U.S. patent application number 14/594427 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-14 for replaceable/configurable heating system for apparel.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gerbings, LLC.. Invention is credited to Cupid Roberts, Kayla Stevens.
Application Number | 20160198776 14/594427 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56366531 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160198776 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stevens; Kayla ; et
al. |
July 14, 2016 |
REPLACEABLE/CONFIGURABLE HEATING SYSTEM FOR APPAREL
Abstract
The present inventive concept relates to electrically-powered,
thermally-regulated apparel or heated garments and a controller and
related methods of operation thereof. The thermally-regulated
apparel item can include one or more heating elements that can be
mounted at spaced locations about the body of the apparel item,
such as being received in pockets, or by being attached to the body
by releasable fasteners. The heating elements also can be connected
together is series to form a combined or composite heating element
assembly for the apparel item having a user selected or defined
configuration and coverage along the body of the apparel item.
Inventors: |
Stevens; Kayla; (Greensboro,
NC) ; Roberts; Cupid; (Stoneville, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gerbings, LLC. |
Stoneville |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56366531 |
Appl. No.: |
14/594427 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
219/211 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0058 20130101;
A41D 13/0051 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/005 20060101
A41D013/005; A41D 27/20 20060101 A41D027/20 |
Claims
1. A thermally regulated garment comprising: a garment body having
a series of body sections with seams defined between adjacent
connected body sections; a series of heating elements removably
mounted to the garment body at user selectable locations, the
heating elements including electrically conductive materials
adapted to provide a predetermined thermal output in response to an
electrical current being applied thereto; and at least one power
transmission line extending along at least one of the seams of the
garment body and having a connector attached to a distal end
thereof and which is configured to couple the at least one power
transmission line to a power source; wherein the heating elements
are releasably connectable to the at least one power transmission
line for receiving electric current therefrom; and wherein a user
can select a number of heating elements of a desired size, type
and/or thermal output, and the locations at which the selected
heating elements are to be positioned about the garment body, to
configure the thermally regulated garment according to their user
preferences.
2. The thermally regulated garment of claim 1, wherein the garment
body comprises a series of pockets formed along one or more of the
body sections.
3. The thermally regulated garment of claim 2, wherein the pockets
are configured to receive a heating element of a corresponding size
and/or configuration therein.
4. The thermally regulated garment of claim 3, wherein at least one
of the pockets of the series of pockets comprises a releasably
engageable closure element or partition located along a portion of
the pocket for selectively sectioning the pocket for receiving a
heating element of a smaller size than the pocket therein.
5. The thermally regulated garment of claim 1, wherein the garment
body further comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, and at
least one pocket configured for receiving a heating element therein
located between the inner and outer layers.
6. The thermally regulated garment of claim 1, wherein the heating
elements each comprise a heating pad including a carrier, a
conductive wire material applied to a surface of the carrier in a
pattern, and a releasable connector mounted to an end of the
conductive wire and configured to releasably couple to the at least
one power transmission line; wherein the conductive wire material
and/or the pattern by which it is applied to the carrier are
selected to provide a predetermined thermal output for the electric
current applied thereto.
7. The thermally regulated garment of claim 6, wherein the garment
body comprises a series of pockets configured to receive at least
one heating pad therein.
8. The thermally regulated garment of claim 6, wherein the heating
pads include a series of releasable fasteners mounted to the
carrier and adapted to matingly engage corresponding fasteners
mounted about the garment body.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to thermally
regulated and/or heated apparel and/or hand held heated devices,
and in particular to A system and method for configuring and
mounting one or more heating elements at desired locations about an
item of apparel or other heated device with the heating elements
being linked in a replaceable/reconfigurable arrangement or array
adapted to fit desired user or wearer preferences.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Heated clothing, such as jackets, pants, boots, gloves,
socks, and other apparel items have been developed in recent years
to provide supplemental heating or warmth for provide protection
against harsh weather conditions such as extreme cold. In
particular, heated clothing having electrically powered heating
pads has been developed, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2008/0223844. Such heated garments
include electrically powered heating elements formed or sewn onto a
pad that can be integrated into a garment or inserted into pockets
thereof, and which further are connected to an electrical power
source such as a battery pack for heating the garment.
[0003] One problem that has been found to exist with many
conventional heated garments has been that the heating elements in
many cases have been integrated or sewn directly into the clothing.
Thus, wearers or users of such heated garments generally cannot
easily or readily configure their garments according to their
particular preferences as to where they want additional warmth to
be applied as well as how much additional heat or warmth is to be
applied. In addition, manufacturing heated garments to allow for a
substantial variety of different size, type and/or arrangements of
heating elements to be used also generally requires additional
steps or operations that consequently can increase the cost of such
garments, as well as potentially limit production rates. Still
further, the use of multiple heating elements or pads within the
garment also generally requires additional wire connections to
connect each heating element to the power source. Such wires,
especially to the extent that thicker, heavier wires are needed to
conduct higher levels of power to multiple heating elements in the
garment, often can be noticeably seen or felt within the garment,
and thus can detract from the look and feel of the garment, as well
as the comfort to the wearer.
[0004] Accordingly, it can be seen that a need exists for thermally
regulated or heated apparel or other articles, and a system and
method of forming such apparel or other articles, which enables
replacement and/or reconfiguration of heating elements, and their
placement at varying locations, according to user preferences and
without adversely affecting the look, fit and/or comfort of the
apparel to the wearer, and which addresses the foregoing and other
related and unrelated problems in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Briefly described, the present invention generally is
directed to thermally regulated and/or heated apparel items or
garments and other heated devices, including a
replaceable/configurable heating system, and a method of
manufacturing such thermally regulated and/or heated apparel items
or garments and other heated devices or articles. The heating
system can comprise an array of heating elements or pads removably
mounted at varying locations about the body of the heated garment
or device in accordance with user or wearer preferences. In one
embodiment, the system and method of the present invention enables
users to selectively design and configure a heating system for a
heated garment or other apparel item, wherein the user can select
one or more heating elements or pads of varying sizes,
configurations, and/or thermal applications or outputs, to form the
heating system for their garment according to their specific user
preferences.
[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the
heating elements can be formed as pads, and can be mounted and/or
connected or arranged in an array or series at varying selected
locations about the body of the garment. Each heating element
further generally will be replaceably mounted within/to the garment
body to enable removal and reconfiguration of the heating elements
as needed in response to changing user/wearer preferences and/or
environmental conditions. For example, as a wearer travels to
different environments or is exposed to changing temperatures, they
can change the configuration of their garment heating system, such
as by removing and replacing one or more existing heating elements
of the garment with heating elements of other, varying sizes,
configurations and/or thermal applications or outputs/intensities.
The wearer also can remove and/or add additional heating elements
or pads at other locations about the body of the garment to provide
greater or lesser coverage throughout the body of the garment as
needed or desired.
[0007] In one embodiment, the body of the garment can be formed
with a series of pockets. The pockets can be formed at various
locations about the garment, and in varying sizes as needed. In
some embodiments, a series of pockets can be provided in adjacent
or closely spaced alignments, to enable a desired spacing and/or
positioning of the heating elements with respect to one another.
The pockets also can be sized and/or configured to receive heating
elements, such as heating pads, of a selected size and/or
configuration; or alternatively, can be configured/provided with
partitions, connectors, or other features that enable the
sectioning of the pockets to form different size enclosures
therein, and/or for securing the heating elements in desired
orientations or alignments within the pockets.
[0008] In additional embodiments, the garment body can be provided
with a liner that can be removable or which can be opened, such as
via a zipper, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or other, similar
resealable fasteners, to enable the placement of the heating
elements between a shell or outer body of the garment and the liner
or inner shell thereof, thus further insulating the heating
elements from direct contact with the wearer. Still further, in
addition to or as an alternative to the use of pockets being, a
series of releasable fasteners, such as zippers, hook and loop
fasteners, snaps, clips, and/or other, similar releasable fasteners
located at a series of spaced locations about the garment body, by
which the heating elements, can be releasably mounted about the
garment body. Such releasable connectors or fasteners also can be
used to connect multiple heating elements together in series, so as
to form a composite heating element array or configuration for the
heating system of the garment.
[0009] Each of the heating elements generally will include a
conductive material, such as conductive micro/nano-wire that can be
applied and attached to a substrate, via embroidery or other sewing
operations. Each heating element also can include a connector or
plug, such as a flat wire connector, adapted to engage and
interconnect with a power transmission line or conduit connected to
a power source for the garment. The power transmission line can
include a single wire or cable with a series of corresponding
connectors for linking with the heating elements or can include a
series of wires or cables, each associated with one of the heating
elements to be connected thereto and with the wires being
arranged/combined in a bundle.
[0010] The power transmission line(s) for the garments of the
present invention will be arranged so as to extend along and be
incorporated into the seams joining each body section of the
garment. During formation of the garment, as the various body
sections such as the chest portions are connected to the back or
rear section, the power transmission lines can be applied and
sewn/integrated into the seams connecting such body sections
together. As a result, the power transmission lines can be
substantially hidden within and aligned with or otherwise follow
the seams of the garment. Additionally, different gauge conductive
wires can be used for the power transmission lines, with thinner,
lighter micro/nano-wire connections provided for and between the
heating elements and the power transmission lines, without
substantially adversely affecting the appearance or feel of the
garment or the range of movement of the wearer. One or more
connectors further can be provided for connecting the power
transmission lines to a power source, such as one or more
replaceable battery packs.
[0011] Various objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a
review of the following detailed description, when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating one embodiment of the
replaceable/reconfigurable heating system for garments according to
the principles of the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front and back views of the
garment of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a garment incorporating the
replaceable/reconfigurable heating element system according to the
principles of the present invention, illustrating the formation of
pockets at different areas or sections of the garment body.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates example configuration of heating elements
for use in the replaceable/reconfigurable heating element system as
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3B.
[0016] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate embodiments of the
replaceable/reconfigurable heating element system, as generally
shown in FIGS. 1-4, showing the heating elements formed as pads
mountable within pockets of a garment and connectable together in
series.
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a snap connector system
for the heating elements as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
5B-5C.
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a hook and loop fastener
type connection system for the heating elements as generally
illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and 5B-5C.
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a zipper type connection
system for the heating elements as generally illustrated in FIGS.
1-4 and 5B-5C.
[0020] Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand
that, according to common practice, the various features of the
drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and
that the dimensions of various features and elements of the
drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the
embodiments of the present invention as described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals
indicate like parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-8
illustrate various example embodiments of a thermally regulated or
heated garment including a replaceable/configurable heating system
for such garments or other, similar items of apparel and/or heated
devices. In one example embodiment, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a
thermally regulated or heated garment 10 having a
replaceable/configurable heating system 11 according to the
principles of the present invention, wherein the garment 10 can be
provided with a series of heating elements 12, here shown as pads
13, that can be replaceably mounted or attached about the body 14
of the garment in varying configurations, arrangements or arrays
and which can enable the selection and use of heating elements 12
of varying sizes, shapes and/or thermal outputs, with the location
and selection of the heating elements about the garment being in
accordance with user or wearer preferences. Thus, the
replaceable/configurable heating system 11 enables the user or
wearer to substantially customize their heated garments or other
apparel items or heated devices, including the selection, placement
and removal and/or replacement of heating elements so as to create
heating element arrays or composite heating assemblies for their
garment as needed to match personal preferences and/or changing
environmental conditions.
[0022] In one example embodiment, the thermally regulated garment
10 is shown in FIGS. 1-3B as a jacket 15, the body 14 of which can
generally include a back or rear portion 16, first and second or
right and left side chest/front portions 17A/17B attached to the
back portion, a waist portion or area 18, a collar 19 circumscribed
about a neck opening 21, and sleeves 22A/22B. It further will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the thermally regulated
garment 10 alternatively could include a variety of different types
of garments or items of apparel, including vests, shirts, pants,
socks, hats, gloves or other, similar items, and still further that
the replaceable/configurable heating system 11 also can be applied
to other heated devices, such as vehicle seats, hand warmers,
blankets, cushions and/or other, similar devices.
[0023] Each body section 16-22B generally will be sewn or otherwise
attached to adjacent body sections by seams 23. Still further,
those with skill in the art also will understand that the chest
portions 17A/B of the jacket 15, or other similar garment, can
generally be releasably connectable by a closure along the side
edges 23A thereof, such as a zipper 24, as shown in FIGS. 2A and
2B, (snaps, clips, or other closures also can be used), and also
could include removable sleeves 22A/22B for conversion of the
jacket to a vest. In addition, the body 14 of the thermally
regulated or heated garment 10 can be formed with multiple layers
or plies, including an inner liner 26A (FIG. 1) and an outer shell
26B (FIGS. 2A-3B). In one example embodiment, the inner liner can
be made of a material having a softer or cushioned feel, while the
outer layer can include a weather-resistant or more durable
material, such as used for ski jackets, motorcycle jackets, or
other, similar thermally insulated clothing.
[0024] As FIGS. 1-3B illustrate, the body sections of the garment
10 will be provided with a series of heating elements 12 that can
be arranged at spaced locations thereabout. In one example
embodiment, each of the heating elements 12 can comprise a pad 13
or similar device including a substrate or carrier 30 to which an
electrically conductive material will be applied. The electrically
conductive material generally can comprise a thin, flexible metal
micro-wire or nano-wire, or filaments of a known conductive
material, or can include various conductive threads or filaments,
yarns made from, for example, nylon, polyester, cotton or blends
thereof, and which have been impregnated or bonded with
electrically conductive materials such as silver, copper, annealed
copper, gold, aluminum, rhodium, tungsten, zinc, cobalt, cadmium,
nickel, lithium, iron, platinum, palladium, or other known
conductive or semi-conductive materials.
[0025] The conductive micro/nano-wires, yarns or threads 31
generally will be applied to the carrier, typically being
embroidered, stitched or otherwise bonded thereto, in a desired
pattern 32, which can include a series of crisscrossing or
intersecting wire segments so as to form a resistive heating
element as indicated in FIGS. 1-4, and with the ends of the wires
terminating at a flat, micro/nano-wire connections 33 (FIG. 4),
e.g., formed as flat wire connections, which further can connect to
leads 34, as indicated in FIGS. 5A-5C. The conductive wire, yarn or
thread materials 31 of the heating elements further can be selected
and arranged in a heating pattern 32 based upon a predetermined
resistance per unit length thereof to provide a desired level of
thermal of heat output based upon a selected voltage and/or current
draw. The heating pads 13 further can be formed in varying sizes
and/or configurations, including substantially square or
rectangular, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, although it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that other, varying
configurations or designs also can be used. For example, as
indicated in FIG. 2B, a single large heating pad 13 having an
expanded shape or configuration substantially matching its
corresponding garment body section can be applied, i.e., across the
back portion thereof, or multiple pads can be used.
[0026] As further illustrated in FIGS. 1-5A, the replaceable
heating elements 12 can be selectively mounted about the body of
the heated garment, the mounting of the heating elements being
substantially in accordance with user preferences or desires as to
the areas of coverage and amount of coverage of the heating
elements being applied through their garment. In one embodiment,
the heating elements 12 can be replaceably mounted within a series
of pockets 40 that pockets 40 can be formed along and/or in the
body sections 16-22B (FIG. 1) of the garment 10. By way of example,
as indicated in FIGS. 1, 2A and 3A-4, the series of pockets 40 can
be formed in and/or along one or more of the body sections,
typically at spaced locations to provide expanded or wider areas of
coverage. The pockets typically can be formed within and/or along
the inner portion or along the inner liner of the heated garment
10, although it further will be possible to provide exteriorly
located or accessible pockets along an outer portion or shell of
the garment as well.
[0027] As a further alternative, for garments having an inner liner
26A (FIG. 1), the inner liner can be releaseably attached, along at
least a portion thereof, to an outer shell 26B (FIGS. 2-3B) of the
garment so as to enable separation and access to the area between
the inner liner and outer shell of the garment, in which the
pockets 40 can be formed. The inner surface of the outer shell
could be provided with pockets, while the outer surface of the
inner liner likewise could be provided with pockets, or one or both
of the inner and outer liners can be provided with a series of
spaced pockets or similar receptacles. As still another
alternative, the pockets 40 can be separately formed and can be
releasably attached or mounted to the body sections of the garment
by releasable fasteners, such as zippers, snaps, clips, hook and
loop fasteners, or other, similar connectors.
[0028] As further illustrated in FIGS. 4-5A, a heating element 12,
such as a pad 13, can be inserted through an inlet opening 41
formed along each pocket 40, with the wire connections 33, or
connecting leads 34 (FIG. 5A) thereof of each heating
element/heating pad being received and fed through a smaller
connector opening 42 formed along the body of the pocket. For
example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the pockets 40 can include a slit or
smaller opening 42 formed along one side thereof, such as adjacent
a bottom or lower portion of the pocket, through which the flat
wire connections 33 of the heating element 12 is received and
passed. Alternatively, as indicated in, for example, FIG. 4, the
pockets can be provided with passages 43 through which wire
connections 33, or connecting leads 34 (FIGS. 5A-5C) thereof, of
the heating elements 12 can be fed/guided for connection to power
transmission lines 45 of the heated garment.
[0029] In one embodiment, the pockets 40 in which the heating
elements/pads are received generally can be sized and/or configured
to substantially match or fit a heating element or pad of a
prescribed size and/or configuration (as shown in FIG. 4) so as to
provide a substantially secure mounting of the heating elements or
heating pads therein to avoid bunching, shifting or other undesired
movements of the heating elements or pads. It will be understood,
however, that the pockets 40 also can be formed in other sizes or
configurations, including sizes and/or configurations larger and/or
different than the pads received therein. For example, as shown in
FIG. 2B, pockets 40' can be formed with a size that is larger than
a typical heating element or heating pad to be received therein,
such as being formed of a size sufficient to accommodate a largest
size heating pad to be received therein, but alternatively also can
receive multiple heating elements or heating pads therein. In such
an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, a series of heating
elements 12 can be mounted within the pocket 40'. These heating
elements further can be connected together (such as shown in FIGS.
5B-5C) to define a composite pad or an array of individual heating
elements or heating pads placed and secured at desired locations
within a pocket using fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners,
snaps, zippers, clips, releasable adhesive materials or other
connections. Still further, the pockets themselves also can be
provided with partitions, and/or closure elements, as indicated by
phantom lines 44 in FIG. 2B, including various releasable
fasteners, such as snaps, clips, hook and look fasteners, zippers,
tacky/releasable adhesive strips, etc., to enable the expansion or
reduction of the size of the pocket as needed to fit desired size
heating elements or pads received therein.
[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A and 4, each of the heating
elements 12 will be coupled via their wire connections 33, such as
flat micro/nano-wire connectors, to a power transmission line 45
that generally will be connectable to a power source such as a
replaceable battery pack or other power source via a plug-in
connector 46 (FIG. 4). The power transmission lines will be
arranged along the seams 23 formed between the body sections of the
garment 10 and/or along the side edges thereof, such as extending
along or adjacent the edges 23A of the chest sections of the
garment along which zipper 24 or similar closure is attached, as
illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, during manufacture/formation of
the garment, as the body sections are assembled, the power
transmission lines 45 can be applied in registration with the
mating side edges of the body sections as the body sections are
attached together so as to be integrated into the seams 23 formed
as the body sections are sewn, or otherwise attached together, the
power transmission lines thus being secured to and substantially
hidden within the garments.
[0031] The power transmission lines 45 can include one or more
conductive wires or filaments, and can be of a heavier or thicker
gauge material sufficient to carry and distribute power to each of
the heating elements 12 connected thereto, substantially equally.
The wire connections 33, and/or the connecting leads thereof, for
each of the heating elements can connect to associated ones of the
power transmission lines 45 via clamping, pin or plug-in type
connections 47 (FIG. 4), or similar releasable
couplings/connectors. In another alternative embodiment, a series
of power transmission lines 45 can be provided, each connectable to
an associated or corresponding one of the heating elements or a
series of heating elements connected together, and with the power
transmission lines being arranged in a bundle extending along the
seams between the interconnected body sections of the garment.
[0032] FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate alternative example embodiments
of the connection of one or more of the heating elements 12 can be
connected to a single power transmission line 45. As indicated in
FIG. 5B, in one embodiment, the wire connectors 33 of each of the
heating elements 12 can be connected to a splitter 48 that can be
connected or integrated with a single power transmission line. As
illustrated in FIG. 5C, a series of heating elements also can be
connected together via wire connections 33', with one of the
heating elements having a wire connection or a connecting lead 34
that connects directly to the power transmission line 45, with the
power thus being provided through each of the heating elements in
series.
[0033] As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the garment body sections
also can be provided with a series of inner channels 49 along the
seams 23/side edges 23A (FIG. 1) of the garment 10 to enable
insertion and/or replacement of the power transmission lines 45 and
for helping to hide the interconnections between the power
transmission lines and the wire connectors of the heating elements.
As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, a heating element 12' can be
provided within or as a part of a collar 19 of the heated garment
10, with the collar further including an inner channel adjacent the
seam between the collar and a chest portion of the garment.
Additional channels can be formed along the sides of the body
portions as needed.
[0034] By extending the power transmission lines along or adjacent
the seams formed between the interconnected body sections of the
garment, the power transmission lines can be substantially
effectively hidden therein. Thus, the power transmission lines can
be located in areas of the garments where they will be far less
noticeable both from an appearance or look, as well as being felt
by the wearer, and which placement further can help minimize
possible restrictions on movement of the wearer due to such power
transmission lines being run through the garments. In addition, the
heating elements can be formed in smaller or thinner sizes with
multiple heating elements being connectable to the power
transmission lines such as through the use of splitters or other,
similar connections as illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 5C. This can
further enable reductions in weight and increased flexibility,
coupled with the ability to configure the garment as needed,
including the expansion, configuration and
replacement/reconfiguration of heating elements within the garment
in order to suit a wearer/user's desired preferences and/or needs
based on their particular desires or preferences, changes in
environmental conditions, etc.
[0035] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate further, additional embodiments for
connection of the heating elements to the body sections of the
heated or thermally regulated garment and/or to each other. For
example, FIG. 6 illustrates the use of snap type connectors or
clips by which the heating elements, here shown as elongated
heating pads 13, can be connected to the garment body by engagement
of a series of spaced snap connectors 51 with corresponding snap or
clip connectors applied to the body sections. In another
alternative embodiment, FIG. 7 illustrates the use of hook and loop
type fasteners 52 including a series of strips or pads 53 with
hooks or loops formed thereon which are configured to engage and
attach to corresponding hook and loop fasteners applied to the
garment body, or alternatively, which can engage and mount the pads
directly to the material of the garment body. FIG. 8 further
illustrates a zipper connection system 54 by which the pads can be
releasably mounted within the garment by zipper connection. FIG. 8
also shows the interconnection of a pair of pads together via such
a zipper connection, and it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that other connections such as hook and loop fasteners,
adhesives, snaps, clips or other releasable connectors can be used
to attach the heating elements together in a connected series or
array as needed or desired.
[0036] The foregoing description generally illustrates and
describes various embodiments of the present invention. It will,
however, be understood by those skilled in the art that various
changes and modifications can be made to the above-discussed
construction of the present invention without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed herein, and that it
is intended that all matter contained in the above description or
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as being
illustrative, and not to be taken in a limiting sense. Furthermore,
the scope of the present disclosure shall be construed to cover
various modifications, combinations, additions, alterations, etc.,
above and to the above-described embodiments, which shall be
considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, various features and characteristics of the present
invention as discussed herein may be selectively interchanged and
applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the
invention, and numerous variations, modifications, and additions
further can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended
claims.
* * * * *