Garment Components and Garments Including Temperature Control Features

This application is a U.S. Non-Provisional application and claims priority benefits based on U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/661,828 filed Jun. 19, 2024 entitled “Garment Components and Garments Including Temperature Control Features.” U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/661,828 is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to garment components and garments that include temperature control capabilities, e.g., to provide heating and/or cooling to a wearer's body, and methods of making and/or using them.

Garment components and garments in accordance with at least some examples of this technology will include one or more features to improve the fit and/or use of the garments. Examples of these features may include one or more of: (a) garment constructions (e.g., fabric choices, fabric layering, and/or air bladder configurations) that provide improved fit (and in turn, increased cooling/warming sensations); (b) appropriate drape (e.g., due to fabric selection features) that give the garment flexibility to lay closer to the body while still keeping a desired structure); (c) improved fit using inflatable fluid-filled bladders with the heating and/or cooling units to help provide closer and/or tighter fit to the body to improve cooling/warming sensations and conduction of hot and/or cold to the wearer's skin; (d) improved fit using a belt or straps to hold the garment close to the body, with belt anchor members that provide improved ease of use; and/or (e) improved use by providing heating and/or cooling members that are less susceptible to improper air intake or release.

Individuals often have a need to apply heat and/or cooling to their body, e.g., for recovery from physical exertion, such as athletic performances; to treat injuries; etc. Additional ways of providing such heating and/or cooling would be a welcome advance.

This Summary is provided to introduce some general concepts relating to this technology in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention.

Aspects of this technology relate to garment components and garments that include heating and/or cooling capabilities that can be worn by an individual. Such garment components and garments include one or more temperature control units, e.g., to provide heating and/or cooling to a wearer's body. Such garment components and garments may include any one or more structures, parts, features, properties, and/or combination(s) of structures, parts, features, and/or properties of the examples described and/or claimed below and/or of the examples illustrated in the appended drawings.

While aspects of this technology are described in terms of garment components and garments that include heating and/or cooling capabilities, additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making and/or using such garment components and garments including such heating and/or cooling capabilities.

In the following description of various examples of garment components and garments according to the present technology, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the present technology may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made to the specifically described structures, functions, and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As noted above, aspects of this technology relate to garment components and garments that include heating and/or cooling capabilities, e.g., of the types described and/or claimed below and/or of the types illustrated in the appended drawings. Such garment components and garments may include any one or more structures, parts, features, properties, and/or combination(s) of structures, parts, features, and/or properties of the examples described and/or claimed below and/or of the examples illustrated in the appended drawings.

This application and/or claims use the terms, e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like, to identify certain components and/or features relating to this technology. These terms are used merely for convenience, e.g., to assist in maintaining a distinction between components and/or features of a specific structure. Use of these terms should not be construed as requiring a specific order or arrangement of the components and/or features being discussed. Also, use of these specific terms in the specification for a specific structure does not require that the same term be used in the claims to refer to the same part (e.g., a component or feature referred to as the “third” in the specification may correspond to any numerical terms used for that component or feature in the claims).

Additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making the garment components and garments of the types described above and/or to methods of using the garment components and garments of the types described above (e.g., to apply heat and/or cooling to a wearer's body).

Given the general description of features, examples, aspects, structures, and methods according to examples of the technology provided above, a more detailed description of specific example garment components, garments, and methods in accordance with this technology follows.

show various features of an example garmentin accordance with some aspects of this technology. More specifically:provides a front view of this example garment;provides a rear view;provides a left side view andprovides a left, front perspective view (the right side may have a structure that is the mirror image of the structures shown in);provides a right, rear perspective view; andprovides a left side view showing the example strap and side panel arrangement. While the illustrated garmentis an upper body garment (e.g., a vest), other upper body garments may be provided in other examples of this technology, such as a jacket, a shirt, other upper body garments with sleeves (long sleeves or short sleeves), etc. Additionally or alternatively, aspects of this technology may be applied to other types of garments as well, such as lower body garments, (e.g., pants, shorts, etc.), combined upper and lower body garments (e.g., leotard or “track suit” type garments, etc. The garmentincludes one or more garment components that define a body containing region located inside the interiormost surface of the garment.

This example garmentincludes an exterior layer forming a frontF of the garment, as shown in. The frontF of the garmentincludes a left side front panelL and a right side front panelR that are releasably joined by a zipper or other securing system(e.g., other slide fasteners, snaps, buttons, buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, clasps, etc.). The bottom region of the left side front panelL of this example includes a portion of a strap securing systemL (e.g., a portion of a hook-and-loop fastener), and the bottom region of the right side front panelR of this example includes a portion of another strap securing systemR.further shows portions of securing strapsR andL. These securing strapsR andL are anchored at a backB of the garment(see) and wrap around the sides of the garment (see). Note strap anchor membersfixed to the backB of the garment(and discussed in more detail below).

The left side front panelL and the right side front panelR of the exterior layer of this specific example garmentextend over the shoulder regions of the garmentto the backB of the exterior layer of the garment. While other structural options are possible, in this example garment, the exterior layer extends continuously over the shoulder regions of the garmentsuch that the frontF and backB of the garment's exterior layer are formed as a continuous, single piece of material. This feature may provide a passageway between layers of the garmentfor wiring and/or fluid lines, as will be described in more detail below in conjunction with.

The garmentof this example further includes a left side panelL connecting the frontF and backB at the lower left side. A left arm openingL is defined in the garmentabove the left side panelL, between the frontF and backB, and beneath the left shoulder region of the garment. Similarly, this example garmentincludes a right side panelR connecting the frontF and backB at the lower right side. A right arm openingR is defined in the garmentabove the right side panelR, between the frontF and backB, and beneath the right shoulder region of the garment. Alternatively, as mentioned above, the garmentmay include sleeves (e.g., formed as a jacket, a shirt, another upper body garment, etc.).

The garmentof this example further includes one or more temperature modifying units. Any desired number of temperature modifying unitsmay be provided in garmentsin accordance with some examples of this technology, e.g., including from 1 to 16 temperature modifying units(and in some examples, from 1 to 12 temperature modifying units, 1 to 8 temperature modifying units, etc.). Also, the temperature modifying unit(s)may have a wide variety of different sizes, shapes, and/or aesthetic appearances, e.g., including square shaped, oval shaped, rectangular shaped, rounded rectangular shaped, irregular shaped, etc. While the illustrated example ofshows: (a) two temperature modifying unitslocated in the front upper shoulder areas of the garmentand (b) four temperature modifying unitslocated across the back upper shoulder and scapular areas of the garment, any one or more of these temperature modifying unitsmay be omitted in other specific example garmentsaccording to this technology. Additionally or alternatively, temperature modifying unitscould be located at other positions in the garment, such as at one or more of: the left and/or right front pectoral area, the central back or spinal area, in the abdomen area, in the left, right, and/or central lower back area, at either or both sides, etc. Thus, a wide variety of temperature modifying unitnumbers, sizes, shapes, spacings, orientations, and/or arrangements may be provided in other specific examples of this technology.

Any desired type of temperature modifying unitmay be used in different examples of this technology. In some more specific examples, the temperature modifying unitmay constitute a Peltier cooler, heater, or thermoelectric heat pump module (e.g., a solid-state active heat pump that transfers heat from one side of the device to the other, with consumption of electrical energy, depending on the direction of the current). Such Peltier modules are conventionally known and commercially available.

illustrate additional potential features of garmentsin accordance with some examples of this technology. For example,show an electronic accessory packageengaged with the backB of the garment(although the electronic accessory packagemay be located at other positions on the garment, including on the frontF, on a side panelL and/orR, within a pocket, etc.). As shown in, this example electronic accessory packageincludes a batteryB, a processing systemM, and a pumpP or compressor for purposes to be explained in more detail below. Alternatively, if desired, multiple accessory packagescould be provided on a single garment(e.g., the batteryB, the processing systemM, and/or the pumpP may be provided as two or more separate components and/or at two or more separate locations on the garment).

further show that this example garmentincludes an input device, e.g., on the garment's lower frontF (on the left side in this example). Input devicemay be located at any desired position on the garment, including on the inside of the garment, within a pocket, on a side panelL and/orR, etc. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, input devicemay be provided on or as a separate component, e.g., such as a remote control device, an electronic computing device (such as a smart phone, tablet, laptop computer, desktop computer, or other computing devices including other mobile computing devices), a smart phone application program, etc. While other options are possible, in this specific example, the input deviceincludes an on/off buttonA, a buttonB to activate heating features of the temperature modifying unit(s), and a buttonC to activate cooling features of the temperature modifying unit(s). The input devicefurther may include one or more indicators or one or more display devices (e.g., to indicate a mode of operation of the garment). In this specifically illustrated example, input deviceincludes an indicatorA to show when the garmentis “on” (powered), as well as indicators to show the heating or cooling level selected. As some more specific examples: (a) buttonA may be toggled between an “on” setting (e.g., in which an indicatorA light may be activated) and an “off” setting (e.g., in which no indicator light is activated); (b) buttonB may be toggled between multiple heat level settings (e.g., three settings, such as “high,” “medium,” and “low”) and one or more appropriate indicatorsB may provide information as to which setting is selected (e.g., one light for “low,” two lights for “medium,” and three lights for “high”); and (c) buttonC may be toggled between multiple cooling level settings (e.g., three settings, such as “high,” “medium,” and “low”) and one or more appropriate indicatorsC may provide information as to which setting is selected (e.g., one light for “low,” two lights for “medium,” and three lights for “high”).

Given this description of general features and aspects of garmentsin accordance with some examples of this technology, more detailed descriptions of various components and features of this technology will be explained below with additional reference to. Where the same reference numbers are used inas are used in, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any optional or alternative features for that part), and much of the corresponding and/or duplicative descriptions may be omitted.

provide various views of the garmentand its engagement with a temperature modifying unitin at least some examples of this technology.provides a partial exploded view of the garmentat the location of a temperature modifying unit.show cross sectional views of the garmentat the location of a temperature modifying unitwith the bladderin a deflated condition () and an inflated condition ().shows a more detailed view of the baseof one example temperature modifying unit. The structures, arrangements, and orientations shown inmay be used in any one or more of the temperature modifying unitsprovided in the garment, e.g., including any one or more of the six temperature modifying unitsin the specific example of.

The garmentof this example constitutes a composite fabric that includes an exterior layerand an interior layer. The exterior layermay provide at least a portion of the outermost and exposed surface of the garment. The exterior layerincludes a through hole openingA, and the interior layeralso includes a through hole openingA. The through hole openingsA andA may be arranged to at least partially overlap or align (e.g., axially align). In this illustrated example, the through hole openingA of the interior layeris larger than the through hole openingA of the exterior layer.

The composite fabric may be made from any desired materials. In this example, the exterior layermay include a foam material. As some more specific examples, the exterior layermay be made from a multi-layered fabric component that includes a foam layer sandwiched between (e.g., laminated) two fabric layers, such as a surface fabric layer and a lining material layer. The foam layer may include a mesh or matrix structure with plural openings (see the foam layer with triangular openings in the close up view of). Additionally or alternatively, the exterior layermay include a spacer mesh material (e.g., laminated between other fabric component layers, such as a surface fabric layer and a lining material layer). As one specific example, the exterior layermay be made from an ARIAPRENE® TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) Foam Package Fabric material commercially available from Tiong Liong Industrial Co., Ltd. of Taichung City, Taiwan. The exterior layermay be made from a material that is resistant to stretch (or at least more resistant to stretch than a material of the interior layer), relatively stiff as compared to a material of the interior layer, and/or less flexible than a material of the interior layer.

The interior layermay be made from a fabric component, such as a polyester, a nylon, a spacer mesh material, etc. In some examples of this technology, the interior layermay be made at least in part from a stretchable fabric element, such as an elastomer material (e.g., an elastane material formed from a polyether-polyurea copolymer) and/or a material that is less stiff and/or more flexible that a material of the exterior layer. The interior layeralso may include a breathable and/or moisture wicking fabric, e.g., that is exposed at and faces the body containing region of the garment. The interior layermay be made from a material that is at least 10% more stretchable than the material of the exterior layer(and in some examples, at least 25% more stretchable, at least 40% more stretchable, at least 50% more stretchable, at least 75% more stretchable, or even at least 100% more stretchable).

The fabric components for the exterior layerand the interior layeras described above may provide suitable flexibility for the overall garmentstructure, including excellent drape properties. The flexibility and/or drape gives the garmentsuitable properties to lay close to the wearer's body while maintaining the garmentstructure, shape, and/or orientation on the body. These features help provide improved fit for the garment, which in turn provides improved heating and/or cooling sensations for the wearer.

As shown in, the mount area(s) for the temperature modifying unit(s)of this example garmentfurther include a temperature dispersing element. In this illustrated example, the temperature dispersing elementincludes a layer of material (e.g., a silicone layer) that spreads heat and/or cooling along its surface and applies the heat and/or cooling to a wearer's body. The temperature dispersing elementof this example is applied to (e.g., glued to) a surface of the interior layer, e.g., in a manner to extend over and at least partially cover the through hole openingA of the interior layer. As a more specific example, temperature dispersing elementmay be applied to the surface of the interior layerthat is located closest to the wearer's body in the overall garmentstructure. In this manner, the temperature dispersing elementmay constitute the interiormost layer of the garment, may be exposed in the garment's interior, and may directly contact the wearer's body (optionally through the wearer's clothing) in use. An outer edge of the temperature dispersing elementmay have adhesive applied to it, and this adhesive fixes the temperature dispersing elementto the interior layeraround the openingA.

The heating and/or cooling componentof the temperature modifying unitmay be mounted to the surface of the temperature dispersing elementor may be mounted to a base(and optionally somewhat raised up from the surface of the temperature dispersing element). The heating and/or cooling componentmay be located within the openingA of the interior layer. The heating and/or cooling componentmay be mounted to (or include) a baseor main body (see) that will engage (and be fixed to) some portion of the garment(e.g., the temperature dispersing element). The baseof this example has a mount surface that includes one or more outwardly extending base elementsB (also called “base members” herein) mounted to the surface of the temperature dispersing elementsuch that the base elementsB extend out sideways from the baseand along a surface of the temperature dispersing element. Heated or cooled air produced by the heating and/or cooling componentis applied to the temperature dispersing element, which heats or cools the surface of the temperature dispersing elementlocated closest to the wearer's body. As a result, the temperature of the temperature dispersing elementis changed (e.g., heated and/or cooled), and this heating and/or cooling may be applied to the wearer's body.

further show that this example garmentincludes an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladderof this example is located within the through hole openingA of the interior layerand between the exterior layerand the temperature dispersing element. The inflatable bladderof this example is annular shaped with its own through hole openingA. In this manner, the inflatable bladdercan fit over and around the heating and/or cooling componentof the temperature modifying unitand can engage the base. Thus, the inflatable bladdermay be positioned to engage the one or more outwardly extending base elementsB of the baseof the temperature modifying unit, as will be explained in more detail in conjunction with. A surface of the inflatable bladdermay be fixed to one or more of the base element(s)B. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a surface of the inflatable bladdermay be fixed to (e.g., via an adhesive) the facing surface of the temperature dispersing element(at least at locations between the base elementsB).

At least some portion of the temperature modifying unit(e.g., at least a portion of the heating and/or cooling component, an outer housingcomponent in which the heating and/or cooling componentis contained, the base, etc.) may extend through the through hole openingA of the interior layerand through the through hole openingA of the exterior layer. For example, the housingmay extend through openingA and engage the base(such that the heating and/or cooling componentis contained within a chamber defined by the baseand housing). Outer capmay close the top of the housing(and may be removably mounted to the housing). Alternatively, the housingmay be formed to include a closed end surface in place of outer cap. The outer capand/or other exposed exterior surface of the housingmay have one or more air passageways defined therethrough (to allow air to enter and/or leave the temperature modifying unit). Examples of these air passageways are described in more detail below in conjunction with.

If necessary or desired, a reinforcing membermay be provided around the through hole openingA in the exterior layer. The reinforcing member, when present, may have an annular shape with its own through hole openingA. The reinforcing memberof this example is located between the inflatable bladderand the garment exterior layerand around housing, and it is provided to help prevent the exterior layerfrom tearing or fraying or otherwise being damaged at the openingA.

show cross sectional views of the garment/temperature modifying unitcombination through a central location of the temperature modifying unit(with the temperature modifying unitshown as a general “box,” e.g., that may be formed of a Peltier module). The components shown inare not drawn to scale. As shown in these figures, the base(and its base elementsB) of the temperature modifying unitis mounted to a surface of the temperature dispersing element(e.g., a silicone material). The temperature modifying unit(e.g., one or more of its base, its housing, its heating and/or cooling component, and/or its outer cap) extends outward from the temperature dispersing element, through the openingA in the inflatable bladder, through the openingA in the interior layer, through the openingA in the reinforcing member, and through the openingA in the exterior layerin this illustrate example.shows the inflatable bladderin a deflated condition, which may leave a gap G between the exposed interior surface of the temperature dispersing element(or other interiormost layer of the garment) and a wearer's body(at least at some locations).

In use, for example, when the heating and/or cooling componentis activated (via input device) to apply heating and/or cooling to a wearer's body, the pumpP may be activated to inflate the inflatable bladder. As shown in, this action will increase the dimensions of the inflatable bladder(e.g., in its axial direction), causing the inflatable bladderto apply a force to the base elementsB of the temperature modifying unitand/or to the temperature dispersing element. Because the exterior layeris less stretchable, less flexible, and/or stiffer than the interior layer, the force from the bladderinflation may tend to move the baseand temperature dispersing elementpredominantly inward toward the body containing region of the garment, thereby closing the gap G (and, in at least some instances, placing the surface of the temperature dispersing elementin contact with the wearer's body, as shown in. These features can provide a closer and improved fit (placing the garmentcloser and tighter to the wearer's body), improve heat transfer efficiency between the temperature dispersing elementand the wearer's body, and improve the cooling and/or warming sensations and conduction of heating and/or cooling to the wearer's skin.

illustrates the baseof a temperature modifying unitin accordance with some examples of this technology. The baseincludes a rimR over which housingmay extend. The baseand housingform an interior chamber that contains components of the heating and/or cooling component, and the outer capmay close the open end of the housing. The open bottom (openingB) of the basefaces a surface of the temperature dispersing elementto allow heated and/or cooled air to contact the surface of the temperature dispersing element. The extending base elementsB provide a surface to engage the inflatable bladder, as discussed above, to help push the basetoward the body containing region of the garment(and close the gap G, as discussed above in conjunction with). The extending base elementsB (e.g., in a “star shaped” arrangement) also may help improve conduction of heating and/or cooling sensations and conduction of heat and/or cooling to the wearer's skin. The basemay have from 1 to 12 extending base elementsB of this type, and in some examples, from 2 to 10 base elementsB, from 3 to 8 base elementsB, or even from 3 to 6 base elementsB (five base elementsB are shown in the specific example of). If desired (and as shown in the example of), one or more of the base elementsB may include through hole openings (and any desired size, shape, and/or orientation), e.g., to reduce weight of the temperature modifying unit.

The exterior layerof the garmentis shown in. The exterior layermay be formed from one or more component parts, e.g., that are engaged together by at least one of: one or more sewn seams, by an adhesive, by one or more mechanical fasteners, etc. While other structures and/or arrangements are possible, in the illustrated example of, the bottom frontF of this example garmentincludes a portion of the strap securing systemL andR engaged with it (e.g., portions of hook-and-loop fasteners for the strapsL andR, respectively). These strap securing systemsL andR may be engaged with the exterior layerof the garmentin any desired manner, e.g., by at least one of: one or more sewn seams, an adhesive, one or more mechanical fasteners, etc.

The exterior layerof the garmentmay be engaged with interior layer, e.g., by at least one of: one or more sewn seams, an adhesive, one or more mechanical fasteners, etc.show two example interior layersof a garment in accordance with some examples of this technology. The interior layermay be formed from one or more component parts (e.g., that are sewn together, glued together, fixed together by one or more mechanical fasteners, etc.). As shown, the interior layerof the garmentmay include the side panelsR andL and may, at least in part, define the arm openingsL andR for the garment.shows that this example interior layerincludes three temperature dispersing elementsengaged with it: (i) one temperature dispersing elementcovering a through hole openingA in the interior layerat the left shoulder and/or pectoral region, (ii) one temperature dispersing elementcovering a through hole openingA in the interior layerat the right shoulder and/or pectoral region, and (iii) one temperature dispersing elementcovering one or more through hole openingsA in the interior layerlocated across the upper back (e.g., rear shoulder or scapular) region. As noted above, other numbers and/or arrangements of the temperature modifying units(and thus, other numbers and/or arrangements of the through hole openingsA and temperature dispersing elements) may be provided in other specific examples of this technology. The through hole openingsA are shown in broken lines inbecause they are covered by the temperature dispersing elements.

If desired, rather than a single temperature dispersing elementcovering all of the openingsA in the interior layerat the back of the garment, two or more temperature dispersing elementsmay be provided on the back of the interior layer, with each temperature dispersing elementat least partially covering one or more openingsA. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a single openingA may have two or more temperature dispersing elementsat least partially covering it. Thus, a wide variety of arrangements of temperature dispersing elementsand openingsA may be provided in other examples of this technology.

further shows that this example interior layerincludes the zipper or other garment securing system(e.g., other slide fasteners, buttons, buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc.) engaged with it. Alternatively, if desired, at least a portion of the securing systemmay be engaged with the exterior layerof the garment, in at least some examples of this technology.

further illustrates that this example interior layerincludes an openingB (e.g., a zippered or other closable opening and/or flap). This openingB extends completely through the interior layerand, when present, allows access to the accessory package, e.g., for repair, maintenance, and/or replacement of the accessory packageand/or components thereof, etc. Alternatively, if desired, the openingB could be omitted, e.g., and the accessory packagecould be accessed from the outside of the garment, e.g., by removing outer cover.

shows an alternative interior layerconstruction that may be used in some examples of this technology. Where the same reference number is used inas used in(and/or other figures), the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any optional or alternative features described for that part), and much of the overlapping or duplicative description may be omitted. One difference between the interior layerofand that ofrelates to the through hole openingC at the back of the interior layer(shown in broken lines and covered by temperature dispersing elementin). The interior layerofincludes a single through hole openingC at the back, and this single through hole openingC may accommodate one or more temperature modifying units(it could accommodate all four temperature modifying unitsin the example of). Whileshows a single temperature dispersing elementcovering this larger openingC, two or more temperature dispersing elementsmay be provided, if desired. Use of a single through hole openingC of this type may allow a single interior layerconstruction to be used with different numbers and/or arrangements of temperature modifying units. For example, a single interior layercould be used with garmentconstructions that are intended to include one, two, three, four, or even more temperature modifying unitsat the backB of the garment.

show views similar to, respectively, but different features are highlighted. Specifically, these figures schematically show lines(e.g., electrical conductors, wires, cables, etc.) that provide power to various electronic components (e.g., from batteryB) and/or that transmit data to and/or from various electronic communication (e.g., to/from processing systemM (e.g., which may include one or more microprocessors)). As some more specific examples, linesmay schematically represent one or more power lines that extend from batteryB to the temperature modifying unit(s)and/or to the input device. The power lines may be located between layers of the garment(e.g., between exterior layerand interior layerdiscussed above). Additionally or alternatively, linesmay schematically represent one or more data transmission lines that extend to provide data to and/or accept data from the processing systemM provided with the accessory package. Data transmission lines may provide electronic communication between one or more of: (a) the input deviceand the processing systemM and/or (b) between the processing systemM and one or more temperature modifying units. Data may be transmitted in any desired manner using any desired transmission protocol, including wired and/or wireless communications (e.g., including via a “BLUETOOTH” low energy (“BLE”) communication system and/or protocol). Whileschematically show linesextending over a shoulder area of the garmentconfiguration, any desired type of power lines and/or arrangement of power lines may be used in different examples of this technology (e.g., around the sides of the garment, etc.).

further schematically illustrate fluid linesextending from the pumpP (e.g., a compressor) to the inflatable bladdersin the individual temperature modifying units. The fluid linesmay take on any desired constructions, such as plastic tubing. The fluid linesmay be located between layers of the garment(e.g., between exterior layerand interior layerdiscussed above). Whileschematically show fluid linesextending over a shoulder area of the garmentconfiguration, any desired type of fluid line arrangement and/or extension with respect to the garmentconfiguration may be used in different examples of this technology (e.g., around the sides of the garment, etc.).

As described above, the inflatable bladder(s)of the temperature modifying unit(s)may be inflated by fluid (e.g., air) supplied to the bladder(s)from a pumpP via fluid line(s). The bladder(s)may be equipped with a valve (e.g., a check valve) that allows the bladder(s)to release fluid if pressure exceeds a threshold level. Additionally or alternatively, the bladder(s)may include one or more small openings therein that allows fluid to escape over time (e.g., to allow the bladder(s)to slowly deflate once the pumpP is shut down). Still additionally or alternatively, if desired, one or more of the bladder(s)and/or fluid line(s)may be equipped with a pressure sensor that provides data to the processing systemM, e.g., to enable the processing systemM to shut down the pumpP and/or close an air intake for the bladderif pressure in the bladder(s)and/or fluid line(s)exceeds a threshold value. Thus, various ways of controlling fluid pressure in the bladder(s), controlling the pumpP, and/or prevention over-inflation of the bladder(s)may be provided in different examples of this technology.

As described above, garmentsin accordance with at least some examples of this technology may include a strap system (e.g., with one or more strapsR and/orL) to help secure the garmentto the wearer's body. When the garmentis donned, the wearer may zip the zipper or other securing systemto hold the garmenton the body. Then, the strap system may be engaged to further tighten the garmentaround the wearer's body. The illustrated example strap system includes: (a) a left side securing strapL, (b) a left side anchor member(e.g., fixed with respect to the backB portion of the garment), and (c) at least a portion of a left side strap securing systemL (for holding the left side strapL at a securing position). The left side securing strapL further may include a portion of the left side strap securing system to engage the portion of the left side strap securing systemL provided with the frontF of the exterior layerof the garmentin this example. The strap system further may include right side components, e.g., that may be a mirror image of the left side components. More specifically, the strap system also may include: (a) a right side securing strapR, (b) a right side anchor member(e.g., fixed with respect to the backB portion of the garment), and (c) at least a portion of a right side strap securing systemR (for holding the right side strapR at a securing position). The right side securing strapR further may include a portion of the right side strap securing system to engage the portion of the right side strap securing systemR provided with the frontF of the exterior layerof the garmentin this example. The securing strapsL and/orR may include size adjustment components to alter the strap length(s).

Any desired types of structures and/or components may be used to hold the strap(s)L and/orR in the securing position (also called a “means for holding” the strap(s)L and/orR (or “strap members”) in “a securing position” herein). Such structures and/or components may include one or more of: (i) a hook-and-loop fastener structure (with the straps(s)L and/orR including a portion of the hook-and-loop fastener that engages a portion of the hook-and-loop fastener provided as strap securing systemL and/orR); (ii) one or more button fasteners (e.g., with buttons provided on the strap(s)L and/orR and button holes provided on the frontF of the garmentand/or with button holes provided on the strap(s)L and/orR and buttons provided on the frontF of the garment); (iii) one or more snap type fastener structures (with one part of the snap fastener(s) provided with the straps(s)L and/orR and another part of the snap fastener(s) provided with the frontF of the garment); (iv) one or more buckle type fastener structures (with one part of the buckle fastener(s) (e.g., through holes) provided with the straps(s)L and/orR and another part of the buckle fastener(s) (e.g., the buckle hardware) provided with the frontF of the garment); (v) one or more tie fasteners (e.g., for tying the strap(s)L and/orR with a tie strap provided with the frontF of the garment); (vi) one or more clip or clasp type fasteners; and (vii) one or more hook and retainer type fasteners. As other potential options for the “means for holding,” the strapsL andR could be secured by fixing the strapsL andR together with one another, e.g., using one or more of: hook-and-loop fasteners, button fasteners, snap type fasteners, buckle type fasteners, and/or a tied knot.

provide various views of the manner in which the strap system (e.g., strapsL and/orR) may be engaged with a garment component in accordance with at least some examples of this technology.shows the right side strapR and the anchor memberengaged with a backB of a garment;provides a perspective view of the anchor member;shows the interior view of the anchor member;provides a top view of the anchor member; andprovides a simplified cross sectional view taken along lineE-E in(to show the various parts and their arrangements). Whileshow features of this engagement at a right side of the garment, the reader will understand that the left side engagement may constitute a mirror image of the structures shown in(and thus a repetitive and duplicative discussion of the left side anchor memberand strapL will be omitted).

As shown in, this example anchor memberincludes: (a) a front sideF, (b) a rear sideR, (c) a top sideT connecting the front sideF and rear sideR, and (d) a bottom sideB connecting the front sideF and rear sideR. The front sideF and the rear sideR may be relatively tall (e.g., at least 2 inches (5.1 cm), and in some examples, at least 2.5 inches (6.35 cm), or even at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) (and the strapsL andR may have height dimensions within any of these same ranges). While not a requirement in all examples of this technology, in this illustrated example, the front sideF, rear sideR, top sideT, and bottom sideB form a continuous outer perimeter of the anchor member. The sides of the anchor memberalso define (a) an interior surfaceI (see) and (b) an exterior surfaceX (see) located opposite the interior surfaceI. The interior surfaceI of this example defines a concave shape that is oriented to face the garment's exterior layerand the body containing region of the garment(e.g., such that the concave interior surfaceI is shaped to lie close to and adjacent the wearer's body when the garmentis secured-see). At least one of the top sideT and the bottom sideB may have a curved or angled shape to thereby form the concave structure at the interior surfaceI. See. The exterior surfaceX may have a convex shape or any other desired shape.

The term “concave” when used herein in this context means that the interior surfaceI defined by the anchor memberhas an inwardly curved, angled, and/or cupped shape. In this manner, the interior surfaceI forms a surface that can at least partially contain and/or wrap around a portion of a wearer's body. The “concave” surface may be smoothly curved, may be angular (e.g., with sides meeting at an angle α of less than 180 degrees, and in some examples, less than 170 degrees, less than 160 degrees, less than 150 degrees, or even less than 140 degrees). The interior surfacesI shown inconstitute “concave” surfaces as that term is used herein.

The anchor memberof this example further is formed to include at least one ring structure (e.g., an opening) that provides at least one strap anchor site (e.g., a site at which strapR (orL) may be engaged with the anchor member). The specific anchor memberexample ofincludes a front openingF and a rear openingR, which are separated from one another by intermediate bar. In this illustrated example, the intermediate barextends from the top sideT to the bottom sideB of the anchor member, and front openingF and rear openingR are formed as enclosed rings or through holes on opposite sides of the intermediate bar. Alternatively, if desired, one or more of the front sideF, rear sideR, top sideT, bottom sideB, and/or intermediate barmay include a discontinuity (or may be absent) to allow strap access to the front openingF and/or the rear openingR through the discontinuity opening. The strap(s)L and/orR may include raised componentsS (see) to help prevent the strapsL andR from completely pulling through the opening(s)R and/orF.

further show that the right strapR is engaged with the anchor membersuch that: (i) the strapR wraps around the intermediate bar, (ii) extends forward toward the frontF of the garment, (iii) engages the concave interior surfaceI, and (iv) is located between the anchor memberand the body containing region of the garment(e.g., facing the backB and/or side panelR of the garmentin this example). More specifically, the strapR may include: (a) a first portionRthat extends along and in contact with the garment(e.g., in contact with one or both of backB, frontF, and/or side panelR) and optionally may be fixed to the garment(e.g., by stitching, by adhesive, by mechanical fasteners, etc.); (b) a second portionRthat wraps around the intermediate barand extends through openingsR andF, and (c) a third portionRthat includes a free end. The third portionRextends between the front sideF of the anchor memberand the body containing region of the garment(e.g., between the front sideF of the anchor memberand the side panelR). The third portionRof the strapR of this example also may include a portion of the strap securing system (such as a portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, one or more buttons or button holes, one or more snap fastener portions, one or more buckle fastener portions, etc.) for engaging strap securing systemR. The strap securing systemR alternatively could be provided on facing surfaces of the strapR (e.g., on facing surfaces of strap portionsRandR)