WO2008036283A2 - Heated glove - Google Patents

Abstract

Heated gloves which closely resemble non-heated gloves of similar construction are provided for treatment of medical conditions, such as Raynaud's syndrome. Heating elements near the fingertips, or heating filaments wrapped about the periphery of the fingers supply heat from a battery pack/control module housed in a flap or pouch on the cuff of the glove. A microprocessor can receive input(s) from internal and/or external temperature sensors to control the heating elements.

Description

HEATED GLOVE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATEDAPPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S. C. 119 of U.S. Provisional

Application Serial No. 60/845,516 filed September 19, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference its entirety.

BACKGROUND I. Field of the Invention

[0001] 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.

II. Background of the Invention

[0002] The use of heated garments is known in the prior art.

[0003] By way of example, 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.

[0004] Primarily, these types of devices include gloves or boots intended to warm the hands, feet or other parts of the body of the user. However, such conventional devices are intended for use during skiing, golfing, hunting or other extended outdoor activity, as well as for therapeutic usages. As a result, 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. [0005] Additionally, 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. [0006] 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. [0007] 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. Once an attack has begun, however, most medical authorities recommend taking immediate remedial actions to prevent further damage to the affected tissues that can occur as a result of deficient blood circulation. Recommended measures include seeking a warm environment, submerging one's extremities in warm water, as well as other methods of restoring circulation to the affected areas. [0008] Raynaud's phenomenon is quite a common condition. Although those with severe Raynaud's symptoms usually know of the disease, many individuals who experience painfully cold extremities merely think they are "cold-sensitive" or have "poor circulation," thinking that their conditions are unworthy of medical attention or consultation. In fact, it is estimated that fewer than 20% of all sufferers will come to understand that their conditions are medically related and will actively seek treatment.

[0009] The Raynaud's Association, as well as the National Institutes of

Health, estimates that 3 to 10 percent of the U.S. population (and with some extrapolation, the world's population) is affected by Raynaud's phenomenon. Of these, 90 percent are classified as primary Raynaud's sufferers. The overwhelming majority of those affected by Raynaud's syndrome are women - women are almost nine times more likely to be affected. And it is estimated hat 20 percent of all women in their child-bearing years (15-40 years of age) have Raynaud ' s syndrome .

[0010] Employing the percentages above, it is, therefore, estimated that between 6 million and 20 million people living in the U.S. in states where colder temperatures prevail suffer from Raynaud's phenomenon, whose symptoms arrive quickly, with little warning, in temperatures well above freezing. This means that men and women afflicted with Raynaud's syndrome who are dressed for work or an evening out have no current alternative but to wear heavy, bulky and clumsy gloves in their attempts to prevent a Raynaud's attack. [0011] Similarly, a great many bicyclists experience cold hands or, worse, Raynaud's symptoms while riding in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because of two factors: first, riding a bike creates its own "wind chill factor" which drops the effective temperature experienced by the skin, and, second, the cyclists' hands remain stationary on the handle bars of the bicycle with little movement to promote needed circulation through the fingers. It is estimated that 50 — 60% of all cyclists in the United States put their bikes away once winter arrives, and painful extremities no doubt play a role in this hibernation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In order to solve the problems of conventional systems, 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. [0013] The gloves of the invention include a heating element, which distributes heat to the fingers through conduits to targeted areas of the hand. In one embodiment 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. In another embodiment of the invention 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. [0014] 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.

[0015] 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. [0016] 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.

BRIEF DISCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS (Note: make sure all diagrams are properly numbered and referred)

[0017] FIG. 1 shows an exterior and interior structure of a heated glove according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of section III of Fig. 1 ;

[0019] FIG. 3 is view of the outer surface of the glove of Fig. 1 according to the invention;

[0020] 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;

[0021] 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;

[0022] FIGS. 6 A and 6B illustrate two types of possible filament heating elements; [0023] 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

9A-9C;

[0024] 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

Figs 8A-8C, respectively;

[0026] FIG. 10 is a graphic representation of glove performance utilizing the battery shown in Figs. 8C and 9C; [0027] 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;

[0028] 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;

[0029] FIG. 13 is a graphic representation of a heated glove for power setting 1 or 3 verses time for still air.

[0030] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a heating circuit suitable for use in the gloves of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Figure 1 shows the functional exterior and interior features of a glove 1 of the invention. Generally, the glove 1 includes a palm section 2 and a finger section 3, having individual fingers 3A-E. Although 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. In a preferred embodiment, 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. [0032] 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. When the heat generating element 11 is a resistive or thermoelectric, 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.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, 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. Most preferable are 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. Thus it can be seen that 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.

[0034] Although traditional electrical batteries are currently contemplated, it is additionally considered within the scope of the invention to modify the heat generating element 11 to produce heat using other chemistries. In such an embodiment, the power source 14 may include a location for insertion of the chemicals to be used by the heat generating element. For example, 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.

[0035] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] If 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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. As such, 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. In another embodiment, in order to increase the versatility of the glove 1 of the invention, 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. Thus, 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. The shell design minimizes visual impact of the control module and battery, providing a sleek appearance which closely resembles a non-heated glove of similar construction. 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.

[0041] The glove 1 may be provided with one or more temperature sensors, positioned inside and/or outside the glove 1. For example, 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. [0042] 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. When a fluid is used, 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. [0043] 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. [0044] Typically the glove 1 is used to heat cold hands. This can be accomplished by initially powering up at a high temperature, such as between approximately 200 and 100 ⁰F (95 - 38 ⁰C), typically approximately 150° F and 125° F (65 - 51° C), preferably approximately 135 ⁰F (57° C), and then (or in the alternative) either maintaining a temperature of approximately 75-150° F (24 - 65° C), preferably 100° F-150° F (37° - 65° C); most preferably 130 ⁰F (55° C), 100° F (37° C), or 85° F (30° C) or cycling between two or more temperatures, such as any of the above identified temperatures. [0045] 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.

[0046] 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. [0047] 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.

[0048] Additionally, although described as being separate structures, e.g., an inner and outer glove, those of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the invention can be incorporated into a single glove having an inner lining and an outer surface, or shell, with the component of the heating system described herein integrally incorporated therein.

[0049] Moreover, although 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.

[0050] In another embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Fig. 4, 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. As the heating filament 112 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.

[0051] As shown in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 4.

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.

[0052] As shown in the contemplated circuit diagram of Fig. 14 A 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. As noted above 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. [0053] As noted above 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.

[0054] It should be apparent that embodiments other than those specifically described above may come within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Hence, the present invention is not limited by the above description.

Claims

I Claim;

1. A heated glove, the glove comprising: a self contained energy source; said self contained energy source located in a cuff of said glove; the glove further comprising at least one finger section and at least one thumb section; said finger and thumb sections containing a heating element at least near the extremity of said finger and thumb sections.

2. The heated glove of claim 1 wherein the self contained energy source is a battery.

3. The heated glove of claim .1 wherein the self contained energy source is operatively connected to a microprocessor to control the energy directed to the heating element.

4. The heated glove of claim 1 wherein the heating element is a continuous unspliced bundle of electrically conducting filaments.

5. The heated glove of claim 4 wherein the bundle of filaments wraps around the periphery of the fingers and thumbs.

6. The heated glove of claim 1 further comprising at least one LED which is energized wherein the heating element is energized.

7. The heated glove of claim 6 comprising at least three LED denoting "Low", "Medium" and "High" power setting .

8. The heated glove of claim 1 further comprising an internal temperature sensor operatively connected to a microprocessor.

9. The heated glove of claim 1 further comprising an ambient temperature sensor operatively connected to a microprocessor.

10. The heated glove of claim 1 wherein the glove comprises a shell and lining and the heating element is located on the lining.

11. The heated glove of claim 10 wherein the glove further comprises an insulating layer.

12. The heated glove of claim 10 wherein the lining and shell are integrated.

13. The heated glove of claim 10 wherein the shell and lining are relatively separable.

14. A bicycle glove comprising the glove of claim 10 wherein the shell comprises a fabric and further comprises an insulating layer.

15. A dress glove comprising the glove of claim 10 wherein the shell is made of leather.

16. The dress glove of claim 15 wherein a cuff of the glove includes a pouch into which the self contained energy source is positioned.

17. The bicycle glove of claim 14 wherein a cuff of the glove includes a pouch into which the self contained energy source is positioned.

18. The glove of claim 1 wherein the self contained energy source is a rechargeable battery possessing the following properties: a voltage of 0.5-20V; at from 0.5-10 amperes and can result in 50-500OmAh.

19. The heated glove of claim 18 is wherein the energy source can attain a glove finger temperature of at least 40⁰F above ambient for at least two hours.

20. The heated glove of claim 1 wherein the glove comprises 4 finger sections and 1 thumb section and each of said finger sections and said thumb section can be individually heated.

21. Use of the glove of claim 1 for the treatment or prevention of Raynaud's phenomenon.