Aspects herein relate to a flexible cooling garment system that is configured to cool a wearer.
Traditional cooling garments (e.g., cooling vests) may not adequately support the weight or shape of articles that are coupled with the cooling vests, such as icepacks. Moreover, traditional cooling garments and icepacks may be rigid or otherwise not flexible such that they do not adequately conform to the wearer's body or cause discomfort during wearer activity.
Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings figures, wherein:
The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.
At a high level, certain aspects herein relate to a flexible cooling garment system configured to cool a wearer before, during, and/or after an activity (e.g., a workout). In one aspect, the cooling garment system can include a vest configured to be worn by a wearer and one or more pockets on the vest configured to receive one or more icepacks. These pockets may be formed from a first inner layer of material which may comprise a non-stretch material and a second outer layer of material which may comprise a stretch material. The stretch material of the second outer layer of the pocket may help secure the one or more icepacks to the wearer's torso, as the stretching of the garment may allow an icepack to fully expand to its capacity while additionally cause increased pressure against a surface area of the icepack due to the elastic properties of the stretch material. Additionally, the non-stretch material of the first inner layer of the one or more pockets can help support the weight of the icepacks such that the icepacks do not sag or otherwise move outside of intended contact points on the wearer's body.
In still further aspects, a system can include one or more icepacks that include at least a first aperture configured to receive a first end of at least one shoulder strap. The system can further include a garment that includes one or more pockets configured to receive the one or more icepacks. The shoulder strap may be disposed over a shoulder region of the garment and may include a first end that is configured to pass through the first aperture of the one or more icepacks. The shoulder strap can further help secure the one or more icepacks to a wearer's torso and support the icepack's weight and shape. The shoulder strap can help secure the one or more icepacks to the wearer's torso by keeping an icepack in an upright extended position, as opposed to a strapless system, which may result in a folding or compression of the icepack due to gravitational and other movement forces especially as the ice within the icepack begins melting. In some aspects, a particular end of the shoulder strap extends downward when the garment is in an as-worn configuration and fastens to a superior portion of the icepack, which allows the icepack to maintain its expanded shape, as gravitational forces pull downward on the icepack, while the shoulder strap keeps the icepack in an upright position. The shoulder strap can also help prevent the icepack from shifting or bouncing during wear and various activities while wearing, such as working out or engaging in a sport. In this way, the icepacks can maintain continuous contact with the wearer, as opposed to sporadic contact that may happen without a shoulder strap mechanism.
In yet other aspects, an icepack configured for use with a cooling garment can include at least one flexion area. These flexion areas may correspond to one or more points or areas at which a first front portion of the icepack and a first back portion of the icepack are affixed to each other, such that the one or more points or areas are not filled with a filler substance (e.g., water). The icepack can further include one or more second apertures disposed adjacently to the at least one flexion area. These apertures may extend from a second front portion of the icepack through a second back portion of the icepack. The flexion areas and apertures on the icepack can allow the icepack to more closely conform to a wearer's chest or other body part and allow for a generally unabated range of motion. For example, various flexion areas on an icepack may effectively act as joints or axis points about which the rest of the corresponding icepack portions can axially rotate or move. Accordingly, for example, the icepack can more closely conform to the contours of the wearer's body because the flexion areas may bend at areas where the body changes size or shape. In another example, the apertures and flexion areas can also act as hinges or points about which the rest of the icepack can move during particular wearer movements. Without these apertures and/or flexion areas, the icepack is generally prevented from bending or folding according to wearer movement, which may cause discomfort or strain during movement. The apertures can decrease the surface area of the icepack and act as a movement point such that when a wearer moves, there is less rigidity and the icepack can conform more to the contours of the wearer.
In an additional aspect, a reflective upper-body garment in the form of a jacket may be provided where the reflective upper-body garment is configured to be worn over the vest containing the icepacks. The reflective upper-body garment has a reflective outer surface and further includes a plurality of apertures that are distributed uniformly on the upper-body garment. The reflective outer surface of the upper-body garment reflects heat and/or sun away from the wearer and may promote cooling, especially when used in combination with the vest/icepack system. As well, the plurality of apertures allow for movement of air into and out of the upper-body garment which may help promote evaporative heat transfer.
Aspects herein further contemplate a cooling system kit that includes, for example, the cooling vest described herein, the reflective upper-body garment, and one or more icepacks. The kit components may be packaged separately or together and sold to a consumer. To use the cooling system, a wearer would fill the icepack(s) with a filler substance such as, for example, water, and optionally chill the icepack(s) depending upon the filler substance. The wearer would don the cooling vest, position the icepack within one of the pockets located on the cooling vest, and don the reflective upper body garment. This may occur prior the wearer exercising, during exercise, or post-exercise.
Positional and range of motion terms as used herein such as “inner,” “outer,” “medial,” “lateral,” “upper,” “lower,” “superior,” “inferior,” “anterior,” “posterior,” “flexion,” “extension,” “abduction,” “adduction,” and the like are to be given their common meaning with respect to the cooling garment being worn as intended and as shown and described herein by a hypothetical wearer standing in an upright position (i.e., standing in anatomical position). Still further, the phrase “configured to contact,” or other similar phrases used when describing different portions of the garment in relation to a wearer refer to a support garment appropriately sized for the particular wearer. Terms such as “fastened” or “secured” as used herein generally refer to attachment methodologies between two or more elements that generally maintain the elements in a fixed relationship with respect to one another. Terms such as “adjustably secured” as used herein refer to attachment methodologies that allow at least one element, such as a strap, to be adjusted (e.g., shortened or lengthened) in relation to another element, such as an upper portion of an icepack surface.
The term “stretch material” as used herein refers to textiles or materials formed using elastomeric yarns. Elastomeric yarns may generally provide a maximum stretch greater than about 200% under load prior to returning to its non-stretched state when the load is removed, and some elastomeric yarns provide a maximum stretch of about 400%. Examples of elastomeric yarn types include SPANDEX®, lycra, rubber, and the like. Moreover, examples of stretch materials or textiles may include stretch woven materials, stretch knit materials, stretch non-woven materials, and the like. The term “non-stretch material” as used herein refers to textiles or materials that are formed using non-elastomeric yarns that generally do not stretch over a threshold amount (e.g., cotton, silk, polyester, conventional denim, and/or other non-elastic polymers). To describe this differently, non-stretch materials have a lower stretching capacity than stretch materials.
The term “cooling garment” or “garment” as used herein may mean an upper-body garment (e.g., a vest, a shirt, a jacket, a coat, a support garment, and the like), a lower-body garment (e.g., shorts, pants, and the like), or a combination upper-body garment and lower-body garment (e.g., a unitard, overall, and the like).
Turning now to
The cooling garment system 100 further includes an optional slider mechanism 112, which is disposed in between the pockets 106-1 and 106-2 and may form, in some aspects, an inner or medial edge of the pockets 106-1 and 106-2. The slider mechanism 112 may include a tape that extends along a longitudinal or vertical length of the pockets 106-1 and 106-2. The slider mechanism 112 includes a slider pull configured to reversibly open and close the slider mechanism 112 and, accordingly, open and close the vest 101 such that the wearer 102 can put on or remove the vest 101. Although the cooling garment system 100 includes the slider mechanism 112 as a fastening mechanism, it is understood that any suitable fastening mechanism can alternatively or additionally be used to secure or put on the vest 101. For example, instead of the wearer 102 zipping up the vest 101 via the slider mechanism 112, the wearer 102 in various aspects secures the vest 101 via one or more buttons, snaps, or hook-and-loop fasteners.
As mentioned, the cooling garment system 100 further includes the icepacks 108-1 and 108-2, each of which respectively include apertures 110-1 and 110-2 at the superior or upper portions of the icepacks 108. These apertures (collectively described herein as “apertures 110”) and the rest of the upper portions of the icepacks 108 are illustrated as being exposed or not covered by a portion of the pockets 106 or vest 101. This may make it easier for the wearer 102 to remove and/or place the icepacks 108 to/from the inlet opening 106-3 and inlet opening 106-4 of the pockets 106-1 and 106-2 and/or make it easier for the wearer 102 to fasten shoulder straps 104-1 and 104-2 to the icepacks 108 via the apertures 110. The shoulder straps 104-1 and 104-2 (collectively referred to herein as the shoulder straps 104) are each configured to fasten or be secured to the icepacks 108 via placing respective ends through the apertures 110, as described in more detail below. The shoulder straps 104 are oriented, at least in part, horizontally or transversely over a shoulder region of the vest 101 (e.g., 116-1) or wearer 102 and longitudinally oriented over the anterior portion of the vest 101 or wearer 102 to attach to the upper portion of the icepacks 108. In various aspects, the icepacks 108 can include various flexion areas and additional apertures, as described in more detail below.
The vest 101 includes inner layer portions 116-1 and 116-2 (collectively described herein as the “inner layer 116”). The inner layer 116 is positioned adjacent to a front or face portion (i.e., the outer layer 106-5) of the pockets 106 such that opposing surfaces of the inner layer 116 and the outer layer 106-5 of the pockets 106 are positioned adjacent to each other. In particular aspects, the pockets 106 are formed as a space between the inner layer 116 and the outer layer 106-5, and the outer layer 106-5 may only be present in certain portions of the vest 101 such as where the pockets 106 are located. In this way, the icepacks 108-1 and 108-2 are disposed between the inner layer 116 and outer layer 106-5. The inner layer 116 may comprise the inner-most layer of the vest 101 such that it is positioned adjacent to a body surface of the wearer 102 (e.g., either a skin surface or a surface of the wearer 102 covered by, for instance, a base layer).
The inner layer portion 116-1 may abut and be positioned beneath the shoulder strap 104-1. In some aspects, the shoulder straps 104 are sewn or otherwise permanently fixed to the inner layer 116. In other aspects, the shoulder straps 104 are stand-alone articles, such that they are not sewn or permanently attached to the inner layer 116 and, instead, are removably attached to the inner layer 116 using, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, and the like. Although the vest 101 is shown without sleeves, in some aspects the inner layer 116-1 may extend to form short or long sleeves (e.g., sleeves of a long sleeved T-shirt) such that a portion of the wearer's 102 arm is covered (e.g., the length of a person's entire arm down to a wrist portion of the arm). The vest 101 further includes a neck opening inner layer portion 116-2 of the inner layer 116 that is configured to be placed over the wearer 102's head in order to wear the vest 101. In some aspects, the portions (not shown) of the inner layer 116 that are positioned beneath the icepacks 108 represent the back side or posterior part of the pockets 106. The inner layer 116 or any part of the cooling garment system 100 can be made from any suitable material, such as knitted mesh, woven material, nylon, cotton, polyester, silk, etc. In various aspects, the inner layer 116 or posterior portion of the pockets 106 is formed from a non-stretch material, such as non-stretch woven, a non-stretch knit, a non-stretch nonwoven, and the like. In various aspects, the outer layer 106-5 is formed from a stretch material including a stretch woven, a stretch knit, a stretch nonwoven, and the like.
By structuring the pocket 206 such that the second outer layer 206-1 of the pocket 206 is formed from a stretch material and the first inner layer 206-3 of the pocket 206 is formed from a non-stretch material, the pocket 206 is configured to both support the weight of an icepack and help conform the icepack closer to the body of a wearer. Because the first inner layer 206-3 includes the non-stretch material, it supports an icepack in its inserted or upright position such that the icepack does not sag or orient downward due to gravitational forces. In some example aspects, a lower margin 206-5 of the second outer layer 206-1 also includes non-stretch material in order to further prevent sagging or drooping of the icepack. Because the second outer layer 206-1 generally comprises the stretch material, the inserted icepack may conform more to a wearer than portions with a non-stretch material because the stretch material may keep an icepack in its extended or upright form (e.g., the icepack does not sag, deform, bend, and the like) and keep continuous pressure on the icepack and thus a wearer. For instance, a wearer may have to exert an initial tension on the second outer layer 206-1 in order to insert the icepack in the pocket 206. However, because of the elastic nature of stretch material, the stretch material may engage in the elastic process of returning to its original shape when the icepack is fully positioned in the pocket 206. Therefore, there may be greater pressure against the body of the wearer due to elastic forces and the icepack may not fold or compress because of these elastic forces countering gravitational forces. In some aspects, the stretch material allows the wearer to more easily place an icepack in the pocket inlet than an otherwise rigid non-stretch material because of the ability of the pocket to stretch.
The shoulder strap 204-1 includes at least a first end that contains, for instance, a male end 201 of a connecting element and a portion that includes a female end 203 of the connecting element. In some aspects, the first end of the shoulder strap 204-1 is configured to pass through the aperture 110-2 of the icepack 108-2 and the male end 201 can be snapped or secured into the female end 203 such that a portion of the icepack 108-2 is secured to the shoulder strap 204-1 at loop portion 205. In this manner, when the male end 201 and the female end 203 are coupled, the shoulder strap 204-1 forms a loop and the icepack 108-2 can then extend from the newly formed loop portion 205 by way of the aperture 110-2. Although
The cooling garment system 400 includes pockets 406-1 and 406-3, each of which are configured to respectively receive icepacks 408-1 and 408-3. The shoulder straps 404-1 and 404-2 each include ends that are configured to be placed through respective apertures in the icepacks 408-1 and 408-3 in order to fasten or be secured to the icepacks 408-1 and 408-3. As described above, in some aspects cooling garment systems such as the cooling garment system 400 can include icepacks on a front side and a backside of the cooling garment system 400 or wearer 402 and the shoulder straps 404 may therefore be continuous articles that fasten to both front and backside icepacks. Accordingly, for example, a cooling vest 401 of the cooling garment system 400 can comprise the first shoulder strap (e.g., 404-2) (that includes first and second ends) and the second shoulder strap (e.g., 404-1) (that includes third and fourth ends). The first end of the first shoulder strap 404-2 may be configured to fasten to a first icepack (e.g., 108-1) on a front portion of the cooling vest 401. The second end of the first shoulder strap 404-2 can be additionally configured to fasten to a second icepack (e.g., 408-3) on a back portion of the cooling vest 401 (e.g., as illustrated in
The body 512 includes example flexion areas 516-1, 516-2, 516-3, and 516-4 (collectively referred to herein as the flexion areas 516) that surround or extend away from a second aperture 514. Although the icepack 500 illustrates a particular shape, orientation, quantity, and length of flexion areas, apertures, and icepacks themselves, it is understood that this is illustrative only and that any suitable shape, quantity, orientation, and length can exist. For example, in some aspects, the second aperture 514 represents a circular, rectangular, or square shape, as opposed to triangular as represented in
Each of the flexion areas 516 is an area at which a first respective front portion of the icepack 500 and a first respective back portion of the icepack 500 converge, bond, or affix to each other, as described in more detail below. Accordingly, the flexion areas 516-1, 516-2, 516-3, and 516-4 each have portions of the front and back of the icepack 500 that are bonded or affixed to each other. Because the front and back of the icepack 500 are affixed to each other at the flexion areas 516, these flexion areas 516 are unable to be filled with a filler substance, such as water. In one aspect, the flexion area 516-1 is cylindrical in shape and extends longitudinally from just inferior to an edge 512-4 (defined by a border between the upper portion 508 and the body 512) to just above the second aperture 514. The flexion areas 516-2 and 516-3 (also cylindrical shaped) extend obliquely or diagonally across the body 512 from a first side edge 512-1 of the body 512 to an area laterally adjacent to the second aperture 514. As illustrated, in an example aspect, these flexion areas 516-1 and 516-2 are oriented parallel or substantially parallel to respective edges or sides that form the second aperture 514. The flexion area 516-4 extends parallel with and is substantially aligned with the flexion area 516-1. The flexion area 516-4 extends longitudinally across a length of the body 512 from just inferior to the second aperture 514 to just above (or superior to) a bottom edge 512-2 of the body 512.
The second aperture 514 (or any apertures described with reference to an icepack body) is a hole or opening in an icepack body (e.g., the body 512) that extends from and through a front or face portion of the icepack 500 through a back or rear portion of the icepack 500. Accordingly, in these aspects, portions of the body 512 can form the borders of the entire space around the second aperture 514 such that there is open space that forms the second aperture 514. For example, a person can see through these apertures and some objects can pass through the apertures (e.g., a finger) in some aspects.
Each of the flexion areas 516 and the second aperture 514 allow more flexibility for cooling garments and wearers as well as allow the icepack 500 to more easily conform to a wearer, as described herein. For example, the flexion areas 516-1 and 516-4 extend across a portion of the longitudinal length of the body 512. Accordingly, if a wearer performs a horizontal adduction or horizontal abduction movement of the arm (e.g., to swing a bat), this may cause the body 512 to move or rotate in the direction of the movement, which may be substantially perpendicular to the length of the flexion areas 516. Accordingly, the flexion areas 516 may act as an effective axis point or line such that the body 512 can more freely move, thereby allowing more unabated range of motion by the wearer and greater contact of the icepack with the wearer, which can reduce discomfort or strain during movement. Likewise, the flexion areas 516 may act as effective joints, such that the body 512 of the icepack 500 can more easily conform to varied contours of a wearer's body, such as a chest region. In another example, if a wearer performs a flexion and extension movement of his or her trunk (e.g., a sit up motion), the second aperture 514 and the flexion areas 516-2 and 516-3 may act as effective axis areas so that a wearer can more easily flex and extend her trunk while at the same time allow for optimal contact between the body 512 of the icepack 500 and the wearer. Accordingly, in these movements, the second aperture 514 can bend or fold at the apex 514-1, and the body 512 can bend or fold at the flexion areas 516-2 and 516-3 during flexion and extension.
In various aspects, the body 512 is made from any suitable material. For example, the body 512 can be made from a thermoplastic-polyurethane material and/or other polymers such as low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. The size of the icepack 500 can also include any suitable length, width, and thickness. For example, in some aspects, the width of the body 512 (defined by the distance along the edge 512-2 or the distance between the edge 512-1 and edge 512-3) is about 10 cm (e.g., plus or minus 5% of 10 cm). In some aspects, the length of the icepack 500 (defined by the distance along the edge 512-1 or the distance between edge 512-4 and 512-2 is from about 30 cm to about ˜36 cm with the upper portion 508 (e.g., plus or minus 5% of 30 cm and 36 cm respectively)). In some aspects, the thickness of the body 512 is from about 2 cm to about 4 cm (e.g., plus or minus 5% of these values) without a fluid (e.g., water) or other filler substance.
In some aspects, the icepack 500 is formed from two separate layers that are adhered together at certain areas such as around the periphery (e.g., edges 512-1, 512-2, and 512-3), at the flexion areas 516 and/or around the perimeter edge of the second aperture 514.
As illustrated in
The body 712 includes flexion areas 716-1, 716-2 (collectively referred to herein as the flexion areas 716) that surround a second aperture 714. Although the icepack 700 illustrates a particular shape, orientation, quantity, and length of flexion areas, apertures, and icepacks themselves, it is understood that this is illustrative only and that any suitable shape, quantity, orientation, and length can exist. For example, in some aspects, the second aperture 714 represents a circular, triangular, rectangular, or square shape, as opposed to diamond-shaped as represented in
Each of the flexion areas 716 is an area at which a first respective front portion of the icepack 700 and a first respective back portion of the icepack 700 are affixed and/or bonded to each other, as described in more detail below. Accordingly, the flexion areas 716-1 and 716-2 are unable to be filled with a filler substance, such as water. The flexion area 716-1 is cylindrical in shape and extends longitudinally from just inferior to a top edge 712-1 (the horizontal border between the upper portion 708 and a body 712 of the icepack 700) to just above or superior to the second aperture 714. The flexion area 716-2 extends parallel with and is substantially aligned with the flexion area 716-1. The flexion area 716-2 extends longitudinally across a length of the body 712 from just inferior to the second aperture 714 to just above or superior to a bottom edge 712-2 of the body 512.
The second aperture 714 (or any apertures described with reference to an icepack body) is a hole or opening in an icepack body (e.g., the body 712) that extends from a front or face portion of the icepack through a back or rear portion of the icepack. Accordingly, in these aspects, portions of the body 712 can form the borders of the entire second aperture 714 such that there is open space that forms the aperture. For example, a person can see through these apertures and some objects can pass through the apertures (e.g., a finger) in some aspects.
Each of the flexion areas 716 and the second aperture 714 allow more flexibility for cooling garments and wearers, as well as allow the icepack 700 to more easily conform to a wearer. For example, the flexion areas 716-1 and 716-2 extend across a portion of the longitudinal length of the body 512. Accordingly, if a wearer performs a horizontal adduction or horizontal abduction movement of the arm (e.g., a throwing motion), this may cause the body 712 to move or rotate in the direction of the movement, which may be substantially perpendicular to the flexion areas 716. Accordingly, the flexion areas 716 may act as an effective axis point or area such that the body 712 of the icepack 700 can more freely move, thereby allowing more unabated range of motion by the wearer and greater contact of the icepack with the wearer, which can reduce discomfort or strain during movement. Likewise, the flexion areas 716 may act as effective joints, such that the body 712 of the icepack 700 can more easily conform to varied contours of a wearer's body, such as a chest region. In another example, if a wearer performs a flexion and extension movement of his or her trunk (e.g., a sit up motion), the second aperture 714 may act as an effective axis point at the vertices 714-1 and 714-2 so that a wearer can more easily flex and extend her trunk while at the same time allow for optimal contact between the body 712 of the icepack 700 and the wearer. Accordingly, in these movements, the second aperture 714 can bend or fold at the vertices 714-1 and 714-2, and the body 712 of the icepack 700 can thus bend or fold at these areas during flexion and extension movements.
In various aspects, the body 712 is made from any suitable material. For example, the body 712 can be made from a thermoplastic-polyurethane material and/or other polymers such as low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. The size of the icepack 700 can also include any suitable length, width, and thickness. For example, in some aspects, the width of the body 712 (defined by a distance along the edge 712-2) is about 10 cm (e.g., plus or minus 5% of 10 cm). In some aspects, the length of the icepack 700 (defined by at least a distance along the edges 712-1 and 712-3) is from about 30 cm to about 36 cm with the upper portion 508 (e.g., plus or minus 5% of 30 cm and 36 cm respectively). In some aspects, the thickness of the body 712 is from about 0.5 cm to about 4 cm (e.g., plus or minus 5% of these values) without a fluid (e.g., water) or other filler substance.
As illustrated in
In some aspects, the icepack 700 is formed from two separate layers that are adhered together at certain areas such as around the periphery (e.g., edges 712-1, 712-2, and 712-3), at the flexion areas 716 and/or around the perimeter edge of the second aperture 714.
At the first time (before opening the body 912 or the upper portions 908), the upper portions 908 may appear as one single piece, as illustrated by the upper portion 708 of
In example aspects, the reflective upper-body garment 1000 may be formed from a single layer of a reflective material where the reflective nature of the material is indicated by the reference numeral 1022. The reflective material 1022 is configured to, for example, cause reflection of incident sunlight. In example aspects, the reflective material 1022 may be reflective on just one of its surfaces such that the outer surface 1005 of the garment 1000 is reflective and an inner surface 1007 of the garment 1000 is substantially non-reflective. As used herein, the term “substantially non-reflective” means that at least about 80% of the inner surface 1007 is not reflective. In other example aspects, the reflective material 1022 may be reflective on both of its surfaces such that both the outer surface 1005 and the inner surface 1007 of the garment 1000 are reflective. In one example aspect, the reflective material 1022 may include a knit, woven, or nonwoven material having a heat reflecting material deposited on an outer surface of the material. In a particular example aspect, the reflective material may comprise a woven nylon material having a weight of 52 grams/yard. The heat reflecting material may include liquid, aqueous, vaporized, or powdered metals such as aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and/or alloys thereof. Additional examples of heat reflecting materials may comprise films formed from non-metallic substances or compounds comprising metals such as metalized biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET), commonly known by the trade name Mylar®, Melinex®, and Hostaphan®, a metalized polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a holographic foil, and the like. Other example heat reflecting materials may comprise semi-metallic substances such as silicon (Si) and silicon containing compounds. In other example aspects, the yarns and/or fibers used to form the reflective material 1022 may contain one or more of the heat reflecting materials described above. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.
The reflective upper-body garment 1000 may also include a plurality of apertures 1024 uniformly distributed on the garment 1000. Stated differently, the plurality of apertures 1024 may be located on both the front and back of the torso portion 1010, the hood 1014, the first long sleeve 1018, and the second long sleeve 1020. The plurality of apertures 1024 may comprise an ingress point for ambient air to enter the garment 1000 and cool the wearer. As well, the plurality of apertures 1024 may comprise an egress point through which heated air and/or moisture vapor produced by the wearer may escape the garment 1000. In example aspects, the plurality of apertures 1024 may have a uniform shape and size and may be separated from each other by a uniform distance such that there is an approximately equal number of apertures per unit area (e.g., a 10 cm×10 cm square) on the torso portion 1010, the hood 1014, the first long sleeve 1018, and the second long sleeve 1020.
In one example aspect, each aperture 1024 may have a square shape and measure from about 1 mm to about 5 mm across, from about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm across, or about 2 mm across. In this example, each aperture 1024 is separated from an adjacent aperture 1024 by a distance of from about 5 mm to about 15 mm, from about 6 mm to about 10 mm, from about 7 mm to about 9 mm, or about 8 mm. With respect to an example aspect where the square apertures measure 2 mm across and are separated from adjacent apertures by 8 mm, it has been found that the size and the spacing of the apertures 1024 help to create a micro-vortex effect when air enters the garment 1000 by way of the apertures 1024. The micro-vortex effect may create a perceived cooling effect in addition to the actual cooling that may occur through, for example, the evaporation of moisture caused by the inflow of air. This is just one example, and it is contemplated herein that the plurality of apertures 1024 may have varying shapes and sizes, and that the distance between adjacent apertures 1024 may vary at different locations on the garment 1000 such that the number of apertures per unit area also varies at different locations on the garment 1000. In other example aspects, the apertures 1024 may be zonally located based on heat and/or sweat maps of the human body. As such, the apertures 1024 may be zonally located in high heat and/or sweat producing areas such as, for example, a central back area of the garment 1000 although other locations are contemplated herein.
The following clauses represent exemplary aspects of concepts contemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses may be combined in a multiple dependent manner to depend from one or more other clauses. Further, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend from a previous clause) may be combined while staying within the scope of aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are exemplary in nature and are not limiting.
Clause 1. A cooling garment comprising:
a vest configured to be worn by a wearer;
at least one shoulder strap disposed over a shoulder region of the vest; and
one or more pockets on the vest configured to receive one or more icepacks, the one or more pockets including a stretch material on a front portion of the one or more pockets and the one or more pockets further including a non-stretch material on a back portion of the one or more pockets.
Clause 2. The cooling garment of clause 1, wherein the at least one shoulder strap includes a first end that is configured to be placed through at least one aperture of the one or more icepacks.
Clause 3. The cooling garment of clause 1 or 2 wherein the one or more pockets include a first pocket and a second pocket on the front portion of the vest, wherein the first pocket and the second pocket are configured to receive a first icepack and a second icepack of the one or more icepacks respectively.
Clause 4. The cooling garment of clause 3 or 2, wherein the one or more pockets include a third pocket and a fourth pocket on the back portion of the vest, wherein the third pocket and the fourth pocket are configured to receive a third icepack and a fourth icepack of the one or more icepacks respectively.
Clause 5. The cooling garment of clause 4, 3, 2, or 1 further comprising a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap, the first shoulder strap including a first end and a second end, the second shoulder strap including a third end and a fourth end, wherein the first end of the first shoulder strap is configured to fasten to the first icepack, the second end of the first shoulder strap is configured to fasten to the third icepack, and wherein the third end of the second shoulder strap is configured to fasten to the second icepack, the fourth end is configured to fasten to the fourth icepack.
Clause 6. The cooling garment of clause 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the stretch material includes a stretch-woven material.
Clause 7. A system comprising:
one or more icepacks that each include at least a first aperture;
a garment that includes one or more pockets configured to receive the one or more icepacks;
at least one shoulder strap disposed over a shoulder region of the garment, the at least one shoulder strap comprising at least a first end, the first end being configured to pass through the first aperture of the one or more icepacks to secure the at least one shoulder strap to the one or more icepacks.
Clause 8. The system of clause 7, wherein at least one of the one or more icepacks include at least one flexion area, the at least one flexion area corresponding to one or more areas at which a first front portion of the at least one of the one or more icepacks and a first back portion of the at least one of the one or more icepacks are affixed to each other, wherein the at least one flexion area is not configured to be filled with a filler substance.
Clause 9. The system of clause 7 or 8, wherein at least one of the one or more icepacks includes a second aperture extending from a front portion of the at least one of the one or more icepacks through a back portion of the at least one of the one or more icepacks.
Clause 10. The system of clause 7, 8, or 9, wherein the one or more pockets including a stretch material on a front portion of the one or more pockets and the one or more pockets further including a non-stretch material on a back portion of the one or more pockets.
Clause 11. The system of clause 7, 8, 9, or 10 wherein at least one of the one or more icepacks includes a second aperture that is triangular shaped, wherein an apex of the second aperture is oriented towards a midline of the garment.
Clause 12. The system of clause 7, 8, 9, or 10 wherein at least one of the one or more icepacks includes a second aperture that is diamond shaped, wherein a vertex of the second aperture is oriented towards a midline of the garment.
Clause 13. The system of clause 7, 8, 9, or 10 wherein at least one of the one or more icepacks includes a plurality of flexion areas that surround a second aperture, wherein the second aperture extends from a front portion of the at least one of the one or more icepacks through a back portion of the at least one of the one or more icepacks, and wherein the second aperture is positioned inferior to the first aperture of the at least one of the one or more icepacks.
Clause 14. The system of clause 7, 8, 9, or 10 wherein the at least one shoulder strap includes a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap, and wherein the first shoulder strap is fastened to a first icepack and a second icepack of the one or more icepacks, and wherein the second shoulder strap is fastened to a third icepack and a fourth icepack of the one or more icepacks.
Clause 15. An icepack configured for use with a cooling garment, the icepack comprising:
at least one flexion area, the at least one flexion area corresponding to one or more areas at which a first front portion of the icepack and a first back portion of the icepack are affixed to each other, wherein the one or more areas are not configured to be filled with a filler substance; and
one or more apertures disposed adjacently to the at least one flexion area, the one or more apertures extending from a second front portion of the icepack through a second back portion of the icepack.
Clause 16. The icepack of clause 15, further comprising an additional aperture on an upper portion of the icepack that receives a first end of at least one shoulder strap to help secure the icepack.
Clause 17. The icepack of clause 15 or 16, wherein the one or more apertures include a triangular shaped aperture that includes an apex, the apex oriented towards a side edge of the icepack.
Clause 18. The icepack of clause 17 or 16, wherein the at least one flexion area includes a first flexion area oriented parallel to a first side of the triangular shaped aperture, the at least one flexion area further includes a second flexion area oriented parallel to a second side of the triangular shaped aperture.
Clause 19. The icepack of clause 15, 16, 17, or 18, wherein the icepack includes: a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, and wherein the at least one flexion area includes a first flexion area that does not extend to: the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge, and wherein the first flexion area is configured to be entirely surrounded by the filler substance.
Clause 20. The icepack of clause 15, 16, 17, or 18 wherein the one or more apertures include a diamond shaped aperture and the at least one flexion area includes a first flexion area disposed along a longitudinal length of the icepack and superior to a vertex of the diamond shaped aperture.
Clause 21. A cooling system kit comprising: a cooling vest comprising: a front portion, a back portion, and a pair of shoulder regions extending between the front portion and the back portion, and one or more pockets located on one or more of the front portion and the back portion; an icepack configured to be positioned within the one or more pockets of the cooling vest; and an upper-torso garment configured to be worn over the cooling vest, the upper-torso garment comprising: a torso portion, and a first sleeve and a second sleeve each extending from the torso portion, a reflective outer surface, and a plurality of apertures uniformly distributed on the upper-torso garment.
Clause 22. The cooling system kit according to clause 21, wherein the first sleeve is a long sleeve, and wherein the second sleeve is a long sleeve.
Clause 23. The cooling system kit according to any of clauses 21 through 22, wherein the upper-torso garment further comprises a hood extending from a neck opening of the torso portion.
Clause 24. The cooling system kit according to any of clauses 21 through 23, wherein an inner surface of the upper-torso garment is substantially non-reflective.
Clause 25. The cooling system kit according to any of clauses 21 through 24, wherein the cooling vest, the icepack, and the upper-torso garment are packaged together.
Clause 26. The cooling system kit according to any of clauses 21 through 25, wherein the cooling vest includes at least a first shoulder strap disposed over one of the pair of shoulder regions of the cooling vest.
Clause 27. The cooling system kit according to clause 26, wherein the icepack includes an aperture, and wherein the first shoulder strap is configured to extend through the aperture.
Clause 28. The cooling system kit according to any of clauses 21 through 27, wherein the one or more pockets on the cooling vest include a stretch material on a front portion of the one or more pockets and a non-stretch material on a back portion of the one or more pockets.
Clause 29. The cooling system kit according to any of clauses 21 through 28, wherein the icepack includes a flexion area corresponding to an area at which a front portion of the icepack and a back portion of the icepack are affixed to each other.
Clause 30. A cooling system kit comprising: a cooling vest comprising: a front portion, a back portion, and a pair of shoulder regions extending between the front portion and the back portion, and two or more pockets located on one or more of the front portion and the back portion; a first icepack configured to be positioned within the two or more pockets of the cooling vest; and an upper-torso garment configured to be worn over the cooling vest, the upper-torso garment comprising: a torso portion, a first long sleeve and a second long sleeve each extending from the torso portion, and a hood extending from a neck opening of the torso portion, a reflective outer surface, and a plurality of apertures uniformly distributed on the upper-torso garment.
Clause 31. The cooling system kit according to clause 30, wherein the cooling vest, the first icepack, and the upper-torso garment are packaged together.
Clause 32. The cooling system kit according to any of clauses 30 through 31, wherein the cooling vest, the first icepack, and the upper-torso garment are packaged separately.
Clause 33. The cooling system kit according to any of clauses 30 through 32, wherein the cooling vest includes a first shoulder strap that extends over a first shoulder region of the pair of shoulder regions and a second shoulder strap that extends over a second shoulder region of the pair of shoulder regions.
Clause 34. The cooling system kit according to any of clauses 30 through 33, further comprising a second icepack configured to be positioned within the two or more pockets of the cooling vest.
Clause 35. The cooling system kit according to clause 34, wherein when the cooling vest is in a used configuration, the first shoulder strap extends through a first aperture located at a first end of the first icepack and the second shoulder strap extends through a second aperture located at a first end of the second icepack.
Clause 36. The cooling system kit according to any of clauses 30 through 35, wherein the first icepack includes a flexion area corresponding to an area at which a front portion of the first icepack and a back portion of the first icepack are affixed to each other.
Clause 37. The cooling system kit according to any of clauses 30 through 36, wherein an inner surface of the upper-torso garment is substantially non-reflective.
Clause 38. The cooling system kit according to any of clauses 30 through 37, wherein the two or more pockets on the cooling vest include a stretch material on a front portion of the two or more pockets and a non-stretch material on a back portion of the two or more pockets.
Clause 39. A method of using the kit according to clause 21, the method comprising: donning the cooling vest; inserting the icepack into the one or more pockets of the cooling vest; and donning the upper-torso garment.
Clause 40. The method of using the kit according to clause 39, wherein prior to inserting the icepack into the one or more pockets of the cooling vest, filling the icepack with a filler substance and chilling the filler substance.
Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.
This application having attorney docket number 344620/180196US03CIP and entitled “Flexible Cooling Garment System,” is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/429,577, filed Jun. 3, 2019, and entitled “Flexible Cooling Garment System,” which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Prov. App. No. 62/724,972, filed Aug. 30, 2018, and entitled “Flexible Cooling Garment System.” The entireties of the aforementioned applications are incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62724972 | Aug 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16429577 | Jun 2019 | US |
Child | 17014704 | US |