Patent Application
20220312861
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A
JOINT INVENTOR
Not Applicable
The present invention relates generally to inflatable garments, and more specifically to a multi-layered garment configured to be variably inflated and deflated to provide comfort and insulation.
Cold weather can be undesirable and even dangerous for individuals, particularly refugees, soldiers, campers, and the homeless population. Without adequate insulation during such cold weather, individuals can potentially endanger their lives by entering a state of hypothermia. Additionally, rain, sleet, snow, and other forms of precipitation can intensify the dangers of cold weather.
Traditionally, jackets, coats, and other pieces of garments can be worn to provide insulation and warmth. These traditional garments can be down jackets, commonly known as “puffer jackets”. Such puffer jackets can be a quilted coat including one or more cavities commonly filled with air and/or feathers to provide insulation to users.
However, such puffer jackets are typically inflated to a predetermined volume of air and cannot be variably manipulated depending on the need and/or desire for more or less insulation. Similarly, such puffer jackets cannot be deflated when insulation is not necessary. Without the ability to deflate, the puffer jacket can be a burden for a user to carry when the puffer jacket is not worn, as the puffer jacket cannot be easily folded into a confined compartment or portable bag.
Further, many garments can be conventionally manufactured via sewing along the seams. However, sewing along the seams can require a surplus of thread, thereby producing undesired waste. Additionally, the cost of production associated with garments manufactured via sewing, as well as the manufacturing time, can be relatively high as compared to other alternative manufacturing means such as the use of adhesives.
Thus, a need yet exists for a multi-layered garment configured to be variably inflated and deflated to provide comfort, insulation or protection to a wearer. It is to such a garment and method of making a garment that the present invention is primarily directed.
The present invention relates to the need for insulation and cushioning in garment form through inflation. It is an inflatable (and reversible) garment (a jacket) that can be used for heat, safety and/or comfort. This creates a market for portable, wearable inflation apparatus/garments like air-mattresses, on-the-go safety cushioning, and alternative stuffing to garments like puffer-jackets. These inflatable garments can help individuals like the homeless, refugees, campers, soldiers, and motorcyclists. This apparatus also reduces the need for sewing in the garment industry because seams would be attached to each other through alternative methods of adhesion instead of thread. These factors create viable ergonomic, economic and eco-friendly avenues to explore in the fashion, garment, and textile industries.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a garment comprises a layer of a first material and a layer of a second material, the layer of the first material and the layer of the second material being at least partially coupled together via adhesive to form a plurality of cavities, each cavity configured to receive air, and a valve in fluid communication with at least one cavity of the plurality of air cavities, the valve configured to inflate at least a portion of the plurality of cavities to a target volume.
The first material and the second material can be the same material. The first material and the second material can be different materials.
One or both of the first material and the second material can be a fabric.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first material is a fabric and the same as the second material, so that the above-described “layer of the first material and the layer of the second material” are more aptly termed “a first layer of a fabric and a second layer of the fabric.”
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a garment comprises a first material, a second material, and a valve, wherein the first material and the second material are cooperatively configured such that at least a portion of the first material is coupled to at least a portion of the second material at one or more locations, wherein the one or more locations of coupling form cavities between the first material and the second material, the cavities configured for inflation and deflation of media, and wherein the valve is in media communication with at least one of the cavities and is configured to inflate or deflate at least a portion of the cavities to a target volume.
The first material can be a first layer of a fabric. The second material can be a second layer of the fabric. The first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric can be coupled at locations via the application of an adhesive to one or both of the first layer and the second layer, where locations are adhesively coupled.
The media can be air, or other gases or forms of media. The media can be supplied by the user, via breathes, or can be supplied by other media-providing apparatus.
At least one of the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric can be substantially fluid-impermeable.
The garment can further comprise a heat reflective layer. The heat reflective layer can be in thermal communication with the second layer of fabric, or the second layer of fabric altogether.
The cavities can be arranged in a predetermined pattern formed by locations in which the adhesive is applied between the first and the second layers.
The predetermined pattern can correspond to the cavities having a substantially rectangular shape.
The target volume can be based at least in part on an ambient temperature.
The garment can be a jacket.
The valve can be configured for manual inflation of the media therethrough.
The valve can be positioned in a location accessible to the user.
The first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric can be coupled together to form a main body and two arm sleeves.
The valve can be configured for inflation of the media therethrough, and in some instances, the media is not supplied by the user.
In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a method of manufacturing an inflatable garment comprising forming a plurality of inflatable portions from a first layer of a fabric and a second layer of the fabric, providing an inflation means to at least one of the inflatable portions, and assembling the plurality of inflatable portions into an inflatable garment.
The forming of the plurality of inflatable portions can comprise cutting a sheet of the fabric into the plurality of portions based at least in part on an intended use of the inflatable garment, applying adhesive in a predetermined pattern on at least one of the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric of the plurality of portions, and joining the first layer of fabric to the second layer of fabric to form the plurality of inflatable portions.
Assembling the plurality of inflatable portions into an inflatable garment can comprise sewing, bonding and/or fastening together the plurality of inflatable portions, and in a fashion that maintains the ability to remain inflated until deflation is desired.
The method can further comprise cutting an opening into the first layer of fabric, the opening being sized to receive the inflation means comprising a valve.
The method can further comprise uniting one or more borders of the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a garment comprises providing a sheet of fabric having a first layer and a second layer, cutting the sheet of fabric into a plurality of portions based at least in part on an intended use of the inflatable garment, applying adhesive in a predetermined pattern on at least one of the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric of each portion of the plurality of portions, joining the first layer of fabric to the second layer of fabric of each portion of the plurality of portions to form a plurality of air cavities, affixing a valve to the first layer of fabric on at least one portion of the plurality of portions, and sewing together the plurality of portions, wherein the sewing can occur in the areas where adhesion is applied so as to maintain an air-tight water and air impermeable seal.
The method can further comprise cutting an opening into the first layer of fabric, the opening being sized to receive the valve.
The method can further comprise heating one or more borders of the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric. The heating can include “heat seaming” or “heat welding,” in order to unite (two or more thermoplastic or heat-activated surfaces) by heat and pressure to make a seam, closure, or attachment. Applying heat to a fabric that is not heat-sealable may not be beneficial, as it might not weld it together but only burn it. As such, instead of heating, other connection means like adhesives and fasteners that maintain an airtight seal can be used.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an inflatable garment is produced by a process comprising providing a sheet of fabric having a first layer and a second layer, cutting the sheet of fabric into a plurality of portions based at least in part on an intended use of the inflatable garment, applying adhesive in a predetermined pattern on at least one of the first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric of each portion of the plurality of portions, joining the first layer of fabric to the second layer of fabric of each portion of the plurality of portions to form a plurality of air cavities, affixing a valve to the first layer of fabric on at least one portion of the plurality of portions, and sewing together the plurality of portions.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the present inflatable and reversible garment is based on blowing air into one or more airtight cavities to allow the garment to expand in size and shape. The structure of creation is a hybrid between creating water inflatables and garments.
Firstly, an appropriate water-impermeable fabric is chosen and cut in two-ply. The fabric is cut according to the desired stencil, which can include an inlet or opening for valve or pump placement to inflate the garment. An adhesive can be applied on one or both pieces of the fabric; in a pattern that is conducive to forming cavities with communicative airflow. The pattern can be chosen in many designs or formations that enable the cavities to fill up with air (and deflate). Moreover, the pattern can facilitate in shaping the implement for its intended use, through creating seams, folds, shaped cavities, etc. in the fabric.
Additionally, the adhesive pattern can be applied on one layer of the fabric, while a mirror image of the same pattern can be applied to the other. This is done so that the adhesive patterns substantially overlap when the fabrics are layered (with the adhesive sides pointing inwards). By increasing the surface area and—in some cases—the thickness of the adhesive overlap, you may create a stronger seam in the garment, capable of bearing more weight, withstanding more pressure, thickening the material, etc.
In an alternative approach, the implement can be cut out of a fabric or (flexible) material that is completely coated in adhesive and/or water-impermeable substance. Additionally, the fabric or material can be woven to become water-impermeable. According to the type of adhesive coating chosen, the layers of fabric may be bonded through physical or chemical activation processes such as heating or applying a (chemical) solution.
In a next step, the two (mirrored) pieces of fabric with (lined-up) adhesive patterns are bonded to each other with added physical or chemical means, such as (heat) pressing or using a catalyst, according to the type of adhesion used. In the case of completely coated fabrics, as in the case of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coated ripstop, for example, there are multiple means to bond the material.
One of the means can be to heat press the two pieces of the fabric at, for example, 90°−130° C. Both pieces of fabric can be placed with the TPU coated layer pointing inwards, with a press-type heating element, similar to a branding iron or waffle-iron. The pressure and temperature of said element can then heat-weld the aforementioned adhesion pattern between the layers of fabric. Alternately, the fabric layers could be ultrasonically welded to each other.
Alternatively, an extruded plate of said pattern can be placed underneath the two coated fabrics (with the coated layer pointing inwards). This plate can be shaped out of a material that can withstand high temperatures without deforming such as various metals, alloys or ceramics. Afterwards, heat and pressure can be applied over the fabric pieces and the extruded plate. Thus, the pattern should be welded between the fabrics from the pressure and heat applied over the raised bevels of the plate.
Another means of preparing the substantially water-impermeable fabric could be to spray or apply adhesive on one or both pieces in the aforementioned pattern. This adhesive pattern can be bonded, seamed or activated as previously stated: through heat, chemical activation, etc.
Alternatively, one can cut the pattern in a non-stick or Teflon® coated sheet and secure it between two pieces of coated material, such as TPU coated ripstop. Afterwards, the three layers can be ironed or heat pressed at 90°−130° C. (or whatever temperature or activation method that creates a suitable bond without damaging the material). Thus, the only portions bonded should be the negative of the pattern where the non-stick sheet was absent. In this process, it is preferable that the non-stick stencil be removed with a solvent that will not affect the adhesive or the fabric, or simply by pulling out the stencil.
Other means of preparing the substantially fluid-impermeable inflatable garment could include additive manufacturing processes like 3D printing, where the garment—of its plurality of portions, plurality of cavities in fluid communication and its seams—are “printed” and fused according to deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), and/or selective laser sintering. Accordingly, the garment can be “printed” in any flexible material that the 3D printer can deposit. The garment can either be printed as a whole or in a plurality of portions to be assembled through sewing, adhesion or with fasteners.
One or more valves and pumps can be secured to the garment. If manual or automatic pumps (battery-powered, hand pumps or CO2 canisters with a triggering mechanism) are chosen to be attached, it is preferable that they are placed in a separate compartment with inlets to the inflatable cavities and sealable outlets for pressure or deflation. These compartments can be designed into the patterns prepared in the methods previously stated. The pumps can be secured in compartments through bonding or with fabric fasteners. Whichever method is chosen could take into consideration the airtight seal of the compartment and the garment as a whole. In the case that the pump requires an outlet for deflation, stoppers can be incorporated to keep air from flowing out of the implement when it is inflated.
For manual inflation, a free-flow valve or non-return valve can be bonded to the garment. If the valves are made of polymers similar to the adhesive chosen, they could be bonded to the material as in the steps highlighted previously. The valves, which are similar to those used in floaters, could have at least a 1.5″ circular radius of excess material surrounding them. The valve can then be bonded to the fabric from above or below. For example, a (preferably) water-impermeable adhesive could be applied on the excess material, and glued within a hole, inlet or cut made in the outer layer of the material. With the valve pointing upwards out of the hole, the inner layer of the fabric will now be bonded to the top layer (excess material) of the valve.
Next, the pieces should be made airtight by sealing the borders of the garments according to the intended seam allowance (0.5″-1.5″ according to manufacturing standards) for when sewing the product in the final steps.
After the valves are placed and the airtight seals are created, the garment is assembled by sewing together the various pieces of the garment design. In order for the garment to stay airtight, it should be sewn in the areas where the two layers of fabric were bonded together. Otherwise, alternative sewing or assembly technologies can be used to create or attach the plurality of inflatable portions to each other without impairing the airtight seals of each portion.
At this point, the garment could be made reversible by sewing on or securing a secondary fabric, preferably an insulation/“warmth” technology fabric, on the reverse side of the garment.
The sewing portion of the design can be changed to accommodate different styles of jackets, different attachments, uses, embellishments, and fasteners like zippers, Velcro®, buttons, and so on. The garment can be encased in as many layers as desired, but a single cavity with valve access is needed to create the inflatable portion.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.
The accompanying Figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects described below.
Examples of the present disclosure relate to an inflatable garment including a plurality of air cavities configured to be variably inflated and deflated based at least in part on the need and/or desire for more or less insulation, cushioning (for comfort or safety) or flotation. The garment can comprise a layer of a first material and a layer of a second material, the layer of the first material and the layer of the second material being at least partially coupled together via adhesive to form a plurality of cavities, each cavity configured to receive air, and a valve in fluid communication with at least one cavity of the plurality of air cavities, the valve configured to inflate at least a portion of the plurality of cavities to a target volume. The valve can be configured to receive air (e.g. from a user blowing air into the valve or other mechanisms) such that the plurality of cavities can inflate to a target volume.
The first material and the second material can be the same material. The first material and the second material can be different materials. One or both of the first material and the second material can be a fabric. In an exemplary embodiment, the first material is a fabric and the same as the second material, so that the above-described “layer of the first material and the layer of the second material” are more aptly termed “a first layer of a fabric and a second layer of the fabric.”
To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the disclosed technology, various illustrative examples are explained below. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter is described in the context of being an inflatable jacket. Examples of the present disclosure, however, are not limited to the inflatable jacket and can be applicable in other forms and contexts. Other applications can include, for example, inflatable vests, pants, shirts, socks, gloves, undergarments, and the like. Other applications can further be outside of the garment field and can include many constructs where variable inflation can be advantageous, including, but not limited to, bags, technology device cases (e.g., computer cases, mobile device cases, and the like), air mattresses, and sleeping bags. These examples are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, when the present disclosure is described in the context of an electric utility, it will be understood that other examples can take the place of those referred to.
It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a component is intended also to include composition of a plurality of components. References to a composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named. In other words, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of “at least one” of the referenced item.
As used herein, the term “and/or” may mean “and,” it may mean “or,” it may mean “exclusive-or,” it may mean “one,” it may mean “some, but not all,” it may mean “neither,” and/or it may mean “both.” The term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or.”
Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is to be understood that embodiments of the disclosed technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” “various embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) of the disclosed technology so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.
Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, other exemplary embodiments include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Further, the term “about” means within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, “about” can mean within an acceptable standard deviation, per the practice in the art. Alternatively, “about” can mean a range of up to ±20%, preferably up to ±10%, more preferably up to ±5%, and more preferably still up to ±1% of a given value. Alternatively, the term can mean within an order of magnitude, preferably within 2-fold, of a value. Where particular values are described in the application and claims, unless otherwise stated, the term “about” is implicit and in this context means within an acceptable error range for the particular value.
Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the disclosure can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” is meant that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named.
Throughout this description, various components may be identified having specific values or parameters, however, these items are provided as exemplary embodiments. Indeed, the exemplary embodiments do not limit the various aspects and concepts of the present disclosure as many comparable parameters, sizes, ranges, and/or values may be implemented. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, “primary,” “secondary,” and the like, do not denote an order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.
It is noted that terms like “specifically,” “preferably,” “typically,” “generally,” and “often” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed disclosure. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. It is also noted that terms like “substantially” and “about” are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “50 mm” is intended to mean “about 50 mm.”
It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a composition does not preclude the presence of additional components than those expressly identified.
The materials described hereinafter as making up the various elements of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosure. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, materials that are developed after the time of the development of the disclosure, for example. Any dimensions listed in the various drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Other dimensions and proportions are contemplated and intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
The components described hereinafter as making up various elements of the disclosed technology are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or similar functions as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosed technology. Such other components not described herein can include, but are not limited to, similar components that are developed after development of the presently disclosed subject matter.
Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements, example embodiments of the present disclosure are herein described.
The inflatable garment 100 can include a main body 122 and two arm sleeves 124. The inflatable garment 100 can optionally include a hood 126 (
The inflatable garment 100 can further include one or more pockets 144. Optionally, the one or more pockets 144 can be positioned on the main body 122 at approximately waist or hip height of a user. Optionally, the one or more pockets 144 can be positioned on the main body 122 at approximately the upper chest of a user. A bottom portion 100B of the main body 122 can include one or more slits 146. The slits 146 can be positioned at approximately each side of the main body 122 as illustrated in
The inflatable garment 100 can further include an inlet/outlet system 150 useful to inflate/deflate the inflatable garment 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the inlet/outlet system 150 can include a plurality of valves 152. The valve 152 can be configured to direct air into air cavities 154 (
While some exemplary embodiments including inflation with air, the cavity technology allows for many types of media to be used for different use cases. For example, the cavities can be “inflated” with a gel for physiotherapy, and/or water for comfort or safety, and/or helium for buoyancy, among other options.
Alternatively, the compartments made through the patterns can be used for storage if there are appropriate inlets in the implement/the garment.
The valve 152 can be made of many materials, including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other polymeric materials. The valve 152 can be many types of valve configured to receive and release air. By way of example, the valve 152 can be a one-way check valve with two ports (e.g., a Boston valve) that can facilitate inflation and deflation of the inflatable garment 100.
Alternatively, the valve 152 can be a free-flow valve or non-return valve. The opening of the valve 152 can be many sizes and shapes, preferably cooperatively sized/shaped for location on the garment 100, the amount of inflation/deflation necessary, and the particular manner in which a wearer will inflate/deflate the sections of the garment at particular locations (mouth, pump or the like).
For example, the size of the opening can be based at least in part on the size of the inflatable garment 100 and/or the number of valves 152 that are incorporated into the inflatable garment 100. Additionally, the opening of the valve 152 can be sized to allow for ease of inflation via a user's mouth.
Alternatively or in addition to, the opening of the valve 152 can be sized to allow for ease of inflation via a pump (e.g., a manual pump or automatic pump). For example, a hand pump or automatic pump can be used in connection with the valve 152 to facilitate inflation of the inflatable garment 100.
Alternatively or in addition to, an air cannister can be used in connection with the valve 152 to facilitate inflation of the inflatable garment 100. This cannister or pump can be incorporated into the garment so it is accessible for maintenance, repair or replacement later on. The valve 152 can be positioned at many locations. Optionally, the valve 152 can be positioned at a location that is easily accessible to a user. For example, the valve 152 can be positioned on a sleeve 124 of the inflatable garment 100 such that the user can easily raise his arm to his mouth in order to inflate the inflatable garment 100.
Alternatively or in addition to, the valve 152 can be positioned proximate to the user's head and/or proximate to the user's upper chest such that the user can easily inflate the inflatable garment 100 via his mouth.
The first and second layer of fabric 162, 164 can be substantially water-impermeable. For example, the first and second layer of fabric 162, 164 can be a substantially coated fabric (e.g., a substantially polyvinyl chloride or thermoplastic polyurethane coated fabric).
Alternatively, the first and second layer of fabric 162, 164 can be composed of nylon, polyester, polypropylene, ripstop or other similar material.
The first layer of fabric 162 and the second layer of fabric 164 can have many thicknesses. Optionally, the first and second layers of fabric 162, 164 can have the same thickness.
Alternatively, the first layer of fabric 162 can have a different thickness than the second layer of fabric 164.
Optionally, the inflatable garment 100 can include a heat reflective layer 172. The heat reflective layer 172 can include many types of materials configured to reflect heat, including, for example, foil or reflective cloth fabric. The heat reflective layer 172 can be in communication with the second layer of fabric 164, or in some embodiments, can be the second layer of fabric itself. In one configuration, the heat reflective layer 172 can be the closest layer of material to the user's body. In such configuration the heat reflective layer 172 can reflect body heat, thereby serving as a source of insulation for the user.
Alternatively, the inflatable garment 100 can be reversible, such that the first layer of fabric 162 can be positioned closest to the user's body, and the heat reflective layer 172 can be the outermost layer of material. In such configuration, the heat reflective layer 172 can provide limited insulation to the user and can facilitate cooling off the user.
As further illustrated in
Optionally, the inflatable garment 100 can include one or more reflective portions to provide increased safety for a user at night or in areas of low visibility. For example, one or more patches of reflective material can be coupled to the inflatable garment 100 or otherwise incorporated into the inflatable garment 100. Such reflective material can be positioned at many locations on the inflatable garment 100, including, without limitation, on the backside of the inflatable jacket, on the hood, and/or on the sleeves 124.
Optionally, technology devices, including, but not limited to, thermochromic materials, thermochromic dyes, LED lights, and the like, can be incorporated into the inflatable garment 100. For example, a portion of the inflatable garment 100 can include a coating of thermochromic dyes and/or an LED light can be attached to a portion of the inflatable garment 100. Heat sensitive materials including thermochromic materials and thermochromic dyes can be configured to alert the user of extreme temperatures (e.g., when the temperature is below a predetermined temperature or when the temperature is above a predetermined temperature). By alerting the user of such extreme temperature, the user can appropriately react by finding shelter, removing the inflatable garment or other layers of clothes, or by taking other forms of precautions.
Alternatively or in addition to, the technology devices can be configured to alert the user when the temperature meets or exceed a predetermined temperature in which the adhesive strength of the adhesive used to couple together the two layers of fabric as further discussed herein may be affected. Electrical components, conductive threads or similar hardware can be imbedded within or secured on the seams or cavities through dedicated adhesive patterns or with fasteners.
Optionally, the inflatable garment 100 can further include various embellishments for aesthetic purposes.
For representative purposes, the air cavity that is in direct, fluid communication with the valve is referred to herein as the first air cavity. However, it is noted that if the inflatable garment 100 includes multiple valves, there would also be multiple air cavities that are in direct communication with a respective valve. As the first air cavity inflates, air can gradually migrate from the first air cavity to the air cavities in fluid communication with such first air cavity. As air migrates from the first air cavity to the second air cavity, the air cavities can expand in size and shape to create a “puffer” configuration.
Similarly, as illustrated in
Further,
Although
A user can inflate the inflatable garment 100 to a target volume via blowing air into the opening of the valve using their mouth. Alternatively, or in addition to, the user can inflate the inflatable garment 100 to the target volume via a manual or automatic pump or a cannister of air. The target volume can be based on the user's preferences.
Alternatively or in addition to, the target volume can be based on an ambient temperature, as the air within the air cavities 154 can provide an insulating effect. For example, if the user is outside in a low temperature environment, the user can inflate the inflatable garment 100 to a target volume that is greater than if the user is outside in a moderate temperature environment. Once the user inflates the inflatable garment 100 to the desired target volume, the user can close the valve 152 such that the target volume is maintained.
In another embodiment, the user can selectively inflate portions of the garment or allow sensors and actuators to automatically to do so. That is, inflation of the garment can be “automatic”—through the use of sensors and actuators, forming a “smart” garment.
The user can additionally deflate the inflatable garment 100 based at least in part of the user's preferences or an ambient temperature. For example, if the user determines they do not need and/or desire the insulation provided by the inflatable garment 100 when in the inflated state or if the user determines less insulation is needed and/or desired, the user can deflate the inflatable garment 100. The user can open the valve 152 to allow the air stored within the air cavities 154 to be released. Optionally, the user can release only a portion of the air stored in the air cavities 154. Alternatively, the user can release substantially all of the air stored in the air cavities 154.
The method 600 can include cutting 604 the sheet of fabric into a plurality of portions based at least in part on an intended use of the inflatable garment 100 (e.g., as a coat, sock, undergarment, or the like). For example, when the inflatable garment 100 is intended to be used as a coat, the sheet of fabric can be cut into a front portion, a back portion, a first sleeve portion, a second sleeve portion, a collar portion, and a hood portion. Optionally, a stencil can be used to facilitate cutting the sheet of fabric into the plurality of portions. An opening can further be cut in the first layer of fabric 162 in a selected portion (e.g., a sleeve portion) for the placement of each valve 152. The size of the opening can be based upon the size of the valve 152. One having ordinary skill in the art would understand how to cut the sheet of fabric into multiple portions based on the intended use and the necessary sizing of the ultimately manufactured inflatable garment 100.
The method 600 can include applying 606 adhesive in a predetermined pattern to at least one of the first layer of fabric 162 and the second layer of fabric 164 of each portion of the plurality of portions. Optionally, adhesive can be applied to both the first and second layer of fabric 162, 164. If adhesive is applied to both the first and second layer of fabric 162, 164, the adhesive can be applied such that the predetermined pattern of the adhesive on one layer of the fabric is mirrored, and hence overlapped, on the other layer of fabric.
The method 600 can include joining 608 the first layer of fabric 162 and the second layer of fabric 164 such that the first and second layers of fabric 162, 164 can be coupled together (e.g., bonded) where the adhesive has been applied. Optionally, various physical and/or chemical techniques can be applied to couple the first and second layers of fabric 162, 164 together. For example, heat pressing can be used to couple the first and second layers of fabric 162, 164 together. Alternatively, the implement could be additively built instead of seamed or sewn together through 3D printing and similar technologies.
The borders of each portion can be further heat activated/bonded to ensure the first layer of fabric 162 and the second layer of fabric 164 are joined together and create the plurality of air cavities 154. This application on the borders will differ depending on the type of material used in making the garment, and the method of adhesion used.
The method 600 can include affixing 610 the valve 152 to the first layer of fabric 120. Optionally, a water-impermeable coating/sealant can be applied to the exterior surface of the valve and excess fabric that surrounds the valve 152. Optionally, a manual and/or automatic pump can additionally be affixed to the first layer of fabric 162.
The method 600 can include sewing 612 the plurality of portions to form the inflatable garment 100.
Optionally, the method 600 can further include sewing the heat reflective layer to the second layer of fabric 164. Accordingly, in one configuration, the heat reflective layer can be the innermost layer that is closest to the user's body. In such an embodiment, wherein the heat reflective layer is one of the first/second layers of the fabric, it is preferably mostly water-impermeable. Alternatively, the inflatable garment can be reversed such that the heat reflective layer is the outermost layer that is exposed to the exterior environment.
Although
While the present disclosure has been described in connection with a plurality of example aspects, as illustrated in the various figures and discussed above, it is understood that other similar aspects can be used, or modifications and additions can be made to the described subject matter for performing the same function of the present disclosure without deviating therefrom. In this disclosure, methods and compositions were described according to aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter. But other equivalent methods or compositions to these described aspects are also contemplated by the teachings herein. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be limited to any single aspect, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims. Moreover, various aspects of the disclosed technology have been described herein as relating to methods, systems, mechanism, mechanisms, and/or non-transitory, computer-readable medium storing instructions. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed technology is not necessarily limited to the examples and embodiments expressly described herein. That is, certain aspects of a described system can be included in the methods described herein, aspects of a described mechanism or system can be included in another mechanism or system, various aspects of a described method can be included in a system described herein, and the like.
This application claims benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/171,080 filed 6 Apr. 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63171080 | Apr 2021 | US |
