[0001] The present invention relates to a body cooling system and garment. More particularly but not exclusively it relates to a cooling jacket that carries a cooling system utilising ducting targeting specific areas of a wearer's body.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Cooling jackets are known. Such jackets typically use spacers to create a space between the body or undergarment and the jacket to allow airflow over substantially the entire surface of the body encased by the cooling jacket. For example EP 0490347A1 reports a jacket that is worn over clothing. The inside layer of the clothing has raised portions that create a space between the person's clothing and the jacket.

[0003] US 2001/0000849A1 reports a jacket that is formed of a material that contains channels linking to a fan, blower or impeller. The air flows close to the skin absorbing heat and moisture.

[0004] US 2007/0271939 and US 7, 120,938 report a jacket designed to facilitate parallel-to-body airflow that uses spacers to create a space between the skin or undergarment and the jacket.

[0005] US 8,082,596 also reports a jacket to be worn over the body designed to facilitate airflow over the entire body.

[0006] In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention.

Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a body cooling system and garment which at least provides the public with a useful choice. [0008] Other objects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention relates to a cooling system for or of a garment to cause stagnant air constrained between the garment and the body of the wearer at target areas of the body to advance, the system

comprising;

ducting to duct airflow from an air displacement device to at least two apertures each to release said airflow from said ducting at a said target area.

[0010] Accordingly, in another aspect the present invention relates to a wearable cooling system for regional cooling of parts of a human body comprising :

a manifold in fluid connection with and to distribute airflow from an air

displacement device to at least two target areas of a body of a person, the manifold having at least one aperture to release air from said manifold at or adjacent said target area.

[0011] Accordingly, in another aspect the present invention relates to a wearable cooling system for regional cooling of target areas of a human body comprising :

a manifold in fluid connection with and to distribute airflow from an air

displacement device to at least two target areas of a body of a person in a manner to displace localised air from each target area.

[0012] In some embodiments the target areas are selected from one or more of armpits, upper back and chest.

[0013] Accordingly, in another aspect the present invention relates to a personal ventilating garment to be worn and at least partially envelop a wearer comprising

fabric that defines an interior space and is sized to receive at least part of a wearer therein,

at least one duct formed from air impermeable fabric located in the interior space, each duct having an inlet and an outlet, that direct air to specific areas the wearer's body within the interior space of the garment, the specific areas selected from one or more of armpits, upper back and chest,

at least one ventilation unit that flows air into the inlet of the one or more ducts, and a power source that supplies electrical power to the one or more ventilation units.

[0014] Accordingly, in another aspect the present invention relates to the use of a personal ventilating garment to be worn and at least partially envelop a wearer, the garment comprising

a ventilation unit to deliver ambient air external from the body to between the body and the garment,

at least one passage to deliver air to specific areas from the ventilation unit via the at least one passage,

wherein when in use air flows from the ventilation unit via the at least one passage to specific areas of the wearer's body, selected from one or more of armpits, upper back and chest.

[0015] Accordingly, in another aspect the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a personal ventilating garment to be worn and at least partially envelop a wearer comprising

providing fabric that defines an interior space and is sized to receive at least part of a wearer therein,

incorporating into the interior lining of the jacket at least one duct formed from air impermeable fabric, each duct having an inlet and an outlet, that direct air to specific areas the wearer's body within the interior space of the garment, the specific areas selected from one or more of armpits, upper back and chest,

providing at least one ventilation unit that flows air into the inlet of the one or more ducts, and

providing a power source that supplies electrical power to one or more ventilation units.

[0016] Accordingly, in another aspect the present invention relates to a kit of parts for assembling a cooling jacket to be worn and at least partially envelop a wearer, the kit comprising

one or more ducts formed from air impermeable fabric having means to attach to the interior lining of the jacket,

one more ventilation units, and

a power source that supplies electrical power to one or more ventilation units.

[0017] The following embodiments may relate to any of the above aspects. [0018] In one embodiment the ducting is formed unitarily with the interior lining of the garment.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment the ducting is attached to the interior lining of the garment.

[0020] In some embodiments the fabric that forms the interior space is formed from formed from air impermeable fabric.

[0021] In some embodiments the ducting is removably attached to the interior lining of the jacket.

[0022] In some embodiments the ducting comprises multiple duct inlets. Preferably an inlet is chosen to connect to the ventilation unit based on its proximity to the ventilation unit.

[0023] In some embodiments the ducting comprises multiple duct inlets located in at least the lower left lateral lumbar area, the lower medial lumbar area, and the lower right lateral lumbar area.

[0024] In one embodiment the airflow of the at least one ventilation unit is about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17 cubic feet per minute (cfm). Preferably the airflow of the at least one ventilation unit is about 12 to about 15 cubic feet per minute (cfm).

[0025] In one embodiment, when not in use, the duct or ducts collapse to lay flat against the interior surface of the cooling jacket.

[0026] In one embodiment the jacket comprises one ventilation unit.

[0027] In one embodiment the jacket comprises at least two ventilation units.

[0028] In one embodiment the at least one ventilation unit is selected from either a fan or a blower.

[0029] In some embodiment the at least one ventilation unit is a blower.

[0030] In one embodiment the blower is connected to the inlet or inlets of the at least one duct. [0031] In some embodiments the at least one ventilation unit is located in the lumbar region of the jacket when in use.

[0032] In some embodiments the at least one ventilation unit is located in a location in the jacket selected from arms, chest, front lower abdomen, upper rear back, or a combination thereof.

[0033] In some embodiments the at least one ventilation unit is located in the left and/or right later lower back region of the jacket when in use.

[0034] In one embodiment the ventilation units are secured in the pocket by Velcro.

[0035] In one embodiment the blower provides about 10°C of cooling per at least 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 watts.

[0036] In one embodiment the blower provides about 10°C of cooling per about 14 watts.

[0037] In some embodiments the power source is located in the lower half of the jacket.

[0038] In some embodiments the power source is located in a pocket in the jacket.

[0039] In one embodiment the pocket for storing the power source is formed unitarily with the outer layer of the jacket.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment the pocket for storing the power source is attached to the outer layer of the jacket.

[0041] In one embodiment the power source is located in a housing, the housing externally attached to the jacket.

[0042] In one embodiment the external housing comprises a housing duct outlet that connects to the inlet of the one or more ducts.

[0043] In some embodiments the pocket for storing the power source has a channel to the interior space of the jacket.

[0044] In the embodiments that utilise multiple ventilation units, preferably each is connected to the power source simultaneously. [0045] In some embodiments the power source is a battery unit.

[0046] In some embodiments the battery stores about 6000, 6200, 6400, 6600, 6800, 7000, 7200, 7400, 7600, 7800, 8000, 8200, 8400, 8600, 8800, 9000, 9200, 9400, 9600, 9800 or 10000 mAh of charge.

[0047] In some embodiments the battery lasts at least 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or 10 hours before needing to be recharged following continuous use.

[0048] In some embodiments the power source comprises a speed control that allows the user to regulate the fan speed.

[0049] In one embodiment the air impermeable material is selected from polyester, polyester, polycotton, microfiber, Goretex, Dermaflex, Entrant or any combination thereof.

[0050] In one embodiment the jacket includes a front zip that runs from the bottom to the top of the jacket.

[0051] In one embodiment the jacket is a short sleeve jacket.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment the jacket is a long sleeved jacket.

[0053] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the

accompanying drawings.

[0054] The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0055] It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7).

[0056] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which :

[0058] Figure 1A is a depiction of a prior art cooling jacket that utilisers spacers that create a space between the person's clothing and the jacket to allow circulation of air.

[0059] Figure IB is a depiction of the Kucyoufuku long sleeved cooling jacket (http://www.9229.co.jp/).

[0060] Figure 2 is a depiction of a prior art cooling jacket that is designed to circulate airflow over the entire body.

[0061] Figure 3 is a cooling jacket of the present invention showing the front of the cooling jacket.

[0062] Figure 4 is a cooling jacket of the present invention showing the rear of the cooling jacket.

[0063] Figure 5 is a cooling jacket of the present invention showing the rear of the cooling jacket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0064] The present invention relates to a personal ventilating garment. It is formed from fabric that defines the jacket's interior space and is sized to receive a wearer therein. The jacket utilises a ducting system to distribute air to specific areas of the user's body. The specific areas are selected from the armpits, upper back and chest areas. The ducts are formed from air impermeable fabric and have an inlet and an outlet, receiving airflow from at least one ventilation unit that is powered from a power source. [0065] Cooling jackets, such as shown in Figures 1 and 2, operate on the basis of providing airflow across a substantial surface of the users body.

[0066] The present invention instead directs air to specific areas of the body, and not the entire surface of the users body within the cooling jacket. There are numerous advantages from such a design such as

■ more efficient cooling,

■ simpler jacket design, and

■ less energy use per unit of perceived cooling.

[0067] The cooling jacket of the present invention utilises internal ducting to direct the airflow to the places on the body that ensure that the body is cooled most efficiently in terms of

■ the amount of air required to cool the body, and

■ the manner in which the body senses heat and responds to the

requirements of heat dissipation.

[0068] In relation to the amount of air required to cool the body typically the aim is to provide a minimum of about 10 cfm at temperatures in excess of 10°C difference between the outside air temperature and the temperature of the wearers skin. Lower airflows are appropriate where the temperature difference is less than 10°C.

[0069] The cooling jacket 1 of the present invention is formed from an air impermeable fabric.

[0070] Examples of air impermeable material include polyester, polyester, polycotton, microfiber, Goretex, Dermaflex, Entrant or any combination thereof.

[0071] Use of air impermeable material ensures that substantially all of the air ducted internally remains within the cooling jacket 1.

[0072] In one embodiment the cooling jacket 1 includes a front zip 8 that runs from the bottom to the top of the cooling jacket 1.

[0073] The cooling jacket may incorporate a long or short sleeve or any length in between. [0074] In some embodiments the jacket is a long sleeved jacket stop.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment the jacket is a short sleeve jacket.

[0076] In some embodiments the cooling jacket 1 incorporates an elastic portion 7 at the bottom of the cooling jacket 1. This elastic portion forms a semi air permeable seal between the cooling jacket 1 and the clothing of the wearer.

[0077] In some embodiments the cooling jacket 1 is designed to be worn by the wearer and is enabled to be put on and taken off quickly through the use of the zip 8 at the front of the cooling jacket 1 that runs from the bottom to the top of the cooling jacket 1.

[0078] The cooling jacket 1 can be formed of a material having a suitable colour for the application that the wearer intends. For example, for applications requiring high visibility clothing the cooling jacket 1 will be constructed of a suitable non air permeable material that conforms to the colour and safety standards required. Should the cooling jacket 1 be required to be worn in a high heat manufacturing environment, the cooling jacket 1 can be constructed of a non air permeable material suitable for the actions of the wearer in terms of mobility.

[0079] The cooling jacket 1 incorporates the use of one or more ducts, one or more ventilation units, and one or more power sources.

[0080] The cooling jacket 1 incorporates one or more ducts. The ducts 2 direct the airflow from the ventilation unit or units 5 to specific areas of the wearers body. The specific areas for directing airflow to effect cooling are the armpits, upper back and chest area.

[0081] Each duct 2 has an inlet 3 and an outlet 4. The inlet 3 receives airflow from the ventilation unit or units 5. The duct outlet 4 distributes the airflow 9 towards the specific target the areas of users body, targeted for cooling.

[0082] In one embodiment the duct or ducts 2 are unitarily formed with the interior surface of the cooling jacket 1. For example, that ducts 2 may be attached to the interior surface of the cooling jacket 1 through any means known in the art. For example, by stitching to the interior lining of the cooling jacket 1, formed unitarily with the inner lining of the cooling jacket, or by being glued to the inner lining of the cooling jacket 1. [0083] In an alternative embodiment the duct or ducts 2 may be removeably attached to the interior surface of the cooling jacket 1. For example, through the use of clips, buttons, Velcro, or any other method known in the art. An advantage of this design is that it allows the duct or ducts to be retrofitted to jackets to convert the jacket to a cooling jacket 1.

[0084] In some embodiments the cooling jacket 1 comprises multiple ducts. At least one of the ducts 2 comprises an outlet 4 that terminates to provide airflow 9 from the ventilation unit or units 5 to at least one or more of the armpits, upper back, or chest regions. The location of the inlet 3 of the ducts or ducts 4 is dependent on the placement of the ventilation unit or units 5.

[0085] In some embodiments a single duct 2 services two or more of the areas to be cooled. For example, the duct has two or more outlets placed sequentially along the duct, each outlet opening to a target area. The duct may narrow along its length to maintain air velocity as air exits from the duct at each outlet. For example, the device may be constructed to have a duct that connects to the ventilation unit and extends to a first area to be cooled. At this area there is an aperture in the duct to allow air to pass from the duct to the area to be cooled. The duct continues to at least a second area to be cooled, but with a narrower cross-section to account for the decrease in air volume owing to the air that has escaped at the first outlet.

[0086] In one embodiment, in which the ventilation unit or units 5 are placed in the rear lumbar region, the duct or ducts to extend from the outlet region to the ventilation unit or units 5.

[0087] In some embodiments the duct or ducts 2 may incorporate junctions in which one or more additional ducts may separate to take airflow to another region or regions.

[0088] As shown in Figure 4, there is present separate ducts 2 each feeding airflow from separate ventilation units 5. The embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 utilise a ducting system comprising two outlets 4, one running vertically in the lateral portion of the rear jacket to provide airflow to the underarm and upper back regions, and a second duct having an outflow in the lower lateral front portion of the cooling jacket 1 to provide airflow to the underarm and chest region of the wearer.

[0089] In some embodiments the duct or ducts 2 may not be separated as shown in Figures 3 and 4. For example, the duct portions in the rear lateral portion of the jacket may connect such that a duct 2 runs across the full width of the lumbar region of the cooling jacket 1 as shown in Figure 5. In such embodiments there may be one or more ventilation units 5 to provide the airflow through the ducts 2. For example, as shown in Figure 5 a ventilation unit 5 may be placed in the left lumbar region, middle lumbar region, or the right lumbar region, or any combination of two or more of these regions.

[0090] The ducts 2 are preferably made from a material that is light and flexible, yet substantially air impermeable. For example, the duct or ducts 2 may be made polyester, polyester, polycotton, microfiber, Goretex, Dermaflex, Entrant or any combination thereof.

[0091] In one embodiment the ducts 2 have a cross-sectional area of about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 cm ² , and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values (for example, about 4 to about 12, about 4 to about 11, about 4 to about 10, about 4 to about 8, about 4 to about 7, about 4 to about 6, about 5 to about 12, about 5 to about 10, about 5 to about 9, about 5 to about 7, about 5 to about 6, about 6 to about 12, about 6 to about 10, about 6 to about 8, about 6 to about 7, about 7 to about 12, about 7 to about 10, about 7 to about 9, about 8 to about 12, about 8 to about 10, about 8 to about 9, about 9 to about 12 or about 9 to about 11 cm ² ).

[0092] In one embodiment the airflow through the duct or ducts 2 is about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 cubic feet per minute (cfm), and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values (for example, about 3 to about 17, about 3 to about 15, about 3 to about 14, about 3 to about 12, about 3 to about 10, about 3 to about 9, about 3 to about 7, about 3 to about 5, about 4 to about 17, about 4 to about 46, about 4 to about 13, about 4 to about 11, about 4 to about 8, about 4 to about 6, about 5 to about 17, about 5 to about 15, about 5 to about 14, about 5 to about 12, about 5 to about 8, about 57, about 6 to about 17, about 6 to about 16, about 6 to about 15, about 6 to about 10, about 6 to about 8, about 7 to about 17, about 7 to about 15, about 7 to about 13, about 7 to about 10, about 8 to about 17, about 8 to about 14, about 8 to about 12, about 8 to about 10, about 9 to about 17, about 9 to about 16, about 9 to about 14, about 9 to about 12, about 10 to about 17, about 10 to about 14, about 10 to about 12, about 11 to about 17, about 11 to about 14, about 11 to about 13, about 12 to about 17, about 12 to about 15, about 13 to about 17, about 13 to about 16, about 13 to about 14, about 14 to about 17, about 14 to about 16, about 15 to about 17, or 16 to about 17 cfm).

[0093] In one embodiment, when in the absence of airflow, the interior surface of the cooling jacket 1 about the duct or ducts 2 falls substantially flat against the wearer. 1. e. it is only the thickness of the duct 2 material that separates the interior surface of the cooling jacket 1 from the surface of the wearer's body (whether skin or clothing). This provides an advantage over other designs since when not in use the cooling jacket can be used no differently to a standard jacket. This is clearly an advantage over those jackets that use spacers to create a ventilation airflow space, and are therefore more bulky.

[0094] The cooling jacket 1 may comprise one or more ventilation units 5.

[0095] In one embodiment the ventilation unit or units 5 are positioned in the lower lumbar region of the cooling jacket 1. The cooling jacket 1, when comprising multiple ventilation units, may distribute the ventilation units 5. For example, one of the ventilation units 5 may be placed on the lower left lumbar region and the second may be placed in the lower right lumbar region of the cooling jacket 1.

[0096] In some embodiments the ventilation unit 5 sits in a pocket within the interior surface of the cooling jacket 1. For example, the pocket may be formed that unitarily with the interior lining of the cooling jacket 1 or may be removably attached to the interior lining of the cooling jacket 1.

[0097] The outlet of the ventilation unit 5 connects to the inlet 3 of the duct or ducts

2. For example, in some embodiments the ventilation unit outlet may insert into the inlet 3 of the duct or ducts 2.

[0098] In some embodiments the ventilation unit spans the air impermeable material sourcing outside air and transporting the air into the interior region of the jacket into the inlet 3 of a duct or ducts 2. For example, for a fan based ventilation unit 5 the fan and fan housing may be located in the interior part of the jacket and accesses outside air through an aperture in the jacket. Preferably the jacket air impermeable material is sandwiched between the housing of the ventilation unit 5 and an exterior flange that connects to the interior housing of the ventilation unit 5. For example, the exterior flange may include a grill that allows entry of air into the ventilation unit 5 protects the fans from accidental contact.

[0099] In one embodiment the ventilation unit 5 is connected to the inlet or inlets of the at least one duct 2.

[00100] In one embodiment the ventilation units are secured in the pocket by Velcro. [0100] In one embodiment the blower provides about 10°C of cooling per at least 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 watts, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values (for example, about 10 to about 20, about 10 to about 18, about 10 to about 16, about 10 to about 14, about 10 to about 12, about 11 to about 20, about 11 to about 18, about 11 to about 17, about 11 to about 15, about 11 to about 14, about 12 to about 20, about 12 to about 18, about 12 to about 16, about 12 to about 14, about 13 to about 20, about 13 to about 19, about 13 to about 15, about 13 to about 14, about 14 to about 20, about 14 to about 19, about 14 to about 18, about 14 to about 17, about 14 to about 16, about 15 to about 20, about 15 to about 18, about 15 to about 17, about 16 to about 20, about 16 to about 19, about 17 to about 20, about 17 to about 30 or about 18 to about 20 watts) .

[0101] In an alternate embodiment the ventilation unit 5 acts to suck air out of the cooling jacket. In such an embodiment airflow is generated over the specific areas of cooling as air is sucked into the ducts 2 and out of the cooling jacket via the ventilation unit. Airflow into the cooling jacket is via openings in the jacket that may be present near the use of specific cooling, or through openings in the cooling jacket for the arms and head .

[0102] In one embodiment the at least one ventilation unit is selected from either a fan or a blower.

[0103] In some embodiments the at least one ventilation unit 5 is a blower. A blower (centrifugal fan) moves air at right angles to its rotating axis and creates higher pressures than that of the axial flow fan and is applied in applications with higher resistance to the air flow, such as air conditioning or situations where ducting is utilised . A blower consists of a wheel with small blades on the circumference and a shroud to di rect and control the air flow into the centre of the wheel and out at the periphery. The blades move the air by centrifugal force, literally throwing the air out of the wheel at the periphery, creating suction inside the wheel . The action of creating the centrifugal force effectively compresses the air and forces the air out the exit channel under pressure.

[0104] In one embodiment the blower is a "backward inclined" centrifugal blower. The blade configuration of this design delivers a linear power usage curve with respect to variations in pressure.

[0105] In some embodiments the ventilation unit is an axial fan . An axial fan moves air along the rotating axis and displaces air from one point to another and is therefore suitable for applications in low pressure situations such as disbursement of air in a room or cooling a defined area with minimum impairments to airflow.

[0106] In some embodiments the power source is located in the lower half of the jacket. The power source can be located anywhere in the jacket provided it can connect electrically with the ventilation unit. Typically, the lower half of the jacket provides a convenient placement that ensures that the power source does not obstruct the wearer when carrying out task while wearing the cooling jacket.

[0107] In some embodiments the power source is located in a pocket in the jacket. The pocket can be on the outside of the jacket, and comprise an associated electrical connection (via a channel or aperture in the jacket if required) to the ventilation unit.

[0108] In one embodiment the pocket for storing the power source is formed unitarily with the outer layer of the jacket.

[0109] In an alternative embodiment the pocket for storing the power source is attached to the outer layer of the jacket. This is particularly useful when retrofitting an existing jacket to become a cooling jacket.

[0110] In the embodiments that utilise multiple ventilation units 5, preferably each is connected to the power source 6 simultaneously. The connection will typically be via an electrical connection (i .e. wiring) . The wiring can be held in place to the inner surface of the cooling jacket by fasteners such as Velcro loops, ties, or any other method known in the art.

[0111] In some embodiments the power source 6 comprises a speed control that allows the user to regulate the fan speed . The user can then regulate the level of cooling that is provided by adjusting the fan speed .

[0112] In some embodiments the power source is a battery unit.

[0113] In some embodiments the battery stores about 6000, 6200, 6400, 6600, 6800, 7000, 7200, 7400, 7600, 7800, 8000, 8200, 8400, 8600, 8800, 9000, 9200, 9400, 9600, 9800 or 10000 mAh of charge, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values (for example, about 6000 to about 10000, about 6000 to about 9400, about 6000 to about 7800, about 6000 to about 7400, about 6000 to about 7000, about 6400 to about 10000, about 6400 to about 9000, about 6400 to about 7800, about 6400 to about 7200, about 7000 to about 10000, about 7000 to about 9200, about 7000 to about 8400, about 7000 to about 7800, about 7000 to about 7600, about 7400 to about 10000, about 7400 to about 8800, about 7400 to about 8000, about 7800 to about 10000, about 7800 to about 9400, about 7800 to about 8800, about 7800 to about 8200, about 8200 to about 10000, about 8200 to about 9000, about 9000 to about 10000 or about 9200 to about 10000 mAh of charge) .

[0114] In some embodiments the battery lasts at least 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or 10 hours before needing to be recharged following continuous use, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values (for example, about 6 to about 10, about 6 to about 8.5, about 6 to about 8, about 6 to about 7.5, about 6 to about 7, about 7 to about 10, about 7 to about 9, about 7 to about 8.5, about 7 to about 8, about 7 to about 7.5, about 7.5 to about 10, about 7.5 to about 9, about 7.5 to about 8.5, about 7.5 to about 8, about 8 to about 10, about 8 to about 9, about 8.5 to about 10, about 8.5 to about 9.5 or about 9 to about 10 hours before needing to be recharged following continuous use) .

15] Typically, the power output of the battery is 12 volts at 1200 mA.

EXAMPLE

[0116] This example compares the cooling jacket of the present invention, that circulates air to specific areas of the user's body, to a Kucyoufuku long sleeved cooling jacket (http ://www.9229.co.jp/), whose general design is shown in Figure I B. The jacket uti lises two radial fans that are located on either side of the lower back region. The jacket does not use a venting system : the fans vent directly into the space between the jacket and the wearer's body.

[0117] The jacket of the present invention that was tested is substantially as shown i n Figures 3 to 5. The jackets used two fan blowers located on either side of the lower back, connected to ducting that distributed the blown air to the armpit regions and upper back region .

[0118] Ten subjects were used to test the two jackets. Each subject tested both jackets by wearing the jacket in a room held at 40°C and 39% humidity for 5 min.

[0119] The users then recorded their assessment of effectiveness (how they felt that the jacket cooled them and how effective the jacket was) using a scale from 1 to 10, 1 being not effective and 10 being highly effective. [0120] The results are shown below in Table 1.

Table 1. Table showing the effectiveness of the Kucyoufuku jacket versus the jacket of the present invention.

Test Rating for Japanese Rating for Jacket of

subject Jacket present invention

1 1 4

2 2 6

3 2 6

4 1 6

5 2 7

6 2 5

7 4 5

8 3 7

9 1 7

10 2 7

Average 2 6*

* P = <0.01 (paired t-test)

[0121] The results shown in Table 1 demonstrate that the jacket of the present invention was significantly more effective than the Kucyoufuku long sleeved cooling jacket.

[0122] The electrical performance of the two jackets was also tested. [0123] The measurements demonstrated that

^■ Both jackets use a very similar amount of power on all speed settings.

^■ The jacket of the present invention is able to move 65% more air at the lowest speed and 39% more air at speed 2. Above this both units move the same amount of air.

[0124] In terms of overall power consumption and power usage, both units are very similar. However, given the jackets are typically used at low speed, the jacket of the present invention will be able to shift more air at the lower speed setting means that wearers can move more air at lower speeds and therefore run the unit on a lower speed and gain the same advantages in cooling. [0125] Table 2 below shows the airflow and power usage for the jacket of the present invention.

Fan speed Power usage Airflow

(watts) (litres/sec)

1 1.75 6.75

2 2.66 10.30

3 3.31 12.80

4 5.01 19.35

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

[0126] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

[0127] Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and/or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.