Apparel Patents (Class 219/211)
  • Patent number: 8664571
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a clothing piece, such as a glove, with a heating device, in particular for the warming and/or temperature control of a skin surface with deep-acting effect upon areas of a human body, comprising at least one heat transfer element, at least one connection for an energy supply device, at least one control field with an encapsulation and with at least one circuit board with an electrical control circuit for controlling the temperature of the heat transfer element and at least two switches for the manual adjustment of the temperature. The encapsulation comprises a chamber that holds the circuit board and a protruding edge that surrounds the chamber, wherein the edge is made of a flexible material. In addition, the switches are made up of at least two contact elements located on the inside of the encapsulation and at least two contact elements formed on the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sidas Central GmbH
    Inventors: David Macher, Gerhard Kremer, Urs Maron
  • Patent number: 8658943
    Abstract: A personal thermal regulating device (PTRD) typically includes a heat generating device, a power source, a switchable control operably coupled with each of the heat generating device and the power source, and a head retention device coupled with the heat generating device and configured to retain the heat generating device positioned centrally at and in thermally conductive contact with a user's forehead. The present invention affects a tangible warming of the extremities, particularly the hands and feet, extending retention of manual dexterity and peripheral comfort under cold conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: 3Eye, LLC
    Inventors: Walter G. Larsen, Michael J. Adler
  • Publication number: 20140027436
    Abstract: Eye shield device adapted for fog prevention for use in a ski goggle, dive mask, medical or testing face shield or the like, while preventing undesirable hot spots on the eye shield, comprising an optically-transparent substrate, a plurality of conductive regions defined on the substrate and connected to a powered circuit of one or more channels. The regions on the substrate are electrically isolated from each other in a first embodiment, and the regions on the substrate are not electrically isolated, or contiguous with adjacent regions on the substrate, in a second embodiment. The regions may be uniformly-sized or of varying sizes and shapes from one region to the next region, and resistivity per square of heating material applied to the regions may be selected based on formulation of the heating material and/or thickness of the heating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: JACK CORNELIUS
  • Publication number: 20140021189
    Abstract: A retractable electrical connector assembly is attached to a piece of clothing, is electrically connected to an electric-powered article, and includes an electrical connector, a stationary unit and a movable unit. The electrical connector is disposed at the clothing and electrically connected between a power supply and the electric-powered article. The stationary unit is attached to the clothing. The movable unit is connected to the electrical connector, and is movable relative to the stationary unit to move the electrical connector between an inner position, where the electrical connector is received in the clothing, and an outer position, where the electrical connector is exposed partially from the clothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Yue
  • Patent number: 8618451
    Abstract: A heater member for a chair, of which the dimension as measured in the width direction is not constant, includes a fabric of a weft knitting structure having a plurality of conductive threads woven into the fabric as a part of constituent yarn. Each of the conductive threads has substantially the same length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Kunisada
  • Publication number: 20130334195
    Abstract: A two-piece heating unit for gloves is revealed. The two-piece heating unit for gloves includes a heating body and a thumb heating element independent from each other and respectively being fit into a main body and a thumb portion of a glove. Thereby the appearance of the glove is improved and the ergonomic design of the glove provides higher flexibility during movement of fingers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: CHIEN-CHOU CHEN
  • Publication number: 20130334194
    Abstract: A temperature control device includes a button which is located in a hole of a cloth and sewed along the periphery of the button. The control unit is located in the recess of the button and a fixing member is connected to the rear side of the button to secure the control unit in the recess. The wires of the control unit extend through the fixing member and are hidden in the cloth. The temperature control device is secured with the cloth and does not hang randomly outside the cloth so that it is protected from being scratched, pulled or compressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: CHIEN-CHOU CHEN
  • Publication number: 20130333090
    Abstract: A towel that can be converted into a hood is disclosed. The towel can be used as a shoulder cape and as a hood. When being used as a shoulder cape the towel can have a pouch to hold long hair when wet. The towel can also include accessories such as shoulder warmers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Ennio Bruno
  • Patent number: 8592725
    Abstract: A taped sealed heating system for low voltage heated garments includes at least one heating pad connected by a bus to a power supply. The heating pad and bus are laminates comprised of a tape with a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive that encapsulates heating wires and adhere to textiles. A reticulate pattern of resistance wire is attached to a substrate disposed between the core shell and an outer layer of the heating element. By heat-pressing the sealing tape on the wire pattern stitched onto a substrate, the adhesive layer melts, covers the wires and substrate, cools to become solid, and firmly encases the wires. The heating pad and bus are affixed to the garment using sealing tape with a hot melt adhesive along the periphery of the pad and bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: H2C Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Hunger, Christopher Haffly
  • Publication number: 20130305438
    Abstract: A protective suit (100), especially for an operator (1) in a cooling chamber that is cooled using liquid nitrogen or vapor of the liquid nitrogen comprises a body suit (10) which has a thermally insulating, gas-tight cover material (20) and is designed to accommodate the operator (1), and a heating device (30) which is connected to the body suit (10) and is designed to heat the interior of the protective suit (100). A glove (70) which is made of a thermally insulating glove material (71) and includes a glove heater (77) is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewan dten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Guenter R. Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann, Klaus-Peter Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20130306614
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heat activated thermal garment utilizing a back brace for housing of a main controller element and a lithium palmer battery. The controller is used for monitoring and supplying power for up to eight pieces of resistively heated clothing strips that can be incorporated into medical therapeutic products, athletic wears and clothing lines. The heating strips are strategically positioned within the garments. In a preferred embodiment a wristwatch type thermostat controller is employed that is wirelessly coupled to the back brace mounted controller. The wristwatch allows direct control of temperatures at select positions in a garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey Thomas Fey, JR.
  • Patent number: 8535363
    Abstract: A facial heating pad device provides a dry heating pad producing dry, hot heat and an opposed moist heating pad producing moist warm heat. The device includes a face pad, a power supply operationally coupled to the face pad, and a control unit. The control unit is operationally coupled to the face pad and the power supply for selectively providing power to heat the face pad. The face pad includes a dry heating portion operationally coupled to the control unit for selectively providing dry heat when the dry heating portion is heated by the power supply. The face pad also includes a moist heating portion operationally coupled to the control unit for selectively providing moist heat when the moist heating portion is heated by the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Falenia Lewis
  • Publication number: 20130233843
    Abstract: A multifunctional heated scarf is provided as a means to evenly distribute heat to a user's neck and head in cold weather environments while additionally providing convenient compartments for storing and retrieving frequently manipulated items. The present invention accomplishes this through the integration of a plurality of compartments strategically distributed along the length of the scarf. The plurality of compartments enable improved distribution of the air activated heating elements while allowing a user to easily remove or reposition said air activated heating elements with ease. The present invention additionally provides compartments positioned at the extremities of the scarf that allow for rapid storage and retrieval of frequently manipulated items. The compartments include a passive method for securely storing various items within the interior space of the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Cathy Lynn HOBERTY, Eddie Eugene CANSLER, Jacqueline Kay CANSLER
  • Publication number: 20130228562
    Abstract: A heater sewn on clothes is revealed. The heater includes a cover layer sewn on clothes and a heating unit. The cover layer consists of an inner layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer between the inner layer and the outer layer. The heating unit is arranged at the intermediate layer. Each side of the inner layer and of the outer layer forming the intermediate layer is disposed with a waterproof membrane having a high melting point. One end of each conductive wire connected to a high resistance filament includes at least two strands of electric filaments wound around and connected to the high resistance filament. The waterproof membranes are melted by high temperature and high pressure treatment so as to make the waterproof membranes of the heating unit and of the cover layer connect with each other and achieve water resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Chien-Chou CHEN
  • Patent number: 8525079
    Abstract: This invention relates to a flat heating element in particular for heating surfaces in contact with the user in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising at least one electrical conductor. According to the invention, the electrical conductivity of at least one of these electrical conductors is at least temporarily reduced if the temperature thereof at least locally exceeds a permissible maximum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventor: Michael Weiss
  • Patent number: 8510969
    Abstract: A footwear which includes a footwear sole, a footwear vamp, and a heating arrangement, wherein the heating arrangement includes a rechargeable battery, a control circuitry, a heater element, a heater switch, and a recharging inlet, wherein the control circuitry includes a switching circuitry and a status indicator circuitry electrically connected with the switching circuitry, a control outlet, an intelligence control circuitry electrically connected with the switching circuitry, a thermistor, and a power control circuitry electrically connected with the control outlet. The power control circuitry includes a voltage maintenance circuitry, wherein the intelligence control circuitry is electrically connected with the thermistor. The heater element is electrically connected with the control circuitry, and is controlled by the control circuitry to selectively generate heat for maintaining a predetermined temperature at the footwear sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Danxia Luo
  • Patent number: 8499472
    Abstract: Household appliance for washing and/or drying clothes comprising an outer casing (2) provided with a worktop (3), and heating means (7) for drying garments laid upon the worktop (3), wherein the worktop (3) or the heating means (7) comprise sensor means (8) adapted to detect the moisture content of said garments, control means being provided for operating said heating means (7) in response to the moisture content being detected by said sensor means (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Elisabetta Bari, Nicola Reid, Maurizio Ugel
  • Publication number: 20130180974
    Abstract: This invention relates to a type of apparel specifically shaped and sized to allow for a plurality of uses as a scarf, wrap, or headpiece, further comprising one or more pairs of magnetic fasteners to secure the garment in a predetermined configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Donna WILSON
  • Patent number: 8481890
    Abstract: A textile (10) comprising first and second conductive layers (12a, 12b); at least one porous layer (14) positioned between first and second conductive layers (12a, 12b), the pores of said porous layer (14) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to said conductive layers (12a, 12b); the conductive layers (12a, 12b) being connected to an electric signal generator (15) such that, in use, a voltage can be applied across said porous layer (14) to effect directional flow of liquid across said textile (10), and a voltage can also be applied along at least one of the conductive layers (12a, 12b) to effect heating of said textile (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Osmotex AG
    Inventors: Tormod Volden, Trond Heldal, Per Arne Lislien
  • Publication number: 20130168376
    Abstract: The earmuff of the present invention comprises in combination: an adjustable temperature switch, location of a power supply such as a battery inside the earmuff housing, a top frame enhanced to provide a “head gripping” feature, earmuff pads constructed to conform to the ears that are not flat but have some concavity to assist in wearer's comfort and use when moving around. The inner muff is constructed of a soft-foam and further includes a slot that enables the concurrent use of ear phones. The heating element is a plate designed to conserve battery current with adjustable temperature and a circuit design focused on conserving battery current. The plastic frame provides a head gripping feature designed to eliminate unnecessary weight and to maximize air flow that will prevent sweat and moisture buildup around the ears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin James Sousa
  • Publication number: 20130126511
    Abstract: A disposable multilayer sleeveless heated vest contains an integrated heated element which does not require an electrical power source or secondary heat sources to initially function and can be disposed of after use. The present invention comprises a front and rear section, a plurality of lateral fasteners, and a plurality of heat source compartments. Both the front and rear sections comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is insulated and moisture absorbent while the outer layer is moisture resistant. The plurality of lateral fasteners detachably couple the front and rear sections to a user's torso. The plurality of heat source compartments are positioned on both the front and rear sections and house the air activated heat source elements. The heat source elements provide heat to the user's torso until deactivating or removed by the user, at which point the user discards the vest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Christopher Yulee
  • Publication number: 20130087544
    Abstract: An article of clothing, comprising an operating part for manually operating a controllable device which can be connected to the article of clothing by means of at least one operating element of the operating part, wherein the operating part comprises a first molding, which is rigidly connected to the article of clothing and which comprises the at least one operating element, and a second molding, which comprises a holder for a control unit of the device and can be connected to the first molding, wherein the first molding comprises at least one first retaining element and the second molding comprises at least one second retaining element, wherein the two retaining elements can be brought in mutual engagement with each other so as to establish a detachable connection between the first molding and the second molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: THERM-IC PRODUCTS GMBH NFG. & CO. KG
    Inventor: THERM-IC PRODUCTS GMBH NFG. & CO. KG
  • Patent number: 8399814
    Abstract: A uniform heating assembly including at least one first insulative substrate, at least one first common terminal, at least one second common terminal and a multiplicity of conductive filaments at least partially embedded in the at one insulative substrate and extending at least mainly along both electrically parallel and geometrically parallel paths between the at least one first common terminal and the at least one second common terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: PCK Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Stella Stepanian
  • Patent number: 8383995
    Abstract: The invention provides a flexible hot plate and cooking unit, with a temperature differential of at least 40° C. between the two sides of the unit comprising a heating element sandwiched between an upper and a lower layer of flexible material wherein said upper layer provides a temperature along its upper surface of at least 80° C. for heating an object placed thereon, and said lower layer is provided with a plurality of insulating air passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Raphael Gabbay
    Inventor: Raphael Gabbay
  • Publication number: 20130043233
    Abstract: A device for removing condensate from a surface of a transparent material is disclosed. The device uses a power supply to conduct an electrical current through and thereby heat a transparent thermo-resistive element embedded within the transparent material. As the transparent thermo-resistive element is heated, heat transfers to a surface of the transparent material, thereby heating such surface to a temperature above the dew point of the condensing liquid which in turn prevents fogging on the surface of the transparent material. Embodiments of the present invention have utility in performance eyewear where fogging has the potential to reduce visibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Jeremy Alan Elser, Frederick Leonard Glick
  • Patent number: 8375471
    Abstract: Fibers, such as textile fibers, having electrical components deposited thereon. More particularly, one or more electrical components are formed directly onto the surface of at least one fiber. The fiber having the electrical component formed thereon may then be interlaced with other fibers to form a larger piece of fabric, which can be employed to produce an article of clothing. A group of transistors and piezoelectric components forming an accelerometer may be woven onto one or more natural or synthetic fibers. The fibers may then be employed as the warp, weft, or both, of a woven piece of fabric, or used to form a knitted piece of fabric. The fabric piece can then be cut and sewn to form a wearable item, such as a shirt, a pair of pants, a hat, or the upper piece of a shoe that includes the accelerometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Swatee N. Surve
  • Publication number: 20130037531
    Abstract: An article of clothing including a garment body and a heating system coupled to the garment body. The heating system includes a plurality of heating zones configured to heat different portions of the garment body. A battery pack supplies power to the heating system. A controller selectively provides power from the battery pack to the multiple heating zones. A user input member is provided for selecting a mode of the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Rick Gray, Jonathan A. Zick, Paul Fry
  • Publication number: 20130020304
    Abstract: An article of clothing having an electrical assembly formed of conductive thread. The article includes a clothing article and an electrical assembly formed using conductive thread wherein the electrical assembly is adapted to form a part of the clothing article. A pliable connector may connect the electrical assembly to a power cord. The inventions may further include a power supply connected to the power cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Erich Zainzinger, Michael Benedict Corbett, Huang Chen-Hsiang, Chen Wei, Haibo Fan
  • Publication number: 20130001212
    Abstract: A heated thermal garment for providing temperature control for a wearer is disclosed. The garment comprises a water-resistant exterior shell; a thermally-insulating interior lining; a microcontroller disposed between the interior lining and the exterior shell; a network of temperature sensors disposed between the interior lining and the exterior shell and in communication with the microcontroller; a network of heating elements disposed between the interior lining and the exterior shell, and a battery assembly providing power to the microcontroller and to the network of heating elements. Temperature zones are provided by monitoring a plurality of temperatures of an interior of the garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel R. Mangoubi
  • Publication number: 20120318781
    Abstract: An electronic personal thermal control apparatus and method may provide heating and cooling for a user. A power source may provide power to a thermal module that is capable of heating or cooling a heat transfer component to a desired temperature. The heating or cooling may be managed by a controller. The components may be placed in a housing. The apparatus may be placed at any suitable position on a user's body, such as the wrist or ankle(s). The housing of the apparatus may be incorporated or combined with clothing, such as wristband(s), apparel, jackets, footwear, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: My Core Control, LLC
    Inventor: Edward F. Lavin, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120305541
    Abstract: A gown (100) having a body-covering portion (101) and an outer layer (111) coupled to the body-covering portion, thereby defining a pocket (112), is provided. The outer layer can include a film layer (116) having a thermally reflective side (101) disposed facing the body-covering portion. In a patient warming system (600), a warming device (601) can be provided. The warming device can be placed in the pocket to warm a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew J. Giles, Francis A. Czajka
  • Patent number: 8291612
    Abstract: Disclosed is a breathable insole heater element (12, 40) for footwear. The heater element is formed by photochemically etching a porous metallized fabric, e.g. nickel-metallized polyester woven fabric. The heater element is embedded in or laminated in an insole for an article of footwear such as a shoe or boot. The insole may be cut to size as desired. The insole may include microencapsulated agents such as fragrances, perfumes, microbials or insect repellents. The microcapsules may be activated to release the agents due to the heat generated by the heater element in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: NEL Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Patrick Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8283602
    Abstract: An electric heating blanket including a flexible sheet-like heating element and a shell. The shell covers the heating blanket an includes two sheets of flexible material welded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Augustine Temperature Management LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Augustine, Randall C. Arnold, Ryan S. Augustine, Rudolf A. Deibel, Scott A. Entenman, Gordon D. Lawrence, Keith J. Leland, Thomas F. Neils
  • Publication number: 20120228279
    Abstract: A portable controllable thermal warming device including a thermal ink heating element having a conductive ink pattern comprised of interconnected lines in a definite pattern fixedly disposed on a substrate, a controller operatively coupled to a power source and the conductive ink pattern, the power source adapted to deliver a voltage to the conductive ink pattern causing the conductive ink pattern to radiate heat, the controller adapted by way of a sensor to control the voltage delivered to the conductive ink pattern and adjust the voltage in response to the operating characteristic and the means for controlling the voltage by a wire link or a wireless remote signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: William S. Haas, William J. Haas
  • Patent number: 8263215
    Abstract: The invention provides a functional stretch laminate composite puckered fabric which is robust, laundry-durable and adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body, and a method for forming such puckered fabric. The functional stretch laminate fabric is provided with at least one functional element which can conduct electricity, conduct light, provide electromagnetic fields or provide shielding from electromagnetic fields. In addition, at least one via is provided in the functional stretch laminate allowing the functional element to extend or loop outwardly from the at least one via when the laminate is in a relaxed or unstretched state. Generally, the functional stretch laminate fabric is sufficiently robust for incorporation into garments and for applications in so-called wearable electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Textronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacey B. Burr, Qaizar N. Hassonjee, Roger Armitage
  • Patent number: 8258443
    Abstract: A heating unit for use in heating buckets or barrels. The heating unit includes a first pliable cover layer and a second pliable cover layer. A pliable electrical heating element is disposed between the first and the second cover layers and configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy and to distribute the heat energy. The pliable electrical heating element includes a heat generating element for converting electrical current to heat energy and a heat spreading element comprising carbon thermally coupled to the heat generating element. The heating unit further includes a thermal insulation layer. The heating unit includes a receiving power connector electrically connected to the heat generating element. The heating unit further includes one or more fasteners allowing the heating unit to be wrapped around a bucket or barrel and secured by the one or more fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: 417 and 7/8, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Caterina, David Naylor
  • Patent number: 8253071
    Abstract: This invention relates to a flat heating element (20), in particular for heating surfaces in contact with the user in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising at least one electrical conductor (25). According to the invention, the electrical conductivity of at least one of these electrical conductors (25) is at least temporarily reduced if the temperature thereof at least locally exceeds a permissible maximum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Weiss
  • Publication number: 20120193342
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically heatable sock having a foot part and a leg part abutting thereon, at least one heating element being disposed on the foot part which is connected via supply lines to terminals for a voltage supply which has a battery, the terminals being disposed in the upper region of the leg part. As a result of the fact that a cuff which can be folded over is disposed on the upper end of the leg part, the terminals being attached and formed on the side of the cuff situated inside in the folded-over state in order to fix the battery in the correct position in the folded-over state of the cuff and to retain it at least partially, a sock is made possible which is simple to produce and comfortable to wear and ensures a reliable attachment of the components necessary for heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicants: LENZ GMBH, THERM-IC PRODUCTS GMBH NFG. & CO. KG
    Inventors: DAVID MACHER, Gerhard Kremer, Urs Maron
  • Publication number: 20120187100
    Abstract: A finger cot device for the treatment of injured or poorly circulating digits is described. The device includes an integrated heating coil powered by an internal battery that may be controlled with an on/off switch. The finger cot may be held on the injured digit using a hook and loop fastener capable of securing the device to any size digit. Further, the device may be manufactured in a variety of thicknesses, allowing thicker, more rigid cots to be used when the injured digit requires support or thinner cots that are more flexible when manual dexterity is needed. Increased circulation, muscle relaxation and warmth are provided to the user, which is particularly helpful for the elderly, those with finger injuries or partially amputated digits. In an alternate embodiment, a solar array is provided to recharge the internal battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Julius Sterner
  • Patent number: 8217318
    Abstract: The invention is a submersible hand warmer apparatus for warming a diver's gloved hands. The apparatus includes a sleeve having a center portion with an elongate chamber with a right access port and a left access port; and right and left sleeve portions with elastic cuffs. The cuffs can be stretched allowing the diver's gloved hands access to the chamber, and then retract, forming a seal against the diver's arms. The chamber is sized for enough heat transfer fluid, such as water, so that the temperature of the diver's hands is raised to at least 54° F. upon immersion of his hands in the water. The apparatus also includes a heating component; an energy source, such as a battery; a housing which provides structural support; an insulation that slows the loss of heat to the cold ambient water; and a controller that controls the rate that energy is consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jody Wood-Putnam, Marshall L Nuckols, Kenneth Price
  • Patent number: 8217316
    Abstract: A heating system is disclosed including a cabinet having walls defining an interior heating chamber. Sensors are attached to an exterior surface of the walls. Heating pad subassemblies are attached to the exterior surface of the walls with each heating pad subassemblies located adjacent a corresponding sensor. The heating pad subassemblies include a pad having an attachment face coupled to the exterior surface of the walls and a heating element coupled to the pad. A controller is in electrical communication with the heating elements and the sensors. This controller is configured to independently monitor temperate measurements from each of the sensors and to independently control each of the heating elements. The heating pad subassemblies are positionable on the exterior side of the plurality of walls and the heating system compensates for load variations across the interior heating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Enthermics Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Hansen, Adam Van Essen, Terence T. Smith, Praveen Rai
  • Patent number: 8217308
    Abstract: A more comfortable seat is provided by detecting whether or not a person is in a seat. A seat has a heating element 1, a seat surface temperature detector 5 that is situated below a seat surface cover and that detects the temperature of the seat surface, and a seating determination unit 6 for determining whether or not a seat is occupied. A determination is made as to whether or not a seat is occupied according to an amount of temperature change detected by the seat surface temperature detector 5 for a predetermined period of time, whereby a determination can be readily made as to whether or not a person is seated. When no one is seated, application of power to the heating element 1 is stopped, and the like, which in turn contributes to energy saving and enhancement of fuel efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naohito Asami, Masanori Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8212185
    Abstract: A heated garment assembly includes a jacket that includes a front panel and a rear panel integrally coupled together. The jacket has a neck opening and a body opening. The front panel has a slit therein extending between and through the neck and body openings. A pair of sleeves is attached to the jacket. The front and rear panels include an inner layer and an outer layer. A heat emitter is mounted in the jacket. The heat emitter includes a plurality of upper heating elements. The upper heating elements extend through the rear panel, the front panel and each of the sleeves. The upper heating elements are positioned between the inner and outer layers. A power supply is electrically coupled to the upper heating elements. A control is electrically coupled to the power supply to selectively turn the heating elements on or off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry Barron
  • Publication number: 20120145694
    Abstract: The earmuff of the present invention comprises in combination: an adjustable temperature switch, location of a power supply such as a battery inside the earmuff housing, a top frame enhanced to provide a “head gripping” feature, earmuff pads constructed to conform to the ears that are not flat but have some concavity to assist in wearer's comfort and use when moving around. The inner muff is constructed of a soft-foam and further includes a slot that enables the concurrent use of ear phones. The heating element is a plate designed to conserve battery current with adjustable temperature and a circuit design focused on conserving battery current. The plastic frame provides a head gripping feature designed to eliminate unnecessary weight and to maximize air flow that will prevent sweat and moisture buildup around the ears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin James Sousa
  • Patent number: 8170685
    Abstract: A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus may include a radiant heat generating layer having a plane surface including an infrared radiator adapted to radiate heat evenly from its surface, a pair of flexible electrically insulating and radiation-permeable layers located adjacent and covering opposite sides of the layer, a thermal insulation layer disposed against and covering one of the electrically insulating layers, and a sealed radiation permeable envelope enclosing the heating apparatus. The flexible heat generating layer may include a fiberglass material impregnated with a resistive material, which material may provide a surface temperature, when current is conducted therethrough, of no greater than about 54 degrees Celsius. Current limiting thermostats may be provided to prevent energy and temperature spikes. A stiffening element may help protect the components, and may orient portions of a user's body (such as, e.g., but not limited to, the wrist for repetitive strain injuries) in a therapeutic position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: CT Investments Ltd.
    Inventors: Francis G. Docherty, Wendy Docherty, John Crerar
  • Publication number: 20120091115
    Abstract: An improved portable battery system having a plurality of accumulator batteries designed with circuit features to prolong life through cell balancing is disclosed. Further, the portable battery system is designed to be a lighter-weight alternative by use of individual field operators, for example, in colder climates configured to a heated garment. Additionally, the power supply includes a microcontroller that provides control and monitoring of accumulator properties. A power supply commutator is provided to aid efficient discharge of accumulators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Sergei Y. Mironichev, Christopher D. Mechling
  • Patent number: 8156997
    Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for producing heated and/or cooled compressed air. The device may include a conventional air compressor, one or more filter stages to dry and purify the compressed air, a heat exchanger assembly including a heat exchanger enclosure with a heat exchange coil surrounded by ice or hot water for cooling or heating the compressed air, and an air distribution manifold to supply the temperature-controlled and filtered air to users. In a preferred embodiment, ice is used to cool the compressed air, and the cooled compressed air is supplied to protective gear worn by athletes to cool the athletes during rest periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: TMS Company LLC
    Inventors: Melvin O. Carter, Darren A. Carter, Kevin A. Carter, Fred M. Williams
  • Patent number: 8157570
    Abstract: This invention relates to a power connection socket unit sewed on fabric, which is mainly sewed onto clothing or fabric object in need of connecting to power source. The socket unit has a holder for wrapping over the power connection socket and a combination sheet extending outwardly from the periphery of the holder for sewing together with the fabric, and a power cord of the socket extends out from the back of the combination sheet. In this way, when fabric or clothing is combined with electrical parts such as electric heating piece, power supply function is achieved by means of the power connection socket unit sewed on fabric or clothing. Further, the power cord is not exposed to outside so as to obtain good looking effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Chien-Chou Chen
  • Patent number: 8153940
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flat heater, which is used for applications in the range of heating voltages of up to 1000 V, produces attainable powers of up to 2 kW/m2 and is characterized by the fact that the electrical resistance required for the heating is formed by an electrically conductive cellulose nonwoven. Metallic contacts which are incorporated ensure the connection of the conductive cellulose nonwoven to a voltage source. Polymer films applied on both sides provide mechanical and electrical protection and prevent the ingress of moisture into the cellulose nonwoven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Thüringisches Institut für Textil-und Kunststoff-Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Frank-Günter Niemz, Bernd Riedel, Carmen Knobelsdorf
  • Patent number: 8143554
    Abstract: A heating element includes a plurality of folded surfaces which can be resistively heating using electrical current. The heating element can advantageously function both as a heating source and a heat transfer device, as the need for separate fins or other heat dissipation members is eliminated. In some embodiments, the heating element can be included in a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system can include a fluid transfer device configured to deliver a volume or ambient air or other fluid through the heating element. As air moves past the heated folded surface of the heating element, it is heated. Heated air can then be discharged to one or more desired locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Amerigon Incorporated
    Inventor: John Lofy