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WO2009138713A1 - Système de refroidissement pour un vêtement - Google Patents

Système de refroidissement pour un vêtement Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009138713A1
WO2009138713A1 PCT/GB2009/001123 GB2009001123W WO2009138713A1 WO 2009138713 A1 WO2009138713 A1 WO 2009138713A1 GB 2009001123 W GB2009001123 W GB 2009001123W WO 2009138713 A1 WO2009138713 A1 WO 2009138713A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
duct
air flow
air
ducts
garment
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2009/001123
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Matthew Searle
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BCB International Ltd
Original Assignee
BCB International Ltd
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 BCB International Ltd filed Critical BCB International Ltd
Publication of WO2009138713A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009138713A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/002—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches with controlled internal environment
    • A41D13/0025—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches with controlled internal environment by means of forced air circulation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus that can be worn on the human body and that, in operation, acts to cool the human body.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of cooling the human body.
  • hyperthermia which occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate.
  • the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body eventually become overwhelmed and unable to effectively deal with the heat, and body temperature climbs uncontrollably. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
  • a person wearing a protective garment such as for example, a vest incorporating body armour, may have a higher risk of hyperthermia as protective garments are often heavy and have low moisture permeability which prevents evaporation of sweat.
  • a known armoured vest includes a cooling system comprising a fan, which on activation creates a continuous flow of air up the front and back of the vest to evaporate sweat and cool the wearer.
  • a cooling system comprising a fan, which on activation creates a continuous flow of air up the front and back of the vest to evaporate sweat and cool the wearer.
  • the air quickly becomes saturated with sweat so sweat is only evaporated from the area around the air entry point and the cooling capability is thus limited.
  • the present invention provides an improved wearable apparatus for cooling the human body.
  • the present invention relates to a wearable apparatus for cooling the human body, comprising:
  • the duct comprises a porous portion configured to direct a flow of air to a region of the human body
  • the apparatus of the invention provides intermittent flow of air onto the region of the body and increases the perceived cooling effect for the wearer compared to a continuous flow of air.
  • Embodiments of the invention may also provide lower energy consumption compared to continuous air flow.
  • the increased perceived cooling effect is because in normal circumstances the wearer becomes used to a continuous flow and ceases to perceive its cooling effect.
  • intermittent cooling maintains the stimulation of skin thermoreceptors and thereby the perception of cooling.
  • the wearable apparatus comprises a plurality of ducts, each comprising a porous portion configured to direct a flow of air to a particular region of the human body, and wherein in operation the controller sequentially directs the air flow to one or more of the plurality of ducts to provide intermittent air flow through any particular duct.
  • the apparatus thereby enables multiple areas of the body to be intermittently cooled by the air flow. The total area of the body made up by the multiple areas can thus be cooled using less energy than if all the multiple areas were continuously cooled.
  • the flow may be directed to one or more ducts at any particular time. Repeatedly moving the location of the air cooling also results in the evaporation of sweat over a larger surface area of the body than would be seen with one constant supply that quickly becomes saturated.
  • the controller varies the air flow rate through the duct or ducts.
  • the air flow through a particular duct can thus be varied to provide optimal cooling effect by, for example, providing a gradually increasing flow rate.
  • the controller may comprise one from the group consisting of: a disc valve; a sleeve valve; and a solenoid valve.
  • the controller preferably comprises a sleeve valve having,
  • the sleeve valve is configured such that during rotation of the inner portion the cut-out(s) is(are) periodically aligned with a duct(s) to allow air to flow intermittently through the duct(s).
  • a sleeve valve can provide good performance with low power consumption.
  • the duct(s) is(are) adjustable in length so the wearer can adjust the duct to provide air flow to the desired region of the body.
  • the adjustability of the duct length also allows the apparatus to be comfortably worn by wearers of differing body size.
  • the porous area of the duct may comprise one or more openings in the duct.
  • One or more of the openings may be covered with a layer of air-permeable fabric to create diffuse air flow out of the duct.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a liquid reservoir and means to direct a misted layer of liquid onto a region of the body to which airflow is directed.
  • the apparatus of the invention can advantageously be incorporated into a garment and in particular into a protective garment, such as a protective vest.
  • the present invention also relates to a system comprising a protective garment and an undergarment worn underneath the protective garment wherein the undergarment has a perforated area that corresponds to the regions where air flow is to be directed.
  • the undergarment beneficially provides extra comfort for the wearer, for example in the form of padding, without compromising the cooling capability.
  • the apparatus of the invention may also be attached to or incorporated into a separate garment that is worn between the protective garment and the undergarment or alternatively worn as a stand-alone cooling garment.
  • the garment preferably comprises at least one spacer section to space the duct(s) from the body of the wearer.
  • the at least one spacer section is preferably foam, or more preferably reticulated foam.
  • the invention also relates to a method of cooling a human body, comprising the steps of:
  • this method has the advantage that the cooling provided to areas a and b is intermittent, thereby increasing the perceived cooling effect for the wearer and also leading to an increased physiological cooling effect compared to continuous air flow.
  • the method may also comprise the step of misting fluid onto the body to increase the cooling effect of the method.
  • a further aspect of the invention relates to a wearable apparatus for cooling a human body comprising:
  • distribution means is configured to mist liquid onto at least one portion of the human body.
  • the apparatus also comprises air supply means to supply a flow of air directed to the portion(s) of the human body onto which the liquid is misted.
  • Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention incorporated into a protective vest.
  • Figure 2 schematically shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the invention incorporated into a protective vest.
  • Figure 3 schematically shows a cross section through a protective vest incorporating an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention.
  • Figure 4 schematically shows a cross section through the vest of figure 3 in a folded configuration.
  • Figure 5 schematically shows an embodiment of an air flow creation means and a sleeve valve as distributor.
  • Figure 6 schematically shows an embodiment of a combined air and water supply means.
  • FIG. 7 schematically shows an embodiment of an undergarment in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a representation of a body-facing portion of a protective vest 1.
  • Air supply unit 2 is demountably fitted to a side of the vest to allow unrestricted movement, the side of the vest being the part of the vest extending under the arm of the user.
  • the air supply unit 2 is preferably fitted to the vest via quick release fitting. This allows quick and easy replacement should the air supply unit fail.
  • the air supply unit comprises a power source (not shown), preferably in the form of one or more batteries or a fuel cell.
  • the battery(s) are preferably rechargeable.
  • the power source may also comprise one or more photovoltaic cells.
  • the air supply unit 2 also includes air flow creation means (not shown) in the form of, for example, a blower or a fan and more particularly a radial blower, axial fan or double axial fan.
  • the double axial fan may be counter-rotating.
  • Air supply unit 2 also comprises a distributor (not shown) to distribute the air flow.
  • the distributor may be in the form of a disc valve, sleeve valve or a manifold with solenoid valves.
  • the unit 2 is activated using switch 2a.
  • the air supply unit 2 may comprise a filter unit (not shown) to filter indrawn air, the filter preferably being replaceable.
  • three ducts 3 are connected to unit 2.
  • the ducts are preferably made of elastomeric material.
  • the ducts 3 each comprise a porous portion, configured to direct a flow of air to a region of the back or chest of the wearer.
  • the porous portion of each duct comprises multiple openings 4.
  • the openings are preferably configured act as microjets to provide directed positive air flow to the body. The jets of air from the openings are preferably sufficient to disturb the boundary layer of air in contact with the skin and thereby assist in the evaporation of sweat.
  • the ducts could comprise one or more openings, the openings being covered with a layer of air-permeable fabric to create diffuse air flow out of the duct 3 towards the body.
  • At least one section of spacer material 8 preferably comprising foam and more preferably in the form of reticulated foam, is positioned between the ducts to space the ducts from the body of the wearer and to prevent the ducts being crushed.
  • the spacer foam also acts to create air ways to the exterior of the garment through which air saturated with moisture, eg sweat, can be vented to the atmosphere.
  • the spacer foam may be positioned between each pair of ducts.
  • the user wears the vest on their upper body with the ducts positioned on the inside of the vest.
  • the air supply unit is activated by switch 2a.
  • the power source supplies power to the air flow creation means and an air flow is created.
  • the power source also supplies power to the distributor which operates to direct the air flow to one or more ducts for a predetermined period of time t, and once time t has elapsed the distributor operates to direct the air flow to one or more different ducts for time t. This process is repeated until the switch is activated to turn switch 2a off.
  • the distributor thereby provides intermittent flow to each of the ducts and the wearer obtains the benefit of spatially intermittent air flow.
  • the time t for which air flow is supplied to a particular duct or ducts may be varied.
  • the air flow rate may be constant over time t or may be varied over time t, caused for example by varying the power supply to the air flow creation means.
  • the air flow rate may be adjusted automatically by means of a programmable controller in unit 2 or may be adjustable by the user.
  • FIG. 2 shows an embodiment with an alternative configuration of the ducts 3 and air supply unit 2.
  • the air supply unit 2 is fitted to the lower part of the front or back portion of the vest 1 and eight ducts 3 are each configured to direct air flow to a particular region of the chest or back of the wearer.
  • the apparatus may comprise five ducts.
  • the duct system comprising the ducts 3, may be integrally fabricated by thermoforming, and preferably by vacuum forming.
  • the system is preferably formed in two parts each having the necessary channels before joining the two parts to form the duct system.
  • FIG 3 schematically shows a cross section through a protective vest fitted with the apparatus of the invention.
  • the vest comprises soft armour 5 and hard armour 6.
  • fastener portion 7 When worn the front and back sections of the vest are releasably fastened together by fastener portion 7, using Velcro (TM) as an exemplary fastener.
  • the air supply unit 2 is demountably fitted to the side of the vest.
  • the ducts 3 extend across the front and rear of the vest so air can be directed to both the chest and back of the wearer.
  • the ducts are connected via flexible portions 3a to the air supply unit 2.
  • the flexible portions 3a allow the vest to be folded when not in use as shown in figure 4, thereby taking up less space when being transported etc.
  • the ducts are made adjustable in length by including, for example, a folded or concertinaed section which can be pulled and compressed to elongate and shorten the duct.
  • FIG. 5 shows air flow creation means in the form of fan 20, and a distributor in the form of sleeve valve 21.
  • the sleeve valve comprises an inner rotating sleeve 21a (indicated by perforated lines) and an outer sleeve 21b.
  • the inner sleeve is driven to by motor 23 via driving gear 24 and driven gear 25.
  • the inner sleeve 21a has a plurality of openings or orifices or cut-outs 22 positioned a different points on the circumference of the inner sleeve.
  • the outer sleeve 21b has multiple exit ports in the form of openings 27 to which, in use, the ducts are connected.
  • Motor 23 drives the inner sleeve preferably at between 0.1 and 6 rpm. As the inner sleeve rotates different openings 22 line up with the exit ports 27 to allow air to pass to the duct connected to the particular exit port 27 as can be seen at 26.
  • FIG. 6 schematically shows a combined air and water supply system.
  • the fan 20 and sleeve valve 21 are as described with reference to figure 5.
  • the ducting 31 is preferably in the form of moulded rubber ducting which is preferably attached to an inner surface of a garment (not shown).
  • the apparatus comprises a reservoir 37 of cooling fluid, such as water, and pump 36 for the water.
  • the pump 36 is connected to water distribution system 33 which comprises means for misting water onto the body, preferably in the form of microjets 34.
  • the microjets 34 are preferably positioned in proximity to the air openings 32. The additional water provided to the body of the user improves the evaporative cooling effect.
  • FIG. 7 schematically shows an undergarment 10 for wearing underneath the protective vest.
  • the undergarment comprises a perforated section 11 , preferably a mesh material, with the remainder of the garment being preferably being made from a wicking material.
  • the perforated section preferably corresponds substantially to the area of the body to which air is to be directed.
  • the undergarment may comprise a perforated section front and back.
  • the undergarment preferably also comprises padded sections 12 for the comfort of the wearer.
  • the apparatus of the invention may also be attached to a separate garment that is worn between the protective garment and the undergarment or alternatively worn as a stand-alone cooling garment.
  • the present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising one single duct, the duct being connected to an air supply unit, the air supply unit comprising a power source, air flow creation means and a controller.
  • the air supply unit When the air supply unit is activated by being switched on, the controller repeatedly supplies and disconnects power to the air flow creation means thereby creating intermittent air flow to the duct and consequently the particular region of the body to which the duct directs air flow through its porous portion.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil qui peut être porté sur le corps humain et qui, en fonctionnement, agit pour refroidir le corps humain. La présente invention comprend un appareil portable destiné à refroidir le corps humain et comprenant un moyen de création de flux d’air, une unité de commande pour commander le flux d’air créé, au moins un conduit raccordé au moyen de création de flux d’air, le conduit comprenant une partie poreuse configurée pour diriger un flux d’air vers une région du corps humain, le moyen d’unité de commande commandant, en fonctionnement, le flux d’air pour permettre à l’air de circuler par intermittence à travers le conduit.
PCT/GB2009/001123 2008-05-16 2009-05-06 Système de refroidissement pour un vêtement Ceased WO2009138713A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0808949.2 2008-05-16
GB0808949A GB0808949D0 (en) 2008-05-16 2008-05-16 A method and apparatus for cooling the human body

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009138713A1 true WO2009138713A1 (fr) 2009-11-19

Family

ID=39596028

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2009/001123 Ceased WO2009138713A1 (fr) 2008-05-16 2009-05-06 Système de refroidissement pour un vêtement

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB0808949D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2009138713A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104841069A (zh) * 2015-05-27 2015-08-19 苏州经贸职业技术学院 可降温防护服
US10426204B2 (en) 2016-05-31 2019-10-01 Searah Products, LLC Ventilated garment

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3933579C1 (en) * 1989-10-07 1990-12-06 Draegerwerk Ag, 2400 Luebeck, De Protective suit with liq. cooling - has liq. fed from container worn on back to thin tubes with pores for controlled escape of liq.
US4998415A (en) * 1989-10-30 1991-03-12 Larsen John D Body cooling apparatus
US20030167559A1 (en) * 2002-03-07 2003-09-11 Hoton How Method and apparatus of obtaining refrigerated wearing and dressing
US20060191277A1 (en) * 2003-09-30 2006-08-31 Defosset Josh P Line-tuned compressed gas cooling systems
WO2007128823A2 (fr) * 2006-05-10 2007-11-15 Prendas Capricornio, S.L. Système de refroidissement par contact
WO2008053227A1 (fr) * 2006-11-01 2008-05-08 Remploy Limited Système de refroidissement de matériau

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3933579C1 (en) * 1989-10-07 1990-12-06 Draegerwerk Ag, 2400 Luebeck, De Protective suit with liq. cooling - has liq. fed from container worn on back to thin tubes with pores for controlled escape of liq.
US4998415A (en) * 1989-10-30 1991-03-12 Larsen John D Body cooling apparatus
US20030167559A1 (en) * 2002-03-07 2003-09-11 Hoton How Method and apparatus of obtaining refrigerated wearing and dressing
US20060191277A1 (en) * 2003-09-30 2006-08-31 Defosset Josh P Line-tuned compressed gas cooling systems
WO2007128823A2 (fr) * 2006-05-10 2007-11-15 Prendas Capricornio, S.L. Système de refroidissement par contact
WO2008053227A1 (fr) * 2006-11-01 2008-05-08 Remploy Limited Système de refroidissement de matériau

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104841069A (zh) * 2015-05-27 2015-08-19 苏州经贸职业技术学院 可降温防护服
US10426204B2 (en) 2016-05-31 2019-10-01 Searah Products, LLC Ventilated garment

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0808949D0 (en) 2008-06-25

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