WO2022109711A1 - Ambulation garment, system and kit for wearable medical devices, and method of use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A torso garment, system and kit for carrying one or more medical devices modules while ambulating, and a method of using same. The torso garment includes an inner core layer having a front portion and a back portion that are releasably connected together to define a torso cavity. A mounting panel is releasably securable to the front portion for releasably receiving the one or more medical device modules. The torso garment further includes a power source panel that is releasably securable to the back portion and an elongate conduit that extends from the back portion to the mounting panel for releasably receiving wiring therethrough to connect a power source to the one or more medical device modules. A front cover, having a shape corresponding to that of the front portion, is releasably securable to the front portion and is dimensioned to cover the front portion.

Description

AMBULATION GARMENT, SYSTEM AND KIT FOR WEARABLE MEDICAL DEVICES, AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/118,716 filed November 26, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated by reference into the Detailed Description of Example Embodiments herein below.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Example embodiments generally relate to wearable therapeutic medical devices, and for example, to a wearable garment, system and kit for carrying such medical devices.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The use of medical devices have traditionally been limited to use in hospitals and clinics. However, medical devices are evolving to become more portable, creating new possibilities for their use in the home or remote areas in the world. In that regard, portable medical devices also help to reduce healthcare expenditure by reducing demand of hospital resources, which may then be focused on more serious cases.

[0004] When medical devices are connected to a stationary or movable pole, or an electrical outlet, the patient cannot move freely. Even when a patient is using a portable medical device that allows for a freer range of motion, the device is often carried around as a consolidated bulky attachment that is cumbersome to carry with you at all times, and generally cannot be concealed with regular clothing.

[0005] Hospital gowns can conceal medical devices, but they are not comfortably worn in public. Some existing technologies include a harness that carries the medical devices to be wearable by an individual. However, such devices do not allow for the use of multiple different medical devices at the same time, and would require removal of one device before another device can be used. Such transitions would be particularly difficult if the patient also has a catheter or intravenous tube.

[0006] Thus, there is a need for a carrier garment or carrier system that accommodates one or more medical devices that can be discretely used with regular clothing, while allowing the user to ambulate and perform the functions of daily living, such as walking, eating, driving, sitting, standing, lying down, travelling, participating in activates, etc.

[0007] Additional difficulties with existing systems may be appreciated in view of the Detailed Description of Example Embodiments, below.

SUMMARY

[0008] An example embodiment is a torso garment for carrying one or more medical devices modules, an ambulatory garment system and a method for carrying the one or more medical device module while ambulating.

[0009] Another example embodiment is a torso garment for carrying one or more medical device modules, the garment includes: an inner core layer having a front portion and a back portion that are releasably connected together to define a torso cavity; a mounting panel releasably securable to the front portion, the mounting panel configured to releasably receive the one or more medical device modules; a power source panel releasably securable to the back portion, the power source panel configured to hold a power source; an elongate conduit affixed to the inner core layer extending from the back portion to the mounting panel, the elongate conduit having a channel dimensioned to releasably receive wiring therethrough for connecting the power source to the one or more medical device modules; and a front cover having a shape corresponding to that of the front portion of the inner core layer, the front cover being dimensioned to cover the front portion and being releasably securable to the front portion.

[0010] Another example embodiment is an ambulatory garment system comprising: any of the torso garments as described herein; the power source affixed to the power source panel; and the one or more medical device modules affixed to the mounting panel. [0011] Another example embodiment is a method for carrying one or more medical device module while ambulating, the method includes: fastening the one or more medical device modules to a mounting panel; securing the mounting panel onto a torso garment; securing a power source onto the torso garment; running wiring from the power source along an elongate conduit to the one or more medical device modules on the mounting panel; securing a front cover to the torso garment in covering relation to the mounting panel; and placing the torso garment on a user.

[0012] Another example embodiment is a kit for assembling a torso garment for carrying one or more medical device modules, the kit comprising: an inner core layer having a front portion and a back portion that are releasably connected together to define a torso cavity; a mounting panel releasably securable to the front portion, the mounting panel configured to releasably receive the one or more medical device modules; a power source panel releasably securable to the back portion, the power source panel configured to hold a power source; an elongate conduit securable to the inner core layer extending from the back portion to the mounting panel, the elongate conduit having a channel dimensioned to releasably receive wiring therethrough for connecting the power source to the one or more medical device modules; and a front cover having a shape corresponding to that of the front portion of the inner core layer, the front cover being dimensioned to cover the front portion and being releasably securable to the front portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a torso garment with medical device attachments in a fastened configuration in accordance with a first example embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the torso garment of Figure 1;

[0016] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of, or a kit for assembling, the torso garment of

Figure 1; [0017] Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of an inner core layer of the torso garment of Figure 1 in an unfastened configuration without medical device attachments;

[0018] Figure 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of a mounting panel in isolation;

[0019] Figure 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the mounting panel of Figure 5 with medical device modules;

[0020] Figure 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of a front cover in isolation;

[0021] Figure 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of a battery pack in isolation;

[0022] Figure 9 illustrates a front perspective view of the battery pack of Figure 8;

[0023] Figure 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of a back cover in isolation;

[0024] Figure 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of an intravenous pouch in isolation;

[0025] Figure 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of a relocatable pocket in isolation;

[0026] Figure 13 illustrates front elevational view of the torso garment of Figure 1 without the front cover and with additional relocatable pockets;

[0027] Figure 14 illustrates a front perspective view of the torso garment of Figure 1 with medical device attachments enveloped between the inner core layer and the mounting panel without the front cover;

[0028] Figure 15 illustrates a front perspective view of a torso garment with medical device attachments in a fastened configuration in accordance with a second example embodiment;

[0029] Figure 16 illustrates a rear perspective view of the torso garment of Figure 15;

[0030] Figure 17 illustrates an exploded view of, or a kit for assembling, the torso garment of

Figure 15; [0031] Figure 18 illustrates a plan view of the inner core layer of the torso garment of Figure 15 in an unfastened configuration without medical device attachments;

[0032] Figure 19 illustrates a front perspective view of the torso garment of Figure 15 with medical device attachments enveloped between the inner core layer and the mounting panel without the front cover;

[0033] Figure 20 is a flow chart illustrating a method for forming the inner core layer and the mounting panel of the torso garment of Figures 1 and 15 in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0034] Figure 21 is a flow chart illustrating a method for carrying one or more medical device modules using the torso garment of Figures 1 and 15 in accordance with an example embodiment; and

[0035] Figure 22 illustrates a schematic view of an ambulatory garment system comprising the torso garment of Figures 1 and 15 in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0036] Similar reference numerals may be used in different figures to denote similar components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Clinical health devices, or clinical wearables, are tools prescribed by physicians to help patients monitor their vitals and to address health issues specific to the patient, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, heart arrhythmia, pain management, breast cancer, heart failure, kidney failure and various other ailments.

[0038] For example, wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) devices can monitor heart rate to check for arrhythmias. These ECG devices include patches worn on the skin and can record events such as chest pains, shortness of breath, and other symptoms through a tact switch. When an event is recorded, the ECG device monitors vitals such as heart rate, blood oxygen level, and skin temperature.

[0039] Other wearable devices can help with pain management by delivering transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or transport pain medication. Such devices rely on a number of components and switches to actuate and function properly, and may be used to treat a myriad of conditions, such as migraines and lower back pain.

[0040] To treat feeding or nutrition deficiencies, a gastronomy tube (G-tube) can be surgically inserted into the stomach or intestine of the patient, and the other end may be connected to an enteral feeding pump. Alternatively, the G-tube can be inserted through the nose into the stomach. Typically, a feeding pump includes a display, pump, display, cassette holder, and battery, all provided together as a single unit. When carried in a backpack, wearing the device can be cumbersome when the patient wishes to sit or lie down.

[0041] Physiological monitoring for cardiac function, blood oxygenation, glucose, electrolytes, and waste substances generally require the use of portable monitors, which involve the attachment of sensors to the patient’s body, intelligent module(s) and transfer or storage of data. Thus, another category of similar portable medical devices perform electrical and/or magnetic stimulation that typically also involves attachment of sensors and stimulation electrodes, intelligent modules, and transfer and/or storage of data.

[0042] Portable medical devices can provide therapeutic electrical stimulation/shock treatment by using ECG (electrocardiogram) electrodes coupled to an electronic monitoring apparatus for measuring the heart electrical function combined with electrodes coupled to an electrical generator.

[0043] Wearable organ replacement devices, such as the Wearable Artificial Kidney (WAK), are also being developed. These devices use a catheter or cannula to access the circulatory system. They include a system of modules, such as a user interface, flow measurement, pumps, air detection, blood leak detection, filter, waste separation, and fluid circuits, such as tubing, connector, waste bag, blood clot filter, infusion ports, in order to circulate blood, and extract fluid from the blood. Other examples of wearable organ replacement devices include devices that replace the patient’s spleen, heart, liver, lungs and pancreas.

[0044] Such portable medical devices include various components or modules that interact to perform the above described functions. However, as noted above, they are typically provided in an assembled configuration, as a single unit. Thus, wearing the device (in a backpack for example) can be cumbersome when the patient wishes to sit or lie down.

[0045] However, if the portable medical device is broken down into its component parts, while still operatively coupled together to perform their intended function(s), such a modular configuration can be distributed over a larger area, making the medical device flatter and easier to conceal when worn by the patient.

[0046] An example embodiment includes an ambulatory garment system which includes powered medical device modules and/or components together with their ancillary equipment (such as batteries, tubes, cannulas, catheters, medical bags, pharmaceutical formulations) that are attached to a torso garment. In some examples, the power source can be electrical, pneumatic, fuel cell, radioactive, solar, etc. The modular attachments can include: mounting on a flexible sheet or pad affixed to the garment and/or direct attachment to the garment material (e.g., surface mount). The torso garment may encompass the region of the front and/or back of the torso, such as shoulder or neck to crotch or scrotum and/or buttocks.

[0047] As illustrated in Figure 1, an example embodiment is a torso garment 10 that accommodates one or more medical devices in the form of modular components 110, 112 rather than conventional, and often bulky, consolidated devices. As shown, the torso garment 10 generally includes an inner core layer 12, a mounting panel 14, a power source panel 16, an elongate conduit 18 connecting mounting panel 14 with the power source panel 16, and a front cover 34.

[0048] Reference is now made to Figures 1-12, which illustrate the torso garment 10 in accordance with a first example embodiment. [0049] Inner core layer 12 is shaped to surround a body part, or define a torso cavity, of the user, where inner core layer has a front portion 20 and a back portion 22. In this first example embodiment, the body part of the user comprises an abdomen, chest and shoulders of the user (not shown). Thus, inner core layer 12 has a vest-like shape, where front portion 20 is fashioned to cover the abdomen, chest and front shoulders of the user, while back portion 22 is fashioned to cover the back and rear shoulders of the user. In that regard, inner core layer 12 has an abdomen portion, a chest portion and shoulder portions. Thus, in an example, the torso garment 10 is a vest.

[0050] In the depicted embodiment, as best seen in Figure 4, inner core layer 12 is a single unit, with front portion 20 and back portion 22 joined at the shoulders and collectively defining a head opening 24 therebetween. In alternate examples, front portion 20 and back portion 22 may be separate panels that are affixed together with hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro^®, or snap-on buttons. Hook and loop fasteners include a first counterpart, being a strip or material that includes on of the hook or loop, and a second counterpart, being a strip or material that includes the other of the hoop or loop. A strip or material of felt or fabric can be the loop (first counterpart or second counterpart). Front and back portions 20, 22 may also instead be joined along their respective sides, rather than at the shoulders. In some examples, the torso garment 10 includes strips (or attachment strips) which are the first counterpart or the second counterpart of the hook and loop fasteners.

[0051] Front portion 20 and back portion 22 are also adapted to releasably couple together around the body part of the user. To that end, the present example includes tabs 26, that extend from the sides of back portion 22, and corresponding tab attachment strips 28, that are also affixed at the edges of front portion 20. Tabs 26 are releasably engageable with tab attachment strips 28, thus allowing back portion 22 to be to releasably secured to front portion 20 in use, and to accommodate the user’s size and/or the user’s preferred tightness in the fitting of the torso garment. [0052] In the present example, tabs 26 and tab attachment strips 28 are the two sides of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro^®. Alternately, front and back portions 20, 22 may be affixed to the user using straps, buttons, garment hooks or other suitable fasteners.

[0053] Inner core layer 12 may be formed from a fabric material and is flexible or inner core layer 12 may be shaped or custom-shaped to follow the contours of the body part of the user. Customizing inner core layer 12 to the contours of the body parts of the user may help to provide a more comfortable and compact garment in use. In an example, inner core layer 12 is made of denim. In other examples, inner core layer 12 may be made from cotton, polyester, or another fabric material.

[0054] Mounting panel 14 is releasably securable to front portion 20 of inner core layer 12. Mounting panel 14 may also be formed from a resiliently deformable material and is shaped or custom-shaped as shown in Figure 20 and described further below. In the present example, mounting panel 14 has a first mounting panel attachment strip 30 affixed along its edges on one side of mounting panel 14. Front portion 20 has a second mounting panel attachment strip 32 affixed at a corresponding position. As shown, second mounting panel attachment strip 32 matches the shape and size of first mounting panel attachment strip 30, and is positioned in the abdomen area of front portion 20. In alternate examples, second mounting panel attachment strip 32 may be positioned higher up on front portion 20.

[0055] First mounting panel attachment strip 30 is releasably engageable with second mounting panel attachment strip 32 to releasably secure mounting panel 14 to front portion 20 of inner core layer 12. In the present example, first and second mounting panel attachment strips 30, 32 are two sides of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro^®. Alternately, first and second mounting panel attachment strips 30, 32 may be snap-on buttons, a zipper, larger garment hooks or another suitable fastener.

[0056] As best seen in Figures 5 and 6, mounting panel 14 is configured to releasably receive one or more medical device modules or components 110, 112 on the side of mounting panel 14 without first mounting panel attachment strip 30. Medical device modules 110, 112 may be affixed to mounting panel 14 with loop and hook fasteners, such as Velcro^®, two-prong fasteners, tied with a cord, or another means known in the art.

[0057] In the depicted example embodiment, medical device module 110 is an ultrasound flow sensor with an ultrafiltrate circuit, and medical device module 112 is a peristaltic pump in a blood inlet circuit. The peristaltic pump may operate at constant flow rate of 50 ml/min (range 25 to 250 ml/min), In other examples, medical device modules 110, 112 may be an ultrasound blood flow sensor (blood outlet circuit), an optical blood air detector (blood outlet circuit), a peristaltic pump (ultrafiltrate circuit) operating at constant of 1.0 or 1.5 or 2 ml/min as selected by the user (range 0.5 to 10 ml/min), a strain relief holder for collar to reduce accidental pull-out of the arterial circuit disposables, a holder for hemoconcentrator filter, a strain relief latch lid to prevent accidental pull-out of the venous circuit disposables, a strain relief latch lid to prevent accidental pull-out of the ultrafiltrate disposables, housing with blood leak detector control module, housing with voltage regulator control module, housing with micro-controller control module, housing with ON/OFF switch, an optical Blood Leak Detector (ultrafiltrate circuit), a servo positioner (blood outlet circuit stopcock), a peristaltic pump (replacement fluid circuit) that operates at constant flow rate, an ultrasound blood flow sensor (replacement fluid circuit), or a strain relief latch lid to prevent accidental pull-out of the replacement fluid disposables.

[0058] While two medical device modules 110, 112 are shown, it is well understood that many more than two medical device modules or components may be releasably secured to mounting panel 14. In alternate examples, one or some of the medical device modules 110, 112 may be permanently fixed to mounting panel 14, and the remaining medical device modules 110, 112 are releasably secured to the mounting panel 14. Thus, in use, medical device modules 110, 112 face away from the user when mounting panel 14 is releasably secured to front portion 20.

[0059] Mounting panel 14 may also be formed from resiliently deformable material, such as thermoplastic or rubber. In other examples, mounting panel 14 may be made from another rubber-like material, or semi-flexible fabric, mesh, or plastic, etc. Mounting panel 14 may be shaped to follow contours of front portion 20 in order to help enhance the comfort and/or compact nature of torso garment 10. The use of resilient but bendable material for the resiliently formed material helps to stabilize the position of medical device modules 110, 112, while allowing movement of torso garment 10 during ambulation activities by the user. The resiliently formed material can be heated and pressurized and then shaped to follow contours of the body part of the user as shown in Figure 20. The resiliently formed material can return (cool) to room temperature to maintain the formed shape which follows the contours the contours of the body part of the user.

[0060] Torso garment 10 may further include front cover 34 that has a shape that corresponds with that of front portion 20, see Figure 7. Front cover 34 has a shoulder cover portion 36, a chest cover portion 38, and an abdomen cover portion 40, each portion positioned to overlie the corresponding body part of the user in use. In that regard, front cover 34 is also dimensioned to overlie or cover front portion 20, in order to hide and protect the medical device modules 110, 112 affixed to mounting panel 14.

[0061] Front cover 34 is also releasably securable to front portion 20. To that end, front cover 34 has a first front cover attachment strip 42 affixed thereto, and front portion 20 has a second front cover attachment strip 44 affixed thereto at a corresponding position. First front cover attachment strip 42 is releasably engageable to second front cover attachment strip 44 to releasably secure front cover 34 to front portion 20 over the mounting panel 14. In the depicted embodiment, first front cover attachment strip 42 is affixed to abdomen cover portion 40.

[0062] Front cover 34 may further have a first shoulder attachment strip 46 affixed to shoulder cover portion 36, where front portion 20 also further has a corresponding second shoulder attachment strip 48 affixed thereto in a corresponding position. First shoulder attachment strip 46 is releasably engageable with second shoulder attachment strip 48 to releasably secure shoulder cover portion 36 to front portion 20. In that regard, mounting panel 14 is positioned between second front cover attachment strip 44 and second shoulder attachment strip 48 on inner core layer 12.

[0063] Arranged in this manner, separation of first and second shoulder attachment strips 46, 48 allows shoulder and chest cover portions 36, 38 of front cover 34 to be moved to grant access to the shoulder and chest areas of front portion 20 without removing the entire front cover 34 from front portion 20. Separation of first and second mounting panel attachment strips 30, 32 allows abdomen cover portion 40 of front cover 34 to be moved to grant access to mounting panel 14 without removing the entire front cover 34 from front portion 20.

[0064] Front cover 34 is also depicted as having a padding layer 50 positioned to cover mounting panel 14, or positioned in abdomen cover portion 40. Padding layer 50 may help to further protect the medical device modules 11, 112 from impact as the user performs his or her daily activities.

[0065] The power source panel 16 is releasably securable to back portion 22 of inner core layer 12. [0066] In the present example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, power source panel 16 is configured to hold a portable power source, such as multiple portable battery packs 51 (such as alkaline, nickel cadmium, lithium-ion, or lithium polymer batteries) or other fuel cells. The material and threads surrounding the batteries are fire retardant and come with closures. In the rare event of the batteries overheating, the material of battery pack 51 will protect the wearer from burns. Power source panel 16 allows the mounting of multiple battery packs 51. In some examples, one battery back is used rather than multiple battery packs 51.

[0067] The battery packs 51, mounted on power source panel 16, can be attached to the garment with a first power source attachment strip 52 affixed thereto. Back portion 22 has a corresponding second power source attachment strip 54 affixed thereto at a corresponding position. First power source attachment strip 52 is releasably engageable with second power source attachment strip 54 to releasably secure power source panel 16 to back portion 22.

[0068] In the present example, first and second power source attachment strips 52, 54 are two sides of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro^®, which provide the most practical manner in which to allow attachment and removal. Alternately, first and second power source attachment strips 52, 54 may be snap-on buttons, a zipper, larger garment hooks or another suitable fastener.

[0069] Torso garment 10 may further include a back cover 56 that is dimensioned to cover and protect power source panel 16, see Figure 10. Back cover 56 is releasably securable to back portion 22 and positioned over power source panel 16, and battery packs 51. To that end, back cover 56 has a first back cover attachment strip 58 affixed thereto, and back portion 22 has a second back cover attachment strip 60 affixed thereto at a corresponding position. First back cover attachment strip 58 is releasably engageable to second back cover attachment strip 60 to releasably secure back cover 56 to back portion 22 over power source panel 16 and battery packs 51. In the depicted embodiment, second back cover attachment strip 60 is affixed near the bottom of back portion 22.

[0070] In the present example, first and second back cover attachment strips 58, 60 are two sides of hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro^®. Alternately, first and second back cover attachment strips 58, 60 may be snap-on buttons, a zipper, larger garment hooks or another suitable fastener.

[0071] Elongate conduit 18 is affixed to inner core layer 12 and extends from power source panel 16 to mounting panel 14. Conduit 18 has a first channel 62 dimensioned to releasably receive wiring (not shown) therethrough for connecting battery packs 51to one or more medical device modules 110, 112. The present example includes two elongate conduits 18, with each elongate conduit 18 comprising a pair of ridges 64 orientated to form first channel 62 therebetween.

[0072] In an alternate application, elongate conduit 18 may include three ridges 64 that are orientated to collectively form first channel 62 and a parallel second channel therebetween. As would be well understood, elongate conduit 18 may also include additional ridges 64 to collectively form more than two channels therebetween.

[0073] Torso garment 10 may include a channel cover 66 correspondingly shaped and dimensioned to cover elongate conduit 18. Channel cover 66 is releasably securable to elongate conduit 18 in order to hide and protect the wiring and/or intravenous tubing that may be running through elongate conduit 18.

[0074] Similar to front cover 34 and back cover 56, channel cover 66 may have a first channel cover attachment strip (not shown) affixed thereto, and elongate conduit 18 may have a second channel cover attachment strip (not shown) affixed thereto. The first and second channel cover attachment strips may be two sides of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro^®. Alternately, the first and second channel cover attachment strips may be snap-on buttons, a zipper, larger garment hooks or another suitable fastener.

[0075] In the present example, elongate conduit 18 extends from back portion 22 over the shoulders or shoulder cover portion 36 to front portion 20 of inner core layer 12. In alternate cases, elongate conduit 18 may extend from back portion 22 under the arms to front portion 20.

[0076] Torso garment 10 may further include an intravenous pouch 72 that is configured to hold a bag of intravenous solution (not shown). Intravenous pouch 72 is shown having a pouch opening 74 with first and second pouch opening attachment strips 76, 78 affixed adjacent thereto. First and second pouch opening attachment strips 76, 78 are releasably engagable to close and open pouch opening 74.

[0077] In the present example, first and second pouch opening attachment strips 76, 78 are two sides of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro^®. This allows any intravenous tubing to extend, and be releasably secured in place, through pouch opening 74. Alternately, first and second pouch opening attachment strips 76, 78 may be snap-on buttons, a zipper, larger garment hooks or another suitable fastener.

[0078] Intravenous pouch 72 is also releasably securable to back portion 22 of inner core layer 12. Intravenous pouch 72 has a first pouch attachment strip 80 affixed to its exterior, and back portion 22 has a corresponding second pouch attachment strip 82 affixed thereto. First pouch attachment strip 80 is releasably engageable with second pouch attachment strip 82 to releasably secure intravenous pouch 72 to back portion 22. First and second pouch attachment strips 80, 82 may be two sides of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro^®. Alternately, first and second pouch attachment strips 80, 82 may be snap-on buttons, a zipper, larger garment hooks or another suitable fastener. [0079] In the shown embodiment, second pouch attachment strip 82 is affixed to an upper back area of back portion 22 above power source panel 16. In this manner, intravenous pouch 72 may be releasably secured at the upper back of the user in use.

[0080] When torso garment 10 includes intravenous pouch 72, elongate conduit 18 also extends from intravenous pouch 72. Ridges 64 of elongate conduit 18 may be spaced apart to receive intravenous tubing (not shown) extending therethrough in first channel 62 in parallel with the wiring. In other examples, elongate conduit 18 may define a second channel through which intravenous tubing may extend.

[0081] Inner core layer 12 may further include one or more openings or access ports 84, 86 to allow the intravenous tubing to connect with the circulatory system of the user through various cannula and catheters. One access port 84, potentially suited for male users, may be positioned under head opening 24 on front portion 20. Another access port 86, potentially suited for female users, may be positioned further below access port 84 on front portion 20. In that regard, elongate conduit 18 may extend from intravenous pouch 72 to access ports 84, 86, and/or to mounting panel 14.

[0082] The depicted embodiments of torso garment 10 further include a relocatable pocket 88 that is releasably securable to different positions on the inner core layer. Relocatable pocket 88 is shown to have a main opening 90 at one end, a side opening 92 positioned in a side of the pocket, first and second main opening attachment strips 94, 96 affixed adjacent main opening 90, and a side attachment strip 98 affixed adjacent side opening 92. In this manner, first and second main opening attachment strips 94, 96, and side attachment strip 98 allow for releasable closing and opening of main and side openings 90, 92 of relocatable pocket 88.

[0083] In the present example, first and second back main opening attachment strips, and side attachment strips 94, 96, 98 are corresponding sides of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro^®. This allows one or more wiring and/or tubing to extend, and be releasably secured in place, through main opening 90 and/or side opening 92. Alternately, first and second back main opening attachment strips, and side attachment strips 94, 96, 98 may be snap-on buttons, a zipper, larger garment hooks or another suitable fastener. [0084] Relocatable pocket 88 also has a first pocket attachment strip 100 affixed on its exterior. Inner core layer 12 has a second pocket attachment strip 102 and a third pocket attachment strip 104, where second and third pocket attachment strips 102, 104 are affixed at different positions on inner core layer 12. First pocket attachment strip 100 is releasably engageable with second or third pocket attachment strip 102, 104 to releasably secure relocatable pocket 88 at the different positions on inner core layer 12.

[0085] In present example, second pocket attachment strip 102 is affixed to front portion 20 and third pocket attachment strip 104 is affixed to back portion 22. This allows the user to releasably attach relocatable pocket 88 to different places around their body according to the preferences of the user. As understood by the skilled person, inner core layer 12 may include further pocket attachment strips affixed to other positions on front and/or back portions 20, 22. These further pocket attachment strips allow relocatable pocket 88 to be releasably secured to other positions on inner core layer 12 as desired by the user.

[0086] Alternately, or additionally, front cover 34 may have a fourth pocket attachment strip 108 affixed thereto. In a similar as described above, first pocket attachment strip 100 is releasably engageable with fourth pocket attachment strip 108 to releasably secure relocatable pocket 88 to front cover 34.

[0087] In a similar manner, while not shown in the Figures, back cover 56 may have a pocket attachment strip affixed thereto. Thus, first pocket attachment strip 100 may also be releasably engageable with this pocket attachment strip to releasably secure relocatable pocket 88 to back cover 56.

[0088] In the present example, first, second, third, and fourth pocket attachment strips 100, 102, 104, 108 are corresponding hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro^®. Alternately, first, second, third, and fourth pocket attachment strips 100, 102, 104, 108 may be snap-on buttons, a zipper, larger garment hooks or another suitable fastener.

[0089] Relocatable pocket 82 may be used to hold or store various items, such as a remote control for the medical device modules 110, 112 or a fluid waste bag etc. [0090] Torso garment 10 may include another relocatable pocket 88 with another first pocket attachment strip affixed to its exterior. The other first pocket attachment strip may also be releasably engageable with second or third pocket attachment strips 102, 104 to releasably secure other relocatable pocket 88 at different positions on inner core layer 12.

[0091] Torso garment 10 may include more than two relocatable pockets 88. As best seen in Figure 13, torso garment 10 is shown in another example configuration. In the depicted Figure, inner core layer 12 is shown without front cover 34 or mounting panel 14, and is shown with six relocatable pockets 88 releasably secured to various positioned around inner core layer 12. For example, relocatable pockets 88 may be releasably secured to second mounting panel attachment strip 32 and/or second front cover attachment strip 44.

[0092] While not shown, relocatable pockets 88 may also or alternately be releasably secured to second shoulder attachment strip 48 (if front cover 34 is not used), second back cover attachment strip 60 (if back cover 56 is not used), or second pouch attachment strip 82 (if intravenous pouch 72 is not used).

[0093] Figure 14 illustrates torso garment 10 in another configuration and combination of components. As described above, the medical device modules 110, 112 may be affixed to one side of mounting panel 14, while the other side of mounting panel 14 is releasbly affixed to front portion 20. As the medical device modules 110, 112 may be exposed, front cover 34 may be used to cover and protect the medical device modules 110, 112.

[0094] In the alternate configuration shown, rather than the medical device modules 110, 112 and first mounting panel attachment strip 30 being affixed to opposing sides of mounting panel 14, the medical device modules 110, 112 and first mounting panel attachment strip 30 may be affixed to the same side of mounting panel 14. Thus, when mounting panel 14 is releasably secured to front portion 20, the medical device modules 110, 112 face towards the user and are enveloped between front portion 20 and mounting panel 14. In this case, use of front cover 34 may not be necessary. [0095] In alternate examples, the medical device modules 110, 112 may be releasably or permanently secured directly to front portion 20 of inner core layer 12. In that manner, the medical device modules 110, 112 may be releasably secured to front portion 20 with loop and hook or other suitable fasteners. Thus, mounting panel 14 may be releasably secured to front portion 20 (as described above) to cover and protect the medical device modules 110, 112.

[0096] While different attachment strips on inner core layer 12 are described to be coupled with specific corresponding components, such as mounting panel 14, back cover 56, intravenous pouch 72, etc., the attachment strips on inner core layer 12 may, in use, be coupled with a difference component as described above.

[0097] In a further embodiment, rather than specific attachment strips secured to inner core layer 12 for engagement with corresponding strips on the releasably attachable component, the entire (or a large segment) of front portion 20 and/or back portion 22 of inner core layer 12 may be covered in one side of loop and hook fasteners (i.e. Velcro^®). For example, the entire front portion 20 may be covered in loops, or the soft side of Velcro^®, while medical device modules 110, 112 and front cover 34 have attachment strips comprise hooks, or the rough side of Velcro^® for releasable securement to front portion 20. Additionally, or alternately, the entire back portion 22 may be covered in loops or the soft side of Velcro^®, while power source panel 16 and back cover 56 have attachment strips comprising hooks, or the rough side of Velcro^® for releasable securement to back portion 22.

[0098] If both front and back portions 20, 22 are covered in the soft side of Velcro^®, device modules 110, 112 and power source panel 16 may be releasably secured to the same or either portion of inner core layer 12. Variations of the above embodiment would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0099] Reference is now made to Figures 15-19, which illustrate torso garment 10 in accordance with a second example embodiment.

[00100] Similar to the first embodiment described above, the second embodiment of the torso garment 10 also includes an inner core layer 120, a mounting panel 122, a power source panel 124, and an elongate conduit 126 connecting mounting panel 122 with the power source panel 16. Unlike the first embodiment described above, inner core layer 120 has a cummerbund-like shape. In the present example, the body part around which the torso garment 10 may be worn is an abdomen of the user and the torso garment 10 is a cummerbund.

[00101] In the present example of the second embodiment of the torso garment 10, as best seen in Figure 18, inner core layer 120 is a single rectangular unit, with a central front portion 128 and outer back portions 130 flanking front portion 128.

[00102] Back portions 130 are adapted to releasably couple together around the body part of the user. To that end, the present example includes elasticized fasteners 132 that are fixed to first and second fastener attachment strips 134, 136 that extend from the ends of inner core layer 120. First fastener attachment strip 134 is releasably engageable with second fastener attachment strip 136, thus allowing back portions 130 to be to releasably secured together in use, and to accommodate the user’s size and/or the user’s preferred tightness in the fitting of the garment.

[00103] In the present example, first and second fastener attachment strips 134, 136 are the two sides of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro^®. Alternately, first and second fastener attachment strips 134, 136 may be affixed to the user using straps, buttons, garment hooks or other suitable fasteners.

[00104] Relative to the first embodiment described above, inner core layer 120 has a simpler system of attachment strips. As best seen in Figure 18, inner core layer 120 has a pair of front attachment strips 140 lining the outside edges of front portion 128. Inner core layer 120 also has a pair of first back attachment strips 142 lining the outside edges of one of back portions 130, and a pair of second back attachment strips 144 lining the outside edges of the other one of back portions 130.

[00105] As described above, inner core layer 120 may be also formed from a fabric material to follow the contours of the user’s abdomen as described above, such as denim.

[00106] Mounting panel 122 is releasably securable to front portion 128 of inner core layer 120. Mounting panel 122 is dimensioned to cover all of front portion 128 and is largely similar to mounting panel 14 described above. In that regard, mounting panel 122 may be formed from a resiliently deformable material and is also configured to releasably receive one or more medical device modules 110, 112 or components. The resiliently deformable material may be thermoplastic, another rubber-like material, semi-flexible fabric, mesh, or plastic, etc.

[00107] Mounting panel 122 also has first mounting panel attachment strips (not shown) that are releasably engageable with front attachment strips 140, which are affixed to front portion 128 of inner core layer 120. Engagement of the first and second mounting panel attachment strips releasably secures mounting panel 122 to front portion 128 of inner core layer 120.

[00108] The present example of torso garment 10 also includes a front cover 146 that has a shape that corresponds with that of front portion 128. Front cover 146 is dimensioned to overlie or cover front portion 128, in order to provide protection for the medical device modules 110, 112 affixed to mounting panel 122.

[00109] Front cover 146 is also releasably securable to front portion 128. To that end, front cover 146 has a first front cover attachment strip (not shown) affixed thereto, and either front portion 128 or mounting panel 122 has a second front cover attachment strip (not shown) affixed to the exterior thereto at a corresponding position. Thus, front cover 146 may be directly releasably secured to front portion 128, or releasably secured to mounting panel 122, which in turn is releasably secured to front portion 128.

[00110] Front cover 146 is also depicted as having a padding layer 148 positioned to cover mounting panel 122.

[00111] Power source panel 124 is releasably securable to one or both of back portions 130. In the present example depicted, each power source panel 124 is configured to hold a portable battery pack 150, which are respectively releasably secured to both back portions 130 with a power source attachment strips (not shown) affixed thereto. As depicted, the first power source attachment strips are releasably engageable with a segment of first and second back attachment strips 142, 144 to releasably secure portable battery packs 150 to back portion 130. [00112] In the present example, power source attachment strips and first and second back attachment strips 142, 144 are corresponding sides of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro^®. Alternately, first and second back attachment strips 142, 144 may be snap-on buttons, a zipper, larger garment hooks or another suitable fastener.

[00113] Elongate conduit 126 is affixed to inner core layer 120 between first back attachment strips 142, and between second back attachment strips 144. In the present example, each elongate conduit 126 also comprises a pair of ridges 152 orientated to form first channel 153 therebetween. In an alternate application, elongate conduit 18 may be configured to form multiple channels therebetween.

[00114] The present example is shown having a channel cover 154 that is correspondingly shaped and dimensioned to cover each elongate conduit 126. Channel cover 154 may be releasably securable to elongate conduit 126 as described above.

[00115] Similar to that described above, the second embodiment of torso garment 10 also includes an intravenous pouch 156 and relocatable pockets 158. Unlike the above embodiment, intravenous pouch 156 is releasably secured to back portion 130 via a segment of first back attachment strips 142, while relocatable pockets 158 are shown to be releasably secured to a segment of back portion 130 via second back attachment strips 144. In that regard, intravenous pouch 156 and relocatable pockets 158 are releasably secured to the same attachment strips as those to which portable battery packs 150 are affixed.

[00116] As well understood by the skilled person, in alternate examples, intravenous pouch 156 and relocatable pockets 158 may be releasably secured to the same attachment strips, while portable battery packs 150 may also be releasably secured to the same attachment strips.

[00117] Figure 19 illustrates the second embodiment of torso garment 10 in another configuration. Rather than the medical device modules 110, 112 and the mounting panel attachment strip being affixed to opposing sides of mounting panel 122, the medical device modules 110, 112 and the first mounting panel attachment strip may be affixed to the same side of mounting panel 122. Thus, when mounting panel 122 is releasably secured to front portion 128, the medical device modules 110, 112 face towards the user and are enveloped between front portion 128 and mounting panel 122. In this case, use of front cover 146 may not be necessary.

[00118] In alternate examples, medical device modules 110, 112 may be releasably or permanently secured directly to front portion 128 of inner core layer 120. In that manner, medical device modules 110, 112 may be releasably secured to front portion 128 with loop and hook or other suitable fasteners. Thus, mounting panel 122 may be subsequently releasably secured to front portion 128 (as described above) to cover and protect the medical device modules 110, 112.

[00119] In a further embodiment, rather than specific attachment strips secured to inner core layer 120 for engagement with corresponding strips on the releasably attachable component, the entire (or a large segment) of front portion 128 and/or back portion 130 of inner core layer 120 may be covered in one side of loop and hook fasteners (i.e. Velcro^®). For example, the entire front portion 128 may be covered in loops, or the soft side of Velcro^®, while medical device modules 110, 112 and front cover 146 have attachment strips comprising hooks, or the rough side of Velcro^® for releasable securement to front portion 128. Additionally, or alternately, both back portions 130 may be covered in loops or the soft side of Velcro^®, while power source panels 124 have attachment strips comprising hooks, or the rough side of Velcro^® for releasable securement to back portions 130. Variations of the above would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[00120] Other means by which the various components of the torso garment 10 may be affixed to inner core layer 12, 120 include the component being threaded, pin and clutch back, pins, clasps, clips, rivets, grommets, adhesive or glue, melted plastic, magnet, fusion, grip, suction device, zip-lock, crimp, tied, sewn, twist-lock, hasp, buckle, clamp, lacing, magnetic and/or using a 3D printed pattern. As a further example alternative, one or more of the various components of the torso garment 10 may be integrated into inner core layer 12, 120 when inner core layer 12, 120 is formed.

[00121] As well, while torso garment 10 is shown to be a vest or cummerbund in the depicted embodiments, torso garment 10 may take on a different shape. Other potential shapes include a robe or a coat, an undergarment or corset, a sweater, a shirt, a woman’s jumper, a woman’s dress, a bra, a waist belt, a backpack, a front pack, a side pack, or another custom shape that is not easily defined as an article of clothing.

[00122] An ambulatory garment system 400 according to an example embodiment is shown in Figure 22. Ambulatory garment system 400 comprises torso garment 10 as described above, the power source (such as battery packs 51, 150) affixed to power source panel 16, 124, and one or more medical device modules 110, 112 affixed to mounting panel 14, 122. Medical device modules 110, 112 may collectively work together with the power source to perform one or more specified medical functions. In some examples, the power source can be affixed to the mounting panel 14, 122 in a similar manner as the medical device modules 110, 112.

[00123] In some examples, battery packs 51, 150 may be permanently fixed to power source panel 16, 124. In other examples, battery packs 51, 150 may be releasably secured to power source panel 16, 124. For example, battery packs 51, 150 may be held in pockets that are built into power source panel 16, 124.

[00124] In other examples, one or more medical device modules 110, 112 may be permanently fixed to mounting panel 14, 122. In other examples, one or more medical device modules 110, 112 may be releasably secured to mounting panel 14, 122. For example, medical device modules 110, 112 may have a first device attachment strip affixed thereto, and mounting panel 14, 122 may have a second device attachment strip affixed thereto. First and second device attachment strips may be two sides of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro^®. Alternately, medical device modules 110, 112 may be secured to mounting panel 14, 122 using straps, buttons, garment hooks or other suitable fasteners.

[00125] A kit 500 for assembling torso garment 10 for carrying one or more medical device modules, 110, 112 according to example embodiments are also shown in Figures 3 and 17. Torso garment 10 may be transported and/or provided to the user in an unassembled form, i.e. kit 500. All the components of kit 500 may be provided together, or provided to the user in separate lots, for example, as core components and as additional accessories. In an example, the kit 500 also includes instructions (e.g., paper-based or digital, not shown here) for assembling the torso garment 10.

[00126] Kit 500 generally includes inner core layer 12, 120, mounting panel 14, 122, power source panel 16, 124, elongate conduit 18, 126, and front cover 34, 146

[00127] As shown in Figures 4 and 18, inner core layer 12, 120 has front portion 20, 128 and back portion 22, 130 that are releasably connectable together to define a torso cavity. Figures 4 illustrates inner core layer 12 in the shape of a vest with an abdomen portion, a chest portion and shoulder portion. Figure 18 illustrates inner core layer 120 in the shape of a cummerbund with only an abdomen portion.

[00128] Mounting panel 14, 122 is adapted to be releasably securable to front portion 20, 128 and is configured to releasably receive one or more medical device modules 110, 112 in use. In some applications, kit 500 may include one or more medical device modules 110, 112 that are configured to be releasably securable to mounting panel 14, 122.

[00129] Power source panel 16, 124 is adapted to be releasably securable to back portion 22, 130 and is configured to hold a power source in use. In some applications, kit 500 may include the power source that is releasably securable to power source panel 16, 124.

[00130] Elongate conduit 18, 126 is securable to inner core layer 12, 120 to extend from back portion 22, 130 to mounting panel 14, 122. As noted above, elongate conduit 18, 126 has a channel dimensioned to releasably receive wiring therethrough for connecting the power source to one or more medical device modules 110, 112 in use.

[00131] Front cover 34, 146 has a shape that corresponds to that of front portion of 20, 128, to cover front portion 20, 128, and is adapted to be releasably securable to front portion 20, 128.

[00132] Kit 500 may further include additional accessories such as channel cover 66, 154, intravenous pouch 72, 156, one or more relocatable pockets 88, 158, and back cover 56.

[00133] As described above, channel covers 66, 154 may be correspondingly shaped and dimensioned to cover elongate conduit 18, 126, where channel covers 66, 154 are adapted to be releasably securable to elongate conduit 18, 126. Intravenous pouch 72, 156 is configured to hold a bag of intravenous solution and is adapted to be releasably securable to back portion 22, 130 of inner core layer 12, 120. One or more relocatable pockets88, 158 are adapted to be releasably securable to different positions on inner core layer 12, 120. Back cover 56 is dimensioned to cover power source panel 16, 124, and is adapted to be releasably securable to back portion 22, 130.

[00134] The kit 500 can include further components of the torso garment 10 or the ambulatory garment system 400.

[00135] Reference is now made to Figure 20, which is a flow chart illustrating an example method 200 for forming mounting panel 14, 122 to the body part (shoulders, chest, and/or abdomen) of the user. At event 202, the method includes providing a low temperature forming (e.g., typically about 60 °C) thermoplastic material or rubber-like material (thermoplastic panel) that will become malleable when heated, but resists stretching. At event 204, the panel is cut to suit the layout of the medical device module(s). At event 206, the center positions of the components/modules on the flat panel may be marked. At even 208, holes may be marked and drilled for the use of threaded fasteners on the flat sheet. Alternatives for attaching the components/modules to the panel include hook and loop fasteners, glue, snap-on buttons, etc. Thus, event 208 may not be necessary.

[00136] At event 210, the method 200 includes heating the thermoplastic material (thermoplastic panel) until the material is malleable. For example, the thermoplastic panel may be submerged in a hot water bath or placed in an oven heated to a prescribed temperature. At event 212, the heated thermoplastic panel is placed on the body part or abdomen of the user, or on a model of the body part/abdomen of the user. At event 214, pressure is applied to the heated thermoplastic panel. The pressure may be applied manually or by mechanical machine (e.g. with a vacuum) until the panel bends and conforms to the shape of the wearer’s body.

[00137] At event 216, the shaped panel is allowed to return (cool) to room temperature. At event 218, method 200 includes removing the formed panel from the user/model. Eventually, at event 220, the components/modules may be affixed or releasably secured to the formed mounting panel 14, 122.

[00138] Inner core layer 12, 120 may be formed in a similar manner.

[00139] In other instances, inner core layer 12, 120 and mounting panel 14, 122 may be formed by scanning the user (e.g. patient) and using 3D printing or molding to create inner core layer 12, 120 and mounting panel 14, 122 with exact measurements. As noted above, torso garment 10 may alternatively be made from any natural or synthetic material in the form of fabrics, weaves, sheets, and/or mesh.

[00140] Reference is now made to Figure 21, which is a flow chart illustrating an example method 300 for carrying one or more medical device modules 110, 112 while ambulating, such as through using torso garment 10. At event 302, in certain examples, the required medical devices are separated into their component or modular parts. At event 304, method 300 includes releasably fastening modular components 110, 112 to mounting panel 14, 122.

[00141] At event 306, mounting panel 14, 122 is releasably attached to inner core layer 12, 120. For example, mounting panel 14, 122 may be releasably secured to inner core layer 12, 120 using first and second mounting panel attachment strips 30, 32. At event 308, power source panel 16, 124 holding portable battery packs 51, 150 is releasably secured to inner core layer 12, 120. For example, power source panel 16, 124 may be so releasably secured using first and second power source attachment strips 52, 54.

[00142] At event 310, additional accessory parts may be releasably secured to inner core layer 12, 120. For example, front cover 34, 146, may be releasably secured to torso garment 10 in covering relation to mounting panel 14, 122. In that manner, front cover 34, 146 helps to provide protection to one or more medical device modules 110, 112. Other accessory parts that may be releasably secured to inner core layer 12, 120 include back cover 56, intravenous pouch 72, 156, and one or more relocatable pockets 88, 158.

[00143] At event 312, wiring extending from the power source on power source panel 16, 124 is threaded through and along elongate conduit 18, 126 to the components or modules on mounting panel 14, 122. At event 314, intravenous tubing from intravenous pouch 72, 156 may also be threaded though and along elongate conduit 18, 126 to the device modules on the mounting panel 14, 122, and/or to access ports 84, 86.

[00144] At event 316, method 300 includes placing torso garment 10 on the user At event 318, tabs 26 and tab attachment strips 28, or elasticized fastener 132 and fastener attachment strips 134, 136, are coupled together and adjusted to suit the size of the user. At event 320, the cannula/catheter and tubing are connected to the medical device component/modules 110, 112.

[00145] The various embodiments presented above are merely examples and are in no way meant to limit the scope of this disclosure. Variations of the innovations described herein will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art, such variations being within the intended scope of the present disclosure. In particular, features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be selected to create alternative embodiments comprises of a sub-combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. In addition, features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be selected and combined to create alternative embodiments comprised of a combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. Features suitable for such combinations and sub-combinations would be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure as a whole. The subject matter described herein intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A torso garment for carrying one or more medical device modules, the torso garment comprising: an inner core layer having a front portion and a back portion that are releasably connected together to define a torso cavity; a mounting panel releasably securable to the front portion, the mounting panel configured to releasably receive the one or more medical device modules; a power source panel releasably securable to the back portion, the power source panel configured to hold a power source; an elongate conduit affixed to the inner core layer extending from the back portion to the mounting panel, the elongate conduit having a channel dimensioned to releasably receive wiring therethrough for connecting the power source to the one or more medical device modules; and a front cover having a shape corresponding to that of the front portion of the inner core layer, the front cover being dimensioned to cover the front portion and being releasably securable to the front portion.

2. The torso garment of claim 1, wherein the elongate conduit comprises a pair of ridges orientated to form the channel therebetween.

3. The torso garment of claim 1, wherein the elongate conduit comprises three ridges orientated to collectively form therebetween the channel and a second channel parallel to the channel.

4. The torso garment of claim 2, further comprising a channel cover correspondingly shaped and dimensioned to cover the elongate conduit, the channel cover being releasably securable to the elongate conduit.

5. The torso garment of claim 2, further comprising an intravenous pouch configured to hold a bag of intravenous solution, the intravenous pouch being releasably securable to the back portion of the inner core layer.

6. The torso garment of claim 5, wherein the intravenous pouch has a first pouch attachment strip affixed to the intravenous pouch, and the back portion has a second pouch attachment strip affixed to the back portion, the first pouch attachment strip being releasably engageable with the second pouch attachment strip to releasably secure the intravenous pouch to the back portion.

7. The torso garment of claim 5, wherein the elongate conduit extends from the intravenous pouch to the mounting panel, and the pair of ridges of the elongate conduit are spaced apart to receive intravenous tubing extending therethrough.

8. The torso garment of claim 1, wherein the mounting panel is a formed material that is custom-shaped to follow contours of a torso.

9. The torso garment of claim 8, wherein the mounting panel is formed from thermoplastic.

10. The torso garment of claim 1, wherein the mounting panel has a first mounting panel attachment strip affixed to the mounting panel, and the front portion has a second mounting panel attachment strip affixed to the front portion, the first mounting panel attachment strip being releasably engageable with the second mounting panel attachment strip to releasably secure the mounting panel to the front portion.

11. The torso garment of claim 1, wherein the front cover has a first front cover attachment strip affixed to the front cover, and the front portion has a second front cover attachment strip affixed to the front portion, the first front cover attachment strip being releasably engageable to the second front cover attachment strip to releasably secure the front cover to the front portion over the mounting panel.

12. The torso garment of claim 1, wherein the front cover comprises a padding layer positioned to cover the mounting panel.

13. The torso garment of claim 1, further comprising a relocatable pocket that is releasably securable to different positions on the inner core layer.

14. The torso garment of claim 13, wherein the relocatable pocket has a first pocket attachment strip affixed to the relocatable pocket, wherein the inner core layer has a second pocket attachment strip and a third pocket attachment strip, the second and third pocket attachment strips being affixed at different positions on the inner core layer, the first pocket attachment strip being releasably engageable with the second or third pocket attachment strip to releasably secure the relocatable pocket at the different positions on the inner core layer.

15. The torso garment of claim 14, wherein the second pocket attachment strip is affixed to the front portion and the third pocket attachment strip is affixed to the back portion.

16. The torso garment of claim 14, wherein the front cover has a fourth pocket attachment strip affixed to the front cover, the first pocket attachment strip being releasably engageable with the fourth pocket attachment strip to releasably secure the relocatable pocket to the front cover.

17. The torso garment of claim 14, wherein the relocatable pocket comprises a main opening at one end, a side opening positioned in a side of the relocatable pocket, and a side attachment strip affixed adjacent the side opening for releasably closing the side opening of the relocatable pocket.

18. The torso garment of claim 14, further comprising another relocatable pocket with another first pocket attachment strip affixed to the another relocatable pocket, the another first pocket attachment strip being releasably engageable with the second or third pocket attachment strip to releasably secure the another relocatable pocket at the different positions on the inner core layer.

19. The torso garment of claim 1, wherein the power source panel has a first power source attachment strip affixed to the power source panel, and the back portion has a second power source attachment strip affixed to the back portion, the first power source attachment strip being releasably engageable with the second power source attachment strip to releasably secure the power source panel to the back portion.

20. The torso garment of claim 1, further comprising a back cover that is dimensioned to cover the power source panel, and is releasably securable to the back portion.

21. The torso garment of claim 20, wherein the back cover comprises a first back cover attachment strip, and the back portion comprises a second back cover attachment strip, the first back cover attachment strips being releasably engageable with the second back cover attachment strip to releasably secure the back cover to the back portion over the power source panel.

22. The torso garment of claim 1, wherein the inner core layer includes an abdomen portion, and the inner core layer is a cummerbund.

23. The torso garment of claim 1, wherein the inner core layer includes an abdomen portion, a chest portion and shoulder portion, and the inner core layer is a vest.

24. The torso garment of claim 23, wherein the elongate conduit extends from the back portion over the shoulder portion to the front portion of the inner core layer.

25. The torso garment of claim 11, wherein the inner core layer includes an abdomen portion, a chest portion and shoulder portion, and the inner core layer is a vest, and the front cover has an abdomen cover portion, a chest cover portion, and a shoulder cover portion, each positioned to overlie the abdomen portion, the chest portion and the shoulder portion of the inner core layer, respectively.

26. The torso garment of claim 25, wherein the front cover further has a first shoulder attachment strip affixed to the shoulder cover portion, and the front portion has a second shoulder attachment strip affixed to the front portion, the first shoulder attachment strip being releasably engageable with the second shoulder attachment strip to releasably secure the shoulder cover portion to the front portion.

27. The torso garment of claim 26, wherein the first front cover attachment strip is affixed to the abdomen portion, and the mounting panel is positioned between the second front cover attachment strip and the second shoulder attachment strip on the inner core layer.

28. An ambulatory garment system comprising: the torso garment of claim 1 ; the power source affixed to the power source panel; and the one or more medical device modules affixed to the mounting panel.

29. The ambulatory garment system of claim 28, wherein the one or more medical device modules are permanently fixed to the mounting panel.

30. The ambulatory garment system of claim 28, wherein the one or more medical device modules are releasably secured to the mounting panel.

31. The ambulatory garment system of claim 30, wherein the one or more medical device modules are releasably secured to the mounting panel with loop and hook fasteners.

32. A method, comprising: fastening one or more medical device modules to a mounting panel; securing the mounting panel onto a torso garment; securing a power source onto the torso garment; running wiring from the power source along an elongate conduit to the one or more medical device modules on the mounting panel; securing a front cover to the torso garment in covering relation to the mounting panel; and placing the torso garment on a user.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising securing a back cover to the torso garment in covering relation to the power source.

34. The method of claim 32, further comprising securing a relocatable pocket to the torso garment.

35. The method of claim 32, further comprising securing multiple relocatable pockets to the torso garment.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the multiple relocatable pockets are releasably secured to the torso garment.

37. The method of claim 32, further comprising securing an intravenous pouch to the torso garment.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising running intravenous tubing from the intravenous pouch along the elongate conduit to the one or more medical device modules on the mounting panel or to an access port in the torso garment.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising connecting a cannula or catheter to the one or more medical device modules after placing the torso garment on the user.

40. The method of claim 32, further comprising separating a medical device into the one or more medical device modules prior to the fastening the one or more medical device modules to the mounting panel.

41. The method of claim 32, wherein the fastening the one or more medical device modules to the mounting panel is performed prior to the placing the torso garment on the user.

42. The method of claim 32, wherein the mounting panel and the front cover are releasably secured to the torso garment.

43. A kit for assembling a torso garment for carrying one or more medical device modules, the kit comprising: an inner core layer having a front portion and a back portion that are releasably connectable together to define a torso cavity; a mounting panel adapted to be releasably securable to the front portion, the mounting panel configured to releasably receive the one or more medical device modules; a power source panel adapted to be releasably securable to the back portion, the power source panel configured to hold a power source; an elongate conduit securable to the inner core layer to extend from the back portion to the mounting panel, the elongate conduit having a channel dimensioned to releasably receive wiring therethrough for connecting the power source to the one or more medical device modules; and a front cover having a shape corresponding to that of the front portion of the inner core layer, the front cover being dimensioned to cover the front portion and adapted to be releasably securable to the front portion.

44. The kit of claim 43, further comprising a channel cover correspondingly shaped and dimensioned to cover the elongate conduit, the channel cover adapted to be releasably securable to the elongate conduit.

45. The kit of claim 43, further comprising an intravenous pouch configured to hold a bag of intravenous solution, the intravenous pouch adapted to be releasably securable to the back portion of the inner core layer.

46. The kit of claim 43, further comprising a first relocatable pocket that is adapted to be releasably securable to different positions on the inner core layer.

47. The kit of claim 46, further comprising a second relocatable pocket that is adapted to be releasably securable to different positions on the inner core layer.

48. The kit of claim 43, further comprising a back cover that is dimensioned to cover the power source panel, and is adapted to be releasably securable to the back portion.

49. The kit of claim 43, wherein the inner core layer includes an abdomen portion, and the inner core layer is a cummerbund.

50. The kit of claim 43, wherein the inner core layer includes an abdomen portion, a chest portion and shoulder portion, and the inner core layer is a vest.

51. The kit of claim 43, further comprising: the power source configured to be releasably securable to the power source panel; and the one or more medical device modules configured to be releasably securable to the mounting panel.