Phase change material thermal capacitor footwear
First Claim
1. An article of footwear for use in a cold environment, comprising at least one layer of thermal storage material, said thermal storage material comprising a phase change material capable of storing thermal energy as the latent heat of phase change, said phase change material having at least one phase transition at a temperature less than the maximum normal skin temperature but greater than ambient environmental temperature, said thermal storage material to be placed in thermal continuity with the skin of the user to provide a thermal environment at a temperature above said ambient temperature for an extended period of time, and to provide a heat sink to absorb metabolic heat, said absorbed metabolic heat acting to recharge said phase change material, to thereby increase the time period for which said thermal storage material provides said thermal environment at a temperature above said ambient environmental temperature.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer. Other embodiments of the apparatus also provide 1) a path for evaporation or direct absorption of perspiration from the skin of the wearer for improved comfort and thermal control, 2) heat conductive pathways within the material for thermal equalization, 3) surface treatments for improved absorption or rejection of heat by the material, and 4) means for quickly regenerating the thermal storage capacity for reuse of the material. Applications of the composite materials are also described which take advantage of the composite'"'"'s thermal characteristics. The examples described include a diver'"'"'s wet suit, ski boot liners, thermal socks, gloves and a face mask for cold weather activities, and a metabolic heating or cooling blanket useful for treating hypothermia or fever patients in a medical setting and therapeutic heating or cooling orthopedic joint supports.
87 Citations
20 Claims
- 1. An article of footwear for use in a cold environment, comprising at least one layer of thermal storage material, said thermal storage material comprising a phase change material capable of storing thermal energy as the latent heat of phase change, said phase change material having at least one phase transition at a temperature less than the maximum normal skin temperature but greater than ambient environmental temperature, said thermal storage material to be placed in thermal continuity with the skin of the user to provide a thermal environment at a temperature above said ambient temperature for an extended period of time, and to provide a heat sink to absorb metabolic heat, said absorbed metabolic heat acting to recharge said phase change material, to thereby increase the time period for which said thermal storage material provides said thermal environment at a temperature above said ambient environmental temperature.
Specification