U.S. patent application number 10/910010 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-31 for line-tuned compressed gas cooling systems.
Invention is credited to Josh P. Defosset.
Application Number | 20060191277 10/910010 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36930818 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060191277 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Defosset; Josh P. |
August 31, 2006 |
Line-tuned compressed gas cooling systems
Abstract
A pressurized gas source feeding an array of exhaust lines or
conduits in association with a user-worn or retained garment is
provided, thereby offering a portable cooling systems. The system
is optionally adapted to provide powered cooling to locations where
only very small and portable cooling systems can fit. Various user
retainable appliances or articles may have cooling features
incorporated therein including helmet and torso garments. The
wearer of one such device integrating cooling features as described
would experience cooling to the head or chest, respectively. Other
user-wearable articles and associated cooling targets are
contemplated as well. To provide the intended cooling effect, a
conduit system in connection with a pressurized gas source is
tuned, without nozzles or orifices, by way of various pipe-flow
parameters to deliver a programmed distribution of cooling gas.
Greater cooling effect may be targeted toward "hot" spots;
alternatively, uniform cooling flow distribution may be
achieved.
Inventors: |
Defosset; Josh P.; (Santa
Cruz, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEVINE BAGADE HAN LLP
2483 EAST BAYSHORE ROAD, SUITE 100
PALO ALTO
CA
94303
US
|
Family ID: |
36930818 |
Appl. No.: |
10/910010 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60506850 |
Sep 30, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/259.3 ;
62/401; 62/86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42C 5/04 20130101; F25D
2400/26 20130101; A42B 3/285 20130101; A41D 13/0053 20130101; F25B
9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/259.3 ;
062/401; 062/086 |
International
Class: |
F25B 9/00 20060101
F25B009/00; F25D 23/12 20060101 F25D023/12; F25D 9/00 20060101
F25D009/00 |
Claims
1. A personal cooling system, comprising: a user-wearable article
carrying a plurality of conduits, each conduit adapted to tolerate
pressure between about 50 and about 500 psi, and having a terminal
end open to direct a cooling flow at the user, the conduits alone,
together, being tuned to delivery flow in a selected manner.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the selected manner comprises
even flow in at least one region.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the selected manner comprises
greater flow in at least one region over at least one other
region.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the conduits are attached to the
article.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the conduits are formed
integrally with the article.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a programmed control
system.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the control system is responsive
to a measured condition of the user.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the control system comprises a
plurality of pre-set programs.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein parameters of the programs
including a frequency of flow delivery and a duration of flow
delivery are variables.
10. The system of claim 6, further comprising a user-retainable
reservoir and control valve.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the control valve is housed
with the programmed control system.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the control system is remotely
located from the reservoir and control valve.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein a radio-frequency link is
provided between the control system and control valve.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the user-retained article
comprises clothing.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the clothing is a form of
shirt.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the conduits are tuned to
delivery greater cooling flow to a user's underarms.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the conduits are tuned to
delivery even cooling flow across at least a portion of a user's
chest.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the user-retained article is a
helmet.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the conduits are tuned to
delivery even cooling flow across at least a portion of a user's
head.
20. The system of claim 18, further comprising a helmet-retained
reservoir and control valve.
21. A method of cooling a user, the method comprising: providing a
wholly user retained cooling system adapted to direct air at a user
via a plurality of conduits from a reservoir; each conduit having a
substantially constant cross-sectional area; introducing
pressurized gas into a proximal end of at least some of the
conduits; the gas expanding along the conduit line, dropping is
pressure and exiting the conduits without further restriction, and
gas contacting the user at a temperature reduced from that of the
reservoir.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein a user controls a switch to
effect the introducing.
23. The system of claim 21, wherein a user sets at least one of a
flow pulse duration, intensity or pressure for the system.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the introducing is controlled
by a programmed processor.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This filing claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/506,850 with a filing date of Sep. 30, 2003
which application is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to the cooling of people or such
things as race or stock animals, etc. More particularly, certain
aspects of the invention are directed to user-retained or portable
cooling systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Devices to actively effect cooling fall into several basic
categories. Heat pump type air-conditioning devices provide a
closed loop system that compress and expand gas without releasing
it in order to provide a low-temperature interface. These systems
are heavy, but can be built to offer tremendous cooling loads.
[0004] Evaporative coolers (a.k.a. "swamp coolers") use an open
loop system typically relying on the evaporation of water to effect
cooling. As evaporation occurs, the phase change energy of the
liquid draws heat from the air. These systems work well in dry
environments, but their efficiencies approach 0% as the relative
humidity approaches 100%. Further, they do not work well in
confined spaces, since when airflow approaches zero, so too does
the evaporative cooling achieved. Still, certain cooling element
inserts for garments (and, indeed, garments--vests--themselves)
have been developed for soaking in water to cool by the evaporative
process.
[0005] In a similar vein, other types of cooling garments have been
developed that include pockets for various chillable inserts.
Water, gel and more sophisticated phase change materials have been
used as the thermal capacitance medium for such inserts.
Endothermicly reactive packages (as in portable or on-demand ice
packs) have been used in garments, helmets, etc. as well.
[0006] Still other wearable articles have been designed to include
heat-exchange coils or conduits in communication with a circulating
or flushing fluid source in order to cool or maintain workers or
others exposed to extreme environmental conditions. The conduits
and fluid in such articles may simply be provided for heat transfer
purposes or, alternatively, to feed an evaporative cooling
process.
[0007] As for other means of generating reduced temperatures,
solid-state electronic Peltier devices are available. However,
powering the same presents a mobility problem in terms of a direct
electrical connection or carrying a power supply that can reduce
portability. Another type of device known as a vortex tube runs on
a compressed air input and outputs separate hot and cold air jets.
Votrec Corporation has applied such technology to a system in which
compressed air provided by a remote compressed gas source powers a
vortex tube cooling apparatus which, in turn, pumps cooled air into
a vest that is delivered to a user by way of a perforated lining.
However, again system portability is limited by the requisite power
source.
[0008] In contrast to all the above-referenced approaches, the
present invention works by use of an expanding gas, preferably air.
Highly pressurized gas is directed through a conduit network toward
the skin of a user. In this manner, cooling is achieved both
through an evaporative process as well as the low temperatures
generated through gas expansion from high pressure to (low) ambient
pressure.
[0009] In point of fact, both U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,438,707 and
6,009,713 to Horn also operate by directing expanding gas at a
user. However, the implementation of the present invention differs
dramatically. In regard to the '707 patent, it relies on relatively
smaller holes or orifices in its feeder tubing to effect rapid
expansion of gasses to effect cooling. As for the '713 patent, it
discloses a glove including a plurality of conduits fed with
pressurized from a gas source by way of a common manifold. No
mention is made (or sign of effort shown) regarding controlling air
flow delivery from the individual conduits. The glove is simply
flooded with cooling air that spills out of the slits in the
glove.
[0010] While the latter design may be adequate in the context of a
practically unlimited compressed air supply (such as a "shop air"
source), it is not suited for use on a portable basis. Where
compressed gas resources are limited, a more refined approach would
be desirable. Regarding the former approach, it would be desirable
to provide a system that is suited for portable use, but does not
require the additional expense or complexity required by the
addition of terminal nozzles. As such, there exists a need for the
present invention which offers comparatively elegant system, that
is additionally conservative in relation to system resources.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention meets this need with a pressurized gas
cooling system in which conduits or lines exhaust air directly
(i.e., without a terminal nozzle) in which the lines are tuned
together (i.e., in concert) to deliver desirable--be it even, or
specifically targeted--cooling flow to effect maximum cooling
efficiency given pressure source supplies. Thus, the present
invention serves the dual purposes of providing a gas
supply-efficient and structurally-efficient cooling system. In
addition, those with skill in the art may observe still further
advantages or benefits.
[0012] As for specifics of the system, it comprises a wearable or
user-retained/retainable article or appliance such as a cap,
glove(s), sock(s), pants, helmet or jersey, etc. with air-handling
features to provide cooling my means of release of highly
compressed gas directly onto the body to be cooled. Each embodiment
of the subject compressed gas cooling system may further comprise a
portable (e.g., user retained) reservoir to store the compressed
gas.
[0013] A plenum or manifold incorporated in the wearable article is
tuned to deliver fluid (gas) flow as desired. This is accomplished
not with nozzles, but rather through the parameters of the conduits
themselves. Namely, by way of those factors known to effect pipe
flow (i.e., diameter, length, straightness vs. turns, surface
finish, flowchannel or conduit shape, etc.)
[0014] A control system may be provided in the system. At minimum,
a user articulable valve will be provided to appropriately regulate
or step-down the tank pressures from between about 600 and about
3000 psi in a preferred range to about 50 and about 500 psi. In a
simple system, the valve may simply be trigger actuated by a user
in order to provide a blast or pulse of cooling when desired.
[0015] A slightly more complex manner of control could involve a
timer regulating any of a number of parameters from pulse
frequency, length and/or pressure. Still further, by introduction
of temperature sensing (e.g., sensing user skin temperature),
sensing vasodialation such as by measuring local impedance, local
humidity or another parameter, the system can be setup to provide
automated cooling control prompted by actual user conditions or
needs. The construction of such a control unit is within the
abilities of those with skill in the art.
[0016] It may be desired to provide a fill system for outside
source of compressed gas to fill the reservoir. Such provision will
be especially beneficial in connection with a pressure vessel
integrated into a unit such a helmet (be it a motorcycle helmet or
of another type).
[0017] As stated previously, the subject invention is for use in
connection a source of highly compressed gas source. Examples
include two-stage air compressors (as popularized by paint-ball
enthusiasts) a gas canister and dispenser (as popularized as
bicycle tire inflation devices) or a custom reservoir charged to
high pressure.
[0018] Accordingly, disposable-canister reservoirs may be used.
Yet, it will sometimes be preferred that the reservoir is
refillable--as in a miniature SCUBA tank (i.e., a "Spare Air"
container) or a custom made container. Naturally, size will matter
in relation to duration of use or ultimate cooling capacity
considering the length of the use interval between fillings.
[0019] In one variation of the invention, the wearable article
incorporating the fluid/gas conduits will be a vest or jersey in
the style an athlete might wear. The vest would be worn close to
the body and could feature small gage tubing running in a grid
pattern throughout the fabric of the vest (the tubing, featuring a
high degree of flexibility in order not to interfere with user
activity). In such a case, the reservoir container could be roughly
the size of a bar of soap and carried in a side or back pocket of
the vest. Where more volume is required or a lower pressure
reservoir is desired, a larger unit may be employed.
[0020] To minimize weight and system bulk or complexity, the
reservoir canister could feature a dial switch with "Off-Low-High"
settings (the Control System) as well as a valve stem much like
that of a bicycle tube (the Fill System). The user would fill the
reservoir from a source of high-pressure gas, set the control
system to "Low" and experience cooling in the vest through a
continuous stream or short bursts of compressed gas being emitted
at various points close to the skin. Increasing the control
mechanism to the "High" setting will increase the duration and/or
frequency of the bursts or the flow rate of the continuous delivery
of compressed gas to the wearer's body. Of course, other system and
control configurations are possible as well, including those
elaborated upon below.
[0021] In any case, by delivering gas in a compressed state, the
gas is still expanding as it contacts the body of the wearer. Thus
the Compressed Gas Cooling System utilizes Charles' Law of
evaporative cooling which states that the temperature of any gas
must drop as the pressure drops; this cooled gas provides for
conductive heat transfer (cooling). Secondly, since the relative
humidity of the gas originating from the high pressure reservoir is
very low, it should provide for a high degree of evaporative
cooling as the gas absorbs moisture from the body of the wearer and
escapes the garment or such other apparatus the system may
incorporate. This effect will be most pronounced in humid
environments.
[0022] Finally, the Compressed Gas Cooling System advantageously
allows for a minimum of impediments to the escaping gas, providing
the user with the feeling of air moving by the cooling sites. That
is to say, in the case of a jersey the construction is mesh or
another fabric that is able to breathe, thereby allowing the
decompressed/expanded air to escape from adjacent the user's
body.
[0023] Whatever the case, a second embodiment of the invention
comprises a head-worn element. One variation of this aspect of the
invention comprises a motorcycle or other hard-shelled helmet
(possibly a protective helmet such as a bicycle, football,
lacrosse, fireman's, soldier's helmet) featuring a reservoir inside
the body of the helmet or connected to the helmet and a system of
tubing emerging in, or running throughout, the interior of the
helmet as well as a control dial and fill valve. In this variation
of the invention, the conduit system may take the form of a less
flexible molded unit or more flexible tubing. The control system
may be separated from the rest of the system and could communicate
with the rest of the system via a wire, infrared signal, radio
signal or other remote actuation means. This separation of the
control unit from the rest of the system could provide for user
input controlling degree of cooling from the handlebar of a
motorcycle or any other two handed operation the user might be
engaged in. Or, the control system could be located on any easy to
access surface of the helmet. Naturally, the helmet variation of
the invention will be adapted to deliver compressed gas to
locations near the head of the wearer and provide cooling via the
same principles stated in the earlier embodiment.
[0024] In a second head-worn variation of the invention, the
element is a soft cap or hat. Such a device could be worn alone or
under a protective helmet such as a bicycle, football, lacrosse
helmet or another type of gear, including a welders hood, etc. Due
to the soft or pliable nature of this variation of the invention,
the reservoir will typically be remotely located, together with any
control system elements. These elements could be housed in a
fanny-pack or another additional user-worn or retained
structure.
[0025] In sum, the present invention includes systems comprising
any of the features described herein. However configured, the
present invention is directed to user-worn or retained portable
cooling systems. The system may be adapted to provide powered
cooling to locations where only very small and portable cooling
systems can fit. To provide the intended cooling effect, a conduit
system in connection with a pressurized gas source is tuned,
without the use of reduced-diameter nozzles or orifices, by way of
various pipe-flow parameters alone to deliver a programmed
distribution of cooling gas. Greater cooling effect may be targeted
toward a body's "hot" spots (underarms, etc.); in the alternative,
uniform cooling flow distribution may also be achieved depending on
the desired effect. What is important is that by tuning of the
system's conduits a purposeful airflow pattern or delivery strategy
is enabled. Methodology, especially in connection with such use and
manufacture of the subject systems, also forms part of the present
invention.
[0026] By virtue of the dual modes of cooling offered in the
present invention, physically significant cooling as well as
psychologically significant effects associated therewith can be
achieved. It is a powerful feeling for a user to know that when hot
and sticky sensations arise, that the subject invention will offer
instantaneous relief with the simple push of a button (remotely or
directly actuated) or continual relief by pulsed or periodic
cooling flow as desired. By such use, a user is freed from certain
discomfort as well as anxiety associated with heat exhaustion and
dehydration. As such, athletes or other recreational users may
better address the task at hand with improved confidence in their
endurance and enhanced focus in the face of the elements--as well
as the efficacy of their equipment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Each of the figures diagrammatically illustrates aspects of
the invention. Of these:
[0028] FIG. 1A provides an assembly view a hard shelled helmet
variation of the present invention; FIG. 1B provides and assembly
view of a soft-cap variation of the present invention;
[0029] FIGS. 2A and 2B show the front and back or reverse,
respectively, of a torso jersey or torso garment;
[0030] FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B provide more detailed views of three
possible conduit/line or plenum subassembly portions of the subject
compressed gas cooling system;
[0031] FIGS. 5A-5D show various views of a reservoir
subassembly;
[0032] FIGS. 6 and 7 show additional perspective views of
alternative pressure reservoirs;
[0033] FIGS. 8A-8C show various views of yet another reservoir;
[0034] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B and 11 illustrate aspects of a
control system subassembly;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a flowchart operating one mode of operation of
the subject system; and
[0036] FIGS. 13 and 14 provide detailed views of refill
subassemblies as may be employed in the present invention.
[0037] Variation of the invention from that shown in the figures is
contemplated. Fluid flow direction is indicated in many of the
figures by arrows.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Before the present invention is described in detail, it is
to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular
variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may
be made to the invention described and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the
invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation, material, composition of matter, process,
process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of
the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be
within the scope of the claims made herein.
[0039] Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of
the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the
recited order of events. Furthermore, where a range of values is
provided, it is understood that every intervening value, between
the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or
intervening value in the stated range is encompassed within the
invention. Also, it is contemplated that any optional feature of
the inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed
independently, or in combination with any one or more of the
features described herein.
[0040] All existing subject matter mentioned herein (e.g.,
publications, patents, patent applications and hardware) is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety except insofar as
the subject matter may conflict with that of the present invention
(in which case what is present herein shall prevail). The
referenced items are provided solely for their disclosure prior to
the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be
construed as an admission that the present invention is not
entitled to antedate such material by virtue of prior
invention.
[0041] Reference to a singular item, includes the possibility that
there are plural of the same items present. More specifically, as
used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a,"
"and," "said," and "the" include plural referents unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the
claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such,
this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of
such exclusive terminology as "solely," "only" and the like in
connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a
"negative" limitation. Unless defined otherwise herein, all
technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as
commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this invention belongs.
[0042] As summarized above, any user-retainable or wearable article
with (or for use with) a reservoir to store a compressed gas, a
line-tuned (as opposed to nozzle tuned) conduit system to deliver
the expanding gas to the sites that will be cooled, a valve and
control system controlling the release of compressed gas from the
reservoir to the conduit system or plenum, and an optional fill
system allowing an outside source of compressed gas to fill the
reservoir, embodies the Compressed Gas Cooling System. However,
three particular variations are focused on below for illustrative
purposes only. These variations of the invention include: a torso
cooling garment, a hard-shelled helmet cooling system, and a
cap-based cooling system.
[0043] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1A provides an assembly
view a hard shelled helmet 0 variation of the invention. The helmet
shown is a full-face motorcycle helmet. Alternatively, the helmet
could be a motorcycle helmet of another style, of another style, an
auto racing helmet, a bicycle helmet, or a contact sport
helmet--such as a football or lacrosse helmet, etc. FIG. 1B shows
another head-worn variation of the invention. Here a cap 2 is
illustrated. FIGS. 2A and 2B show the front and back or reverse,
respectively, of a torso jersey or torso garment 4 according to the
present invention. Other possible garment formats may include a
vest, tank top, etc.
[0044] Some of the differences between these systems include (as
shown): the hard-shelled helmet embodiment including a reservoir 6
directly integrated into the foam liner structure of the helmet,
while the cap 2 includes a reservoir in a pack 10, whereas the
cooling jersey features a reservoir 6 located in a rear pocket of
the garment as shown.
[0045] Next, the plenum lines 12 of the torso garment 4 must be
flexible while the plenum lines 12 of the hard shell helmet could
be moderately rigid. The lines in the cap may be of either nature.
Finally, due to the integration of the reservoir into the foam in
the hard-shelled helmet embodiment, the fill system 14 in the
helmet embodiment is considerably longer than the fill system 14
shown on the torso garment 4 or as may be provided in connection
with the reservoir 6 housed within pack 10 in association with the
cap variation 2 of the invention.
[0046] A common characteristic between these helmet and torso
embodiments of the invention, however, concerns a lightly
arced-rectangular reservoir 6 of similar volume. Furthermore, the
helmet embodiment could use the same remote-type reservoir employed
in/with the torso garment or cap variations of the invention shown.
The integrated unit shown in the helmet is merely preferred for
this application by virtue of its space efficiency and coordinated
use with the available structure.
[0047] As for the cap or jersey/shirt embodiment, the cooling lines
or conduits would likely be routed under the fabric or be housed in
pockets therein. In any case, by virtue of the remote reservoir
contained in each system, once the compressed gas supply is
exhausted it will be changed-out or refilled in order to continue
use. To refill the modular reservoir, the user would remove the
reservoir from the garment 4 or pack 10 pocket and attach a supply
of compressed gas to the Fill System. In the helmet embodiment, the
user would remove the helmet and attach a supply of compressed gas
to the fill system 14, located near the rear perimeter of the
helmet.
[0048] Another optional feature of the invention concerns a capped
feed line 8 could connected to manifold lines 12. In this manner, a
single reservoir could feed two user-retained cooling systems. In
this case, jersey 4 and optionally cap 2.
[0049] FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B provide more detailed views of three
possible conduit or plenum subassembly portions of the subject
compressed gas cooling system. All feature the ability to deliver,
via delivery legs or conduits 12, highly compressed gas to cooling
sites.
[0050] FIG. 3 shows a semi-rigid plenum or conduit system 12, such
as might be used on a hard-shelled helmet. Detail "A" illustrates
is where the plenum would attach to a control system (described in
detail below). The other highlighted sections illustrate the "tuned
system" nature of the conduit system.
[0051] Like a combustion engine exhaust system, each delivery leg
of the plenum should or must have similar or equal friction to the
other delivery legs. Without this "tuning" the system would be
imbalanced and would supply greater cooling to the shortest
delivery legs. As shown in detail "B", the use of a supplemental
"S" bend can be employed to add flow resistance of the shorter
delivery conduits or legs 16 in order to balance the flow output of
all delivery legs. In the alternative, tuning might be accomplished
using surface roughness (variable or uniform) and different
diameter sections to provide greater flow resistance/impedance.
[0052] Detail "C" illustrates that each of the delivery legs has a
final aperture that faces the body to be cooled--in this case the
wearer's head. Further, observe that no nozzle is provided at the
distal end of the tubing; the gas exhausts through substantially
straight-gauge tubing (at least over the distal end of a given
conduit).
[0053] As commented upon above, the conduit system for the jersey
again illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B offers a more flexible plenum
that what may be used in the helmet. Detail "D" (like Detail A in
FIG. 3, above) shows where the plenum would attach to the control
system or reservoir. While this connection point is shown near the
rear quarter of the garment, there are a variety of locations on
the garment where the reservoir 6 and control system elements could
reside.
[0054] Detail "E" again highlights the "tuned" or "balanced" nature
of the system. In this case, each of the supply conduit legs 16 is
tuned to have equal friction (thus, equal cooling at each
dispensing site) by controlling the relationship between the number
of bends, the internal diameter, and the length of each delivery
leg. The shorter legs have more bends or a smaller internal
diameter, while the longer legs are straighter or have larger
internal diameters in order to equalize the cooling at each
dispensing site (i.e., over at least one region or area to be
cooled by airflow delivered by the conduit system).
[0055] Further in this regard, Detail "F" notes that each of the
delivery conduit legs 16 has a final aperture which faces the body
to be cooled, in this case the wearer's torso. The indicated branch
18 of the conduit system directing cooling flow toward the neck of
a user.
[0056] The placement of the branches of the cooling system will be
determined by any of a variety of factors, including the subject
anatomy. For example, with respect to cooling the head a more
evenly distributed flow pattern may be desired. Yet, one may want
to concentrate cooling toward the front of the head so cooling flow
might spill-over onto the user's face where much perspiration is
likely to occur. Such an approach might help dry the user's brow
and aid in avoiding introducing sweat in the eyes. In a shirt or
jersey, concentration of cooling to the neck (by virtue of the
large blood supply therethrough) and underarms (as a well-known
"hot spot") may be preferred. However, the conduit system may be
designed to delivery uniform flow over a larger area or just add
more cooling sites wherein the neck and underarm cites receive
greater or preferential volumes.
[0057] In addition, with a cooling system as described, switches or
valves 20 may be included in order to turn "off" a given branch of
the conduit system in order to maximize cooling in another area or
to conserve pressurized gas sources. As with other aspects of
control of the present invention, these valves could simply be use
articulated or manipulated by the control system. In any case, the
system can have a shut-off so as to limit cooling to a single path.
However, the cooling system according to the present invention will
have a plurality of cooling lines tuned to deliver respectively
desired amounts of cooling flow when in an "on" condition.
[0058] FIGS. 5A-5D show various views of one possible embodiment of
the reservoir subassembly portion of the subject compressed gas
cooling system. Additional reservoir variations are shown in FIGS.
6-8. All three embodiments feature the ability to hold a quantity
of highly compressed gas.
[0059] FIGS. 5A-5D shows a lightly arced rectangular reservoir 6,
such as might be used in a hard-shelled helmet or torso-cooling
garment. The upper surface 22 features fracture lines or crevices
24. These small fracture lines provide a controlled mechanism for
failure in the case of tremendous impact.
[0060] This fracture safety mechanism is to be positioned away from
the user in a hard-shelled helmet or torso-cooling garment. Should
the user receive an impact, such as being hit by a car, these
fracture crevices would ensure that the cracks, which would could
appear on the pressurized reservoir in the case of direct contact,
face away from the user and allow the compressed gas a path to
escape without the user risking undue cooling from the sudden
release of compressed gas were it directed toward the user's
body.
[0061] Additional features of the reservoir include tails or ports
26 for connection to a control valve component of the control
system. This location is where gas leaves the reservoir to enter
the control valve, and, if open, to pass on to the delivery
conduits for delivery to a cooling site. As second tail connector
or port 28 may be provided for a connection point to the systems
fill subsystem. In which case, it is in by way of port 28 that
compressed gas enters the reservoir from the fill system.
[0062] FIG. 6 shows a more generalized version of reservoir 6 than
that shown in FIGS. 5A-5D. The simplified reservoir in FIG. 6
displaying a purely rectangular shape, such as might be used in a
remote reservoir embodiment of the invention.
[0063] FIG. 7 shows a more generalized version of the reservoir
system, displaying a cylindrical shape, such as might be used in
the remote reservoir embodiment shown in FIG. 1B for use with a
soft cap or another type of system. Such a reservoir may be made of
aluminum steel or of another construction. It may be constructed
similarly to the Spare Air.TM. product (e.g., models 300 PKYEL,
300PK-N, 170 PKYEL) produced by Submersible Systems, Inc.
[0064] FIGS. 8A-8C shows a second custom reservoir 6 as may be
employed in the present invention. This device may too include
dimples 24 in its surface for the purpose of fracture control in a
manner similar to that described above. This version of the
reservoir is preferably formed of a polymer such as high strength
nylon (e.g., Trogamid TX-7389 from Degussa Huls) possibly with
reinforcing fibers (e.g., from 10 to 50% the final alloy by weigh)
by way of high pressure nitrogen assisted injection molding
techniques to form the internal cavity. An exceptionally strong
plastic is required for the highest pressure applications. A
preferred candidate in this regard is Ticona Celstran PA6-GF50-01
50% Long Fiber Reinforced Nylon which features an ultimate tensile
strength of 35500 psi and a tensile modulus of 2320 kpsi.
[0065] Using this material, for a vessel with internal chamber
diameters about 1 inch designed to a safety factor of 2.0 for
handling 8000 psi internal pressure Ticonna Celstran PA6-GF50-01
Nylon, with a wall thickness of about 0.29 inches is called for.
Other material may require different thickness for such
application.
[0066] In view of its form factor and polymeric construction, an
ergonomically-shaped pressure vessel as shown in FIG. 8A will
advantageously include at least one internal septum or baffle wall
32. It could be co-molded with the shell 34 material with interlock
holes 36 to geometrically interlock the reservoir outer walls and
this stress-bearing member. In order to facilitate the insert or
co-molding process referred to, it is required that the thermal
deflection temperature be higher in the baffle material than the
resin used to mold the exterior walls of the pressure vessel.
Accordingly, a good candidate material is Chevron Phillips Xtel
XK2040 Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) which has a thermal deflection
temperature of 482 deg. F. Other options include Phenolic, carbon
fiber, a metallic member such as aluminum or titanium alloy, or
hi-temp Nylon.
[0067] The purpose of the baffles or septum walls/member(s) is to
allow the pressure vessel to approximate cylindrical body pressure
vessel performance, but with an exterior shape that is not round in
section (i.e., without the ergonomic drawbacks of an actual
exterior cylinder form factor). Baffle holes 38 may be provided to
equalize pressure between adjacent chambers "C" in such an
arrangement.
[0068] In any case, the reservoir variation in FIGS. 7 and 8A-8C
are shown with a common feature of single input/output port 26.
This may require that the fill and control system share a port. The
systems may be integrated so that the control system opens the
control valve not only to dispense gas but also during the fill
cycle. Other arrangements are possible as well, including "Y" valve
or dual-port arrangements.
[0069] In addition, it should be appreciated that further variation
in reservoir shapes may be provide in addition to those shown. Yet,
for carrying against the body or inclusion in a helmet or another
wearable appliance, it may be desirable that the structure is
curved or otherwise ergonomically shaped in a manner similar to the
examples shown.
[0070] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B and 11 illustrate aspects of the
control system subassembly 8. The control system comprises of a
valve 40 and a user control or input 42, which together are
responsible for metering the gas dispensed from the reservoir to
the tuned-line system to effect cooling.
[0071] This valve is preferably capable of metering extremely high
pressures (generally between 300 and 8,000 psi). As shown, the
valve may be a simple normally-closed valve. As illustrated in FIG.
9A, compressed gas travels from through control valve 40 to the
plenum delivery system when the valve is open (the user control
component 42 will determine when the valve mechanism is in the open
or closed position).
[0072] Typically, an actuation rod 44 is responsible for opening
the valve in response to an input. A receptacle portion of the
valve 46 will typically receive the reservoir. Often valve 40 may
include a return spring 48, to provide the normally closed
operation.
[0073] Naturally, any of a variety of valve types from various
manufactures may be employed in the present invention. For
instance, Magnatrol Valve Corporation (Hawthorn, N.J.) sells
various suitable valves. In addition, it contemplated that a
regulator 50 may be provided intermediate the valve and reservoir
to step-down the pressure as diagrammatically illustrated in FIG.
11. Typically, an oil-less system would be preferred in this
regard--though not necessary. Suitable (or adaptable) regulators
are available through Thermo Electron Corporation (Fuquay, N.C.).
Still further, a regulator component may be built-in to or
integrated in the valve assembly.
[0074] However the valve/regulator is constructed or provided,
FIGS. 10A and 10B show simple user control mechanisms. Element 52
is simply a push button to be used for dispensing gas through valve
40; whereas element 54 is a pivot lever. All manner of cams, rods,
cables and other means of directly routing a user's input force to
open the control valve may alternatively or additionally be
employed.
[0075] In FIG. 11 a remote actuation user control system 60 is
displayed. A remote actuation type of user control could allow the
user to set the cooling level from a location independent of the
rest of the subject compressed gas cooling system.
[0076] A solenoid or servo 62 acts in place of direct user input as
in the previous approaches. The value of providing servo control is
to enable the user to set the cooling level or actuate the device
on-demand from a wrist strap, handlebar or steering wheel or other
remote location.
[0077] In the case of remote actuation is connected via one or more
wires, the connection may be made between the input unit and
solenoid 62. On the other had, an intermediate unit 64 providing
battery pack, electronics, infrared, ultrasonic or radio-frequency
relay may be provided an carried or retained by the user-worn
article. Such an approach can lighten the input means 42---whatever
form it takes.
[0078] As for various means of providing user input in a
remotely-actuated system, details "G", "H" and "I" provide examples
thereof. Detail G illustrates a dial, whereas detail H shows a
simple push button. Detail I illustrates a wireless interface
sending a remote signal 66.
[0079] As for the dial embodiment, it may operate as an
"Off-Low-High" dial similar to the switch used for intermittent
windshield wipers on modern automobiles. When in "Low" mode, the
system would provide short bursts of compressed gas or slowly feed
a continuous stream of compressed gas to the user; when turned up
to "High" the frequency of the burst or duration of the bursts or
flow rate of the continuous stream of compressed gas would
increase. Of course, other means pre-set control routines may be
adopted as well as user-programmed approaches. In fact, the system
may be programmed (via a processor--for example in unit 64 to offer
a standard cooling or bio-feedback routine with information
gathered by optional thermocouple sensors 66 or other means to
effect automated control). In which case, the user input may take
the form of an interactive screen (either on-board, as a portable
user input or in connection with a typical computer or other
electronic input means).
[0080] With or without a means of user input (possibly for reason
as a programming means or even an override--in order to deliver
additional cooling) a program routine such as illustrated by the
flowchart in FIG. 12 may be provided. The algorithm represented
therein may be hard-wired or programmed logic. In the later case, a
user may be afforded the option of selecting from a variety of
settings to effect various levels of cooling, or customize the
system set points. Such modification may be desired to account for
a user's individual cooling needs, or a requirement to conserve
fuel (compressed gas) supplies given the context in which the
system is to be used.
[0081] The body temperature check may be provided by way of
qualitative feedback from the user and/or electronic means such as
a thermocouple sensor or a non-contact sensor (e.g., laser,
infrared). Still further, "temperature" may be determined in
reference to secondary indicia such as measurement of
vasodilatation, perspiration, blood flow, etc. using known
techniques.
[0082] Of course, all of the above-reference modes of control are
merely exemplary--though certain ones will clearly present certain
advantages in terms of basic cost or efficacy.
[0083] Finally, FIGS. 13 and 14 detail possible fill system
subassembly 14 portions of the subject compressed gas cooling
system. Detail "J" in FIG. 14 shows a fill conduit 70 following the
contour of the helmet. The conduit may be integrally formed, but is
preferably a discrete high pressure line. Options in this regard
include braid-reinforced structure, metal conduits or high strength
polymeric tubing such as PEEK.
[0084] The Fill System is responsible for allowing the user to
attach a supply of compressed gas and allowing that compressed gas
to enter the reservoir. The preferred embodiment of the Fill System
is a tube or hose, with minimal expansion under pressure
characteristics, which includes at least a valve 72 to allow user
access, with the other end connected to the reservoir.
[0085] In the variation in detail J, valve 72 is a high-pressure
valve such as a bicycle or automobile tube or tire valve, or, like
the quick-disconnect fittings popular in industrial pneumatic
applications. Any such valve must be capable of holding inside the
highly pressurized gas from the Reservoir Assembly (likely at 300
to 8,000 psi). Point 74 shows the connection point to the
reservoir. Actually, if desired, it is also possible for the valve
referred to earlier in this section could instead be located at
this end of the fill line or system instead.
[0086] The length of the fill tubing 70 is variable. Some
applications, like a particular hard shelled helmet design as shown
will require a longer length between the reservoir and the user
fill point. While other applications, like a torso cooling garment
as shown may only require a very long length between these
components as shown in detail K. Actually, in some instances, it
will be possible to eliminate the fill conduit altogether (for
example where valve body 40 is itself adapted to accept a pressure
recharging input.
[0087] As for other constructional details of the present
invention, materials and manufacturing techniques may be employed
as within the level of those with skill in the relevant art. Though
the invention has been described in reference to several examples,
optionally incorporating various features, the invention is not to
be limited to that which is described or indicated as contemplated
with respect to each embodiment or variation of the invention.
* * * * *