Combination Vibrational And Thermal Jumper

Abstract

The disclosed inventive concept comprises a form-fitting body suit, or thermal juniper for wearing by a person, the jumper further comprising an internalized plurality of separate but integral pads. Each of the pads is secured within a pocket attached to the interior surface of the jumper, the pockets corresponding to the location of specific parts of the human anatomy when the jumper is donned by a wearer. Each pad functions as 1) a conductor of varying ranges of heat and 2) a source of vibration when integral wiring in the pad is activated by electrical current generated by at least one battery or rechargeable battery pack.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

This inventive concept relates to thermal heating pad products and, more particularly, to a wearable thermal heat padded suit for providing users with a way to soothe joint and muscle pain throughout the body and further, promote healing of injuries to the body. Prior versions of thermal garments have been normally provided with internal heating elements. An electrical current directed to the heating element will cause the same to heat the garment and the body around which the garment is disposed.

This is particularly important in these times of high energy costs because thermal garments can be worn within a dwelling during winter and the dwelling thermostat can be set at a minimum while the occupants within are warm and comfortable. Thermal garments are a very efficient way of maintaining heating comfort for individuals because a very Minimum area is being heated and the occurrences of heat loss are greatly minimized.

(2) Description of the Related Art, Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

U.S. Pat. No. 3,028,857; Parker, M. E.; Jan. 30, 1961 This invention relates generally to clothing, and more particularly, to a new and improved set of clothing for exercising having self-massaging means incorporated therein. The disclosed body-suit garment provides gentle massaging of the entire body while exercise is taking place. The interior surface of the garment is composed of knit or rubberized material having vulcanized on the surface a series of close-spaced rubber or other soft massaging tips.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,628; Oguri, et al; Aug. 17, 1999. Disclosed is a suit-type cosmetic air massage device for providing air pressuring massage upon a human whole body. To provide air pressuring massage, suit-shaped parts are made to cover a human whole body, and can be separated into an upper suit-shaped part and a lower suit-shaped part. And plural air bags are symmetrically installed within the left and right side from the position corresponding to the hand region to the position corresponding to the shoulder regions of the upper suit-shaped part, and from the position corresponding to the feet pans to the waist part of the lower suit-shaped part. These air bags are divided into the first, second, third and fourth group, and each air bag in each group can be supplied with air simultaneously or independently in order from connecting with the intake/exhaust instrument by an intaking/exhausting hose.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,384,369; Prince, L; May 24, 1983. An exercise suit includes a jacket and pants having numerous pockets. The pockets carry bags containing liquid to provide a weight load and massaging muscle stimulation during body movement. The pockets are so distributed about the user's body as to provide dynamic contact with externally exposed muscles. The bags are configured to be received within corresponding pockets of the suit and are formed of vinyl panels with dielectrically welded seams. A closure is provided to permit the user to fill each hag with a desired quantity of liquid, and the outer panel of each bag includes an insulating foam layer. To permit automatic adjustment for different body sizes, the sleeves and legs of the suit are longitudinally slit and an elastic strap draws the opposite edges of each slit toward one another thus maintaining the suit and its dynamic load in proximate contact with the user's limbs,

U.S. Pat. No. 3,521,621; Smith, M. G.; Jul. 28, 1970. The invention is a suit for circulation of fluid around the body for use in conjunction with a physical therapy apparatus is provided having a pliable enclosure means which maintains the circulating fluid therein. A fluid-tight fastening means is positioned around the body; Connecting means are mounted on the exterior of the enclosure means so that the enclosure means and thus various parts of the body can be secured to the physical therapy apparatus so that the body can be exercised while fluid is circulating through the enclosure means and thus around the body.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,140; Stoffregen, R. Mar. 22, 1988. A vibratory massage device for use in conjunction with therapeutic exercises. The device has several belts of varying sizes, to which one or two vibrator units can be releasably attached for use on various body parts. An elastic band on each belt firmly presses the vibratory unit against the belt web when the belt is tightened, so as to prevent irritation-producing movement between the belt and the patient's skin. The motor of the vibratory unit is provided with a carrier bearing and eccentric-operated air flow means to permit miniaturization of the vibratory unit without loss of effectiveness.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed inventive concept comprises a form-fitting body suit, or thermal jumper 1 for wearing by a person, the jumper 1 further comprising an internalized plurality of separate but integral padded elements (items 20-53 and 60-63). Each of the padded elements (collectively, item 9) is securely attached to the interior surface of the jumper 1 so as to correspond to the location of a specific part of the human anatomy when the jumper 1 is donned by a wearer. Reference is made to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

Each padded element 9 functions as 1) a conductor of varying, ranges of heat and 2) a source of gentle vibrating action when the padded element 9 is activated by electrical current generated by a wrist-worn controller 2 through dc-powered sources. In order to make the disclosed thermal jumper 1 practical and useful, it is necessary to utilize do battery power so that the jumper 1 can be worn without the restrictions and bulkiness of an AC power supply system.

The bulkiness and weight factor alone has given rise to many drawbacks and disadvantages and has generally discouraged the wide use and acceptance of such thermal garments. First, an appropriate battery package may be heavy and cumbersome. This functional issue is important since the wearer of the, jumper 1 must transport the electrical supply assembly wherever the jumper 1 is taken. Secondly, a battery package can be expensive and often the life of the associated batteries is relatively short. Finally, those batteries that are rechargeable may require a relatively long period for recharging.

The use of thermal garments for outdoor use, either while participating in recreation or at work has been substantial but unsupported to a large extent by suitable electrical power accessory. Accordingly, a need remains for a wearable apparatus in order to overcome the previously-described shortcomings.

The present inventive concept satisfies such a need by providing a thermal jumper 1 that is convenient and easy to use. The body suit/jumper 1 is lightweight yet durable in design, versatile in its applications, and constructed to provide a user with a method of soothing joint and muscle pain throughout the body.

Index to Nomenclature of Invention Components
1. Jumper
2. Controller
3. Wiring
4. Pad pocket
5. Side pocket
6. Skin
7. Inner material
8. Outer material
9. Pad
10. Zipper
11. Window temp display
12. Window massage level display
13. Front padding elements
14. Rear padding element
15. Temperature increase
16. Temperature decrease
17. Vibration level increase
18. Vibration level decrease
19. Seam
20. Left foot instep
21. Right foot instep
22. Left ankle
23. Right ankle
24. Left rear calf
25. Right rear calf
26. Left kneecap
27. Right kneecap
28. Left inner knee
29. Right inner knee
30. Left inner thigh
31. Right inner thigh
32. Left outer thigh
33. Right outer thigh
34. Left gluteous
35. Right gluteous
36. Lower spine
37. Mid-spine
38. Upper spine
39. n/a
40. Left top shoulder
41. Right top shoulder
42. Left shoulder blade
43. Right shoulder blade
44. Left front shoulder
45. Right front shoulder
46. Left elbow
47. Right elbow
48. Left arm fold
49. Right arm fold
50. Left bicep
51. Right bicep
52. Left wrist
53. Right wrist
54. n/a
55. Heating element
56. Core/vibration generator
57.-59. n/a
60. Left lung
61. Right lung
62. Left breast
63. Right breast
64. Right neck
65. Left neck
66. n/a
67. Right abdomen
68. Left abdomen
69. n/a
70. On-Off switch
71. Upper/Lower control
72. Full Jumper control

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS AS EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a stylized version of the thermal jumper 1 showing predominately the frontal padding elements 13 system including pads of the shoulders 40, 41, biceps 50, 51, lungs 60, 61, inner elbows 48, 49, lower abdomen 68, inner thighs 30, 31, kneecaps 26, 27, ankles 22, 23, and foot insteps 20, 21. Also shown is the wrist-mounted controller 2. The frontal padding elements 13 shown typify the preferred embodiment of the thermal jumper 1. Other embodiments may contain more or fewer of the padding elements 13. Further, the relative size of the frontal padding elements 13 as shown, are for illustrative purposes only, and do not serve to limit or restrict their size or location.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a stylized version of the thermal jumper 1 which predominantly shows the rear padding elements 14 system, including neck 64, 65, shoulder tops 40, 41, shoulder blades 42, 43, spinal areas 36, 37, 38, elbows 46, 47, wrists 52, 53, gluteous 34, 35 inner knees 28, 29, and calves 24, 25. The rear padding elements 14 shown typify the preferred embodiment of the thermal jumper 1. Other embodiments may contain more or fewer of the padding elements 14. Further, the relative size of the rear padding elements 14 as shown, are fir illustrative purposes only, and do not serve to limit or restrict their size or location.

FIG. 3 illustrates a stylized version of the typical pad 9 heating and vibrational element used in the thermal jumper 1, further showing wiring 3 that may conduct electrical current to the individual pad 9.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the right inner thigh 31 pad 9.

FIG. 5 illustrates the wrist-mounted controller 2 along with various control settings available.

FIG. 6 depicts the typical construction of wiring 3 that may be utilized in the jumper 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The objects, features, and advantages of the inventive concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, totaling six figures, show the basic components and functions of the preferred embodiment. In the several figures, like reference numbers are used in each figure to correspond to the same component as may be depicted in other figures.

The disclosed inventive concept comprises a form-fitting body suit, referred to as a thermal “jumper” 1. The thermal jumper 1 is for wearing by a person who seeks the soothing application of warm temperatures to a variety of locations on the anatomy, particularly aching joints or areas of muscular distress due to injury. These temperatures are generated by a plurality of frontal pack systems 13 comprising heat padding elements 9 and a plurality of rear pack systems 14 of the same type heating padding elements 9. A separate, continuous wiring system 3 not only conveys electrical current for heating each of the pads 9, but also provides electrical current to induce minute vibrations emitting from either or both the frontal pack 13 or the rear pack 14 systems, whichever of these the wearer selects.

Referring to the drawing figures in general, the thermal jumper 1 preferably includes heating pads 20-68 located on every major muscle and joint in the body, a controller 2 with separate switches for adjusting the heat intensity, as well as setting the desired level of vibration in the pads 9. The components must be powered by a D-cell rechargeable battery. The thermal jumper 1 may be manufactured from materials common to the heating pad, industry with all the consumer safety matters taken into consideration.

The heat and vibrational therapy provided by the thermal jumper 1 are effective in relieving tightness of various muscle groups and recovering from muscular injuries. Blood circulation is improved due to the moderate heat application dilating the blood vessels in those areas in contact with the pads 9. Blood circulates more readily throughout the muscles, the spinal column, and bodily organs. The functioning of the lungs improves while wearing the thermal jumper 1, as oxygen flow is improved. Slight perspiration, which may be generated by use of the thermal jumper 1, helps the body rid itself of toxins through the pores of the skin. The heat applied by the pads 9 of the thermal jumper 1 promotes the body's level of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, thereby allowing a wearer to relax and de stress.

The thermal jumper 1 is formed from elastomeric material and is suitably sized and shaped for being, tightly fitted along the skin 6 surface area of a human body. The jumper 1 accessories include a rechargeable power source, a controller 2 electrically coupled thereto and a plurality of sensors in communication with the controller 2. The sensors regularly detect the real time temperature of various body regions and cooperate with a plurality of heat emitting pads 20-68 for improving blood circulation throughout the user's blood vessels.

The pads 9 of the front and rear pack systems 13, 14 are secured within pad pockets 4 fabricated between a first inner material 7 and a second outer material 8, both of these materials being conjoined at a seam 19 about the perimeter of each pad pocket 4. The heating pads 20-68, as stated previously, are secured within pad pockets 4, and a seam 19 at each pad also forms a junction with the inner and outer materials 7, 8, thereby comprising the overall contour of the thermal jumper 1. The entirety of the thermal jumper 1, including the inner and outer materials 7, 8 and the locations of the heating pads 20-68 correspond to the location of specific muscular groupings and/or joints of the human anatomy when the thermal jumper 1 is donned by a user.

Beginning with FIG. 1, there is illustrated a frontal view of a stylized version of the thermal jumper 1, showing primarily the front pad heating elements 13. Starting with the upper portion of the thermal jumper 1, there is shown a right neck pad 64, a left neck pad 65, a right top shoulder pad 41, a left top shoulder pad 40, a right breast pad 63, a left breast pad 62, a right lung pad 61, a left lung pad 62, a right abdominal pad 67, and a abdominal pad 68.

Continuing with FIG. 1, there is further shown a mid-body zipper 10, a right front shoulder pad 45, a left front shoulder pad 44, a left bicep pad 51, a right bicep pad 50, a right arm fold pad 49, a left arm fold pad 48, a right side pocket 5, a right outer thigh pad 33, a left outer thigh pad 32, a right inner thigh pad 31, a left inner thigh pad 30, a right kneecap pad 27, a left kneecap pad 26, a right calf pad 25, a left calf pad 24, a right ankle pad 23, a left ankle pad 22, a right foot instep pad 21, and a left foot instep pad 20.

In referring to FIG. 2, there is shown the general arrangement of the rear pack systems 14. Starting with the upper portion of the thermal jumper 1, there is shown the right neck pad 64, left neck pad 65, right top shoulder pad 41, left top shoulder pad 40, a left shoulder blade pad, a right shoulder blade pad 43, a left elbow pad 46, a right elbow pad 47, a left wrist pad 52, a right wrist pad 53, an upper spine pad 38, a mid-spine pad 37, a lower spine pad 36, a left gluteous pad, a right gluteous pad 35, a left breast pad 62, a right lung pad 61, a left lung pad 62, a right abdominal pad 67, a left inner thigh pad 30, a right inner thigh pad 31, a left inner knee pad 28, a right inner knee pad 29, a left rear calf pad 24, and a right rear calf pad 25.

Integral to the thermal jumper 1 are sections of thin, web-like material located under each arm pit and the crotch area, thereby providing ventilation to these parts of the body.

FIG. 3 illustrates a stylized, cross-sectional view of the typical pad 9 heating and vibrational component used in the thermal jumper 1, further showing the location of a length or plurality of lengths of wiring 3 which becomes heated by electrical current supplied to the individual pad 9. The wiring 3, in the preferred embodiment, is composed of insulated, thin carbon fiber that works from low voltage outputs of 12 to 24 volts. The wiring 3, is fabricated integral to each pad 9 and is further connected to a general distribution wire leading from a battery or battery packs contained within a side pocket 5 of the thermal jumper 1. The heat may thus be supplied to all pads 9 which internally contain one, or a plurality of the wires 3.

Direct current electricity is required in the preferred embodiment and may be provided by means of single-use batteries or one or more rechargeable battery packs contained in the side pocket 5. In other embodiments, carbon fiber embedded in the pads 9 may be the heat conducting mechanism.

In the preferred embodiment, the thermal jumper 1 will utilize rechargeable batteries, which are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate the electrical current needs of the thermal jumper 1. Rechargeable battery sizes include AAA, AA, C, D, and 9 volt. Further, many brands of rechargeable batteries are sold as sets that include a charger. An appropriate battery charger may be included as part of the components of the thermal jumper 1. Nickel-Zinc and Lithium-Ion batteries require specialized chargers. However, nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium batteries can be used with universal chargers. In some embodiments, the thermal jumper 1 may be provided electrical current by means of an ac-dc adaptor.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the right inner thigh pad 31, typical of the general jumper 1 pads 9, as it is pressed against the skin 6 of the inner thigh of a wearer. In FIG. 4, the pad 9 is illustrated fitting within a pad pocket 4, the pad pocket 4 having been formed by the inner material 7 and the outer material 8. A portion of stitching 19, connecting the inner material 7 and the outer material 8, is shown at each terminal end of the pocket 4.

The controller 2 may, in different embodiments, include an electronic user interface preferably comprising a set of controls, a processor, and a memory function to effectively operate the heating pads 9 according to the needs of the user. The aforementioned user interface may include a variety of stand-alone or shared devices that are capable of generating and transmitting a control signal upon receiving a user input. For example, exemplary user interface devices may include a remote controller employing RF, infra-red, acoustic, or cellular technology, as well known in the industry.

In alternate embodiments, the user interface may include a handheld computer, a PDA, a cell phone, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. that may be comprised of commercially available hardware and software operating systems, for example. The aforementioned user interfaces are intended to represent a broad category of exemplary user interfaces capable of functioning in accordance with the present invention. Of course, the user interfaces may include other components, peripherals and software applications provided they are compatible and capable of operating the numerous pads 9 contained within the thermal juniper 1.

For providing vibration movement and sensations to each pad 9, the means utilized may be an electrical current directed to multi-level piezo-electric chips or directed to mechanical vibrators imbedded within the pads 9. Electrically-driven mechanical vibrators, which vibrate at a frequency of 20-to-50 cycles per second, may be incorporated into each of the pads 9. Studies have shown that muscle tension caused by physical injury, emotional stress, or overwork, can be released by a combination of heat and vibration. Peter La Grasse, LMT; Symposium, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Jun. 19, 2003.

While preferred embodiments of the present inventive concept have been, shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of this inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, in combination with, or in addition to features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this inventive concept be inclusive of such variations, changes, and substitutions, and by no means limited by, the scope of the claims presented herein.

Claims

1. A one-piece, form-fitting body suit for wearing by a person, the body suit comprising an internalized plurality of separate, flexible pads, each pad being secured within pockets integral to the body suit, the pockets corresponding to the location of various parts of the human anatomy, and further each pad is fabricated with electrical wiring for connectivity to a source and means of generating heat to each pad.

2. A body suit as in claim 1, wherein the beat source is mechanically or automatically controlled to a specific temperature range as controlled by a wearer of the body suit.

3. A body suit as in claim 1, wherein a wrist-mounted controller device is utilized to mechanically or automatically control the heat source to provide heat within a specific temperature range.

4. A body suit as in claim 1, wherein the source and means of supplying heat is directed and distributed to any combination of pads of the body suit.

5. A body suit as in claim 1, wherein, the means and source of supplying heat to the pads consists of electrically-powered carbon fiber elements embedded the pads.

6. A body suit as in claim 1, wherein a standalone remote control device is utilized to manually or automatically control the heat source to provide heat within a specific temperature range.

7. A body suit as in claim 1, wherein an exterior side pocket is utilized for storing any of a variety of direct current power units, including single-use batteries and rechargeable battery packs.

8. A one-piece, form-fitting body suit for wearing by a person, the body suit comprising an internalized plurality of separate, flexible pads, each pad being secured within pockets integral to the body suit, the pockets corresponding to the location of various parts of the human anatomy, and further, each pad is fabricated with electrical wiring for connectivity to a source and means of generating vibrational sensations to the entirety of each pad.

9. A body suit as in claim 8, wherein the vibrating means is mechanically or automatically controlled to a range of amplitude and frequency of vibration in accordance with controls utilized by a wearer of the body suit

10. A body suit as in claim 8, wherein a wrist-mounted controller device is utilized to mechanically or automatically control a range of amplitude and frequency of vibration produced by the vibrating means.

11. A body suit as in claim 8, wherein the source and means of supplying vibration is directed and distributed to any combination of pads of the body suit.

12. A body suit as in claim 8, wherein, the means and source of supplying vibration to the pads consists of electrically-powered carbon fiber elements embedded in the pads.

13. A body suit as in claim 8, wherein a standalone remote control device is utilized to manually or automatically control the source and means of vibration within a specific amplitude and frequency range.

14. A body suit as in claim 8, wherein an exterior side pocket is utilized for storing any of a variety of direct current power units, including single-use batteries and rechargeable battery packs.

15. A one-piece, form-fitting body suit for wearing by a person, the body suit comprising an internalized plurality of separate, flexible pads, each pad being secured within pockets integral to the body suit, the pockets corresponding to the location of various parts of the human anatomy, wherein each pad is fabricated with electrical wiring for connectivity to a source and means of generating (a) heat to the pad and (b) vibrational sensation to the entirety of the pad.

16. A body suit as in claim 15, wherein the heat source is mechanically or automatically controlled to a specific temperature range as controlled by a wearer of the body suit.

17. A body suit as in claim 15, wherein a wrist-mounted controller device is utilized to mechanically or automatically control the heat source to provide heat within a specific temperature range.

18. A body suit as in claim 15, wherein the vibrating means is mechanically or automatically controlled to a range of amplitude and frequency of vibration in accordance with controls utilized by a wearer of the body suit

19. A body suit as in claim 15, wherein a wrist-mounted controller device is utilized to mechanically or automatically control a range of amplitude and frequency of vibration produced by the vibrating means.

20. A body suit as in claim 15, wherein both (a) the source and means of supplying heat and (b) the means of vibrating the entirety of the pad are each directed and distributed to any combination of pads of the body suit.

21. A body suit as in claim 15, wherein, the means and source of supplying heat to the pads consists of electrically-powered carbon fiber elements embedded the pads.

22. A body suit as in claim 15, wherein a standalone remote control device is utilized to manually or automatically control the heat source to provide heat within a specific temperature range and further, the source of vibration to control vibration within a range of amplitude and frequency.

23. A body suit as in claim 15, wherein an exterior side pocket is utilized for storing a selected variety of direct current power units, including one or more single-use batteries.

24. A body suit as in claim 15, wherein an exterior side pocket is utilized for storing a selected variety of direct current power units, including one or more rechargeable battery packs.