Patent Publication Number: US-2007118956-A1

Title: Personal ventilating garment apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a Continuation In Part application and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/169,145 filed Jun. 29, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The invention is broadly directed to personal ventilating garments that may provide temperature regulation, with specific descriptions pertaining to cooling garments worn by persons subjected to elevated or reduced temperature conditions, and more specifically, to a ventilated garment that preferably covers an individual&#39;s torso, and whose airflow configuration is optimized to ensure wide propagation of the air throughout the garment.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      Elevated temperatures affect an individual&#39;s ability to function, concentrate and remain alert. This may lead to accidents, injuries and even death if heat stress is not properly managed. Although heat stress affects individuals who are required to perform their duties outdoors or in elevated or reduced temperature environments, heat stress management is especially critical for combat soldiers, police, firefighters, emergency responders, and others where life or death decisions require clear thinking and decisive actions.  
      A wide range of cooling garments have been developed and introduced in order to manage heat stress. In these garments, the basic function is to increase the amount of heat transferred from the body to the cooling medium within the garment, where it is thereafter dissipated, resulting in greater comfort for the cooling garment wearer.  
      Many types of personal cooling garments have been developed to reduce and manage heat stress exposure. Such cooling garments and apparatus include circulating liquid systems, phase change material (PCM) cooling devices, and circulating air systems. In addition, there are systems relying on fabrics to transfer moisture or heat from the skin, thereby providing a cooling effect. These fabric-based systems, however, are less efficient at heat dissipation than the other existing systems described below.  
      Circulating liquid systems generally utilize a heat sink or reservoir containing water or other coolant, a pump, and a heat exchanger. The cool liquid is circulated in a closed system through a network of tubes within the garment, where it absorbs heat from the body and then passes through the heat exchanger before circulating back to the heat sink. Weight, power consumption, and size are drawbacks of these types of cooling systems. In addition, the network of internal tubes to distribute the cooling liquid raises the cost, potential failure modes, and complexity of the garment and reduces its reliability and usefulness.  
      Phase change material (PCM) cooling devices are garments containing small packets of phase change material, such as ice or certain chemical polymers, that absorb the heat produced by the human body, with the cooling capacity determined by the amount of phase change material contained in the garment. Long-term and remote use of such a cooling garment is impractical, given the weight of the phase change material and the need to re-freeze the phase change material packets periodically.  
      Circulating air systems typically comprise an air source and a network of tubes or channels within the garment to distribute air throughout the garment, thus removing excess heat as the circulated air absorbs the body heat. The network of tubes or channels, however, adds to the cost and complexity of manufacture. Moreover, the network of tubes and channels creates internal flow losses, requiring a larger air generating unit to propagate the air through the garment. However, the noise generated by the larger air source may affect the performance of the person wearing the garment, especially soldiers, firefighters and other emergency responders. The noise and energy radiation will also increase a soldier&#39;s battlefield signature, increasing the likelihood of detection.  
      Another drawback of existing cooling devices is that while providing some degree of cooling, many experience problems in propagating the cooling fluid uniformly throughout the cooling garment, especially those relying on ambient air flow where a network of internal tubes or channels are not supplied. For example, while an individual&#39;s back may experience sufficient cooling when the air source is located behind the person, the upper shoulders and front torso may not experience sufficient cooling due to inadequate airflow.  
      Accordingly, there is a continuing need and desire for a lightweight, portable and long duration cooling garment that can efficiently and uniformly distribute air throughout the garment even without a network of internal tubes to carry the air.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is directed to a personal ventilating garments that may promote temperature regulation for the wearer, with specific reference and descriptions to air-cooled garment embodiments that addresses one or more of the limitations of the present devices. Although many of the descriptions of the present invention are provided with reference to cooling, the same techniques may be applied generally to temperature regulation of any desired type, and may, for example, include heating the wearer.  
      The present invention provides, for example, a personal cooling apparatus including a ventilation unit operable to generate a flow of air, with an outlet connector to direct the generated air to an air distribution garment. The air distribution garment may include a 3-dimensional spacer material with outer fabric cover made of a generally air impermeable, flexible, but strong material that may contour to a person&#39;s body when worn, while defining a plenum against the wearer&#39;s body, clothing or air permeable inner fabric for the air to flow throughout the air distribution garment. The airflow may then move hot or warm air away from the body, and when the user is perspiring, the airflow may also provide an evaporative cooling effect that may otherwise be prevented due to layers of clothing and/or equipment also worn by the user. An air dam may be positioned within the air distribution garment for directing the airflow from the ventilation unit in one or more directions to facilitate propagation of the air throughout the air distribution garment. A means for preventing air from flowing out the bottom of the air distribution garment may also be provided. One or more ventilation units may alternatively be provided to blow and/or exhaust air, and thereby enhance airflow, reduce weight, improve reliability, or otherwise enhance performance of the apparatus.  
      The air dam may be a length of fabric disposed on an inner surface of the air distribution garment, or a triangular shaped air dam disposed within the air distribution garment, or other means.  
      Preferably, the outlet of the ventilation unit includes a Y-shaped, T-shaped, or L-shaped connector where it connects to the air distribution garment, to facilitate directing the air in one or more directions and may be adapted to provide this function both prior to and after the air enters the air distribution garment. Other outlet configurations to disperse the air may be used in other embodiments.  
      The natural openings for the arms and neck allow air to escape from the plenum and carry heat away from the body, and provide an evaporative cooling effect. Optional air holes or vents can be oriented along the outer edge or seam of the air distribution garment or at other locations to provide alternate escape routes for the air and optimize air propagation uniformity throughout the air distribution garment.  
      In accordance with another embodiment, the personal ventilating garment apparatus includes an air distribution garment including an air impermeable fabric that defines an interior of the air distribution garment sized to receive a wearer therein. The air distribution garment includes a spacer material that is positioned in the interior of the air distribution garment so that the spacer material contacts the wearer when the air distribution garment is worn. In accordance with the present invention, the spacer material may allow substantially omni-directional airflow therein. The ventilating garment apparatus also includes at least one ventilation unit that flows air through the spacer material. In one implementation, the spacer material has a thickness dimension in a range of approximately 0.125 to 0.75 inch, and preferably approximately 0.25 to 0.375 inch. The spacer material is preferably adjacent to the air impermeable fabric, and functions to define a plenum between the air impermeable fabric and the wearer of the air distribution garment.  
      The ventilation unit may be implemented to push the air through the spacer material. In such an embodiment, the ventilation unit may further be implemented to include a heater to heat the air provided. In accordance another embodiment, the ventilation unit may be implemented to pull the air through the spacer material. In such an embodiment, a fabric plenum may be provided which fluidically connects the ventilation unit and the spacer material, the fabric plenum including a plurality of openings that open to the spacer material. In addition, the air impermeable fabric of the air distribution garment may be implemented with an air inlet opening to allow air to be pulled into the spacer material.  
      The ventilation unit may be implemented with an external power source connector. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of ventilation units may be provided. In one specific implementation, at least one ventilation unit may be operated to push air through the spacer material, while another at least one ventilation unit may be operated to pull air through the spacer material.  
      In accordance with another embodiment, the air distribution garment may be implemented with a pocket, and the ventilation unit may be received in the pocket. In such an embodiment, the pocket includes an opening by which air is provided to the spacer material, and a mesh wall through which ambient air is provided to the ventilation unit. In this regard, the ventilation unit may be implemented with a lip extension that extends through the opening of the pocket, and a manifold with an elastic cuff that engages the lip extension and directs airflow to the spacer material.  
      In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the ventilating garment apparatus of the present invention may be provided with a belt that supports the ventilation unit. Such implementation allows the ventilation unit to be positioned a distance from the connector to the air distribution garment. Correspondingly, a duct that fluidically interconnects the ventilation unit to the air distribution garment may be provided. Preferably, the duct includes at least one flexible joint. In one implementation, the duct may be a hose duct that has corrugations. Moreover, the ventilating garment apparatus may also be provided with a carrier sized to secure the ventilation unit.  
      In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an air distribution garment is provided which includes an air impermeable fabric defining an interior of the air distribution garment sized to receive a wearer therein, and a spacer material positioned in the interior of the air distribution garment adjacent the air impermeable fabric, the spacer material being in contact with the wearer, and being positioned between the wearer and the air impermeable fabric when the air distribution garment is worn, where the spacer material allows substantially omni-direction airflow therein. Preferably, the spacer material has a thickness dimension in a range of approximately 0.25 to 0.375 inch, inclusive.  
      These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The above objects and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the ventilation unit and air distribution garment of an embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a more detailed perspective view of the connection between the ventilation unit and air distribution garment of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the ventilation unit in use supported by body armor by straps;  
       FIG. 4  is schematic view of the interior configuration of the air distribution garment of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the flexible spacer material and how it is integrated into the air distribution garment;  
       FIG. 6A  is a side cross-sectional view taken along the line  6 ′- 6 ′ in  FIG. 5 ;  
       FIG. 6B  is a side cross-sectional view of a spacer material in accordance with another embodiment;  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the air distribution garment as worn by an individual;  
       FIG. 8  is a modified view of  FIG. 4 , illustrating an embodiment having shaped inserts positioned within the plenum;  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the air distribution garment having a means for preventing air from flowing out of the lower edge of the air distribution garment;  
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a ventilating garment apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 11  is a rear view of a ventilating garment apparatus in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 12  is a front view of a ventilating garment apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 13  is a front view of a portion of a ventilating garment apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of a ventilation unit in accordance with one example implementation;  
       FIG. 14B  is a frontal view of the ventilation unit of  FIG. 14A ;  
       FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of a pocket for the ventilation unit of  
       FIG. 14A , and a manifold for connection to the air distribution garment;  
       FIG. 16  is a rear perspective view of a ventilating garment apparatus in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a ventilation unit of the ventilating garment apparatus of  FIG. 16 ;  
       FIG. 18  is an internal view of a ventilating garment apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 19  is a front view of a portion of a ventilating garment apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 20  is a rear view of a ventilating garment apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention which includes a belt;  
       FIG. 21  is an enlarged view of the ventilation unit of the ventilating garment apparatus of  FIG. 20 ;  
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a ventilation unit and a duct hose in accordance with another implementation;  
       FIG. 23  is an exploded view of a connector for the duct hose of  FIG. 22 ;  
       FIG. 24A  is a perspective view of a ventilation unit carrier in accordance with one implementation;  
       FIG. 24B  is a rear view of the ventilation unit carrier of  FIG. 24A  which is secured to a belt; and  
       FIG. 24C  is an enlarged perspective view of the MOLLE loops of the ventilation unit carrier shown in  FIG. 24B . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various preferred or alternate embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.  
      Broadly described, the present invention may, for example, include a ventilation unit operable to generate a flow of air, and an air distribution garment connected to the ventilation unit to distribute the generated air uniformly throughout the air distribution garment. In one embodiment, when the air distribution garment is worn by a person it substantially covers the person&#39;s torso. The thickness of the spacer material comprising the air distribution garment, the directionality of the air flow, and supply pressure of the air may be optimized to ensure the most uniform propagation of airflow throughout the garment when it is worn by the individual. In preferred embodiments, the present invention uses ambient air to flow about the torso of the person to lower the heat stress on the individual.  
      Possible users for such a cooling garment are numerous, and include anyone requiring cooling of the body while carrying out a particular task. Examples of potential users include combat soldiers, police, wildland firefighters, rescue workers, outdoor workers and laborers, athletes, sportsman, and any other persons performing an activity in elevated temperature environments, or low temperature embodiments when implemented to heat air, whether the environment is indoors or outdoors.  
      For example, heat stress is prevalent for combat soldiers loaded with equipment. The soldiers are encumbered with multiple layers of fabrics of clothing, armor protection and load bearing harnesses. The present invention provides, for example, an integrated, lightweight, portable, and long duration device that is able to relieve heat stress, even when the soldier is wearing full battle gear.  
      More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the invention includes a ventilation unit  10 , operable to generate a flow of air, which is connected to an air distribution garment  20 , operable to distribute the air throughout the garment and thereby cool the wearer of the garment by removing metabolic heat through convention and evaporative cooling. The ventilation unit  10  may be directly connected to the air distribution garment  20  as shown in the illustrated embodiment. However, in alternative embodiments of the present invention further described below, the ventilation unit may be connected to the air distribution garment by means of a suitable hose extension, and may push air into and/or pull air out of, the garment.  
      As shown in  FIG. 2 , the ventilation unit  10  includes a DC blower  12  for suctioning air into the ventilation unit  10 . The source of air is preferably ambient air, but may include pressurized air by connecting a container of the pressurized air to the ventilation unit  10 . Also, although a DC blower may be preferred for certain applications, one of skill in the art would realize the invention could be adapted to incorporate, if needed, an AC blower (with a suitable AC power source). In addition, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and nanotechnology based fans/blowers may be implemented in still other embodiments. A filter  14  may be provided downstream of the ventilation unit intake and upstream of the blower  12  to filter the suctioned air. It should further be noted the ventilating garment apparatus  10  in accordance with the present invention may also be implemented so that the ventilation unit  10  provides heated air to the air distribution garment  20 . In such an embodiment, the ventilation unit  10  is further adapted to heat the ambient air before providing the air to the air distribution garment.  
       FIG. 2  shows a battery  16  functioning as the DC power source for the ventilation unit  10 . The battery  16  may be disposable or rechargeable, and may include for example, a NICAD, NiMH, Lithium-Ion, lead acid or other rechargeable battery, or alkaline, Zinc-Air, or Lithium Sulfur Dioxide primary battery. Other existing or emerging battery technologies may be incorporated in the present invention. Preferably, the batteries may be housed in the ventilation unit  10  itself, or attached to the ventilation unit  10 , although they need not be. In addition, the power source may comprise any other suitable form, such as fuel cells, solar cells, or be based on other emerging portable power generating technologies such as nuclear cells, thin films, fibers, or piezoelectric technologies.  
      Preferably for certain applications, the ventilation unit  10  may provide a low flow rate of 10 cubic feet per minute (cfm) at a minimum of 3 inches of water pressure head (about 0.1 psi), although other flow rates are contemplated, so long as the air is uniformly propagated throughout the air distribution garment  20 . The use of a low flow rate ventilation unit  10  has certain advantages, in that it reduces the size and cost of the required blower  12 , reduces the required size of the battery  16  to power the unit for a certain period of time (or uses a certain battery size for an extended period of time), and reduces the noise or energy signature associated with generating the airflow.  
      To comply with certain performance specifications, such as military specifications, the ventilation unit  10  can be made more robust or rugged by adding a lightweight foam or protective layer around the entire unit, and/or by separately ruggedizing the individual components of the unit.  
      The outlet connector of the ventilation unit  10  for certain embodiments preferably may have a plurality of outlet orifices to direct the generated air in at least two separate directions as it enters the air distribution garment  20  as described more fully later. The outlet connector  18  may be Y-shaped as shown in  FIG. 2 , T-shaped, which both may direct the air upward and/or laterally within the air distribution garment  20 , or of any other acceptable configuration such as be L-shaped for the specified use. Of course, the outlet connector  18  may also have more than two orifices to facilitate air propagation within the air distribution garment  20 . Preferably, in whatever configuration, the flow of air from the ventilation unit  10  is split before entering the air distribution garment  20  to facilitate airflow in different directions.  
      The connector may also be implemented as a straight in-line connector or with any other shape, so long as the air generated by the ventilation unit  10  can pass to the air distribution garment  20 , and there were some means within the air distribution garment  20  to allow the air to propagate in different directions.  
      The detachable connection between the ventilation unit  10  and air distribution garment  20  may be engineered with any suitable fastening device sufficient to secure the two units while in use. Preferably, another suitable supporting apparatus for connecting the units, such as connecting straps  30  shown in  FIG. 3 , may be used to provide additional securing means for certain embodiments of this invention. Similarly, waist straps  31  extending from the ventilation unit  10  and around the person&#39;s waist or hips (see  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 7 ) may be provided as an additional securing means to eliminate shifting of the ventilation unit  10  when the person is moving or performing strenuous activity.  
      A power switch  19 , as provided in certain embodiments, is preferably a push-on, push-off type that is fitted with a water resistant boot and guard because the invention may be used in extreme environments. Other types of on-off switches are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.  
      Referring to  FIG. 4 , the internal construction and features of certain embodiments of the air distribution garment  20  will be described in greater detail. The garment  20  is preferably made of a flexible polypropylene or other spacer material  40 , with a fabric  47 , a portion  44   b  of which covers one side of the spacer material  40  and serves as the outer covering for the air distribution garment  20 . The fabric  47  is preferably implemented to be lightweight and non-air permeable. In the illustrated embodiment, portion  44   b  of the fabric  47  wraps around the peripheral edge of the spacer material  40  to seal the peripheral edge thereof. When the air distribution garment  20  is worn over the body, a plenum  42  may be defined by the spacer material  40  between the fabric  47  and the wearer of the distribution garment  20  (see  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) so that the ambient air can flow throughout the air distribution garment  20 .  
      The spacer material  40  is basically a three dimensional fabric that should be flexible enough to contour to the body, but does not crush under the weight of multiple layers of clothing and equipment typically worn by those working in elevated temperature environments. In fact, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the spacer material  40  may, in certain embodiments, form a porous, cage-like structure with sufficient strength to maintain the integrity of the plenum  42  while minimizing restrictions to airflow. In this regard, the spacer material  40  may be implemented as a material which allows omni-directional airflow therein. In other words, the spacer material  40  preferably allows air to move in and through the material substantially unimpeded in the planar (transverse) directions of the material, as well as in the thickness direction of the material, thereby allowing omni-directional airflow therein. Thus, the airflow is merely impeded by the wearer, the air impervious fabric, and the seal along the periphery of the spacer material. In one implementation, the spacer material  40  may be a three dimensional mesh, the mesh having a thickness dimension in the range of approximately 0.125 to 0.75 inch, inclusive, and preferably, approximately 0.25 to 0.375 inch.  
      Note that in this embodiment, the present invention does not require any internal tubes or defined channels to carry air throughout the garment, thereby minimizing flow loses within such tubes and channels, while simultaneously increasing air propagation efficiency and uniformity. An additional benefit of this embodiment of the present invention is that it is simpler and less expensive to manufacture and of higher reliability. Preferably, in certain embodiments, the plenum  42  of 0.25 to 0.375 inch in thickness, which results from implementing the spacer material with the corresponding thickness dimensions between 0.25 to 0.375 inch noted above, provides an optimum tradeoff between weight, garment thickness/profile, individual mobility, and air propagation. Other plenum thicknesses are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.  
      Other suitable materials for the spacer material  40  include, for example, polyethylene, polyolefin or equivalent materials, both natural and synthetic, exhibiting the proper flexibility and strength characteristics. The spacer material should also be fire retardant when used for specified functions.  
      As further shown in an embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , the lower seam  90  of the air distribution garment  20  may be widened and contain a lightweight foam insert  95  that functions as a means of preventing air from escaping from the bottom of the air distribution garment  20 . This forces the air within the plenum  42  upward and laterally, to increase the air propagation uniformity throughout the air distribution garment. A foam insert  95  may be shaped or tapered to conform to a person&#39;s body, with a greater thickness at the center of the back, and a reduced thickness as the foam insert  95  spans out to the edges of the air distribution garment  20 .  
      More preferably, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the means for preventing air flow from the bottom is provided that includes an elastic cuff or waist band  97  attached to the bottom of the air distribution garment, which prevents the air from escaping from the bottom of the garment  20 . The elastic cuff or waist band  97  may be made of any flexible, impermeable or semi-permeable material such as spandex, chloroprene, or other suitable material or fabric. Similar to the foam inserts  95 , the elastic cuff  97  forces the air within the plenum  42  upward and laterally to increase the air propagation uniformity throughout the air distribution garment.  
      An air dam  50  may be centrally positioned on, or within, the air distribution garment  20 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , for example, a substantially triangular shaped air dam  50  may be centrally positioned within the air distribution garment  20 . Other shapes are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. The air dam  50  can be made of non-porous foam or equivalent material. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the apex  52  of the air dam  50  may be curved, or it may have a more angular design. In either case, the apex  52  may be positioned adjacent to the Y-connector  18  from the ventilation unit  10  where it enters the air distribution garment  20 . The Y-connector  18  may initially split and direct air from the ventilation unit  10  in separate directions as the air enters the air distribution garment  20 . The air dam  50  shape and positioning may further assist this directional flow of air, and ensure the air is propagated  54  throughout the air distribution garment  20 .  
      Preferably, the apex  52  of the air dam  50  may conform to the recessed portion  52   a  of the Y-shaped connector  18 , thereby sealing and creating, either physically or functionally, two sub-plenums  42   a,    42   b  (see  FIG. 5 ) within the air distribution garment  20  because, in this example, the air does not cross over the combination of the air dam  50  and Y-connector  18 . As noted, the connector may be shaped differently in other embodiments of the present invention.  
      Another suitable air dam  55  is shown in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, the triangular shaped air dam  50  within the air distribution garment  20  is replaced by a substantially air-impermeable fabric  55  substantially spanning a vertical dimension on an inner surface (closest to the person&#39;s body) of the air distribution garment  20 , where the air distribution garment  20  connects to the ventilation unit  10 . The fabric air dam  55  may be of various shapes, including for example, rectangular, triangular or diamond shaped.  
      It has been found that this fabric air dam  55  may capture a certain portion of the air originally entering the air distribution garment  20  from the ventilation unit  10 , creating an initial cooling effect. Moreover, movement by the person may create a certain pumping action, which in conjunction with the contours of a person&#39;s back, helps to distribute the inlet air in different directions throughout the plenum. The air dams  50 ,  55  may be used individually, or in combination, to achieve the desired effect of uniformly propagating air throughout the air distribution garment  20 . The air dam as described above may be unnecessary in an embodiment of the apparatus where sufficient air flow is created.  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible spacer material  40  and how it is integrated into the air distribution garment  20 , providing two separate plenums  42   a,    42   b  that are fed by the Y-connector  18 .  FIG. 6A  is a side cross-sectional view taken along the line  6 ′- 6 ′ in  FIG. 5 , and more clearly illustrates the plenum  42  created by the three dimensional cage-like structure of the spacer material  40 , the outer fabric cover and the wearer&#39;s body, or clothing.  FIG. 6B  illustrates an alternative edge configuration of the flexible spacer material  40  so as to prevent the escape of ambient air through the edge of the air distribution garment  20 . As can be seen, instead of wrapping the fabric  47  an edge binding  45  is provided at the peripheral edge of the spacer material  40 , thereby effectively sealing the peripheral edge. The edge binding  45  is preferably made of a fabric that is sewn on to the peripheral edge of the spacer material, and is also preferably substantially non-air permeable, for example, by coating.  
      As noted, a lightweight, non-air permeable, coated fabric  47  is provided on the outer side of the spacer material  40  (i.e., the side not in contact with the person) to prevent the air from flowing directly out of the three dimensional spacer material  40  in all directions. Other fabrics contemplated for use when fire retardancy is required include aramid fiber, para-aramid fiber and self-extinguishing modified acrylic. In addition to flowing through the plenum  42  and along the person&#39;s body, the air is allowed to escape though the natural openings for the arms and neck as well as through optional air holes or vents provided near, or along, the outer seam or edge of the air distribution garment as described later, or may be located elsewhere on the garment.  
      Preferably, the air distribution garment  20  is of sufficient size to suitably cover the torso of a person or other areas where the temperature of the person is to be regulated. Referring to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 , the air inlet section, comprising Y-connector  18  and air dam  50  or  55 , is preferably positioned such that when the person wears the air distribution garment  20 , the air dam  50  or  55  is placed in the middle of the lower back of the person. Because the air is divided and supplied equally to both halves of the air distribution garment  20 , and combined with the placement and configuration of the air dam  50  or  55 , the greatest propagation of air flow throughout the garment may be realized.  
      In  FIG. 4 , note that upper seam  60  may have an undulating shape, whereby the center and ends are higher than the intervening sections. This is to accommodate a person&#39;s underarms when placing the garment  20  around the torso, while still providing a maximum cooling surface area and sufficient mobility when worn. See  FIG. 7 , which illustrates the garment  20  positioned properly on an individual. This embodiment is not limited to an undulating shape as other configurations/shapes are also effective.  
      The undulating shape described above takes advantage of the underarm as an escape route for the airflow. Since each person&#39;s body shape and movement mechanics are slightly different, even when the garment  20  is properly positioned and fitted correctly, when a person moves, a certain amount of air will escape from the underarm arm area, and to a lesser extent the neck area, thereby cooling the person. The heat emanating from the individual&#39;s body is thus carried away by the airflow within the garment  20  and exhausted into the ambient air. Moreover, during elevated ambient temperatures when body perspiration is present, the present invention moves air across the torso and creates an evaporative cooling effect that helps to further relieve heat stress.  
      As shown in  FIG. 4 , airflow and air propagation paths  54  within the garment  20  may also be increased by placing air holes or vents  70  near, or along, the outer seam  60  or edge of the garment  20 . Alternately, the air holes  70  may be positioned near, or along, the outer edge of the outer fabric layer  47  described with reference to  FIG. 6A . This alternate embodiment would be preferable, for example, if stretch air-impermeable material or fabric (for example, spandex, chloroprene or other similarly functioning material or fabric) was placed around the upper or side edges of the air distribution garment  20 , to achieve a greater body-conforming fitting scenario. Air holes  70  may be positioned anywhere in the outer fabric layer  47 .  
      In certain embodiments, air within the plenum  42  is allowed to escape through these air holes  70  and pass into the ambient air. One of skill in the art will realize that the air holes  70  create a pressure differential within the air distribution garment  20  as well as allow the air within the plenum  42  to escape. By positioning and repositioning the air holes  70  near, or along, the outer seam  60 , any “hot spots” (areas with insufficient or constricted air flow) can be relieved by positioning an air hole  70  near the hot spot. This will draw a portion of air within the plenum  42  toward the newly positioned air hole  70 , thereby cooling the hot spot and providing more uniform flow throughout the air distribution garment  20 . Also, by positioning the air holes or vents  70  along the underarm area  80 , air at the back of the torso can be brought to the front of the torso, and provide sufficient cooling for the front of the torso, an advantage not seen in existing ambient air cooling systems without internal tubes or channels to carry the air.  
      Even though the preferred implementations of the present invention do not provide tubes and channels for carrying air, shaped inserts  99  may be positioned with the plenum  42  to increase air propagation uniformity throughout the air distribution garment as shown in  FIG. 8 . Rather than carrying air internally as done in tubes, these shaped inserts  99  divert, deflect or distribute air due to their shape and placement in the plenum  42 . For example, the shaped inserts  99  may be shaped like airfoils, creating certain pressure differentials in desired locations to draw air towards the shaped inserts  99 , thereby increasing the air propagation uniformity throughout the air distribution garment  20 . Of course, one of skill in the art could determine the optimum positions and shapes of the inserts  99  without undue experimentation. The inserts  99  may be attached (by sewing, use of adhesives or other suitable means) to the flexible material  40  to fix the positions.  
      The cooling garment of the present invention can be worn under many layers of clothing or equipment without affecting the mobility of the wearer. In order to ensure the cooling garment stays in its proper orientation during use (i.e., without slipping down or rotating about the torso), a series of over-the-shoulder straps  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 9  may be provided.  
       FIG. 1  shows, for example, that the air distribution garment  20  of the present invention can be integrated with an Interceptor Ballistic Armor (IBA) vest  110  worn by combat troops. The over-the-shoulder straps  100  are threaded though loops in the IBA  110 . The garment  20  positioning, adjustments and attachments are carried out prior to donning the IBA  110  to enable the soldier to put on both at the same time. Hook and loop fasteners  120  (see  FIG. 7 ) located on the front of the air distribution garment  20  allow for final adjustment and precise and secure fitting. Alternately, the entire vest could be constructed to full cover the torso, including over the shoulders.  
       FIG. 10  illustrates a personal ventilating garment apparatus  200  in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. Initially, the ventilating garment apparatus  200 , as well as the additional embodiments described below, function in a substantially similar manner as the embodiments discussed above relative to FIGS.  1  to  9 . Correspondingly, detailed discussions of various general functions and features of the ventilating garment apparatus  200  is omitted herein to avoid repetition. However, distinctive and unique features in these alternative embodiments are fully described with sufficient detail to allow one of ordinary skill to practice the invention.  
      Initially, as can be seen in  FIG. 10 , the ventilating garment apparatus  200  includes air distribution garment  210  having a spacer material  220  that is made to allow airflow therethrough in the manner previously described relative to the embodiments of FIGS.  1  to  9 . In addition, the ventilating garment apparatus  200  also includes an air ventilation unit  230  which functions to draw in the ambient air, and flow the air through the spacer material  220  in the manner also previously described. In this regard, the ventilation unit  230  is received within a pocket  213  of the air distribution garment  210 , the pocket  213  having a mesh panel  216  to allow ambient air to be draw through the pocket  213 .  
      As can be seen, the illustrated embodiment of the ventilating garment apparatus  200  is implemented as a vest with integral straps  212  to allow supporting of the apparatus over the shoulders of the wearer. In this regard, the straps  212  are made to be adjustable by providing hook and loop type fasteners thereon so that the length ventilating garment apparatus  200  may be adjusted to allow it to be worn comfortably by users of different body shapes and sizes. In addition, adjustable closures  214  are also provided on the front of the air distribution garment  210  using hook and loop type fasteners to allow the width of the ventilating garment apparatus  200  to be adjusted to accommodate different sized torsos of users. Of course, in other implementations, different types of adjustable fasteners may be used. However, use of hook and loop type fasteners is preferable due to their light weight, strength, and adjustability.  
      As can also be seen, the ventilating garment apparatus  200  may be implemented with a single ventilation unit  230  which is mounted at the chest area of the air distribution garment  210 . A Y-connector  232  (schematically illustrated using dotted lines since it is hidden in the view shown) is provided to distribute the airflow in the manner also schematically shown, thereby providing airflow throughout the spacer material  220  to enhance the comfort of the wearer.  
      As previously noted, the ventilation units of the ventilating garment apparatus in accordance with the present invention may be utilized to pull the air through the spacer material of the air distribution garment. In this regard,  FIG. 11  shows a back view of such an implementation where the ventilating garment apparatus  240  includes a ventilation unit  250  that draws air through the spacer material  260 , instead of pushing the air through the spacer material as in the previously described embodiments. In this regard, a fabric plenum  264  is provided at the upper edge of the spacer material  260  in the illustrated embodiment. As shown, the fabric plenum  264  is secured to the inlet of the ventilation unit  250 , and is provided with a plurality of openings  266  for evenly drawing the ambient air through the spacer material  260 . Furthermore, a plurality of air inlet openings  270  are provided at the bottom of the air distribution garment  244  in the illustrated embodiment to allow ambient air to be drawn into the air distribution garment  244  by the ventilation unit  250 . Of course, in other embodiments, the positioning of the air inlet openings and the ventilation unit may be reversed so that the ventilation unit is provided at the bottom of the air distribution garment  244 , or be arranged in some other appropriate manner.  
      It should be further noted that whereas the above described embodiments of the ventilating garment apparatus in accordance with the present invention utilized a single ventilation unit, a plurality of ventilation units may be implemented in other embodiments as also previously noted. For example,  FIG. 12  illustrates a ventilating garment apparatus  300  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention which is implemented as a vest with a center opening. In this regard, a loop and hook fastener  302  is provided to secure the ventilating garment apparatus  300  to the torso of the wearer.  
      As can be clearly seen, the illustrated embodiment of the ventilating garment apparatus  300  includes a first ventilation unit  310 , and a second ventilation unit  320 , which are powered by batteries  312  and  322 , respectively. In this regard, the air distribution garment  304  is implemented with appropriate pockets for receiving the ventilation units and the batteries. Preferably, in such an embodiment, the two ventilation units provide airflow in the opposite directions as schematically shown in  FIG. 12 . Each ventilation units may be implemented with a plurality of orifices to direct the air in more than one direction, for example, upwards and towards the back.  
      By providing multiple ventilation units, higher levels of air flow can be attained through the ventilating garment apparatus  300 . Alternatively, by providing multiple ventilation units, each ventilation unit may be implemented to be smaller in size, with a smaller capacity, while maintaining the same amount of desired airflow as a single ventilation unit implementation. This provides added flexibility in the positioning and placement of the ventilation units to take advantage of the natural openings around the arms and neck, etc., to optimize airflow through the air distribution garment  304 . In addition, utilization of multiple ventilation units have additional advantages over the single ventilation unit implementations in that the cost may be further reduced, and noise created by the air flow can also be reduced.  
      In the above regard,  FIG. 13  shows a ventilating garment apparatus  340  in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, which is substantially similar to the embodiment previous described relative to  FIG. 12 , but wherein the ventilation units are received within pockets  380  provided on the front of the air distribution garment  350 .  FIGS. 14A and 14B  show a ventilation unit  360  for use with the air distribution garment  350  of  FIG. 12 . As shown, the ventilation unit  360  is provided with a chassis  362  for securing the battery pack  364  to the blower unit  366  so that the ventilation unit  360  is modular. In addition, an extending lip  368  is provided which mates with a correspondingly shaped intake manifold (not shown) that directs the air into the spacer material of the air distribution garment  350 .  
       FIG. 15  illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the pocket  380  provided on the front of the air distribution garment  340  shown in  FIG. 13 , for receiving the ventilation unit  360  shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B . In the illustrated implementation, the pocket  380  is provided with a mesh wall  382  which allows the ventilation unit to draw air through the mesh wall  382 . In addition, the pocket  380  is implemented with opening  384  that is sized to allow the extending lip  368  of the ventilation unit  360  to extend therethrough.  FIG. 15  also illustrates a manifold  386  with an elastic cuff  388  that mates with the extending lip  368  of the ventilation unit  360 , and also extends through the outer fabric of the air distribution garment  350  to provide the air to the spacer material therein (not shown).  
       FIG. 16  illustrates yet another embodiment of a ventilating garment apparatus  400  in accordance with the present invention. The ventilating garment apparatus  400  includes a spacer material  404  which is schematically shown through the outer fabric of the air distribution garment  402 . As shown, a plurality of ventilation units  410  and  420  are provided in the illustrated embodiment, these ventilation units being positioned on each side of the air distribution garment  402 , proximate to the location of the hips of the wearer. Such mounting facilitates use in conjunction with side opening body armor that is commercially available. Each of the ventilation units directs ambient air to the back, as well as the front, of the air distribution garment  402  in the manner similar to those described relative to the prior embodiments. In addition, shaped inserts  406  may also be provided to ensure proper distribution of the ambient air.  
       FIG. 17  illustrates a ventilation unit  430  in accordance with still another implementation of the present invention. The ventilation unit  430  is especially configured for use with the ventilating garment apparatus  400  shown in  FIG. 16  and described above. In this regard, the ventilation unit  430  is adapted for side mounting to the air distribution garment  402 , and correspondingly, is provided with a low height profile. The ventilation unit  430  includes a blower  432  and an internal battery  434  for powering the blower  432 .  
      The low profile height of the ventilation unit  430  allows it to be received in the pocket  408  of the air distribution garment  402  shown in  FIG. 16 . The pocket  408  of the air distribution garment  402  may be provided with a mesh wall such as that described relative to  FIG. 15 , so as to allow the intake  436  of the ventilation unit  430  to draw in ambient air, and distribute the ambient air into the air distribution garment via the outlet  438 . The conveniently accessible positioning of the ventilation unit  430  is further enhanced by providing the ventilation unit  430  with an external power source connector  440  for receiving a common electrical connector to mate with fielded military batteries for operating the blower  432  and/or recharging the internal battery  434 .  
       FIG. 18  illustrates a ventilating garment apparatus  450  in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, the ventilating garment apparatus  450  of  FIG. 18  is substantially similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12  in that the ventilation units  452  and  462  (schematically shown) are provided on the front of the air distribution garment  456 . As can clearly be seen in the interior view of  FIG. 18 , the air distribution garment  456  includes openings  458  that allow the outlet of the blower to extend therethrough, and provide ambient air into the spacer material  468 . As can also be clearly seen, the spacer material  468  of the illustrated embodiment is not provided with an air dam of any sort, but rather, is implemented to allows the air to flow in the general direction indicated.  
       FIG. 19  illustrates a portion of a ventilating garment apparatus  480  in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. In this regard, the ventilating garment apparatus  480  includes an air distribution garment  482  having a spacer material  486  within the interior, the spacer material and other hidden features being schematically illustrated through the fabric  488  of the air distribution garment  482 . The illustrated embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments in that a first ventilation unit  490  is provided to push the ambient air through the spacer material  486 , and a second ventilation unit  496  is provided to pull the ambient air through the spacer material  486 . The ventilation units may be implemented in the manner described above relative to the previous embodiments. Of course, the schematic illustration shown in  FIG. 19  illustrates only the blower portions of the ventilation units, and do not illustrate the batteries for driving the blower units, which are preferably provided in practice. In such a push/pull configuration, the direction of the airflow through the spacer material  486  can be better controlled. In this regard, a fabric plenum  498  may be provided in the manner discussed above relative to the embodiment of  FIG. 11  to provide even drawing of the ambient air through the spacer material  486 .  
       FIG. 20  illustrates a rear view of yet another embodiment of a ventilating garment apparatus  500  in accordance with the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the ventilating garment apparatus  500  includes air distribution garment  510  which is provided with a spacer material  516  in the manner described above relative to the prior embodiments. However, in contrast to the prior embodiments wherein the ventilation unit(s) were mounted on the air distribution garment, the present implementation allows the ventilation unit to be remotely mounted. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 20 , the ventilation unit  530  may be supported on a waist belt  520  which is separate from the air distribution garment  510 . In this regard, the ventilation unit  530  is preferably implemented to have low height profile and may be implemented like the ventilation unit  430  of  FIG. 17 .  
      The air distribution garment  510  may be provided with a Y-connector  514  that engages the ventilation unit  530  in the manner described below, and aids the distribution of the ambient air. In this regard, the ventilation unit  530  that is mounted to the waist belt  520  may further be provided with a duct  534  for conveying the outputted ambient air from the blower of the ventilation unit to the Y-connector  514  in the air distribution garment  510 . In the embodiment shown, the ventilation unit  530  may be mounted in an opposite side of the belt  520  (as shown by ventilation unit  530 ′ and duct  534 ′), thereby providing wearer flexibility as to the location of the ventilation unit  530 .  
       FIG. 21  illustrates a enlarged view of the ventilation unit  530  and the duct  534 . In this regard, as can be clearly seen in  FIG. 21 , the duct  534  includes flexible joints  546  and  547  to allow small amount of articulation. In addition, the duct  534  is further provided with a connector  548  for engaging the Y-connector  514  provided in the air distribution garment  510 . The connector  548  may be implemented in any appropriate manner, and may be provided with a quick disconnect clamp to allow rapid engagement and disengagement to the Y-connector  514 . Moreover, by providing the flexible joints  546  and  547 , some compliance in the duct  534  is allowed so that during active movement by the wearer where relative movement between the belt  520  and the air distribution garment  510  will likely occur, the sealed connection between the connector  548  and the Y-connector  514  can be maintained. Preferably, the duct  534 , as well as the Y-connector  514 , are implemented to be low profile so that they do not extend away from the wearer&#39;s body beyond an exterior body armor that may also be worn on top of the ventilating garment apparatus  500 .  
       FIG. 22  illustrates another embodiment of a remotely mounted ventilation unit  570  which is connected to a Y-connector  580  (schematically shown) via a hose duct  574 . As can be appreciated, the hose duct  574  is preferably made with corrugations that resist collapse or pinching of the hose duct  574  that can prevent air from being passed therethrough. As can be seen, the hose duct  574  is provided with connectors  576  and  578  at ends thereof for connection to the ventilation unit  570  and the Y-connector  580 , respectively. The connectors  576  and  578  are preferably implemented to be hand tightened so that no tools are required, thereby allowing rapid engagement and disengagement of the ventilation unit  570  from the air distribution garment.  
       FIG. 23  shows the various components that may be used for implementing the connectors  576  and  578  of the hose duct  574 . In particular, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the ventilation unit  570  is provided with a blower  571 , battery  572  and a switch  573  for operating the ventilation unit  570 . A reusable filter  575  is also provided in the manner previously described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the blower  571  is further provided with a threaded outlet  580 . The connector  576  includes a clamp  584 , a nut  586 , and a retaining fitting  588 , these components allowing the engagement of the connector  576  to the threaded outlet  580  of the ventilation unit  570 . The connector  578  which attaches the hose duct  574  to the Y-connector  580  may be implemented in a substantially the same manner, or in an equivalent manner. Of course, the particular implementation of the connectors are provided as an example only, and alternative embodiments of the present invention may be implemented differently.  
       FIGS. 24A and 24B  illustrate front and rear views, respectively, of a carrier  600  for the ventilation unit shown in  FIG. 23 . As can be seen, the carrier  600  is provided with straps  602  having snaps  604  for securely mounting the ventilation unit  570  in the mounting compartment  606  defined by the straps  602 . As clearly shown in the rear view of  FIG. 24B , the carrier  600  allows various securement of the carrier  600  to the wearer. In this regard, the carrier  600  is provided with extended loops  608  with snaps that allows the carrier to be mounted to a backpack or the like. In addition, the carrier  600  of the illustrated embodiment is provided belt loops  610  that allow the carrier to be secured to a belt  601  of the wearer. In addition, the carrier  600  is provided with a mounting pad  612  as shown in  FIG. 24C . The mounting pad  612  is configured to conform to “modular outfit light load equipment” (MOLLE) to facilitate use with other standardized military gear, and include straps  613  that are closable via snaps  614 . Thus, the carrier  600 , as shown, allows various different mountings of the ventilation unit  570 . Of course, in other implementations, the carrier may be implemented to secure just the blower or the batteries of the ventilation unit.  
      While the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it should be understood to those skilled in the art that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, although a vest covering the torso has been illustrated in the above embodiments, it is understood that any other type of clothing, such as a jacket, coat, trousers or coveralls, may utilize the teachings and principles of the present invention.