Heated garment

• US 20060080756A1
• Filed: 10/18/2005
• Published: 04/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Andrew Abe Goldfine
• Original Assignee: Andrew Abe Goldfine
• Inventors: Goldfine, Andrew Abe
• Granted Patent: US 7,891,019 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 2/102
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/0051 Heated garments heated divers' suits B63C11/28
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 19/01535 Heated gloves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0071 using a resistor, e.g. near the spot to be heated
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0091 inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/007 characterised by electric heating

Abstract

A heatable garment having a plurality of layers is shown. The first layer is an outer fabric layer of any fabric which is lightweight, durable and treatable and may also be air impervious. Cooperating with the outer fabric layer is an envelope or inflatable bladder having a plurality of interconnected chambers. A further inner layer adjacent the envelope or bladder is a heat producing element such as a plurality of imbedded heating wires woven into a supporting fabric. The supporting fabric may, however, comprise the inner wall of the inflatable envelope. A source of heat energy, such as a battery, is connected to the heat producing element to heat the inner fabric liner. Inflation of the inflatable bladder urges the heat producing element into intimate contact with the body of the wearer. The inflatable bladder also form fits the garment on the body of the wearer and provides insulation against heat loss.

Claims

1. An article of clothing comprising:

a) a layered construction fitted to conform to a predetermined portion of an animal body, the layered construction comprising;

i) an outer fabric layer;

ii) a first inner layer adjacent the outer fabric layer, said first inner layer being inflatable;

iii) a second inner layer adjacent the first inner layer, the second inner layer comprising a heat producing element; and

iv) an innermost fabric liner adapted to be closest to the animal body when the article is being worn.

2. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein said article is fitted to conform to a torso of the animal body.

3. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein the article is fitted to conform to a peripheral appendage of the animal body.

4. The article of clothing of claim 3 wherein the peripheral appendage is a foot and the animal is a human being.

5. The article of clothing of claim 3 wherein the peripheral appendage is a hand and the animal is a human being.

6. The article of clothing of claim 1 and further including a means for connecting the heat producing element to a source of energy.

7. The article of clothing of claim 6 wherein the source of heat energy is an electrical current source.

8. The article of clothing of claim 7 and further including an electrical lead for coupling the electrical current source to the heat producing element.

9. The article of clothing of claim 1 wherein the inflatable layer, when inflated, urges the heat producing element in more intimate contact with the predetermined portion of the animal body.

10. The article of clothing of claim 9 wherein the article is a vest.

11. The article of clothing of claim 9 wherein the article is a jacket.

12. An article of clothing comprising:

a) a layered construction fitted to conform to a predetermined portion of an animal body, the layered construction comprising;

i) an outer air impervious fabric layer;

ii) an inner air impervious layer joined to the outer layer to from an inflatable envelope; and

iii) heat energy producing member arranged adjacent the inner layer, such that inflation of the inflatable envelope urges the heat energy producing layer against the body of a wearer.

13. The article of clothing of claim 12 wherein said article is fitted to conform to a torso of the animal body.

14. The article of clothing of claim 12 wherein the article is fitted to conform to a peripheral appendage of the animal body.

15. The article of clothing of claim 14 wherein the peripheral appendage is a foot and the animal is a human being.

16. The article of clothing of claim 15 wherein the peripheral appendage is a hand and the animal is a human being.

17. The article of clothing of claim 12 and further including a means for connecting the heat producing element to a source of energy.

18. The article of clothing of claim 17 wherein the source of heat energy is an electrical current source.

19. The article of clothing of claim 18 and further including an electrical lead for coupling the electrical current source to the heat producing element.

20. The article of clothing of claim 12 wherein the inflatable layer, when inflated, urges the heat producing element in more intimate contact with the predetermined portion of the animal body.

21. The article of clothing of claim 20 wherein the article is a vest.

22. The article of clothing of claim 20 wherein the article is a jacket.