WO2008036283A2 - Gants chauffants - Google Patents

Gants chauffants Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008036283A2
WO2008036283A2 PCT/US2007/020244 US2007020244W WO2008036283A2 WO 2008036283 A2 WO2008036283 A2 WO 2008036283A2 US 2007020244 W US2007020244 W US 2007020244W WO 2008036283 A2 WO2008036283 A2 WO 2008036283A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
glove
heated
energy source
finger
self contained
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/020244
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2008036283A3 (fr
Inventor
Terrence W. Leonard
Original Assignee
Leonard Terrence W
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Leonard Terrence W filed Critical Leonard Terrence W
Publication of WO2008036283A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008036283A2/fr
Publication of WO2008036283A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008036283A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D19/00—Gloves
    • A41D19/015—Protective gloves
    • A41D19/01529—Protective gloves with thermal or fire protection
    • A41D19/01535—Heated gloves

Definitions

  • the invention is a heated glove to be worn with dress clothes or as an athletic glove, e.g. bicycling glove.
  • the glove can be used simply to keep hands warm, or to treat or prevent symptoms of medical conditions, such as Raynaud's syndrome.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,665 to Orban et al. discloses electrically heated gloves.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,868 to Moss et al. discloses heated gloves.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,814 to Gold discloses a glove with attached heater pack.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,302, 807 to Zhao discloses and electrically heated garment with oscillator control for heating element.
  • U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,032,705 to Batcheller et al.; 5,541,388 to Gadd; 6,775,847 to Terns; and 6,239,140 to Tackore disclose electrically heated garments. Each of these documents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • these types of devices include gloves or boots intended to warm the hands, feet or other parts of the body of the user.
  • such conventional devices are intended for use during skiing, golfing, hunting or other extended outdoor activity, as well as for therapeutic usages.
  • such conventional devices are rather large and bulky, and often provided with thick padding, straps, and other such cumbersome features, or they are powered by a body-mounted battery pack, thus making them non-asethetic products.
  • none of the conventional devices are specifically adapted to present and/or treat the symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome nor other immune deficiency diseases or conditions.
  • Raynaud's phenomenon or syndrome is named for the French physician, Maurice Raynaud, who first recognized the condition in 1862.
  • Raynaud's phenomenon causes an interruption of blood flow to the fingers, toes, nose and/or ears when a spasm occurs in the tiny blood vessels of those areas. Spasms are caused by exposure to cold (60 degrees F or below) and/or emotional stress. Typically, the affected area turns white, then blue, then bright red over the course of a Raynaud's attack, and there may be associated tingling, numbness, swelling or painful throbbing. Attacks may last for minutes to hours.
  • Raynaud's can occur as a "primary" disease - that is, with no associated disorder — but it can also occur as a "secondary" condition of other diseases, such as scleroderma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or other immune deficiency conditions or diseases.
  • Most treatment schemes to date have centered around preventing or minimizing exposure to cold and stress and around mitigating symptoms once they have arrived. Obviously, the best approach to Raynaud's syndrome is to prevent an attack before it occurs, but that is not always possible as one goes about his or her normal daily activities.
  • the invention is a heated glove that is significantly reduced in size, and bulk, while still providing the desired degree of heating to prevent and/or treat symptoms or conditions, such as Raynaud's phenomenon.
  • the gloves of the invention include a heating element, which distributes heat to the fingers through conduits to targeted areas of the hand.
  • the invention includes a series of small heaters, positioned around the distal end of the fingers of the glove to target the ends of the fingers of the wearer.
  • the use of heating filament in the gloves positioned about the perimeter of the fingers will provide the heat necessary to warm the hands thereby helping to prevent and/or treat the symptoms of medical conditions, such as Raynaud's phenomenon.
  • a battery can be used to power the heating elements.
  • the operative components of each glove can consist of a rechargeable battery worn in a small pouch at the wrist (approximately the size and weight of a standard 9 volt battery) with an adjustment for two to four temperature zones, a heat delivery and distribution system, and insulating/conductive internal materials, e.g., thin polyester fibers (such as THINSULATE, available from 3M Corporation of Maplewood, Minnesota).
  • a battery charger may optionally be included with each pair of gloves.
  • the exterior material for the dress gloves version can be manufactured of find quality leather and will be available in the usual colors, e.g., in basic brown, calfskin, and/or black.
  • the outer material for the cycling glove version can be a waterproof, wind resistant and breathable material, such as GORE-TEX, available from W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. of Newark, Delaware. It is contemplated that the internal insulating material of the cycling glove can, optionally, be thicker due to a cyclist's longer exposure periods, the wind chill factor previously mentioned and less opportunity to mitigate the symptoms using recommended procedures.
  • FIG. 1 shows an exterior and interior structure of a heated glove according to one embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of section III of Fig. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is view of the outer surface of the glove of Fig. 1 according to the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a partially cut away position of the exterior of a glove according to the invention to show the placement of polymeric filament heating elements, battery pack and electronics;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a glove according to the invention showing the position of the battery pack and control electronics and the relationship of the filament heating element to the other components of the glove;
  • FIGS. 6 A and 6B illustrate two types of possible filament heating elements;
  • FIG. 7 is a graphic representative of battery life with respect to glove temperature for three types of battery packs as shown in Figs. 8A-8C and
  • FIGS 8A-8C illustrate the top view of three different types of battery packs; [0025] FIGS 9A-9C illustrate side views of the battery packs shown in
  • FIG. 10 is a graphic representation of glove performance utilizing the battery shown in Figs. 8C and 9C;
  • FIG. 11 is a graphic representation of the rise in temperature above ambient for each finger versions time using a glove according to the invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a graphic representation of the rise in temperature above ambient with breeze applied for each finger verses time using a glove according to the invention
  • FIG. 13 is a graphic representation of a heated glove for power setting 1 or 3 verses time for still air.
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a heating circuit suitable for use in the gloves of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 shows the functional exterior and interior features of a glove 1 of the invention.
  • the glove 1 includes a palm section 2 and a finger section 3, having individual fingers 3A-E.
  • the invention in this embodiment is being described with respect to only one finger, it is to be understood that the description is equally applicable to more than one finger.
  • the glove 1 includes an inner glove 10 (Fig. 1) including the heating system and an outer glove 20 (fig. 2) which fits over the inner glove 10.
  • the inner glove 10 can be provided with the heating system.
  • the heating system can include a central heat generating element 11 , connected via conductors 12 to heating pads 13 located in the finger 3 A.
  • the heating system preferably contains a power source 14 in the form of one or more rechargeable or disposable batteries, optionally with a variable adjuster 15. While the adjuster 15 is shown as a switch having four discrete positions, (e.g., 0: off; l:low; 2: medium; and 3: high), it is considered within the scope of the invention to substitute an infinitely variable switch, e.g., slide or dial, by which the output of the power source 14 can be changed. Depending upon the particular configuration of the heating system, the adjuster 15 may function to adjust the heat generating element 11 , rather than the output of the power source 14. Similarly, the adjuster 15 may contain functionality to separately control the heat transmitted through each of the heating pads 13 to produce a different level heating in each finger 3A-E.
  • a power source 14 in the form of one or more rechargeable or disposable batteries, optionally with a variable adjuster 15. While the adjuster 15 is shown as a switch having four discrete positions, (e.g., 0: off; l:low; 2: medium
  • the power source 14 is a rechargeable battery, typically a conventional NiCd, lithium-ion or Ni-MH battery, such as any THERMI-IC POWERPACK battery, available from theTherm-ic Products GmbH NFG & CO KG of Gleisdorf, Austria.
  • a rechargeable battery typically a conventional NiCd, lithium-ion or Ni-MH battery, such as any THERMI-IC POWERPACK battery, available from theTherm-ic Products GmbH NFG & CO KG of Gleisdorf, Austria.
  • lithium- polymer batteries which are less likely to overheat or leak when worn in proximity to a user than other lithium batteries.
  • Suitable batteries can provide outputs from 0.5-20V at from 0.5-10 amperes, and can result in 50-5000 mAh.
  • the recharging system is typically a conventional electrical cord plugged into a standard 11 OV electrical outlet, or 12V or other vehicle socket, but can additionally be a contactless rechargeable system (such as disclosed by U.S. Patent No. 5,341, 083 — herein incorporated by reference in its entirety) or incorporate one or more solar cells or a self-charging system, such as kinetically charged batteries (often used in watches like the SEIKO SKA296).
  • Other suitable batteries include alkaline and non-alkaline primary (i.e., not rechargeable) batteries.
  • Figs. 8A-8C and 9A-9C show preferred batteries for use in the invention although that of Figs. 8A and 9A are particularly preferred.
  • FIG. 7 shows, in graphic form, the battery life with respect to glove temperature.
  • the battery of Figs. 8A and 9A having a voltage of 3.7V, 10.1 Wh and 2740 mAh Lithium-Polymer battery is the preferred battery not only in performance but also size.
  • the power source 14 may include a location for insertion of the chemicals to be used by the heat generating element.
  • the power source 14 may be comprised of fuel cells that run with other chemistries such as alcohol or butane, such as those developed by Lilliputian Systems of Wilmington, Massachusetts.
  • the heating pads 13 are positioned to provide the fingers of the user with heat provided by the heat generator 11. Although shown as being elongated structures, it is within the scope of the invention to use annular rings, positioned down the length of the finger 3 A, or multiple heating pads 13 in each finger 3 A to more evenly heat the user's fingers. In one embodiment, the heating pads 13 can be moved by the user either axially along the length of the finger or radially in an annulus around the finger to make sure that the heat is provided in the most desirable location. [0036]
  • the finger 3A may be constructed as shown in Fig. 2, having the heating pad 13 positioned between a layer of insulation 16 and a conductive fabric 17.
  • the conductive fabric 17 can be a glove liner, having thermal conductors therein to distribute the heat from the heating pads 13.
  • the conductors can be in the form of fibers, mesh, wires or fluid filled chambers.
  • the thermal and/or electric conductivity may also be produced from materials, such as particles, e.g. , carbon black or conductive metals, metalloids, mixtures and alloys thereof, incorporated into the fabric 17.
  • the insulation 16 may be included as part of the inner glove 10 or as an innermost layer of the outer glove 20, and functions to maintain the heat within the structure of the glove 1, i.e., preventing dissipation into the environment.
  • An additional layer of insulation 16 may be included, either a continuous layer or only in the vicinity of the heating pads, to ensure that the skin in proximity to the pads is not burned.
  • the conductive fabric 17 is provided with electrically conductive elements (not shown), electricity can be transmitted directly from the power source 14 for heat generation at the heating pads 13, eliminating the need for the centralized heat generator 11.
  • Figure 2 shows a preferred outer glove shell 20 of the invention, having a pouch 21 for holding the power source 14 and a flap 22 for covering the adjuster 15.
  • the outer glove shell 20 preferably provides the glove 1 with an aesthetically pleasing appearance, permitting the glove 1 to be worn with formal, business-casual or casual dress.
  • the outer glove shell 20 can include an exposed surface in the form of or resembling leather, fabric, e.g., cotton, or any other material of which "dress-gloves" can be made.
  • the outer glove shell 20 can be completely separable from the inner glove 10, to allow the inner glove 10 to be used with outer gloves shell 20 having different appearance.
  • a user can purchase a single inner glove 10, and use the single inner glove 10 with a variety of different outer glove shells 20 of different construction/appearance.
  • Lining 10 provides a comfortable surface against the skin and is preferable formed of a modern synthetic fabric which wicks moisture away from the surface of the skin.
  • the glove 1 may be provided with one or more temperature sensors, positioned inside and/or outside the glove 1.
  • an outside temperature sensor 30 can be used to actuate/deactivate the heating system upon detection of certain temperatures. For example, when the glove 1 is worn in relatively warm temperatures, the heating system is automatically shutdown.
  • Inside temperature sensors 31 can be located at any position inside the glove 1. The inside temperature sensors 31, when placed near the fingers, can be used to activate the heating system when the temperature of the finger drops below a predetermined level. If the heating pads 13 in the fingers 3A-E are independently controllable, the inside temperature sensors 13 can be configured, in combination with the heat generator 11 , to direct produced heat to one finger 3A, independently of the other fingers, 3B-E.
  • the conduits 12 may include valves or gates to control the direction of the flow of the heated fluid.
  • the inside temperature sensors 31 which may be in the form of thermocouples, can also be incorporated into an emergency shut-off system, should the heating system generate dangerous levels of heat.
  • the inside temperature sensors 31 can also be part of a "dead- man's" switch, whose purpose is to shut-off the heat generator 11 when the glove 1 , is removed. By measuring for a base-line, or minimum temperature, of for example, 85° F, the heating system can determine when the glove 1 has been removed, and, in order to reduce unnecessary wear on the heating system, disconnect itself.
  • the glove 1 is used to heat cold hands.
  • the glove 1 can be used as a medical device to treat Raynaud's phenomenon by heating the fingers. This can be accomplished by first detecting the presence of a condition of the syndrome, e.g., with the inside temperature sensors 31, in one or more fingers, and activating the heating system to counteract the condition.
  • the glove 1 can also be used as a preventive. For example, if a person who commonly suffers from the syndrome wishes to prevent his fingers from becoming cold, before exposure to reduced temperatures, he can don the glove 1 , and keep the heating system to a low temperature.
  • Each finger 3A can also be adapted to allow for tactile/pressure sensation, a feature prohibited by the bulkiness of conventional heated gloves. This can be accomplished by using a relative thin material in the area of the undersurface of the finger 3 A.
  • the gloves described hereinabove includes separate fingers 3A-E
  • the invention can also be applied to mittens having a thumb and a four-fingered section or modified mittens or "crab claw" designs having two, three or four separate fingers.
  • the heating conductor 12 can be a polymeric or carbon filament 112 sewn onto a glove lining 110 which is routed, as a continuous, preferably, unspliced, electrically conductive elements directly connected to battery pack/control module 130.
  • This filament heating element is located between the lining and insulating layers and wraps about the perimeter of the fingers and thumb, providing uniform heat distribution.
  • the battery pack/control modules 130 may carry its electronics control system for regulating the electric current applied to the filament 1 12, including a manual on/off switch or push button, a fixed or variable switch to regulate the electric current, one or more indicators. Such as an LED 140 to show operation of the device and/or the setting of the electric current.
  • any of the heating elements as commercially available as Fiber Thermo® technology, and sold by ThermoSoft International, as described in U.S. patent 5,824,996; 6,057,535, 6,229,123; 6,369,369; 6,452,138 and 6,563,094 all incorporated herein by reference, may be employed.
  • the battery pack and electronics referred to jointly as the control module 130 regulates temperature of the heating element. It may be located inside a cuff at the rear of the glove, between the insulating layer 16 and shell layer 20 of the glove 1 and preferably includes a single pushbutton user control, which allows selection of Off, Low, Medium and High modes, indicated via a single or several indicator LEDs 140. Each of the modes represents a preset absolute temperature level, which allows the user to "set and forget" desired hand temperature, regardless of ambient environment. This approach maximizes battery life, ensuring that no energy is wasted heating the glove above a desired temperature.
  • the control module 130 reads input from a temperature sensor at one of the figures and compares actual temperature to a desired temperature. The module therein adjusts the heating element output, via pulse width modulation (PWM), ensuring that only the required power is delivered to the heating element.
  • PWM pulse width modulation
  • the microprocessor 210 will regulate the temperature of the heating element using the power of battery 220 once switch 230 is activated.
  • the microprocessor 210 will read input time from the temperature sensor(s) 240 in the glove 1 and appropriately active the heating element(s) 250 with the appropriate current adjusted via pulse width modulation (Pium), through heating element relay 260 (transistor) ensuring that only the required power is delivered to the heating element.
  • One or more LED indicators 252, 254, 256 will be energized to indicate the appropriate setting. These may correspond to "low”, “medium” or "high”.
  • a heating element Relay 260 such as a transistor, may be regulated by the microprocessor 210 on the "set and forget" or desired setting.
  • the heating element converts electrical energy into heat, which is conducted across lining 10 to the skin.
  • the preferred heating element is a single continuous filament bundle which is wrapped about the perimeter of the fingers and thumb, providing uniform, even heat distribution.
  • the glove 1 includes lining 10 and shell 20 components, wherein the shell 20 is the outermost component and can be made from leather (as for dress gloves) of fabric (as for bicycling gloves).
  • the shell 20 provides an overall covering for all of the components of the glove, including the battery pack/module 130, the liner 10, insulating layer 16, heating conduits, etc.
  • the shell 20 may be longer that a typical glove, running a few inches further up the arm to provide a pouch for the battery pack/control module.
  • Suitable materials for the liner include modern synthetic fabric which wicks moisture away from the surface of the skin.
  • the preferred battery uses Lithium-Polymer chemistry or a similarly small power source for light weight and best energy density.
  • the battery can be housed within the control module 130, which itself is inserted into a flap or pouch in the cuff area of the glove. See Fig. 5.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Gloves (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur des gants chauffants ressemblant à des gants usuels non chauffant de construction similaire et servant à des traitements médicaux tels que le syndrome de Raynaud. Des éléments chauffant proches de l'extrémité des doigts ou des filaments chauffants enroulés autour des doigts reçoivent de l'énergie d'un module de régulation portant des batteries placé dans un rabat ou dans une pochette située sur la manchette du gant. Un microprocesseur peut recevoir des signaux de détecteurs de température internes ou externes pour contrôler les éléments chauffants.
PCT/US2007/020244 2006-09-19 2007-09-19 Gants chauffants WO2008036283A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US84551606P 2006-09-19 2006-09-19
US60/845,516 2006-09-19

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008036283A2 true WO2008036283A2 (fr) 2008-03-27
WO2008036283A3 WO2008036283A3 (fr) 2008-07-17

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PCT/US2007/020244 WO2008036283A2 (fr) 2006-09-19 2007-09-19 Gants chauffants

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100057168A1 (en) * 2006-11-22 2010-03-04 University Of Dundee Heating system
WO2015004379A1 (fr) * 2013-07-09 2015-01-15 Aixstream Gant chauffant
DE102013219653A1 (de) * 2013-09-27 2015-04-02 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Handmodul zur Unterstützung einer menschlichen Hand bei manuell ausführbaren Montagetätigkeiten
WO2018131023A3 (fr) * 2018-04-16 2018-10-25 Universidad De Panamá Gant portable pour la tonte et le rasage d'animaux
US10737055B1 (en) 2019-05-28 2020-08-11 Anthony Gadzey Method of treating a stress-related or sleep-related condition
US11606990B2 (en) 2018-04-26 2023-03-21 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Heated hand garment

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4948951A (en) * 1989-01-03 1990-08-14 Alfiero Balzano Heater employing flexible circuitry
US4950868A (en) * 1989-03-03 1990-08-21 Marmon Holdings, Inc. Heated gloves
US5721067A (en) * 1996-02-22 1998-02-24 Jacobs; James K. Rechargeable lithium battery having improved reversible capacity
US20040026406A1 (en) * 2002-08-09 2004-02-12 Sunbeam Products, Inc. Heating pad controller
US6844524B2 (en) * 2002-07-12 2005-01-18 Philip L. Downey Heated cycle grip with temperature control

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4948951A (en) * 1989-01-03 1990-08-14 Alfiero Balzano Heater employing flexible circuitry
US4950868A (en) * 1989-03-03 1990-08-21 Marmon Holdings, Inc. Heated gloves
US5721067A (en) * 1996-02-22 1998-02-24 Jacobs; James K. Rechargeable lithium battery having improved reversible capacity
US6844524B2 (en) * 2002-07-12 2005-01-18 Philip L. Downey Heated cycle grip with temperature control
US20040026406A1 (en) * 2002-08-09 2004-02-12 Sunbeam Products, Inc. Heating pad controller

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100057168A1 (en) * 2006-11-22 2010-03-04 University Of Dundee Heating system
WO2015004379A1 (fr) * 2013-07-09 2015-01-15 Aixstream Gant chauffant
FR3008283A1 (fr) * 2013-07-09 2015-01-16 Aixstream Doublure interne pour vetement, gant chauffant et vetement chauffant integrant une telle doublure.
DE102013219653A1 (de) * 2013-09-27 2015-04-02 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Handmodul zur Unterstützung einer menschlichen Hand bei manuell ausführbaren Montagetätigkeiten
WO2018131023A3 (fr) * 2018-04-16 2018-10-25 Universidad De Panamá Gant portable pour la tonte et le rasage d'animaux
US11606990B2 (en) 2018-04-26 2023-03-21 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Heated hand garment
US10737055B1 (en) 2019-05-28 2020-08-11 Anthony Gadzey Method of treating a stress-related or sleep-related condition

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