Abstract:
Disclosed is a heat activated thermal garment utilizing a back brace for housing of a main controller element and a lithium palmer battery. The controller is used for monitoring and supplying power for up to eight pieces of resistively heated clothing strips that can be incorporated into medical therapeutic products, athletic wears and clothing lines. The heating strips are strategically positioned within the garments. In a preferred embodiment a wristwatch type thermostat controller is employed that is wirelessly coupled to the back brace mounted controller. The wristwatch allows direct control of temperatures at select positions in a garment.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    In accordance with 37 C.F.R. §1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §§119(e), 120, 121, and/or 365(c) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/642,579, entitled “HEAT ACTIVATED THERMAL GARMENT”, filed on May 4, 2012. The contents of which the above referenced application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of garments and in particular to an improved method and apparatus for forming selectable heated sections to provide warmth for various portions of an individual&#39;s body. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Heat induced garments are commonly used in cold climates to keep an individual&#39;s body warm. Normal insulation alone works by trapping body heat, so if it gets wet from sweat or rain, or if a person stops exercising, the insulation may not continue to keep them warm. With heated garments, a person can keep warm even if they are resting and not producing body heat, or if their coat becomes damp from sweat. Most heated clothing is designed for cold-weather sports and activities, such as motorcycle riding, downhill skiing, winter biking, snowmobiling, trekking and for individuals who work outdoors in various climate conditions such as construction and sanitation workers. 
         [0004]    The most widely-available types of heated clothing are products designed for use with the extremities, the hands and feet. These body parts are the most likely to suffer frostbite or frostnip in severe cold. As such, many manufacturers make heated gloves, mittens, socks, and boot liners, which can be purchased at workers&#39; supply stores and motor sports stores. Heated torso coverings (vests or jackets) or leggings are available from specialty retailers that cater to motorcyclists and downhill skiers. 
         [0005]    There are several technologies available to help an individual warm when subjected to the cold elements. For instance, there chemical based devices that help an individual&#39;s extremities stay warm. Chemical reaction-based garments have cloth pouches or pockets where single-use packages of chemical hand warmers can be inserted. The hand warmers are about the size of a deck of cards and contain chemicals which produce heat. One chemical based device is a traditional hand warmer composed of a small metal box containing charcoal which, when lit, burns very slowly and produces a mild heat. Another chemical based device includes disposable heat packs typically contain cellulose, iron, water, activated carbon, vermiculite and salt. When these packs are exposed to air, an exothermic chemical reaction occurs which provides several hours of heat. 
         [0006]    Another chemical heating pack uses a gel that can be activated by twisting the package, thereby triggering a chemical reaction. The pack can be put in a pot of boiling water to convert the chemical reaction back, and allow it to be reused. While these products are commonly called “hand warmers”, they can be designed to be placed in boots or special garments such as vests where packs are placed in cloth pockets on the inside of the garment. Additionally, another gel-based device includes garments that have cloth pouches or pockets where plastic packages of gel can be inserted in the garment. Prior to going outdoors, the gel is heated up in a microwave and then placed within the pouches or pockets within the garment. Once outdoors, the gel pack retains its heat for between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the size of the gel pack, the thickness of the insulation protecting the gel pack, and the degree of outdoor temperature and wind condition. Unfortunately, the wearer is dependent upon the retention of heat of the gel pack throughout the time spent outdoors. Furthermore, an uncomfortable concentration of heat or even skin burns may occur should the insulation between the gel pack and the skin of the wearer not be sufficient. 
         [0007]    In cold and sub-zero weather, it is not uncommon for the participants of outdoor sports to seek warm shelter for their hands by either placing them temporarily inside portions of their clothing or by swiftly rubbing them together. U.S. Pat. No. 3,663,797 discloses a garment usable as an outer jersey having pockets with heating elements embedded therein to enable the wearer to keep his/her hands sufficiently warm. In this case the heating element is powered by means of dry cell batteries stored in a hip pad buckled about the hip of the wearer. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,193 discloses a heated inner sole for use in a boot where the inner sole comprises a cellular plastic material overlaid by a fabric material having heating elements therebetween. The opposite side of the cellular material has a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon which enables the inner sole to be affixed to the inside of a boot. The heating elements are connected by wiring to a battery contained in a battery case attached to the boot heel on the outside. Unfortunately, dry cell batteries are heavy, burdensome, and have a limited “batter life”. However, if batteries were to be used, the use of rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries or lithium batteries is preferred. 
         [0009]    With lithium batteries, there are 2 types: Li-ion and Li-Polymer. Several heating technologies are employed including cooper wire, nichrome wire, metal “mesh” systems, carbon-embedded fabric and carbon fibers. The most reliable systems have technologies that have redundancy in case of a heating element breakage. However, if not recharged properly, “battery memory” will shorten the batter&#39;s capability to recharge. But, if the weather is a little warmer, many models allow the wearer to detach the controller and battery so that the garment can be worn as a regular garment. 
         [0010]    Heated clothing designed for use when operating vehicles such as motor bikes or snowmobiles typically use 12 volt electrical current, which is the standard voltage on motorsport or powersport batteries. U.S. Pat. No. 3,999,037 discloses a vest type garment which has a lining consisting of an electrical heating element. The lining can be used for sleeves, pants, or even a hat. An energy device, utilizing direct current or alternating current, supplies electrical energy to the heating element in each of the garments. Thus providing heat to the vest, sleeves, pants, and/or hat. While a single heated garment, such as heated gloves will not usually adversely affect the charge on the battery, motorcycle or snowmobile riders have to be careful about attaching several heated garments, such as heated boot liners, gloves, and a heated vest, because the battery may not be able to handle the load. The heated garments are usually attached directly onto the battery of a motorcycle or snowmobile. Some heated garments have cigarette lighter plugs, so that the clothing can be plugged into a vehicle&#39;s cigarette lighter. 
         [0011]    While the least expensive models can only be turned on or off, the more desirable models provide a heating level control with the ability to heat a plurality of discrete heating zones of the garment independently. Heating different zones individually with a high degree of control is desirable because of the varying rate at which different parts of the body lose heat. Such garments may be manufactured from a fabric having electric wire filaments integrated throughout the garment. A conventional heat induced garment typically covers the upper body or the lower body at a temperature that is not accurately adjustable and also may not be controllable by particular zones. For instance, the extremities, i.e., hands, feet and heat, suffer from a greater loss than the torso. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,705 discloses an electrically heated, cold weather garment. The garment includes: a lightweight, stretchable, form-fitting fabric for covering portions of the body of the garment wearer; a plurality of flexible, electrical heating wires stitched to the fabric by sewing; an electronic controller for controlling current flow through each of the heating wires in a pulse-width modulated fashion, to thereby independently control the heat generated by each heating wire; a plurality of potentiometers for controlling the level of power supplied to each heating wire; and a master power level potentiometer for controlling the power supplied to each of the heating wires in a uniform and simultaneous fashion. In a first preferred embodiment the controller utilizes a combination of analog and digital-like signals to control in a pulse-width modulated fashion the current flow through the heating elements. In a second preferred embodiment the controller includes a microprocessor which is operable to sense changes in the temperature of the heating wires themselves, and to regulate automatically and independently the power supplied to each of the heating wires. Unfortunately, there is a high monetary expense associated therewith. Additionally, the art does not incorporate remote wireless controllers that allow the individual to adjust the temperature without having to undo or directly contact the garments. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The instant invention provides a heat activated thermal garment by means of a back brace having a main controller element. The back brace houses a lithium palmer battery and includes a controller for monitoring and supplying power. The controller is used for monitoring and supplying power for up to eight pieces of resistively heated clothing strips that can be incorporated into medical therapeutic products, athletic wear, and clothing lines. The heating strips are strategically positioned within the garments. In a preferred embodiment a wristwatch type thermostat controller is wirelessly coupled to the back brace mounted controller. The wristwatch allows direct control of temperatures at select positions in a garment. 
         [0014]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a heat activated thermal wear which can be incorporated into medical therapeutic products, athletic wear, and clothing lines. 
         [0015]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means for heating various body parts by use of heating elements placed within a garment thus avoiding the need for layering of clothing which is known to inhibit mobility. The garment is flexible and allows excellent range of movement to the wearer. 
         [0016]    It is an objective of the present invention to provide a power pack and controller that are secured to a padded back brace for use in powering heating strips strategically positioned within various garments. 
         [0017]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a garment assembly having a plurality of independent heating strips or conductors, with each being arranged in a predetermined fashion within a particular zone of the garment to thereby heat evenly the particular zone. 
         [0018]    It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a wristwatch type thermostat controller. 
         [0019]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a wireless interface that allows synchronization between the watch and the controller, wherein the wristwatch allows direct control of temperatures at select positions in a garment. The wristwatch is operable to independently and simultaneously, and in uniform fashion, control the current flow through each heating strip or conductor of the garment. 
         [0020]    It is still yet a further objective of the instant invention to provide a system which can apply a particular heat to any part of a garment by use of a wirelessly coupled controller and so has the ability to heat a plurality of discrete heating zones of a garment independently. It is well known that the extremities such as arms and legs suffer from a greater heat loss than the torso, thus providing greater heat to the extremities rather than the torso can be achieved. In addition, physical activities of the garment wearer can cause different parts of his or her body to generate heat at varying levels especially when playing athletics, thus being able to target a specific area is also achieved. 
         [0021]    It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide the application of heat to the body for pain relief and health. The heat activated thermal garment alleviates pain by use of strategically placed heating elements that can be controlled individually. Heat therapy can be beneficial to those with arthritis or stiff muscles as well as injuries to the deep tissue of the skin. 
         [0022]    Still a further objective of the present invention is to minimize injuries to athletes by positioning heating elements along the major muscles that an individual may employ during competition. The therapeutic effect of heat includes increasing extensibility of collagen tissue, decreasing joint stiffness, reducing pain, relieving muscle spasms, reducing inflammation and edema, increase blood flow, and aid in post acute phase of healing. 
         [0023]    Yet a further objective of the present invention is to provide comfort to individuals exposed to the cold wherein heating elements can be regulated to reduce the need for excess clothing and so prevent over-heating and the resultant moisture buildup or even under-heating. 
         [0024]    Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is an electrical schematic of the microcontroller interfacing with individual zones; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of a back brace for holding of a battery; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a pictorial of a controller display; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is the front view of a top and bottom garment; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a rear view of the garments depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0031]    This device is powered by a 12 volt Lithium Polymer type battery pack that is preferably worn on as a belt. The belt includes a controller for monitoring the power supplied to as many as eight pieces of a resistively heated garment. For example, the controller can power and monitor an individual&#39;s pants, shirt, two stockings, two gloves, and hat. Each garment employs a resistive heating element and a strategically positioned temperature sensor or thermistor. Overall temperature protection is provided by use of a thermal switch. For instance, the heating element can be a 13-strand wire made of a resistance alloy and covered by extrusion with a layer of polyvinyl chloride which will withstand a relatively high temperature, this being followed by a metallic braiding, which is preferably connected to the mass, whereupon follows a flexible insulating layer, made for example from the same polyvinyl chloride. 
         [0032]    The controller monitors the garment sensors and supplies controlled power to an integrated heater. As the measured temperature approaches the user selected temperature, the controller reduces the heater power. As the temperature fluctuates, the controller will automatically adjust the heater power as required to maintain the desired temperature. 
         [0033]    The individual can select the desired temperature for each individual garment piece. Additionally, the overall garment temperature can be adjusted up or down as required. Referring to the electrical schematic, the controller  10  provides a detachable connector for each independent garment location  12  shown as Zone  1  through Zone  8 . This connector supplies heater  14  power to the garment and temperature sensor input to the controller. The battery  16  is fused with a 12 volt output  18  to the heater drives  14 , and a 5 volt output  20  by use of a regulated transformer  22 . The electric current is direct and supplied through the system, in shunt, to a plurality of resistance wires each of which heats a portion of the garment, such as a pair of trousers. The microcontroller utilizes a combination of analog and digital signals to control in a pulse width modulated fashion the direct current flowing to the heater drivers, thereby controlling the heat generated by the conductor means. 
         [0034]    The controller displays eleven LED (light emitting diode) indicators  24 , one for each zone. LED indicators are also provided to indicate power  26 , low battery  28  and fault  30 . A small LCD display  32  with navigation controls  34  allows the individual to set the temperature for each zone  12 . These temperature settings are stored in non-volatile memory of the microcontroller  10  and will be remembered even when the power is turned off. A small knob  36  allows the individual to increase and decrease the overall temperature above and below the programmed values within a limited range. In addition to the LED indicators, a beeper  38  will sound during a fault condition such as low battery, over-temperature zone fault, and unresponsive zone fault. A wireless user interface  40  allows coupling to a wristwatch style controller or coupling to a smart device, such as a smart phone, by conventional RG or Bluetooth protocol. The microcontroller can be programmed through a programming port  42  to include preset parameters that are useful to a particular individual. For instance, an individual who employs the garment for recovery between athletic events may have a temperature preset for a particular zone while the individual can adjust the other zones depending upon the environment. 
         [0035]    The lithium polymer type battery includes an integrated charge control circuitry. The battery can be charged with a 12 volt cigarette lighter adapter or AC line powered adapter. A full recharge can be accomplished in about one hour. Operating time will depend on the battery capacity, user set temperature and ambient temperature conditions. Battery life can be extended by wearing additional insulated clothing over the garment wherein a reduced operating temperature is employed. 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  illustrates a proposed back brace  50  that can be placed about an individual&#39;s waist and secured thereto by use of hook  52  and loop  54  attachments (Velcro). The back brace can include element strips  58  and  56  to operate as a zone in combination with the other garments.  FIG. 3  is an illustration of the display panel which can include a timer element  62  and a temperature element  64 . The display panel can be placed upon the back brace, but in the preferred embodiment it is incorporated into a wristwatch type member that is then wirelessly connected to the controller. The wristwatch controller dependently controls in pulse-width modulation fashion the current flowing through each heater driver thereby simultaneously controlling the heat generated by each heater driver to control the level of heat provided to each independent heating zone of the garment. Alternatively, the display panel can be integrated into an application for display on a smart phone or the like device. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5  shown by way of illustration is an upper garment  70  and a lower garment  90 . The upper garment  70  has resistive elements placed along the torso  72 , the extremities of the arms  74  and around the neck  76  as shown on the front surface  78 , the back surface  80  includes resistive elements placed along the center of spine  82  and an element  84  placed outwardly there from. A shoulder resistive element  86  provides yet another independently controllable zone. The lower garment  90 , has a front surface  92  having edge resistive elements  94  leading to an element  96  above the knee and an element  98  below the knee. The back surface  100  continues the resistive element  102  between element  96  and  98 . 
         [0038]    The garments are preferably of lightweight fabric defining shirt and pants portions, at least one glove portion and at least one sock portion, wherein each portion of the fabric assembly includes fabric made from material which is operable to wick away moisture from the skin of a wearer and dissipate the moisture relatively quickly, thereby helping to keep the wearer dry. 
         [0039]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The use of flexible resistive elements generates heat evenly throughout a particular zone of the garment. By use of separate zones, should a resistive element break, such a break would not affect the heat generating capabilities of other zones of the garment. 
         [0040]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
         [0041]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.