Abstract: A microcomputer-based, closed-loop electronic temperature control system and method for an electrically heated cold weather garment having a plurality of independently heated zones. In one preferred embodiment the system comprises a potentiometer for selecting the desired temperature at which a plurality of areas of the garment are to be maintained, a thermistor for determining a reference temperature of the interior areas of the garment, and a plurality of conductive heating wires operable to heat each area of the garment independently. The system further includes a plurality of solid-state semiconductor power devices for controllably allowing current flow through each heating wire and, a plurality of current sensing circuits for sensing the current flow through each heating wire. The microcomputer receives information from the potentiometer, the thermistor and the current sensing circuits, and determines therefrom the level of heating required for each zone.

Abstract: This invention describes a universal mounting bracket to mount a battery pack for electrical boot warmers. The mounting bracket is secured by a combination strap and clamp in such a way as to prevent the battery pack from being accidentally dislodged by pulling, pushing, lifting, rotating, or from vigorous activity while wearing the boot. Previous devices did not provide a secure mount to a boot and were easily dislodged.

Abstract: A universal ski boot heating system, includes a boot assembly and a power pack assembly. The boot assembly employs a heating element disposable in a ski boot and electrically connected to a boot anchor secured to the exterior of the boot. The power pack assembly includes an elecrical energy source and means for engaging the boot anchor to permit selective contact between the energy source and the heating element through rotation of the power pack assembly when engaged with the boot anchor.

Abstract: A battery pack for footwear heaters is shown employing spring like electrical contact elements wherein one element is brought into and out of contact with a fixed electrical contact by means of a sliding cam switch or a rotary cam switch, with means for inhibiting water penetration. The battery pack is provided with a trimmable skirt for conforming its contour to the mounting surface on footwear.

Abstract: An electrically heated, cold weather garment. The garment includes a lightweight, stretchable, form-fitting fabric for covering portions of the body of a wearer of the garment; a plurality of flexible, electrical heating wires cover stitched to the fabric by sewing; an electronic controller for controlling current flowing through each of the heating wires in a pulse-width modulated fashion, to thereby independently control the heat generated by each heating wire; a plurality of potentiometers for controlling the level of power supplied to each heating wire; and a master power level potentiometer for controlling the power supplied to each of the heating wires in a uniform and simultaneous fashion. In a first preferred embodiment the controller utilizes a combination of analog and digital-like signals to control in a pulse-width modulated fashion the current flow through the heating elements.

Abstract: A hybrid, open-loop electronic temperature control system and method of heating for an electrically heated cold weather garment having a plurality of independent heating zones. In one embodiment the system includes: a plurality of conductive heating wires, with at least one such heating wire being disposed in each zone of the garment and operable to heat each zone of the garment independently; a plurality of solid-state semiconductor power switching devices for controllably allowing current flow through each heating wire; and plurality of power selection circuits, with each having a potentiometer and being associated with each solid-state power switching device, for providing individual power level selection for each heating wire of the garment. This gives the wearer individual control over the temperature level of each zone of the garment.

Abstract: An electrically heated fabric assembly for use with an electrically heated garment. The fabric assembly includes a lightweight, stretchable, form-fitting fabric made from polyphthalate and spandex fibers for covering various portions of the body of a wearer of the garment; and a plurality of flexible, electrical, heat generating wires arranged in a serpentine pattern on various portions of the fabric, and operable to generate heat in response to an electrical current flow through the heating wires. The heating wires are secured to the fabric by cover stitching, accomplished by sewing, to allow the fabric to retain its flexibility. The heating wires each include several conductor elements wound together in a spiral fashion, and each conductor element includes a core portion having wound therearound in a spiral fashion two tinsel-like copper conductors. The core portions each consist of several aromatic polyamide fibers of extremely high tensile strength.

Abstract: The invention provides heated gloves. A battery saver circuit applies heat with a temperature responsive pulse width modulation that changes the duty cycle at which heat is applied to the glove. The battery saver circuit is part of a battery pack which is mounted on the back of the glove. A reflective foil is contained within the glove for directing heat toward the wearer's hand.

Abstract: A ski boot heater includes a bracket adapted to be secured to the outside of a ski boot. A housing containing electrical batteries is detachably secured in watertight engagement to the bracket. The housing is shaped to carry at least one battery and electrical contacts for selectively electrically inter-engaging contacts in the bracket. A spring means normally maintains the housing and bracket in a watertight relation.

Abstract: A heater is disclosed herein taking the form of an elongated length of flexible cable having an insulative base carrying a plurality of spaced-apart conductive strips as a unitary construction. The heater is used as an insert received into an article of clothing, such as a boot, shoe or glove, and includes a power source, control switch and stress relief strip configurations to protect the heater structure during flexure of the circuitry.

Abstract: Ski goggles are provided having circuitry for heating the lens by means of at least one solar cell held by the headband of the goggles to prevent or eliminate fogging and condensation on the surface of the lens of the goggles facing the wearer.

Abstract: A hot and cold compress device comprises a heat transmitted element of which one plate grows hot or the other plate grows cold while the current is conducting, a pair of heat conduct elements which can conduct the aforesaid heat transmitted element to grow hot or cold, an adiabatic tie which sleeves the heat transmitted element and the heat conduct elements, two radiating films which are installed symmetrically to coat the two surfaces of the adiabatic tie, two thermometers which are united on the end of the radiating films, a control box which supplies the power of the heat transmitted element and sets the temperature, and a pair of ties which are connected to the two ends of the adiabatic tie. The feature of the present invention is that the device grows cold at one side of the radiating films, while conducting, to reduce the patient's fever. On the other hand, if the polarity of the power supply is changed and reversed, the other side of the radiating films grows hot to provide the patient a hot compress.

Abstract: A heating device for ski boots comprising an insole, provided with an electric resistor and temporarily associable with the boot, below which there is rigidly associated a rigid inner sole having, preferably at the heel region, an accommodation for one or more accumulators. Electric conductors are furthermore provided which extend from the insole and are connected to a support, provided with at least one switch, temporarily associable with one of the components of the ski boot.

Abstract: A heater is disclosed herein taking the form of an elongated length of flexible cable having an insulative base carrying a plurality of spaced-apart conductive strips as a unitary construction. The heater is used as an insert received into an article of clothing, such as a boot, shoe or glove, and includes a power source, control switch and stress relief strip configurations to protect the heater structure during flexure of the circuitry.

Abstract: An electric heating device warms by radiation and convection. A metal casing holds a quantity of heat-conducting oil, with a remaining relatively small volume of space in the container evacuated of air and occupied by an inert gas under subatmospheric pressure. An electric resistance element in the lower part of the casing heats the oil and is positioned so that the oil circulates by thermal convection. An insulative jacket may be placed around the heater making the device capable of storing and giving off heat for relatively long periods of time.

Abstract: A heating device incorporated in an article of clothing or a shoe, notably a ski boot, comprising a sealed enclosure (2) in contact with the area of the body to be heated, this enclosure containing a salt (5) which changes phase between solid and liquid and has a latent fusion heat close to the normal temperature of the area of the body, from 30.degree. to 40.degree. C., and in which the heating resistance (6) is in a heat exchange with the salt contained in the sealed enclosure (2) such that after heating of the salt, as it returns to its solid state, it progressively gives off heat for a long period of time, while maintaining a substantially constant comfortable temperature.

Abstract: An improved ski goggles is provided and includes a protective lens that has a fine grid of heat generating wire with sufficient resistance to produce enough heat to remove frost and fog from the lens. An external of self contained battery pack and switching device supplies electricity to the resistance wire grid.

Abstract: The footwear structure comprises a shell, including a sole portion and having a quarter connected thereto. The sole portion incorporates an electrical resistance heating circuit, electrically connected to terminals and at least one rechargeable storage battery unit. The structure further comprises a housing, positioned at a rear portion of the quarter, protruding rearwardly, and being adapted for removably receiving the rechargeable storage battery unit, and a circuitry unit for selectively electrically connecting the battery unit to the electrical resistance heating circuit.

Abstract: An inner shoe for a boot such as a ski boot includes a foot warmer mechanism having an air system that includes an air bag which surrounds its instep area and communicates to a sealed chamber between the soles of the shoe. The air bag can be pressured to maintain a sense of tightness or security to the ski boot. The air circulation system also augments heat transfer within the boot. The foot warmer mechanism is mounted entirely on an insert for the outer boot or shoe, and includes an electrical resistance heater, an electrical generator, a mechanical transducer to translate vertical movements of the wearer's heel into uni-directional rotational movement of a flywheel, and a gear box mechanically coupling the flywheel to the electrical generator.

Abstract: A generator and rechargeable battery system is disclosed for attachment to a ski having an electrically operable load. The invention comprises a rechargeable battery system in which the generator and/or battery can intermittently power a load such as a heating element of a ski boot. The rechargeable battery is detachable and may be recharged by the generator or in the home. Through the use of connecting wires, the generator and rechargeable battery system can be used to supply current to lights affixed to the ski and to power other electrical appliances.

Abstract: A heating system (10) adapted to be worn by an individual (50) is provided. The heating system (10) includes at least one belt member (20) containing a heating strip (30) therein. Heating strip (30) is formed by a pair of heating elements (32) and (34) in substantially parallel relation throughout the length of belt member (20). Belt member (20) is maintained in substantially contiguous contact with a substantial longitudinal portion of the user's body (50) by a plurality of strap members (40), (42), (44), and (46). Strap members (40), (42), and (44) are provided with a Velcro hook and loop type fastening system having a latch element (92) and a hook element (94).

Abstract: A ski-boot heater has a heating resistor and a battery mounted in the boot and a socket is provided in the boot for connecting the resistor and the battery to an external voltage source. A control circuit enables the battery to be recharged with direct current when the socket is connected to an external AC or DC supply and when the battery is being recharged enables the resistor to be supplied with electrical power greater than that normally supplied to the resistor by the battery.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inner shoe for a molded ski boot which includes a foot warmer mechanism having an electrical resistance heater, an electrical generator, a mechanical translator to translate vertical movements of the wearer's heel into uni-directional rotational movement of a flywheel, and a gear box mechanically coupling the flywheel to the electrical generator. Specific features of the mechanism include: a shock absorbing resilient coupling of the flywheel to prevent damaging the mechanism while juming or otherwise subjecting the shoe to hard usage; interchangeable generators and gear boxes to accommodate wearer's of varied size and weight as well as for varied intensity of activity; and an entirely sealed, remote latch to lock the mechanical drive out of operation.

Abstract: The heating device is connectable to an electrical resistance heating circuit in a ski boot and comprises, at least one battery, a watertight box-like structure, a battery charger, a first circuit adapted for preventing overcharging of the battery, a second circuit adapted for preventing excessive discharging of the battery, and a third circuit adapted for controlling power fed to the electrical resistance heating circuit. The watertight box-like structure is removably associable with a ski boot, connectable to the electric resistance heating circuit, and adapted for containing the battery the first circuit, the second circuit, and the third circuit.

Abstract: An electrically heated jacket is provided that includes a garment with a pair of attachable gloves and hood mask all connectable to a heating element supplied by a portable power source worn on the jacket to emit heat to torso, arms, hands and head of wearer of the jacket. The garment contains thermally insulating material to sustain body heat.

Abstract: A heated glove includes an electrically heated woven fabric in which the fabric has been coated with electrically conducting metal to enable its use as a heating element. The fabric heating element is in the shape of the front and back of a hand with the front and back being electrically connected together only at the tips of the fingers, and is disposed between inner and outer insulating fabric layers.

Abstract: A therapeutic heating pad having a laminate structure which concentrates the flow of heat in one direction through the laminate including a flannel lamina in contact with a body member being treated to produce a moist hot heat to foment the body member. The laminate structure is adaptable to be held in a tubular configuration to form a muff for fomentation of a body member inserted therein.

Abstract: A heating element for textiles is disclosed, which comprises a plane textile element and, combined with this, metal conductors, which can be connected to a source of electrical current and which oppose the electrical current flowing through them with a heat-producing resistance. As resistance elements, the conductors have metallic fibers or filaments with a denier like that of natural or synthetic textile fibers. The metallic fibers or filaments have an average cross sectional thickness of about 8 to about 24 microns.

Abstract: A heated sock (14 or 16 of FIG. 1) for keeping the wearer's foot warm in a cold environment and including a resistive heating unit (10 or 12) secured in two of the socks, a battery source (76 FIG. 2) having first (78) and second (80) terminals and which is carried on the wearer's body, and switches (36 and 64) controllable by the wearer for acting in combination with the resistive heating unit (10 or 12) to selectively cause different and controllable amounts of electric current from the battery source (76) to flow through the resistive heating unit (10 or 12) to thereby generate different and desired amounts of heat in the sock (14 or 16).

Abstract: The footwear structure comprises a shell, including a sole portion and having a quarter connected thereto. The sole portion incorporates an electrical resistance heating circuit, electrically connected to terminals and at least one rechargeable storage battery. The structure further comprises a housing, positioned at a rear portion of the quarter, protruding rearwardly, and being adapted for removably receiving the rechargeable storage battery, and a switch for selectively electrically connecting the battery to the electrical resistance heating circuit.

Abstract: An improved defogging and deicing shield structure suitable for use as a face shield in combination with a protective helmet or for use in goggles having at least two spaced coextensive lenses. The inner surface of one lens is imprinted with an electrical circuit in a predetermined pattern. The resistance of the circuit being sufficient to generate heat effective to defog or deice the exterior surface of the other lens when the circuit is connected to a direct current power source.

Abstract: There is disclosed a shoe with an internal warming mechanism which comprises an electrical resistance coil in the sole or upper coverings of the shoe, and with an electrical generation mechanism in the heel of the shoe which is driven by the up-and-down movements of the wearer's heel which accompanies normal activities such as skiing, hiking, etc. The electrical generator includes an armature mounted for rotational movement in a magnetic field and mechanically connected to a vertical post which is dependent on the undersurface of the heel portion of the inner sole of the shoe. The post is connected through a vertical spiral groove to a sleeve which is coupled with an escapement to a flywheel that is unidirectionally driven by the sleeve. The flywheel is coupled through a gear train to the armature of the electrical generator.

Abstract: A PTC heater assembly comprises at least one PTC heater surrounded by an envelope of high thermal conductivity, thus greatly increasing the power output of the heater under operating conditions. In a preferred assembly a strip heater, comprising (i) an elongate strip of a conductive polymer PTC composition, (ii) electrodes embedded in said strip, and (iii) an insulating jacket, is sandwiched between a pair of metal, e.g. aluminum, sheets.

Abstract: An electrically heated insert for boots and the like that can be fitted into any size footwear to provide long-term warmth to the feet. The insert is of a multiple layer configuration having a heating element within that is connected to an external battery.

Abstract: An electrical heating element intended to be incorporated in an inner lining of an item of clothing or accessory intended to be placed against a part of the human body, in which the heating element is formed by a ductile metal wire coated with an insulating lacquer, for example a commercially available insulated copper wire, fixed over its entire length to at least one metal sheet, preferably a sheet of aluminium having an adhesive side to which the wire is adhered. The wire can be disposed in meanders. It may be covered by an insulating sheet, and the metal sheet may have cut-outs therein.

Abstract: A planar heating element having a positive temperature coefficient comprises a plurality of spaced electric current supply lines constituted by contact bands and a planar support therefor equally flexible in all directions. The contact bands are in operative connection with the support, and the support includes an ion-free, electrically conductive synthetic resin whose electrical resistance has a positive temperature coefficient.

Abstract: Condensed breath vapor is removed from visors on helmets adapted to be used by drivers of open air outdoor vehicles, such as snowmobiles, motorcycles, and all terrain vehicles, by applying electric current to a resistance heater coil on the visor. The heating coil is electrically connected to a connector mounted on the visor. The connector is electrically connected by a helically coiled cable to an assembly mounted on the vehicle dashboard. The assembly includes a female jack for receiving a male jack at the end of the coiled helical cable. The assembly also includes a switch for connecting the jack to a power supply of the vehicle, so that electric energy from the power supply can be coupled selectively to the female jack at two power levels.

Abstract: A girdle for use in preventing the discomfort of cramps due to a menstrual period. The girdle has a cotton cloth panty of a type having a front portion, a rear portion and interconnecting side portions. The panty has a continuous elastic material around the top thereof and has a battery holding compartment attached to the top to a central front portion thereof. An electrical resistance heating structure is attached to the outside of the cotton panty front portion and extends from the crotch portion thereof an upwardly and outwardly in a V-shaped configuration to where the battery holding compartment is attached to the elastic. An electric battery is removably disposed of the battery holding compartment.

Abstract: An electric heating appliance such as an electric blanket or the like which is so designed as to prevent damage, for example, extraordinary temperature rising resulting from the deterioration of components when the appliance is erroneously dry-cleaned. In accomplishing this object, the electric heating appliance is provided with a safety means which is dissoluble in a dry-cleaning solution to prevent the circulation of electricity to a heater (6). This safety means is constructed in the manner, for example, that a thin portion (10a) of a cord socket case shell (2) made of plastics dissoluble in a dry-cleaning solution is dissolved when dry-cleaned, and accordingly, a spring plate (3) is dashed out to prevent a plug (9) at the side of a controller (11) from being inserted into cord socket case (1) and (2), thereby obstructing the circulation of electricity to the heater (6).

Abstract: The present invention provides a headband provided with a pair of electrically heated ear plugs for alleviating earache pain caused by middle and inner ear infection. The ear plugs themselves each comprise a heat generating member surrounded by a soft and malleable material for both conducting heat from the heat generating member to region of the earache pain and substantially conforming to the inner surface of the ear.

Abstract: Portable heating apparatus is disclosed herein for ready installation into a boot adjacent the inner liner next to the sole which includes cabling having branch leads at one end terminating in heat radiating electric bulbs and having an electrical source of power at the other end of the cable. Protective sleeves or cages surround the bulbs and single or double bulbs may be employed.

Abstract: A plurality of heating wires are arranged so as not to cross each other. Common power source terminals are connected to two end portions or at an intermediate portion of each heating wire. Each common power source terminal has a plurality of conductors which cross the heating wires. The heating wires and/or the conductors are fixed on one surface of the nonconductive fiber sheet or are woven thereinto.

Abstract: A low voltage battery operated heating bib containing a low voltage heater connected in circuit with a low voltage battery concealed in a neck scarf to which the bib is attached and made an integral part.

Abstract: An edge seal for articles such as goggles and earphones comprises two layers of foam of a thermo-formable material between which there is located a heating body whose ends terminate in terminals for connection to a current source so as to heat the foam to its thermo-forming temperature while e.g. the goggles are held tightly on the head of a user by an elastic strap. This enables the seal to be moulded to the shape of the user's face.

Abstract: A heater device particularly for ski boots, which comprises, located on the inner shoe of a ski boot, an electric resistance heater positioned at the user's foot sole and connected to a storage battery accommodated inside said inner shoe. The storage battery is connected to a recharge socket located at the top portion of said shoe and is connected to the resistance heater through a switch. Also provided is a voltage limiter adapted to prevent the storage battery from being discharged to below a preset voltage level.

Abstract: A boot and foot warming device for skiers and other outdoor sportsmen comprising:a chamber bounded by a top wall having a front and a rear portion, a bottom wall, a back wall and side walls; a leg receiving opening within the front portion of the top wall; a chair structure having a back support mounted upon the top wall rearwardly of the leg receiving opening; a pivoting door hinged to the side walls thereby providing a front wall for the chamber; an air circulating heater mounted within the chamber; the bottom wall being sloped for allowing water run-off; and a drain located in the sloped bottom wall.

Abstract: A heat cap is provided for applying heat to hair on a user's head, primarily to a pile or row of hair along the top of the user's head. The heat cap is shaped to conform substantially to the shape of the user's head with the pile of hair thereon so as to apply heat evenly to the hair. The heating coil is disposed in the heat cap only in those areas where heat is desired for the hair and is absent in areas of the heat cap where it is undesirable to apply heat to the head. An adjustable flap on each side of the heat cap enables the size of the cap to be adjusted to fit different users. The adjustable flaps also tend to hold the cap outward away from the ear and lower sides of the head and can be easily opened to enable access to the user's ear while the heat cap is being worn. An electrical thermostat automatically brings the heat cap to an optimal temperature and maintains the temperature during the desired conditioning period.

Abstract: A ski pole hand shield is provided that includes an enclosure member of rigid highly impact-resistant material, with a hand grip disposed within the enclosure member and accessible through an access opening. A hand-warming function is provided by placing a battery in an interior portion of the hand grip and providing electric-resistance wires lining the interior of the enclosure member.

Abstract: Heated clothing includes:(a) multiple clothing sections adapted to cover different portions of the human body,(b) electrical wires carried by such sections and including bus wires and heater wires, and(c) circuitry for controlling battery powered electrical current flow to such wires, and including switch structure connected in series with one or more of the heater wires for interrupting current flow thereto without requiring disconnection of bus wires.

Abstract: A ski pole hand shield is provided that includes an enclosure member of rigid highly impact-resistant material, with a hand grip disposed within the enclosure member and accessible through an access opening. A hand-warming function may be associated with the shield by placing a battery in an interior portion of the hand grip and providing electric-resistance wires lining the interior of the enclosure member.