Personal ventilating garment apparatus
A personal ventilating garment apparatus includes a ventilation unit connected to an air distribution garment, either directly or using a hose extension, and is operable to generate a flow of air from the ambient to the air distribution garment. The air distribution garment includes a spacer material that allows substantially omni-direction airflow therein. The air distribution garment also includes an air impermeable outer fabric.
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 INVENTION1. 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'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'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'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'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 INVENTIONThe 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's body when worn, while defining a plenum against the wearer'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 DRAWINGSThe 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:
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'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
As shown in
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
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
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
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
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
More preferably, as shown in
An air dam 50 may be centrally positioned on, or within, the air distribution garment 20. As shown in
Preferably, the apex 52 of the air dam 50 may conform to the recessed portion 52a of the Y-shaped connector 18, thereby sealing and creating, either physically or functionally, two sub-plenums 42a, 42b (see
Another suitable air dam 55 is shown in
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'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.
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'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
In
The undulating shape described above takes advantage of the underarm as an escape route for the airflow. Since each person'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'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
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
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
Initially, as can be seen in
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,
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,
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
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,
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
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.
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.
Claims
1. A personal ventilating garment apparatus comprising:
- an air distribution garment including an air impermeable fabric defining an interior of said air distribution garment sized to receive a wearer therein, and a spacer material that is positioned in said interior of said air distribution garment so that said spacer material contacts the wearer when said air distribution garment is worn, said spacer material allowing substantially omni-directional airflow therein; and
- at least one ventilation unit that flows air through said spacer material.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spacer material has a thickness dimension in a range of approximately 0.125 to 0.75 inch, inclusive.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said spacer material has a thickness dimension of approximately 0.25 to 0.375 inch, inclusive.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spacer material defines a plenum between said air impermeable fabric and the wearer of the air distribution garment.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spacer material is adjacent to said air impermeable fabric.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one ventilation unit pushes air through said spacer material.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at least one ventilation unit includes a heater to heat the air provided by said at least one ventilation unit.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at least one ventilation unit cools the wearer.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one ventilation unit pulls air through said spacer material.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further including a fabric plenum fluidically connected to said at least one ventilation unit and said spacer material, said fabric plenum including a plurality of openings that open to said spacer material.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said air impermeable fabric of said air distribution garment includes an air inlet opening to allow air to be pulled into said spacer material.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said ventilation unit includes an external power source connector.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one ventilation unit is a plurality of ventilation units.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein at least one of said plurality of ventilation units pushes air through said spacer material, and at least one of said plurality of ventilation units pulls air through said spacer material.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air distribution garment includes at least one pocket, and said at least one ventilation unit is received in said pocket, said pocket including an opening by which air is provided to said spacer material, and a mesh wall through which ambient air is provided to said at least one ventilation unit.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said at least one ventilation unit includes a lip extension that extends through said opening of said pocket, and a manifold that engages said lip extension and directs airflow to said spacer material.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said manifold includes an elastic cuff that engages said lip extension of said ventilation unit.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a belt that supports said at least one ventilation unit.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a duct that fluidically interconnects said at least one ventilation unit to said air distribution garment.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said duct includes at least one flexible joint.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said duct is a hose duct with corrugations.
22. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a carrier sized to secure said at least one ventilation unit.
23. An air distribution garment comprising:
- an air impermeable fabric defining an interior of said air distribution garment that is sized to receive a wearer therein; and
- a spacer material positioned in said interior of said air distribution garment adjacent said air impermeable fabric, said spacer material being in contact with the wearer and being positioned between the wearer and the air impermeable fabric when said air distribution garment is worn;
- wherein said spacer material allows substantially omni-direction airflow therein.
24. The garment of claim 23, wherein said spacer material has a thickness dimension in a range of approximately 0.25 to 0.375 inch, inclusive.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 3, 2006
Publication Date: May 31, 2007
Inventors: Jack Sawicki (Arlington, VA), Louis Riccio (Malvern, PA), Elie Jacob (Springfield, PA), James Wiggins (Thurmont, MD)
Application Number: 11/592,327
International Classification: A41D 13/00 (20060101);