TEMPERATURE CONTROL POUCH ATTACHMENT SYSTEMS

Abstract

Temperature control pouch attachment system, Frio, is a backpack (or other item) attachment with an insulated pouch, a gel ice pack, and heating pack. The device may be attached to a backpack or other item using various methods of attachment and it is removably coupled to, a backpack, car seat, suit jacket, police, military, and K9 vests. The pouch has 3 layers; the inside layer being waterproof; the second layer consists of an insulation material to keep the coolness or heat inside, and the outside layer is a polyester fabric material that will wick away any moisture created by the user wearer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from copending Utility patent application Ser. No. 15/161,167, filed on May 20, 2016, which is related to and claims priority from provisional application serial number 62/165,091, filed May 21, 2015. Both applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present inventions. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of temperature control devices and means and more specifically relates to a temperature control pouch attachment system.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

An ice pack or gel pack is a portable plastic sac filled with water, or refrigerant gel or liquid. For use, the contents are frozen in a freezer. Both ice and other non-toxic refrigerants can absorb a considerable amount of heat, due to the high latent heat of fusion of water. These packs are commonly used to keep food cool in portable coolers, or as a cold compress to alleviate the pain of minor injuries; or in insulated shipping containers to keep products cool during transport. The use of such ice packs or gel packs may be singular in purpose.

A backpack is, in its simplest form, a cloth sack carried on one's back and secured with two straps that go over the shoulders. Backpacks are commonly used by hikers and students and are often preferred to handbags for carrying heavy loads or carrying any sort of equipment, because of the limited capacity to carry heavy weights for long periods of time in the hands. A problem with using such backpacks is the backpacks are pressed against the user-carrier's back while walking to class or around campus. The back of the individual tends to get extremely hot and uncomfortable to wear because of this close proximity (contact) and perspiration has no way of escaping; this is not desirable.

Generally speaking, many items when pressed against an individual's body for extended periods during hot seasons tend to cause sweating and detract from comfort. Such items may include car seats, vests for military, police, K9 units, and the like. The present invention may also be coupled with various garments such as suit jackets or the like. A suitable and effective solution for efficiently cooling the wearer is desirable.

Several attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. and Foreign Pat No. 5,894,977; 5,787,505; 8,397,518; 6,422,439; and 3,950,789; and EP 2,380,534. This art is representative of temperature control devices and means. However, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Sometimes, a temperature control devices and means should provide a device that is able to keep a user warm or cold during various activities and yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable temperature control pouch attachment system to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known temperature control devices and means art, the present invention provides a novel temperature control pouch attachment system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a temperature control pouch attachment system.

A temperature control pouch system is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a temperature control pouch mounted inside of a back-back-type system. The back-back-type system comprises a pouch comprising a body, at least one side-fastener, a top surface, a bottom surface, and an inner volume, at least one end-fastener, and at least one temperature control pack.

The pouch comprises the body, the side-fastener, the top surface, the bottom surface, and the at least one temperature control pack. The side-fastener comprises a zipperable-fastener, such as a zipper, although other fastening means may be employed. The pouch is multi-layered for housing the at least one temperature control pack and maintaining a temperature via restricting heat transfer through insulative layers or other means. The pouch sometimes comprises multiple layers. Sometimes these multiple layers are between the user or wearer and the temperature control pack, sometimes these multiple layers of between the back of the system and the temperature control pack, and sometimes these multiple layers are in both positions. The first layer of the pouch comprises waterproof material. The second layer of the pouch comprises insulation material. The third layer of the pouch comprises moisture wicking material. In some embodiments temperature control pack is flanked by two nylon fabric layers.

The back-pack-type system can comprise functionality to receive modular attachments such as a pouch or cargo pouch. In some embodiments, the modular attachments connect to the back-pack-type system using clips, buckles, or other fasteners. The at least one end-fastener comprises a zipper fastener. The inner volume of the pouch is able to removably house the at least one temperature control pack. In some embodiments, the at least one temperature control pack comprises at least one cooling pack. The side-fastener removably contains the at least one temperature control pack within the inner volume of the pouch during use. The temperature control pouch comprises a flat profile such that it is able to fit inside of the back-pack-type system. The temperature control pouch attachment system is useful for keeping a user at a desired temperature during wear.

A method of using a temperature control pouch attachment system is also disclosed herein comprising the steps of: providing the system and inserting at least one temperature control pack into a pouch of the system, and wearing the at least one item.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a temperature control pouch attachment system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 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. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, temperature control pouch attachment systems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a temperature control pouch attachment system during an ‘in-use’ condition showing a pouch, at least one end-fastener, and at least one temperature control pack in functional combination according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the temperature control pouch attachment system comprising a temperature control pouch attachment assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a temperature control pouch attachment assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the temperature control pouch attachment assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the temperature control pouch attachment system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views illustrating the temperature control pouch attachment assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the temperature control pouch assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating layers of the temperature control pouch assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9A and 9B are schematic views illustrating a cold pack of the temperature control pouch assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A and 10B are perspective views illustrating the temperature control pouch assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a temperature control devices and means and more particularly to a temperature control pouch attachment system as used to improve the ability of a user to maintain a desired body temperature using removeable heating and cooling pouches that may be attached to a backpack.

Generally speaking, temperature control pouch attachment system, Frio, of the present invention, comprises a backpack attachment; including an insulated pouch, a gel ice pack, and a heating pack. The bag may use VELCRO® or clips for an attaching means to allow it to become fixedly coupled to the backpack or other item. Other attaching means may be employed without using clips or hook and loop fasteners. The pouch is sometimes made of 3 layers; the inside layer being waterproof; the second layer comprises insulation material to keep the ‘coolness’ inside; and the outside layer comprises a polyester fabric material (or suitable equivalent) that will ‘wick’ away any moisture as it is created. The ice pack may comprise a gel type substance that may or may not freeze solid; such as isopropyl alcohol, water, and zippered bags.

A backpack attachment, as shown, comprises an insulated pouch, a gel ice pack and a heating pack. The device may be removably coupled to the backpack or other item. Other items may include canine dog harnesses, military attire including vests, jackets and the like, men's suits, athletic gear, and other clothing garments. The pouch comprises 3 layers; the inside layer being waterproof; the second layer is insulation material to keep the coolness inside, and the outside layer is a polyester fabric material that will wick away any moisture created by the user-wearer.

All the user must to do is unzip the side, and slide the ‘icepack’ or heating pack in before leaving to go to class, work, on a hike, etc. The icepack stays cold for several hours due to the insulation. The gel pack envelops the user's back providing them with a cooling sensation and preventing back sweat from developing. The device may also have therapeutic benefits, as well as health and wellness benefits. Various means for fastening may be used in alternate embodiments. The present invention, as structured and arranged is easy to use and promotes comfort for the wearer.

There are many methods for using this invention, for example attaching it to a backpack so students don't collect sweat. Another use includes, using temperature control pouch attachment system in the car for anyone whose seats cause them to overheat, and having something that can connect to the car seat for example for infants sitting in car seats. Temperature control pouch attachment system can also be used for military or police personnel carrying heavy amounts of gear for long periods of time. The present invention may be used for dogs that wear jackets that they might normally sweat in.

Further, temperature control pouch attachment system may be used by avid hikers, bikers, business men and women and other users that participate in various outdoors activities. Temperature control pouch attachment system is an affordable, convenient, reusable device. The pouch of the temperature control pouch attachment system may further include various logos, designs, and other printing. The exact specifications, materials used, and method of use of the temperature control pouch attachment system cooling system may vary upon manufacturing.

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, temperature control pouch attachment system 100 comprising temperature control pouch attachment assembly 110 having pouch 120 having body 122, at least one side-fastener 124, top surface 126, bottom surface 128, and inner volume 130, at least one end-fastener 132, and at least one temperature control pack 180. Temperature control pouch attachment system 100 comprises temperature control pouch attachment assembly 110. Temperature control pouch attachment assembly 110 comprises pouch 120, at least one end-fastener 132, and at least one temperature insert 180 in functional combination.

Pouch 120 comprises body 122, side-fastener 124, top surface 126, bottom surface 128, and at least one temperature insert 180. Pouch 120 is able to removably attach to at least one item 186 via at least one end-fastener 132. Inner volume 130 of pouch 120 is able to removably house at least one temperature insert 180. Side-fastener removably 124 contains at least one temperature insert 180 within inner volume 130 of pouch 120 during use. Temperature control pouch attachment system 100 is useful for keeping user 140 at a desired temperature during wear.

At least one end-fastener 132 comprises clips 134 for attaching pouch 120 to at least one item 186. At least one end-fastener 132 comprises hook and loop fasteners. At least one temperature insert 180 comprises at least one cooling pack 182. At least one temperature insert 180 comprises at least one heating pack 184. At least one item 186 comprises backpack 188, a dog harness, clothing, or a car seat.

Pouch 120 is multi-layered for housing at least one temperature insert 180 and maintaining a temperature via restricting heat transfer through insulative means. Pouch 120 comprises first layer 156, second layer 158, and third layer 160. First layer 156 of pouch 120 comprises waterproof material. Second layer 158 of 120 pouch comprises insulation material.

Third layer 160 of 120 pouch comprises moisture wicking material. Side-fastener 124 comprises a zipperable-fastener. Temperature control pouch attachment assembly 110 comprises a flat profile such that it is able to fit between back 138 of user 140 and at least one item 186 comprising backpack 188.

Temperature control pouch attachment system 100 may be sold as kit 440 comprising the following parts: at least one pouch 120; at least one temperature insert 180; and at least one set of user instructions. The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). Temperature control pouch attachment system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different fastening, insulating means and combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIGS. 6a-8b, an embodiment of adapt pack 400 comprising a back body 204 comprising a zipper 192, at least one magnetic grommet assembly 300 that comprises a magnetic grommet male side 302 and a magnetic grommet female side 304, a moisture wicking fabric 194, a plurality of inner nylon fabric 196, a foam insulation 198, an aluminized mylar 200, an insulating layer 202, and a cooling pack 182 comprising a gel-pack side 206 and a hard-pack side 208 and at least one adjustable strap 190. In some embodiments, insulating layer 202 is fabric based, such as InsulShine TM brand of fabric-based insulating material.

Back body 204 forms the outside or back side of adapt pack 400. A moisture wicking fabric 194 forms the therapeutic side or the side against a user of adaptive back 400. Back body 204 connects to fabric 194. In some embodiments, back body 204 connects to fabric 194 through three permanent seams along the bottom, right, and left side of adapt pack 400.

This leaves a top opening having a zippered or hook-and-loop closure. Alternatively, back body 204 connects to fabric 194 through two permanent seams, along one side and the bottom of adapt pack 400, with the zipper or hook-and-loop fastener running along pack 400's top and down its other side.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment with zipper 192 along the top and one side of the closure. Regardless of the closure arrangement, back body 204 and moisture wicking fabric 194 form a pocket or inner volume 130. Volume 130 receives cooling pack 182 to provide the cooling component of adapt pack 400. Sometimes one or more inner nylon fabric layers 196 flank pack 182. Nylon fabric layers 196 sometimes hold in condensate or other liquid from cooling pack 182. Nylon fabric layers 196 can have magnetic grommets 300 including a male piece 302 and a female piece 304 that engaged to hold the nylon fabric layers 196 together.

In some embodiments, adapt pack 400 supplies a wearer or user with cooling or cold therapy, which transfers “coolness” to the user through an insulating-type layer 202 and moisture wicking fabric 194. On the outer side of inner volume 130 following an outer instance of inner nylon fabric layer 196, adapt pack 400 has a mylar or aluminized mylar layer 200 followed by foam-insulating layer 198 and back body 204.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic representation of the layered structure. Moisture wicking fabric 194 sits next to the user. This fabric layer is backed by an insulating-type layer 202. Nylon layer 196 comes next and forms one boundary of inner volume 130. Volume 130 holds cold pack 182. And another inner nylon fabric layer 196 sits outside of cold pack 182. In some embodiments, Mylar or aluminized Mylar layer 200 comes after or sits further towards the back of a second instance of inner nylon fabric layer 196. In some embodiments, this layer reflects heat waves from outside of adapt pack 400 back, out of adapt pack 400.

In these or other embodiments, foam insulation layer sits next to Mylar layer 198.

Back body 204 terminates the layers. Depending on the embodiment, the ordering of the layers described above can be varied to fit specific functions.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict a schematic of cold pack 182. In the version shown, cold pack 182 has a flexible structure to increase comfort for user. For example, creases 910 provide flexibility to the structure, such as to allow cold pack 182 to conform to the shape of the user. FIGS. 9A and 9B further illustrate an embodiment in which cold pack 182 comprises a soft, gel-pack side 206 and a hard-pack side 208. But other embodiments exist that do not employ such structures. FIG. 9A illustrates grommet holes 900 designed to receive male grommet piece 302. In some embodiments, grommet 300 holds one or more inner nylon layers 196 together with cold pack 182. While the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B is grommets and grommet holes, other embodiments exist which use other types of fasteners and fastener holes. In some embodiments, hard pack side 208 faces the front of adapt pack 400.

FIGS. 10A and 1013 show another class of embodiments that have additional clips 134, etc., shown unclipped in FIGS. 10A and 1013 shows clips 134A in a clipped configuration. Clips 134 are configured to allow a user to attach a pack or a pouch 188 to the same backpack-type straps used by adapt pack 400. The FIG. 10 embodiments shows pack 188 attached over back body 204. Having clips 134 facilitates creating a modular version of adapt pack 400 in which various pouches and other attachments can contain the necessary clip arrangement to attach to clips 134. In some embodiments, a modular hydrating unit forms part of the invention. In some embodiments, a hydrating unit connected to adapt pack 400 through means other than clips 134 forms part of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 5 showing flowchart 550 illustrating method of use 500 for temperature control pouch attachment system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4. As shown, method of use 500 may comprise the steps of: step one 501, inserting at least one temperature insert 180 into pouch 120; step two 502, installing pouch 120 to at least one item via at least one end-fastener 132; step three 503, wearing at least one item 186; step four 504, removing pouch 120 from at least one item 186; and step five 505, removing at least one temperature insert 180 from pouch 120.

It should be noted that step four 504 and step five 505 are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use 500.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

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. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A temperature control pouch comprising:

a pouch with: a body having a back body and a front body; a side fastener; a top surface; a bottom surface; and an inner volume flanked by two nylon fabric layers with fastener holes;

an end fastener;

a temperature insert comprising a double-sided cooling pack with a gel-pack side and a hard-pack side and fastener holes, or a heating pack with fastener holes,

and

a fastener inside of the pouch attached to the fastener holes in the nylon fabric layers and the fastener holes in the temperature insert,

wherein the side fastener reversibly closes the inner volume.

2. The temperature control pouch of claim 1 wherein the fastener is a two piece grommet fastener inside of the pouch having:

a male piece extending through the grommet holes in the nylon fabric layers and the grommet holes in the temperature insert;

and

a female grommet piece that locks onto the male grommet piece and thereby secures the temperature insert between the nylon fabric layers.

3. The temperature control pouch of claim 2 wherein the heating pack is microwavable.

4. The temperature control pouch of claim 2 wherein the temperature insert comprises creases that facilitate bending or form-fitting.

5. The temperature control pouch of claim 4 further comprising dog-harness-type straps.

6. The temperature control pouch of claim 5 further comprising mounts arranged to engage a modular carrying pouch.

7. The temperature control pouch of claim 4 further comprising backpack-type straps.

8. The temperature control pouch of claim 4 further comprising mounts arranged to engage a modular carrying pouch.

9. The temperature control pouch of claim 8 wherein the front body comprises or sits adjacent to a moisture wicking fabric layer.

10. The temperature control pouch of claim 3 further comprising an aluminized mylar layer.

11. The temperature control pouch of claim 10 further comprising a foam insulation layer.

12. The temperature control pouch of claim 11 further comprising an insulating fabric layer.

13. The temperature control pouch of claim 8 wherein the first nylon fabric layer divides the inner volume from the moisture wicking fabric layer.

14. The temperature control pouch of claim 13 wherein the second nylon fabric layer divides the inner volume from the back body.

15. The temperature control pouch of claim 14 wherein the insulating fabric layer sits between the first nylon fabric layer and the moisture wicking fabric layer.

16. The temperature control pouch of claim 15 wherein the mylar layer sits between the second nylon fabric layer and the back body.

17. The temperature control pouch of claim 15 wherein the foam insulation layer sits between the second nylon fabric layer and the back body.

18. The temperature control pouch of claim 17 wherein the side-fastener comprises a zipperable-fastener.

19. A temperature control pouch comprising:

a pouch with: a body having a back body and having a front body that comprises or sits adjacent to a moisture wicking fabric layer; a side fastener; a top surface; a bottom surface; an end fastener; an inner volume flanked by two nylon fabric layers with grommet holes; an insulating fabric layer between the first nylon fabric layer and the moisture wicking fabric layer; a mylar layer between the second nylon fabric layer and the back body; foam insulation layer between the second nylon fabric layer in the back body; backpack-type straps; mounts arranged to engage a modular carrying pouch; and

a temperature insert comprising creases that facilitate bending or form-fitting and a double-sided cooling pack with a gel-pack side and a hard-pack side and grommet holes, or a microwavable heating pack with grommet holes,

and

a two-piece grommet fastener with a locking configuration inside of the pouch having a male grommet piece that extends through the grommet holes in the nylon fabric layers and the grommet holes in the temperature insert, and a female grommet piece that locks onto the male grommet piece and thereby secures the temperature insert between the nylon fabric layers,

wherein the side fastener reversibly closes the inner volume.

20. A method of using a temperature control pouch comprising:

providing the temperature control pouch of claim 1;

installing a cooling pack in the inner volume;

and

wearing the item.