Thermal garments

• US 7,560,664 B2
• Filed: 02/21/2003
• Issued: 07/14/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ancil Ford, Burnette Ford
• Original Assignee: Ancil Ford, Burnette Ford
• Inventors: Ford, Ancil, Ford, Burnette
• Primary Examiner(s): Evans; Robin
• Assistant Examiner(s): FASTOVSKY, LEONID M
• Application Number:
  US10/372,458
• Publication Number:
  US 20040164066A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,335 Days
• Field of Search: 219/211, 219/212, 219/213, 219/528, 219/545, 219/549, 219/200, 219/529, 392/398, 392/497, 392/478
• US Class Current: 219/211
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/0051 Heated garments heated divers' suits B63C11/28
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2203/007 using multiple electrically connected resistive elements or resistive zones
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2203/017 Manufacturing methods or apparatus for heaters
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2203/036 Heaters specially adapted for garment heating
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 3/342 heaters used in textiles

Abstract

A thermal garment that utilizes an electrically-conductive, all metal mesh fabric for the uniform distribution of heat throughout the surface area of the garment, thus permitting freedom of movement without sacrifice to the structural integrity of the fabric, a seemingly prevalent prior art disadvantage recognized in thermal garments incorporating electrical heating wires and/or metalized textile fabrics.

Claims

1. A thermal garment, comprising:

a first fabric layer;

a second fabric layer;

an electrically conductive all metal non-woven mesh fabric interposed between said first fabric layer and said second fabric layer;

a power source electrically coupled to said electrically conductive all metal non-woven mesh fabric;

a control mechanism for controlling power drawn from said power source, said control mechanism comprising heat setting indicia thereon, said indicia corresponding to incremental heat levels; and

,

a flap articulately attached to either said first fabric layer or said second fabric layer, wherein said flap covers said power source and control mechanism.

2. The thermal garment of claim 1, wherein said first fabric layer and said second fabric layer are formed from an insulative garment fabric.

3. The thermal garment of claim 1, wherein said power source is electrically coupled to and regulated by said control mechanism for drawing an electrical current from said power source across said electrically conductive all metal non-woven mesh fabric for generation of heat thereby.