Patent Publication Number: US-2015060430-A1

Title: Heat-retaining jacket

Description:
This application claims priority to Japanese patent application serial number 2013-182074, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to a heat-retaining jacket having a jacket main body that comprises a face cloth and a lining cloth. It also has a pocket, an electric heating element that is housed between the face cloth and the lining, and a battery that supplies an electric power to the heating element. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A heat-retaining jacket relating to the above is described in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. H05-61361 as prior art. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , a heat-retaining jacket  100  comprises a face cloth  102  and a lining cloth  103 . The heat-retaining jacket has a jacket main body  101  in which an inner pocket  104  is provided on the left side thereof. An electric heating element  105  is held and attached between the face cloth  102  and the lining cloth  103 . The heating element  105  is electrically connected to a battery  108  via power lines  106 , and a battery  108  is housed in the left inner pocket  104  of the jacket main body  101 . 
     By constructing the heat-retaining jacket as described above, the heat element  105  is heated through electric power from the battery  108  and an inside of the jacket main body  101  is kept warm. 
     As described above, in the heat-retaining jacket  100 , the battery  108  is housed in a left inner pocket  104  of the jacket main body  101 . Accordingly, when a high-capacity and large-sized battery  108  is used in order to keep the heat-retaining jacket  100  warm for many hours, the heavy weight of the large-sized battery  108  pulls the left inner pocket  104  down in the vertical direction and the user may find the jacket main body  101  to be uncomfortable. Further, the appearance of the jacket main body  101  may be found unsightly. 
     Therefore, the large-sized battery  108  is hard to use in the heat-retaining jacket  100 . 
     Thus, there is a need in the art such that the comfort and appearance of the heat-retaining jacket is maintained even when a large-sized battery is used in the heat-retaining jacket. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat-retaining jacket that comprises a jacket main body having a face cloth and a lining cloth. It also may have a pocket, an electric heating element that is housed between the face cloth and the lining cloth of the jacket main body, and a battery that supplies a power to the heating element. Further, the jacket main body is provided with a power line through which the power of the battery is supplied to the heating element. Further, a hole through which the power line is passed is formed in the jacket main body such that the battery can be positioned in the pocket or in a reverse side of the jacket main body. 
     In the first aspect, when a lightweight battery is used, the battery can be housed in the pocket. Further, the comfort and appearance of the jacket can be maintained despite the presence of the battery. 
     In a separate aspect, a large-sized battery is used and the battery can be positioned in the reverse side of the jacket main body. Accordingly, the large-sized battery can be attached, for example, to a belt of the trousers of a user. As a result, the weight of the large-sized battery is not applied to the jacket main body, and the comfort of the jacket main body can be maintained. Further, the appearance of the jacket main body can be maintained when a user wears it. 
     According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the hole is configured such that the power line can be passed through an inside of the pocket to the reverse side of the jacket main body. 
     In the above aspect, the power line that is led to the inside of the pocket can be further led to the reverse side of the jacket main body via the hole. As a result, the power line can be housed in the pocket or can be led to the reverse side of the jacket main body in an easy manner depending on the kind of batteries. 
     In certain embodiments, a first connector is provided at one end of the power line of the jacket main body and the first connector is detachably attached to a second connector that is provided at one end of a lead wire of an adapter for the battery. Further, the battery is configured to be attached to the adapter in a locked state and detached from the adapter. 
     In the above aspect, the power line of the jacket main body can be easily attached to and detached from the lead wire of the adapter of the battery for the electric power tool. Further, the power line can be easily passed through the hole of the jacket main body. 
     A hook may be provided in the adapter for holding the adapter and the battery to a user. 
     In the above aspect, when the adapter and the battery for the electric power tool are positioned in the reverse side of the jacket main body, the adapter can be easily attached, for example, to a belt of the trousers of the user. 
     In certain embodiments, a controller is provided in the jacket main body for constantly controlling the amount of heat in the heating element. Further, the controller is configured to extend an energization time as a voltage of the battery decreases in order to constantly control the amount of heat in the heating element. 
     Typically, the amount of heat in the heating element varies according to the charged amount of the battery in the electric power tool. Such a feature can be reduced in certain embodiments. 
     In certain embodiments, a means is provided in the jacket main body for stopping the energization of the heating element when the temperature of the heating element exceeds a predetermined value. 
     In the above aspect, an excessive temperature rise of the heating element can be prevented. 
     According to another aspect of certain embodiments, an LED is provided in the jacket main body for indicating an energization state of the heating element. Further, the LED is configured to be connected to a power supply via a constant current circuit. 
     Typically, as the voltage of the power supply varies, the brightness of the LED changes. In some of the embodiments, such an occurrence may be prevented. 
     According to the above, even when a high-capacity and heavyweight battery is used, the comfort and appearance of the jacket can be maintained. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an overall perspective view of a heat-retaining jacket of an embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the heat-retaining jacket in which sleeves are detached therefrom. 
         FIG. 1C  is an enlarged perspective view showing an operation part positioned in a left chest area of an embodiment of a heat-retaining jacket. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a reverse side of an embodiment of a heat-retaining jacket. 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of a part III in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing a wiring structure of an embodiment of a heat-retaining jacket of the embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing a controller of an embodiment of a heat-retaining jacket. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram showing how to control an amount of heat in an embodiment of a heat-retaining jacket. 
         FIG. 7  is a circuit diagram showing how to control an LED in an embodiment of a heat-retaining jacket. 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view showing a small-sized battery for an electric power tool and an adaptor that are used in an embodiment of a heat-retaining jacket. 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view showing a large-sized battery for an electric power tool battery and an adaptor that are used in an embodiment of a heat-retaining jacket. 
         FIG. 9A  is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the way in which power lines are pulled around in an embodiment of a heat-retaining jacket. 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view showing power lines that are pulled around in a pocket of an embodiment of a heat-retaining jacket. 
         FIG. 9C  is a perspective view showing that an adaptor and a large-sized battery for an electric power tool are held in a belt of the trousers of a user. 
         FIG. 10A  is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the way in which power lines are pulled around in an embodiment of a heat-retaining jacket. 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view showing power lines that are pulled around in a pocket of an embodiment of a heat-retaining jacket. 
         FIG. 10C  is a perspective view showing that an adaptor and a small-sized battery for an electric power tool are housed in the pocket of an embodiment of a heat-retaining jacket. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the way in which power lines are pulled around in an embodiment of a heat-retaining jacket. 
         FIG. 12  is a typical perspective view of a heat-retaining jacket in the prior art. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Each of the additional features and teachings disclosed above and below may be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and teachings to provide an improved heat-retaining jacket. Representative examples of the present teaching, which examples utilize many of these additional features and teachings both separately and in conjunction with one another, will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Only the claims define the scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description may not be necessary to practice the invention in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to particularly describe representative examples of the invention. Moreover, various features of the representative examples and the dependent claims may be combined in ways that are not specifically enumerated in order to provide additional useful examples of the present teachings. 
     A heat-retaining jacket  10  according to an embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 11 . The heat-retaining jacket  10  is used in a cold district, and it is constructed such that a jacket main body  12  is kept warm by use of a battery for an electric power tool as a power source. 
     A front, rear, left, right, up, and down in the figures correspond to a front, rear, left, right, up, and down of the jacket main body  12 , respectively. 
     The heat-retaining jacket  10  includes the jacket main body  12  (refer to  FIG. 1 ), heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  (refer to  FIG. 4 ) provided in the jacket main body  12 , an electric circuit  30  (refer to  FIG. 4 ) that controls the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33 , batteries  41  and  43  for an electric power tool that supply an electric power to the electric circuit  30 , and adaptors  51  and  53 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , the jacket main body  12  includes a body  12   d  that is configured to fasten in the front. The jacket main body  12  also preferably includes left and right sleeves  12   a  and  12   b.  The left sleeve  12   a  and the right sleeve  12   b  may be attached to and removed from the body  12   d  using a zipper (not shown). 
     Each of the body  12   d,  the left sleeve  12   a,  and the right sleeve  12   b  is made by sewing a waterproofing face cloth  13  and a thermal lining cloth  14  together. 
     A back pocket  12   p  (refer to  FIG. 10  etc.) configured to be able to house a small-sized battery etc. is provided on a lower left of a back face of the body  12   d  in the jacket main body  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 10A to 10C , a first hole  61  is provided in an inner upper portion of the back pocket  12   p  for leading both to an inside portion of the back pocket  12   p  and the heating elements housing portion positioned between the face cloth  13  and the lining cloth  14 . Further, second holes  62  are provided in an inner lower portion of the back pocket  12   p  for leading both to the inside portion of the back pocket  12   p  and a reverse side of the jacket main body  12 . The first hole  61  and the second holes  62  are configured to pass a power line  39  for the electric circuit  30  and a jacket side connector  39  therethrough. 
     A first heating element  31  is positioned in the body  12   d  of the jacket main body  12  between a left front side of the face cloth  13  and the lining cloth  14 . A second heating element  32  is positioned between a right front side of the face cloth  13  and the lining cloth  14 . A third heating element  33  is positioned between a back side of the face cloth  13  and the lining cloth  14 . 
     A space for housing the first heating element  31 , the second heating element  32 , and the third heating element  33  between the face cloth  13  and the lining cloth  14  of the jacket main body  12  corresponds to a heating element housing portion. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first heating element  31 , the second heating element  32 , and the third heating element  33  may have the same structure. That is, each element may include a square cloth  34  and a carbon fiber resistor  35  that extends in a meandering manner on the surface of the cloth  34  from the left end to the right end thereof in the vertical direction. Heat-element-side electric wires  37  are connected to both ends of the carbon fiber  35 . Further, in each of the first heating element  31 , the second heating element  32 , and the third heating element  33 , thermostats  38  are provided in the vicinity of both sides of the connection parts  35   x  at which the carbon fiber  35  and the heat-element-side electric wires  37  are connected. The thermostats  38  stop energization of the first heating element  31 , the second heating element  32 , or the third heating element  33  when temperature of the connection parts  35   x,  which are apt to have a high temperature, exceeds a predetermined temperature. The thermostats  38  are connected to the carbon fiber  35  in series. 
     Each square cloth  34  is sewn both to the face cloth  13  and the lining cloth  14  of the jacket main body  12 , and thus each of the first heating element  31 , the second heating element  32 , and the third heating element  33  is positioned on a predetermined position between the face cloth  13  and the lining cloth  14 . 
     Each of the thermostats  38  corresponds to a means for stopping energization of the heating element. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the electric circuit  30  includes a controller  20 , the heat-element-side electric wires  37  that electrically connect the controller  20  to the first, second, and third heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33 . It also includes power lines  39  that electrically connect the controller  20  to the batteries  41 ,  43  etc. for the electric power tool, and a jacket-side connector  39   c  provided in the power lines  39 . 
     The controller  20  controls the first heating element  31 , the second heating element  32 , and the third heating element  33 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , the controller  20  is attached to a left chest area of the jacket main body  12 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the controller  20  includes a power circuit  21 , a voltage detection circuit  22 , a switch  23 , a heating element control circuit  24 , a heating element abnormality detection circuit  25 , a display control circuit  26 , and a CPU  27 . 
     The power circuit  21  converts a voltage of the battery  41  or  43  to a suitable voltage according to the specification of the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33 . The voltage detection circuit  22  detects a voltage of the battery  41  or  43  and inputs the detected voltage into the CPU  27 . 
     The switch  23  switches on or off energization of the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33 . Further, the switch  23  controls an amount of heat in the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33 . As shown in  FIG. 1C , the switch  23  is provided on a surface of the controller  20  that is positioned in the left chest area of the jacket main body  12 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , a signal from the switch  23  is input to the CPU  27 . The CPU  27  is configured such that energization of the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  is started when the switch  23  is pressed for a few seconds by a user, and the energization is stopped when the switch  23  is pressed again for a few seconds while the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  are energized. 
     Further, the CPU  27  is configured such that each time the switch  23  is pressed for a short time (less than 1 second) by the user, an amount of heat in the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  is switched in order from low, middle, and finally to a high temperature. 
     The heating element control circuit  24  controls an amount of heat in the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  based on a setting signal from the CPU  27 , that is, a signal showing a low, middle, and high temperature. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the heating element control circuit  24  is configured to control the electric energy supplied to the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  by varying a ratio of a voltage pulse width Ton to a cycle Tc (for example, Tc=20 ms), i.e. a duty ratio. In this way, an amount of heat in the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  is controlled such that temperature of the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  becomes a low temperature H1, a middle temperature H2, or a high temperature H3. 
     Further, the heating element control circuit  24  is configured such that even when the capacity of the battery  41  or  43  decreases and the battery voltage decreases, an amount of heat in the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  is constantly controlled by increasing the duty ratio as the battery voltage decreases. 
     The heating element abnormality detection circuit  25  protects the first heating element  31 , the second heating element  32 , and the third heating element  33  against abnormal heating or overload (over current) caused by decreasing of the resistance of the first heating element  31 , the second heating element  32 , or the third heating element  33 . The heating element abnormality detection circuit  25  monitors the resistance of the first heating element  31 , the second heating element  32 , and the third heating element  33 . When detecting a resistance smaller than a predetermined value, the heating element abnormality detection circuit  35  outputs a heating element abnormal signal to the CPU  27 . Receiving the heating element abnormal signal from the heating element abnormality detection circuit  35 , the CPU  27  outputs an energization stop signal to the heating element control circuit  24 . 
     The CPU  27  corresponds to a means for stopping energization of the heating elements. 
     The display control circuit  26  shows an energization state or an amount of heat of the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33 . The display control circuit  26  includes three LEDs  26   a,    26   b,  and  26   c,  and three constant current circuits  28  each of which lights the LEDs  26   a,    26   b,  and  26   c,  respectively. As shown in  FIG. 1C , the three LEDs  26   a,    26   b,  and  26   c  are positioned in the left chest area of the jacket main body  12  alongside of the switch  23 . When an amount of heat in the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  is switched to the middle temperature H2, two LEDs  26   a  and  26   b  are turned on. When an amount of heat in the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  is switched to the high temperature H3, three LEDs  26   a,    26   b,  and  26   c  are turned on. When an energization of the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  is stopped, all three of the LEDs are turned off. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , each of the LEDs  26   a,    26   b  and  26   e  is connected to a collector of a transistor Tr in the constant current circuit  28 . In the constant current circuit  28 , the sum of a voltage between a base and an emitter of the Tr and a product of an emitter current Ie by a resistance Rf is configured to be equal to a base voltage VRb. Accordingly, even when a voltage applied to the LED  26   a,    26   b,  or  26   c  varies, a current flowing the LED  26   a,    26   b,  or  26   c  is not changed. Owing to this, even when the voltage applied to the LED  26   a,    26   b,  or  26   c  varies, the brightness of the LEDs  26   a,    26   b,  or  26   c  is not changed and thus the LEDs are maintained in an easy-to-see condition. 
       FIG. 8A  shows a small-sized battery  41  for the electric power tool (hereinafter, termed small-sized battery  41 ) and an adapter  51  that connects the small-sized battery  41  to the electric circuit  30  of the jacket main body  12 . 
     The small-sized battery  41  houses a plurality of secondary batteries (not shown) in a housing that is formed in an approximately tubular shape. The adapter  51  includes an adapter main body  51   m  that houses the small-sized battery  41  and forms in an approximately tubular shape, a lead wire  51   x  provided in the adapter main body  51   m,  and an adapter-side connector  51   c  provided at a tip end of the lead wire  51   x.  The small-sized battery  41  is configured to be electrically connected to the adapter main body  51   m  by being inserted into the adapter main body  51   m.  Further, a lock mechanism in which the small-sized battery  41  is held in an electrically connected state to the adapter  51   m  is provided between the small-sized battery  41  and the adapter main body  51   m.  Further, a locked state of the small-sized battery  41  and the adapter main body  51   m  can be released by pressing a lock release lever  41   w  provided in the small-sized battery  41 . 
     The adapter-side connector  51   c  of the adapter  51  is configured to be connected to the jacket-side connector  39   c  in the electric circuit  30  (electric wire  39 ) of the jacket main body  12 . When the connector  51   c  is connected to the connector  39   c,  the small-sized battery  41  is electrically connected to the electric circuit  30  of the jacket main body  12 . 
       FIG. 8B  shows a large-sized battery  43  for the electric power tool (hereinafter, termed large-sized battery  43 ) and an adapter  53  that connects the large-sized battery  43  to the electric circuit  30  of the jacket main body  12 . 
     The large-sized battery  43  houses a plurality of secondary batteries (not shown) in a housing that is formed in an approximately tubular shape. The adapter  53  includes an adapter main body  53   m  that can be hooked to a belt etc. by a hook  53   f  and forms a square lid shape, a lead wire  53   x  provided in the adapter main body  53   m,  and an adapter-side connector  53   c  provided at a tip end of the lead wire  53   x.    
     The adapter main body  53   m  is configured to be electrically connected to the large-sized battery  43  by sliding engagement with a pair of slide rails (not shown) that are formed on the surface of the large-sized battery  43 . Further, a lock mechanism in which the large-sized battery  43  is held in an electrically connected state to the adapter  53   m  is provided between the large-sized battery  43  and the adapter main body  53   m.  Further, a locked state of the large-sized battery  43  and the adapter main body  53   m  can be released by pressing a lock release lever provided in the large-sized battery  43 . 
     The adapter-side connector  53   c  of the adapter  53  is configured to be connected to the jacket-side connector  39   c  in the electric circuit  30  (electric wire  39 ) of the jacket main body  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , in each of the adapters  51  and  53 , there is provided a overload protection circuit to cut off the current when a load current of the battery  41  or  43  for the electric power tool exceeds a predetermined value. Further, in each of the adapters  51  and  53 , there is provided an overdischarge protection circuit to cut off the current when a voltage of the battery  41  or  43  for the electric power tool decreases below a predetermined value. 
     The following explains the way in which the heat-retaining jacket  10  is handled when the large-sized battery  43  and the adapter  43  are used. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , when the large-sized battery  43  and the adapter  53  are used, the lead wire  39  of the electric circuit  30  of the jacket main body  12  and the jacket-side connector  39   c  are pulled into the pocket through the first hole  61  in the back pocket  12   p.  Next, the lead wire  39  and the jacket-side connector  39   e  are passed through the back pocket  12   p  and pulled to the reverse side of the jacket main body  12  through the second holes  62 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 9C , the hook  53   f  of the adapter main body  53   m  to which the large-sized battery  43  is connected is hooked to a belt of the trousers of a user. Next, the adapter-side connector  53   c  of the lead wire  53   x  of the adapter  53  is connected to the jacket-side connector  39   c.  In this way, an electrical connection of the large-sized battery  43  to the adapter  53  and the jacket main body  12  is completed. 
     When the switch  23  of the controller  20  positioned on the left chest area of the jacket main body  12  is pressed for a few seconds, the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  are energized. Further, when the switch  23  is pressed again for a short time, an amount of heat in the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  can be switched to the low temperature H1, the middle temperature H2, or the high temperature H3. 
     Next, the following explains the way in which the heat-retaining jacket  10  is handled when small-sized battery  41  and the adapter  51  are used. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , when the small-sized battery  41  and the adapter  51  are used, the lead wire  39  of the electric circuit  30  of the jacket main body  12  and the jacket-side connector  39   c  are pulled into the pocket through the first hole  61  in the back pocket  12   p.  Then, as shown in  FIG. 10A , the jacket-side connector  39   c  is connected to the adapter-side connector  51   c  of the lead wire  51   x  of the adapter main body  51  m to which the small-sized battery  41  is connected. In this way, an electrical connection of the small-sized battery  41  to the adapter  51  and the jacket main body  12  is completed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10C , when a box-shaped battery  43  and the adapter  53  are small and lightweight ones, it may be possible to house them in the back pocket  12   p.    
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 11 , when the large-sized battery  43  and the adapter  53  are used, the jacket-side connector  39   c  and the lead wire  39  of the electric circuit  30  of the jacket main body  12  can be pulled to the reverse side of the jacket main body  12  directly through the second hole  62 . 
     With regards to the heat-retaining jacket  10  of certain embodiments, the battery  41  for the electric power tool can be housed in the back pocket  12   p  by passing the power line  39  by which the electric power of the battery  41  is supplied to the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  through the first hole  61 . That is, when the small and lightweight battery  41  for the electric power tool is used, the battery  41  can be housed in the pocket. Further, when the small-sized battery is housed in the back pocket  12   p,  the comfort and appearance of the heat-retaining jacket can be maintained when worn. 
     Further, by passing the power line  39  through the second hole  62 , the large-sized battery for the electric power tool can be positioned on the reverse side of the jacket main body  12 . Due to this, when the large-sized battery is used, the battery  43  can be attached, for example, to the belt of the trousers of a user. Accordingly, the weight of the large-sized battery is not applied to the jacket main body  12  and the comfort and appearance of the jacket main body  12  can be maintained. 
     Further, the second holes are configured to lead to both the reverse side of the jacket main body  12  and the inside of the back pocket  12   p.  Thus, the power line  39  that is led to the inside of the back pocket  12   p  through the first hole  61  can be led to the reverse side of the jacket main body  12  through the second holes  62 . In this way, depending on the kind of batteries  41  or  43 , the power line  39  can be housed in the back pocket  12   p  or can be led to the reverse side of the jacket main body  12  in an easy manner. 
     Further, the jacket-side connector  39   c  is provided at the end portion of the power line  39  of the jacket main body  12 . Due to this, the adapter-side connector  51   c  or  53   c  provided at the end portion of the lead wire  51   x  or  53   x  of the adapter  51  or  53  is configured to be connected to the jacket-side connector  39   c.    
     Because of this, the power line  39  of the jacket main body  12  can be easily connected to and disconnected from the lead wire  51   x  or  53   x  of the adapter  51  or  53  of the battery  41  or  43 . Further, the power line  39  can be easily passed through the first hole  61  or the second holes  62  of the jacket main body  12 . 
     Further, the hook  53   f  is provided in the adapter  53  for retaining the adapter  53  and the battery  43  for the electric power tool to a user. Because of this, when the adapter  53  and the battery  43  for the electric power tool are positioned on the reverse side of the jacket main body  12 , the adapter  53  can be easily attached, for example, to the belt of the trousers of the user. 
     Further, the controller  20  is provided in the jacket main body  12  for constantly controlling the amount of heat in the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33 . In more detail, the controller  20  extends an energization time as a voltage of the battery  41  or  43  decreases, and thus an amount of heat in the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  can be constantly controlled. As a result, the incidence with which an amount of heat in the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  varies according to a charged amount of the battery  41  or  43  for the electric power tool can be decreased. 
     Further, a means for stopping energization of the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  is provided in each of the heating element  31 ,  32 , and  33  when temperature of the heating element  31 ,  32 , and/or  33  exceeds a predetermined value. As a result, an excessive temperature rise of the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and/or  33  can be prevented. 
     Further, the LEDs  26   a,    26   b,  and  26   c  are provided in the jacket main body  12  for indicating an energization state of the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33 . The LEDs  26   a,    26   b,  and  26   c  are configured to be connected to the power supply via the constant current circuits  28 , respectively. As a result, the incidence in which the brightness of the LEDs  26   a,    26   b,  and  26   c  is changed according to fluctuation in voltage of a power supply can be decreased. 
     The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. In some of the above embodiments, the switch  23  and the display control circuit  26  of the controller  20  are positioned in the chest area of the jacket main body  12 . However, the position of the switch  23  and the display control circuit  26  can be modified as needed. 
     Further, the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  may be provided in the three positions, i.e. the left front side, the back side, and the right front side of the jacket main body  12 . However, they can be provided in two positions, i.e. the left front side and the right front side of the jacket main body  12 . Alternatively, it is also possible to provide them around a neck of the jacket main body  12 . 
     Further, in some of the present embodiments, the thermostats  38  are provided in the vicinity of the connection parts  35   x  at which the carbon fiber  35  of the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  are connected to the heat-element-side electric wires  37 , and energization of the heating elements  31 ,  32 , and  33  is stopped when temperature of the thermostats  38  exceeds a predetermined value, as an example. However, instead of using the thermostat, it is possible to provide a temperature sensor such as a thermistor and to input a signal of the thermistor etc. to the CPU  27  in the controller  20 .