Hand Warmer

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed at a hand warmer incorporated within a pocket of an article of clothing, the hand warmer comprising at least one heating element secured to the pocket, the heating element formed in a handlebar-shape and adapted to be grasped by a hand when inserted into the pocket, wherein the handlebar-shaped heating element comprises a heating wire encased in a thin, flexible heating pad, and is flexible in its entirety.

Claims

1. A hoodie comprising: a tubular pocket having two openings located along a longitudinal axis thereof to define a channel, at least one heating element secured to the tubular pocket, formed in a handlebar-shape and adapted to be grasped by a hand when inserted into the channel, wherein the handlebar-shaped heating element comprises a heating wire encased in a thin, flexible heating pad, and is flexible in its entirety.

2. The hoodie of claim 1, wherein the hoodie is adapted to contain a replaceable battery pack operatively connected to the at least one heating element.

3. The hoodie of claim 2, wherein the battery pack is operatively connected to a temperature controller comprising a button having heat and power settings.

4. The hoodie of claim 3, wherein the temperature controller comprises a printed circuit board and a temperature sensor configured to monitor temperatures inside the tubular front pocket and selectively control heat settings of the heating element.

5. The hoodie of claim 4, wherein the temperature sensor communicates with the printed circuit board to power down the heating element when temperatures inside the tubular front pocket exceed a heat setting selected by a user.

6. The hoodie according to claim 1, wherein the thin, flexible heating pad has a thickness of 2 mm or less.

7. A hooded sweatshirt comprising: a tubular front pocket comprising an inner wall and an outer wall; a flexible handlebar-shaped heating element secured to the inner wall of the tubular front pocket at both ends of the handlebar-shaped heating element and comprising a heating wire that is encased in a thin, flexible heating pad, the flexible handlebar-shaped heating element adapted to be grasped by a hand or hands; and wherein the flexible handlebar-shaped heating element is flexible in its entirety.

8. The hooded sweatshirt according to claim 7, wherein the hooded sweatshirt is adapted to contain a battery pack operatively connected to the at least one heating element.

9. The hooded sweatshirt according to claim 8, wherein the battery pack is operatively connected to a temperature controller comprising a button having heat and power settings.

10. The hooded sweatshirt according to claim 9, wherein the button is located on the outer portion of the hooded sweatshirt pocket.

11. The hooded sweatshirt according to claim 9, wherein the temperature controller comprises a printed circuit board and a temperature sensor configured to monitor temperatures inside the tubular front pocket and selectively control heat settings of the heating element.

12. The hooded sweatshirt according to claim 10, wherein the temperature sensor communicates with the printed circuit board to power down the heating element when temperatures inside the tubular front pocket exceed a heat setting selected by a user.

13. The hooded sweatshirt according to claim 7, wherein the thickness of the thin, flexible heating pad is no greater than 2 mm.

14. The hooded sweatshirt according to claim 7, wherein the hooded sweatshirt further comprises heat capture fabric located within a space defined by the inner wall and the outer wall of the sleeve.

15. A clothing garment comprising: a front pocket having at least one opening at a side thereof adapted to receive a hand, the pocket having an inner wall and an outer wall; and a flexible handlebar-shaped heating element secured to the inner wall of the front pocket at least one end of the handlebar-shaped heating element and comprising a heating wire that is encased in a thin, flexible heating pad and operatively connected to a battery, the flexible handlebar-shaped heating element adapted to be grasped by a hand or hands, wherein the entire flexible handlebar-shaped heating element is flexible and formed from the thin, flexible heating pad.

16. The clothing garment according to claim 15, wherein the flexible heating pad comprises no more than two layers of a thin material.

17. The clothing garment according to claim 16, wherein the no more than two layers of thin material is able to withstand temperatures of up to 120 degrees Celsius.

18. The clothing garment according to claim 16, wherein the thickness of the thin, flexible heating pad does not exceed 2 mm.

19. The clothing garment according to claim 15, wherein the flexible handlebar-shaped heating element is parallel or perpendicular to a longitudinal opening of the front pocket.

20. The clothing garment according to claim 15, wherein the front pocket further comprises a self-closing fabric located around the opening in a back portion of the front pocket where a hand is to be inserted.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] The present invention may be better understood in consideration of the following description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an outer heating element pad showing length dimensions of the hand warmer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an outer heating element pad showing height dimensions of the hand warmer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the handle heating element pad showing length and height dimensions of the hand warmer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 4 is a front view of two outer heating elements along with connecting wires of the hand warmer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the electrical connections of the hand warmer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the electrical connections between the connector and the various heating elements of the hand warmer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 7 is a exposed front view of a preferred embodiment; and

[0030] FIG. 8 is a front view of a hoodie comprising a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The hand warmer according to the present invention provides for improved hand warming and battery efficiency through the novel application of an internal heating element which can be grasped by a user's hands and hence accelerate the warming of the user's hands.

[0032] An adjustable length belt allows the hand warmer to be attached around the waist of a user. The belt is secured to the sleeve either by stitching or through slide release buckles or the like.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a front view of the heating pad of the hand warmer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This figure illustrates the downward arcuate shape of the hand warmer. The hand warmer according to the preferred embodiment is thus adapted for easy insertion of the hands therein.

[0034] At either end of the hand warmer are located the openings (not shown). Each opening has a diameter sized for easy hand insertion but not overly large as to create a potential large heat loss. The space defined by the internal and external walls of tubular sleeve of the hand warmer are preferably filled with down in order to maintain the heat generated by the heating elements. Alternatively, the down could be replaced by a material such as fleece or the like. Alternatively, a synthetic fleece material can be used. Preferably, a moisture wicking lining can be used on the inside portion of the hand warmer sleeve.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, the hand warmer comprises three heating elements: the heating element positioned in the front section of the tubular sleeve, the heating element positioned in the back section of the tubular sleeve, and the heating element positioned within the opening in the sleeve where the hands are to be inserted for warming.

[0036] According to the illustrated embodiment, the third heating element is adapted to be secured to the sleeve in such a way as to free up substantially the entire length of the heating element. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated, the heating element is secured at both ends thereof to a point proximate each opening of the sleeve. Preferably, the point of attachment is at a lower section of the inside of the sleeve so as to minimize encumbrances when inserting one's hands into the hand warmer. In another embodiment, the third heating element may be shorter than the longitudinal internal space within the sleeve and thus may not necessarily span the length of the sleeve, in which case, the points of attachment of the heating element would be somewhat removed from the openings in the sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, it is desirable to have as few points of attachment as possible and it is also desirable that these be as compact as possible to allow more room on the heating element to be grasped by the user's hands.

[0037] The sleeve is covered at or proximate the external walls thereof with a heat capturing fabric adapted to retain as much as possible the heat generated by the hand warmer and maintain the desired temperature using as little as possible the heating elements and consequently extending the battery life. Fabrics which may be used for the sleeve also include synthetic moisture wicking fabric such as Polartek? single faced velour material. Polartek? is a hollow core polyester material having good moisture wicking and heat insulating properties.

[0038] The sleeve may be covered by fabric reflecting a team's logo, company logo, etc., this may be done by adding a removable fabric (with a zipper for example) or by stitching the fabric onto the hand warmer.

Electrical/Heating Features of the Product

[0039] The hand warmer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is engineered to ergonomically deliver heat to a user's hands. The heated handle allows to deliver immediate heat to a user's hand. The heating elements are powered by a rechargeable 11.1V Lithium Ion battery. The design of the hand warmer allows to easily replace batteries for extended lifetime. The device is equipped with mart electronics control which provides 4 heat settings. The device is further equipped with an AC Wall charger. The lightweight design allows for dynamic motion and use during game play. There is built-in a temperature microprocessor controller technology. The use wearing the hand warmer will not feel the heating wire. By grabbing the handle, the user heats the palms of his hands while the heating pads incorporated within the walls of the sleeve heat the outside of the user's hands. An adjustable buckle strap will securely hold the hand warmer around a user's waist. The metallic heating fibers allow for an even distribution of heat throughout the hand warmer. The special fabric blends allows for noise reduction which is a substantial advantage for hunters. The flexible heating elements allow maximum mobility with minimal invasiveness. The device preferably further comprises a concealed battery compartment for quick and easy battery replacement closed by zipper.

Heating System

[0040] By attaching these pads to a power source, they will generate heat in the hand warmer. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each hand warmer will use two of the larger curved pads and one smaller, straight pad. It is made of cotton mixed fabric with a flexible metal wire inside used as a heating coil. The heating wire is preferably made of Nickel-chromium (nichrome) wire.

Outer portion of the Hand warmer Heating Element Design Requirements

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer heating pad elements will have the characteristics described below and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Preferably, the heating pad required should have the curved shape depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0042] This heating pad is preferably very thin and flexible. It is manufactured using either one or two layers of thin material. The material used must preferably be able to withstand elevated temperature.

[0043] Preferably, the pad of the hand warmer must be made of materials able to withstand elevated temperatures of up to 120 degrees Celsius. Some of the characteristics of a preferred embodiment of the pad outer heating elements used in the hand warmer are shown below in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Characteristics of the pad for the outer heating elements present in the hand warmer Length As shown in FIG. 3 Height As shown in FIG. 4 Thickness 2 mm maximum Total Resistance 3.9 ? with a tolerance of +0.2 ? or ?0.4 ? Connecting Wires 24 AWG Silicon Power Characteristics Withstand 6.8 V at 1.75 A (12 Watts) Maximum Operating 120? C. Temperature

Heating Handle Element (Inner Pad)

[0044] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, the inner heating pad will be a close replica of the outer heating pad elements but with differences in dimensions and resistance. The heating handle element has the characteristics described below in Table 2 and shown in FIG. 3. This heating pad must be very thin and flexible. Some of the characteristics of a preferred embodiment of the pad used in the hand warmer are shown below in Table 2.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Characteristics of the heating pad for the handle element present in the hand warmer Total Length 11 (27.9 cm) Total Height 3 (7.6 cm) Thickness 2 mm maximum Total Resistance 1.22 ? with a tolerance of +0.10 ? or ?0.10 ? Connecting Wires 24 AWG Silicon Power Characteristics Withstand 4.3 V at 3.5 A (15 Watts) Maximum Operating 120? C. Temperature

[0045] Preferably, the pad heating element should be very flexible; there should preferably be no aluminum, reflective material on this pad. Preferably also, only one layer of material should be used to secure the carbon fiber heating element. If two layers must be used, ideally one should use the thinnest material that can withstand the specified elevated temperatures.

Battery

[0046] The battery according to a preferred embodiment is a battery pack consisting of six 1400 mAh LiPo (Lithium Polymer) battery cells. The updated version of this battery pack does not have connectors between the cells. Instead, the cells are directly wired together. The characteristics of this battery are set out as follows: Voltage: I I.IV; Maximum Current Draw: 3.5 A; Maximum Power Output: 38.85 W; and Battery Life: 1 hour on maximum temperature setting. Preferably, it is a rechargeable battery which can be recharged by plugging with the appropriate outlet into a standard electrical socket. Table 3 provides for some of the characteristics of the battery used according to a preferred embodiment.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Characteristics of the Battery Total Voltage 11.1 v Total Capacity 2800 mAh Nominal Current Drain 3 A-4 A Configuration 3S1P or 3S2P Available space 24-25 cm ? 2.8-3.3 cm ? 1.0 cm Thickness of cell should not exceed 1.0 cm Protection 4 A continuous operation (9-12 A disconnect) Over Heat (65? C.) Battery connection 1.4 mm barrel (female), 22 AWG silicone wiring

[0047] Preferably, the battery packaging is designed to allow flexibility as follows: it is bendable longitudinally (horizontally) with three rigid segmented areas of under 6-7 cm each; and the battery connection terminates at location specified on assembled battery pack.

[0048] The battery charger according to a preferred embodiment is a 12.6V 1A charger for the previously mentioned battery pack. It is certified by the following safety standards: Safety standard: UL1310 & EN55014; and EMC standard: FCC CE(EN55024,EN6100) C-TICK.

Temperature Controller

[0049] The temperature controller, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, is a button used to control the heat settings as well as power ON and OFF the heating pads. It is composed of a silicone covering with a printed circuit board (PCB) embedded within it. The following provides the specification thereof: Input voltage: Sv?18v and work current from 0A?4A.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the heat settings provide turn off temperature at 115? C. (when heat setting is at Max); 105? C. (when heat setting is at High); 95? C. (when heat setting is at Medium); and 85? C. (when heat setting is at Low). FIG. 5 shows the device preferably comprising a temperature sensor connected to the printed circuit board which allows monitoring of the temperature inside the hand warmer and in the event that the temperature exceeds any of the various settings (Max, High, Medium and Low) the heaters will be turned off by the device. FIG. 6 shows the heating pads connections between one another and with the male barrel connector adapted to be inserted into the female barrel end of wire #3 (see FIG. 5).

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the two openings of the sleeve have a tubular cuff preferably made of fabric that is substantially self-closing and which cuffs are adapted to comfortably allow a user's hand to penetrate the longitudinal opening inside the sleeve of the hand warmer.

[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The exterior shell (77) of the handwarmer (70) is made of hydrophobic fabric which is weather resistant, moisture-wicking fabric technology keeps sweat and odor out and keeps dry heat in. It also comprises a tri-zone heating system with heated surfaces in the front (76), back (75) and in the grab bar (72) surround cold hands for efficient heat transfer. The heating surfaces are powered with lithium polymer batteries (73) which are rechargeable batteries and can provide up to five (5) hours of sustained use in the most extreme conditions. The handwarmer (70) also incorporates a seal on the cuffs (74) which allows to maintain the handwarmer sealed when not in use simply by pressing the opposite edges of the cuffs together. The variable heat adjustment system (71) allows the user to easily change between four (4) heat levels by simply pressing a button.

[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention where the heated grab bar (82) is incorporated into a hoodie (80) and where the hoodie is adapted to contain a battery pack (83) and variable heat adjustment system (81).

[0054] While the invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it is apparent that those skilled in the art, upon learning of the invention, will visualize yet other embodiments that are within the scope of the invention, Thus it is intended that the scope of the invention be limited only by the following claims.