U.S. patent application number 12/940429 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-12 for electrically heated garment.
Invention is credited to Paul Fry, Rick Gray, Jonathan A. Zick.
Application Number | 20110108538 12/940429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43971811 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110108538 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gray; Rick ; et al. |
May 12, 2011 |
ELECTRICALLY HEATED GARMENT
Abstract
An article of clothing includes a garment body and a heater
coupled to the garment body. A battery holder defines a cavity. A
rechargeable battery pack is configured for use with at least one
of a power tool and a sensing device. The rechargeable battery pack
is slidably received within the cavity and detachably coupled to
the battery holder by a latching arrangement. A controller
selectively provides power from the rechargeable battery pack to
the heater. A user input member for selecting a mode of the
controller is coupled to the garment body.
Inventors: |
Gray; Rick; (Bothell,
WA) ; Zick; Jonathan A.; (Waukesha, WI) ; Fry;
Paul; (Sussex, WI) |
Family ID: |
43971811 |
Appl. No.: |
12/940429 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61258714 |
Nov 6, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
219/211 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B 1/0272 20130101;
A41D 13/0051 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
219/211 |
International
Class: |
H05B 1/00 20060101
H05B001/00 |
Claims
1. An article of clothing comprising: a garment body; a heater
coupled to the garment body; a battery holder defining a cavity; a
rechargeable battery pack configured for use with at least one of a
power tool and a sensing device, the rechargeable battery pack
slidably received within the cavity and detachably coupled to the
battery holder by a latching arrangement; a controller selectively
providing power from the rechargeable battery pack to the heater;
and a user input member coupled to the garment body, the user input
member for selecting a mode of the controller.
2. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the user input
member is also configured for selecting a thermal output of the
heater.
3. The article of clothing of claim 1, further comprising a display
indicating a thermal output setting.
4. The article of clothing of claim 3, wherein the display is
illuminated.
5. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the user input
member includes a display indicating a thermal output setting.
6. The article of clothing of claim 5, wherein the display
comprises a plurality of LED lights.
7. The article of clothing of claim 5, wherein the display further
indicates a state of charge of the rechargeable battery pack.
8. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the user input
member comprises a button.
9. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the user input
member is coupled to an external surface of the garment.
10. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the garment body
includes a pocket for receiving the battery holder and rechargeable
battery pack.
11. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable
battery pack comprises a plurality of Li-ion battery cells.
12. The article of clothing of claim 11, wherein the rechargeable
battery pack further comprises a casing surrounding the plurality
of Li-ion battery cells, an end cap including a terminal, and an
outer housing including the latching arrangement.
13. The article of clothing of claim 12, wherein the latching
arrangement includes latching tabs for engaging the battery
holder.
14. The article of clothing of claim 1, wherein the controller
monitors a state of charge of the rechargeable battery and
de-energizes the heater in response to the state of charge.
15. A method of operating a garment heated by an electric heater,
powered by a battery pack received by a battery holder, and
controlled by a controller via a control input, the method
comprising: actuating the control input to cause the electric
heater to enter a pre-heat mode; maintaining the electric heater in
a pre-heat mode for a first time period; automatically switching
the electric heater to a first thermal setting at the end of the
first time period; selectively switching the electric heater to a
second thermal setting by actuating the control input.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising selectively
deenergizing the electric heater by actuating the control
input.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising monitoring a state
of charge of the battery pack and automatically deenergizing the
electric heater based upon a state of charge of the battery
pack.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the control input includes an
illuminated portion, the method further comprising indicating a
thermal setting with the illuminated portion.
19. The method of claim 19, wherein the battery pack comprises a
plurality of lithium ion battery cells disposed within a housing,
the housing including a latching arrangement for selectively
coupling the battery pack to the battery holder.
20. An article of clothing comprising: a garment body; a heater
coupled to the garment body; a battery holder defining a cavity,
the battery holder disposed within the garment body and
electrically coupled to the heater; a rechargeable battery pack
slidably received within the cavity and detachably coupled to the
battery holder by a latching arrangement; a user input member
coupled to the garment body; and a controller for selectively
providing power from the rechargeable battery pack to the heater in
response to control signals from the user input member, the
controller causing the heater to enter a pre-heat mode in response
to a first signal from the user input member, maintaining the
heater in the pre-heat mode for a first time period, automatically
switching the heater to a first thermal setting at the end of the
first time period, and selectively switching the heater to a second
thermal setting in response to a second signal from the user input
member.
21. The article of clothing of claim 20, wherein the rechargeable
battery pack is configured for use with at least one of a power
tool and a sensing device.
22. The article of clothing of claim 20, wherein the rechargeable
battery pack comprises a plurality of Li-ion battery cells.
23. The article of clothing of claim 22, wherein the rechargeable
battery pack further comprises a casing surrounding the plurality
of Li-ion battery cells, an end cap including a terminal, and an
outer housing including the latching arrangement.
24. The article of clothing of claim 20, wherein the latching
arrangement includes latching tabs for engaging the battery
holder.
25. The article of clothing of claim 20, wherein the controller
monitors a state of charge of the rechargeable battery and
de-energizes the heater in response to the state of charge.
26. The article of clothing of claim 20, further comprising a
display indicating a thermal output setting.
27. The article of clothing of claim 20, wherein the user input
member includes a display indicating a thermal output setting.
28. The article of clothing of claim 20, wherein the user input
member is coupled to an external surface of the garment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/258,714, filed Nov. 6, 2009, the entire contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to garments, and in
particular, to an electrically heated jacket for providing heat to
a user wearing the jacket.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Garments, especially outwear such as jackets and parkas, may
be insulated to protect a user from the cold. Insulated jackets
rely on the user's own body heat to keep the user warm. If the
insulation is too thin, the user may be cold. If the insulation is
too thick, the user may overheat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one embodiment, the invention provides an article of
clothing. The article of clothing includes a garment body and a
heater coupled to the garment body. A battery holder defines a
cavity. A rechargeable battery pack is configured for use with at
least one of a power tool and a sensing device. The rechargeable
battery pack is slidably received within the cavity and detachably
coupled to the battery holder by a latching arrangement. A
controller selectively provides power from the rechargeable battery
pack to the heater. A user input member for selecting a mode of the
controller is coupled to the garment body.
[0005] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of
operating a garment heated by an electric heater, powered by a
battery pack received by a battery holder, and controlled by a
controller via a control input. The method comprises actuating the
control input to cause the electric heater to enter a pre-heat mode
and maintaining the electric heater in a pre-heat mode for a first
time period. The electric heater is automatically switched to a
first thermal setting at the end of the first time period. The
electric heater is selectively switched to a second thermal setting
by actuating the control input.
[0006] In yet another embodiment, the invention provides an article
of clothing. The article of clothing includes a garment body and a
heater coupled to the garment body. A battery holder defines a
cavity. The battery holder is disposed within the garment body and
electrically coupled to the heater. A rechargeable battery pack is
slidably received within the cavity and detachably coupled to the
battery holder by a latching arrangement. A user input member is
coupled to the garment body. A controller selectively provides
power from the rechargeable battery pack to the heater in response
to control signals from the user input member. The controller
causes the heater to enter a pre-heat mode in response to a first
signal from the user input member and maintains the heater in the
pre-heat mode for a first time period. The controller automatically
switches the heater to a first thermal setting at the end of the
first time period, and selectively switches the heater to a second
thermal setting in response to a second signal from the user input
member.
[0007] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front view of a jacket according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the jacket of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a rear compartment of the
jacket of FIG. 2, and taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery holder according
to one embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a battery pack for use with
the battery holder of FIG. 4.
[0013] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the battery pack of FIG.
5.
[0014] FIG. 7 is an electrical block diagram for the jacket of FIG.
1.
[0015] FIG. 8 is an image of a heated jacket including a heating
module according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the heated jacket including
the heating module of FIG. 8.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a portion the heating
module of FIG. 8.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the portion of the
heating module of FIG. 10.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a front view of a display for positioning in an
aperture of the heating module of FIG. 10.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of tools and devices usable
with the battery pack of FIG. 5.
[0021] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a heated jacket 10 according to one
embodiment of the invention. The jacket 10 may be constructed in
various sizes to fit a variety of users. The jacket 10 includes
typical jacket features such as a torso body 12, arms 14, a collar
16, and front pockets 18. A front surface 20 of the jacket 10
includes a control input. In the illustrated embodiment, the
control input is a button 22 that may be actuated by user. As
explained in greater detail below, the button 22 includes a display
portion 24 to indicate a status of the heated jacket 10.
[0023] As illustrated in cutaway portions of FIGS. 1 and 2, the
jacket 10 includes a heater array 26. The heater array 26 is
disposed in both a left portion 28 and a right portion 30 of the
torso body 12. In some embodiments, the heater array 26 may extend
into the arms 14 and/or collar 16. In other embodiments the jacket
may include a first heater array and second heater array arranged
as an upper module and a lower module, respectively. In the
illustrated embodiment, the heater array 26 is controlled via the
button 22 shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, multiple heater
arrays may be controlled individually via a single control input or
multiple control inputs. The heating array 26 may include resistive
heating coils formed of carbon fibers, high density carbon fibers,
or other heating devices. The heated jacket 10 is capable of
maintaining a temperature of up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, although
in further embodiments lower or greater temperatures are possible
depending upon the heat source.
[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the heated jacket 10 includes a
compartment 32 located on a lower portion of the back torso body.
The compartment 32 houses an electrical component, such as a
battery pack and battery holder. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the
compartment 32 includes a zipper 34, providing selective access by
a user to the compartment 32 in order to access the battery pack
and other electrical components. FIG. 4 illustrates one example of
a battery holder 36. The battery holder 36 is configured to receive
a battery pack 38, such as the battery pack illustrated in FIG.
5.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 5, the battery pack 38 is a lithium-based,
rechargeable battery pack. The battery pack 38 is removably and
interchangeably connected to the battery holder 36 to provide power
to the jacket 10 during operation and to facilitate recharging of
the battery pack 38 when not in use. In some embodiments, the
battery pack 38 may be used with other types of cordless,
battery-powered tools or devices. FIG. 13, discussed below,
illustrates exemplary tools and devices with which the battery pack
38 may be used. The battery pack 38 also may be used with other
power tools or sensing devices not specifically discussed
herein.
[0026] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the battery pack 38
includes a casing 40, an outer housing 42 coupled to the casing 40,
and a plurality of battery cells 44 positioned within the casing
40. The casing 40 is shaped and sized to fit within a cavity 46 of
the battery holder 36 illustrated in FIG. 4, or alternatively, in a
power tool or non-motorized sensing device to connect the battery
pack 38 to the tool or device. The casing 40 includes an end cap 48
to substantially enclose the battery cells 44 within the casing 40.
The illustrated end cap 48 includes two power terminals 50
configured to mate with corresponding power terminals 60 (FIG. 7)
extending within the cavity 46 of the battery holder 36. In other
embodiments, the end cap 48 may also include sense or communication
terminals that are configured to mate with corresponding terminals
within the battery holder or a tool. The outer housing 42 includes
a latching arrangement 52 for positively engaging the battery pack
38 with the battery holder 36. The latching arrangement 52 includes
latching tabs 54 and resilient actuating portions 56. The latching
tabs 54 are configured to engage corresponding recesses within the
cavity 46 of the battery holder 36. The resilient actuating
portions 56 are coupled to the latching tabs 54 and are configured
for a user to selectively disengage the latching tabs 54 from the
battery holder 36.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 6, the battery pack 38 includes three
battery cells 44 positioned within the casing 40 and electrically
coupled to the terminals 50. The battery cells provide operational
power (e.g., DC power) to the jacket 10 or other device. In the
illustrated embodiment, the battery cells 44 are arranged in
series, and each battery cell has a nominal voltage of
approximately four-volts (4.0V), such that the battery pack 38 has
a nominal voltage of approximately twelve-volts (12V). The cells 44
also have a capacity rating of approximately 1.4 Ah. In other
embodiments, the battery pack 38 may include more or fewer battery
cells 44, and the cells 44 can be arranged in series, parallel, or
a serial and parallel combination. For example, the battery pack 38
can include a total of six battery cells in a parallel arrangement
of two sets of three series-connected cells. The series-parallel
combination of battery cells creates a battery pack having a
nominal voltage of approximately 12V and a capacity rating of
approximately 2.8 Ah. In other embodiments, the battery cells 44
may have different nominal voltages, such as, for example, 3.6V,
3.8V, 4.2V, etc., and/or may have different capacity ratings, such
as, for example, 1.2 Ah, 1.3 Ah, 2.0 Ah, 2.4 Ah, 2.6 Ah, 3.0 Ah,
etc. In other embodiments, the battery pack 38 can have a different
nominal voltage, such as, for example, 10.8V, 14.4V, etc. In the
illustrated embodiment, the battery cells 44 are lithium-ion
battery cells having a chemistry of, for example, lithium-cobalt
(Li--Co), lithium-manganese (Li--Mn), or Li--Mn spinel. In other
embodiments, the battery cells 44 may have other suitable lithium
or lithium-based chemistries.
[0028] The heated jacket 10 includes control circuitry for the
heater array 26 and battery pack 38. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of
the heated jacket 10. A battery controller 58 receives electricity
from the battery pack 38 via battery terminals 60 (disposed within
the battery holder 36). The battery controller 58 may be configured
to monitor a state of charge of the battery pack 38 and, if
necessary, shutdown the heater array 26.
[0029] A heater controller 62 receives inputs from the control
button 22 and selectively powers the heater array 26 depending upon
the selected thermal output. The display portion 24 is selectively
illuminated based upon the selected thermal output setting. The
heater controller 62 may be configured to monitor a plurality of
conditions of the jacket 10 including, but not limited to, an
amount of current drawn by the heater array 26. The controllers 58,
62 are, for example, microprocessors, microcontrollers, or the
like, and are configured to communicate with one another. In the
illustrated embodiment, the battery controller 58 provides
information to the heater controller 62 related to a battery pack
temperature or voltage level. The heater controller 62 and the
battery controller 58 also include low voltage monitors and
state-of-charge monitors. The monitors are used to determine
whether the battery pack 38 is experiencing a low voltage
condition, which may prevent proper operation of the heater array
26, or if the battery pack 38 is in a state-of-charge that makes
the battery pack 38 susceptible to being damaged. If such a low
voltage condition or state-of-charge exists, the heater array 26 is
shut down or the battery pack 38 is otherwise prevented from
further discharging current to prevent the battery pack from
becoming further depleted.
[0030] The heated jacket 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be
operated as follows. To turn on the heated jacket 10, a user
presses and holds the control button 22 for a first period (e.g.,
three seconds). When first turned on, the heater controller 62
causes the heated jacket 10 to enter pre-heat mode. The heated
jacket 10 remains in a pre-heat mode for a period (e.g., five
minutes) and then the heater controller 62 switches the heater
array 26 to a medium thermal output setting. The user may adjust
the thermal output setting by actuating the control button 22. Each
press of the control button 22 will cycle the heater controller 62
through one of a sequence of thermal output settings (e.g., low,
medium, high). In order to turn off the heated jacket 10 (or
de-energize the heater array 26), the user presses and holds the
control button 22 for a third period (e.g., three seconds).
[0031] As mentioned previously, the control button 22 includes an
illuminated display portion 24 to indicate a status of the heaters.
The display portion may be, for example, one or more LEDs. In the
pre-heat mode, the display portion 24 flashes red. At a low thermal
output setting, the display portion 24 glows blue. At a medium
thermal output setting, the display portion 24 glows white. At a
high thermal output setting, the display portion glows red. Other
embodiments may use various other colors or light patterns to
indicate thermal output settings. Still other embodiments may
indicate a state of charge of the battery pack 38.
[0032] Various modifications of the control method or sequence are
possible. For example, in other embodiments, the user may select a
desired temperature rather than a thermal output setting.
[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates a heated jacket 110 according to another
embodiment of the invention. The heated jacket 110 may be
constructed in various sizes to fit a variety of users. FIG. 9 is
an enlarged view of a heating module 164, which is coupled to an
outside surface of the jacket 110 by way of a strap 166.
Alternatively, the heating module 164 may be coupled to an inner
surface of the jacket 110 or disposed inside of an inner pocket of
the jacket 110.
[0034] The heating module 164 includes a battery pack holder 136
(FIGS. 10 and 11) and a battery pack 38 (FIG. 5). The heating
module 164 is electrically coupled to one or more heating coils
(not shown) positioned within the jacket 110 to heat the jacket and
provide heat to a user wearing the jacket. In the illustrated
embodiment, multiple heating coils are employed and positioned in
various locations, or zones, within the jacket. For example,
separate heating coils may be positioned in an upper torso area and
a lower torso area, and may be separately controllable by the user.
In further embodiments, a single heating coil may be used, or the
heating coils may be positioned at other locations within the
jacket, (e.g., the back, arms, etc.).
[0035] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the battery holder 136 of the
heating module 164 in greater detail. With reference to FIG. 11,
the battery holder 136 includes an aperture 168 for receiving an
end of a cord (not shown), the cord being connected to the one or
more heating coils and including a male connector terminal. A
female connector (not shown) is positioned within the battery
holder 136 adjacent the aperture 168 to receive the male connector
and form an electrical connection between the heating coils and the
battery pack 38. The battery holder 136 also includes a hook 170
for securing the cord disposed between the connector and the jacket
110.
[0036] With further reference to FIG. 10, the battery holder 136
includes a housing portion 172 for electrical components, including
a circuit board (not shown). The housing portion 172 includes a
first button 174, a second button 176 and a display 178. The first
button 174 and the second button 176 are capable of communicating
with the electrical components. In the illustrated embodiment, the
first button 174 is pressed by a user to increase the temperature
of the heating coils, and the second button 176 is pressed by a
user for lowering the temperature of the heating coils. In the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 12, the display 178 is a seven
segment display for representing a heating level indicative of the
temperature of the heating coils.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 11, the battery holder 136 includes a
power indicator 182, such as a light emitting diode (LED) that
displays to the user when lit that the battery is connected, the
heating coils are on, or the like. A portion of the battery holder
136 defines a battery cavity 184 for receiving the battery pack 38
(FIG. 5).
[0038] In other embodiments, the battery holder 136 includes an
on/off switch (such as the control button 22 discussed above), a
fuel gauge that displays the amount of battery power remaining, and
a user interface including heat zone controls to individually
control the heating coils if multiple heating coils are
employed.
[0039] FIG. 13 illustrates exemplary power tools and sensing
devices with which the battery pack 38 may be usable. The battery
pack 38 may be usable with power tools such as a drill 202, a pipe
cutter 204, an impact driver 206, and a reciprocating saw 208. The
battery pack 38 may also be usable with non-motorized sensing
devices such as a visual inspection camera 212, an infrared sensor
214 (such as a thermometer or thermal imaging camera), a clamp-type
multimeter 216, and a wall scanner 218 (such as a "stud
finder").
[0040] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more
independent aspects of the invention as described.
* * * * *