U.S. patent application number 11/592327 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for personal ventilating garment apparatus.
Invention is credited to Elie Jacob, Louis Riccio, Jack Sawicki, James Wiggins.
Application Number | 20070118956 11/592327 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37587787 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070118956 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sawicki; Jack ; et
al. |
May 31, 2007 |
Personal ventilating garment apparatus
Abstract
A personal ventilating garment apparatus includes a ventilation
unit connected to an air distribution garment, either directly or
using a hose extension, and is operable to generate a flow of air
from the ambient to the air distribution garment. The air
distribution garment includes a spacer material that allows
substantially omni-direction airflow therein. The air distribution
garment also includes an air impermeable outer fabric.
Inventors: |
Sawicki; Jack; (Arlington,
VA) ; Riccio; Louis; (Malvern, PA) ; Jacob;
Elie; (Springfield, PA) ; Wiggins; James;
(Thurmont, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON PEABODY, LLP
401 9TH STREET, NW
SUITE 900
WASHINGTON
DC
20004-2128
US
|
Family ID: |
37587787 |
Appl. No.: |
11/592327 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11169145 |
Jun 29, 2005 |
|
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11592327 |
Nov 3, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/069 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00 |
Claims
1. A personal ventilating garment apparatus comprising: an air
distribution garment including an air impermeable fabric defining
an interior of said air distribution garment sized to receive a
wearer therein, and a spacer material that is positioned in said
interior of said air distribution garment so that said spacer
material contacts the wearer when said air distribution garment is
worn, said spacer material allowing substantially omni-directional
airflow therein; and at least one ventilation unit that flows air
through said spacer material.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spacer material has a
thickness dimension in a range of approximately 0.125 to 0.75 inch,
inclusive.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said spacer material has a
thickness dimension of approximately 0.25 to 0.375 inch,
inclusive.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spacer material defines a
plenum between said air impermeable fabric and the wearer of the
air distribution garment.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spacer material is
adjacent to said air impermeable fabric.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one ventilation
unit pushes air through said spacer material.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at least one ventilation
unit includes a heater to heat the air provided by said at least
one ventilation unit.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said at least one ventilation
unit cools the wearer.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one ventilation
unit pulls air through said spacer material.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further including a fabric plenum
fluidically connected to said at least one ventilation unit and
said spacer material, said fabric plenum including a plurality of
openings that open to said spacer material.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said air impermeable fabric
of said air distribution garment includes an air inlet opening to
allow air to be pulled into said spacer material.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said ventilation unit
includes an external power source connector.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one ventilation
unit is a plurality of ventilation units.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein at least one of said
plurality of ventilation units pushes air through said spacer
material, and at least one of said plurality of ventilation units
pulls air through said spacer material.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air distribution garment
includes at least one pocket, and said at least one ventilation
unit is received in said pocket, said pocket including an opening
by which air is provided to said spacer material, and a mesh wall
through which ambient air is provided to said at least one
ventilation unit.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said at least one
ventilation unit includes a lip extension that extends through said
opening of said pocket, and a manifold that engages said lip
extension and directs airflow to said spacer material.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said manifold includes an
elastic cuff that engages said lip extension of said ventilation
unit.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a belt that
supports said at least one ventilation unit.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a duct that
fluidically interconnects said at least one ventilation unit to
said air distribution garment.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said duct includes at least
one flexible joint.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said duct is a hose duct
with corrugations.
22. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a carrier sized to
secure said at least one ventilation unit.
23. An air distribution garment comprising: an air impermeable
fabric defining an interior of said air distribution garment that
is sized to receive a wearer therein; and a spacer material
positioned in said interior of said air distribution garment
adjacent said air impermeable fabric, said spacer material being in
contact with the wearer and being positioned between the wearer and
the air impermeable fabric when said air distribution garment is
worn; wherein said spacer material allows substantially
omni-direction airflow therein.
24. The garment of claim 23, wherein said spacer material has a
thickness dimension in a range of approximately 0.25 to 0.375 inch,
inclusive.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation In Part application and
claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/169,145
filed Jun. 29, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention is broadly directed to personal ventilating
garments that may provide temperature regulation, with specific
descriptions pertaining to cooling garments worn by persons
subjected to elevated or reduced temperature conditions, and more
specifically, to a ventilated garment that preferably covers an
individual's torso, and whose airflow configuration is optimized to
ensure wide propagation of the air throughout the garment.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Elevated temperatures affect an individual's ability to
function, concentrate and remain alert. This may lead to accidents,
injuries and even death if heat stress is not properly managed.
Although heat stress affects individuals who are required to
perform their duties outdoors or in elevated or reduced temperature
environments, heat stress management is especially critical for
combat soldiers, police, firefighters, emergency responders, and
others where life or death decisions require clear thinking and
decisive actions.
[0006] A wide range of cooling garments have been developed and
introduced in order to manage heat stress. In these garments, the
basic function is to increase the amount of heat transferred from
the body to the cooling medium within the garment, where it is
thereafter dissipated, resulting in greater comfort for the cooling
garment wearer.
[0007] Many types of personal cooling garments have been developed
to reduce and manage heat stress exposure. Such cooling garments
and apparatus include circulating liquid systems, phase change
material (PCM) cooling devices, and circulating air systems. In
addition, there are systems relying on fabrics to transfer moisture
or heat from the skin, thereby providing a cooling effect. These
fabric-based systems, however, are less efficient at heat
dissipation than the other existing systems described below.
[0008] Circulating liquid systems generally utilize a heat sink or
reservoir containing water or other coolant, a pump, and a heat
exchanger. The cool liquid is circulated in a closed system through
a network of tubes within the garment, where it absorbs heat from
the body and then passes through the heat exchanger before
circulating back to the heat sink. Weight, power consumption, and
size are drawbacks of these types of cooling systems. In addition,
the network of internal tubes to distribute the cooling liquid
raises the cost, potential failure modes, and complexity of the
garment and reduces its reliability and usefulness.
[0009] Phase change material (PCM) cooling devices are garments
containing small packets of phase change material, such as ice or
certain chemical polymers, that absorb the heat produced by the
human body, with the cooling capacity determined by the amount of
phase change material contained in the garment. Long-term and
remote use of such a cooling garment is impractical, given the
weight of the phase change material and the need to re-freeze the
phase change material packets periodically.
[0010] Circulating air systems typically comprise an air source and
a network of tubes or channels within the garment to distribute air
throughout the garment, thus removing excess heat as the circulated
air absorbs the body heat. The network of tubes or channels,
however, adds to the cost and complexity of manufacture. Moreover,
the network of tubes and channels creates internal flow losses,
requiring a larger air generating unit to propagate the air through
the garment. However, the noise generated by the larger air source
may affect the performance of the person wearing the garment,
especially soldiers, firefighters and other emergency responders.
The noise and energy radiation will also increase a soldier's
battlefield signature, increasing the likelihood of detection.
[0011] Another drawback of existing cooling devices is that while
providing some degree of cooling, many experience problems in
propagating the cooling fluid uniformly throughout the cooling
garment, especially those relying on ambient air flow where a
network of internal tubes or channels are not supplied. For
example, while an individual's back may experience sufficient
cooling when the air source is located behind the person, the upper
shoulders and front torso may not experience sufficient cooling due
to inadequate airflow.
[0012] Accordingly, there is a continuing need and desire for a
lightweight, portable and long duration cooling garment that can
efficiently and uniformly distribute air throughout the garment
even without a network of internal tubes to carry the air.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is directed to a personal ventilating
garments that may promote temperature regulation for the wearer,
with specific reference and descriptions to air-cooled garment
embodiments that addresses one or more of the limitations of the
present devices. Although many of the descriptions of the present
invention are provided with reference to cooling, the same
techniques may be applied generally to temperature regulation of
any desired type, and may, for example, include heating the
wearer.
[0014] The present invention provides, for example, a personal
cooling apparatus including a ventilation unit operable to generate
a flow of air, with an outlet connector to direct the generated air
to an air distribution garment. The air distribution garment may
include a 3-dimensional spacer material with outer fabric cover
made of a generally air impermeable, flexible, but strong material
that may contour to a person's body when worn, while defining a
plenum against the wearer's body, clothing or air permeable inner
fabric for the air to flow throughout the air distribution garment.
The airflow may then move hot or warm air away from the body, and
when the user is perspiring, the airflow may also provide an
evaporative cooling effect that may otherwise be prevented due to
layers of clothing and/or equipment also worn by the user. An air
dam may be positioned within the air distribution garment for
directing the airflow from the ventilation unit in one or more
directions to facilitate propagation of the air throughout the air
distribution garment. A means for preventing air from flowing out
the bottom of the air distribution garment may also be provided.
One or more ventilation units may alternatively be provided to blow
and/or exhaust air, and thereby enhance airflow, reduce weight,
improve reliability, or otherwise enhance performance of the
apparatus.
[0015] The air dam may be a length of fabric disposed on an inner
surface of the air distribution garment, or a triangular shaped air
dam disposed within the air distribution garment, or other
means.
[0016] Preferably, the outlet of the ventilation unit includes a
Y-shaped, T-shaped, or L-shaped connector where it connects to the
air distribution garment, to facilitate directing the air in one or
more directions and may be adapted to provide this function both
prior to and after the air enters the air distribution garment.
Other outlet configurations to disperse the air may be used in
other embodiments.
[0017] The natural openings for the arms and neck allow air to
escape from the plenum and carry heat away from the body, and
provide an evaporative cooling effect. Optional air holes or vents
can be oriented along the outer edge or seam of the air
distribution garment or at other locations to provide alternate
escape routes for the air and optimize air propagation uniformity
throughout the air distribution garment.
[0018] In accordance with another embodiment, the personal
ventilating garment apparatus includes an air distribution garment
including an air impermeable fabric that defines an interior of the
air distribution garment sized to receive a wearer therein. The air
distribution garment includes a spacer material that is positioned
in the interior of the air distribution garment so that the spacer
material contacts the wearer when the air distribution garment is
worn. In accordance with the present invention, the spacer material
may allow substantially omni-directional airflow therein. The
ventilating garment apparatus also includes at least one
ventilation unit that flows air through the spacer material. In one
implementation, the spacer material has a thickness dimension in a
range of approximately 0.125 to 0.75 inch, and preferably
approximately 0.25 to 0.375 inch. The spacer material is preferably
adjacent to the air impermeable fabric, and functions to define a
plenum between the air impermeable fabric and the wearer of the air
distribution garment.
[0019] The ventilation unit may be implemented to push the air
through the spacer material. In such an embodiment, the ventilation
unit may further be implemented to include a heater to heat the air
provided. In accordance another embodiment, the ventilation unit
may be implemented to pull the air through the spacer material. In
such an embodiment, a fabric plenum may be provided which
fluidically connects the ventilation unit and the spacer material,
the fabric plenum including a plurality of openings that open to
the spacer material. In addition, the air impermeable fabric of the
air distribution garment may be implemented with an air inlet
opening to allow air to be pulled into the spacer material.
[0020] The ventilation unit may be implemented with an external
power source connector. In accordance with another embodiment of
the present invention, a plurality of ventilation units may be
provided. In one specific implementation, at least one ventilation
unit may be operated to push air through the spacer material, while
another at least one ventilation unit may be operated to pull air
through the spacer material.
[0021] In accordance with another embodiment, the air distribution
garment may be implemented with a pocket, and the ventilation unit
may be received in the pocket. In such an embodiment, the pocket
includes an opening by which air is provided to the spacer
material, and a mesh wall through which ambient air is provided to
the ventilation unit. In this regard, the ventilation unit may be
implemented with a lip extension that extends through the opening
of the pocket, and a manifold with an elastic cuff that engages the
lip extension and directs airflow to the spacer material.
[0022] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, the ventilating garment apparatus of the present
invention may be provided with a belt that supports the ventilation
unit. Such implementation allows the ventilation unit to be
positioned a distance from the connector to the air distribution
garment. Correspondingly, a duct that fluidically interconnects the
ventilation unit to the air distribution garment may be provided.
Preferably, the duct includes at least one flexible joint. In one
implementation, the duct may be a hose duct that has corrugations.
Moreover, the ventilating garment apparatus may also be provided
with a carrier sized to secure the ventilation unit.
[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
an air distribution garment is provided which includes an air
impermeable fabric defining an interior of the air distribution
garment sized to receive a wearer therein, and a spacer material
positioned in the interior of the air distribution garment adjacent
the air impermeable fabric, the spacer material being in contact
with the wearer, and being positioned between the wearer and the
air impermeable fabric when the air distribution garment is worn,
where the spacer material allows substantially omni-direction
airflow therein. Preferably, the spacer material has a thickness
dimension in a range of approximately 0.25 to 0.375 inch,
inclusive.
[0024] These and other advantages and features of the present
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention
when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The above objects and other advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent by describing in detail the
preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the attached
drawings in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ventilation unit and air
distribution garment of an embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a more detailed perspective view of the connection
between the ventilation unit and air distribution garment of FIG.
1;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ventilation unit in use
supported by body armor by straps;
[0029] FIG. 4 is schematic view of the interior configuration of
the air distribution garment of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the flexible spacer material
and how it is integrated into the air distribution garment;
[0031] FIG. 6A is a side cross-sectional view taken along the line
6'-6' in FIG. 5;
[0032] FIG. 6B is a side cross-sectional view of a spacer material
in accordance with another embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the air distribution garment
as worn by an individual;
[0034] FIG. 8 is a modified view of FIG. 4, illustrating an
embodiment having shaped inserts positioned within the plenum;
[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the air distribution garment
having a means for preventing air from flowing out of the lower
edge of the air distribution garment;
[0036] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a ventilating garment
apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 11 is a rear view of a ventilating garment apparatus in
accordance with still another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 12 is a front view of a ventilating garment apparatus
in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 13 is a front view of a portion of a ventilating
garment apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0040] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a ventilation unit in
accordance with one example implementation;
[0041] FIG. 14B is a frontal view of the ventilation unit of FIG.
14A;
[0042] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a pocket for the
ventilation unit of
[0043] FIG. 14A, and a manifold for connection to the air
distribution garment;
[0044] FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of a ventilating garment
apparatus in accordance with still another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0045] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a ventilation unit of the
ventilating garment apparatus of FIG. 16;
[0046] FIG. 18 is an internal view of a ventilating garment
apparatus in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0047] FIG. 19 is a front view of a portion of a ventilating
garment apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0048] FIG. 20 is a rear view of a ventilating garment apparatus in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention which
includes a belt;
[0049] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the ventilation unit of the
ventilating garment apparatus of FIG. 20;
[0050] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a ventilation unit and a
duct hose in accordance with another implementation;
[0051] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of a connector for the duct hose
of FIG. 22;
[0052] FIG. 24A is a perspective view of a ventilation unit carrier
in accordance with one implementation;
[0053] FIG. 24B is a rear view of the ventilation unit carrier of
FIG. 24A which is secured to a belt; and
[0054] FIG. 24C is an enlarged perspective view of the MOLLE loops
of the ventilation unit carrier shown in FIG. 24B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0055] The present invention will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various preferred
or alternate embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
Rather, the embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
be thorough and complete, and will convey the concept of the
invention to those skilled in the art.
[0056] Broadly described, the present invention may, for example,
include a ventilation unit operable to generate a flow of air, and
an air distribution garment connected to the ventilation unit to
distribute the generated air uniformly throughout the air
distribution garment. In one embodiment, when the air distribution
garment is worn by a person it substantially covers the person's
torso. The thickness of the spacer material comprising the air
distribution garment, the directionality of the air flow, and
supply pressure of the air may be optimized to ensure the most
uniform propagation of airflow throughout the garment when it is
worn by the individual. In preferred embodiments, the present
invention uses ambient air to flow about the torso of the person to
lower the heat stress on the individual.
[0057] Possible users for such a cooling garment are numerous, and
include anyone requiring cooling of the body while carrying out a
particular task. Examples of potential users include combat
soldiers, police, wildland firefighters, rescue workers, outdoor
workers and laborers, athletes, sportsman, and any other persons
performing an activity in elevated temperature environments, or low
temperature embodiments when implemented to heat air, whether the
environment is indoors or outdoors.
[0058] For example, heat stress is prevalent for combat soldiers
loaded with equipment. The soldiers are encumbered with multiple
layers of fabrics of clothing, armor protection and load bearing
harnesses. The present invention provides, for example, an
integrated, lightweight, portable, and long duration device that is
able to relieve heat stress, even when the soldier is wearing full
battle gear.
[0059] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, an embodiment of the
invention includes a ventilation unit 10, operable to generate a
flow of air, which is connected to an air distribution garment 20,
operable to distribute the air throughout the garment and thereby
cool the wearer of the garment by removing metabolic heat through
convention and evaporative cooling. The ventilation unit 10 may be
directly connected to the air distribution garment 20 as shown in
the illustrated embodiment. However, in alternative embodiments of
the present invention further described below, the ventilation unit
may be connected to the air distribution garment by means of a
suitable hose extension, and may push air into and/or pull air out
of, the garment.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, the ventilation unit 10 includes a DC
blower 12 for suctioning air into the ventilation unit 10. The
source of air is preferably ambient air, but may include
pressurized air by connecting a container of the pressurized air to
the ventilation unit 10. Also, although a DC blower may be
preferred for certain applications, one of skill in the art would
realize the invention could be adapted to incorporate, if needed,
an AC blower (with a suitable AC power source). In addition,
microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and nanotechnology based
fans/blowers may be implemented in still other embodiments. A
filter 14 may be provided downstream of the ventilation unit intake
and upstream of the blower 12 to filter the suctioned air. It
should further be noted the ventilating garment apparatus 10 in
accordance with the present invention may also be implemented so
that the ventilation unit 10 provides heated air to the air
distribution garment 20. In such an embodiment, the ventilation
unit 10 is further adapted to heat the ambient air before providing
the air to the air distribution garment.
[0061] FIG. 2 shows a battery 16 functioning as the DC power source
for the ventilation unit 10. The battery 16 may be disposable or
rechargeable, and may include for example, a NICAD, NiMH,
Lithium-Ion, lead acid or other rechargeable battery, or alkaline,
Zinc-Air, or Lithium Sulfur Dioxide primary battery. Other existing
or emerging battery technologies may be incorporated in the present
invention. Preferably, the batteries may be housed in the
ventilation unit 10 itself, or attached to the ventilation unit 10,
although they need not be. In addition, the power source may
comprise any other suitable form, such as fuel cells, solar cells,
or be based on other emerging portable power generating
technologies such as nuclear cells, thin films, fibers, or
piezoelectric technologies.
[0062] Preferably for certain applications, the ventilation unit 10
may provide a low flow rate of 10 cubic feet per minute (cfm) at a
minimum of 3 inches of water pressure head (about 0.1 psi),
although other flow rates are contemplated, so long as the air is
uniformly propagated throughout the air distribution garment 20.
The use of a low flow rate ventilation unit 10 has certain
advantages, in that it reduces the size and cost of the required
blower 12, reduces the required size of the battery 16 to power the
unit for a certain period of time (or uses a certain battery size
for an extended period of time), and reduces the noise or energy
signature associated with generating the airflow.
[0063] To comply with certain performance specifications, such as
military specifications, the ventilation unit 10 can be made more
robust or rugged by adding a lightweight foam or protective layer
around the entire unit, and/or by separately ruggedizing the
individual components of the unit.
[0064] The outlet connector of the ventilation unit 10 for certain
embodiments preferably may have a plurality of outlet orifices to
direct the generated air in at least two separate directions as it
enters the air distribution garment 20 as described more fully
later. The outlet connector 18 may be Y-shaped as shown in FIG. 2,
T-shaped, which both may direct the air upward and/or laterally
within the air distribution garment 20, or of any other acceptable
configuration such as be L-shaped for the specified use. Of course,
the outlet connector 18 may also have more than two orifices to
facilitate air propagation within the air distribution garment 20.
Preferably, in whatever configuration, the flow of air from the
ventilation unit 10 is split before entering the air distribution
garment 20 to facilitate airflow in different directions.
[0065] The connector may also be implemented as a straight in-line
connector or with any other shape, so long as the air generated by
the ventilation unit 10 can pass to the air distribution garment
20, and there were some means within the air distribution garment
20 to allow the air to propagate in different directions.
[0066] The detachable connection between the ventilation unit 10
and air distribution garment 20 may be engineered with any suitable
fastening device sufficient to secure the two units while in use.
Preferably, another suitable supporting apparatus for connecting
the units, such as connecting straps 30 shown in FIG. 3, may be
used to provide additional securing means for certain embodiments
of this invention. Similarly, waist straps 31 extending from the
ventilation unit 10 and around the person's waist or hips (see FIG.
3 and FIG. 7) may be provided as an additional securing means to
eliminate shifting of the ventilation unit 10 when the person is
moving or performing strenuous activity.
[0067] A power switch 19, as provided in certain embodiments, is
preferably a push-on, push-off type that is fitted with a water
resistant boot and guard because the invention may be used in
extreme environments. Other types of on-off switches are
contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 4, the internal construction and features
of certain embodiments of the air distribution garment 20 will be
described in greater detail. The garment 20 is preferably made of a
flexible polypropylene or other spacer material 40, with a fabric
47, a portion 44b of which covers one side of the spacer material
40 and serves as the outer covering for the air distribution
garment 20. The fabric 47 is preferably implemented to be
lightweight and non-air permeable. In the illustrated embodiment,
portion 44b of the fabric 47 wraps around the peripheral edge of
the spacer material 40 to seal the peripheral edge thereof. When
the air distribution garment 20 is worn over the body, a plenum 42
may be defined by the spacer material 40 between the fabric 47 and
the wearer of the distribution garment 20 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) so
that the ambient air can flow throughout the air distribution
garment 20.
[0069] The spacer material 40 is basically a three dimensional
fabric that should be flexible enough to contour to the body, but
does not crush under the weight of multiple layers of clothing and
equipment typically worn by those working in elevated temperature
environments. In fact, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the spacer
material 40 may, in certain embodiments, form a porous, cage-like
structure with sufficient strength to maintain the integrity of the
plenum 42 while minimizing restrictions to airflow. In this regard,
the spacer material 40 may be implemented as a material which
allows omni-directional airflow therein. In other words, the spacer
material 40 preferably allows air to move in and through the
material substantially unimpeded in the planar (transverse)
directions of the material, as well as in the thickness direction
of the material, thereby allowing omni-directional airflow therein.
Thus, the airflow is merely impeded by the wearer, the air
impervious fabric, and the seal along the periphery of the spacer
material. In one implementation, the spacer material 40 may be a
three dimensional mesh, the mesh having a thickness dimension in
the range of approximately 0.125 to 0.75 inch, inclusive, and
preferably, approximately 0.25 to 0.375 inch.
[0070] Note that in this embodiment, the present invention does not
require any internal tubes or defined channels to carry air
throughout the garment, thereby minimizing flow loses within such
tubes and channels, while simultaneously increasing air propagation
efficiency and uniformity. An additional benefit of this embodiment
of the present invention is that it is simpler and less expensive
to manufacture and of higher reliability. Preferably, in certain
embodiments, the plenum 42 of 0.25 to 0.375 inch in thickness,
which results from implementing the spacer material with the
corresponding thickness dimensions between 0.25 to 0.375 inch noted
above, provides an optimum tradeoff between weight, garment
thickness/profile, individual mobility, and air propagation. Other
plenum thicknesses are contemplated within the scope of the present
invention.
[0071] Other suitable materials for the spacer material 40 include,
for example, polyethylene, polyolefin or equivalent materials, both
natural and synthetic, exhibiting the proper flexibility and
strength characteristics. The spacer material should also be fire
retardant when used for specified functions.
[0072] As further shown in an embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the
lower seam 90 of the air distribution garment 20 may be widened and
contain a lightweight foam insert 95 that functions as a means of
preventing air from escaping from the bottom of the air
distribution garment 20. This forces the air within the plenum 42
upward and laterally, to increase the air propagation uniformity
throughout the air distribution garment. A foam insert 95 may be
shaped or tapered to conform to a person's body, with a greater
thickness at the center of the back, and a reduced thickness as the
foam insert 95 spans out to the edges of the air distribution
garment 20.
[0073] More preferably, as shown in FIG. 9, the means for
preventing air flow from the bottom is provided that includes an
elastic cuff or waist band 97 attached to the bottom of the air
distribution garment, which prevents the air from escaping from the
bottom of the garment 20. The elastic cuff or waist band 97 may be
made of any flexible, impermeable or semi-permeable material such
as spandex, chloroprene, or other suitable material or fabric.
Similar to the foam inserts 95, the elastic cuff 97 forces the air
within the plenum 42 upward and laterally to increase the air
propagation uniformity throughout the air distribution garment.
[0074] An air dam 50 may be centrally positioned on, or within, the
air distribution garment 20. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, a
substantially triangular shaped air dam 50 may be centrally
positioned within the air distribution garment 20. Other shapes are
contemplated within the scope of the present invention. The air dam
50 can be made of non-porous foam or equivalent material. As shown
in FIG. 4, the apex 52 of the air dam 50 may be curved, or it may
have a more angular design. In either case, the apex 52 may be
positioned adjacent to the Y-connector 18 from the ventilation unit
10 where it enters the air distribution garment 20. The Y-connector
18 may initially split and direct air from the ventilation unit 10
in separate directions as the air enters the air distribution
garment 20. The air dam 50 shape and positioning may further assist
this directional flow of air, and ensure the air is propagated 54
throughout the air distribution garment 20.
[0075] Preferably, the apex 52 of the air dam 50 may conform to the
recessed portion 52a of the Y-shaped connector 18, thereby sealing
and creating, either physically or functionally, two sub-plenums
42a, 42b (see FIG. 5) within the air distribution garment 20
because, in this example, the air does not cross over the
combination of the air dam 50 and Y-connector 18. As noted, the
connector may be shaped differently in other embodiments of the
present invention.
[0076] Another suitable air dam 55 is shown in FIG. 2. In this
embodiment, the triangular shaped air dam 50 within the air
distribution garment 20 is replaced by a substantially
air-impermeable fabric 55 substantially spanning a vertical
dimension on an inner surface (closest to the person's body) of the
air distribution garment 20, where the air distribution garment 20
connects to the ventilation unit 10. The fabric air dam 55 may be
of various shapes, including for example, rectangular, triangular
or diamond shaped.
[0077] It has been found that this fabric air dam 55 may capture a
certain portion of the air originally entering the air distribution
garment 20 from the ventilation unit 10, creating an initial
cooling effect. Moreover, movement by the person may create a
certain pumping action, which in conjunction with the contours of a
person's back, helps to distribute the inlet air in different
directions throughout the plenum. The air dams 50, 55 may be used
individually, or in combination, to achieve the desired effect of
uniformly propagating air throughout the air distribution garment
20. The air dam as described above may be unnecessary in an
embodiment of the apparatus where sufficient air flow is
created.
[0078] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
flexible spacer material 40 and how it is integrated into the air
distribution garment 20, providing two separate plenums 42a, 42b
that are fed by the Y-connector 18. FIG. 6A is a side
cross-sectional view taken along the line 6'-6' in FIG. 5, and more
clearly illustrates the plenum 42 created by the three dimensional
cage-like structure of the spacer material 40, the outer fabric
cover and the wearer's body, or clothing. FIG. 6B illustrates an
alternative edge configuration of the flexible spacer material 40
so as to prevent the escape of ambient air through the edge of the
air distribution garment 20. As can be seen, instead of wrapping
the fabric 47 an edge binding 45 is provided at the peripheral edge
of the spacer material 40, thereby effectively sealing the
peripheral edge. The edge binding 45 is preferably made of a fabric
that is sewn on to the peripheral edge of the spacer material, and
is also preferably substantially non-air permeable, for example, by
coating.
[0079] As noted, a lightweight, non-air permeable, coated fabric 47
is provided on the outer side of the spacer material 40 (i.e., the
side not in contact with the person) to prevent the air from
flowing directly out of the three dimensional spacer material 40 in
all directions. Other fabrics contemplated for use when fire
retardancy is required include aramid fiber, para-aramid fiber and
self-extinguishing modified acrylic. In addition to flowing through
the plenum 42 and along the person's body, the air is allowed to
escape though the natural openings for the arms and neck as well as
through optional air holes or vents provided near, or along, the
outer seam or edge of the air distribution garment as described
later, or may be located elsewhere on the garment.
[0080] Preferably, the air distribution garment 20 is of sufficient
size to suitably cover the torso of a person or other areas where
the temperature of the person is to be regulated. Referring to FIG.
2 and FIG. 4, the air inlet section, comprising Y-connector 18 and
air dam 50 or 55, is preferably positioned such that when the
person wears the air distribution garment 20, the air dam 50 or 55
is placed in the middle of the lower back of the person. Because
the air is divided and supplied equally to both halves of the air
distribution garment 20, and combined with the placement and
configuration of the air dam 50 or 55, the greatest propagation of
air flow throughout the garment may be realized.
[0081] In FIG. 4, note that upper seam 60 may have an undulating
shape, whereby the center and ends are higher than the intervening
sections. This is to accommodate a person's underarms when placing
the garment 20 around the torso, while still providing a maximum
cooling surface area and sufficient mobility when worn. See FIG. 7,
which illustrates the garment 20 positioned properly on an
individual. This embodiment is not limited to an undulating shape
as other configurations/shapes are also effective.
[0082] The undulating shape described above takes advantage of the
underarm as an escape route for the airflow. Since each person's
body shape and movement mechanics are slightly different, even when
the garment 20 is properly positioned and fitted correctly, when a
person moves, a certain amount of air will escape from the underarm
arm area, and to a lesser extent the neck area, thereby cooling the
person. The heat emanating from the individual's body is thus
carried away by the airflow within the garment 20 and exhausted
into the ambient air. Moreover, during elevated ambient
temperatures when body perspiration is present, the present
invention moves air across the torso and creates an evaporative
cooling effect that helps to further relieve heat stress.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 4, airflow and air propagation paths 54
within the garment 20 may also be increased by placing air holes or
vents 70 near, or along, the outer seam 60 or edge of the garment
20. Alternately, the air holes 70 may be positioned near, or along,
the outer edge of the outer fabric layer 47 described with
reference to FIG. 6A. This alternate embodiment would be
preferable, for example, if stretch air-impermeable material or
fabric (for example, spandex, chloroprene or other similarly
functioning material or fabric) was placed around the upper or side
edges of the air distribution garment 20, to achieve a greater
body-conforming fitting scenario. Air holes 70 may be positioned
anywhere in the outer fabric layer 47.
[0084] In certain embodiments, air within the plenum 42 is allowed
to escape through these air holes 70 and pass into the ambient air.
One of skill in the art will realize that the air holes 70 create a
pressure differential within the air distribution garment 20 as
well as allow the air within the plenum 42 to escape. By
positioning and repositioning the air holes 70 near, or along, the
outer seam 60, any "hot spots" (areas with insufficient or
constricted air flow) can be relieved by positioning an air hole 70
near the hot spot. This will draw a portion of air within the
plenum 42 toward the newly positioned air hole 70, thereby cooling
the hot spot and providing more uniform flow throughout the air
distribution garment 20. Also, by positioning the air holes or
vents 70 along the underarm area 80, air at the back of the torso
can be brought to the front of the torso, and provide sufficient
cooling for the front of the torso, an advantage not seen in
existing ambient air cooling systems without internal tubes or
channels to carry the air.
[0085] Even though the preferred implementations of the present
invention do not provide tubes and channels for carrying air,
shaped inserts 99 may be positioned with the plenum 42 to increase
air propagation uniformity throughout the air distribution garment
as shown in FIG. 8. Rather than carrying air internally as done in
tubes, these shaped inserts 99 divert, deflect or distribute air
due to their shape and placement in the plenum 42. For example, the
shaped inserts 99 may be shaped like airfoils, creating certain
pressure differentials in desired locations to draw air towards the
shaped inserts 99, thereby increasing the air propagation
uniformity throughout the air distribution garment 20. Of course,
one of skill in the art could determine the optimum positions and
shapes of the inserts 99 without undue experimentation. The inserts
99 may be attached (by sewing, use of adhesives or other suitable
means) to the flexible material 40 to fix the positions.
[0086] The cooling garment of the present invention can be worn
under many layers of clothing or equipment without affecting the
mobility of the wearer. In order to ensure the cooling garment
stays in its proper orientation during use (i.e., without slipping
down or rotating about the torso), a series of over-the-shoulder
straps 100 as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 may be
provided.
[0087] FIG. 1 shows, for example, that the air distribution garment
20 of the present invention can be integrated with an Interceptor
Ballistic Armor (IBA) vest 110 worn by combat troops. The
over-the-shoulder straps 100 are threaded though loops in the IBA
110. The garment 20 positioning, adjustments and attachments are
carried out prior to donning the IBA 110 to enable the soldier to
put on both at the same time. Hook and loop fasteners 120 (see FIG.
7) located on the front of the air distribution garment 20 allow
for final adjustment and precise and secure fitting. Alternately,
the entire vest could be constructed to full cover the torso,
including over the shoulders.
[0088] FIG. 10 illustrates a personal ventilating garment apparatus
200 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention. Initially, the ventilating garment apparatus 200, as
well as the additional embodiments described below, function in a
substantially similar manner as the embodiments discussed above
relative to FIGS. 1 to 9. Correspondingly, detailed discussions of
various general functions and features of the ventilating garment
apparatus 200 is omitted herein to avoid repetition. However,
distinctive and unique features in these alternative embodiments
are fully described with sufficient detail to allow one of ordinary
skill to practice the invention.
[0089] Initially, as can be seen in FIG. 10, the ventilating
garment apparatus 200 includes air distribution garment 210 having
a spacer material 220 that is made to allow airflow therethrough in
the manner previously described relative to the embodiments of
FIGS. 1 to 9. In addition, the ventilating garment apparatus 200
also includes an air ventilation unit 230 which functions to draw
in the ambient air, and flow the air through the spacer material
220 in the manner also previously described. In this regard, the
ventilation unit 230 is received within a pocket 213 of the air
distribution garment 210, the pocket 213 having a mesh panel 216 to
allow ambient air to be draw through the pocket 213.
[0090] As can be seen, the illustrated embodiment of the
ventilating garment apparatus 200 is implemented as a vest with
integral straps 212 to allow supporting of the apparatus over the
shoulders of the wearer. In this regard, the straps 212 are made to
be adjustable by providing hook and loop type fasteners thereon so
that the length ventilating garment apparatus 200 may be adjusted
to allow it to be worn comfortably by users of different body
shapes and sizes. In addition, adjustable closures 214 are also
provided on the front of the air distribution garment 210 using
hook and loop type fasteners to allow the width of the ventilating
garment apparatus 200 to be adjusted to accommodate different sized
torsos of users. Of course, in other implementations, different
types of adjustable fasteners may be used. However, use of hook and
loop type fasteners is preferable due to their light weight,
strength, and adjustability.
[0091] As can also be seen, the ventilating garment apparatus 200
may be implemented with a single ventilation unit 230 which is
mounted at the chest area of the air distribution garment 210. A
Y-connector 232 (schematically illustrated using dotted lines since
it is hidden in the view shown) is provided to distribute the
airflow in the manner also schematically shown, thereby providing
airflow throughout the spacer material 220 to enhance the comfort
of the wearer.
[0092] As previously noted, the ventilation units of the
ventilating garment apparatus in accordance with the present
invention may be utilized to pull the air through the spacer
material of the air distribution garment. In this regard, FIG. 11
shows a back view of such an implementation where the ventilating
garment apparatus 240 includes a ventilation unit 250 that draws
air through the spacer material 260, instead of pushing the air
through the spacer material as in the previously described
embodiments. In this regard, a fabric plenum 264 is provided at the
upper edge of the spacer material 260 in the illustrated
embodiment. As shown, the fabric plenum 264 is secured to the inlet
of the ventilation unit 250, and is provided with a plurality of
openings 266 for evenly drawing the ambient air through the spacer
material 260. Furthermore, a plurality of air inlet openings 270
are provided at the bottom of the air distribution garment 244 in
the illustrated embodiment to allow ambient air to be drawn into
the air distribution garment 244 by the ventilation unit 250. Of
course, in other embodiments, the positioning of the air inlet
openings and the ventilation unit may be reversed so that the
ventilation unit is provided at the bottom of the air distribution
garment 244, or be arranged in some other appropriate manner.
[0093] It should be further noted that whereas the above described
embodiments of the ventilating garment apparatus in accordance with
the present invention utilized a single ventilation unit, a
plurality of ventilation units may be implemented in other
embodiments as also previously noted. For example, FIG. 12
illustrates a ventilating garment apparatus 300 in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention which is implemented as
a vest with a center opening. In this regard, a loop and hook
fastener 302 is provided to secure the ventilating garment
apparatus 300 to the torso of the wearer.
[0094] As can be clearly seen, the illustrated embodiment of the
ventilating garment apparatus 300 includes a first ventilation unit
310, and a second ventilation unit 320, which are powered by
batteries 312 and 322, respectively. In this regard, the air
distribution garment 304 is implemented with appropriate pockets
for receiving the ventilation units and the batteries. Preferably,
in such an embodiment, the two ventilation units provide airflow in
the opposite directions as schematically shown in FIG. 12. Each
ventilation units may be implemented with a plurality of orifices
to direct the air in more than one direction, for example, upwards
and towards the back.
[0095] By providing multiple ventilation units, higher levels of
air flow can be attained through the ventilating garment apparatus
300. Alternatively, by providing multiple ventilation units, each
ventilation unit may be implemented to be smaller in size, with a
smaller capacity, while maintaining the same amount of desired
airflow as a single ventilation unit implementation. This provides
added flexibility in the positioning and placement of the
ventilation units to take advantage of the natural openings around
the arms and neck, etc., to optimize airflow through the air
distribution garment 304. In addition, utilization of multiple
ventilation units have additional advantages over the single
ventilation unit implementations in that the cost may be further
reduced, and noise created by the air flow can also be reduced.
[0096] In the above regard, FIG. 13 shows a ventilating garment
apparatus 340 in accordance with still another embodiment of the
present invention, which is substantially similar to the embodiment
previous described relative to FIG. 12, but wherein the ventilation
units are received within pockets 380 provided on the front of the
air distribution garment 350. FIGS. 14A and 14B show a ventilation
unit 360 for use with the air distribution garment 350 of FIG. 12.
As shown, the ventilation unit 360 is provided with a chassis 362
for securing the battery pack 364 to the blower unit 366 so that
the ventilation unit 360 is modular. In addition, an extending lip
368 is provided which mates with a correspondingly shaped intake
manifold (not shown) that directs the air into the spacer material
of the air distribution garment 350.
[0097] FIG. 15 illustrates an enlarged, perspective view of the
pocket 380 provided on the front of the air distribution garment
340 shown in FIG. 13, for receiving the ventilation unit 360 shown
in FIGS. 14A and 14B. In the illustrated implementation, the pocket
380 is provided with a mesh wall 382 which allows the ventilation
unit to draw air through the mesh wall 382. In addition, the pocket
380 is implemented with opening 384 that is sized to allow the
extending lip 368 of the ventilation unit 360 to extend
therethrough. FIG. 15 also illustrates a manifold 386 with an
elastic cuff 388 that mates with the extending lip 368 of the
ventilation unit 360, and also extends through the outer fabric of
the air distribution garment 350 to provide the air to the spacer
material therein (not shown).
[0098] FIG. 16 illustrates yet another embodiment of a ventilating
garment apparatus 400 in accordance with the present invention. The
ventilating garment apparatus 400 includes a spacer material 404
which is schematically shown through the outer fabric of the air
distribution garment 402. As shown, a plurality of ventilation
units 410 and 420 are provided in the illustrated embodiment, these
ventilation units being positioned on each side of the air
distribution garment 402, proximate to the location of the hips of
the wearer. Such mounting facilitates use in conjunction with side
opening body armor that is commercially available. Each of the
ventilation units directs ambient air to the back, as well as the
front, of the air distribution garment 402 in the manner similar to
those described relative to the prior embodiments. In addition,
shaped inserts 406 may also be provided to ensure proper
distribution of the ambient air.
[0099] FIG. 17 illustrates a ventilation unit 430 in accordance
with still another implementation of the present invention. The
ventilation unit 430 is especially configured for use with the
ventilating garment apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 16 and described
above. In this regard, the ventilation unit 430 is adapted for side
mounting to the air distribution garment 402, and correspondingly,
is provided with a low height profile. The ventilation unit 430
includes a blower 432 and an internal battery 434 for powering the
blower 432.
[0100] The low profile height of the ventilation unit 430 allows it
to be received in the pocket 408 of the air distribution garment
402 shown in FIG. 16. The pocket 408 of the air distribution
garment 402 may be provided with a mesh wall such as that described
relative to FIG. 15, so as to allow the intake 436 of the
ventilation unit 430 to draw in ambient air, and distribute the
ambient air into the air distribution garment via the outlet 438.
The conveniently accessible positioning of the ventilation unit 430
is further enhanced by providing the ventilation unit 430 with an
external power source connector 440 for receiving a common
electrical connector to mate with fielded military batteries for
operating the blower 432 and/or recharging the internal battery
434.
[0101] FIG. 18 illustrates a ventilating garment apparatus 450 in
accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. As
can be seen, the ventilating garment apparatus 450 of FIG. 18 is
substantially similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 in that
the ventilation units 452 and 462 (schematically shown) are
provided on the front of the air distribution garment 456. As can
clearly be seen in the interior view of FIG. 18, the air
distribution garment 456 includes openings 458 that allow the
outlet of the blower to extend therethrough, and provide ambient
air into the spacer material 468. As can also be clearly seen, the
spacer material 468 of the illustrated embodiment is not provided
with an air dam of any sort, but rather, is implemented to allows
the air to flow in the general direction indicated.
[0102] FIG. 19 illustrates a portion of a ventilating garment
apparatus 480 in accordance with still another embodiment of the
present invention. In this regard, the ventilating garment
apparatus 480 includes an air distribution garment 482 having a
spacer material 486 within the interior, the spacer material and
other hidden features being schematically illustrated through the
fabric 488 of the air distribution garment 482. The illustrated
embodiment differs from the previously described embodiments in
that a first ventilation unit 490 is provided to push the ambient
air through the spacer material 486, and a second ventilation unit
496 is provided to pull the ambient air through the spacer material
486. The ventilation units may be implemented in the manner
described above relative to the previous embodiments. Of course,
the schematic illustration shown in FIG. 19 illustrates only the
blower portions of the ventilation units, and do not illustrate the
batteries for driving the blower units, which are preferably
provided in practice. In such a push/pull configuration, the
direction of the airflow through the spacer material 486 can be
better controlled. In this regard, a fabric plenum 498 may be
provided in the manner discussed above relative to the embodiment
of FIG. 11 to provide even drawing of the ambient air through the
spacer material 486.
[0103] FIG. 20 illustrates a rear view of yet another embodiment of
a ventilating garment apparatus 500 in accordance with the present
invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the ventilating garment
apparatus 500 includes air distribution garment 510 which is
provided with a spacer material 516 in the manner described above
relative to the prior embodiments. However, in contrast to the
prior embodiments wherein the ventilation unit(s) were mounted on
the air distribution garment, the present implementation allows the
ventilation unit to be remotely mounted. In particular, in the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 20, the ventilation unit 530 may be
supported on a waist belt 520 which is separate from the air
distribution garment 510. In this regard, the ventilation unit 530
is preferably implemented to have low height profile and may be
implemented like the ventilation unit 430 of FIG. 17.
[0104] The air distribution garment 510 may be provided with a
Y-connector 514 that engages the ventilation unit 530 in the manner
described below, and aids the distribution of the ambient air. In
this regard, the ventilation unit 530 that is mounted to the waist
belt 520 may further be provided with a duct 534 for conveying the
outputted ambient air from the blower of the ventilation unit to
the Y-connector 514 in the air distribution garment 510. In the
embodiment shown, the ventilation unit 530 may be mounted in an
opposite side of the belt 520 (as shown by ventilation unit 530'
and duct 534'), thereby providing wearer flexibility as to the
location of the ventilation unit 530.
[0105] FIG. 21 illustrates a enlarged view of the ventilation unit
530 and the duct 534. In this regard, as can be clearly seen in
FIG. 21, the duct 534 includes flexible joints 546 and 547 to allow
small amount of articulation. In addition, the duct 534 is further
provided with a connector 548 for engaging the Y-connector 514
provided in the air distribution garment 510. The connector 548 may
be implemented in any appropriate manner, and may be provided with
a quick disconnect clamp to allow rapid engagement and
disengagement to the Y-connector 514. Moreover, by providing the
flexible joints 546 and 547, some compliance in the duct 534 is
allowed so that during active movement by the wearer where relative
movement between the belt 520 and the air distribution garment 510
will likely occur, the sealed connection between the connector 548
and the Y-connector 514 can be maintained. Preferably, the duct
534, as well as the Y-connector 514, are implemented to be low
profile so that they do not extend away from the wearer's body
beyond an exterior body armor that may also be worn on top of the
ventilating garment apparatus 500.
[0106] FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of a remotely mounted
ventilation unit 570 which is connected to a Y-connector 580
(schematically shown) via a hose duct 574. As can be appreciated,
the hose duct 574 is preferably made with corrugations that resist
collapse or pinching of the hose duct 574 that can prevent air from
being passed therethrough. As can be seen, the hose duct 574 is
provided with connectors 576 and 578 at ends thereof for connection
to the ventilation unit 570 and the Y-connector 580, respectively.
The connectors 576 and 578 are preferably implemented to be hand
tightened so that no tools are required, thereby allowing rapid
engagement and disengagement of the ventilation unit 570 from the
air distribution garment.
[0107] FIG. 23 shows the various components that may be used for
implementing the connectors 576 and 578 of the hose duct 574. In
particular, as shown in FIG. 23, the ventilation unit 570 is
provided with a blower 571, battery 572 and a switch 573 for
operating the ventilation unit 570. A reusable filter 575 is also
provided in the manner previously described above. In the
illustrated embodiment, the blower 571 is further provided with a
threaded outlet 580. The connector 576 includes a clamp 584, a nut
586, and a retaining fitting 588, these components allowing the
engagement of the connector 576 to the threaded outlet 580 of the
ventilation unit 570. The connector 578 which attaches the hose
duct 574 to the Y-connector 580 may be implemented in a
substantially the same manner, or in an equivalent manner. Of
course, the particular implementation of the connectors are
provided as an example only, and alternative embodiments of the
present invention may be implemented differently.
[0108] FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate front and rear views,
respectively, of a carrier 600 for the ventilation unit shown in
FIG. 23. As can be seen, the carrier 600 is provided with straps
602 having snaps 604 for securely mounting the ventilation unit 570
in the mounting compartment 606 defined by the straps 602. As
clearly shown in the rear view of FIG. 24B, the carrier 600 allows
various securement of the carrier 600 to the wearer. In this
regard, the carrier 600 is provided with extended loops 608 with
snaps that allows the carrier to be mounted to a backpack or the
like. In addition, the carrier 600 of the illustrated embodiment is
provided belt loops 610 that allow the carrier to be secured to a
belt 601 of the wearer. In addition, the carrier 600 is provided
with a mounting pad 612 as shown in FIG. 24C. The mounting pad 612
is configured to conform to "modular outfit light load equipment"
(MOLLE) to facilitate use with other standardized military gear,
and include straps 613 that are closable via snaps 614. Thus, the
carrier 600, as shown, allows various different mountings of the
ventilation unit 570. Of course, in other implementations, the
carrier may be implemented to secure just the blower or the
batteries of the ventilation unit.
[0109] While the present invention has been described in detail
with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it should be
understood to those skilled in the art that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made hereto without departing
from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
For example, although a vest covering the torso has been
illustrated in the above embodiments, it is understood that any
other type of clothing, such as a jacket, coat, trousers or
coveralls, may utilize the teachings and principles of the present
invention.
* * * * *