APPAREL POWER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Abstract

An apparel power system and method of using such system is disclosed. The power system provides a source of electrical energy for electrically powered accessories attached or integrated to apparel worn by the user of a vehicle without requiring the use of wires and plugs connections between the user and the vehicle. The vehicle may be a snowmobile, ATV, UTV, motorcycle, watercraft and the like. The electrical power of the vehicle is transferred from the steering means such as a steering wheel or handlebars to a handwear such as a glove or mitt or a wearable adaptor. Holding of the steering means by the user creates a contact allowing electrical energy transfer from the steering means to the handwear which is subsequently transferred from the handwear to accessories attached or integrated to an item of clothing such as a coat using embedded wires or overlying connection to provide the apparel with the ability to power various accessories such as heated handwear, vest, pants and/or footwear, power visor, visibility lamps, cell phone, and the like.

Claims

1) A thermo-regulated apparel power system for use with a vehicle having a steering means and comprising a vehicle electrical power generating source electrically connected to first contact connection means disposed on the steering means of the vehicle, the apparel power system comprising: one or two handwear adapted to be worn by a user; one or more apparels adapted to be worn by a user; an electrically powered heat control device attached or integrated to one said apparel; apparel connectors configured to transfer energy between one of said handwear and said heat control device; second contact connection means attached or integrated to one of said handwear, said second contact connection means adapted to operatively connect the vehicle power generating source and the heat control device when placed in contact with said first contact connection means.

2) The apparel power system of claim 1), further comprising a power storage unit embedded in the apparel electrically connected to said heat control device.

3) The apparel power system of claim 1), wherein the second contact connection means is adapted to operatively connect the vehicle power generating source and the heat control device when placed in unattached contact with said first contact connection means.

4) The apparel power system of claim 3), wherein each of the first contact connection means and the second contact connection means comprises a positive pole connection element and a negative pole connection element.

5) The apparel power system of claim 3), wherein the energy transfer occurs when substantially aligning the positive and negative elements of the second contact connection means over the corresponding positive and negative elements of the first contact connection means.

6) The apparel power system of claim 4), wherein the wherein the energy transfer occurs when substantially aligning positive and negative elements of the second contact connection means over corresponding positive and negative elements of the first contact connection means on the steering means.

7) The apparel power system of claim 2), wherein the at least one handwear comprises a main body being made from an insulating material.

8) The apparel power system of claim 7), wherein the second contact connection means being a male or a female pressure button element complementary to a female or a male pressure button element of the first contact connection means.

9) The apparel power system of claim 2), wherein the apparel heat control device comprises a heating system.

10) The apparel power system of claim 2), wherein the apparel heat control device comprises a cooling system.

11) The apparel power system of claim 9), wherein the heating system is configured to allow the apparel to keep a temperature of about 45 to about 60 degree Celsius.

12) The apparel power system of claim 2), wherein the power storage unit comprises an embedded battery, a visual charging indicator and an on/off switch adapted to control an energy transfer from the embedded battery to the heat control device.

13) The apparel power system of claim 1), wherein the first contact connection means is magnetically held onto the second contact connection means and wherein second contact connection means is adapted to operatively connect the vehicle power generating source and the heat control device when placed in unattached contact with said first contact connection means.

14) The apparel power system of claim Erreur ! Source du renvoi introuvable., wherein the handwear are gloves or mitts.

15) The apparel power system of claim 14), wherein the handwear are integrated to the apparel.

16) The apparel power system of claim 1), the apparel power system being compatible with the power generating source having about 12 to about 30 volts while requesting a current of about 3-15 amps.

17) A thermo-regulated apparel power system for use with a vehicle having a steering means and comprising a vehicle electrical power generating source electrically connected to first contact connection means disposed on the steering means of the vehicle, the apparel power system comprising: a. one or more handwear adapted to be worn by a user; b. one or more apparels adapted to be worn by a user; c. an electrically powered heating device attached or integrated to one of said apparels; d. a power storage unit embedded in the apparel which is electrically connected to said heating device; e. apparel connectors configured to transfer energy between one of said handwear and one of said apparel; f. second contact connection means attached or integrated to one of said handwear, said second contact connection means adapted to operatively connect the power generating source and the heating device when placed in contact with said first contact connection means.

18) The apparel power system of claim 17), wherein the second contact connection means is adapted to operatively connect the power generating source and the heating device when placed in unattached contact with said first contact connection means.

19) A method of powering an apparel accessory worn by the driver or user of a vehicle having steering means without the need for a hard-wired link between the driver and the vehicle, said method comprising the steps of: wearing an apparel having at least one sleeve and at least one handwear; connecting handwear connection elements on the at least one handwear to a lower extremity of the at least one sleeve of the apparel; activating the apparel accessory; placing the at least one handwear on the steering means of the vehicle; and substantially aligning positive and negative handwear connectors over corresponding positive and negative steering means connection elements.

20) A method as defined in claim 19), wherein the at least one handwear is a handheld or wearable adaptor, the handheld or wearable adaptor having connection elements for connecting the handheld or wearable adaptor to a lower extremity of the at least one sleeve of the apparel, the handheld or wearable adaptor is placed on the steering means of the vehicle and positive and negative connectors on the handheld or wearable adaptor are substantially aligned over corresponding positive and negative steering means connection elements.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0044] FIG. 1 is a side view of an ATV having an exemplary apparel power system installed thereto;

[0045] FIG. 2 is close up view of the right-side handlebar of the ATV of FIG. 1;

[0046] FIG. 3 is an illustration of handlebar having an exemplary apparel power system installed thereto;

[0047] FIG. 4 is a under plan view of an un-mounted exemplary apparel power system without the stitching;

[0048] FIG. 5 is a under plan view of an exemplary glove compatible with the apparel power system;

[0049] FIG. 6 is a partial top view of an exemplary coat compatible with the apparel power system;

[0050] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the apparel power system;

[0051] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of yet another embodiment of the apparel power system; and

[0052] FIG. 9 is a partial top view of an exemplary strap embodiment compatible with the apparel power system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0053] A novel apparel power system and method of using the same will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby.

[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, according to one embodiment, the system comprises a power source (the vehicle), a vehicle connector (typically attached to the handle bar), a vehicle power to connector interface, an apparel connector, electrical connection means between the apparel connector and a power storage (for example a battery) attached or integrated to the apparel and/or to one or more accessories requiring the power.

[0055] The apparel power system 50 comprises an energy transfer means linking the apparel worn by a user 52 of a vehicle 10 to a power generating source 160, typically the vehicle's 10 own energy generation system which includes a generator in the case of gasoline powered vehicle and the vehicle's main battery in the case of an electrically powered vehicle. The energy transfer occurs through contact of apparel connectors with the vehicle connectors without the need for a hardwired connection. Accordingly, the energy is transferred from the vehicle 10 to the user's apparel 200, 300 through the contact of the apparel connectors generally disposed on the palm and/or finger portion of at least one handwear 200 and the corresponding vehicle connectors disposed on the hand receiving surface of the handlebar 82 matching the side of the handwear 200 having the connector. Recreational motor vehicles generally require handling of the handlebar during use of the vehicle 10, therefore the user's handwear 200 is at least in contact with the handlebar 82 of the vehicle 10 during its use and most likely almost always in contact with the handlebar 82.

[0056] According to one embodiment, now referring to FIGS. 2-4, the apparel power system 50 has a handlebar connector 100 for transmitting the energy to apparel worn by the user, preferably to the user's handwear 200 (see FIG. 5), a positive pole connection element 130, a negative pole connection element 140, a nonconductive intermediate element 150 and a securing element for securely mounting the handlebar connector 100 to the vehicle handlebar 82. The handlebar connector 100 also referred to as the vehicle connector comprises a wire connection 120 for connecting the vehicle 10 power source, typically the vehicle electrical system or battery (not shown) to the vehicle connector 100. The wire connection 120 is preferably a two wire 132, 142 connection respectively linking the positive pole connection element 130 and the negative pole connection element 140 to their respective positive and negative poles on the vehicle power source. The positive and negative wire connections 132, 142 may be secured to the nonconductive intermediate element 150 for preventing movement of the wires and reducing the risk of disconnection. In the present embodiment, the positive pole connection element 130 and negative pole connection element 140 are spaced apart to prevent electrical shortcut resulting from a simultaneous contact on both the positive and the negative connection elements 130, 140 and one of the handwear connection elements 230, 240. The vehicle positive and negative pole connection elements 130, 140 may be made from a conductive material such as copper strips 134, 144 having protruding contact portions 136, 146 such as conductive material rings being inserted through the nonconductive intermediate element 150.

[0057] Now referring to FIG. 5, according to one embodiment, a handwear 200 compatible with the present apparel power system is shown. The handwear 200 comprises a main handwear body 210, a positive pole and a negative pole handwear connector 230, 240, respectively interconnected by a positive and a negative wire connection (not shown) to a positive pole and a negative pole handwear connection element 238, 248. The positive pole and negative pole handwear connectors 230, 240 are disposed on either side of the palm/finger portion of the main handwear body 210 in as similar disposition as the positive pole and the negative pole handlebar connection elements 130, 140 to maximize likelihood of contact (i) between the positive pole handwear connection element 230 and the positive pole handlebar connection element 130 and (ii) the negative pole handwear connection element 240 and the negative pole handlebar connection element 140. The positive and negative wire connections (not shown) are preferably embedded within the main handwear body 210 fabric thus shielding the electrical connections from environmental contact and contact with the user's body. The main handwear body 210 is made from non-electrically conductive or insulating material to prevent any electrical shorts between either the positive pole and the negative pole handlebar connection elements 130, 140 or the positive pole and the negative pole handwear connectors 230, 240. The positive pole and negative pole handwear connection elements 238, 248 are preferably male or female pressure button elements complementary to female or male pressure button elements located on a jacket or coat 300 arm sleeve 310 of the corresponding hand side of the handwear 200 compatible with the apparel power system.

[0058] Now referring to FIG. 6, according to one embodiment, the vehicle user's coat 300 comprises a power storage unit 360. The power storage unit 360 comprises an embedded battery 364 and an optional visual charge indicator 362. The power storage unit 360 is preferably operatively connected to an On/Off switch 370 having an optional visual On/Off indicator 372 there beside. Furthermore, the coat 300 arm sleeve 310 comprises positive pole and negative pole coat connection elements 338, 348 complementary to positive pole and negative pole handwear connection elements 238, 248. The positive pole and negative pole coat connection elements 338, 348 are in electrical connection with the switch 370 and the power storage unit 360. The power storage unit 360 is additionally in connection with various accessories such as heated handwear, vest, pants and/or footwear, power visor, visibility lamps, cell phone, etc. The accessories having a central On/Off switch or an On/Off switch per accessory. According to one embodiment, the central switch controls power to all equipment and accessories.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the vehicle user's apparel, such as the user's coat 300 comprises a plurality of power switches. For example, the first switch may manage the power for the apparel heating system while the second switch manages power to the apparel cooling system or auxiliary accessories such as the user's mobile phone. Therefore, a user could interrupt the heating system while keeping the auxiliary system ON. This would allow the user to recharge his phone while the apparel heating system is OFF or vice versa. According to other embodiment, the apparel power system may have no switch. An apparel power system without switch may be desired when the power is used for powering accessories that have their own ON/OFF switches or for charging mobile devices such as smart phones.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the handwear 200 may also be heated, in such an embodiment, the wired connection could be connected directly to the heating mechanism of the handwear or have the handwear 200 heating system in connection with the power storage unit. However, to insure constant current flowing to the heating handwear 200, the heating handwear 200 components should be in electrical connection with the power storage unit 360. Such connection would favor constant heating even without constant contact between the handwear 200 and the steering means 82 power transfer system. In other words, the power storage unit 360 or battery would be used as an energy buffer during contact interruption between the handwear 200 and the steering means 82.

[0061] According to one embodiment, both handwear 200 could be provided with embedded wiring as explained herein. In such a case, the apparel could have various configurations. For instance, each handwear connection could be connected to a separate power storage unit or to the same power storage unit.

[0062] The method of powering the apparel comprises the steps of wearing the apparel, securing (preferably magnetically) the handwear 200 connection elements 238, 248 to the apparel connecting elements 338, 348 located on the lower extremity of the coat's 300 arm 310, activating the On/Off switch 370 when required, placing the at least one hand having the handwear 200 on its corresponding steering means 82. Substantially aligning the positive pole and negative pole handwear connectors 230, 240 with the corresponding positive pole and negative pole vehicle connection elements 130, 140. The connection between the handwear 200 connection elements 238, 248 and apparel connecting elements 338, 348 allows the power to transfer from the handwear or handheld or wearable adaptor to the apparel or strap.

[0063] The method of installing the system comprise the steps of mounting the wire connection 120 to a vehicle 10 electrical system or power source and securely mounting the steering means connector 100 to at least one of the steering means 82 of the vehicle 10.

[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, according to one embodiment, the apparel power system 550 comprises a power source (the vehicle) wired 502 to the connecting arm 504 (typically a flexible semi rigid arm mounted to the vehicle handle bar), an apparel connector plate 506, apparel connecting elements 338, 348 allowing electrical connection between the apparel connector 506 and a power storage (for example a battery) attached or integrated to the apparel and/or to one or more accessories requiring power. The apparel connector plate 506 comprises a first and a second connecting element 538 and 548. The first and second connecting elements 538 and 548 are configured to be received by the apparel connectors 338, 438 (FIG. 6). In the preferred embodiment, the connecting elements 338, 348 and the apparel connectors 538 and 548 are magnetically secured while in contact. The magnetic connection allow the power transfer while providing an easy connection and release once the user releases the vehicle handle bars. Accordingly, upon contact between the apparel connector plate 506 connecting elements 538 and 548 and the apparel connectors 338, 348 (FIG. 6), the electrical current is transferred from the vehicle to the apparel for powering apparel accessories.

[0065] Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the apparel power system 550 transfers electrical power from the vehicle (FIG. 1) to the apparel without the need for hardwire between the apparel and the vehicle (FIG. 1). As such, power is transferred from the vehicle (FIG. 1) to the apparel upon contact. Preferably, the connecting arm 504 is located at an optimal position such that while in use, the user's arm 512 is in contact with the apparel connector plate 506. According to one embodiment, the connecting arm 504 extremity 514 is pivotably secured to the apparel connector plate 506 for ease in contact between the apparel connectors 538, 548 and the apparel connecting element 338, 348.

[0066] The apparel power system 550 according to one embodiment may be integrated with motocross and handle bar element covering the hand of the user. As such, the handle bar hand cover may have electrical wiring integrated therein with an external connection that enters in contact with an apparel connector when the user is driving the vehicle. Understandably, handle bar hand covers of other vehicles would as well be used for transferring the power from the vehicle to the apparel for powering apparel accessories or devices held therein.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the apparel power system 50, 550, 650 is configured to transfer power from the vehicle to a user's device such as a mobile phone held within a pocket of the apparel. As such, a user may recharge his mobile device while riding a power vehicle without the need to have a hard wire between the user and the vehicle.

[0068] According to yet another embodiment, referring now to FIGS. 6 and 8, the apparel power system 650 comprises a power source (the vehicle), a vehicle connector, typically attached to the handle bar 640 or integrated thereto (not shown), a vehicle power to connector interface (not shown), an apparel connector 606, apparel connecting element 338, 348 (FIG. 6) providing electrical connection between the apparel connector 606 and the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the electrical connection between the vehicle and the apparel connector plate 606 is a body adaptor such as a handheld or wearable adaptor 630 which is in contact with the vehicle power. The body adaptor 630 comprises a connecting arm 604 and apparel connector plate 606. The apparel connector plate comprising first and second connectors 638, 648 for connecting to the corresponding apparel connecting elements 338, 348. In the preferred embodiment, the connecting elements 338, 348 and the apparel connectors 638 and 648 are magnetically secured while in contact. The magnetic connection allow the power transfer while providing an easy connection and release once the user releases the vehicle handle bars. Accordingly, upon contact between the apparel connector plate 606 connecting elements 638 and 648 and the apparel connectors 338, 348 (FIG. 6), the electrical current is transferred from the vehicle to the apparel for powering apparel accessories.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the connecting arm 604 apparel end 614 is pivotably secured to the apparel connector plate 606 for ease in contact between the apparel connectors 638, 648 and the apparel connecting element 338, 348. The apparel preferably comprises a power storage (for example a battery) attached or integrated to the apparel and/or to one or more accessories requiring the power.

[0070] According to yet another embodiment, referring now to FIG. 8, the body adaptor, also referred to wearable adaptor may also comprise an indicator 632, such as a lamp, indicating that the contact between the wearable adaptor and the vehicle connector is good and that power is transferred from the vehicle to the apparel or accessories.

[0071] According to another embodiment, the wearable adaptor is a strap that wraps around a portion of the user's body such as the user's hand to enter in contact with a vehicle connector. The wearable adaptor may also be hardwired to the apparel. While the wearable adaptor is hardwired to the apparel, there remains no hard wiring between the user and the vehicle, the power is transferred from the contact between the user's body and wearable adaptor and the vehicle connector.

[0072] According to yet another embodiment, the vehicle power may be transferred to the user's apparel through another body part. In such an embodiment, the apparel adaptor may be integrated to any portion of the user's body that is generally in contact with the vehicle. Understandably, the vehicle must as well be suited with a vehicle connector mounted to the vehicle portion which is in contact with the user's body. For example, the vehicle seat could have a vehicle connector mounted thereon and the user's apparel having an apparel connection or adaptor located about the user butt, legs or back corresponding to the portion of the body that is in contact with the vehicle connector.

[0073] Referring now to FIG. 9, according to one embodiment, the apparel power system 700 on the user's apparel such as the connecting element located on the coat's arm 710, is a strap that is wore on top or under of any apparel arm 710 or coat 700 arm 710. According to this embodiment, the apparel strap 720 allow a user to wear a strap and power accessories without the need of procuring a new coat having the power system capabilities. The strap 720 mounts around the vehicle user's coat 700 or arm and may comprise a power storage unit 760. The power storage unit 760 comprises an embedded battery (not shown) and an optional visual charging indicator 762. The power storage unit 760 is preferably operatively connected to an optional On/Off switch 770 having an optional visual On/Off indicator 772 there beside. Furthermore, the coat 700 arm sleeve 710 comprises positive pole and negative pole coat connection elements 738, 748 complementary to positive pole and negative pole handwear connection elements 238, 248, (FIG. 5) 538, 548, (FIG. 7) 638, 648 (FIG. 8). The positive pole and negative pole strap connection elements 738, 748 are in electrical connection with the switch 770 and the power storage unit 760. The power storage unit 760 is additionally in connection with various accessories such as heated handwear, heated vest, power visor visibility lamps, cell phone, etc. The accessories having a central On/Off switch board or an On/Off switch per accessory. The strap 720 may be wore directly on a vehicle user's arm and wired to the user mobile device for charging or operation while driving the vehicle.

[0074] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.