Abstract:
An apparel liner for cooling is provided. The apparel liner consists of a liner for a user&#39;s outer garment, formed from three layers. The first panel is in contact with the wearer&#39;s outer clothing, the second panel is spacer fabric having thickness and cellular structure. The second spacer panel is disposed over the first panel. The third panel faces the wearer&#39;s clothing (e.g. a shirt) under the outer garment. Holes are distributed over the surface of the third panel. All three layers may be sewn or fixed into a single fabric. An air inlet fitting is provided near the waistband for attachment of an air distribution hose. This air distribution hose is then connected to an air movement device.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to an apparel liner, and, in particular, to an apparatus for distributing high volume, low pressure air through apparel such as jackets and vests. 
         [0003]    2. Background 
         [0004]    Motorcycles serve as both daily transportation and recreational vehicles for many individuals who are drawn to unique open-air riding. Over the years, motorcycles have evolved into a wide variety of models that are designed for particular types of riding such as off-road hill climbing challenges and classic street bikes. Each of these different types of motorcycles require riders to wear protective gear while riding to, inter alia, guard against head and body injuries. 
         [0005]    Protective gear usually consists of a helmet and often, a leather jacket. Some riders may also add leather chaps. These jackets, vests, and chaps or pants may be made of leather or synthetic materials that are durable and provide protection against abrasion in the event of a fall. In some cases, abrasion-resistant padding may be used for extra protection. 
         [0006]    State law may often require protective gear, such as helmets. Many riders choose to wear additional protective gear along with their helmets. The prudent desire for safety can come with a drawback. Because many motorcycle riders prefer to ride during warm weather, they may find their protective gear too hot, especially at low speeds or when stopped. Depending on the temperature, this may lead to riders experiencing heat stress. In hot weather, about 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures inside a typical jacket may reach 120 degrees (° F.). Temperatures inside a helmet may reach 125 degrees (° F.). 
         [0007]    Previous solutions to the problems of overheating and/or heat stress in motorcycle riders have focused on providing specialized cooling vests that are worn in addition to a jacket. Some methods have relied on the addition of gel cooling packs or phase change compounds to vests or have relied on evaporative wraps worn against or very close to the skin to cool the wearer. In some cases, air is pre-chilled and fans or blowers are used to supply the cool air to the rider&#39;s vest; chilled water pumped through tubing incorporated into vests has also been used for a cooling effect. When air is used as the cooling medium in these cases, the ambient air must be moved relatively slowly over the chilling mechanism in order to extract heat from the air; in turn, this slow movement of air requires a tight-fitting vest for distribution as directly as possible over the rider&#39;s skin. Thus, while chilled air provides a cooling effect, the approach requires a specialized vest and, by moving only small volumes of air at low rates (approximately 10 to 20 cubic feet per minute), this type of cooling does not effectively promote evaporation of perspiration, which is the body&#39;s natural cooling mechanism. Because these methods require the rider to wear a specialized vest (e.g., a close fitting garment with straps, air channels, ducts, tubing, or pockets with cooling gels), many riders object to such cooling methods because the appearance detracts from their comfort and/or the “look” they would like to project while riding their motorcycle. 
         [0008]    Further prior solutions have included specialized fabrics that rely on mesh or ventilation to provide cooling. These solutions suffer from the drawback that the motorcycle must be moving in order for air to flow through or over the specialized fabric to cool the rider. These solutions are ineffective at slow speed or when stopped. 
         [0009]    There is a need in the art for apparel that promotes natural cooling through high volume air distribution (approximately 100 cubic feet per minute) and allows for incorporation into standard riding apparel. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    An apparel liner for cooling is provided. The apparel liner consists of a liner for a user&#39;s outer garment, formed from three layers. The first panel is in contact with the wearer&#39;s outer clothing, the second panel is spacer fabric having thickness and cellular structure. The second spacer panel is disposed over the first panel. The third panel faces the wearer&#39;s clothing (e.g. a shirt) under the outer garment. Holes are distributed over the surface of the third panel. All three layers may be sewn or fixed into a single fabric. An air inlet fitting is provided near the waistband for attachment of an air distribution hose. This air distribution hose is then connected to an air movement device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a rectangular section of apparel liner; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is perspective side view of a preferred embodiment of an apparel liner in a sleeveless vest configuration; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a middle fabric panel; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparel liner connected to an air supply and a helmet; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective top view of a preferred embodiment of an air inlet for an apparel liner; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7   a  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a male end of an air hose for an air inlet; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7   b  is an exploded perspective side view of a preferred embodiment for an air inlet for an apparel liner; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7   c  is a perspective front view of the air inlet in  FIG. 8   b;    
           [0021]      FIG. 7   d  is an exploded side view of the air inlet in  FIG. 8   b;    
           [0022]      FIG. 7   e  is a perspective rear view of the air inlet in  FIG. 8   b;    
           [0023]      FIG. 8   a  is a perspective side view of a preferred embodiment of an air supply hose; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8   b  is a perspective side view of a preferred embodiment of an air supply hose and an air inlet; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8   c  is a perspective side view of the air supply hose and air inlet in  FIG. 8   b  connected; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8   d  is a perspective rear view of the air inlet in  FIG. 9   b;    
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a bean shaped air inlet and bean shaped air supply hose; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a bean shaped air inlet; and, 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a bean shaped air supply hose. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that such embodiment(s) may be practiced without these specific details. 
         [0031]    In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “present invention” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s). 
         [0032]    An apparel liner, such as a liner for a jacket or other motorsports apparel, is provided below. The liner may be attached to an existing piece of apparel using a zipper or other attachment means, and preferably has air distribution holes and at least one fitting, typically at the waistband. The fitting is an attachment point for an air supply hose. Air is pumped into the liner through the fitting and is distributed through the space within the liner over the wearer&#39;s shirt or other clothing. Air flows over the wearer through the holes in the innermost layer of the apparel liner, providing air movement. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of a piece of apparel liner  100  is shown. The liner  100  is preferably composed of an outer panel  102  for contact with a wearer&#39;s outer apparel such as a jacket. This outer panel  102  is preferably made from lightweight rip stop nylon or any other suitable material with low air permeability. Middle panel  104  is preferably a polyester spacer fabric that separates the inner and outer panels  102  and  106  of the apparel liner  100 . Middle panel  104  preferably has a honeycomb style or cellular construction. However, any spacer fabric that separates the inner and outer panels  102  and  106  and allows airflow through the middle panel between the panels  102 ,  106  of the apparel liner  100  can be used in its stead. Individual honeycomb or hexagonal cells  105  are shown in the close up view of  FIG. 1 . The middle fabric panel  104  is used to maintain space between faces of the honeycombs or other structures  105  and to allow lateral movement of air between the faces. Inner panel  106  is for contact with the wearer&#39;s shirt or other clothing or body. Inner panel  106  is preferably made from urethane coated rip stop nylon and has holes  108  punched through the panel and distributed over the surface of panel  106 . The urethane coating reduces migration of evaporated perspiration back into the liner  100  and also facilitates punching clean holes in the nylon fabric during manufacture. Holes  108  are preferably 1/16″ in diameter and located on 1½″ centers throughout the entire surface of inner panel  106 . However, both the size and spacing of holes  108  may be varied over the surface of layer  106 . For example, the density of holes  108  may be varied to provide pressure sinks and to increase flow to specific areas on the wearer. Also, resistive heating fabric or wires  107  are shown bonded to inner panel  106 , e.g. to provide heating in colder weather. The air that flows through holes  108  in inner panel  106  can aid in the natural cooling of the wearer via evaporation of the wearer&#39;s perspiration. When the liner  100  shown in  FIG. 1  is used in a garment, the air exits at the waistband, collar, and sleeve openings of the wearer&#39;s jacket. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the liner  100  is shown in a vest configuration. The outer panel  102  is now the exterior of the vest  100 . The inner panel  106  is now the interior of the vest  100 . The middle fabric panel  104 , though not shown in  FIG. 2 , separates the two layers  102  and  106 . The panels  102 ,  104  and  106  are held together by numerous individual loop stitches. The individual loop stitches are positioned over the walls of the cells  105  found in middle layer  104 . Accordingly, this vest  100  functions as a pressure vessel. When air is pumped into an air inlet  202  on outer panel  102 , the air flows between inner panel  106  and outer panel  102 , as held apart by middle cellular panel  104 . The air can then escape through holes  108  in the inner panel  106  onto the wearer for cooling (or heating) purposes. An upper outlet fitting  302  may also be provided on vest  100 . If the upper outlet fitting  302  is closed or blocked, more air remains in the vest  100  to flow between panels  102  and  106  and to discharge through holes  108  onto the wearer. 
         [0035]    Air inlet fitting  202  preferably is placed in the lower left aspect of the vest  100 , situated so as to be beneath outer apparel or a jacket, so that the fitting  202  is not visible beneath the apparel. When not in use, the air inlet fitting  202  may be positioned against the jacket or apparel waistband. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a close-up view of a preferred embodiment of middle fabric panel  104  is shown. As discussed, the fabric serves as a spacer for liner  100 . The fabric depicted preferably has cells  105  approximately 3/16″ wide and approximately 3/16″ thick and is preferably made from polyester. However, any suitable spacing material with open cells may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention shown. Selection of spacer fabric thickness and cell size for middle panel  104  may vary depending on airflow considerations. 
         [0037]    Returning now to  FIG. 2 , while the liner  100  is shown as a sleeveless vest, sleeves may easily be incorporated into the liner  100  for cooling a wearer&#39;s arms by stitching, bonding, or other means. Also shown in  FIG. 2  is the general position of the lower inlet air fitting  202 . The orientation of air inlet fitting  202  is intended to be downward facing. This orientation is achieved by sewing or attaching a fabric tab to hold air inlet fitting  202 , into the lower edge of liner  100 . 
         [0038]    The apparel liner  100  can incorporate various pneumatic fittings. As noted above, a lower air inlet fitting  202  is preferably located at the waistband of the apparel liner  100 . The lower air inlet fitting  202  is a female fitting that connects an air supply hose  200  (having a male end) to apparel liner  100 . The lower fitting  202  is preferably a break-away fitting designed to release the air supply hose  200  in the event the wearer dismounts a motorcycle without disengaging the air supply hose  200 , or is thrown from the motorcycle in an accident.  FIGS. 8   a - 8   d  inclusive depict a preferred embodiment of the connection of the air supply hose  200  with an air inlet fitting  202 . A similarly comprised upper air outlet fitting  302  may also be included in apparel liner  100 . This upper air outlet fitting  302  is preferably located in the collar area of apparel liner  100  and may be used for drawing off a portion of the air from the liner, e.g. for routing to a motorcycle helmet  400  via an outlet supply hose  300 . Such a configuration is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  shows how the apparel liner  100  can be connected by an air hose  200  to an air supply  500 , such as a blower. Preferably, the air supply is a blower of a centrifugal radial type with backward inclined blades, 0.5 in. blade width on a 4.0 in. disc, 12 volt DC motor, and drawing about 4 to 5 amps. At around 5000 RPM, air volume (flow) is preferably approximately 100 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and maximum static pressure is preferably 0.5 to 1.0 PSI. Preferably, heat from the jacketed motor of the blower is transferred via a heat pipe or water circulation outside of the saddlebag to limit/prevent heat from the motor being drawn into the saddlebag and subsequently into the blower inlet. Air supply hose  200  may be connected to an air blower or other air source via a break-away attachment and does not require use of a lanyard. Also shown is an upper air outlet fitting  302  that may connect to a wearer&#39;s helmet  400  and supply air flow to the helmet  400  via an outlet supply hose  300 .  FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of the configuration shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0040]    In use, the liner  100  is installed within the wearer&#39;s outer apparel, often a jacket. In use, the liner  100  is attached to an air source using a flexible air supply hose  200 . Air hose  200  is connected to liner  100  lower fitting  202  with a break-away attachment. Air sources may be concealed in a motorcycle saddlebag and connected with a short flexible hose  200  connecting the blower outlet to liner air inlet  202 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  shows a preferred embodiment of air inlet fitting  202  installed on an apparel liner  100 . While  FIG. 7  portrays a round air inlet fitting  202 , an oval or bean shape may also be used as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 .  FIGS. 7   a - 7   e  inclusive provide a detailed view of a preferred embodiment of an assembled air inlet fitting  800 . Male end  802  connects the air source to air inlet fitting  202 . As shown in  FIG. 7   a , inlet tube  802  has three protrusions  816  spaced equally around the tube to provide positive connection.  FIG. 11  illustrates four protrusions used on the oval or bean shaped air inlet fitting. Referring back to  FIGS. 7   a - 7   e , a flange  810  and foam seal  812  provide for a secure seal and fitting. Foam seal  812  keeps inlet tube  802  centered in the inlet ring  808  and limits air escape. The seal  806  is preferably polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a similar material bonded to the edge of inlet ring boss  808 . The inner diameter of seal  806  matches the outer diameter of inlet tube  802 . The seal  806  is sufficiently thick, yet wide enough to provide flexibility. This flexibility allows the protrusions on inlet tube  802  to press past the seal when light hand pressure is applied. A retainer  804  is preferably bonded over seal  806 . Retainer  804  may include a skirt extending over the seal  806  and boss of inlet ring  808 , which is located above a circular collar  814  (as shown in  FIG. 7   d ). Seal  806  is preferably permanently bonded. The fabric of the liner  100  (not shown in  FIGS. 7   a - 7   e ) is preferably cemented between inlet ring  808  and the circular collar  814 . 
         [0042]    Seal  806  is preferably permanently bonded. The fabric of the liner  100  (not shown in  FIGS. 7   a - 7   e ) is cemented between inlet ring  808  and a circular collar  814 .  FIG. 10  illustrates the jacket liner component of an oval or bean shaped break-away air fitting. 
         [0043]    The fitting described above has four main parts: an inlet ring  808  with a rim, a seal  806  (which may be polyvinyl chloride), a collar  814 , and a retainer  804 . Inlet ring  808  is sized to fit into a hole drilled or cut into a bulkhead. The bulkhead may be fabric as used in the apparel liner  100 , or may be a non-flexible solid material, depending on the application. The rim of inlet ring  808  is larger than the drilled hole and prevents the inlet ring  808  from passing through the bulkhead hole. Collar  814  fits around inlet ring  808  and is glued or mechanically attached behind the rim of inlet ring  808 , with the bulkhead material between the rim and collar. When attached, collar  814  secures inlet ring  808  into the hole drilled in the bulkhead material. Circular seal  806  is moderately flexible, and may be constructed of vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or similar material, and is preferably approximately 1/16″ thick. Seal  806  is glued or bonded to the air outlet side of inlet ring  808  and has a hole smaller than that of inlet ring  808 . Retainer  804  is bonded to the flat surface of seal  806  away from the inlet ring  808  side of seal  806 . These components may be circular, or may be oval or bean shaped, as dictated by need. When assembled, all parts preferably have a common center axis. 
         [0044]    An air hose  200  suitable for use with the fitting described above will have a rigid or semi-rigid cuff. On the outer surface of the cuff, near the end, are preferably three round protrusions  816  (as shown in  FIG. 7   a ). These protrusions are preferably half-round and are arranged around the cuff uniformly. Protrusions  816  may be cast or molded with the cuff, machined, or bonded. The cuff also preferably has a flange (for a fitting designed for a one inch internal diameter hose, the flange is about ¾ inch from the end of the cuff). If a circular fitting is designed, a circular foam seal  812  is positioned against the face of the flange. Foam seal  812  centers the cuff in the fitting, the flange butts up against the inlet ring rim, and the foam seal is pressed into the fitting by the flange when the air hose cuff is connected to the fitting. 
         [0045]    In use, when the wearer presses the cuff end of the air hose  200  into the fitting  202 , the cuff protrusions cause temporary deformation in the flexible seal  806  in the fitting  202 . When the cuff is fully inserted, the seal&#39;s shape is restored in the area past the protrusions. The close fit of the seal  806  around the cuff acts to hold the cuff in place. The cuff is held in place by the following forces: the seal material creates friction between the edge of the seal and the cuff the protrusions discourage disengagement; and the outer foam seal on the cuff fits into a cavity in the inlet ring and acts to maintain friction against the cavity wall. The seal material may be selected from a range of material flexibilities, depending on the specific application and the desired amount of disconnection force. When the hose and attached cuff is pulled out, the inner seal deforms momentarily in the opposite direction allowing the protrusions to pass the seal  806 , the friction of the inner and outer seals is overcome, and the cuff end breaks away from the fitting. The fitting  202  can be capped when a hose  200  is not attached. 
         [0046]    While the description is directed toward use by motorcycle riders, the device may be used in other activities, such as other motor sports including the use of all-terrain vehicles. In addition, the device may be used in a medical setting to provide comfort cooling for patients with a variety of medical conditions. Additionally, the fittings described above may be used on a variety of applications. 
         [0047]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that may be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features may be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations may be implemented to implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein may be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise. 
         [0048]    Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead may be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. 
         [0049]    Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future. 
         [0050]    A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. 
         [0051]    The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, may be combined in a single package or separately maintained and may further be distributed across multiple locations. 
         [0052]    Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary diagrams and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives may be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration. 
         [0053]    The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.