WO1999037174A1 - Personal heating system for coverall - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-contained personal heating system which can be integrated into a coverall-type garment. The system essentially comprises a network of small flexible pipes (1) configured as a closed circuit starting in a detachable heating unit (2), which is attached over the chest of the user and supplies hot water to two thin storage pads located at the level of the kidneys (8) and abdomen (9). Moving out of the two storage pads in "downflow" tubes the water descends to the level of the feet, passing through two connecting points (10) fitted with non-return valves. Each time the user takes a step the water enters pressure soles which are the starting point for the "upflow" tubes through which the water returns to the storage pad of the heating unit, and so on.

Description

 INDIVIDUAL HEATING SYSTEM FOR B COMBINATION

The present invention essentially relates to a heating system, individual and autonomous, adapting in a specially designed combination.

To combat the cold, the human body has its own defense and backup system that succeeds chills and tremors: peripheral vasoconstriction.

Independently of the will, the organism "sacrifices" its extremities by reducing the diameter of the vessels, which ipso facto causes the withdrawal of blood, the bleaching of the limbs, the loss of heat, frostbite, then the frostbite of the deep cells and its consequence, tissue necrosis. Since time immemorial, man has therefore always sought to maintain his own warmth by covering himself and from animal skins of origins to modern sophisticated clothing the principle has remained the same: keep as much as possible the calories produced.

However, this reflex of accumulating layers of clothing has the drawback of hampering movement and therefore adversely affecting work performance, a phenomenon aggravated when the fingers that have become heavy and clumsy are a source of recognized risks.

Also, the present invention aims to remedy the above drawbacks by providing new comfort through added heat in sensitive areas including the kidneys, abdomen and extremities. This innovation started from a simple observation _: any person who walks exerts on the ground the pressure of the weight of his body and generally, the bigger this person is, the more his weight is important and the more this pressure is strong. It is therefore sufficient to use this alternating pressure in a simple, economical and safe system for circulating water, constantly heated, in a closed circuit in a garment equipped with an appropriate device, compact, light and not very fragile.

To this end, the present invention essentially relates to an individual and autonomous heating system, adapting in a specially designed combination.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention.

- Figure 1 shows the external appearance of the front combination. - Figure 2 (dito) is a schematic view of the closed circuit inside the suit. The direction of the descent of the water is concretized by: the direction of the rise is concretized by: _. ._._._._._._._.

- Figure 3 showing the rear and inner side of the suit, locates the position of the tubes, the back tank cushion and the clipped junction sockets.

- Figure h shows the pressure base, its upstream and downstream pipes and the situation of the clipped socket.

- Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the clipped socket, connected. ~ Figure 7 shows the electric heater.

- Figure 8 the catalytic combustion calorie generator.

- Figure 9 illustrates the solid fuel system.

- Figure 10 shows the device operating on liquid fuel. - Figure 6 shows the neck tank ₍ its connection to the heating unit as well as the water charge valve. According to another characteristic of this device, a network of small flexible pipes (1 of the type used for drips of medical infusions, integrated into the lining of the suit and arranged in a closed circuit, allows the circulation of heated water. According to another characteristic of this device, a small removable heating unit (2) located OUTSIDE the suit, at chest level, maintains this circulating water at the appropriate temperature.

Shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped (Fig. 7) described below, it consists of a metallic aluminum tank, light and excellent conductor of heat. This small space-saving heating unit is connected to the INTERIOR water circulation network by means of two junction sockets (3.4), of course watertight if they are unclipped, and placed just above and below the said unity.

The top outlet is supplied with water from a flat tubular tank located in the neck of the suit (5), therefore around the neck of the person wearing the garment. Acting as an "expansion vessel", this flexible tank interrupted by the closure system of the said neck (Fig. 6) is the place of mixing of the liquid and therefore absorbs the inevitable pressure variations.

Starting from the bottom outlet, two pipes (6-7) supply water to two tank cushions, each the size of a hot water bottle, with a padded appearance and of low thickness. Held in place in mesh pockets, they are arranged in the combination one at the level of the rems (8) the other at the level of the abdomen (9).

It will be specified here that each of these 2 water inlet pipes, coming from the heating unit, enters each of these flexible tank cushions at a high angle thereof, the evacuation of the said water being made at the opposite diagonal, in the bottom corner of this same tank, by another small pipe which, then passing through a welded sheath, descends along each of the legs of the suit, following the seam on the hip side. The height offset of the heating unit and the two tank cushions is sufficient for the water to descend by gravity from one to the other.

According to another characteristic of this device, this down pipe or downstream pipe, having exceeded the level of the knee, turns in front of the tibia to be in the internal position, required by the device, up to a small clipped junction socket located at mid height - calf (10)

It will be observed in the description which follows and refers to the appended drawings, given only by way of example, that this clipped socket (Fig. 5) consists of two equal parts which couple and allow the continuity of the circuit. In addition it is provided with two tiny valves very close to each other. The downstream valve (11) lets water pass in the direction of descent but prevents it from going back up, conversely, the upstream valve (12) authorizes its passage in the direction of ascent but prevents it from going back down .

Referring to Figure 4 it is clear that the lower part of this socket is the beginning of the shoe part of this device. In fact, according to another characteristic of this assembly, the downstream pipe previously cited and starting from this outlet, descends passing by the ankle to the level of the sole of the shoe.

In the shoe, placed on the sole and of the same shape is a flexible and resistant sole - double walled and welded around its perimeter to withstand high pressures. Similarly, the two walls of this insole are spot welded in "tight" padding. Figure 4 also shows, arranged at the arch of the foot and barring the middle of this sole, the position of two thin rubber lips (13) which prevent the water entering this double sole, from going back. It is also necessary to observe the entry position of the downstream pipe in this sole, under the arch but on the heel side, near the "dam" and oriented towards the bottom of it (14) "The same figure 4 specifies in dotted the situation between welds, of the evacuation passage of said water (15). Starting from the level of the second toe, it leaves the sole bypassing it up to the level of the ankle, then goes up by the upstream pipe to the clipped socket; note here that the downstream and upstream pipes are tightly coupled, the latter being of a slightly larger diameter to facilitate the evacuation of water.

Finally, it is advisable to point out here that the positions entered under the arch of the foot and exit from the end do not cause any discomfort to the walker.

Figures 2 and 3 schematically illustrate the path of the upstream pipe which, after passing through the clipped mid-calf grip (10) goes all the clothing up to the neck reservoir where it enters via a unscrewable grip located vertically 6

of the mid-scapula. The path is the same for each pipe coming from each leg.

It will be noted that on this path of the rising pipe, a junction T (17) is the start of a single pipe (18) going to the wrist where it ends in a small clipped socket (19). This socket allows the coupling of mittens or heated gloves. Each mitt, waterproof, is the case of a glove, also waterproof, permanently installed inside, one being welded to the other at the wrist and around its periphery, but can be supplied by the small clipped socket opposite the back of the hand.

Obviously, the principle is the same with double gloves the advantage of the latter being greater agility of the fingers for the user, the defect being a much lower quantity of liquid therefore a more frequent renewal. One of the important characteristics of the invention described here is undoubtedly the particularity of the heating system which allows the interchangeability of FOUR different heat sources. These heating units, of configuration, of dimensions and therefore of similar volume, are in the form of a flat parallelepiped which slides easily into the breast pocket (of conventional dimensions) of the suit.

This formula has several advantages: 1 ° - The connection of the water inlet and outlet pipes is identical and is done quickly. 2 ° - The re-supply of heat sources is fast and safe. 3 ° - Monitoring these sources is simple and natural. 4 ° - Interchangeability is easy.

To make it easier to read the description of the 4 systems, many of which are identical, these are designated by the capital letters - A - B - C - D - 7

Figure 7 is a schematic overall perspective view of the electrical resistance heating device according to the present invention (A).

Figure 8 is a schematic overall perspective view of the catalysis heating device according to the present invention (B).

Figure 9 is a schematic overall perspective view of the solid fuel heating device according to the present invention (C).

Figure 10 is a schematic overall perspective view of the liquid fuel heating device according to the present invention (D).

With reference to FIG. 7 and according to a characteristic of the invention, this first device is very simple. The electrical resistance (A.l) supplied by belt batteries (A.2) (Fig.7A) when energized, heats the liquid. Mounted on a watertight cap (A.5), this resistance, which takes the form of a spiral U in its center (A.6), is regulated by a thermostat (A.7). The resistance and the thermostat, adapted to watertight caps, are screwed on the upper side of the tank and plunge into the central part of it.

The tank respects the proportions of the devices described below but its heat source (resistance) using only very little volume, it is necessary to fill the free space, for example with polystyrene beads (A.8) between which the water circulates freely thus avoiding excessive weight due to the excessive volume of liquid. The water arrives in the tank through a flexible tubing (A. 3) located on the top of said tank and is evacuated by an identical tubing (A.) located on the opposite side, at the bottom of it (A. 11) an inner pipe (A.12) forces the latter to flow diagonally to make the most of the calories released. 8

According to another characteristic of the invention, the second device (Fig. 8) finds its source of heat in catalysis. Made up of two parts, this consists of a double wall aluminum "case" (Bl). At two thirds of its height, this profile is provided with an air grille (B.2) arranged longitudinally in face of which, on the opposite side, are drilled a few holes ensuring the circulation of air. Of course, the sealing of this container case is completely ensured and the water arriving through the junction socket (B.3) circulates freely between the walls very close to each other before leaving by the other socket. (B.4).

This aluminum profile is a receptacle intended to receive another parallelepiped which is the heating part of the device. The latter is a flat "container-drawer" (B.5) also made of aluminum closed on 5 sides and the sixth side of which is a cover (B.6) on which are arranged pocket heater burners (B .7) These flameless burners, operating by catalysis, are easily installed by clipping onto suitable supports (B.9). Depending on the desired number (maximum 7) these removable burners can be replaced by closure plugs (B.8) Hydrophilic cotton fills the tank and thus receives the fuel (refined petrol known as "lighter" exactly like pocket heaters used for decades by fishermen and hunters). Obviously, depending on the number of burners used, the heat produced is more or less strong and the said fuel consumed more or less quickly, but however this time is measured in hours. The filling of the tank is done by removing one of the burners or the plug which replaces it (B.9) and pouring into the orifice.

When, after lighting with a flame, the selected burners are operating, it suffices to slide the heating device into the profile like a drawer. The burners are then positioned opposite the ventilation holes, thus allowing efficient combustion in a practical system.

Note that the chest pocket of the suit is of course open on the "loading" side. The other opposite side being not made of fabric but of net which allows the free passage of air. One of the advantages of this system, in addition to its great ease of use is, without question, its economic side because this type of catalysis is low fuel consumer and provides, in addition, regular heating practically odorless. ,, - Let us refer to Figure 9 which schematically illustrates the third heating system. This uses solid type fuel which is easily carried in a pocket.

Again it is a "drawer" which slides into its container. Still made up of a parallelepiped, the latter is also a double-walled tank (Cl) which, apart from the 2 water inlet and outlet ports, is completely sealed.

Said water circulates freely between the 2 walls very close to each other but a partition located on the top side of the receptacle (C.2) will force it to follow a circuit allowing it to receive the maximum of calories.

The "drawer", a heat source, is also a suitable parallelepiped, the opposite ends of which are pierced with ventilation holes (C.5) and protected by a fine steel mesh (C.5 ^N. 10

On the top of this "drawer" a hatch (C.7) uses almost the entire length to allow fuel to be loaded,

The latter, ignited by a flame, has a regular slow and safe combustion. The very weak fumes which emanate from it, diffuse immediately into the ambient air and do not cause any discomfort to the user.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the fourth heating system also includes a container in the form of a double-walled water tank but, as shown in FIG. 10, the overall appearance of said tank differs from the previous ones . Indeed, this device uses a secure flame for heat source which implies good air circulation. For this purpose, the end of this double-walled tank is in the form of a "chimney" which ensures the circulation of air (D.l) (the circulation of the latter is represented by 2 parallel arrows). In its upper part, this "chimney" is divided into 2 flexible tubing conduits adapted and integrated into the suit, which open behind the head of the person wearing this garment (Fig. 7A) so that the small quantity of oxide and the slight smell of combustion is not a nuisance for her.

As in the device illustrated in Figure 9 the tank is provided for its upper part with a "corridor" forcing the water which arrives through the inlet pipe (-j.3) to follow the top of said avar tank. t to descend, to diffuse between the walls of the latter and then to evacuate via the lower tube (7), 4).

The heating part (D.5) again uses the "drawer" principle. Indeed according to another characteristic of the invention 11

that one can observe by referring to Figure 10 we see that it consists of a closed tank on 5 sides, provided with a filling orifice (D.6) located on the top. On this same side and in the center of the tank, is welded a flat wick holder (D.7) whose width allows to introduce a wick of classic kerosene lamp, in woven cotton.

The lower end of the wick plunges into the tank filled with cotton wool. Crossing the wick about half its length, a metal wire (D.8) which descends along the burner, allows the user to slightly pull it up when its end is charred.

According to another characteristic of the invention, with reference to FIG. 10, it can be seen that a small flat frame (D.9) is welded to the end of the tank and that it carries a very fine metallic trellis ( variant of the DAVY system) which is pressed against the edge of the profile when the "tank-drawer" is put in place.

After filling the tank with αe denatured alcohol, it rises in the wick by capillarity and allows the ignition of the latter thanks to a flame. The "drawer" being pushed into place, the air circuit passes through the trellis pu s is evacuated by the "chimney" ensuring the draft and the proper functioning of the system.

In the last 3 devices described, the container-drawer is obviously in contact, metal against metal, with its receiver which ensures an excellent transfer of calories. 12

Operation.

We will already have understood that this system uses in particular two simple and natural principles, gravity and pressure while its network of thin flexible pipes can make one think of that of veins and arteries.

When the person wearing this type of suit wants to take advantage of this integrated heating, they only need to pour about 1 half liter of water through the charging valve (8) (Fig. 6). Immediately it is distributed throughout the system; then a calorie generator being in service the temperature of the liquid contained will rise regularly. Then when the person walks or moves, the water descends continuously by gravity in the tubes along the legs to the two clip-on junction sockets (10}

Passing the descent valve (11), said water arrives at the level of the foot where, at each step, it enters the pressure sole under the arch (14). The heel resting on the ground it is chased towards the front of the sole by passing the check valve (13) (it should be noted that, for a so-called average man, this pressure exerted by the heel is 2 to 3 kgs per Cm2). The metatarsus of the walker coming in turn to press on the sole, the pressurized water takes the passage then the rapid evacuation pipe (15) passes the plug clipped by the Upstream valve (12) and goes back to the top of the garment where it is projected into the reservoir neck. From there it goes back down into the heating unit where it takes up the calories lost and so on ... If the wearer of the suit wants to use mittens or gloves, these being outside the permanent circuit, he will have to, having put them on and clipped them, either clench your fist to expel the water or raise your arm. Immediately the heated liquid replaces the other . If the person is in a sitting position, the system works by simply exerting pressure on each foot from time to time.

Finally, experience has shown that at the start of use, it only takes ten minutes for the water contained in the circuit to rise to around 30 ° and that this temperature stabilizes due to the heat maintained.

We have therefore produced according to the invention, an individual and autonomous heating system, but also simple, economical, very effective in particular for the extremities and capable of providing better comfort in terms of work and leisure.

Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example.

On the contrary, the invention includes all the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their variants if these are carried out in his mind.

Claims

1. Heating system, individual and autonomous, adapted in a garment designed for this purpose and characterized by an intake of calories especially diffused in the kidneys, abdomen and extremities, and of the type comprising a combination of work or leisure, support of a network of small flexible pipes integrated into the suit and arranged in a closed circuit thanks in particular to clipped junction sockets (10-19) in order to allow circulation of water drawn by a pressure of simple and natural origin, heated by means of a removable heating unit (2) but integral with said combination. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the starting point of the circuit is a flexible, tubular reservoir (5) concealed in the collar of the garment and whose role is to receive the tubing from the soles, so that the water which reaches him either by simple gravity, reintegrated into the circuit through the junction socket (3) located under the chin of the user. 3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that pressure soles (Fig. 4) arranged in the shoes or boots, ensure by natural order of walking, said pressure to the circulating water, for its rise in the tank of the heating unit (2) after its descent by gravity. Said soles, at the size of the shoe, made up of two flexible but very resistant walls, welded on the periphery and by "padded" points include at the place of the arch and barring the whole sole, two lips of thin rubber (13) which prevent the water from going back. 4. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that clipped sockets (10) comprising non-return valves (11-12) and located at the junction of the shoe part, in addition to the sole barrier (13) oblige said water to complete its circuit. The wrist clipped sockets (19) being only junction devices without flaps. 5. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the intake of calories at the rems and the abdomen is due to the presence of two cushions-tanks located on the circuit and held in place in mesh pockets. 6. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the circulating water is heated by means of the heating unit (2) whose calories are generated by 4 different processes but of identical volume and similar configuration, in the form of a flat rectangular parallelepiped slipping into the breast pocket of said combination. 7. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the first method is a system which consists of a sealed tank (Fig. 7) where an electrical resistance (A.l) and its regulating thermostat (A.7) are immersed; these are adapted to tight plugs screwed on top of said tank. At the bottom of the latter an inner tube (A.12) forces the water to cross the container diagonally. The electrical resistance is supplied by belt batteries (A.2). 8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the 2nd system (Fig. 8) is composed of a receptacle part where the water circulates freely and which consists of a profile to 16 double aluminum wall (B.l) fitted with an air grille (B.2) which allows catalytic combustion provided by the heating part. The latter consists of a container-drawer (B.5) closed with a cover (B.6) on which are arranged in line small pocket heater burners (B.7) removable and operating in the usual way; the assembly slides into the receptacle part. 9. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the 3rd system (Fig.) Consists of a double-walled tank of welded aluminum and like the previous sealed except for the inlet orifices (C.3) and departure (C.4) of the circulating water. The heating part is also a flat container-drawer whose two opposite ends facing each other are pierced with ventilation holes (C.5) protected by a fine steel trellis (C.6) a hatch (C.7) located on the top allows easy supply of solid solid fuel which, when lit, heats the unit when the drawer is in place. 10. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the 4th system (Fig. 10) consists of a receptacle which is also a double-walled water tank equipped with junctions (D.3 and D.4) d arrival and departure of the liquid but whose end (Dl) in the form of a chimney, allows the efficient draft of the combustion. object of the heating part (D.5) this consists of a flat container-drawer the top of which is provided with a filling orifice (D.6) and a wick holder welded in its center (D.7) this plunging wick allows the combustion of denatured alcohol. A security grid (D.9) protects this heat source.