Technical Field

[001] The present invention generally relates to clothing and garments and in particular to a garment that may assist in providing heat or cooling effect to the user wearing the garment.

Background

[002] Across the world, changing weather in different seasons causes a lot of health problems to the people. The people try to cope up with the hot or cold weather by wearing different kind of clothes or garments in different seasons. For example, during summers people preferably wear light, cotton clothes and shorts. In winters, people wear thick, woollen clothes and also wear many layers of clothes. But many a times, the clothing of a person may not suit the environment that the person is working in. For example, in warm or tropical climates it may still be necessary to wear formal suites and dresses to work causing some discomfort when weather is very hot. Other times it may be necessary to wear clothing for religious or comfort reasons but that may lead to the person feeling the heat or the chill depending upon the weather, in the chosen clothes. In some instances the person may not correctly predict the temperature and may not be dressed up according to the temperature of the place. For example, a person wearing light cotton clothes to an event expecting hot weather in summers may feel uncomfortable if the venue turns out to be fully air conditioned.

[003] It is therefore desirable to have to have a garment that may assist in providing heat and/or cooling effect to the person wearing the garment and ameliorate the deficiencies of the prior art or at least provides a useful alternative.

[004] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements.

[005] Any one of the terms: "including" or "which includes" or "that includes" as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others.

[006] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such background art is prior art nor that such background art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field in Australia or worldwide. Summary

[007] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a garment having an ambient side and a body side, the garment comprises a first layer of insulating material at the ambient side, a second layer of a fabric at the body side, a third layer of a conducting material sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer, an electric power source connected to the third layer and an actuator connected with the electric power source. Further, the actuator is configured to actuate the electric power source to provide current to heat the third layer during heating. Also, the third layer is configured to heat up on receiving the electric current and transfer the heat to the body of the user through the second layer. Moreover, the first layer is configured to prevent a heat transfer between the ambient and the garment. Additionally, the second layer is configured to allow the heat transfer between the third layer and the body.

[008] The insulating material may be, but not limited to, a plastic material.

[009] The fabric may be, but not limited to, cotton.

[010] The conducting material may be, but not limited to, copper.

[011] The electric power source may be, but not limited to, a rechargeable and portable battery.

[012] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a garment having an ambient side and a body side, the garment comprises a first layer of insulating material at the ambient side, a second layer of a fabric at the body side, a third layer of a conducting material sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer, an electric power source connected to the third layer, a fluid supply means connected with the electric power source and an actuator connected with the electric power source. Further, the actuator is configured to actuate the electric power source. Also, the electric power source is configured to actuate fluid supply means to supply a cold fluid to the third layer during cooling. Moreover, the third layer is configured to cool on receiving the cold fluid and transfer the cooling effect to a body of a user through the second layer. Additionally, the first layer is configured to prevent a heat transfer between the ambient and the garment and the second layer is configured to allow the heat transfer between the third layer and the body.

[013] The insulating material may be, but not limited to, a plastic material.

[014] The fabric may be, but not limited to, cotton.

[015] The conducting material may be, but not limited to, copper. [016] The electric power source may be, but not limited to, a rechargeable and portable battery,

[017] The fluid supply means may be selected from, but not limited to, a pump or a fan capable of spraying the cold fluid.

[018] The cold fluid may be selected from the group comprising, but not limited to, dimethyl ether and a skin refrigerant.

[019] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a garment having an ambient side and a body side, the garment comprises a first layer of insulating material at the ambient side, a second layer of fabric at the body side, a third layer of a conducting material sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer, an electric power source connected to the third layer, a fluid supply means and an actuator connected with the fluid supply means and the electric power source. Further, the actuator is configured to actuate the electric power source to provide current to heat the third layer during heating and actuate the fluid supply means to supply a cold fluid to the third layer during cooling. Also, the third layer is configured to cool on receiving the cold fluid and transfer the cooling effect to a body of a user through the second layer and heat on receiving the electric current and transfer the heat to the body of the user through the second layer. Additionally, the first layer is configured to prevent a heat transfer between the ambient and the garment. Moreover, the second layer is configured to allow the heat transfer between the third layer and the body.

[020] The insulating material may be, but not limited to, a plastic material.

[021] The fabric may be, but not limited to, cotton.

[022] The conducting material may be, but not limited to, copper.

[023] The electric power source may be, but not limited to, a rechargeable and portable battery.

[024] The fluid supply means may be selected from, but not limited to, a pump or a fan capable of spraying the cold fluid.

[025] The cold fluid may be selected from the group comprising, but not limited to, dimethyl ether and a skin refrigerant.

Brief Description of Drawings

[026] At least one example of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [027] Fig. 1 illustrates a garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[028] Fig. 2 illustrates a circuit diagram of working of the garment for providing a heating effect, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[029] Fig. 3 illustrates a circuit diagram of working of the garment for providing a cooling effect, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

[030] Fig. 4A-4B illustrate circuit diagrams of working of the garment for providing both the heating effect and the cooling effect, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[031] It should be noted in the accompanying drawings and description below that like or the same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements.

Description of Embodiments

[032] Fig. 1 illustrates a garment 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The garment 100 may be, but not limited to, shirts, t-shirts, jackets, pants, coats, dresses, skirts, other men's and women's wear. As shown in fig. 1 , the garment 100 has an ambient side 1 10 and a body side 120. The ambient side 1 10 is the one in communication with the ambient and body side 120 is one in contact with a body of a user (not shown). Further, the garment 100 comprises a first layer 102 of insulating material at the ambient side 1 10. The insulating material may be, but not limited to, a plastic material or any other flexible material having insulation properties.

[033] The garment 100 also includes a second layer 104 of fabric at the body side 120. The fabric may be selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, cotton, linen, silk or any other blended comfortable fabric. Then there is provided a third layer 106 of a conducting material sandwiched between the first layer 102 and the second layer 104. The conducting material may be selected from, but not limited to, copper, aluminium, copper alloys, aluminium alloys or any other material that is a good conductor of heat and electricity. Also it is envisaged that the conducting material is of relatively low density such that it does increase an overall weight of the garment 100 beyond limits comfortable to the user. The conducting material, say copper, may be arranged in the form of thin wires in a meshed arrangement or in a form of a thin film. It is envisaged that in various embodiments, the first layer 102, the second layer 104 and the third layer 106 are arranged throughout the garment 100, such as through front portion, back portion arms and leg portions etc. In various other embodiments, to save on overall weight of the garment 100 and/or material of the third layer 106, the third layer 106 may be provided in a discontinuous manner such that key areas of the body are covered with the third layer 106. The third layer 106 may be discontinued in areas of the garment 100 which are not in direct contact of the body, or the areas where the body may not be entirely receptive to the heating or the cooling effects.

[034] Fig. 2 illustrates a circuit diagram 200 of working of the garment 100 for providing a heating effect, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 2, the garment 100 further includes an electric power source 202 connected in series with the third layer 106. In one embodiment of the invention, the electric power source 202 may be, but not limited to a rechargeable and portable battery. Further, it may be envisaged that additional power generation means such as a solar panel or a compact wind turbine may be provided attached to the garment 100 for charging the electric power source. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there may be provided a plurality of batteries. The plurality of batteries may be recharged via household electric wall outlets using a charging cable, a 5V- 12V power bank etc. In one embodiment, the one or more batteries may also be replaced with new ones when depleted. The plurality of batteries may be, but not limited to, Lithium-ion batteries or Lithium-polymer or Nickel Metal Hydride batteries capable of storing and providing electric power for predetermined duration, for example, 4-8 hours after being completely charged.

[035] An actuator 204 is also connected with the electric power source 202. The actuator 204 is capable of completing the circuit. The actuator 204 may be, but not limited to, a physical switch, an electrical signal transmitting device through a wired connection or an electromagnetic wireless signalling device from such as mobile device or any other dedicated signalling device. The mobile device may be connected to the garment 100, over an internet network, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi direct, Near field Communication (NFC) etc. The actuator 204 is configured to send a signal to actuate the electric power source 202 to provide current to heat the third layer 106 during heating. In use, the actuator 204 closes a first switch 208 to complete the circuit. As the circuit completes, an electric current I from the electric power source 202 flows to the third layer 106 of the garment 100. The third layer 106 having the conducting material such as the copper mesh, heats up on receiving the electric current I. The heat Q generated in the third layer 106 is transferred to the body of the user 206 through the second layer 104. [036] The second layer 104 is configured to allow the heat transfer between the third layer 106 and the body of the user 206. Moreover, the fabric of the second layer 104 heats up due to heat Q generated in the adjacent third layer 106 and gradually provides a warm sensation to the body of the user 206. This is advantageous, especially in cold weather conditions. In one embodiment, there may be provided a temperature sensor and a controller in the second layer 104, preconfigured to prevent the heat transfer, if the temperature of the third layer 106 is above a first predetermined temperature Tl . Tl may be, for example, 27° Celsius. In various embodiments T l may be determined by the controller as a function of weather conditions such as outdoor temperature, relative humidity, wind direction and speed etc. Further, the actuator 204 opens the first switch 208 of the circuit and flow of current I is stopped. This prevents overheating and the heat transfer at elevated temperatures. Consequently any injury or burns to the body of the user 206 are also prevented. Also, the first layer 102 is configured to prevent a heat transfer between the ambient and the garment 100. This is advantageous as this prevents the loss of any part of the heat Q to the ambient while maintaining the heating effect for longer duration and providing savings on electrical power.

[037] Fig. 3 illustrates a circuit diagram 300 of working of the garment 100 for providing a cooling effect, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 3, the electric power source 202 is connected in series with a fluid supply means 302. The fluid supply means 302 is connected with a cold fluid container 304 having a cold fluid. The cold fluid may be, but not limited to, capable of supplying a cold fluid. The cold fluid container 304 may be, but not limited to, a consumable aerosol canister. The cold fluid may be, but not limited to, dimethyl ether or any other skin refrigerant capable of cooling down a conductive material. In another embodiment, refrigerant gases such as, but not limited to, Freon or any other halocarbon may be used to cool down the conducting material of the third layer 106. In yet another embodiment, a self-contained miniature air conditioning system may be used instead of a consumable fluid.

[038] Further, the fluid supply means 302 is selected from one of, but not limited to, a pump, a fan or any other means capable of supplying or spraying the cold fluid. The fluid supply means 302 is connected with the third layer 106 of the conducting material discussed in the preceding discussion. The second layer 104 is in contact with the third layer 106 on the body side 120 and the first layer 102 is in contact with the third layer 106 on the ambient side 1 10. [039] In use, the actuator 204 completes the circuit by closing the second switch 306. The current I flows from the electric power source 202 to the fluid supply means 302. The fluid supply means 302 starts to operate and receives the cold fluid from the cold fluid container 304. Further, the fluid supply means 302 supplies the cold fluid to the third layer 106. The cold fluid lowers the temperature of the third layer 106. The third layer 106 having lower temperature is in contact with the second layer 104 having higher temperature than the third layer. Therefore, the third layer 106 draws the heat Q from the second layer 104. This lowers the temperature of the second layer 104 and the garment 100. Similarly, due to second layer 104 being in contact with the body of the user 206 having higher temperature, the second layer 104 draws the heat Q from the body of the user 206. Consequently, this provides a cooling sensation or a cooling effect to the body of the user 206. A tube (not shown) may be provided to collect any water that is generated due to cooling of refrigerant fluid. The water may flow to a reservoir that may be emptied as necessary.

[040] Fig. 4A-4B illustrate circuit diagrams 400 of working of the garment 100 for providing both the heating effect and the cooling effect, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The garment 100 is therefore configured to work in two configurations i.e. heating and cooling. The third layer 106 and the fluid supply means 302 are connected in parallel to each other. Also, each of the third layer 106 and the fluid supply means 302 is connected to the electric power source 202. Additionally, the third layer 106 is connected with the fluid supply means 302. The first switch 208 and the second switch 306 are disposed in series with each of the third layer 106 and the fluid supply means 302, respectively. The first switch 208 and the second switch 306 are configured to open and close the circuit by allowing or blocking the flow of the current I.

[041] In use, during cold weather, the user 206 may actuate heating configuration of the garment 100 using the actuator 204. Referring to fig. 4A, the actuator 204 closes the first switch 208 while the second switch 306 stays open and the electric current I from the electric power source, begins to flow to the third layer 106. The third layer 106 heats up due to electric current I and the heat Q is generated. The heat Q is transferred to the second layer 104 due to second layer 104 being in contact with third layer 106. Further, the heat Q is transferred to the body of user 206 wearing the garment 100 and provides comfort during cold conditions,

[042] During hot weather, the user 206 may actuate cooling configuration of the garment 100 using the actuator 204. Referring to fig. 4B, the actuator 204 closes the second switch 306 while the first switch 208 stays open and the current I begins to flow to the fluid supply means 302, The current I starts the operation of the fluid supply means 302. The fluid supply means 302 receives the cold fluid from the cold fluid container 304 and supplies the cold fluid to the third layer 1 6. The cold fluid lowers the temperature of the third layer 106. The third layer 106, being in contact with the second layer 104 having higher temperature than the third layer, draws the heat Q the second layer 104. Consequently, this lowers the temperature of the second layer 104 and the garment 100. Similarly, as the second layer 104 has a lower temperature and is in contact with the body of the user 206 having a high temperature, the second layer 104 draws the heat Q from the body of the user 206. Consequently, the cooling sensation or the cooling effect is provided to the body of the user 206.

[043] The present invention offers a number of advantages. The user 206 wearing the garment 100 may not have to depend on the external air conditioning to feel comfortable in a particular weather. The present invention assists in providing heating and cooling effect to the body of the user 206. During winters, the user 206 may not have to wear multiple layers of clothes as the present invention may provide the required heating effect. Similarly, the garment 100 provides the desired cooling effect in summers. Further, the same garment 100 having both the heating as well as cooling configurations may replace seasonal clothes that are meant to worn only for a particular season. Moreover, the present invention works on portable, rechargeable and replaceable batteries that may be recharged using household electric outlets or power banks. Also the presence of the first layer 102 of insulating material prevents the loss of heating or the cooling effect to the ambient.

[044] The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Examples and limitations disclosed herein are intended to be not limiting in any manner, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and their equivalents, in which all terms are to be understood in their broadest possible sense unless otherwise indicated.

[045] Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be providing broadest scope of consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the disclosure is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims.