Self-Cooling Garment System and Method of Using the Same

A self-cooling garment system and method of using the same provides for a central unit system having at least one motor, blower, and battery disposed in its interior, at least one port on its upper side, at least one tube connected to the at least one port, and at least one garment configured to support the at least one tube. The blower may be configured to blow cool air through the tube, thereby releasing cool air throughout the garment and cooling the wearer.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/456,447 filed on Feb. 8, 2017, the disclosure of which, including any materials incorporated by reference therein, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of garments. More particularly, the present invention concerns a self-cooling article of clothing.

BACKGROUND

Clothing that can keep the wearer cool is advantageous in many circumstances, among them when the wearer is working out or outside on a hot day. Unfortunately, most of these articles of clothing rely on passive cooling means, such as merely maximizing the airflow through the material. A need exists therefore for an active self-cooling garment solution.

Various attempts to meet this need have been made. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,124, incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, generally discloses a vest having a battery-powered blower that circulates air through the garment. Unfortunately, this disclosure and others like it are hampered by ineffective designs and bulky equipment.

Another attempt can be seen with respect to the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,128,784, incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, which generally discloses a self-ventilating vest. Although this disclosure does provide for a breathing-powered ventilation system, its ability to cool a user is limited by the temperature of the surrounding air.

Yet another variation on this theme can be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,823, incorporated by reference herein, which generally discloses a vest or suit connected by tubes to a central air cooling station. While this disclosure provides for cold air circulation through the user's garment or harness, a user is limited in practicing this disclosure by being required to maintain a certain distance from the large generator.

Various attempts have been made to solve the problems which may be found in the related art but have thus far been unsuccessful. A need therefore exists for a reliable self-cooling garment system and method of using the same to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that in the present disclosure, all embodiments are provided as illustrative and non-limiting representatives of many possible embodiments. In addition, the terms “is,” “can,” “will,” and the like are herein used as synonyms for and interchangeable with terms such as “may,” “may provide for,” and “it is contemplated that the present invention may” and so forth.

Furthermore, all elements listed by name, such as a shirt, tube, vent, etc., are herein meant to include or encompass all equivalents for such elements. For example, in addition to a “shirt”, any wearable item or garment is also contemplated by the present invention. Such equivalents are contemplated for each element named in its particular herein.

For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention are provided herein. It is to be understood that not all such aspects, advantages, or novel features may be provided in any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one aspect, advantage, or novel feature or group of features without achieving all aspects, advantages, or novel features as may be taught or suggested.

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known art, the present invention relates to a self-cooling garment system and method of using the same that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. The general purpose of the present invention, which shall be described subsequently in greater detail, is to allow a user to remain cool in warm environments or during heat-generating activities.

The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. By way of non-limiting example, the present invention provides a novel solution for maintaining a user's body temperature. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

The present invention comprises a self-cooling garment system and method of using the same. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a cooling apparatus (or “unit system” herein) that may be configured to blow cool air through one or more tubes or cavities that may be positioned either in, under, or on top of at least one garment, thereby dispersing cool air throughout the tubes and cooling the wearer. Conceptually, in some embodiments, it is contemplated that the present invention may be similar to a furnace blower that blows air through a house via ductwork, except that the present invention may blow cool air through ductwork attached to or integrated within a garment.

In some embodiments, the cooling apparatus may be a small battery-operated operated blower that may be, by way of non-limiting example, worn as a belt buckle, clipped on the user's pants, or clipped onto a user's belt. In other embodiments it may be clipped to a shirt or otherwise located elsewhere on a garment or the user's person. The cooling apparatus (or “unit system”) may be configured to blow cool air through thin fabric-like tubes in the user's clothing such as by way of illustration and not limitation, shirts or pants.

The cooling apparatus may also provide for one or more ports. In some embodiments the one or more ports may utilize one or more magnetic connection elements. The one or more ports may provide for a docking location to connect a tube's end element to the apparatus. In some embodiments, a single tube with two ends may connect from one port, run through the garment, and connect into the other port, thereby creating a loop for the cool air. In other embodiments, two or more tubes may be utilized, wherein each tube has two ends, wherein one end of the tube may be connected to the apparatus via one or more ports, and the other end of the tube may be open and unconnected, thereby providing for cool air release. The cooling apparatus may also provide for an air intake port that may be larger than either or both of the one or more connection ports, so as to facilitate faster air intake. In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for a thin metal ring at the ends of one or more tubes that will connect magnetically to the cooling apparatus casing for an easy quick attachment.

In some embodiments, the tubes may be made of a very thin wind proof fabric that will lay flat when there is no air going through them. In some embodiments, the tubes may be thin and/or fabric-like tubes. In some embodiments, the air may simply exit at the end of the tube (for example, inside the shirt or pants), cooling down the wearer. The tubes may originate around the user's waist where the apparatus may be located and may run “up” and “out” in a v-formation, thereby maximizing the present invention's coolable surface area relative to the user's body. In some embodiments, the tubes may run in a different arrangement.

The at least one battery may be, for example, a lithium ion battery. The present invention's one or more batteries may be rechargeable simply by plugging it into a wall outlet.

In some embodiments, the user may be able to choose different styles, such as by way of non-limiting example sportswear, workwear, and the like, with various tube placements sewn into the shirt or pants. This sewn-in configuration may serve to cool down the wearer from the climate he/she is in or perhaps from an exercise he/she is doing.

In an exemplary method of use, in some embodiments, a user may first put on a garment, such as by way of illustration and not limitation a shirt, that contains one or more tubes, clip the cooling apparatus to a belt, insert one or more tube ends into one or more connection ports provided by the cooling apparatus, turn on the cooling apparatus, and enjoy cooling air circulating through the present invention's tubes, thereby cooling the user.

In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for either a spray or small sheets, similar to dryer sheets, that may be used in conjunction with the blower and/or tubes to send a burst of fresh smell in with the air. Similar to applying deodorant to mask a bad smell, in some embodiments, these and other features may be for post-workout use or during meetings. These sheets or spray elements may be optionally provided as part of a kit embodiment. Similarly, in some embodiments the cooling apparatus or blower may be configured to blow warm or hot air, rather than cool or cold air, through one or more tubes.

The unique features of this product will provide the following benefits for consumers everywhere: it may cool down persons who feel too warm; it may enhance the production of workers in hot environments; it may enhance the performance of users such as athletes; it may reduce air conditioning costs; it may create a pleasant cooling sensation for the wearer; it may prevent overheating or heat-stress dangers for persons who are at risk of suffering such illness due to their health or because of the activity/work that they are doing in warmer and warmer climates; and may provide other benefits as well.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, while the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in terms of the components and configurations, it is understood to that the invention is not intended to be limited to those specific dimensions or configurations but is to be accorded the full breadth and scope of the spirit of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures where:

FIG. 1 shows a rear perspective view of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows an alternative rear view of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a cutaway interior rear perspective view of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a close-up perspective view of at least one element of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a close-up perspective view of at least one element of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wherein a garment element is omitted.

FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wherein all garment elements are shown.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method of using a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a new and more effective self-cooling garment system and method of using the same.

All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown in these Figures are not necessarily to scale. As will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, the actual dimensions and proportions of any embodiment or element of an embodiment disclosed in this disclosure will be determined by its intended use.

It is to be understood that the drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate potential embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. In addition, the first digit of each reference number indicates the figure where the element first appears.

As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Well-known features, elements or techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments.

Turning attention to FIG. 1, a rear perspective view of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive cooling apparatus 101, mesh grill 102, on/off button 103, charging dock 104, blower fan 105, unit system 106, air vent 107, first port 108 and second port 109.

In some embodiments, mesh grill 102 may be configured as a screen over first port 108. Relatedly, in some embodiments, air vent 107 may be configured as a vent or screen above second port 109. Mesh grill 102 and/or air vent 107 may be configured as fine mesh, as generally shown in FIG. 1, or in other embodiments may be more porous. In some embodiments, mesh grill 102 and/or air vent 107 may be composed of any material known in the art, such as but not limited to plastic, metal, elastomer, ceramic, wood, carbon fiber, any other inorganic or organic polymer, or any combination of materials or elements known in the art.

On/off button 103 may be configured differently in some embodiments, such as but not limited to a slider switch, a touchscreen activation switch, a knob, or any other button or switch known in the art.

Blower fan 105 may, in some embodiments, be configured differently than generally shown in FIG. 1. For example, in some embodiments, blower fan 105 may configured to rotate around a central point of axis. In other embodiments, magnetism may propel one or more parts of blower fan 105 in one or more directions, creating a wind current. In some embodiments, blower fan 105 may be configured to use magnetism alone to generate the air flow required by the present invention. Blower fan 105 may use suction or other vacuum-based air flow techniques as well.

Unit system 106 generally indicates cooling apparatus of the present invention, including the circuitry, processor(s), wiring, and so forth necessary to allow the present invention to function. As those of skill in the art will appreciate, unit system 106 may vary depending on embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, unit system 106 may be larger or smaller than generally shown in FIG. 1. Additionally, in some embodiments, unit system 106 may be of a different shape, such as by way of illustration and not limitation disc-shaped or spherical. Unit system 106 may also vary in configuration based on the type or volume of air flow required by the present invention. Unit system 106 may be configured to blow more or less air than generally shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, unit system 106 may be composed of any material known in the art, such as but not limited to plastic, metal, elastomer, ceramic, wood, carbon fiber, any other inorganic or organic polymer, or any combination of materials or elements known in the art.

In some embodiments, first port 108 and second port 109 may be configured to connect with one or more air tubes (not shown in FIG. 1). In some such embodiments, first port 108 may be configured as an air intake port whereas second port 109 may be configured as an air outflow port. Conversely, in some embodiments, first port 108 may be configured as an air outflow port whereas second port 109 may be configured as an air inflow port. In some embodiments, both first port 108 and second port 109 may be configured for air outflow, or both first port 108 and second port 109 may be configured for air inflow. In some embodiments, additional ports may be provided (not shown in FIG. 1) in addition to first port 108 and second port 109. In some embodiments, first port 108 and second port 109 may be composed of any material known in the art, such as but not limited to plastic, metal, elastomer, ceramic, wood, carbon fiber, any other inorganic or organic polymer, or any combination of materials or elements known in the art.

With respect to FIG. 2, a front perspective view of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive fan vent grill 201, along with cooling apparatus 101, mesh grill 102, unit system 106, air vent 107, first port 108 and second port 109.

In some embodiments, fan vent grill 201 may be comprised of similar or identical materials as mesh grill 102 and/or air vent 107. In other embodiments, fan vent grill 201 may be comprised of one or more different materials. Although shown in FIG. 1, as a circle, any of fan vent grill 201, mesh grill 102 and/or air vent 107 may be of any shape known in the art, or any depth relative to the plane of the outer surface of unit system 106.

With regards to FIG. 3, an alternative rear view of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive belt clip 301, as well as cooling apparatus 101, mesh grill 102, on/off button 103, charging dock 104, unit system 106, air vent 107, first port 108 and second port 109.

Those of skill in the art will note that any removable attachment element could be substituted for, and is indeed contemplated as a substitute for, belt clip 301. Such elements could be a carabiner, a hook and loop fastening element, magnetic pairings, snap enclosures, strings for tying and untying, or any other element configured to support removable attachment.

Turning attention to FIG. 4, a cutaway interior rear perspective view of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive air tube 401, electric motor 402, battery 403, and centrifugal blower 404, in addition to cooling apparatus 101, mesh grill 102, on/off button 103, charging dock 104, unit system 106, air vent 107, first port 108 and second port 109.

As may be known to those of skill in the art, air tube 401, in some embodiments, may be wider or narrower, longer or shorter than disclosed in FIG. 4. Additionally, air tube 401 may be of any material known in the art, such as but not limited to plastic, metal, elastomer, ceramic, wood, carbon fiber, any other inorganic or organic polymer, or any combination of materials or elements known in the art. In some embodiments, as generally disclosed elsewhere herein, air tube 401 may provide for one or more holes along the surface of air tube 401, and therefore may be configured to enable air to escape air tube 401 along its length, thereby in some embodiments cooling a user at regular intervals.

As mentioned above, centrifugal blower 404 may be any blower known in the art, including blowers of different air circulation techniques than the centrifugal blower 404 of FIG. 4. Centrifugal blower 404 may be larger or smaller or of a different type than generally shown in FIG. 4 as well.

Relatedly, electric motor 402 may be any motor known in the art, including non-electric motors. As well, battery 403 may be any battery known in the art, such as a lithium ion battery, a traditional battery, or a battery configured to receive and store electrical power from one or more solar voltaic cells and/or solar panel (not pictured).

With respect to FIG. 5, a close-up perspective view of at least one element of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is disclosed. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive magnetic ring 501, as well as air tube 401, mesh grill 102, unit system 106, air vent 107, first port 108 and second port 109.

Magnetic ring 501 is conceived as a convenient connection and disconnection element for air tube 401 to connect with either or both of first port 108 and second port 109 so that unit system 106 may blow air directly into air tube 401 once air tube 401 is connected to unit system 106. In other embodiments, connection and/disconnection methods other than magnetism may take the place of magnetic ring 501, such as but not limited to male/female connections, snap-connections, twist-to-lock connections, or any other type of removable connections known in the art.

Turning attention to FIG. 6, a close-up perspective view of at least one element of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive air circulation 601, small holes 602, and air tube 401.

With regard to FIG. 7, a front perspective view of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wherein a garment element is omitted, is disclosed. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive windbreaker nylon material 701 and belt 702, along with air tube 401, fan vent grill 201, and unit system 106.

In some embodiments, a material other than windbreaker nylon material 701 may be used as a lining for air tube 401. Exemplary materials include elastomer, natural fibers or filaments, plastic, or any other material disclosed herein. However, in embodiments utilizing windbreaker nylon material 701 as a lining for air tube 401, it is contemplated that the thin, flexible, and yet windproof elements of windbreaker nylon material 701 may enable the present invention to transfer air reliably, quickly, and without causing a user to receive skin abrasions.

In addition to or in substitution for belt 702, the present invention may provide that unit system 106 may connect to an over-the-shoulder strap, or directly to a user's garment, such as a shirt.

Turning attention to FIG. 8, a front perspective view of a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wherein all garment elements are shown, is disclosed. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive windbreaker material 701, belt 702, air tube 401, fan vent grill 201, and unit system 106.

With respect to FIG. 9, a method of using a self-cooling garment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is disclosed. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive the steps of identifying tubes in garment 901, putting on (don) a garment 902, clipping the cooling apparatus to a belt (or other object) 903, inserting one or more tube ends into one or more connection ports of the cooling apparatus 904, turning on the cooling apparatus 905, and adjusting the air flow temperature and flow rate as necessary 906.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Although the present invention has been described with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example and that other versions are possible. As various changes could be made in the above description without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be illustrative and not used in a limiting sense. The spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained in this disclosure.

All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112.

While the present invention generally described herein has been disclosed in connection with a number of embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

Claims

1. A self-cooling garment system, comprising:

at least one unit system having a top side, a unit system interior, a unit system perimeter; a unit system front side, a unit system rear side and at least one port disposed on the unit system top side;
at least one tube having at least one tube surface, a first tube end and a second tube end, wherein the first tube end is configured to removably mate with the at least one port;
at least one blower disposed on the unit system interior, wherein the at least one blower is configured to conduct air into the at least one port;
at least one motor disposed on the unit system interior, wherein the at least one motor is configured to cause the at least one blower to conduct air into the at least one port;
at least one battery disposed on the unit system interior, wherein the at least one battery is configured to power the at least one motor;
at least one on/off switch disposed on the at least one unit system perimeter, wherein the at least one on/off switch is configured to cause the at least one battery to power the at least one motor when the at least one on/off switch is in an on position;
at least one charging port configured to conduct an electrical current to the at least one battery when the at least one charging port is connected to a charger;
at least one fan vent grill disposed on the at least one unit system front side;
at least one attachment element disposed on the at least one unit system rear side; and
at least one garment configured to house the at least one tube.

2. The self-cooling garment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one port is an air intake port and an air outflow port.

3. The self-cooling garment system of claim 2, wherein the first tube end is configured to removably mate with the air intake port and the second tube end is configured to removably mate with the air outflow port.

4. The self-cooling garment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one port is a first air outflow port and a second air outflow port.

5. The self-cooling garment system of claim 4, wherein the at least one tube is a first tube having a first tube first end and a first tube second end and a second tube having a second tube first end and a second tube second end, and wherein the first tube first end is configured to removably mate with the first air outflow port and the second tube first end is configured to removably mate with the second air outflow port.

6. The self-cooling garment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one tube has at least one hole disposed on the at least one tube surface.

7. The self-cooling garment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment element is at least one belt clip.

8. The self-cooling garment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one the first tube end is configured to removably mate with the at least one port via at least one magnetic coupling element.

9. The self-cooling garment system of claim 1, wherein the at least one battery is a lithium ion battery.

10. A method of using a self-cooling garment system, the method comprising:

providing at least one unit system having a top side, a unit system interior, a unit system front side, a unit system rear side and at least one port disposed on the unit system top side;
providing at least one tube having at least one tube surface, a first tube end and a second tube end, wherein the first tube end is configured to removably mate with the at least one port;
providing at least one blower disposed on the unit system interior, wherein the at least one blower is configured to conduct air into the at least one port;
providing at least one motor disposed on the unit system interior, wherein the at least one motor is configured to cause the at least one blower to conduct air into the at least one port;
providing at least one battery disposed on the unit system interior, wherein the at least one battery is configured to power the at least one motor;
providing at least one on/off button disposed on the at least one unit system perimeter, wherein the at least one on/off button is configured to cause the at least one battery to power the at least one motor when the at least one on/off button is in an on position;
providing at least one charging port configured to conduct an electrical current to the at least one battery when the at least one charging port is connected to a charger;
providing at least one fan vent grill disposed on the at least one unit system front side;
providing at least one attachment element disposed on the at least one unit system rear side;
providing at least one garment configured to house the at least one tube;
providing a belt;
donning the belt;
arranging the at least one tube into a selected position within the at least one garment;
donning the at least one garment;
attaching the at least one attachment element to the belt;
inserting at least one first tube ends into at least one port; and
switching the on/off button into the on position.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one port is an air intake port and an air outflow port.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first tube end is configured to removably mate with the air intake port and the second tube end is configured to removably mate with the air outflow port.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one port is a first air outflow port and a second air outflow port.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one tube is a first tube having a first tube first end and a first tube second end and a second tube having a second tube first end and a second tube second end, and wherein the first tube first end is configured to removably mate with the first air outflow port and the second tube first end is configured to removably mate with the second air outflow port.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one tube has at least one hole disposed on the at least one tube surface.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one attachment element is at least one belt clip.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one the first tube end is configured to removably mate with the at least one port via at least one magnetic coupling element.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one battery is a lithium ion battery.

Patent History
Publication number: 20180220721
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 6, 2018
Publication Date: Aug 9, 2018
Inventor: Francis Houde (Ottawa)
Application Number: 15/889,768
Classifications
International Classification: A41D 13/005 (20060101); A41D 1/00 (20060101); A41D 13/002 (20060101); A41B 1/08 (20060101); A41D 1/06 (20060101);