Thermoregulatory apparel

• US 5,792,714 A
• Filed: 11/21/1996
• Issued: 08/11/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 05/09/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Charles Perry Duncan, Jerry Schindler
• Original Assignee: Charles Perry Duncan, Jerry Schindler
• Inventors: Schindler, Jerry, Duncan, Charles Perry
• Primary Examiner(s): Bell, James J.
• Application Number:
  US08/754,691
• Time in Patent Office: 628 Days
• Field of Search: 428/102, 428/193, 442/239, 442/240, 442/338, 442/189, 442/194, 2/DIG. 1, 2/69
• US Class Current: 442/194
• CPC Class Codes: A41B 11/00 Hosiery; Panti-hose elastic stockings for curative purposes A61F13/08
• CPC Class Codes: A41B 2400/20 Air permeability; Ventilation
• CPC Class Codes: A41B 2400/60 Moisture handling or wicking function
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/005 with controlled temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/0056 using evaporative effect
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 31/065 using layered materials
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 2/01 Ventilated garment
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24033 including stitching and discrete fastener[s], coating or bond
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24785 including layer embodying mechanically interengaged strands, strand portions or strand-like strips [e.g., weave, knit, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/3065 Including strand which is of specific structural definition
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/3106 Hollow strand material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 442/3472 Woven fabric including an additional woven fabric layer

Abstract

Thermoregulatory apparel includes garments, for close-fitting skin-contacting wear having, in preferred embodiments, a base fabric of Coolmax^cm high moisture evaporation fabric having one or more insulating panels of Thermax^cm or Thermastat^cm hollow core fiber fabric having moisture wicking capability and applied to the inner side of the garment for skin contact at selected areas of the body where muscle protection is desired. The insulating panels maintain body heat in the protected muscles while evaporative cooling is encouraged by wicking of perspiration away from the body for evaporation from the outer Coolmax^cm fabric. Alternative fabric choices and various garment combinations may be utilized.

Claims

1. Thermoregulatory apparel for body heat control including a garment adapted for close-fitting skin-contacting wear upon a portion of a human body, said garment comprising:

a base fabric made of heat dissipating fiber generating substantial moisture evaporation from skin contacted by said fabric; and

an insulating panel attached to the base fabric and forming an inner side of a portion of the garment for wearing against the skin, said panel made of a hollow core heat insulating fiber for retaining body heat in the area of the body contacted by the panel;

said panel being applied to a portion of the garment for covering superficial major muscle groups of the body prone to injury to maintain an elevated muscle temperature whereby the garment prevents excessive cooling during periods of inactivity of the muscles covered by said insulating panel while rapid cooling is provided through other portions of the garment.

2. The invention as in claim 1 wherein said base fabric is selected from the group consisting of nylon, polyester, and cotton.

3. The invention as in claim 1 wherein said insulating panel is made from a hollow core fiber.

4. Thermoregulatory apparel for body heat control including a garment adapted for close-fitting skin-contacting wear upon a portion of a human body, said garment comprising:

a base fabric made of heat dissipating fiber generating substantial moisture evaporation from skin contacted by said fabric; and

an insulating panel attached to an inner side of the base fabric for wearing against the skin, said panel made of a hollow core heat insulating fiber for retaining body heat in the area of the body contacted by the panel;

said panel being applied to a portion of the garment for covering superficial major muscle groups of the body prone to injury to maintain an elevated muscle temperature whereby the garment prevents excessive cooling during periods of inactivity of the muscles covered by said insulating panel while rapid cooling is provided through other portions of the garment.

5. The invention as in claim 4 wherein the base fabric fiber is polyester and has a configuration including at least one longitudinal channel that provides wicking of moisture away from adjacent skin to enhance evaporation.

6. The invention as in claim 4 wherein the hollow core fiber is configured to provide wicking of moisture away from adjacent skin to enhance evaporation.

7. The invention as in claim 4 wherein said base fabric is selected from the group consisting of nylon, polyester, and cotton.

8. The invention as in claim 4 wherein said insulating panel is made from a hollow core fiber.