The invention relates to a device for conserving heat from a person and a method for conserving heat from a person.

In many outdoor sports such as soccer and hockey, a team includes both active/field players and substitute players. The substitute players take their places on the reserves' bench after the warming up and must be ready at a moments notice to replace an injured field player during the match, for example.

Although substitute players often have performed a warming up and use blankets to remain warm, substitute players have an increased risk of injury due to their inactivity on the reserves' bench.

From US 2003/0034674, a seat cushion for spectators is known, which has a built-in leg warmer to envelop a users legs. The cushion is openable and subsequently a leg warmer can be pulled out from the lower end of the cushion to envelop the legs of a user. In order to adapt the envelop to the length of a users legs, the envelop is extendible in length by means of a zipper near the bottom of the envelop. Opening the zipper allows an additional length of material to be pulled out.

A disadvantage of the cushion according to the invention, especially when it is used by (professional) sportsmen, is that the seat cushion is bulky, cumbersome and difficult to clean.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device to prevent or at least reduce these disadvantages.

This object is achieved with the device according to the invention that conserves heat from a person, the device comprising:

a bottom element having a bottom;

a side wall having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the bottom element and the side wall extending from the first end towards the second end over a length;

wherein the bottom element and the side wall enclose an inner space having an open end near or at the second end, with the open end being configured for substantially closing around a waist of the person, wherein the side wall is at least partially manufactured from a heat insulating material, wherein the bottom element additionally comprises a wall part that extends in a direction away from the bottom and extends along substantially the entire circumference of the bottom for forming a tub-like structure that is configured for placement of feet of the person, and wherein the first end of the at least one side wall is connected to the substantially upwardly directed wall part of the bottom element therewith forming a substantially closed perimeter around the inner space and the device further comprising: a connecting element capable of releasably connecting an upper end of the upwardly directed wall part to or near the first end of the side wall.

In the device according to the invention the tub-like structure and the insulated side wall provide a substantially closed perimeter around an inner space in which the bodily warmth of the substitute player is preserved, preferably by defining a bag-like shape. By using the device according to the invention, the cooling off of a substitute player, especially the legs of that player, is significantly reduced. This reduces the risk of injury when the substitute player has to immediately replace an injured field player, for example. Furthermore, since a substitute player is kept warm through use of the device, the need for an extensive warming-up during the match before being able to replace a field player in a regular substitution is obviated or at least reduced This provides a coach with improved flexibility in the timing of replacements.

The improved flexibility and speed of substitution is, amongst others, facilitated by providing the tub-like structure of the bottom element to be connected to or near the first end of side wall using a connection that is (at least partially) releasable. This construction has the major advantage that it allows a substitute player to adjust and/or check on his footwear without having to remove himself from the inner space of the device. Instead, the substitute player can partially or completely release the connection to provide an opening for adjusting his footwear, while still allowing most of the heat in the device to be preserved. This is especially advantageous considering the fact that a substitute player is required to check and/or adjust his footwear before entering the playing field.

Another advantage is that the device is adaptable to weather conditions, user preferences and/or other circumstances. During periods of frost, a tub-like structure having additional insulation may be used, which can be replaced with a tub-like structure without insulation during periods of moderate temperatures. Similarly, the side wall may be adapted to the type of weather, such a rain, fog and clear cold weather for example. Furthermore, the tub-like structure and the side wall in the device according to the invention may be manufactured from different materials, wherein the materials are preferably adapted to the intended use. The tub-like structure in which the players feet are placed, may for example be made of plastic or insulated plastic that can easily be cleaned using plain water, whereas the side wall may be made of cotton, wool or other materials that may be machine-washed. Also, when more suitable materials become available, these can directly and easily be exchanged with the materials currently in use.

The tub-like structure of the bottom element may also be releasably connected to or near the first end of the side wall over the entire circumference of the bottom wall part. This achieves the additional advantage of a more flexible device in which the side wall can be completely disconnected from the bottom element, for example for cleaning and/or washing in a laundry machine. The tub-like structure may be cleaned using a different process or a similar process, depending on the materials used in the manufacturing.

Furthermore, the tub-like structure or the side wall may be replaced separately when either one needs replacement. This may for example occur in case of extensive wear on the tub-like structure due to the profile of the footwear or when the team is provided with a different sponsor, thus requiring the logo on the side wall to be replaced.

Preferably, the wall part of the bottom element is connected to or near the first end of the side wall using a suitable connection element, such as a zipper, Velcro. button-and-loop- connections, press studs. Preferably, the connection element is configured to provide a wind- resistant connection. The connection element may also be combined with a flange on either one of the side wall or the bottom wall part to cover the connection element and provide a wind-resistant connection.

Furthermore, a player that is substituted after having played cools down more regularly when using the device of the invention. This regulated cooling down may also reduce the risk of injuries.

Also, the device according to the invention provides a person with an improved comfort as compared to a blanket, because it encloses the player from the waist down and does not slide off. Another advantage is that the device according to the invention, when used by all substitute players on the reserves' bench provides a unified and organized view. This view also provides an opportunity for the team sponsors to show their logo's in a unified manner.

The bottom of the bottom element of the device according to the invention may be provided in different shapes, such as a circle, a square or rectangle or a polygon shape. The upwardly directed wall part of the bottom element that extends away from the bottom may comprise an upwardly folded part of the bottom wall and/or a separate part that is integrally connected to the bottom wall. The upwardly folded part is preferably constructed to form an integral wall that extends along the entire circumference of the bottom wall forming a closed tublike structure. If the bottom wall is provided with a shape including one or more corners and/or edges, the upwardly directed wall part of the bottom element may comprise multiple wall parts that are integrally connected to each other, for example by stitching, sewing, glueing or melting.

In an embodiment, the bottom wall part may be insulated and/or be provided with additional insulating material in order to provide additional heat preservation and resistance against cold that encroaches from the ground up. This is especially advantageous for players and/or staff that are near an edge of the playing field that is open to the wind and/or in cold weather conditions such as frost and/or low temperatures.

Optionally, the device may be provided with an outer pocket that is connected to an outer side of the side wall, wherein the outer pocket is adapted for placement of the hands of the person to prevent cooling off of said hands. Preferably, the outer pocket is provided with two openings that are directed sideways with respect to a centre line of the inner space to allow easy insertion of the hands into the outer pocket. However, a single opening may also be provided, which opening is preferably directed upward. The outer pocket may be manufactured from a wind-proof material and may optionally be provided with a lining made of insulating material.

In a further embodiment of the invention the device comprises a recloseable opening that is provided over at least part of the length of the side wall, wherein the recloseable opening may be configured to allow the person to step into the inner space of the device. The device may also be provided with a closing element that is connected to the recloseable opening for recloseably opening the recloseable opening.

By providing a recloseable opening in the side wall, the person using the device, for example a substitute player is provided with increased ease of access to the inner space. In an embodiment, the closing element may comprise a zipper, preferably a non-stopping zipper that is openable by pulling the side wall adjacent to the zipper edges, Velcro, press studs or a series of button-and-loop connections. The closing element is preferably made of an easy to use and sturdy construction which allows the person in the inner space to quickly open the device and step out of the inner space. A zipper, especially a non-stopping zipper that is openable by pulling the side wall adjacent to the zipper edges, provides such a construction.

Alternatively, the device may be provided with a low cost closing element to reduce manufacturing cost and provide a low cost device for merchandising and/or spectators. Such a low cost alternative may for example be provided with a normal zipper, for example made of metal, plastic or a combination thereof, instead of with a non-stopping zipper.

It is preferred that the recloseable opening is also provided with a flange or flap that is connected to the side wall and is configured for covering the closing element and the recloseable opening when the recloseable opening is in a closed position. This provides additional protection against the wind.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the device comprises at least one measuring unit for measuring a physical parameter in the inner space, such as temperature and/or humidity.

By providing the device according to the invention with one or more measuring units, such as sensors, the condition in the inner space and consequently, the condition and the readiness of the person in the inner space may more accurately be determined. In case of a substitute player, information on the condition and readiness of the player for replacement of a field player may be determined to a certain extent.

In one of the presently preferred embodiments, the at least one measuring unit is a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor or a combination of both. It is advantageous to measure the temperature and/or humidity in the inner space to generate information on the player, which may allow for an adaptation of the device to a specific player. This may for example result in the use of a different type of insulating material, a variation in thickness of the material and/or the application of different layers. Furthermore, the generated information may be used to adapt the device for a specific weather or environmental condition, such as extreme cold or rain. This may include providing several different devices, wherein each one is adapted to a specific range of weather conditions, but may also comprise the use of multiple layers of fabric that are releasably connected to an outer layer and are interchangeable for different layers.

In one of the further preferred embodiments of the invention the device comprises at least one transmitter and/or receiving unit for transmitting and/or receiving signals from and/or to a corresponding transmitting and/or receiving device such as an app on a computing device.

Providing one or more transmitter and/or receiving units allows communication, for example wireless communication with the device.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the at least one measuring unit is configured to cooperate with the transmitter and/or receiver unit for transmitting at least one measured physical parameter value to the transmitter and/or receiving unit.

By connecting the measuring units to the transmitter and/or receiving unit, the condition of the person using the device may be monitored at a personal level. The information may be transferred to a remote location, for example a cloud, or can be transferred to a computing device on site to provide an operator with information. The device may in this embodiment be configured as a device forming part of the lnternet-of-Things (IoT), which allows remote access to data generated by the device through the measuring units. This may for example advantageously used in sports, in which the medical staff may be directly provided with information on the condition and status of each substitute player on the reserves' bench. This allows the medical staff to relay information to the player and/or the coach to provide an up to date status on that player with regard to his readiness to replace a field player.

Furthermore, analysis of acquired data also provides information on the training and/or warming up the person using the device, such a substitute player, needs to perform to be ready for replacing a field player. As such, a tailored and personalized approach can be used for each substitute player, for example to provide the coach with information the period of warming up each player is required to take before the player can replace a field player without incurring a risk of injury. Such a period may be determined in minutes and/or seconds to readiness and may also be combined with weather conditions to more accurately specify the period. As a result, a first player may for example need eight minutes of warming-up in cold weather and five minutes during mild weather, whereas a second player may need only six minutes in cold weather and also six minutes in mild weather. This level of detailed information provides the coach with accurate and necessary information on which he can base his decisions.

Preferably, the at least one transmitter and/or receiving unit is provided in or near the inner space of the device. More preferably, the transmitter and/or receiving unit is provided in or near the inner space to allow it to be easily connectable to a measuring unit. In addition, the transmitter and/or receiving unit may easily be replaced in case of malfunctioning and/or replacement with an improved unit.

In an embodiment, the device may comprise at least one inner pocket that is provided on or in the at least one side wall and having an opening in the inner space, wherein the at least one inner pocket is configured for holding an item such as a cold pack for cooling the inner space, a heat pack for heating the inner space and/or a mobile phone.

An inner pocket may be used for various purposes, which may include the pre -heating of the inner space of the device by inserting a hot-pack in the inner pocket. The person using the device, for example a substitute player, can enter the inner space without cooling off due to a cold inner space. As a result, a reduced risk of cooling off and consequently a reduced risk of injury is achieved. The device may for example be provided with a heating element that allows the person in the inner space and/or, in case of a substitute player, the medical staff to increase or reduce the temperature in the inner space to obtain the optimal conditions for that person. As a result, a more personalized device may be obtained. The inner pocket may also be used for a mobile phone that is provided with an app that allows the person using the device to monitor his own condition, for example the temperature in the inner space and/or the period he requires for a proper (additional) warming-up.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the side wall is foldable between an operative state, wherein the side wall is in an unfolded position, and an inoperative state, wherein the side wall of the device has a folded position in which the side wall is folded into the tub-like structure.

By providing a foldable device, a reduced size and improved handling is achieved. The device may for example be stored more easily underneath a reserves' bench in preparation for a match. In addition, the equipment can more easily be transported.

Preferably, the wall part of the bottom element is provided with a hand grip configured for carrying the device, when the device is in the folded position. The hand grip may advantageously be placed on the wall part of the bottom element in which the side wall is stored.

In an alternative embodiment, the device may be rolled into a small package that is storeable in a bag, preferably a bag adapted for storing the rolled device. Preferably, the rolleable device is provided as a device having a single layer side and/or bottom wall, which allows the device to be rolled into a relatively small packages that is easily transportable from and/or to a stadium. This is especially advantageous for spectators that can or may not carry large bags and/or equipment into the stadium.

In an embodiment of the invention the device may at least partially transparent and/or at least part of the device may be manufactured using transparent material.

By manufacturing the device at least partially from transparent material, for example by providing a transparent tub-like structure of the bottom element, specific aspects of the persons outfit may still be visible even when using the device. This may for example be used to allow the footwear of substitute players to be visible even when the footwear is placed in the inner space.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention a connection element may be provided at or near the second end of the side wall, wherein the connecting element may be configured for connecting the device to a coat, jacket or similar wearable object that covers at least part of the upper body of the person.

By providing this embodiment with such connection element, the device is configured to be connectable to other clothing or device that may preserve heat from the person, such as a jacket or coat. This allows an improved protection against bad weather conditions.

Preferably, the device may comprise a connection element such as Velcro. belt and buckle, quick close that is provided at or near the second end of the at least one side wall for releasably closing the device around a waist of a wearer.

To tighten the device around the waist of the person using the device and therewith sealing off the inner space, the device may be provided with the aforementioned connection element and/or a separate connection element. Preferably, the connection element may be adapted to provide both the tightening function as well as a connection function for connecting additional clothing or devices.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention the side wall may have a first part with a first length and a second part with a second length, wherein the first part may extend from the bottom wall part to a lower end of the second part in a diverging direction with respect to a centre line (C) of the inner space and the second part may converge with respect to the centre line of the inner space.

Although in some of the embodiments of the invention the length of the device, in particular the length of the side wall, may have a predetermined length, in other presently preferred embodiments of the invention, the device may be adapted to a specific user or person, wherein the length may be adapted to a waist-to-leet (WTF) length of the person, wherein the first length preferably may be substantially equal to the knee-to-feet (KTF) length of a person and the second length may preferably substantially be equal to the waist-to-knee length (WTK) length. The total length of the device than comprises the sum of the length of the side wall and the length of the upwardly directed wall part of the bottom element. In an embodiment of the invention the device may at least include an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein at least one of the outer layer and the inner layer may be manufactured from a temperature regulating material.

By providing temperature regulating material that is used to manufacture the device, and specifically the side wall of the device, a relatively high level of protection against weather conditions can be provided, while simultaneously providing improved temperature regulation properties. This may for example be achieved by providing an outer layer and an inner layer that are manufactured from different materials. The inner layer may for example be manufactured from Outlast™, which provides improved temperature regulation properties, while the outer layer may be manufactured from a different material or a combination of Outlast™ and a different material. By providing two layers that may have different characteristics, the device may be provided with a combination of different characteristics. In an embodiment, the device may also be provided with multiple layers, for example an outer layer, an inner layer and one or more intermediate layers to allow extensive combinations of characteristics or to adapt the device for specific weather conditions.

Preferably, the outer layer may be manufactured from a wind- and/or water-impermeable and/or wind- and/or water-resistant material.

In an alternative embodiment, the side wall of the device comprises only a single layer that is both relatively insulating and relatively water- and wind-resistant. Although a device having only a single layer may confer slightly less heat preservation than a device having a multi-layered side wall, it can be compressed to a small package that is easily transportable. This is especially advantageous for spectators and/or merchandising purposes, since it allows them to carry the device from and to the stadium. This embodiment most preferably is combined with the embodiment of a reliable device to allow the device to be rolled into a small package that can be carried to and used during the game by a spectator. The device can be manufactured from a great variety of materials and in a great variety of colours. In a preferred embodiment, the inner colour of the bag is red.

The present invention also relates to a bag adapted for storing a device according to the invention. Having a bag that is specifically adapted for storing the device is required to comply with the safety regulations at a stadium. This may for example entail having a semi-transparent or transparent bag that allows visual inspection of the contents to establish that the bag only contains a device according to the invention. By alternatively and/or additionally adapting the size and form of the bag to the device in folded and/or rolled up position, it can easily be established that the spectator carries a device according to the invention and complies with the safety regulations of the stadium. Also, the bag provides merchandising opportunities for sponsors and/or the club. The present invention also relates to a method for conserving heat from a person such as in an outdoor environment. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of providing a device according to the invention, opening the device by the person through releasing the connection element and stepping into the device by the person and closing the device by the person.

The method according to the invention provides the same or similar advantages as mentioned in relation to the device. In a preferred embodiment the method further comprises the step of unfolding the device to enable its use. This achieves the aforementioned advantages in relation to storage and handling.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an example of the device;

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of another example of the device;

- Figure 3a shows a picture of the device in an unfolded position having the person in the inner space;

Figure 3b shows a picture of the device in a folded position; and

Figure 3c shows a picture of the device having a partially opened recloseable opening.

Device 2 (figures 1-3) with a bag-like shape is provided with bottom element 4 having bottom or bottom wall 4a and upwardly directed wall part 4b. Upper end of wall part 4b is connected to lower part of first end 6a by means of connection element 30, for example zipper 30, which allows side wall 6 to be disconnected from bottom element 4. Furthermore, device 2 is provided with recloseable opening 12 which is connected to closing element 14, which in this case is a zipper 14. Recloseable opening 12 extends over entire length L of side wall 6 to allow easy access to inner space 8.

Device 2 is also provided with outer pocket 32 in which the person can place his hands to prevent them from cooling off. Outer pocket 32 is provided with two openings that allow the person to relatively easily insert his hands while sitting down, for example on a reserves' bench. Second end 6b of the device 2 is provided with opening 10 in which the torso of the person extends (figure 3a). Near opening 10 and at second end 6b of side wall 6, the device 2 is provided with connection element 24 that is configured to connect device 2 to a coat or jacket. Connection element 24 that is schematically shown is provided in this exemplary embodiment as a click element.

In the illustrated embodiment device 2 is also provided with transmitter and/or receiving unit 20 that is operably connected to temperature sensor 16. Temperature sensor 16 is configured to measure a temperature of inner space 8 and relay a signal comprising the measured temperature to the transmitter and/or receiving unit 20, which relays the signal to remote computing device 28. Computing device 28 in this example is an app on a mobile phone of, for example, the medical staff. It should be noted that device 2 (shown in figures 1 , 2) is also provided with inner pocket 18 to store a hot-cold pack or a different item such as a mobile phone.

Connection element 26 for tightening second part 6b of side wall 6 around the waist of the person is formed as an elastic band (see figure 3a). The bottom element 4 is formed as a substantially square tub-like structure, which is partially disconnected from side wall 6 by unzipping zipper 30, thus providing a clear view of inner space 8 (see figure 3c). Inner space 8 is also clearly visible due to the partial opening of recloseable opening 12 by unzipping zipper 14. Device 2 in a folded position is shown in figure 3b, which provides a clear view on how side wall 6 is folded into bottom element 4.

When using device 2 it needs to be in the operative state (figure 3 a, c). Device 2 is unfolded from its inoperative state (figure 3b) wherein side wall 6 is substantially within tub-like structure formed by bottom element 4. A person opens device 2 by unzipping zipper 14 and stepping into inner space 8. Thereafter, zipper 14 is closed such that heat is conserved or preserved in inner space 8. These steps are performed in reverse order to enable substitution of the person as a player, for example.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred

embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. It is thus possible according to the invention to make a combination of the described embodiments, features and measures.

This may for example include advantageously combining one or more embodiments of the invention to form multiple 'user types' of device according to the invention. In practice, this may for example include a professional device, a spectator type device and/or a merchandising type of device may be provided. The professional device may be focussed on flexibility and durability and may be provided with a high amount of technological features, such as IoT related features, whereas a merchandising and/or spectator type device may be focussed on low manufacturing cost to provide a is relatively simple device of reasonable quality and average price.