Patent Description:
When working in a hazardous environment it may be necessary to wear a protection suit, such as a gas-tight chemical protection suit. If the protection suit is gas-tight, it is necessary to supply the wearer with clean breathable gas from a source of breathable gas, such as a cylinder. This allows the worker to safely work in the hazardous environment. In certain environments, for example tank cleaning, the worker may get uncomfortably, or dangerously hot, and it may therefore be necessary for the worker to rest periodically. This may be inefficient and/or inconvenient.

In order to maintain a safe and comfortable core body temperature, workers may wear a cooling jacket or vest that covers the majority of their torso. Many different types exist, but all typically comprise outer and inner layers sealed together to form a chamber, with a uniform arrangement of holes provided over the entire surface of the inner layer. Gas is supplied to the cooling jacket or vest which is directed to the wearer's body through the uniform arrangement of holes.

Whilst such a garment may be satisfactory, it may not be particularly comfortable to wear, especially if it is worn under a chemical protection suit. Further, if it is also necessary to supply clean breathable gas to the user, there may be a complicated or untidy arrangement of flexible fluid conduits.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved temperature control garment.

<CIT> discloses a pressurized ventilation system for providing air to the body of an individual wearing the ventilation system in order to regulate the individual's body temperature. The ventilation system includes an air bladder defining an enclosed volume, wherein there is located a plurality of channels for permitting airflow throughout the air bladder. The channels include a plurality of spaced apart apertures, which permit the escape of air out of the air bladder to the body of the individual wearing the ventilation system.

<CIT> discloses a cooling and protecting suit comprising a gas supply means, a breathing apparatus and a branding connection tool. One end of a first pipe conduit is connected to the gas supply means, and another end of the first pipe conduit is connected to the breathing apparatus. A branching connection tool is fixed to the first pipe conduit and branches the gas. A gas cooling means cools the gas branched by the branching connection tool. A second pipe conduit connects the gas cooling means to a protecting suit body, which comprises a double layer structure, and has spray holes for spraying gas towards the body.

The invention is defined in the attached independent claim to which reference should now be made. Further, optional features may be found in the sub-claims appended thereto.

According to an aspect there is provided a temperature control garment arranged to be worn on a user's torso as defined by appended independent claim <NUM>.

Also disclosed is a temperature control garment arranged to be worn on a user's torso, comprising: left and right adjustable shoulder straps; a bladder defining a chamber for receiving a supply of gas, the bladder comprising at least a back portion which is arranged to overlie at least a portion of a user's back; and an arrangement of holes provided in the bladder for directing gas supplied to the chamber towards the user's body so as to modify the temperature of the user's body. The garment may further comprising a breathing duct coupled to the bladder for receiving a supply of gas, the breathing duct having at least one duct outlet for delivering the gas supplied to the breathing duct to the user. The arrangement of holes may be concentrated in one or more targeted temperature control regions.

Further, there is disclosed a temperature control garment arranged to be worn on a user's torso, comprising: a bladder defining a chamber for receiving a supply of gas, the bladder comprising at least a back portion which is arranged to overlie at least a portion of a user's back; an arrangement of holes provided in the bladder for directing gas supplied to the chamber towards the user's body so as to modify the temperature of the user's body, wherein the arrangement of holes is concentrated in one or more targeted temperature control regions. The garment may further comprise a breathing duct coupled to the bladder for receiving a supply of gas, the breathing duct having at least one duct outlet for delivering the gas supplied to the breathing duct to the user. The garment may further comprise left and right adjustable shoulder straps.

The garment may be a harness-type garment. The garment may be a cooling or a heating garment. The garment may be arranged to be worn under a protective garment, such as a suit or jacket which may have a hood portion for covering a user's head.

The breathing duct may be coupled to the bladder such that it is in a fixed relationship with respect to the bladder. The breathing duct may be directly or indirectly attached to the bladder. For example, the breathing duct may be secured to the bladder or secured to an intermediate structure that is attached to the bladder. The breathing duct may be supported along the majority of its length. The breathing duct may be supported (directly or indirectly) by the bladder. The breathing duct may have a substantially rectangular cross-section. The breathing duct may have a substantially constant width. The breathing duct may comprise an open channel. The open channel may be covered or sealed by another part such as a flexible support. The breathing duct may be directly or indirectly coupled to the bladder. The breathing duct may be flexible and/or resilient. The breathing duct may be semi-rigid. This may mean that the breathing duct can support its own weight and therefore retains its shape. The breathing duct may be integrally formed, such as by injection moulding. The breathing duct may be formed from a plastics material. The breathing duct may longitudinally extend from a lower portion to an upper portion. The breathing duct may be arranged to extend from a lower portion of a user's back to an upper portion of a user's back. The breathing duct may be arranged to extend over the left and/or right shoulder of the user. The breathing duct may comprise left and right branches that are arranged to extend over the left and right shoulders of the user respectively. The left and right breaches may comprise one or more elbow portions that are inclined towards each other. The left and right branches may each be provided with one or more duct outlets. Each branch may have a plurality of duct, or air, outlets that are spaced from one another. The or each duct outlet may be arranged to direct gas towards the user's face.

The or each duct outlet may be arranged to discharge the gas supplied to the breathing duct into the ambient surroundings, such as a space surrounding the user's head. The or each duct outlet may be arranged to discharge the gas supplied to the breathing duct into the interior of a protective garment. The or each duct outlet may be a hole, opening or vent. The or each duct outlet may not be directly connected to a delivery device such as a hood or mask. The breathing duct may be separate from, or not directly attached to, a protective garment such as a suit.

The breathing duct may comprise a central duct portion which in use is substantially aligned with the user's spine. The central portion may extend from the bottom of the user's back to the top of the user's back. The breathing duct may comprise a duct inlet for receiving a supply of gas provided at a first, such as a lower, end. The or each duct outlet may be provided towards a second opposing end. There may be a plurality of duct outlets.

The garment may further comprise a manifold having a manifold inlet for receiving a supply of gas, and a manifold chamber outlet in fluid communication with the chamber for supplying gas to the chamber. The manifold may further comprise a breathing gas outlet in fluid communication with the breathing duct for supplying gas to the breathing duct. The manifold inlet may be provided with a gas connector to which a corresponding connector of a flexible conduit for supplying breathable gas can be connected. The gas connector may be located at the bottom of the garment and/or breathing duct. The manifold may be located towards the lower end of the garment. The manifold may comprise a gas distributor disposed within the chamber. The gas distributor may comprise a plurality of manifold chamber outlets. The gas distributor may extend transversely. The gas distributor may be disposed at the bottom of the bladder. The plurality of manifold chamber outlets may be transversely spaced. The apparatus may further comprise a distribution conduit disposed within the chamber and in fluid communication with a manifold chamber outlet. The distribution conduit may extend from a distribution conduit inlet at lower region of the chamber to distribution conduit outlet at an upper region of the chamber. There may be a plurality of distribution conduits. There may be two distribution conduits located at left and right sides respectively. The distribution conduits may be arranged to extend within the bladder over the left and right shoulders of a user.

The targeted temperature control regions may be selected from the group consisting of: a back region that in use is substantially aligned with at least a portion of a user's back; a left pectoral region that in use is substantially aligned with a user's left pectoral region; and a right pectoral region that in use is substantially aligned with a user's right pectoral region. The holes may be provided only in the one or more targeted temperature control regions. The cooling holes may be arranged such that in use they face the user's body.

The bladder does comprise a back portion arranged to overlie at least a portion of a user's back. The bladder may comprise left and right shoulder portions arranged to pass over a user's left and right shoulders respectively. The bladder may comprise left and right pectoral portions arranged to overlie at least a portion of a user's left and right pectoral regions respectively. The bladder may be defined by two layers such as an inner layer and an outer layer. One or both of the layers may be gas impermeable. The cooling holes may be formed or provided in the inner layer. In some embodiments the inner layer of the bladder may be made from a gas permeable material such as a woven fabric, a foam, or an open-cell material. The structure of the gas permeable material may provide the cooling holes. The bladder may comprise one or more adjustable vents that can be opened and closed. The or each adjustable vent may comprise an opening provided with a reclosable fastener, such as a zip.

The garment may further comprise a gas-permeable layer disposed on the inner side of the bladder. The permeable layer may comprise a foam or mesh. The permeable layer may be a three dimensional woven fabric. The permeable layer may act to diffuse or distribute gas supplied from the chamber. The permeable layer may be attached to the bladder. The permeable layer may be detachably attached.

The garment further comprises a flexible support. The bladder may be supported by the flexible support. The bladder may be provided on the inner side of the flexible support. The bladder may be attached to the flexible support. The flexible support may comprise a back portion arranged to overlie at least a portion of a user's back. The flexible support may comprise left and right shoulder portions arranged to pass over a user's left and right shoulders respectively. The flexible support may comprise left and right pectoral portions arranged to overlie at least a portion of a user's left and right pectoral regions respectively. The flexible support may be a fabric, and may comprise a fabric panel. The bladder may be generally coextensive with the flexible support. The breathing duct is supported by the flexible support along its length. The combination of the breathing duct and flexible support and/or bladder may be flexible. The combination of the breathing duct and flexible support and/or bladder may be flexible such that the garment can be adjusted so that the garment closely conforms to the user's body. The breathing duct may be fixedly attached to the flexible support and/or the bladder. In other words, the breathing duct may be attached to the flexible support in such a manner than it cannot be removed (or at least it is not intended to be removed). The breathing duct may be sealed to the flexible support. The breathing duct may be in the form of an open channel and the flexible support may seal the open channel. The breathing duct may be supported on the outer surface of the flexible support. The breathing duct may be attached to the outer surface of the flexible support. The permeable layer may be substantially coextensive with the flexible support.

Further still, there is disclosed a breathing apparatus garment arranged to be worn on a user's torso for supplying breathable gas to a user, comprising: a flexible support comprising at least a back portion which is arranged to overlie at least a portion of a user's back; and a breathing duct supported by the flexible support for receiving a supply of breathable gas, the breathing duct having at least one duct outlet for delivering the breathable gas supplied to the breathing duct to the user. The garment may be a harness-type garment. The garment may be arranged to be worn under a protective garment, such as a suit or jacket which may have a hood portion for covering a user's head. The garment may further comprise left and right adjustable shoulder straps.

The breathing duct may have a substantially rectangular cross-section. The breathing duct may have a substantially constant width. The breathing duct may comprise an open channel. The open channel may be covered or sealed by another part such as a flexible support. The breathing duct may be flexible and/or resilient. The breathing duct may be semi-rigid. This may mean that the breathing duct can support its own weight and therefore retains its shape. The breathing duct may be integrally formed, such as by injection moulding. The breathing duct may be formed from a plastics material. The breathing duct may longitudinally extend from a lower portion to an upper portion. The breathing duct may be arranged to extend from a lower portion of a user's back to an upper portion of a user's back. The breathing duct may be arranged to extend over the left and/or right shoulder of the user. The breathing duct may comprise left and right branches that are arranged to extend over the left and right shoulders of the user respectively. The left and right breaches may comprise one or more elbow portions that are inclined towards each other. The left and right branches may each be provided with one or more duct outlets. Each branch may have a plurality of duct, or air, outlets that are spaced from one another. The or each duct outlet may be arranged to direct gas towards the user's face.

The breathing duct may comprise a central duct portion which in use is substantially aligned with the user's spine. The central portion may extend from the bottom of the user's back to the top of the user's back. The breathing duct may comprise a duct inlet for receiving a supply of gas provided at a first, such as a lower, end. The breathing duct may be provided with a gas connector to which a corresponding connector of a flexible conduit for supplying breathable gas can be connected. The connector may be a quick release connector. The or each duct outlet may be provided towards a second opposing end. There may be a plurality of duct outlets.

The flexible support may comprise left and right shoulder portions arranged to pass over a user's left and right shoulders respectively. The flexible support may comprise left and right pectoral portions arranged to overlie at least a portion of a user's left and right pectoral regions respectively. The flexible support may be a fabric. The breathing duct may be supported by the flexible support. The breathing duct may be sealed to the flexible support. The breathing duct may be in the form of an open channel and the flexible support may seal the open channel. The breathing duct may be supported on the outer surface of the flexible support. The breathing duct may be attached to the outer surface of the flexible support.

The garment may further comprise a chest strap. The garment may further comprise a waist belt or an attachment for attaching a waist belt.

The invention also relates to personal protective equipment, comprising: a temperature control or breathing apparatus garment in accordance with any statement herein; and a protective garment arranged to be worn over the garment. The protective garment may be arranged to cover at least a user's torso. The protective garment may be a protective suit, such as a chemical protection suit, or a jacket. The protective garment may comprise a hood portion which is arranged to cover the user's head. The or each duct outlet may be arranged to discharge breathable gas supplied to the breathing duct into the protective garment. At least a portion of the duct including the or each duct outlet may be disposed within the protective garment. The personal protective equipment may further comprise a source of gas with a flexible conduit fluidically coupled between the source of gas and the garment. The source of gas may comprise a source of breathable gas.

The invention may comprise any combination of the features and/or limitations referred to herein, except combinations of such features as are mutually exclusive.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

<FIG> shows personal protective equipment <NUM> for a user comprising a protective suit in the form of a full gas-tight chemical protection suit <NUM>, which is worn by the user, including a hood portion <NUM> which covers the user's head. The equipment <NUM> also comprises a source of breathable gas <NUM> in the form of two large cylinders <NUM> of breathable gas provided on a trolley <NUM>. A flexible conduit <NUM>, or hose, is fluidically connected to the source of breathable gas <NUM> and passes through the chemical protection suit <NUM> in a fluid-tight manner. The flexible conduit <NUM> is provided on a reel <NUM> which is attached to the trolley <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, underneath the chemical protection suit <NUM> a breathing apparatus harness-type temperature control garment <NUM> (herein after referred to as the "garment") is worn by the user, together with a waist mounted manifold <NUM>. The waist mounted manifold <NUM> comprises a holder <NUM> attached to a waist belt <NUM>, the holder <NUM> retaining a manifold <NUM> which in this embodiment has a manifold inlet port <NUM> and a manifold outlet port <NUM>. The waist belt <NUM> cooperates with the garment <NUM> so that it acts as the waist belt of the garment <NUM>. The waist mounted manifold <NUM> may be substantially as described in our co-pending <CIT>, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes. The source of breathable gas <NUM> is fluidically connected to the manifold inlet <NUM> via the flexible conduit <NUM> and, as will be described in detail below, the manifold outlet <NUM> is fluidically connected to an inlet port (not shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the garment <NUM> with a shorter flexible conduit <NUM>. Accordingly, breathable gas can be supplied from the gas cylinders <NUM> to the garment <NUM>. As will be described in detail below, in this particular embodiment the garment <NUM> distributes the breathable gas supplied from the source of breathable gas <NUM> so that it can be breathed by the user, and so that it controls or moderates the body temperature of the user.

The personal protective equipment <NUM> allows a user to safely and comfortably work in hazardous environments for extended periods of time. Breathable gas is supplied from the source of breathable gas <NUM> to the garment <NUM> worn by the user such that the breathable gas can be breathed by the user, and the garment <NUM> also uses the breathable gas to control the body temperature of the user. Although it has been described that the protection suit <NUM> is gas-tight, it will be appreciated that this is in respect of ambient gas entering the suit <NUM>. As well as clean breathable gas entering the protection suit <NUM> via the flexible conduit <NUM>, it is also clearly possible for exhaled or used breathable gas to exit the chemical protection suit <NUM> through two exhalation ports provided in the suit.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> <FIG>, the garment <NUM> is a harness-type garment comprising a flexible support <NUM>, a breathing duct <NUM>, a bladder <NUM> and a diffuser layer <NUM>. The bladder <NUM> is provided on and is attached to the inner side of the flexible support <NUM>, whilst the breathing duct <NUM> is provided on and is attached to the outer side of the flexible support <NUM>. The diffuser layer <NUM> is provided on the inner side of the bladder <NUM> such that the bladder <NUM> is disposed between the diffuser layer <NUM> and the flexible support <NUM>. The garment <NUM> also comprises a number of fluid supply components that will be described in detail below.

Referring to <FIG>, the main flexible support <NUM> is a continuous panel of a heavy-duty fabric and in this embodiment is made from 600d woven polyester. The flexible support <NUM> is a skeleton support and comprises a number of contiguous portions, or regions, including a back portion <NUM> which is arranged to cover (or overlie) a portion of a user's back, left and right shoulder potions <NUM>, <NUM> which are arranged to pass over a user's left and right shoulders respectively, and left and right pectoral portions <NUM>, <NUM> which are arranged to overlie at least a portion of a user's left and right pectoral regions respectively. The back portion <NUM> comprises a wider lumbar region 32a and a narrower spinal region 32b. The garment <NUM> also comprises left and right adjustable shoulder straps formed by left and right buckles <NUM>, <NUM> and left and right straps <NUM>, <NUM>. The buckles <NUM>, <NUM> are attached, such as by stitching, to the left and right pectoral portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the flexible support <NUM>, and the left and right straps <NUM>, <NUM> are attached at a lower end, such as by stitching, to left and right sides of the lumbar portion 32a of the flexible support <NUM>. The left and right straps <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate with the left and right buckles <NUM>, <NUM> respectively to form the adjustable shoulder straps. The overall length of the shoulder straps can be adjusted to alter the fit of the garment <NUM>. An adjustable chest strap is also provided that comprises female and male cooperating buckles <NUM>, <NUM> that are attached, such as by stitching, to the left and right pectoral regions <NUM>, <NUM> respectively. In use, the chest strap can be fastened across the chest of the user to improve the comfort and/or fit of the garment <NUM>.

As opposed to being a flexible panel of fabric, the flexible support <NUM> could be manufactured from a resilient material with the flexible support <NUM> having a pre-defined shape which retains an operational configuration when not worn. This may improve the fit of the garment <NUM> and may make it easier to don the garment <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the breathing duct <NUM> is a flexible, integrally formed injection-moulded component made from silicone rubber. Whilst the breathing duct <NUM> is flexible, it is considered to be "semi-rigid" inasmuch as it maintains its shape under its own weight. The breathing duct <NUM> comprises a main longitudinally extending central section <NUM> and splits into left and right branches <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby forming a "Y-shape". As will be described in detail below, the lower end of the central section <NUM> forms a duct inlet (not shown) for receiving a supply of breathable gas. The left and right branches <NUM>, <NUM> each have an elbow section <NUM>, <NUM> that are inclined towards each other. The duct <NUM> is substantially symmetric about a longitudinal axis that is aligned with the central portion <NUM>. The left and right branches <NUM>, <NUM>, particularly in the region of the elbow sections <NUM>, <NUM>, are each provided with a plurality of duct, or air, outlets (or openings or holes) <NUM>, <NUM>. The air outlets <NUM>, <NUM> are located in a line side-by-side and are substantially equally spaced from one another. The outlets <NUM>, <NUM> are in the form of through-holes that extend through the wall of the breathing duct <NUM>. The air outlets <NUM>, <NUM> therefore provide fluid communication between the interior of the breathing duct <NUM> and the outside.

As can be seen from the sectional view along the line A-A, the breathing duct <NUM> forms an open channel <NUM> and is provided with a flange <NUM> around its entire periphery. Referring back to <FIG>, the breathing duct <NUM> is attached to the flexible support <NUM>. In this embodiment, the flange <NUM> of the breathing duct <NUM> is stitched and sealed to the flexible support <NUM> so that the flexible support <NUM> closes the open channel <NUM> defined by the duct <NUM>. The central duct section <NUM> extends from a lower portion of the back portion <NUM> to an upper portion thereof, the left and right branches <NUM>, <NUM> are attached to and extend over the shoulder portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and the elbow sections <NUM>, <NUM> overlie and are attached to the pectoral portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The bladder <NUM> is attached to and supported on the inner surface of the flexible support <NUM>. In this embodiment the bladder <NUM> is stitched to the flexible support <NUM>, but it could be attached in any suitable manner, for example by bonding. The bladder <NUM> defines a chamber, or plenum, for receiving a supply of breathable gas. The bladder <NUM> is a flexible two-layered structure and in this embodiment is made from polyurethane (PU) or polyvinylchloride (PVC). The two layers <NUM>, <NUM> forming the bladder <NUM> are of substantially the same shape and size and are joined at their periphery to define the chamber. Referring to <FIG>, the bladder <NUM> comprises a back portion <NUM>, left and right shoulder portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and left and right pectoral portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The back potion <NUM> is arranged to overlie at least a portion of the user's back, the left and right shoulder portions <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged to extend over the user's left and right shoulders respectively, and the left and right pectoral portions <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged to overlie at least a portion of the user's left and right pectoral regions respectively. The bladder <NUM> comprises two adjustable vents <NUM> in the form of zips that are provided in the outermost layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>. These can be opened or closed to control the flow of gas within the chamber defined by the bladder <NUM>. Further, the vents <NUM> can be opened after the garment <NUM> has been cleaned in order to reduce the drying time.

As shown in <FIG>, the inner layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> is provided with an arrangement of cooling holes <NUM> that are through-holes, or perforations, formed in the inner layer <NUM>. The cooling holes <NUM> therefore provide fluid communication between the interior of the bladder <NUM> (i.e. the chamber) and allow breathable gas within the bladder <NUM> to exit. In this embodiment, the arrangement of cooling holes <NUM> are arranged in three targeted temperature control regions; namely, a back region <NUM> which is arranged to overlie at least a portion of a user's back, a left pectoral region <NUM> which is arranged to overlie a least a portion of a user's left pectoral region, and a right pectoral region <NUM> which is arranged to overlie a least a portion of a user's right pectoral region. The targeted temperature control regions are chosen to achieve maximum cooling efficiency. The cooling holes <NUM> have a diameter of approximately <NUM> and the holes are arranged in a square grid spaced by <NUM> in all directions. In this embodiment, the cooling holes <NUM> are only provided in the targeted temperature control regions. The rear of the bladder <NUM> is also provided with two waist belt attachment loops <NUM>, the function of which will be described below. In other embodiments the bladder <NUM>, or the inner layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>, could be made from a gas-permeable woven fabric layer with the weave of the fabric providing the cooling holes <NUM>. Alternatively, the inner layer <NUM> could be made from a foam material or an open-cell material, with the inherent properties of the material providing the cooling holes <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, the bladder <NUM> is attached to the inner surface of the flexible support and is substantially aligned with it. Specifically, the back portion <NUM> of the flexible support <NUM> is aligned with the back portion <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>, the left and right shoulder portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the flexible support <NUM> are aligned with the left and right shoulder portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>, and the left and right pectoral portions <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned with the left and right pectoral portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the garment <NUM> also comprises a diffuser layer <NUM> which in this embodiment is in the form of a gas-permeable layer. The diffuser layer <NUM> in this embodiment is a three-dimensional woven fabric. The diffuser layer <NUM> is substantially the same shape and size as the bladder <NUM> and has a back portion, left and right shoulder portions and left and right pectoral portions. However, the diffuser layer <NUM> does not cover the waist belt attachment loops <NUM>. The diffuser layer <NUM> is detachably attached to the bladder with zips <NUM>. This allows the diffuser layer <NUM>, which in use is in contact with the user, to be detached and washed. The bladder <NUM> is disposed between the flexible support <NUM> and the diffuser layer <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the garment <NUM> also comprises a number of fluid supply components for supplying and distributing within the garment <NUM> the breathable gas from the supply of breathable gas <NUM>. A manifold <NUM> is provided which comprise a T-piece <NUM> located within and at the lower end of the breathing duct <NUM> and a gas distributor <NUM> disposed within a lower portion of the bladder <NUM>. The T-piece <NUM> comprises a breathable gas inlet <NUM>, a breathable gas outlet <NUM> and a distributor outlet <NUM>. The T-piece <NUM> is fluidically sealed within a lower portion of the breathing duct <NUM> and is located inside the channel <NUM>. The breathable gas inlet <NUM> is provided with a connector <NUM> which is located outside of the breathing duct <NUM> and a flexible conduit <NUM> supplying breathable gas can be fluidically connected to it. The breathable gas outlet <NUM> is coaxial with the inlet <NUM> and is disposed within the channel <NUM> of the breathing duct <NUM> in a region which forms a duct inlet. The distributor outlet <NUM> is in fluid communication with both the inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM> and passes through an opening in the flexible support <NUM> and the outer panel <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> such that it extends into the bladder <NUM>. The distributor outlet <NUM> is sealed to the flexible support <NUM> and the outer panel <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> shows the gas distributor <NUM> which is a plastic injection moulded component. The gas distributor <NUM> is a hollow component and has an opening <NUM> in a side wall within which the gas distributor outlet <NUM> is received and sealed. The upper part of the gas distributor <NUM> is provided with a plurality of spaced manifold chamber outlets <NUM> in the form of through-holes leading to the interior of the gas distributor <NUM>. The gas distributor <NUM> is also provided with first and second distribution ports <NUM> that are in fluid communication with the interior of the gas distributor <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, a flexible distribution conduit <NUM> is fluidically coupled to each distribution port, and the distribution conduits <NUM> are disposed within and extend within the bladder <NUM> to an upper region thereof. Specifically, in this embodiment the distribution conduits <NUM> terminate in the region of the pectoral portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the bladder such that the outlets of the conduits <NUM> are adjacent to the left and right pectoral temperature control regions <NUM>, <NUM>. The distribution conduits <NUM> are held in place by one or more clips or fixings <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, in use, a user connects a flexible fluid conduit <NUM> between the outlet <NUM> of the waist mountable manifold <NUM> and the fluid inlet connector <NUM> of the garment <NUM>. The waist belt <NUM> is then passed through the waist belt attachment loops <NUM> so that the waist mounted manifold equipment <NUM> is coupled to the harness-type breathing/cooling garment <NUM>. The user then dons the harness-type garment <NUM> and adjusts the left and right adjustable shoulder straps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the waist belt <NUM> and the chest strap <NUM>, <NUM> to achieve the desired fit. As opposed to using the waist belt <NUM> of the manifold equipment <NUM>, the garment <NUM> could be provided with its own waist belt or strap. When correctly worn and fitted, the back portion <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> overlies the user's back, the left and right shoulder portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> extend over the user's left and right shoulders respectively, and the left and right pectoral portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> overlie the user's left and right pectoral regions. Thus, the targeted cooling regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> formed by the cooling holes <NUM> are aligned with the user's back, left pectoral region and right pectoral region. The diffuser layer <NUM> is in close contact with the user's clothing or body.

The user then dons the gas-tight chemical protection suit <NUM> which is worn over the breathing/cooling garment <NUM>. A flexible conduit <NUM> which is connected at a first end to the source of breathable gas <NUM> is then passed in a fluid-tight manner through a seal in the chemical protection suit and is attached to the inlet <NUM> of the waist mountable manifold <NUM>. This allows breathable gas to be supplied from the source of breathable gas <NUM> to the garment <NUM>. Additional protective clothing such as gloves and boots may then also be donned. Before the chemical protection suit <NUM> is fully donned, the source of breathable gas <NUM> is turned on resulting in breathable gas being supplied through the fluid lines <NUM>, <NUM> to the garment <NUM>. The chemical protection suit is then fully sealed with the hood <NUM> covering the user's head.

Referring to <FIG>, the breathable gas supplied from the source of breathable gas <NUM> enters the inlet <NUM> of the garment manifold <NUM> and enters the T-piece <NUM>. A proportion of the gas, which in this embodiment is approximately <NUM>%, is supplied into the gas distributor <NUM> through the outlet <NUM>, whilst the remainder (i.e. the other <NUM>%) of the gas is supplied into a lower portion of the channel <NUM> of the breathing duct <NUM>. The breathable gas is supplied at a rate of approximately <NUM> litres/min. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the proportions of breathing gas and cooling gas may be different, and the flow rate may be any suitable rate. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the breathable gas flows within the central portion <NUM> of the breathing duct <NUM>, and then flows into the left and right branches <NUM>, <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the gas then exits the breathing duct <NUM> through the air outlets <NUM>, <NUM> which directs the gas towards the user's face. The breathable gas is discharged from the air outlets <NUM>, <NUM> into the interior of the chemical protection suit <NUM> where it can be inhaled by the user. The air outlets <NUM>, <NUM>, or openings, vent or discharge the breathable gas freely into the ambient surroundings within the protective garment in the region of the user's head. Thus, there is no fluid line provided between the duct outlet and the breathable gas inlet of a delivery device (such as a face mask or hood). The positioning of the air outlets <NUM>, <NUM> is such that gas is directed towards the user's face, keeping carbon dioxide levels in region of the users face to a safe level. This is an important safety benefit. As the user exhales, the gas exits the chemical protection suit <NUM> through one-way exhalation valves.

The flexible but semi-rigid nature of the breathing duct <NUM> allows a user to bend and twist, whilst preventing the breathing duct <NUM> from being crushed so that the channel <NUM> is closed. Further, if a user is lying on their back, for example, although it may be deformed, the breathing duct <NUM> is not completely crushed which would restrict the supply of gas to the user.

Referring to <FIG>, a proportion of the breathable gas which enters the interior of the gas distributor <NUM> is discharged into a lower part of the interior (i.e. the chamber) of the bladder <NUM> which is adjacent to the back temperature control region <NUM>. The remainder of the breathable gas enters the distribution conduits <NUM> where it flows towards the left and right pectoral portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>. The breathable gas is discharged into the interior of the bladder <NUM> at positions adjacent to the left and right pectoral temperature control regions <NUM>, <NUM> respectively. The distribution conduits <NUM> ensure that the breathable gas is distributed within the bladder <NUM> to the correct regions.

The breathable gas within the bladder <NUM> is then discharged from the interior of the bladder towards the user's body through the cooling holes <NUM>. The gas flows through the diffuser layer <NUM> which causes the gas to be more evenly distributed. This acts to cool the user's body. Specifically, gas is discharged through the holes <NUM> in the back temperature control region <NUM>, the left pectoral temperature control region <NUM> and the right pectoral temperature control region <NUM>. This directs gas towards the user's back, left pectoral region and right pectoral region, acting to cool these regions. This targeted cooling acts to cool the user's body temperature, thereby improving the user's comfort. The diffuser layer <NUM> fits closely to the user's body so that the cooling gas is directed towards the user's body. If the user wishes to alter level of cooling, the adjustable vents <NUM> can be opened to allow gas to exit the bladder through the outer panel <NUM> (as opposed to being directed towards the user's body).

The provision of cooling holes in specific targeted cooling regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> means that the breathable gas supplied to the garment is efficiently used and gas is not directed to areas which do not require cooling. The Applicant has discovered that cooling the user's back region, left pectoral region and right pectoral region has a particularly beneficial effect (when compared to cooling other parts of the body) on the user's core body temperature. Since the cooling holes are selectively placed in the most appropriate regions, it is not necessary to provide an "all over" garment such as a vest or jacket. Thus, a harness-type garment can be provided which is more comfortable to wear and which conforms more closely to the body of the wearer.

It should be appreciated that in other embodiments cooling holes may be distributed evenly throughout the bladder, or they may be provided in one or more different targeted cooling regions. For example, cooling holes may only be provided in a back temperature control region.

A garment <NUM> which provides both cooling, and which is capable of delivering breathable gas to a user, is particularly advantageous and results in a compact piece of equipment. It negates the need for a separate cooling garment and breathing apparatus, which may be more complex and expensive. Further, using a single piece of equipment to provide two major functions reduces the number of fluid components and supply lines.

The manifold <NUM> may be provided with one or more fluid control valves that may allow the proportion of gas supplied to the breathing duct and the bladder to be altered. For example, it may be possible to prevent breathable gas being supplied to the breathing duct or bladder if it is not required. A valve may also be provided to allow the flow rate of gas supplied to the garment <NUM> to be controlled.

It has been described that the garment <NUM> is a harness-type arrangement in which there are adjustable shoulder straps. This may be particularly beneficial as it the garment can be adjusted to fit all different body types. Therefore, it is only necessary to manufacture, supply and purchase a single garment of a single size (or at least a small number of garments of different sizes) which can be adjusted to fit all types of users. Further, a harness-type garment may be more comfortable to wear.

As opposed to providing a separate flexible support, the bladder itself may form a support structure. For example, the breathing duct could be directly attached to the bladder as opposed to being coupled to it by the flexible support. Further, in other embodiments the breathing duct could be integrally formed or partially defined by the bladder. For example, the bladder could define a main cooling gas chamber for cooling gas and a breathing duct passage for breathing gas.

It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the garment <NUM> may take other forms and could be a vest or jacket, for example. In one alternative arrangement, the garment could be a vest having targeted (or non-targeted) cooling regions with a breathing duct attached thereto.

It has been described that the garment <NUM> is arranged to be worn underneath a chemical protection suit. However, the garment <NUM> could be worn under any protective garment such as a jacket, for example.

It is not essential that the garment <NUM> comprises a breathing duct for supplying breathable gas to a user. The garment <NUM> may therefore only provide a cooling function. For example, the cooling garment <NUM> could be worn to control the body temperature of a user where breathing apparatus is not necessary (i.e. the ambient air is safe to breathe). Alternatively, the cooling garment <NUM> could be used in combination with other types of breathing apparatus. In one arrangement, the cooling garment <NUM> could be incorporated into, or worn under, a harness for self-contained breathing apparatus. If the garment <NUM> is not required to supply breathable gas to a user, it may not be necessary that the gas supplied to the garment <NUM> is breathable gas.

It has been described that the garment <NUM> is supplied with gas which is used to cool a user's body. However, it should be appreciated that gas may be supplied to warm a user working in cold environments.

Claim 1:
A temperature control garment (<NUM>) arranged to be worn on a user's torso, comprising:
a flexible support;
a bladder (<NUM>) defining a chamber for receiving a supply of gas; and
an arrangement of holes (<NUM>) provided in the bladder (<NUM>) for directing gas supplied to the chamber towards the user's body so as to modify the temperature of the user's body;
characterised by a breathing duct (<NUM>) coupled to the bladder (<NUM>) and supported by the flexible support (<NUM>) along a length of the breathing duct (<NUM>), the breathing duct (<NUM>) for receiving a supply of breathable gas, the breathing duct (<NUM>) having at least one duct outlet (<NUM>, <NUM>) for delivering the breathable gas supplied to the breathing duct (<NUM>) to the user, wherein the at least one duct outlet (<NUM>, <NUM>) is arranged to discharge the breathable gas such that it can be inhaled by the user; and
wherein the bladder (<NUM>) comprises at least a back portion (<NUM>) which is arranged to overlie at least a portion of the user's back.