U.S. patent application number 11/526763 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for personal air conditioning.
This patent application is currently assigned to MICRO CLIMATE SOLUTIONS LTD.. Invention is credited to Chibbi Naaman.
Application Number | 20070157651 11/526763 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11075730 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070157651 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Naaman; Chibbi |
July 12, 2007 |
Personal air conditioning
Abstract
An air conditioning garment for air conditioning an individual
wearing the garment includes an inner layer of a three-dimensional
netting structure enclosed between two layers of substantially
air-impermeable fabric. The layer facing the wearer's body has a
plurality of openings directed toward predetermined locations on
the wearer's body. The garment has an inlet opening with means for
connecting the inner layer to a source of air at a predetermined
temperature.
Inventors: |
Naaman; Chibbi; (Reut,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
MICRO CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
LTD.
Reut
IL
|
Family ID: |
11075730 |
Appl. No.: |
11/526763 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10501863 |
Mar 31, 2005 |
7117687 |
|
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PCT/IL02/00624 |
Jul 30, 2002 |
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11526763 |
Sep 26, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/259.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 31/065 20190201;
A41D 13/0025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/259.3 |
International
Class: |
F25D 23/12 20060101
F25D023/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 23, 2001 |
IL |
145094 |
Claims
1. An air conditioning garment for air conditioning an individual
wearing said garment, the garment comprising: an inner layer of a
three-dimensional netting structure enclosed between two layers of
substantially air-impermeable fabric, wherein one of said two
fabric layer, being the layer facing said individual body when said
individual is wearing said garment, is having a plurality of
openings directed toward predetermined locations on said
individual's body, and wherein said garment is having an inlet
opening with connection means for connecting the inner layer to a
source of air at a predetermined temperature.
2-21. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to air conditioning garments
for individuals under extreme environmental conditions. In
particular, the present invention relates to garments such as
suits, vests, helmets and parts thereof, for racecar drivers,
motorcycle drivers and pilots.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0004] In a clear day, with ambient temperature of 25 degrees
Celsius, cabin temperature may reach 40 degree Celsius and more.
Excess heat, when vehicle operators are not aware of their judgment
being affected by the harsh conditions, seems to be the cause of
numerous accidents.
[0005] The major traditional technologies used for air conditioning
are air-cycle and vapor-cycle. Air-cycle air-conditioning works by
the use of high-pressure air that is accelerated and allowed to
expand rapidly, thus exchanging heat with surrounding area and
cooling the air. This technology is used primarily for the
air-conditioning of large transport aircraft and jet airplanes,
where a large volume of pressurized air is available. Vapor-cycle
air conditioning, which is the most common technology, exploits the
use of a compressor and refrigerant liquid/gas to perform a heat
exchange process with the surrounding air, thus cooling the
environment.
[0006] Such traditional systems, which are used to cool an enclosed
space, for instance an entire vehicle's cabin, are not fit for use
in special vehicles such as closed-cockpit racecars and small
aircraft because of weight and energy consumption considerations.
The units used by traditional methods are heavy, in the range of
30-40 kg. This is an extensive and unacceptable added weight to a
racecar or a small aircraft, which seriously impedes their
performance. Standard air-conditioning units also require a large
energy source, which is usually taken from the vehicle's power
plant and might consume about 5% of the engine power. This is a
negative factor to racecars drivers and owners, needing every bit
of engine power. Thus, standard units do not fit for use in
vehicles where power consumption demands may reduce performance.
Furthermore, standard air-conditioning systems involve high
expenses and their installation increases the burden and cost of
the racecar or aircraft manufacturing.
[0007] The approach taken by the present invention is to air
condition the individual rather than the environment Such an
approach fits individuals under extreme environmental conditions
such as racecar drivers, motorcycle drivers and pilots mentioned
above as well as people who wear protective garments such as fire
fighters etc.
[0008] Various "personal air conditioning systems" for air
conditioning an individual by especially designed garments are
known in the art. Such air conditioning systems can be classified
as liquid-based systems or gas-based systems. Liquid-based systems
employ closed system circulation of cooled liquids and cool by
touch. Gas-based systems cool by gas expansion. Both methods employ
a system of tubing passing in the proximity of the wearer body for
conveying the liquid or gas either in a closed or in an open
system.
[0009] Existing personal conditioning systems suffer from a number
of drawbacks. Conditioning systems which are using liquid
circulation in a closed system might be dangerous if upon
malfunctioning, liquids stop circulating. In such a case, the
isolated liquid layer would heat up and prevent the body from
"breathing", thus worsening users physical and psychological
situation, which may end in a "heat-shock". Furthermore, liquid
systems are susceptible to liquid leakage which might cause
inconvenience to the wearer and damage to equipment.
[0010] Another main drawback associated with tubing-based systems,
for conveying either gas or liquid, is that upon wearer movements
tubes might fold and block passage of fluids. On the other hand, if
the tubes are made of relatively rigid material for preventing the
tubes from folding, then the tubing system imparts the garment
rigidity which might limit the wearer's movements. Wearer
convenience considerations also limits the diameter of the tubing
that can be used, therefore a relatively high pressure in needed in
order to obtain reasonable flow rate. Another drawback of tubing
systems is that with time tubes tend to get plugged due to
precipitant accumulation on the tubing walls.
[0011] Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to
provide a personal air conditioning system, which overcomes the
drawbacks of known systems.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0012] It is the object of the present invention to provide means
for delivering conditioned-air to individuals in specified
vehicles, where traditional air conditioning units are not
practical. Such means should be of low power consumption,
lightweight, and with practically no effect on vehicle's
performance.
[0013] Yet it is another object of the present invention to provide
such a personal air conditioning which is economical and has
minimal moving parts.
[0014] Yet it is another object of the present invention to provide
such personal air conditioner, which is environmentally friendly
where no cooling liquids or gases are used.
[0015] In accordance with the above objectives, the present
invention provides an air conditioning garment for an individual in
need of air conditioning, especially useful for racecar drivers,
motorcycle drivers, pilots and the like.
[0016] The air conditioning garment comprises an inner layer of a
three-dimensional netting structure enclosed between two layers of
substantially air-impermeable fabric wherein one of said two fabric
layer, being the layer facing the body is having a plurality of
openings directed toward predetermined locations on said body. The
garment is further having an inlet opening with connection means
for connecting the inner layer to a source of air at a
predetermined temperature. Said connection means is preferably
having automatic quick disconnecting means. The garment may further
comprise an additional layer of a loosely woven or knitted fabric
which does not prevent air free passage connected to the
impermeable layer facing the wearer's body. Preferably, the
thickness of the three dimensional net is in the range of 2 to 10
mm and its density is in the range of 5 to 30% v/v. Preferably, the
cell formed by the netting are in the range of 1 to 8 mm. The
three-dimensional netting is fabricated from any fiber or a
filament. The air source supplying air to the garment can be any
air source known in art such as an air conditioning unit, an air
blower, etc. Preferably the air source supplies air at a rate of 3
to 20 cfm. The air-conditioned garment can be any garment or a part
thereof for covering any part of the body, such as a vest, a
headwear, etc. The air conditioning garment can further comprise an
outlet opening connected to the inlet opening of another air
conditioning garment. According to one embodiment of the present
invention is a detachable lining attached to the inner side of a
second garment wherein the second garment may be any garment such
as a helmet, a shirt, etc.
[0017] The present invention further provides a method for air
conditioning an individual person in need of air conditioning. The
method comprising the following: (a) providing the person with a
garment comprising an inner layer of a three dimensional mesh
sandwiched between two layers of material impermeable or
semi-impermeable to air wherein one of said two layers, being the
layer facing said individual body is having a plurality of openings
directed to predetermined locations on said individual's body (b)
connecting said inner layer of three-dimensional mesh to a source
of air at a predetermined temperature for directing streams of
conditioned air to said predetermined locations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The present invention will be understood and appreciated
more fully from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a cross section of the cloth of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrate a garment piece to be worn around the
upper torso in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrate another air conditioning garment in
accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 depict one embodiment of a connector having a quick
disconnecting for connecting a tube to a garment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the
prior art by providing a novel technology for air conditioning
garments, especially designed for individuals under extreme
environmental conditions, such as in small aircraft, closed-cockpit
racecars and other vehicles, and for people wearing protective
garments, like fire-fighters, workers exposed to environmental
hazards, etc.
[0024] The garments of the present invention are designed to
deliver conditioned-air to individuals in specified vehicles, where
traditional air conditioning units are not practical. While
traditional air conditioning systems air condition a room or a
defined space, the present invention air-conditions the individual
person in need of air conditioning, primarily on the upper portion
of his/her body by specially designed garments. This allows for
significant reductions in power consumption, weight and cost. The
technology employed by the present invention is environmentally
friendly where no special cooling liquids or gases are used. The
air conditioning garments of the present invention are lightweight
and unlike other personal air-conditioners available today, do not
employ tubing system.
[0025] The air conditioning garments of the present invention are
made from especially designed cloth, which comprises an inner layer
of three-dimensional network. Conditioned air supplied to the
garment by an external air source moves freely throughout the cloth
and is directed through a plurality of outlet openings (nozzles) to
predetermined locations on the body of the person wearing the
garment. The location of the openings is designed so as to allow
the most efficient air conditioning by directing streams of
conditioned air to the most temperature sensitive locations on the
person body or to those body areas which suffer mostly from excess
or loss of heat. The use of predetermined openings in the garment
to cool (or heat) particular locations of the wearer's body allows
the air-source to be relatively small and lightweight and minimize
the power consumption demand. Furthermore, the use of the three
dimensional net can replace "cushions" and other padding which are
used to absorb impact in helmets and other garments.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a cross section of
the cloth, designated 10, from which garments of the present
invention are fabricated. Cloth 10, which is the core of the
present invention, comprises an intermediate layer 2 of
three-dimensional netting sandwiched between two layers, designated
4 and 6, of fabric, which is impermeable or semi-impermeable to
air. In the example shown here layer 4 is the interior surface of
the cloth facing the person body (designated 25) while layer 6 is
directed away from the body. Layer 4 facing the wearer's body 25 is
having a plurality of outlet openings 3 directed to predetermined
locations 30 on said individual's body. For enhancing the wearer
comfort, layer 4 is optionally covered by another fabric layer (not
shown) which is loosely woven, for example a two dimensional cotton
net, which does not prevent the free flow of air from holes 8
toward the body. This additional layer is aimed at preventing
direct contact of the body with impermeable layer 4 and for
allowing perspiration absorption. Layers 4 and 6 are connected at
the garment circumference by air-tight means such as sewing, gluing
or any other fabric air-tight connecting means to ensure that air
does not escape from the garment rim.
[0027] Conditioned air, designated 1, is supplied to a garment made
of cloth 10 through an opening 15. The conditioned air is
distributed uniformly through mesh layer 2 to fill the whole space
between layers 4 and 6. The three dimensional netting structure of
inner layer 2 ensures free passage of air throughout layer 2 under
all conditions, thus allowing a complete freedom of movement to the
wearer of the garment without any risk of blocking the air passage.
The inner netting allows free air flow, even when the fabric-layer
is folded, twisted or when it is tightened t6 the wearer's body by,
for example, seat belts. Excess air leaves cloth 10 through
openings 8 by streams 11 which are directed toward predetermined
location 30 on body 25. Air inlet 15 can be located between the two
impermeable layers 4 and 6 as illustrated. In this case layers 4
and 6 are tightened around the inlet. Alternatively an opening can
be cut through one of the impermeable layers, preferably through
outer layer 6, and inlet 15 is connected to the opening by an
air-tight connection.
[0028] The use of the special designed garments of the present
invention allows for air conditioning by two independent
mechanisms. The first main mechanism is by directing streams of
conditioned-air to predetermined locations of the individual body.
However, since the whole garment is filled with conditioned air, a
secondary effect of air conditioning by contact is achieved as
well.
[0029] In accordance with the present invention, layer 2 can be of
any flexible fabric having a three-dimensional netting structure
woven or knitted from any fiber, filament or yarn such as plastic,
nylon, acrylic, cotton, fiberglass, etc. Preferably layer 2 is of
2-10 mm thickness. The density of the three dimensional netting is
preferably in the range of 5 to 30% v/v (mass volume per total
volume). Although flexible, the three dimensional netting has
internal rigidity and elasticity which maintains its structure and
keeps it from collapsing under pressure. The three dimensional
netting comprising layer 2 can be a commercially available fabric,
such as for example the 3D packaging net distributed by 3M, can be
especially fabricated for the purpose of the present invention or
can be a natural material such as a dried sponge or loofah. The
cells formed by the net can be of a regular pattern such as in a
regularly woven or knitted fabric or irregular such as in a natural
dried loofah. Preferably the skeleton cells formed by the 3D
netting are of dimension in the range of 1 to 8 mm.
[0030] Layers 4 and 6 can be made of any impermeable or
semi-impermeable fabric such as a polyamide or other synthetic
polymer sheet, or a closed woven fabric processed by impregnation,
vulcanization or lamination in order to impart it impermeability.
Alternatively, layers 4 and 6 can be made of natural impermeable
material such as leather.
[0031] For using under very high temperature, such as by
firefighters, layers 2, 4 and 6 comprise fire-resistant
materials.
[0032] Since the air-source supplying conditioned air needs to
supply only relatively small volumes of air because of the
localized application of the air streams, it can be relative small
unit having low weight and low power consumption. The air source
can be a simple air-pump, a blower, a vortex tube connected to an
air compressor or any other small air-conditioning unit. The
air-conditioning unit can be located anywhere in the vehicle
wherein its outlet is connected to the inlet of the garment by
means of a flexible pipe.
[0033] It will be easily appreciated that the flow rate of
conditioned air needed in order to achieve a desired air
conditioning effect depends on the body area to be air-conditioned,
on the garment features and on the ratio between the input and
output area. The present invention offers a very high flexibility
in designing air-conditioning garments, allowing optimal design
tailored to a specific purpose while minimizing the energy
consumption. By manipulating various parameters of the garment,
i.e., the mesh inner volume, the number and size of the openings
and the degree of impermeability of the two enclosing layers, it is
possible to achieve the maximal air conditioning efficacy for a
given flow rate. In general, since the garment is an open system,
applying an air flow into the garment results in an inside pressure
which is equal to or slightly exceeds atmospheric pressure. The air
is applied into the garment through inlet 15 and leaves the garment
through output holes 8. Inlet 15 is having a cross section area
which is always larger than the total area of the outlet openings.
The ratio between the input area and the total area of output holes
determines the output flow rate. The relatively low density of
layer 2 ensures that the pressure inside the garment is
substantially equal throughout the garment, thus that the outlet
streams of conditioned air through nozzles 8 located at different
distances from the inlet are substantially of equal rate. Typical
rates of air supply are in the range of a few cfm (cubic
feet/meter) and up to about 20 cfm. Typically, a flow rate of 10-15
cfm is needed for a body garment while a flow rate of 5-8 cfm is
sufficient for a head garment.
[0034] Various air conditioning garments, or garment parts, such as
suits, pants, shirts, vests caps, socks, gloves, hats, caps,
helmets and part thereof can be fabricated from cloth 10 to be worn
by persons under extreme environmental temperature.
[0035] Alternatively, cloth 10 can be used as a lining for an
already made or especially designed garment (designated 15 in FIG.
1). When used as a lining, it can be either permanently attached to
the inner surface of the garment, or preferably it can be a
detachable lining such as to allow connecting and removing
according to need. When used as an inner lining, the inner surface
of the garment itself can serve as the exterior layer of the lining
(i.e., layer 6 in FIG. 1). Thus the lining itself can comprise only
the mesh layer and the interior layer (i.e. layer 4 of FIG. 1) with
openings for directing streams of conditioned air toward
predetermined location on wearer's body. The garment of the present
invention need not cover a large body area and can be designed to
cover only the body areas for which air streams are applied. In
particular, cloth 10 can be cut to form garments parts for
partially covering the upper torso or to be inserted in helmets to
be used by motorcycle drivers, racecar drivers and pilots.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, there are shown a few
examples of air conditioning garments in accordance with the
present invention. FIG. 2A illustrates a garment, designated 40,
designed to air-condition the upper torso of an individual by
applying streams of air on the chest and the lower back. FIG. 2A
shows the garment shape when spread out. FIGS. 2B and 2C give a
frontal and back view respectively of the garment when worn around
the upper body under a shirt 50. Garment 40, made of cloth 10 (as
described in FIG. 1) is shaped to encircle the upper part of the
wearer. The garment comprises a wider part 41 to be placed against
the chest and a narrow tail-like part 42 that encircles the upper
torso and ends at the wearer lower back as best seen in FIGS. 2B
and 2C. Conditioned air is supplied to garment 40 through opening
15 and comes out through outlet holes 8a and 8b directed toward the
chest and the back of the wearer respectively. The air-tight rim 45
of garment 40, where layers 4 and 6 are connected by air connected
means, ensures that air does not leak from undesired locations. A
typical air flow needed for garment 40 having a typical inlet cross
section of about: 7 cm.sup.2 and typical total outlet area of 2.4
cm.sup.2, is in the range of 10 to 15 cfm. Garment 40 can be either
permanently attached to the inner side of shirt 50, or preferably
garment 40 is a detachable lining. When detachable, garment 40 can
be connected to shirt 50 by means such as Velcro or can be
suspended on inner suspenders sewn to the shirt, such that it can
be easily removed when not needed.
[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates yet another garment in accordance with
the present invention designed to cool the chest of the wearer and
having an additional opening 35 for connecting to an
air-conditioning helmet (not shown). Thus, a single air source can
provide conditioned air for air-conditioning the wearer body as
well as his head. FIG. 3A illustrates an air conditioning garment,
designated 60, cut to cover the chest of the wearer to be worn
under undershirt 65. The interior layer (4 in FIG. 1) is perforated
to forms rows of openings 8 for directing streams of air toward the
wearer chest. Air is supplied to garment 60 by means of flexible
pipe 18 connected to the outlet of an air source through is having
through a sleeve-like inlet 15' which envelopes a connector
connected to flexible pipe 18. Garment 65 is further having an air
outlet opening 35, of cross section smaller than the cross section
of inlet 15'. Outlet opening 35 can be connected to another pipe
for directing conditioned air to another air-conditioning garment
such as a head cover, for cooling the head.
[0038] FIG. 3B illustrates a jacket 66 suitable to be worn over
garment piece 65. Jacket 66 is having an opening 19 for threading
sleeve 15' and an opening 36 for allowing the connection of the
inlet and outlet tubes, respectively.
[0039] Turning now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a special
connector for connecting the outlet tube of an air source to the
garment of the present invention. The connector is designed to
allow quick connecting of the tube to the garment and in particular
to allow automatic quick disconnecting under a predetermined load.
Automatic quick disconnection is crucial in order to disconnect the
wearer of the garment from the air source unit upon emergency
conditions, such as accidents for preventing possible trapping. The
connector is designed such as to provide automatic disconnection
under a certain load or stress. FIGS. 4A and 4B depict one
embodiment of a connector having automatic quick disconnection, in
its disconnected and respectively. Connector 70 comprising a female
part 71 and a male part 72. Preferably the female part is connected
to the garment while the male part is connected or the extension of
the outlet tube of the air source. Part 72, being of more rigid
material than part 71, is having protruding rings 73 around its
external surface to fit the corresponding recess rings 74 around
the internal surface of part 71. Quick connection is achieved by
inserting part 72 into part 71. The pressure widens part 72 and
protrusions 73 are pushed into recessions 74. Likewise, when
opposite forces are exerted on parts 71 and 72 such that they are
pulled to opposite directions, protrusions 73 cause part 71 to
widen, hence releasing part 72. Parts 71 and 72 can be fabricated
from rubber or plastic of different elasticity. By varying the
elasticity difference between the two parts and the rings thickness
and depth, it is possible control the load under which an automatic
disconnection will take place.
[0040] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
alternative connectors having quick disconnecting are possible. For
example the female part may have an internal spring ring that is
pushed into a recess when the male part is inserted and is pressed
against the male to hold it in place. When opposite forces are
exerted on the two parts, the spring ring is pushed into the recess
and the two parts are disconnected.
[0041] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present
invention is defined only by the claims, which follow.
* * * * *