Patent Publication Number: US-8108946-B2

Title: Hand warmer known as “Z” muff

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/834,206 filed Jul. 28, 2006 by Amy Myers, and titled “Improved Hand Warmer device known as Z Muff”. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a special Improved Hand Warming Device for use to protect hands and enhance comfort in cold environments. Particularly this new Improved Hand Warming device is related to devices and methods to improve the retention of heat and protection to hands when exposed to a cold environment. This protection is essentially a means to prevent severe exposure to the environment ant to prevent complications there from such as frostbite and the like. Minimally, the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff provides a comfortable and safe means to achieve warm hands in a colder environment. The device may be featured with various types of materials and colors and achieve the objectives. 
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     None. 
     SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of Invention and Prior Art 
     The new device is developed for use as an auxiliary accessory to be use to keep ones hands warm and safe from the elements. Many variations in size, color and materials used are anticipated with this concept with only minor physical changes for manufacturing. The preferred embodiment of the special Improved Hand Warming Device, known as “Z” Muff, is comprised of simple components and easily processed to provide and economical and versatile answer to hand warming devices. 
     A. Introduction of the Problems Addressed 
     In a cold environment or a moderating environment with temperature variations and “swings” to cold exposures, a person often needs a means to protect ones hands from the severe cold temperature. This may be for a short or prolonged period of time. Specifically, the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff provides an economical, efficient and durable way to protect ones hands in the exposed environment. The new and special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff is comprised essentially of a piece of “fur-like” cloth (natural or artificial) that is attached by a means (sewn, glued, or the like) to itself in a special configuration and then “inserted and stuffed” within itself to provide a new, special configuration for retaining heat and protecting ones hands. 
     A special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff has been developed for use as an auxiliary accessory to be use to keep ones hands warm and safe from the elements. It is important to note that many variations in size, color and materials used are anticipated with this concept with only minor physical changes for manufacturing. 
     In a cold environment or a moderating environment when temperature variations “swing” to cold exposures, a person often needs a means to protect ones hands from the severe cold temperature. This may be for a short or prolonged period of time. Specifically, the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff provides an economical, efficient and durable way to protect ones hands in the exposed environment. 
     The unique Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff is comprised essentially of a piece of “fur-like” cloth (natural or artificial) that is attached by a means (sewn, glued, or the like) to itself in a special configuration and then “inserted and stuffed” within itself to provide a new, special configuration for retaining heat and protecting ones hands. The newly invented device is configured to aid in cost efficient, durable and efficient product to achieve hand warming. In operation, the new device may be easily and quickly produced and used to protect ones hands from the cold environment. 
     B. Prior Art 
     Historically, hand warmers and muffs have not aimed to optimize the ease and economies of production. Also, they have failed to realize the improved configuration of having each hand engulfed in a secure and discrete “pocket”. In use, the prior art devices were often limited in versatility, or complex in design and difficult to manufacture. The new Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff address these limitations. 
     Examples of prior containers begin with U.S. Pat. No. 95,240 issued to Bernard Levy (1869). This teaches a multi-pocket device with complex sections and methods to produce. The drawings and specification indicate separate parts to the device which are connected to provide muff device. This differs from the Myers device by having multiple parts required to interconnect to produce the muff device. It lacks the simplicity of the Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff and uses better the materials for the complete warming device. Another warming muff was issued to O. Kaehler as U.S. Pat. No. 405,097 (1889). It teaches an elaborately designed complex muff that requires multiple sub processes to produce separate hand chambers. The device also stresses and teaches integral yet additional support structures to accomplish the full concept of the device. The Myers device is simplified and accomplishes separate chambers with a unique, simplified sewing and “stuffing” procedure as discussed below with a closure system for the individual compartments. 
     Other examples of muffler devices with hand compartments include a U.S. Pat. No. 2,727,241 issued to J. W. Smith (1955) which teaches an elongated device with an integral mid-pouch for various warming means. The Myers device relies on warmth from each hand to be contained within the individual compartment and requires no supplemental heating means. A U.S. Pat. No. 4,408,355 issued to K. Brock (1983) teaches a device with a compartment for both hands which has a claimed unique waist mounting system. The mount is not addressed by the Myers device, yet the separate, high energy compartments by Myers offer significant improvements to the Brock device. 
     Another cold weather muff is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,495,659 issued to H. Madnick et al. It taught separate portions of the warmer device to receive heating means. The Myers device is self warming once a person&#39;s hands are placed within the device. The device taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,519 by J. A. Ball shows a device coupled to a jacket. Further, the complex design shown with U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,023 demonstrates a complex approaches to warming devices when compared to the Myer&#39;s devices. 
     As far as known, there are no other hand warming devices at the present time which fully provide the improvements to the hand warming-type devices as completely as the present special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff. It is believed that this device is made with improved configuration and simplified physical connections and of a more durable design as compared to other currently utilized hand warming devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff has been developed for use as an auxiliary accessory to be use to keep ones hands warm and safe from the elements. It is important to note that many variations in size, color and materials used are anticipated with this concept with only minor physical changes for manufacturing. 
     In a cold environment or a moderating environment with temperature variations and “swings” to cold exposures, a person often needs a means to protect ones hands from the severe cold temperature. This may be for a short or prolonged period of time. Specifically, the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff provides an economical, efficient and durable way to protect ones hands in the exposed environment. 
     The preferred embodiment of the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff is comprised essentially of a piece of “fur-like” cloth (natural or artificial) that is attached by a means (sewn, glued, or the like) to itself in a special configuration and then “inserted and stuffed” within itself to provide a new, special configuration for retaining heat and protecting ones hands. 
     The newly invented special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff is configured to aid in cost efficient, durable and efficient product to achieve hand warming. In operation, the new device may be easily and quickly produced and used to protect ones hands from the cold environment. 
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
     There are several objects and advantages of the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device. There are currently no known hand warming devices that are effective at providing the objects of this invention. 
     The following TABLE A summarizes various advantages and objects of the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device. This list is exemplary and not limiting to the many advantages offered by this new device. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE A 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Various Advantages and Objects 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Item 
                 Description of Advantage and Object 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 1 
                 Rapid assembly of the device. 
               
               
                   
                 2 
                 Simple tools for assembly. 
               
               
                   
                 3 
                 Maximized use of the materials and minimal scrap. 
               
               
                   
                 4 
                 Simple and efficient design for manufacturing. 
               
               
                   
                 5 
                 Superior product design and heat retention results for the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 product. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Finally, other advantages and additional features of the present special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the full description of the device. For one skilled in the art of devices and improvements for hand warming, it is readily understood that the features shown in the examples with this device are readily adapted for improvement to other types of hand warming devices and auxiliary devices and systems. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Figures 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment for the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device. It is understood, however, that the device is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
         FIGS. 1A  and B depict the general special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device.  FIG. 1C  shows use of the device. 
         FIGS. 2A through 2E  show the essential method to produce the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device in a progressive sequence. 
         FIGS. 3A through 3D  are sketches of the build of a special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device in a progressive sequence of securing and forming the device. 
         FIGS. 4A through 4C  are sketches that show the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff and the relation of the device to a user&#39;s hands. 
         FIGS. 5A  and B and  FIG. 1B  are exemplary sketches of the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device in operation. 
         FIG. 6  is a sketch of the sales brochure that depict the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff and shows ways to use the device. 
     
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     The following list refers to the drawings: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ref # 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 31 
                 General special Improved Hand Warming Device known as 
               
               
                   
                   
                 “Z” Muff Device 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 Device User 
               
               
                   
                 33 
                 Original full cloth section 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 Folded general device 
               
               
                   
                 34A 
                 Folded “closed” end of the general device 
               
               
                   
                 35 
                 Side attachment means such as stitches 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 Inside - out and extended device 31 
               
               
                   
                 37 
                 End attachment means such as stitches 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 Partially “stuffed” device 31 
               
               
                   
                 39 
                 Fully “stuffed” device 31 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 Fabricator/Operator 
               
               
                   
                 41 
                 User Hand Positions 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 Sales/Marketing Advertisement 
               
               
                   
                 43 
                 closed pocket 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present mechanism is a special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31  that has been developed for use to protect hands in a cold environment. The preferred embodiment  31  of the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff is comprised essentially of a piece of “fur-like” cloth  33  (natural or artificial) that is attached by a means  35 ,  37  (sewn, glued, or the like) to itself in a special configuration and then “inserted and stuffed” within itself to provide a new, special configuration for retaining heat and protecting ones hands. 
     The improvement over the existing art is providing a device that:
         a. has rapid assembly,   b. has a superior product design′   c. has superior heat retention′   d. uses simplified tools for manufacturing,   e. maximizes the use of material and minimizes scrap, and   f. provides a simple and efficient design for manufacturing.       

     There is shown in  FIGS. 1-6  a complete operative embodiment of the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31 . In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the  FIGS. 1-6  demonstrate the general configuration and use of this invention. The preferred embodiment of the improved device  31  is demonstrated in the drawings. 
     The preferred embodiment of the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31  is comprised essentially of a piece of “fur-like” cloth  33  (natural or artificial) that is attached by a means  35  and  37  (sewn, glued, or the like) to itself in a special configuration and then “inserted and stuffed” within itself to provide a new, special configuration for retaining heat and protecting ones hands. The cloth has a fluffy fur like side and a mat or skin-like side. 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31  that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31 . It is understood, however, that the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31  is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
       FIGS. 1A  and B depict the general special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31 .  FIG. 1C  shows use of the device  31 . In views  FIGS. 1B and 1C , the device  31  is shown with the user  32 . 
       FIGS. 2A through 2E  show the essential method to produce the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31  in a progressive sequence. In  FIG. 2A  the process begins with a piece of cloth  33 . This fur-like material is cut to predetermined length and width. This predetermined size results in minimal loss of scrap since full bolts of the material may be cut and the tolerances of the fabric over-all starting size is not critical. The fur-like material  33  may be artificial or real natural materials. One skilled in the art of working with fabrics well appreciates that many fabrics may be utilized within the scope and spirit of this device  31 . In  FIG. 2B , the second step of producing the device  31  is folding the cloth  33  in half length-wise or longitudinally along one folded closed end  34 A with the fur to the inner side of the fold and creating a general device  34  which has the non-fur surface to the exterior surface or mat side or the cloth. This allows for an easy stitching  35  along each horizontal or longitudinal sides of the cloth  33 . One sees in the drawing that the stitch runs nearly the full length of the device  31 . Once each side is stitched, the device  31  is essentially a sack-like object with the fur to the inside of the object. Now the device  31  is turned “inside out” with the fur now being to the exterior of the sack-like object  36 . This is shown in  FIG. 2C . Now, on the open end of the inside-out object  36 , an end stitch  37  or other means to close the inside-out object  36  and create the elongated object  31 . In  FIG. 2D , the one end is partially “stuffed inside of itself to form a partially stuffed device  38 . Finally, the opposite end is stuffed inside to create the fully stuffed device  39  that is generally the Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31 . This device  31  is shown in  FIG. 2E . The stitching material may be of a simple yet heavy gauge cotton thread or an artificial thread or fiber made of nylon. Air Entangled Thread, Core Thread, Monocord Thread, Monofilament Thread, Spun Thread, Textured Thread, Twisted Multifilament Thread, Twisting “S” or “Z” patterns, or the like. The preferred is either a heavy gauge cotton core thread or mono filament nylon. Other examples of materials are polyester, acrylic, and composite fiber. These are exemplary and not to be construed as limitations to the type of thread used for the stitching  35  and  37 . One skilled in the art of attaching and securing fabrics and cloths well appreciates other means such as gluing, pinning or plastic stapling may also work within the scope and spirit of the new device  31 . 
       FIGS. 3A through 3D  are sketches of the build of a special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device in a progressive sequence of securing and forming the device. The process in  FIG. 2 , above, explained the way to sew the fabric  33  and produce the elongated device  36 . This is shown in  FIG. 3A . Next in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , the fabricator  40  (or alternatively a machine if automated) begins to stuff one end to the interior creating a partially stuffed device  38 . The completely stuffed device  31  or the Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31  is shown being held by the fabricator  40  in  FIG. 3D . One notes the fur-like material is now inside the stuffed area and external to the Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31 . 
     All of the details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components specific to describing a special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31  may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of hand warming devices well appreciates. 
     Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     The new special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31  has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One skilled in the art and field of hand warming devices will note that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31 . 
     The preferred embodiment of the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31  is comprised essentially of a piece of “fur-like” cloth (natural or artificial) that is attached by a means (sewn, glued, or the like) to itself in a special configuration and then “inserted and stuffed” within itself to provide a new, special configuration for retaining heat and protecting ones hands. 
       FIGS. 2A through 2E  and  FIGS. 3A through 3D  show the essential method to produce the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31  in a progressive sequence. This is described above in the description section. 
       FIGS. 4A through 4C  are sketches that show the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff  31  and the relation of the device to a user&#39;s hands  41 . In  FIG. 1C , the Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31  was shown held by the user  32 . In  FIGS. 4A and 4C , the general position of the user&#39;s hands  41  are show. Theses are generally parallel. One understands from the description above that the ends of the elongated device  36  was “stuffed into itself” so that the result is a closed pocket  43  for each hand  41 . This closed area is shown in  FIG. 4B . This means that during use, each hand is separated and encased by a closed pocket  43  which has a fur-like encasement. The manner of forming these pockets (described above) and the resultant individual pockets  43  for each hand  41  provides the new and unique aspect of this concept for the Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31 . One skilled in the art of hand warming devices appreciates the tight enclosed pocket provides a warming section. The difference is that most muffs are designed to keep ones hands warm by placing both of the hands inside the muff. The hands inside the muff may be warm but they are touching which undoubtedly causes them to sweat. With the new design of the Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31 , there is a lining in the middle of the muff between each hand which in turn keeps the hands warm without them touching. This results in warmth without the sweat. The self contained, individual pockets need not use other warming devices such as hot packs and heat holding devices common in the sporting goods industry. 
       FIGS. 5A  and B and  FIG. 1B  are exemplary sketches of the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31  in operation. Here the users  32  have their hands shown interior to the Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31 . 
       FIG. 6  is a sketch of the sales brochure that depict the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff  31  and shows ways to use the device. It is self explanatory. 
     With this description it is to be understood that the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31  is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment. The features of the special Improved Hand Warming Device known as “Z” Muff device  31  are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.