but are not limited to, hooks, buttons, snaps, laces, and
buckles.
[0182] Another exemplary charging appliance that includes a
shoulder harness is generally represented by reference numeral 332
in FIGS. 34 and 35. The exemplary charging appliance 332 includes a
shoulder harness 334, a charger 202a (not shown), and a pouch 336
with a pocket for the charger. The exemplary shoulder harness 334
consists of a shoulder strap 338, a chest strap 340, and a strap
connector 342. Loops 344, though which the chest strap 340 passes,
are formed in the ends of the shoulder strap 338. In the
illustrated embodiment, the loops 344 are adjustable in size,
thereby making the location of the chest strap 340 relative to the
wearer's shoulders adjustable, through the use of a series of snap
connectors 346 (as shown), a cinch buckle, or any other suitable
instrumentality on the ends of the shoulder strap 338. Turning to
the chest strap 340, the ends of the chest strap may be releasably
secured to one another with a squeeze buckle 348 or any other
suitable device. The exemplary squeeze buckle is also configured to
adjust the length of the chest strap 340.
[0183] With respect to the pouch, the exemplary pouch 336 includes
a flap 350 and a pair of strap slots 352. The strap slots 352 allow
the pouch 336 to be carried by the shoulder strap 338 or the chest
strap 340, on either side of the squeeze buckle 348, and on either
side of the strap connector 342, depending on the location of the
implanted medical device. The pouch 336 may also be provided with
front and/or rears opening (not shown) in the manner illustrated,
for example, in FIGS. 28A and 29B.
[0184] The shoulder harnesses in the exemplary appliances
illustrated in FIGS. 30-35 are configured to extend over both
shoulders. As illustrated for example in FIGS. 36 and 37, charging
appliance 354 includes a charger 202a and a shoulder harness 356
with a chest strap 358 and a single shoulder strap 360. Both ends
of the shoulder strap 360 are permanently connected to (e.g. are
integral with) the chest strap 358. The chest strap 358, on the
other hand, has free ends that may be wrapped around one another as
the wearer puts on the harness 356. The inner surface of one of the
chest strap free ends includes fastener 362 that may be used to
secure the free end of the chest strap to the front surface of the
chest strap 358 or shoulder strap 360. In the illustrated
embodiment, the fastener 362 is a quantity of hook material and the
exterior surface of the shoulder harness 356 is formed from a hook
compatible material (e.g. cotton or fleece). Other suitable
fasteners include, but are not limited to, hooks, buttons, snaps
and buckles. Alternatively, the shoulder harness may be configured
with chest strap that cannot be opened.
[0185] A plurality of pockets 364 with exterior openings 366 that
are configured to receive the charger 202a are positioned on the
shoulder harness 356. The pockets 364 may extend in one direction
from the openings 366 (as shown) or in two directions, the number
of pockets may be varied, and the pockets may be located on the
back side (FIG. 37) of the shoulder harness as well as the front
side.
[0186] With respect to materials, suitable materials for the
shoulder harness 356 include an elastomeric material, such as that
sold under the trade name Neoprene, materials woven from fibers,
such as those sold under the trade name Hydrofil, which include a
water-absorbing component, fabrics with moisture management aspects
such as those sold under the trade name Dri-Lex (e.g. Dri-Lex 1230,
Dri-Lex 2000, Dri-Lex Aero Spacer and Dri-Lex Fantasia), and any
combinations thereof. Such materials are also suitable for the
harnesses described below with reference to FIGS. 38-45.
[0187] Turning to FIGS. 38 and 39, the exemplary charging appliance
generally represented by reference numeral 368 includes the charger
202a and a shoulder harness 370 with a chest strap 372 and a
shoulder loop 374. One end of chest strap 372 is permanently
secured to the back side of the shoulder loop 374 (FIG. 39), while
the free end of the chest strap includes fastener 376 that may be
used to secure the chest strap to the front surface of the shoulder
loop 374. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 376 is a
quantity of hook material and the exterior surface of the shoulder
loop 374 is formed from a hook compatible material (e.g. cotton or
fleece). Other suitable fasteners include, but are not limited to,
hooks, buttons, snaps and buckles. A plurality of pockets 378 with
exterior openings 380 that are configured to receive the charger
202a are positioned around the shoulder loop 374. The pockets 378
may extend in one direction from the openings 380 (as shown) or in
two directions and the number of pockets may be varied.
[0188] Another example of a charging appliance with a single
shoulder strap is generally represented by reference numeral 382 in
FIGS. 40 and 41. Charging appliance 382 includes the charger 202a
and a shoulder harness 384 with a chest loop 386 and a shoulder
strap 388. One end of the shoulder strap 388 is integral with (or
otherwise permanently secured to) the front side of the chest loop
386 (FIG. 40). A fastener may be used to secure the other end of
shoulder strap 388 to the rear surface of the chest loop 386 (FIG.
41). In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener consists of a
length of hook (or loop) material 390 on the inner surface of
shoulder strap 388 and a length of loop (or hook) material 392 on
the exterior surface of chest loop 386. The configuration of the
hook and loop fastener material allows the size of the shoulder
strap 388 to be adjusted. Other fastening arrangements may also be
employed. For example, the loop material 392 may be omitted and the
exterior surface of the shoulder harness 382 may be formed from a
hook compatible material (e.g. cotton or fleece). Other suitable
fasteners include, but are not limited to, hooks, buttons, snaps
and buckles.
[0189] A pocket 394 with an exterior opening 396 that is configured
to receive the charger 202a is positioned on the shoulder strap
388. The pocket 394 may extend in one direction from the openings
396 (as shown) or in two directions, the number of pockets may be
increased, one or more pockets may be located on the back side of
the shoulder harness, and one or more pockets may be located on the
chest ring.
[0190] Turning to FIGS. 42 and 43, the exemplary charging appliance
398 illustrated therein includes the charger 202a and a shoulder
harness 400 that consists of a single shoulder strap 402 that
resembles a sash. One end of the shoulder strap 402 includes a
pocket 404 with an exterior opening 406 that is configured to
receive the charger 202a. The location of the pocket 404, as well
as the number of pockets, may be varied as desired. A fastener may
be used to secure one portion of the shoulder strap 402 to another,
thereby forming a loop. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener
consists of a length of hook material 408 on the inner surface of
the end of the shoulder strap 402 opposite the pocket 404. The
exterior surface of the shoulder strap 402 may be formed from a
hook compatible material (e.g. cotton or fleece). Alternatively, a
length of loop material may be secured to the exterior of the
shoulder strap in the vicinity of the pocket 404. Other suitable
fasteners include, but are not limited to, hooks, buttons, snaps
and buckles.
[0191] An alternative single strap charging appliance is generally
represented by reference numeral 410 in FIGS. 44 and 45. Here, the
exemplary charging appliance includes the charger 202a and a chest
harness 412 that consists of a chest strap 414 having an extension
416 for a pocket 418 with an opening 420. The pocket 418 is
configured to receive the charger 202a. The exemplary chest harness
412 is configured such that there will be a tight fit in order to
insure that the charger 202a remains close to wearer generally, and
in its intended location adjacent to an implanted medical device in
particular. The exemplary chest harness 412 does not, however,
include a mechanism that allows portions chest harness to be
separated from one another when the shoulder harness is be put on
and taken off. Accordingly, the exemplary chest harness 412 is
formed from an elastomeric material such as that sold under the
trade name Neoprene.
[0192] Still another exemplary charging appliance that may be worn
is generally represented by reference numeral 422 in FIG. 46. The
exemplary charging appliance 422 include the charger 202a and vest
424 that is configured to mount the charger in adjacent to the
implanted medical device. To that end, the inner surface of the
vest 424 includes a pocket 426 with an opening (not shown) that is
configured to receive the charger 202a. The vest 424 is also
provided with a pair of separable flaps 428 and 430 that may be
releasably secured to one another with a fastener. The exemplary
fastener, which consists of a length of hook (or loop) material 432
on the inner surface of flap 428 and a length of loop (or hook)
material 434 on the exterior surface of flap 430, allows the wearer
to easily put on, remove, and adjust the size of the vest 424.
Other fastening arrangements may also be employed. For example, the
loop material 434 may be omitted and the exterior surface of the
flap 430 may be formed from a hook compatible material (e.g. cotton
or fleece). Other suitable fasteners include, but are not limited
to, hooks, buttons, snaps, laces, zippers and buckles.
[0193] It should also be noted here that although the illustrated
embodiment includes a single pocket 426 that is associated with the
front side of the vest 424 near the upper chest. Other embodiments
may include pockets at other location on the vest 424 or other
garment (e.g. a coat, apron or pull-over vest), multiple pockets,
and one or more pockets on the exterior of the vest or other
garment.
[0194] Other exemplary charging appliances are configured to extend
partially or completely around the wearer's neck. One such
appliance, which is generally represented by reference numeral 436
in FIGS. 47-50, includes the charger 202a and a shoulder drape 438
that is configured to carry the charger and to extend partially
around the wearer's neck. More specifically, the shoulder drape 438
may be positioned over both shoulders and behind the neck (FIG.
49), over both shoulders and in front of the neck, or over a single
shoulder and next to the neck (FIG. 50). The exemplary shoulder
drape 438 includes a top portion 440 with a pair of pockets 442
having openings 444 that are configured to receive the charger
202a. Although the shoulder drape 438 in the illustrated embodiment
has a generally linear overall shape, other shoulder drapes may
have a curved overall shape.
[0195] The shoulder drape 438 may also provided with structures
that reduce the likelihood that the charging appliance 436 will
move relative to the user once charger 202a has been positioned
adjacent to the implanted medical device. More specifically, in the
illustrated embodiment, the shoulder drape 438 includes a permanent
counterweight 446 on the end opposite the pockets 442 and/or a slip
resistant bottom surface 448 (e.g. a rubber or textured surface).
Suitable materials for the top portion 440 include, but are not
limited to fleece, microsuede, cloth, fabrics with moisture
management aspects such as those sold under the trade name Dri-Lex
(e.g. Dri-Lex Aero Spacer) or other materials that are soft,
comfortable, and durable. In other embodiments, the permanent
counterweight may be replaced by a charger pocket with an opening.
The charger pocket may be occupied by a second charger in those
instances where wearer has implanted medical devices on both sides
of his/her chest, or by a removable counterweight.
[0196] Another exemplary charging appliance that is configured to
be positioned around the neck is generally represented by reference
numeral 448 is FIGS. 51-53. Here, however, the charging appliance
is configured such that the ends of the shoulder drape may be
releasably secured to one another. More specifically, the exemplary
charging appliance 448 includes the charger 202 (with magnet 212),
a shoulder drape 450 with a top portion 452 that has a pocket 454
and an opening 456 which is configured to receive the charger, and
a magnet 458 that is attracted to the magnet 212. The shoulder
drape 450 may also be provided with a slip resistant bottom surface
460 (e.g. a rubber or textured surface) in order to reduce the
likelihood that the charging appliance 448 will move relative to
the user once shoulder drape 450 has been positioned in, for
example, the manner illustrated in FIG. 53 with the charger
adjacent to the implanted medical device.
[0197] As alluded to above, the fastening arrangement employed by
the exemplary charging appliance 448 includes the magnets 212 and
458. A variety of other fastening arrangements may be employed to
secure the ends of the shoulder drape to one another. By way of
example, the charger 202a, which does not include the additional
magnet 212, may be employed. Here, the magnet 458 would cooperate
with either the inductor magnet, or an additional magnet added to
the shoulder drape 450 adjacent to the pocket 454. Other
alternatives include, but are not limited to, snaps, buttons, and
hook and loop fasteners.
[0198] Turning to FIGS. 54-58, the exemplary embodiments also
include a wide variety of scarf-like charging appliances. Referring
first to FIGS. 54-56, the exemplary charging appliance 462 includes
the charger 202a and a scarf 464 that is configured to mount the
charger adjacent to the implanted medical device. The exemplary
scarf 464 consists of an elongate flexible body 466, which has a
pocket 468 with an opening 470 that is configured to receive the
charger 202a, and a fastening arrangement that maintains the scarf
464 in the desired orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, the
fastening arrangement includes a button 472, a slot 474 and a
plurality of button holes 476. The portion of the flexible body 466
with the button holes 476 may be inserted through the slot 474 and
the button 472 secured to the desired button hole, as is
illustrated in FIG. 55. To that end, the elongate flexible body has
a relative wide portion 478, with which the pocket 468, button 472
and slot 474 are associated, and a relatively narrow portion 480
with which the button holes 476 are associated. Alternatively, the
slot 474 may be omitted and the width of the elongate flexible body
uniform from one end to another.
[0199] Another exemplary scarf-like charging appliance, which is
generally represented by reference numeral 482 in FIG. 57, includes
the charger 202 (not shown), a scarf 484 consisting of an elongate
flexible body 486 with a pocket 488 having an opening that is
configured to receive the charger, and a fastening arrangement that
maintains the scarf 482 in the desired orientation.
[0200] Here, the fastening arrangement consists of the charger
magnet 212 (or the inductor magnet) and a magnet 490, such as the
exemplary decorative magnet, which is attracted to the magnet 212
and is not an integral part of the elongate flexible body 486.
After the elongate flexible body 486 has been positioned such that
the charger is aligned with the implanted medical device, the
magnet 490 may be secured to the magnet 212 (or inductor magnet) to
hold the charging appliance 482 in place. In other embodiments, the
magnetic fastening arrangement may be replaced with a mechanical
fastener such as a clip or a button.
[0201] Turning to FIG. 58, the exemplary scarf-like charging
appliance 492 illustrated therein includes a charger 202a and a
scarf 494 that is configured to mount the charger in adjacent to
the implanted medical device. The exemplary scarf 494 consists of
an elongate flexible body 496, which has a pocket 498 with an
opening 500 that is configured to receive the charger 202a. Here,
there is no fastening arrangement and the appliance 492 may be held
in place by simply wrapping the scarf 494 around the neck as
shown.
[0202] With respect to materials, suitable materials for the
scarves 464, 484 and 494 include, but are not limited to, fleece,
cotton, silk, Neoprene, polyester, and fabrics with moisture
management aspects such as those sold under the trade name Dri-Lex
(e.g. Dri-Lex 1230, Dri-Lex 2000 and Dri-Lex Fantasia). It should
also be noted here that the scarves may be configured to place
charger against higher on the neck than is shown in the
Figures.
[0203] Chargers, charger mounting apparatus, and/or charging
appliances may also be configured so as to allow the charger to be
precisely and removably positioned in a variety of locations
relative to the user's body. Referring first to FIGS. 59 and 60,
the exemplary charging appliance 502 includes the charger 202a,
garment 504, and a mounting arrangement that is configured to mount
the charger on the garment adjacent to the implanted medical
device. In the illustrated embodiment, the garment 504 is a vest
with flaps 506 and 508 and fasteners, such as a length of hook
material 510 on the inner surface of one flap and a length of loop
material 512 on the exterior surface of the other. The length of
loop material 512 is wider than the length of hook material 510 in
order to accommodate wearers of different size. Other fastening
arrangements may also be employed. For example, the loop material
512 may be omitted and the exterior surface of the flap 508 may be
formed from a hook compatible material (e.g. cotton or fleece).
Other suitable fasteners include, but are not limited to, hooks,
buttons, snaps, zippers and buckles. Moreover, in other
implementations, a pullover type vest without openable flaps and
fasteners may be employed.
[0204] Turning to the manner in which the charger is mounted on the
garment in the exemplary charging appliance 502 illustrated in
FIGS. 59 and 60, the charger 202a and the garment 504 are provided
with respective areas of hook material 514 and loop material 516.
The garment 504 may be formed from any suitable garment-type
material as well as from fabrics with moisture management aspects
such as those sold under the trade name Dri-Lex (e.g. Dri-Lex 2000
and Dri-Lex Fantasia). Although the hook material 514 is positioned
on the rear of the charger housing 206 in the illustrated
embodiment, it may also be positioned on the front of the charger
housing. The loop material 516 is located on the front shoulder and
upper chest portion of the exterior each flap 506 and 508. The
portions of the flaps 506 and 508 covered with (or formed by) the
loop material 516 may be increased or decreased, and all or part of
the back side of the garment may be covered with (or formed by) the
loop material. Additionally, or alternatively, some or all of the
inner surfaces of the garment may be covered with (or formed by)
the loop material, as is the case of the exemplary garment 504a
illustrated in FIG. 61. Material such as cotton, fleece, unbroken
loop Neoprene or other hook compatible material may also be
substituted for the hook compatible loop material 516.
[0205] Another alternative is to employ a pouch that is configured
to carry a charger and a mounting apparatus that is configured to
secure to the pouch to the garment. One such pouch is the exemplary
pouch 518 illustrated in FIGS. 62 and 63, which may mounted on a
garment by way of loop material or other hook compatible material
on a garment (e.g. loop material 516 on garment 504) and an area of
hook material 520 on the pouch. With respect to the particular
configuration of the pouch, the exemplary pouch 518 include a
pocket 522 for the charger 202a, a front aperture 524, and a flap
526. Other exemplary pouch configurations include, but are not
limited to, those described above with reference to FIGS.
29A-29E.
[0206] It should also be noted that garments with hook material
that functions in the manner illustrated in FIG. 59 are not limited
to vests. Shirts, pants, and undergarments are other examples of
garments which may include (or be at least partially formed by)
loop or other fastener material in order to facilitate the mounting
of a charger or charger pouch that includes corresponding hook or
other fastener material. Moreover, the above-described shoulder and
chest harnesses (FIGS. 30-45), shoulder drapes (FIGS. 47-50) and
neck-related apparatus (FIGS. 51-58) may be reconfigured such that
the charger pockets are eliminated and regions of these devices
include, or are formed by, loop material or other hook compatible
material to which the hook material on the charger illustrated in
FIG. 60 and/or pouch illustrated in FIGS. 62 and 63 can be
secured.
[0207] In other implementations, one or more inductors may be
permanently secured to or within a wearable device, such as any of
the wearable devices illustrated in or described in the context of
FIGS. 3-17, 19 and 30-59, to form a charging appliance that
includes the wearable device. For example, in the exemplary
charging appliance 528 illustrated in FIGS. 64-66, an inductor
apparatus 530 carries an inductor and inductor related circuitry
(e.g. inductor 24c and inductor related circuitry 25) and is
permanently secured to the inner surface of the above-described
knee brace 180. The inductor 24c and inductor related circuitry 25
may be molded into an epoxy, silicone, or urethane structure that
is carried within a plastic case 532. Alternatively, the inductor
24c and inductor related circuitry 25 may be carried within a
polycarbonate case, that is itself coated with an insulating
encapsulate such as silicone, rubber-like polymers, Teflon, and
other plastics. In either embodiment, the inductor apparatus 530
will be electrically insulated from the wearer and water resistant.
Suitable devices for securing the inductor apparatus 530 to the
cuff 182 or other portion of the knee brace 180 include adhesives
and/or mechanical fasteners that are configured not to be released
after they have been fastened.
[0208] The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 64-66 includes
a cable 106a with a connector 534 that is configured to mate with a
corresponding connector 536. So configured, the cable 106a may be
used to connect the power supply and control apparatus within
remote housing 104 to, or disconnect the power supply and control
apparatus from, the inductor 24c and inductor related circuitry 25
in the inductor apparatus 530. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 64-66, the cable 106a is permanently secured to the housing
104. However, in other embodiments, the cable 106a may be
permanently secured to the inductor apparatus and the connector 534
used to connect the cable to the remote housing. Another
alternative is to provide a cable with connectors at both ends.
[0209] Ear muffs are another example of a wearable device which may
form part of a charging appliance and, to that end, the exemplary
charging appliance 538 illustrated in FIGS. 67 and 68 includes the
inductor apparatus 530 and ear muffs 540. The ear muffs 540 consist
of a pair of ear pads 542 and a resilient head band 544 on which
the ear pads are mounted. The inductor apparatus 530 is carried
within one of the ear pads 542 and, to that end, the ear pad
includes an aperture 546 to facilitate mating of the connectors 534
and 536. The power supply and control apparatus within the remote
housing 104 may, therefore, be connected to and disconnected from
the inductor apparatus 530 as desired.
[0210] Other exemplary charging appliances that include the remote
housing 104, as well as the power supply and control apparatus
therein, the inductor apparatus 530, and a wearable device are
illustrated in FIGS. 69-80. Although the remote housing 104 and the
power supply and control apparatus therein are not shown in FIGS.
69-80, the remote housing and power supply and control apparatus
are part of the exemplary charging appliances as is indicated by
the presence of the cable 106a and connector 534.
[0211] Turning first to FIG. 69, in the exemplary charging
appliance 548, the inductor apparatus 530 is secured to the inner
surface of a belt buckle 550. The charging appliance 552
illustrated in FIG. 70 includes an inductor apparatus 530 that is
carried within an eyeglass retainer strap 554. As such, the
inductor within the inductor apparatus will be positioned behind
the wearer's neck. Prosthetic hair may also form part of a charging
appliance. The charging appliance 556 illustrated in FIG. 71, for
example, includes a an inductor apparatus 530 that is secured to a
wig 558.
[0212] Jewelry and other decorative accessories are other examples
of the types of wearable devices that may be incorporated, along
with an inductor apparatus 530 or similar device, into a charging
appliance. For example, the charging appliance 560 illustrated in
FIG. 72 includes an inductor apparatus 530 that is secured to the
hair clip portion 562 of a barrette 563.
[0213] Turning to FIGS. 73-76, other decorative charging appliances
are configured to position an inductor at any desired location
around the wearer's neck. The charging appliance 564 illustrated in
FIG. 73, for example, includes a dog collar type neck accessory 566
and the inductor apparatus 530. The inductor apparatus 530 is
connected to the remote housing 104 (not shown) and the power
supply and control apparatus therein by the cable 106a and
connectors 534 and 536. In the illustrated embodiment, the neck
accessory consists of a leather strip 568 with a connector (not
shown) and a plurality of metal studs 570. The inductor apparatus
530 may be glued or otherwise secured to the inner surface of the
leather strip 568 (as shown) or held between the plies of a
multi-ply structure.
[0214] In another charging appliance, which is generally
represented by reference numeral 572 in FIG. 74, the inductor
apparatus 530 is secured to neck ribbon 574. Here too, the inductor
apparatus 530 is connected to the remote housing and the power
supply and control apparatus therein by the cable 106a and
connectors 534 and 536.
[0215] Turning to FIGS. 75 and 76, the exemplary charging appliance
576 includes a necklace 578 with a plurality of decorative discs
580. The inductor apparatus 530 is carried within one of the
decorative discs 580. An aperture 582 is provided in order to allow
the connectors 534 and 536 and, therefore, the power supply and
control apparatus and the inductor, to be connected to one another.
The necklace 578 may be the illustrated choker length, or longer,
depending on the location of the implanted medical device.
[0216] In the exemplary charging appliance 584 illustrated in FIGS.
77 and 78, the inductor apparatus 530 is carried within an earring
586 that has an ear clip 588 and an aperture 590. Here too, the
aperture allows the connectors 534 and 536 and, therefore, the
power supply and control apparatus and the inductor, to be
connected to one another.
[0217] Other types of jewelry to which an inductor apparatus may be
secured include, but are not limited to piercings, wrist watches,
headbands, bandanas, anklets, bracelets, pendants, and broaces.
[0218] As alluded to above in the context of the knee brace
illustrated in FIGS. 64-66, an externally worn medical device is
another example of a device that may be part of a charging
appliance. Other exemplary charging appliances that include
externally worn medical device are illustrated in FIGS. 79 and 80.
Referring first to FIG. 79, the charging appliance 592 includes a
thyroid guard 594 and the inductor apparatus 530. The inductor
apparatus 530 may be secured to the neck portion of the thyroid
guard (as shown) or to the portion that hangs downwardly from the
neck portion. The remote housing and the power supply and control
apparatus therein may be connected to the inductor apparatus 530 by
the cable 106a. Turning to FIG. 80, the exemplary charging
appliance 596 includes a neck brace 598 with the inductor apparatus
530 secured thereto. The remote housing and the power supply and
control apparatus therein may be connected to the inductor
apparatus 530 by the cable 106a. The inductor apparatus 530 may be
glued or otherwise secured to the inner surface of the thyroid
guard or neck brace (as shown), one the outer surface, or carried
between the inner and outer surfaces.
[0219] Still other charging appliances include an inductor
apparatus and a mounting device that is configured to adhere to the
wearer's skin. Such mounting devices permit the an inductor to be
positioned at essentially any location on the wearer's body. For
example, the charging appliance 600 illustrated in FIGS. 81 and 82
includes an inductor apparatus 602 with an inductor and inductor
related circuitry (e.g. inductor 24c and inductor related circuitry
25), an adhesive strip 604, and a remote housing 104b, with the
above-described power supply and control apparatus and user
interface. The remote housing 104b may be connected to the inductor
apparatus 602 in the manner described below.
[0220] The inductor and inductor related circuitry in the exemplary
inductor apparatus 602 may be molded into an epoxy, silicone, or
urethane structure that is carried within a plastic case.
Alternatively, the inductor and inductor related circuitry may be
carried within a polycarbonate case, that is itself coated with an
insulating encapsulate such as silicone, rubber-like polymers,
Teflon, and other plastics. In either embodiment, the inductor
apparatus 602 will be electrically insulated from the wearer and
water resistant. The inductor apparatus 602 is also provided with a
cable 106b that has a connector 606. The connector 606 is
configured to mate with a corresponding connector 608 on the remote
housing 104b. In the exemplary embodiment, the cable 106b is
permanently secured to the inductor apparatus 602. However, in
other embodiments, the cable 106a may be permanently secured to the
remote housing and a connector used to connect the cable to the
inductor apparatus. Another alternative is to provide a cable with
connectors at both ends.
[0221] The exemplary adhesive strip 604, which is similar to those
commonly associated with conventional adhesive bandages, includes a
backing 610 and a layer of adhesive 612. Suitable materials for the
backing 610 include, but are not limited to, woven fabrics,
plastics, and latex rubbers, while the adhesive may be a
hypoallergenic adhesive that will adhere to the skin, yet exhibit
enough release when intentionally removed so as not to tear the
skin or leave a residue. The backing 610 may be pressed over the
inductor apparatus 602 prior to the application of the adhesive so
that the adhesive layer 612 covers the inductor apparatus as well
as the backing, as shown in FIG. 82. Alternatively, as illustrated
for example in FIG. 83, the adhesive layer 612a may be applied to
the backing 610 prior to the backing being pressed over the
inductor apparatus 602. In either case, a release liner (not shown)
may be placed over adhesive layer 612 (or 612a) to facilitate
storage.
[0222] Another charging appliance that is configured to adhere to
the wearer's skin is generally represented by reference numeral 614
in FIGS. 84 and 85. Charging appliance 614 includes an inductor
apparatus 616 with an inductor and inductor related circuitry (e.g.
inductor 24c and inductor related circuitry 25), an adhesive disk
618, and a remote housing 104, with the above-described power
supply and control apparatus and user interface. The remote housing
104 may be connected to the inductor apparatus 616 in the manner
described below.
[0223] The inductor and inductor related circuitry in the exemplary
inductor apparatus 616 may be molded into an epoxy, silicone, or
urethane structure that is carried within a plastic case.
Alternatively, the inductor and inductor related circuitry may be
carried within a polycarbonate case, that is itself coated with an
insulating encapsulate such as silicone, rubber-like polymers,
Teflon, and other plastics. In either embodiment, the inductor
apparatus 616 will be electrically insulated from the wearer and
water resistant. The inductor apparatus 616 is also provided with a
connector 620 that extends through the adhesive disk 618. Suitable
connectors include the types frequently found on conventional EKG
electrodes. A cable 106c, with a corresponding connector 622, may
be used to connect the power supply and control apparatus within
the remote housing 104 to, or disconnect the power supply and
control apparatus from, the inductor and inductor related circuitry
in the inductor apparatus 616. However, in other embodiments, the
cable may be permanently secured to the inductor apparatus and a
connector used to connect the cable to the remote housing. Another
alternative is to provide a cable with connectors at both ends.
[0224] The exemplary adhesive disk 618, which is similar to those
commonly associated with conventional EKG electrodes, includes a
backing 624 and a layer of adhesive 626. Suitable materials for the
backing 624 include, but are not limited to, woven fabrics,
plastics, and latex rubbers, while the adhesive 626 may be a
hypoallergenic adhesive that will adhere to the skin, yet exhibit
enough release when intentionally removed so as not to tear the
skin or leave a residue. The backing 624 may be pressed over the
inductor apparatus 616 prior to the application of the adhesive so
that the adhesive layer 626 covers the inductor apparatus as well
as the backing (as shown). Alternatively, an adhesive layer may be
applied to the backing 624 prior to the backing being pressed over
the inductor apparatus 602. In either case, a release liner (not
shown) may be placed over the adhesive layer to facilitate
storage.
[0225] The exemplary charging appliance 628 illustrated in FIGS. 86
and 87 is also configured to adhere to the wearer's skin and, to
that end, includes a suction cup 630 in addition to the inductor
apparatus 616 and remote housing 104. The inductor apparatus 616,
which is secured to the inner surface of the suction cup (e.g. with
adhesive), is connected to the power supply and control apparatus
associated with the remote housing 104 by the cable 106c. To that
end, the connector 620 extends through an otherwise sealed aperture
(not shown) in the top portion of the suction cup 630 such that it
may be connected to the connector 622 on cable 106c.
[0226] Although the charging appliance is not limited to any
particular suction cup, the exemplary suction cup 630 is circular
in shape when viewed in plan, has a smooth circular sealing surface
632, and is formed from a flexible material such as rubber, PVC
plastic or neoprene. The suction cup 630 is biased to the relaxed
state illustrated in FIG. 86. When the suction cup 630 is pressed
against the wearer's skin, air is forced out of the interior of the
suction cup, a seal is created between the sealing surface 632 and
the skin, and the vacuum created by the biasing force of the
suction cup secures the cup to the skin, as is shown in FIG. 87.
The respective sizes and shapes the inductor apparatus 616 and
suction cup 630 result in the inductor apparatus being in close
proximity to, or in contact with, the skin.
[0227] Other charging appliances include an inductor that extends
around a portion of the body. One such charging appliance is
generally represented by reference numeral 634 in FIGS. 88 and 89.
The charging appliance 634 includes an inductor apparatus 636 and a
remote housing 104, with the above-described power supply and
control apparatus and user interface.
[0228] The exemplary inductor apparatus 636, which is configured to
look like a loop necklace, includes an inductor portion 638 and a
clasp 640. The inductor portion 638 consists of an inductor coil
642 and an electrically insulating exterior portion 644 (FIG. 90).
The exemplary clasp 640, which physically connects the free ends of
the inductor portion 638, includes a first portion 646, a second
portion 648 and a latch 650 that releasably secures the first and
second portions to one another. The inductor related circuitry 25
is molded into the first clasp portion 646. A conductor line 652,
which includes separable sections in the first and second clasp
portions 646 and 648, electrically connects the free ends of the
inductor coil 642 to the circuitry 25 when the clasp 640 is closed
(as shown). The clasp 640 also includes a connector 654 that is
configured to mate with a connector 656 on the cable 106d, thereby
connecting the inductor apparatus 636 to the power supply and
control apparatus within the remote housing 104. In other
embodiments, the cable 106d may be permanently secured to the clasp
640 and a connector used to connect the cable to the remote
housing, or a cable with connectors at both ends may be provided.
In still other embodiments, where the loop formed by the inductor
portion 638 is large enough to fit over the wearer's head, the
clasp 640 may be replaced by an unopenable structure that otherwise
performs the same functions as the clasp.
[0229] In the illustrated embodiment, the inductor apparatus 636 is
a resilient structure and may be removed from the wearer's neck by
unlatching the clasp 640, thereby allowing the first and second
clasp portions 646 and 648 to be separated from one another, and
pulling the free ends of the inductor portion 638 away from one
another. To that end, suitable materials for the inductor coil 642
include, but are not limited to, copper, copper alloys, and silver,
and suitable materials for the electrically insulating exterior
portion 644 include, but are not limited to, plastics such as PVC
that is the desired color or is painted the desired color. Suitable
materials for the clasp 640 include, but are not limited to,
plastics such as PVC. Alternatively, the exterior portion 644 may
be partially covered by a decorative element formed from gold or
other suitable metals and non-metals, as is described below with
reference to FIG. 93. The configuration of clasp 640 and exterior
portion 644 should also be such that the charging appliance is
waterproof (or at least water resistant).
[0230] It should also be noted that, although inductor coil 642 is
in the form of a singe loop in the illustrated embodiment, other
embodiments may include a plurality of loops within the
electrically insulating exterior portion 644 and a connector
similar to that described below with reference to FIG. 91.
[0231] Another charging appliance which includes an inductor that
extends around the associated portion of the body is generally
represented by reference numeral 658 in FIGS. 91 and 92. The
charging appliance 634 includes an inductor apparatus 660 and a
remote housing 104, with the above-described power supply and
control apparatus and user interface. The remote housing 104 may be
connected to the inductor apparatus 660 in the manner described
below.
[0232] The exemplary inductor apparatus 660, which is configured to
look like a multiple ring necklace, includes a plurality of rings
662a-d, a clasp 664, and an inductor coil 666 that passes through
the rings and clasp. The clasp 664 has first and second portions
668 and 670 and a latch 672. Each of the rings 662a-d has a pair of
free ends that are in close proximity to one another and
respectively secured to the clasp portions 668 and 670. The clasp
664 is also provided with a connector 674 that is configured to
mate with a connector 656 on a cable 106e, thereby connecting the
inductor apparatus 660 to the power supply and control apparatus
within the remote housing 104. The cable 106e also includes a
housing 675 that carries the inductor related circuitry 25. In
other embodiments, the cable 106e may be permanently secured to the
clasp 664 and a connector used to connect the cable to the remote
housing, or a cable with connectors at both ends may be provided.
Also, the inductor related circuitry 25 may be carried within the
clasp 664 and the housing 275 may be omitted.
[0233] The illustrated inductor coil 666 includes a first free end
that is associated with one of the free ends of ring 662a and is
connected to the connector 674. The inductor coil 666 also extends
through ring 662a to the other free end thereof, though the clasp
664 to one of the free ends of ring 662b, through ring 662b to the
other free end thereof, though the clasp to one of the free ends of
ring 662c, through ring 662c to the other free end thereof, though
the clasp to one of the free ends of ring 662d, and through ring
662d to the other free end thereof. The free end of the inductor
coil 666 associated with ring 666d is connected to the connector
674. In order to accommodate passage through the separable clasp
664, the inductor coil 666 has three discontinuities. The portions
of the inductor coil 666 on opposite sides of each discontinuity
are connected to one another when the clasp 664 is closed, and
disconnected when the clasp is open.
[0234] Turning to FIG. 93, the exemplary rings 662a-d include an
insulating main portion 676, though which the inductor coil 666
passes, and a decorative portion 678 that is on the exterior side
of the main portion that will be visible when the inductor
apparatus 660 is worn. The inductor apparatus 660 is also resilient
so that it can be spread apart when being put on and taken off. As
such, suitable materials for the inductor coil 666 include, but are
not limited to, metals such as copper, copper alloys, and silver,
suitable materials for the main portion 676 include, but are not
limited to, plastics such as PVC, and suitable materials for the
decorative portion 678 include, but are not limited to gold,
silver, other metals and decorative non-metals. Also, the
configuration of clasp 664 and main portion 676 should also be such
that the charging appliance is waterproof (or at least water
resistant).
[0235] In one alternative implementation, the rings 662a-d may be
formed by a flexible, continuous coil-like structure that forms a
plurality of loops and can be stretched to fit over the wearer's
head. Here, the clasp will simply connect the free ends of the
inductor coil within the coil-like structure to a connector (e.g.
the connector 674). In other alternative implementations, which may
include multiple rings or a single coil-like structure, the
decorative portion may be omitted and the main portion 676 formed
from a plastic that is (or is painted) the desired color.
[0236] The exemplary charging appliance 680 illustrated in FIG. 94,
which also includes an inductor that extends around the associated
portion of the body, includes an inductor apparatus 682 and a
remote housing 104, with the above-described power supply and
control apparatus and user interface. The exemplary inductor
apparatus 682 is also configured to look like a necklace and
includes a flexible band 684, a clasp 686, and an inductor coil 688
embedded within the flexible band. The inductor related circuitry
25 and a connector 654, which mates with the connector 656 on cable
106d to connect the inductor apparatus 682 to the power supply and
control apparatus within the remote housing 104, are also embedded
within the flexible band 684. In other embodiments, the cable 106d
may be permanently secured to the free ends of the coil 688 a
connector used to connect the cable to the remote housing. Another
alternative is to provide a cable with connectors at both ends.
[0237] In the illustrated embodiment, the clasp 686 has first and
second portions 690 and 692 and a latch 694. The inductor coil 688
passes through the clasp 686 and, to that end, has a pair
discontinuities. The portions of the inductor coil 688 on opposite
sides of each discontinuity are connected to one another when the
clasp 686 is closed, and disconnected when the clasp is open.
[0238] With respect to materials, suitable materials for the
flexible band include, but are not limited to, rubber, silicone and
fabric (with insulating material over the inductor coil 688 in a
manner similar to that shown FIG. 90), while suitable materials for
the inductor coil 688 include, but are not limited to copper,
copper alloys, silver and other suitable metals.
[0239] It should also be noted that although the exemplary charging
appliances in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 88-94 include
inductors that extend around the wearer's neck, inductors that are
configured to extend around other body structures may also be
employed. Such charging appliances may, for example, include
inductor apparatus that look like bracelets, belts, upper arm
spirals, and other devices that extend (along with the inductor)
around the perimeter of a bodily structure.
[0240] There is a wide variety of other charging appliances which
include a wearable device that serves a purpose other than
positioning an inductor (or charger) on the wearer's body. One such
wearable device is an eyeglass frame and, to that end, the
exemplary charging appliance 696 illustrated in FIG. 95 includes
sunglasses 698 in addition to the inductor 24a, inductor related
circuitry 25 and remote housing 104 (with the power supply and
control apparatus and user interface). The sunglasses 698 consist
of a frame 700, with a frame front 702 and a pair of arms 704, and
lenses 706. A connector 536 is mounted on one of the arms 704 and
the remote housing 104 may be connected to the inductor 24a and
inductor related circuitry 25 by the connector 534 on cable
106a.
[0241] In the illustrated embodiment, the inductor 24a is carried
within the frame front 702 and the charging of an implanted medical
device, such as an implanted occipital nerve stimulator, would
typically occur when the sunglasses 698 are being worn backwards.
Alternatively, or in addition, an inductor may be carried within
one or both of the arms 704. The frame 700 may be formed from
materials such as plastics, ceramics and non-conducting metals to
insulate the wearer from the inductor 24a and inductor related
circuitry 25.
[0242] Another example of a charging appliance which includes a
wearable device that serves a purpose other than positioning an
inductor (or charger) on the wearer's body is the charging
appliance generally represented by reference numeral 708 in FIGS.
96 and 97. Here, an inductor 24c is incorporated into a personal
cooler 710 that is worn on the neck and is suitably insulated from
the wearer by, for example, a relatively soft plastic such as
polyurethane. Although such charging appliances are not limited to
any particular type of personal cooler, one example of such a
personal cooler is the Personal Cooling System 3.0 sold by The
Sharper Image. The personal cooler 710 includes a housing 712, an
aluminum inner cooling surface 714, pads 716, a power supply 718, a
controller 720, and a user interface 722. The personal cooler 710
also includes a fan and a water tank, which are not shown.
[0243] The power supply and control functionality associated with
the inductor 24c in the exemplary charging appliance 708 may be
performed by the personal cooler power supply 718 and controller
720 (as shown). Alternatively, a separate power supply and
controller arrangement may be provided. The inductor related
circuitry 25 may be positioned adjacent to the inductor 24c within
the housing 712 (as shown), or may be eliminated and the
functionality thereof added to the controller 720.
[0244] Turning to FIG. 98, the exemplary charging appliance 724 is
configured such that all of its components may be mounted on the
same portion of the wearer's body. More specifically, the charging
appliance 724 includes a harness 726, an inductor 24c embedded
within the harness and insulated from the wearer by, for example, a
relatively soft plastic such as polyurethane, and a housing 104c
mounted on the exterior of the harness. The exemplary harness 726
consists of a relatively narrow strap 728 with an enlarged portion
730 that carries the inductor 24c. The ends of the strap 728 may be
secured to one another with any suitable fastener arrangement and,
in the illustrated embodiment, hook and loop fastener strips 732
and 734 are employed. Suitable material for the harness 726
includes, but is not limited to, elastomeric material such as that
sold under the trade name Neoprene. The elastomeric material may be
covered with fabric to increase wearer comfort. The housing 104c
carries the power supply and control apparatus and inductor related
circuitry as well as the user interface (e.g. a button 736).
[0245] The exemplary charging appliance 724 is sized and shaped so
as to be positioned on the wearer's neck. Such positioning is
suitable for charging an implanted occipital nerve stimulator.
Other implementations may be sized and shaped for positioning
around one of the wearer's arms or legs, or the waist or the
chest.
[0246] The exemplary charging appliance 738 illustrated in FIG. 99
is essentially identical to that illustrated in FIG. 98 and similar
elements are represented by similar reference numerals. Here,
however, the charging appliance includes coil 24b and the enlarged
portion 730a of the strap is configured therefore. Like charging
appliance 724, charging appliance 738 may be sized and shaped for
placement around the neck, arm, leg, waist or chest.
[0247] Turning to FIG. 100, exemplary charging appliance 740 is
configured to position one or more inductors behind the wearer's
neck. To that end, the exemplary charging appliance 740 includes an
inductor apparatus 742 that is configured to be secured to the
wearer's hair and a remote housing 104 with the above-described
power supply and control apparatus and user interface.
[0248] The exemplary inductor apparatus 742 carries a pair of
inductors 24c and inductor related circuitry 25. The inductors 24c
and inductor related circuitry 25 may be molded into an epoxy,
silicone, or urethane structure that is carried within a plastic
housing 744. Alternatively, the inductors 24c and inductor related
circuitry 25 may be carried within a polycarbonate housing, that is
itself coated with an insulating encapsulate such as silicone,
rubber-like polymers, Teflon, and other plastics. In either
embodiment, the inductor apparatus 742 will be electrically
insulated from the wearer and water resistant. The inductor
apparatus 742 also includes a band 746 which performs the function
of securing the housing 744 to the wearer's hair. The housing 744
may be provided in a variety of colors in order to allow the
housing color to be matched to the wearer's hair color.
[0249] The housing 744 and band 746 may be secured to one another
in a variety of ways. For example, each end of the band may be
releasably secured to the housing by an appropriate fastener. In
the illustrated embodiment, one end of the band 746 is secured to a
spring biased reel 748 that is carried within the housing 744 and
applies a tension force to the band. A lumen 750, which extends
from the exterior of the housing to the reel 748, allows portions
of the band 746 to move in and out of the housing 744. A dull
needle 752, which facilitates threading of the band through the
wearer's hair, may be secured to the other end of the band 746. The
dull needle 752 also includes a latch element 754 that is
configured to mate with a latch 756 within the housing. A lumen 758
allows the dull needle 752 to be inserted into the housing 744 and
the latch 756 secures the dull needle to the housing 744 when the
dull needle reaches the latch. A latch release button 760, which
disconnects the latch element 754 from the latch 756 when pressed
to allow the dull needle 752 to be pulled out of the lumen 758, is
also provided.
[0250] With respect to the configuration of the band 746, the band
may be formed from any suitable flexible material or combination
thereof. The band 746 may be circular in cross-section (as shown),
flat, or any other cross-sectional shape. In addition, the band 746
may be configured, e.g. through the use of a high friction material
such as silicone rubber or a textured outer surface, to prevent
slippage relative to the wearer's hair. The band 746 may also be
provided in a variety of colors in order to allow the band color to
be matched to the wearer's hair color.
[0251] In other implementations, the spring biased reel 748 may be
replaced with a reel that has a handle which may be turned to
reduce the exposed length of the band 746, a ratchet which
maintains the band at the desired exposed length, and a ratchet
release button which allows the exposed length of the band to be
increased. The reel may also be omitted. Here, the length of the
band 746 will be fixed. Regardless of the type of reel, or lack
thereof, the other end of the band 746 may be releasably secured to
the housing through the used of a twist lock arrangement instead of
the above-described latch element 754, latch 756 and release button
760. The end of the band 746 opposite the reel may also be
permanently secured to the housing. Here, the dull needle 752 may
be omitted and, instead of threading the band 746 through the hair,
the band 746 will simply be worn like a conventional hair band or
sweat band.
[0252] The housing 104, as well as the power supply and control
apparatus carried therein, are permanently connected to the
inductor apparatus 742 by the cable 106 in the illustrated
implementation. In other implementations, the cable may be
permanently secured to one of the housing 104 and inductor
apparatus 742 and releasable connected to the other by an
appropriate connector arrangement, or releasable secured to both
through the use of a cable with connectors at both ends.
[0253] It should also be noted here that inductors and inductor
apparatus may be carried by and/or incorporated into a wide variety
of wearable devices in addition those described above with
reference to FIGS. 3-100. By way of example, but not limitation,
such wearable devices include priest collars, fetal monitors, scuba
suits, suspenders, body piercings, body tissue screws, head bands,
splints, and gel pads.
III. Charging Appliances that May be Associated with Non-Wearable
Devices
[0254] Charging appliances may also be carried by, part of, secured
to and/or otherwise associated with non-wearable devices. In many
instances, such non-wearable devices will be common, "everyday"
devices that have utility which is entirely separate from the
charging functionality.
[0255] One such charging appliance is generally represented by
reference numeral 800 in FIG. 101. The exemplary charging appliance
800 includes the above-described charger 202a and a pillow 802
(e.g. a cervical crescent pillow) that is configured to mount the
charger in a plurality of different locations relative to the user.
To that end, the exemplary pillow 802 includes a relatively soft,
resilient body 804, formed from foam or other suitable material,
and a plurality of pockets 806 with exterior openings 808 that are
configured to receive the charger 202a. The pockets 806 can extend
in one direction from the openings 808 (as shown), or in two
directions. Additionally, although the illustrated embodiment
includes three pockets, the number of pockets may be increased or
decreased as desired.
[0256] Turning to FIG. 102, the exemplary charging appliance 810
illustrated therein includes a pillow 812, an inductor apparatus
814, and a remote housing 104d that is connected to the inductor
apparatus. Although it is not limited to any particular type of
pillow, the exemplary pillow 812 is a cervical comfort pillow with
a relatively soft, resilient body 816, formed from foam or other
suitable material, that has a relatively flat portion 818 and an
enlarged portion 820. The inductor apparatus 814, which includes an
inductor and inductor related circuitry (e.g. inductor 24a and
inductor related circuitry 25), is positioned within the enlarged
portion 820. Alternatively, or in addition, an inductor apparatus
814 may be positioned within the flat portion 818. The inductor and
inductor related circuitry may be molded into an epoxy, silicone,
or urethane structure that is carried within a plastic case 822.
Alternatively, the inductor and inductor related circuitry may be
carried within a polycarbonate case, that is itself coated with an
insulating encapsulate such as silicone, rubber-like polymers,
Teflon, and other plastics.
[0257] In addition to the power supply and control apparatus, the
remote housing 104d includes a user interface 105, which consists
of a display and a plurality of buttons. A cable 106a may be used
to connect the power supply and control apparatus within the remote
housing 104d to, or disconnect the power supply and control
apparatus from, the inductor apparatus 814. To that end, one end of
the cable 106a is connected to the remote housing 104d and the
other has a connector 534 that is configured to mate with a
corresponding connector 536 that is associated with the inductor
apparatus 814. In other implementations, the cable 106a may be
permanently secured to the inductor apparatus 814 and the connector
534 used to connect the cable to the remote housing, the cable may
be permanently secured to both, or a cable with connectors at both
ends may be provided.
[0258] It should also be noted here that an otherwise conventional
pillow may be converted into a charging appliance by combining the
pillow with a pillow case that includes one or more pockets for a
charger. Another alternative is to connect the charging appliance
200 illustrated in FIGS. 3-6 to a pillow case.
[0259] Another charging appliance that includes a non-wearable
device is generally represented by reference numeral 824 in FIG.
103. The exemplary charging appliance includes a mattress pad 826,
an inductor apparatus 828, and the remote housing 104d. The
mattress pad 826 includes a relatively soft, resilient body 830,
formed from foam, goose down covered by an outer fabric, or any
other suitable material. The mattress pad 826 is also configured to
mount the inductor apparatus 828 in a plurality of different
locations relative to the user and, to that end, has a plurality of
pockets 832 with exterior openings 834 that are configured to
receive the inductor apparatus. The choice of pocket 832 will
depend on the location of the implanted medical device. In the
illustrated embodiment, the pockets 832 extend downwardly into the
resilient body 830 so that some of the resilient body will between
the wearer and the inductor apparatus 828 to insure that the
inductor apparatus does not render the mattress pad uncomfortable.
The pockets 832 can also extend in one direction from the openings
834 (as shown), or in two directions. Additionally, the number of
pockets may be increased or decreased as desired.
[0260] The inductor apparatus 828 includes an inductor and inductor
related circuitry (e.g. inductor 24c and inductor related circuitry
25) which are molded into an epoxy, silicone, or urethane structure
that is carried within a plastic case 836. Alternatively, the
inductor and inductor related circuitry may be carried within a
polycarbonate case, that is itself coated with an insulating
encapsulate such as silicone, rubber-like polymers, Teflon, and
other plastics. A cable 106 connects the inductor and inductor
related circuitry carried by the inductor apparatus 828 to the
power supply and control apparatus carried by the remote housing
104d.
[0261] Other charging appliances include the mattress itself. One
such charging appliance, which is generally represented by
reference numeral 838 in FIG. 104, includes a mattress 840, an
inductor apparatus 842 mounted within the mattress, and the remote
housing 104d. The exemplary inductor apparatus 842 includes an
inductor and inductor related circuitry (e.g. inductor 24c and
inductor related circuitry 25) which are molded into an epoxy,
silicone, or urethane structure that is carried within a plastic
case 844. Alternatively, the inductor and inductor related
circuitry may be carried within a polycarbonate case, that is
itself coated with an insulating encapsulate such as silicone,
rubber-like polymers, Teflon, and other plastics. The power supply
and control apparatus within the remote housing 104d is connected
to the inductor apparatus 842 by way of the inductor apparatus
connector 654, which is positioned at the side edge of the mattress
840, and the connector 656 on the cable 106d. In other
implementations, the cable may be permanently secured to the
inductor apparatus and a connector used to connect the cable to the
remote housing, or a cable with connectors at both ends may be
provided.
[0262] Chairs, couches, and like are other examples of non-wearable
devices that may form part of a charging appliance and, to that
end, the exemplary charging appliance 846 illustrated in FIGS. 105
and 106 includes a recliner chair 848. An inductor apparatus 850,
which is mounted within the recliner chair 848, includes an
inductor and inductor related circuitry (e.g. inductor 24c and
inductor related circuitry 25) which are molded into an epoxy,
silicone, or urethane structure that is carried within a flexible
plastic case 852. Alternatively, the inductor and inductor related
circuitry may be carried within a flexible polycarbonate case, that
is itself coated with an insulating encapsulate such as silicone,
rubber-like polymers, Teflon, and other plastics. A housing 854 is
mounted, in the illustrated embodiment, on the top rear portion of
the backrest 856. The housing 854 includes the power supply and
control apparatus and is directly connected to the inductor
apparatus 850. The exemplary housing 854 also includes a user
interface in the form of a relatively large button 858.
[0263] It should be noted here that the location of the inductor
apparatus 850 and housing 854 may be varied as desired. The housing
854 may also be removed from the chair and connected to the
inductor and inductor related circuitry by way of a cable.
[0264] Turning to FIG. 107, the exemplary charging appliance 860
illustrated therein includes a seat cover 862, an inductor
apparatus 864 carried by the seat cover, and a housing 104d
connected to the inductor apparatus by a cable 106. The exemplary
inductor apparatus 864 includes an inductor and inductor related
circuitry (e.g. inductor 24c and inductor related circuitry 25)
which are molded into an epoxy, silicone, or urethane structure
that is carried within a flexible plastic case 866. Alternatively,
the inductor and inductor related circuitry may be carried within a
flexible polycarbonate case, that is itself coated with an
insulating encapsulate such as silicone, rubber-like polymers,
Teflon, and other plastics. The charging appliance 860 may be
positioned on the underlying piece of furniture as required to
bring the inductor into close proximity with the user's implanted
medical device.
[0265] Other exemplary charging appliances include a charger, such
as the above-described charger 202a, in combination with a chair,
couch, seat cover or the like which has one or more pockets that
are configured to receive the charger.
[0266] The exemplary charging appliance 868 illustrated in FIGS.
108 and 109 includes a toilet seat assembly 870 and a charger 872
that may be mounted in the toilet seat assembly. The exemplary
toilet seat assembly 870 includes include a seat 874 and cover 876
with a top side 878 and a bottom side 880. The top side 878 has an
indentation 882. The charger 872 includes an inductor 24c, inductor
related circuitry 25, a power supply 26, and a controller 28 that
are carried with a housing 884. The housing 884 is sized and shaped
to fit within the indentation 882, and the exterior of the housing
includes a user interface (e.g. button 886) and a door 888 to
facilitate replacement of the power supply 26.
[0267] Another exemplary toilet related charging appliance, which
is generally represented by reference numeral 890 in FIG. 110,
includes a toilet seat assembly 892, with a seat cover 894 and an
inductor apparatus 896 that also functions as a toilet seat, and a
housing 104d that includes the power supply and control apparatus.
The exemplary inductor apparatus 896 includes an inductor and
inductor related circuitry (e.g. inductor 24c and inductor related
circuitry 25) which are molded into an insulting plastic (e.g. PVC)
structure 898, or added to a wood or porcelain structure, that is
shaped like a toilet seat.
[0268] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 104d is mounted
on the toilet tank and is connected to the inductor apparatus 896
by a cable 106. Alternatively, one or both of the housing 104d and
inductor apparatus 896 may be provided with a connector, and one or
both of the ends of the associated cable may be provided with a
corresponding connector, in order to allow the housing to be
selectively connected to and disconnected from the inductor
apparatus 896. In other implementations, the housing and components
associated therewith may be incorporated into the toilet seat.
[0269] Turning to FIGS. 111 and 112, the exemplary charging
appliance 900 consists of a mouse pad 902 and a charger 904. The
exemplary mouse pad 902 includes a flat mouse portion 906 and a
wrist rest 908 that is configured to receive the charger 904. To
that end, the bottom surface of the mouse pad 902 includes an
aperture 910 for the charger 904 that is aligned with the wrist
rest 908. In addition to the above-described power supply,
controller, inductor and inductor related circuitry, the charger
904 includes a housing with a flat bottom surface 912, which is
aligned with the bottom surface of the mouse pad, and a user
interface (e.g. button 914) on the bottom surface.
[0270] A picture frame is another example of a non-wearable device
that may form part of a charging appliance. More specifically, the
charging appliance generally represented by reference numeral 916
in FIGS. 113 and 114 includes a picture frame 918 and a charger 920
carried on the back of the frame. The exemplary picture frame 918
is a desktop frame that includes a border 922, a glass (or clear
plastic) front panel 924, a backing 926, a support arm 928. In
addition to the above-described power supply, controller, inductor
(e.g. inductor 24c) and inductor related circuitry, the charger 920
includes a housing 930 that is secured to the rear surface of the
border 922. A user interface (e.g. button 932) is positioned on the
exterior of the housing 930.
[0271] The charging appliance 916 may be placed on a desk,
nightstand, table or other suitable location that will result in
the inductor being in close proximity an implanted medical device.
It should also be noted that wall mounted frames, which are
intended for placement in close proximity to the user (e.g. within
a cubical or other small workstation), may be employed in
combination with a suitable charger.
[0272] Non-wearable devices that may form part of a charging
appliance also include devices associated with automobiles.
Referring first to FIG. 115, the exemplary charging appliance 934
includes a seat cover 936, an inductor apparatus 938 that is
secured to the inner surface of the seat cover, and a housing 104d
that is associated with the outer surface of the seat cover. The
seat cover 936, which may be formed from fabric, sheepskin, or any
other suitable material, is sized and shaped to fit over the
underlying automobile seat 940. The exemplary inductor apparatus
938 includes an inductor and inductor related circuitry (e.g.
inductor 24a and inductor related circuitry 25) which are molded
into an epoxy, silicone, or urethane structure that is carried
within a flexible plastic case. The housing 104d is connected to
the inductor apparatus 938 by a cable (not shown).
[0273] The illustrated position of the inductor apparatus 938, i.e.
adjacent to the headrest 942, is suitable for charging an implanted
occipital nerve stimulator. In other implementations, the inductor
apparatus 938 may be secured to the seat cover 936 at locations
corresponding to the automobile seat backrest 944 or thigh support
946.
[0274] A charging appliance may, alternatively, include a portion
of the automobile seat itself. As illustrated for example in FIG.
116, the exemplary charging appliance 948 includes an automobile
seat 950, an inductor apparatus 952 that is mounted within the
seat, and a housing 954 that is also mounted with the seat. The
exemplary inductor apparatus 952 includes an inductor and inductor
related circuitry (e.g. inductor 24a and inductor related circuitry
25) which are molded into an epoxy, silicone, or urethane structure
that is carried within a flexible plastic case. The housing 954,
which carries the above-described power supply and control
apparatus and is connected to the inductor apparatus 952 by a cable
(not shown), is mounted with the seat 950 such that a portion of
the housing is accessible. The accessible portion of the housing
954 includes a user interface (e.g. button 956) and a door 958 to
facilitate replacement of the power supply.
[0275] The position of the inductor apparatus 952 in the
illustrated embodiment, i.e. within the headrest 960, is suitable
for charging an implanted occipital nerve stimulator. In other
implementations, the inductor apparatus and, in some instances the
housing, may be positioned within the automobile seat backrest or
thigh support. Still other charging appliances may include inductor
apparatus in a plurality of locations within the seat (e.g. within
the headrest, the backrest and the thigh support).
[0276] Turning to FIG. 117, the exemplary charging appliance 962
includes an automobile steering wheel 964 and an inductor 966 that
is embedded within the steering wheel. More specifically, exemplary
inductor 966 is molded into a steering wheel formed from an
insulating plastic (e.g. PVC). A housing 968 is positioned within
an indentation in steering wheel 964, and the above-described power
supply, controller and inductor related circuitry are located
within the housing. The exterior portion of the housing 968 that
faces away from the steering wheel 964 includes a user interface
(e.g. button 970) and a door 972 that facilitates replacement of
the power supply.
[0277] By way of example, but not limitation, other
automotive-related device that may form part of a charging
appliance include steering wheel covers, window visors, floor mats,
and seat belts.
[0278] Although the inventions disclosed herein have been described
in terms of the preferred embodiments above, numerous modifications
and/or additions to the above-described preferred embodiments would
be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. By way of example,
but not limitation, a grounded electric shield, which will not
interfere with charging, may be added to any of embodiments
described above and positioned such that it will be located between
the inductive coil and the wearer. It is intended that the scope of
the present inventions extend to all such modifications and/or
additions and that the scope of the present inventions is limited
solely by the claims set forth below.
* * * * *