Garment Components and Garments Including Temperature Control Features

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

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.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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.

BACKGROUND

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.

SUMMARY

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed Description, will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears.

FIGS. 1A-1F provide various views of a garment structure in accordance with at least some aspects of this technology;

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate various features of temperature modifying units and their incorporation into garments in accordance with some aspects of this technology;

FIGS. 3A and 3B provide views of two example interior layers for garment structures in accordance with some aspects of this technology;

FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate power and/or data transmission lines and fluid channels that may be provided in garments in accordance with some aspects of this technology;

FIGS. 5A-5E provide various views of an anchor member and its incorporation into garments in accordance with some aspects of this technology;

FIGS. 6A-6C provide various views of input devices, their potential features, and their potential functionality that may be included in garments in accordance with some aspects of this technology;

FIGS. 7A-7H provide various views of example fluid flow passageways for temperature modifying units for garments in accordance with at least some aspects of this technology;

FIG. 8 provides a view of an accessory package that may be included in garments in accordance with some aspects of this technology; and

FIG. 9 provides a view schematically illustrating a garment system in accordance with at least some examples of this technology used in cooperation with other treatment systems and methods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASPECTS OF THIS TECHNOLOGY

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.

II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE GARMENT COMPONENTS, GARMENTS, AND METHODS ACCORDING TO THIS TECHNOLOGY

FIGS. 1A-1F show various features of an example garment 100 in accordance with some aspects of this technology. More specifically: FIG. 1A provides a front view of this example garment 100; FIG. 1B provides a rear view; FIG. 1C provides a left side view and FIG. 1D provides a left, front perspective view (the right side may have a structure that is the mirror image of the structures shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D); FIG. 1E provides a right, rear perspective view; and FIG. 1F provides a left side view showing the example strap and side panel arrangement. While the illustrated garment 100 is 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 garment 100 includes one or more garment components that define a body containing region located inside the interiormost surface of the garment 100.

This example garment 100 includes an exterior layer forming a front 102F of the garment 100, as shown in FIG. 1A. The front 102F of the garment 100 includes a left side front panel 102L and a right side front panel 102R that are releasably joined by a zipper or other securing system 104 (e.g., other slide fasteners, snaps, buttons, buckles, hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, clasps, etc.). The bottom region of the left side front panel 102L of this example includes a portion of a strap securing system 106L (e.g., a portion of a hook-and-loop fastener), and the bottom region of the right side front panel 102R of this example includes a portion of another strap securing system 106R. FIG. 1A further shows portions of securing straps 108R and 108L. These securing straps 108R and 108L are anchored at a back 102B of the garment 100 (see FIG. 1B) and wrap around the sides of the garment (see FIGS. 1C-1F). Note strap anchor members 300 fixed to the back 102B of the garment 100 (and discussed in more detail below).

The left side front panel 102L and the right side front panel 102R of the exterior layer of this specific example garment 100 extend over the shoulder regions of the garment 100 to the back 102B of the exterior layer of the garment 100. While other structural options are possible, in this example garment 100, the exterior layer extends continuously over the shoulder regions of the garment 100 such that the front 102F and back 102B of the garment 100's exterior layer are formed as a continuous, single piece of material. This feature may provide a passageway between layers of the garment 100 for wiring and/or fluid lines, as will be described in more detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 4A and 4B.

The garment 100 of this example further includes a left side panel 110L connecting the front 102F and back 102B at the lower left side. A left arm opening 112L is defined in the garment 100 above the left side panel 110L, between the front 102F and back 102B, and beneath the left shoulder region of the garment 100. Similarly, this example garment 100 includes a right side panel 110R connecting the front 102F and back 102B at the lower right side. A right arm opening 112R is defined in the garment 100 above the right side panel 110R, between the front 102F and back 102B, and beneath the right shoulder region of the garment 100. Alternatively, as mentioned above, the garment 100 may include sleeves (e.g., formed as a jacket, a shirt, another upper body garment, etc.).

The garment 100 of this example further includes one or more temperature modifying units 200. Any desired number of temperature modifying units 200 may be provided in garments 100 in accordance with some examples of this technology, e.g., including from 1 to 16 temperature modifying units 200 (and in some examples, from 1 to 12 temperature modifying units 200, 1 to 8 temperature modifying units 200, etc.). Also, the temperature modifying unit(s) 200 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 of FIGS. 1A-1F shows: (a) two temperature modifying units 200 located in the front upper shoulder areas of the garment 100 and (b) four temperature modifying units 200 located across the back upper shoulder and scapular areas of the garment 100, any one or more of these temperature modifying units 200 may be omitted in other specific example garments 100 according to this technology. Additionally or alternatively, temperature modifying units 200 could be located at other positions in the garment 100, 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 unit 200 numbers, sizes, shapes, spacings, orientations, and/or arrangements may be provided in other specific examples of this technology.

Any desired type of temperature modifying unit 200 may be used in different examples of this technology. In some more specific examples, the temperature modifying unit 200 may 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.

FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate additional potential features of garments 100 in accordance with some examples of this technology. For example, FIGS. 1B and 1E show an electronic accessory package 400 engaged with the back 102B of the garment 100 (although the electronic accessory package 400 may be located at other positions on the garment 100, including on the front 102F, on a side panel 110L and/or 110R, within a pocket, etc.). As shown in FIG. 4B, this example electronic accessory package 400 includes a battery 400B, a processing system 400M, and a pump 400P or compressor for purposes to be explained in more detail below. Alternatively, if desired, multiple accessory packages 400 could be provided on a single garment 100 (e.g., the battery 400B, the processing system 400M, and/or the pump 400P may be provided as two or more separate components and/or at two or more separate locations on the garment 100).

FIGS. 1A and 1D further show that this example garment 100 includes an input device 500, e.g., on the garment 100's lower front 102F (on the left side in this example). Input device 500 may be located at any desired position on the garment 100, including on the inside of the garment 100, within a pocket, on a side panel 110L and/or 110R, etc. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, input device 500 may 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 device 500 includes an on/off button 500A, a button 500B to activate heating features of the temperature modifying unit(s) 200, and a button 500C to activate cooling features of the temperature modifying unit(s) 200. The input device 500 further may include one or more indicators or one or more display devices (e.g., to indicate a mode of operation of the garment 100). In this specifically illustrated example, input device 500 includes an indicator 502A to show when the garment 100 is “on” (powered), as well as indicators to show the heating or cooling level selected. As some more specific examples: (a) button 500A may be toggled between an “on” setting (e.g., in which an indicator 502A light may be activated) and an “off” setting (e.g., in which no indicator light is activated); (b) button 500B may be toggled between multiple heat level settings (e.g., three settings, such as “high,” “medium,” and “low”) and one or more appropriate indicators 502B 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) button 500C may be toggled between multiple cooling level settings (e.g., three settings, such as “high,” “medium,” and “low”) and one or more appropriate indicators 502C 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 garments 100 in 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 FIGS. 2A-8. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 2A-8 as are used in FIGS. 1A-1F, 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.

FIGS. 2A-2D provide various views of the garment 100 and its engagement with a temperature modifying unit 200 in at least some examples of this technology. FIG. 2A provides a partial exploded view of the garment 100 at the location of a temperature modifying unit 200. FIGS. 2B and 2C show cross sectional views of the garment 100 at the location of a temperature modifying unit 200 with the bladder 600 in a deflated condition (FIG. 2B) and an inflated condition (FIG. 2C). FIG. 2D shows a more detailed view of the base 204 of one example temperature modifying unit 200. The structures, arrangements, and orientations shown in FIGS. 2A-2D may be used in any one or more of the temperature modifying units 200 provided in the garment 100, e.g., including any one or more of the six temperature modifying units 200 in the specific example of FIGS. 1A-1F.

The garment 100 of this example constitutes a composite fabric that includes an exterior layer 120 and an interior layer 130. The exterior layer 120 may provide at least a portion of the outermost and exposed surface of the garment 100. The exterior layer 120 includes a through hole opening 120A, and the interior layer 130 also includes a through hole opening 130A. The through hole openings 120A and 130A may be arranged to at least partially overlap or align (e.g., axially align). In this illustrated example, the through hole opening 130A of the interior layer 130 is larger than the through hole opening 120A of the exterior layer 120.

The composite fabric may be made from any desired materials. In this example, the exterior layer 120 may include a foam material. As some more specific examples, the exterior layer 120 may 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 FIG. 5A). Additionally or alternatively, the exterior layer 120 may 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 layer 120 may 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 layer 120 may be made from a material that is resistant to stretch (or at least more resistant to stretch than a material of the interior layer 130), relatively stiff as compared to a material of the interior layer 130, and/or less flexible than a material of the interior layer 130.

The interior layer 130 may 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 layer 130 may 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 120. The interior layer 130 also may include a breathable and/or moisture wicking fabric, e.g., that is exposed at and faces the body containing region of the garment 100. The interior layer 130 may be made from a material that is at least 10% more stretchable than the material of the exterior layer 120 (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 layer 120 and the interior layer 130 as described above may provide suitable flexibility for the overall garment 100 structure, including excellent drape properties. The flexibility and/or drape gives the garment 100 suitable properties to lay close to the wearer's body while maintaining the garment 100 structure, shape, and/or orientation on the body. These features help provide improved fit for the garment 100, which in turn provides improved heating and/or cooling sensations for the wearer.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the mount area(s) for the temperature modifying unit(s) 200 of this example garment 100 further include a temperature dispersing element 140. In this illustrated example, the temperature dispersing element 140 includes 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 element 140 of this example is applied to (e.g., glued to) a surface of the interior layer 130, e.g., in a manner to extend over and at least partially cover the through hole opening 130A of the interior layer 130. As a more specific example, temperature dispersing element 140 may be applied to the surface of the interior layer 130 that is located closest to the wearer's body in the overall garment 100 structure. In this manner, the temperature dispersing element 140 may constitute the interiormost layer of the garment 100, may be exposed in the garment 100'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 element 140 may have adhesive applied to it, and this adhesive fixes the temperature dispersing element 140 to the interior layer 130 around the opening 130A.

The heating and/or cooling component 202 of the temperature modifying unit 200 may be mounted to the surface of the temperature dispersing element 140 or may be mounted to a base 204 (and optionally somewhat raised up from the surface of the temperature dispersing element 140). The heating and/or cooling component 202 may be located within the opening 130A of the interior layer 130. The heating and/or cooling component 202 may be mounted to (or include) a base 204 or main body (see FIG. 2D) that will engage (and be fixed to) some portion of the garment 100 (e.g., the temperature dispersing element 140). The base 204 of this example has a mount surface that includes one or more outwardly extending base elements 204B (also called “base members” herein) mounted to the surface of the temperature dispersing element 140 such that the base elements 204B extend out sideways from the base 204 and along a surface of the temperature dispersing element 140. Heated or cooled air produced by the heating and/or cooling component 202 is applied to the temperature dispersing element 140, which heats or cools the surface of the temperature dispersing element 140 located closest to the wearer's body. As a result, the temperature of the temperature dispersing element 140 is changed (e.g., heated and/or cooled), and this heating and/or cooling may be applied to the wearer's body.

FIGS. 2A-2C further show that this example garment 100 includes an inflatable bladder 600. The inflatable bladder 600 of this example is located within the through hole opening 130A of the interior layer 130 and between the exterior layer 120 and the temperature dispersing element 140. The inflatable bladder 600 of this example is annular shaped with its own through hole opening 600A. In this manner, the inflatable bladder 600 can fit over and around the heating and/or cooling component 202 of the temperature modifying unit 200 and can engage the base 204. Thus, the inflatable bladder 600 may be positioned to engage the one or more outwardly extending base elements 204B of the base 204 of the temperature modifying unit 200, as will be explained in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 2B and 2C. A surface of the inflatable bladder 600 may be fixed to one or more of the base element(s) 204B. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a surface of the inflatable bladder 600 may be fixed to (e.g., via an adhesive) the facing surface of the temperature dispersing element 140 (at least at locations between the base elements 204B).

At least some portion of the temperature modifying unit 200 (e.g., at least a portion of the heating and/or cooling component 202, an outer housing 206 component in which the heating and/or cooling component 202 is contained, the base 204, etc.) may extend through the through hole opening 130A of the interior layer 130 and through the through hole opening 120A of the exterior layer 120. For example, the housing 206 may extend through opening 120A and engage the base 204 (such that the heating and/or cooling component 202 is contained within a chamber defined by the base 204 and housing 206). Outer cap 208 may close the top of the housing 206 (and may be removably mounted to the housing 206). Alternatively, the housing 206 may be formed to include a closed end surface in place of outer cap 208. The outer cap 208 and/or other exposed exterior surface of the housing 206 may have one or more air passageways defined therethrough (to allow air to enter and/or leave the temperature modifying unit 200). Examples of these air passageways are described in more detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 7A-7H.

If necessary or desired, a reinforcing member 650 may be provided around the through hole opening 120A in the exterior layer 120. The reinforcing member 650, when present, may have an annular shape with its own through hole opening 650A. The reinforcing member 650 of this example is located between the inflatable bladder 600 and the garment exterior layer 120 and around housing 206, and it is provided to help prevent the exterior layer 120 from tearing or fraying or otherwise being damaged at the opening 120A.

FIGS. 2B and 2C show cross sectional views of the garment 100/temperature modifying unit 200 combination through a central location of the temperature modifying unit 200 (with the temperature modifying unit 200 shown as a general “box,” e.g., that may be formed of a Peltier module). The components shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C are not drawn to scale. As shown in these figures, the base 204 (and its base elements 204B) of the temperature modifying unit 200 is mounted to a surface of the temperature dispersing element 140 (e.g., a silicone material). The temperature modifying unit 200 (e.g., one or more of its base 204, its housing 206, its heating and/or cooling component 202, and/or its outer cap 208) extends outward from the temperature dispersing element 140, through the opening 600A in the inflatable bladder 600, through the opening 130A in the interior layer 130, through the opening 650A in the reinforcing member 650, and through the opening 120A in the exterior layer 120 in this illustrate example. FIG. 2B shows the inflatable bladder 600 in a deflated condition, which may leave a gap G between the exposed interior surface of the temperature dispersing element 140 (or other interiormost layer of the garment 100) and a wearer's body 10 (at least at some locations).

In use, for example, when the heating and/or cooling component 202 is activated (via input device 500) to apply heating and/or cooling to a wearer's body 10, the pump 400P may be activated to inflate the inflatable bladder 600. As shown in FIG. 2C, this action will increase the dimensions of the inflatable bladder 600 (e.g., in its axial direction), causing the inflatable bladder 600 to apply a force to the base elements 204B of the temperature modifying unit 200 and/or to the temperature dispersing element 140. Because the exterior layer 120 is less stretchable, less flexible, and/or stiffer than the interior layer 130, the force from the bladder 600 inflation may tend to move the base 204 and temperature dispersing element 140 predominantly inward toward the body containing region of the garment 100, thereby closing the gap G (and, in at least some instances, placing the surface of the temperature dispersing element 140 in contact with the wearer's body 10, as shown in FIG. 2C. These features can provide a closer and improved fit (placing the garment 100 closer and tighter to the wearer's body 10), improve heat transfer efficiency between the temperature dispersing element 140 and the wearer's body 10, and improve the cooling and/or warming sensations and conduction of heating and/or cooling to the wearer's skin.

FIG. 2D illustrates the base 204 of a temperature modifying unit 200 in accordance with some examples of this technology. The base 204 includes a rim 204R over which housing 206 may extend. The base 204 and housing 206 form an interior chamber that contains components of the heating and/or cooling component 202, and the outer cap 208 may close the open end of the housing 206. The open bottom (opening 206B) of the base 204 faces a surface of the temperature dispersing element 140 to allow heated and/or cooled air to contact the surface of the temperature dispersing element 140. The extending base elements 204B provide a surface to engage the inflatable bladder 600, as discussed above, to help push the base 204 toward the body containing region of the garment 100 (and close the gap G, as discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 2B and 2C). The extending base elements 204B (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 base 204 may have from 1 to 12 extending base elements 204B of this type, and in some examples, from 2 to 10 base elements 204B, from 3 to 8 base elements 204B, or even from 3 to 6 base elements 204B (five base elements 204B are shown in the specific example of FIG. 2D). If desired (and as shown in the example of FIG. 2A), one or more of the base elements 204B may include through hole openings (and any desired size, shape, and/or orientation), e.g., to reduce weight of the temperature modifying unit 200.

The exterior layer 120 of the garment 100 is shown in FIGS. 1A-1F. The exterior layer 120 may 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 FIGS. 1A-1F, the bottom front 102F of this example garment 100 includes a portion of the strap securing system 106L and 106R engaged with it (e.g., portions of hook-and-loop fasteners for the straps 108L and 108R, respectively). These strap securing systems 106L and 106R may be engaged with the exterior layer 120 of the garment 100 in 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 layer 120 of the garment 100 may be engaged with interior layer 130, e.g., by at least one of: one or more sewn seams, an adhesive, one or more mechanical fasteners, etc. FIGS. 3A and 3B show two example interior layers 130 of a garment in accordance with some examples of this technology. The interior layer 130 may 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 layer 130 of the garment 100 may include the side panels 110R and 110L and may, at least in part, define the arm openings 112L and 112R for the garment 100. FIG. 3A shows that this example interior layer 130 includes three temperature dispersing elements 140 engaged with it: (i) one temperature dispersing element 140 covering a through hole opening 130A in the interior layer 130 at the left shoulder and/or pectoral region, (ii) one temperature dispersing element 140 covering a through hole opening 130A in the interior layer 130 at the right shoulder and/or pectoral region, and (iii) one temperature dispersing element 140 covering one or more through hole openings 130A in the interior layer 130 located across the upper back (e.g., rear shoulder or scapular) region. As noted above, other numbers and/or arrangements of the temperature modifying units 200 (and thus, other numbers and/or arrangements of the through hole openings 130A and temperature dispersing elements 140) may be provided in other specific examples of this technology. The through hole openings 130A are shown in broken lines in FIG. 3A because they are covered by the temperature dispersing elements 140.

If desired, rather than a single temperature dispersing element 140 covering all of the openings 130A in the interior layer 130 at the back of the garment 100, two or more temperature dispersing elements 140 may be provided on the back of the interior layer 130, with each temperature dispersing element 140 at least partially covering one or more openings 130A. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a single opening 130A may have two or more temperature dispersing elements 140 at least partially covering it. Thus, a wide variety of arrangements of temperature dispersing elements 140 and openings 130A may be provided in other examples of this technology.

FIG. 3A further shows that this example interior layer 130 includes the zipper or other garment securing system 104 (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 system 104 may be engaged with the exterior layer 120 of the garment 100, in at least some examples of this technology.

FIG. 3A further illustrates that this example interior layer 130 includes an opening 130B (e.g., a zippered or other closable opening and/or flap). This opening 130B extends completely through the interior layer 130 and, when present, allows access to the accessory package 400, e.g., for repair, maintenance, and/or replacement of the accessory package 400 and/or components thereof, etc. Alternatively, if desired, the opening 130B could be omitted, e.g., and the accessory package 400 could be accessed from the outside of the garment 100, e.g., by removing outer cover 402.

FIG. 3B shows an alternative interior layer 130 construction that may be used in some examples of this technology. Where the same reference number is used in FIG. 3B as used in FIG. 3A (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 layer 130 of FIG. 3A and that of FIG. 3B relates to the through hole opening 130C at the back of the interior layer 130 (shown in broken lines and covered by temperature dispersing element 140 in FIG. 3B). The interior layer 130 of FIG. 3B includes a single through hole opening 130C at the back, and this single through hole opening 130C may accommodate one or more temperature modifying units 200 (it could accommodate all four temperature modifying units 200 in the example of FIGS. 1A-2D). While FIG. 3B shows a single temperature dispersing element 140 covering this larger opening 130C, two or more temperature dispersing elements 140 may be provided, if desired. Use of a single through hole opening 130C of this type may allow a single interior layer 130 construction to be used with different numbers and/or arrangements of temperature modifying units 200. For example, a single interior layer 130 could be used with garment 100 constructions that are intended to include one, two, three, four, or even more temperature modifying units 200 at the back 102B of the garment 100.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show views similar to FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively, but different features are highlighted. Specifically, these figures schematically show lines 404 (e.g., electrical conductors, wires, cables, etc.) that provide power to various electronic components (e.g., from battery 400B) and/or that transmit data to and/or from various electronic communication (e.g., to/from processing system 400M (e.g., which may include one or more microprocessors)). As some more specific examples, lines 404 may schematically represent one or more power lines that extend from battery 400B to the temperature modifying unit(s) 200 and/or to the input device 500. The power lines may be located between layers of the garment 100 (e.g., between exterior layer 120 and interior layer 130 discussed above). Additionally or alternatively, lines 404 may schematically represent one or more data transmission lines that extend to provide data to and/or accept data from the processing system 400M provided with the accessory package 400. Data transmission lines may provide electronic communication between one or more of: (a) the input device 500 and the processing system 400M and/or (b) between the processing system 400M and one or more temperature modifying units 200. 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). While FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically show lines 404 extending over a shoulder area of the garment 100 configuration, 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 100, etc.).

FIGS. 4A and 4B further schematically illustrate fluid lines 406 extending from the pump 400P (e.g., a compressor) to the inflatable bladders 600 in the individual temperature modifying units 200. The fluid lines 406 may take on any desired constructions, such as plastic tubing. The fluid lines 406 may be located between layers of the garment 100 (e.g., between exterior layer 120 and interior layer 130 discussed above). While FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically show fluid lines 406 extending over a shoulder area of the garment 100 configuration, any desired type of fluid line arrangement and/or extension with respect to the garment 100 configuration may be used in different examples of this technology (e.g., around the sides of the garment 100, etc.).

As described above, the inflatable bladder(s) 600 of the temperature modifying unit(s) 200 may be inflated by fluid (e.g., air) supplied to the bladder(s) 600 from a pump 400P via fluid line(s) 406. The bladder(s) 600 may be equipped with a valve (e.g., a check valve) that allows the bladder(s) 600 to release fluid if pressure exceeds a threshold level. Additionally or alternatively, the bladder(s) 600 may include one or more small openings therein that allows fluid to escape over time (e.g., to allow the bladder(s) 600 to slowly deflate once the pump 400P is shut down). Still additionally or alternatively, if desired, one or more of the bladder(s) 600 and/or fluid line(s) 406 may be equipped with a pressure sensor that provides data to the processing system 400M, e.g., to enable the processing system 400M to shut down the pump 400P and/or close an air intake for the bladder 600 if pressure in the bladder(s) 600 and/or fluid line(s) 406 exceeds a threshold value. Thus, various ways of controlling fluid pressure in the bladder(s) 600, controlling the pump 400P, and/or prevention over-inflation of the bladder(s) 600 may be provided in different examples of this technology.

As described above, garments 100 in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may include a strap system (e.g., with one or more straps 108R and/or 108L) to help secure the garment 100 to the wearer's body. When the garment 100 is donned, the wearer may zip the zipper or other securing system 104 to hold the garment 100 on the body. Then, the strap system may be engaged to further tighten the garment 100 around the wearer's body. The illustrated example strap system includes: (a) a left side securing strap 108L, (b) a left side anchor member 300 (e.g., fixed with respect to the back 102B portion of the garment 100), and (c) at least a portion of a left side strap securing system 106L (for holding the left side strap 108L at a securing position). The left side securing strap 108L further may include a portion of the left side strap securing system to engage the portion of the left side strap securing system 106L provided with the front 102F of the exterior layer 120 of the garment 100 in 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 strap 108R, (b) a right side anchor member 300 (e.g., fixed with respect to the back 102B portion of the garment 100), and (c) at least a portion of a right side strap securing system 106R (for holding the right side strap 108R at a securing position). The right side securing strap 108R further may include a portion of the right side strap securing system to engage the portion of the right side strap securing system 106R provided with the front 102F of the exterior layer 120 of the garment 100 in this example. The securing straps 108L and/or 108R 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) 108L and/or 108R in the securing position (also called a “means for holding” the strap(s) 108L and/or 108R (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) 108L and/or 108R including a portion of the hook-and-loop fastener that engages a portion of the hook-and-loop fastener provided as strap securing system 106L and/or 106R); (ii) one or more button fasteners (e.g., with buttons provided on the strap(s) 108L and/or 108R and button holes provided on the front 102F of the garment 100 and/or with button holes provided on the strap(s) 108L and/or 108R and buttons provided on the front 102F of the garment 100); (iii) one or more snap type fastener structures (with one part of the snap fastener(s) provided with the straps(s) 108L and/or 108R and another part of the snap fastener(s) provided with the front 102F of the garment 100); (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) 108L and/or 108R and another part of the buckle fastener(s) (e.g., the buckle hardware) provided with the front 102F of the garment 100); (v) one or more tie fasteners (e.g., for tying the strap(s) 108L and/or 108R with a tie strap provided with the front 102F of the garment 100); (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 straps 108L and 108R could be secured by fixing the straps 108L and 108R 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.

FIGS. 5A-5E provide various views of the manner in which the strap system (e.g., straps 108L and/or 108R) may be engaged with a garment component in accordance with at least some examples of this technology. FIG. 5A shows the right side strap 108R and the anchor member 300 engaged with a back 102B of a garment 100; FIG. 5B provides a perspective view of the anchor member 300; FIG. 5C shows the interior view of the anchor member 300; FIG. 5D provides a top view of the anchor member 300; and FIG. 5E provides a simplified cross sectional view taken along line 5E-5E in FIG. 5A (to show the various parts and their arrangements). While FIGS. 5A-5E show features of this engagement at a right side of the garment 100, the reader will understand that the left side engagement may constitute a mirror image of the structures shown in FIGS. 5A-5E (and thus a repetitive and duplicative discussion of the left side anchor member 300 and strap 108L will be omitted).

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5E, this example anchor member 300 includes: (a) a front side 300F, (b) a rear side 300R, (c) a top side 300T connecting the front side 300F and rear side 300R, and (d) a bottom side 300B connecting the front side 300F and rear side 300R. The front side 300F and the rear side 300R 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 straps 108L and 108R 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 side 300F, rear side 300R, top side 300T, and bottom side 300B form a continuous outer perimeter of the anchor member 300. The sides of the anchor member 300 also define (a) an interior surface 302I (see FIGS. 5B-5D) and (b) an exterior surface 302X (see FIGS. 5A, 5C, and 5D) located opposite the interior surface 302I. The interior surface 302I of this example defines a concave shape that is oriented to face the garment 100's exterior layer 120 and the body containing region of the garment 100 (e.g., such that the concave interior surface 302I is shaped to lie close to and adjacent the wearer's body when the garment 100 is secured-see FIG. 1E). At least one of the top side 300T and the bottom side 300B may have a curved or angled shape to thereby form the concave structure at the interior surface 302I. See FIGS. 5B, 5D, and 5E. The exterior surface 302X may have a convex shape or any other desired shape.

The term “concave” when used herein in this context means that the interior surface 302I defined by the anchor member 300 has an inwardly curved, angled, and/or cupped shape. In this manner, the interior surface 302I 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 surfaces 302I shown in FIGS. 1E and 5B-5E constitute “concave” surfaces as that term is used herein.

The anchor member 300 of 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 strap 108R (or 108L) may be engaged with the anchor member 300). The specific anchor member 300 example of FIGS. 5A-5E includes a front opening 304F and a rear opening 304R, which are separated from one another by intermediate bar 308. In this illustrated example, the intermediate bar 308 extends from the top side 300T to the bottom side 300B of the anchor member 300, and front opening 304F and rear opening 304R are formed as enclosed rings or through holes on opposite sides of the intermediate bar 308. Alternatively, if desired, one or more of the front side 300F, rear side 300R, top side 300T, bottom side 300B, and/or intermediate bar 308 may include a discontinuity (or may be absent) to allow strap access to the front opening 304F and/or the rear opening 304R through the discontinuity opening. The strap(s) 108L and/or 108R may include raised components 108S (see FIG. 4A) to help prevent the straps 10L and 108R from completely pulling through the opening(s) 304R and/or 304F.

FIGS. 5A and 5E further show that the right strap 108R is engaged with the anchor member 300 such that: (i) the strap 108R wraps around the intermediate bar 308, (ii) extends forward toward the front 102F of the garment 100, (iii) engages the concave interior surface 302I, and (iv) is located between the anchor member 300 and the body containing region of the garment 100 (e.g., facing the back 102B and/or side panel 110R of the garment 100 in this example). More specifically, the strap 108R may include: (a) a first portion 108R1 that extends along and in contact with the garment 100 (e.g., in contact with one or both of back 102B, front 102F, and/or side panel 110R) and optionally may be fixed to the garment 100 (e.g., by stitching 150, by adhesive, by mechanical fasteners, etc.); (b) a second portion 108R2 that wraps around the intermediate bar 308 and extends through openings 304R and 304F, and (c) a third portion 108R3 that includes a free end. The third portion 108R3 extends between the front side 300F of the anchor member 300 and the body containing region of the garment 100 (e.g., between the front side 300F of the anchor member 300 and the side panel 110R). The third portion 108R3 of the strap 108R 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 system 106R. The strap securing system 106R alternatively could be provided on facing surfaces of the strap 108R (e.g., on facing surfaces of strap portions 108R1 and 108R3)

As also shown in FIGS. 5A and 5E, the anchor member 300 may be fixed with respect to the back 102B of the garment 100 by a fixing element 160. The fixing element 160 of this illustrated example includes a portion 160A (e.g., a strap portion) that extends between and is attached to each of the back 102B of the garment 100 and the anchor member 300. More specifically, the noted portion 160A of the fixing element 160 of this example extends through the rearward opening 304R and around the rear side 300R of the anchor member 300. The two ends of the fixing element 160 (e.g., the two ends of a fixing element strap) may be fixed to the garment 100 (e.g., to the back 102B portion of the garment 100's exterior layer 120) by one or more seams, by adhesive, and/or by one or more mechanical fasteners (represented by element 162 in FIGS. 5A and 5E). Thus, the anchor member 300 may be considered as having a secured side (corresponding to rear side 300R) and an unsecured side (corresponding to front side 300F), and the strap 108R is arranged to extend between the unsecured side (front side 300F) and the garment 100 (e.g., back 102B and/or side panel 110R).

In at least some examples of this technology, the fixing element 160 will fix the rear side 300R of the anchor member 300 relatively tightly to the garment 100 (e.g., with little excess fixing element 160 strap) and/or in a manner so that the anchor member 300 generally maintains its upright positioning, even when securing strap 108R is unfixed. In the example of FIG. 5A, the seam forming fastener element 162 extends substantially an entire height dimension H1 of the anchor member 300 (e.g., height dimension H2 of the seam forming fastener element 162 may be at least 75% the height dimension H1, and in some examples, at least 80%, at least 85%, or at least 90% of height dimension H1). These features, together with the concave shape of the interior surface 302I of the anchor member 300, help keep the strap 108R from falling far behind the garment 100 when the strap 108R is unfixed. This helps keep the loose strap 108R up toward the front of the garment 100 and more easily available to be grasped by the wearer when donning the garment 100.

As mentioned above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1D, garments 100 in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may include an input device 500, e.g., for turning the temperature modifying unit(s) 200 on and off, for selecting a heating or cooling treatment, and/or for selecting the level of heating and/or cooling. FIGS. 6A and 6B provide some additional details on input devices 500 in accordance with some examples of this technology and their incorporation into a garment 100 structure. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIGS. 6A and 6B as used in the other figures discussed above, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any of the options or alternatives for those parts described above), and much of the overlapping and/or repetitive discussion may be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the input device 500 of this example may be mounted to a portion of the strap securing system 106L (e.g., a garment panel with a portion of a hook-and-loop fastener), and that strap securing system 106L may be mounted to the exterior layer 120 of the garment 100. One or both of the strap securing system 106L and/or the exterior layer 120 may have one or more holes cut through them to enable a portion of the input device 500 to extend between layers of the garment (e.g., between the exterior layer 120 and the interior layer 130). FIG. 6B shows a lower portion 510 of a housing for the input device 500 between the exterior layer 120 and the interior layer 130. That lower portion 510 of the housing may be joined with the at least partially exposed upper portion 512 of the housing, e.g., by screws, snap fit fasteners, and/or other means, and components of the input device 500 may be contained within an interior chamber defined by the housing portions 510, 512. In this illustrated example, the lower portion 510 of the housing includes an inlet 510A through which the one or more power or data communication lines 404 (e.g., wires) may extend (e.g., to be connected to electronic components within the housing). In some examples of this technology, the power or data communication lines 404 may extend over to and run along a seam at which the securing system 104 (e.g., zipper) is attached to one of the exterior layer 120 and/or interior layer 130 of the garment 100 fabrics.

FIG. 6B further shows that the mounting for this example input device 500 includes a reinforcement element 514, e.g., to help prevent the exterior layer 120 from tearing due to screws or other fastening components extending therethrough. The reinforcement element 514 may include a tear resistant fabric, such as a wood felt, a plastic material, or other suitable material.

Input devices 500 in accordance with other specific examples of this technology may have different and/or additional features and/or functionality. For example, input devices 500 mounted on the garment 100 (e.g., in the manner shown in FIG. 6A) may communicate with the processing system 400M (or other component) via wireless communications (e.g., via a “BLUETOOTH” low energy (“BLE”) communication system and/or protocol). As another additional or alternative example, as shown in FIG. 6C, an input device 500 may be a remote control device 506 (e.g., activated via a smart phone application program, etc.) that provides operating instructions and/or other input data to the temperature modifying units 200 (e.g., through communication with processing system 400M, as shown by wireless transmission icon 508). As a more specific example, in at least some examples of this technology, an input device 500 may include a remote control device 506, such as a smartphone running a phone application program and communicating with the processing system 400M via a “BLUETOOTH” low energy (“BLE”) communication system and/or protocol.

The discussion above describes the input device 500 as including one button 500B for activating one or more heat applying settings and another button 500C for activating one or more cooling settings. Other features and/or functionality are possible for input devices 500 (both garment 100 mounted input systems or remotely operated input systems) in other specific examples of this technology. For example, in addition or as an alternative to the buttons 500B and/or 500C and their functionality described above, an input device 500 (either one mounted on a garment 100 or as a remote device) may include one or more “Preset” buttons (hard buttons or soft buttons). Any number of such “Presets” may be available on an input device 500 in different specific examples of this technology (two soft buttons 506A, 506BB are shown in the example of FIG. 6C). The “Preset” button(s) may be used to trigger the processing system 400M to initiate a pre-selected heating and/or cooling program for the wearer. The input device 500 may come pre-programmed with (or programmable to include) one or more different heating and/or cooling programs (e.g., one for pre-game or pre-workout “warm up” and one for post-game or post-workout “cool down” or treatment). Additionally or alternatively, a user may be allowed to select from a list of potential pre-programmed treatment programs (e.g., available through the “settings” system, e.g., available through soft button 506C) and/or a user may be able to design a customized heating and/or cooling treatment program (e.g., with selectable temperature levels for different time periods and/or durations). The example of FIG. 6C further shows that this input device 500 includes buttons 506D and 506E through which a user can increase or decrease the temperature setting, e.g., by a set amount per button interaction. Other features, functionality, and/or programmable items may be included on the input device 500 of FIG. 6C, if desired, in different specific examples of this technology. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the hard buttons 500B and/or 500C shown on the input device 500 of FIG. 6A may be used (and optionally selectively programmable) to initiate any one or more of these pre-programmed or “Preset” treatment protocols.

FIGS. 7A-7D show additional features of temperature modifying units 200 that may be present in at least some examples of this technology. As described above, an outer cap 208 and/or other exposed exterior surface of the housing 206 for a temperature modifying unit 200 may have one or more air passageways defined therethrough (to allow air to enter and/or leave the temperature modifying unit 200). FIGS. 7A-7D provide various views of an outer cap 208 in accordance with some aspects of this technology. More particularly: FIG. 7A shows a top view of the outer cap 208; FIG. 7B provides a perspective view; FIG. 7C provides a side view; and FIG. 7D provides a sectional view along line 7D-7D in FIG. 7A. As shown in these figures, several through hole openings 208A as air passageways are provided through the outer cap 208. In examples of this technology where the temperature modifying unit 200 may not have an outer cap, the surface 208B shown in the view of FIG. 7A may constitute an exposed, closed end surface of the housing 206 for the temperature modifying unit 200.

Temperature modifying unit(s) 200 in accordance with at least some aspects of this technology may include a mount surface (e.g., with extending base elements 204B as described above in conjunction with FIG. 2D) at which at least a portion of the temperature modifying unit 200 is mounted to the garment 100 (e.g., to temperature dispersing element 140). The outer cap 208 shown in FIGS. 7A-7D constitutes an exterior surface 208B of the temperature modifying unit 200 located opposite (and facing away from) the mount surface. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7D, this exterior surface 208B may have a contoured shape.

Garments 100 of the types described herein may be worn underneath another clothing item, such as a jacket. The contoured exterior surface 208B shape, when present, helps prevent all of the through hole openings 208A of exterior surface 208B from getting plugged, e.g., if suction being applied by air entering the interior of the temperature modifying unit 200 pulls fabric of an outer garment structure against the exterior surface 208B. In that event, the contoured exterior surface (which is non-planar) has a better chance of keeping at least some of the through hole openings 208A unimpeded by the fabric to better maintain air intake and exchange.

A wide variety of non-planar and/or contoured shapes may be provided for the exterior surface 208B in various different examples of this technology. For example, the exterior surface 208B may be contoured as a smooth curve that extends in a direction from one side edge of the exterior surface 208B, across a center C of the exterior surface 208B, to an opposite side edge of the exterior surface 208B. As a more specific example, the contoured shape of the exterior surface 208B may form a peak (or local “maxima”) within a central region of the exterior surface 208B, wherein the central peak extends in a direction away from the mount surface of the base 204. The “central region” of the exterior surface 208B, as used herein in this context, means the peak is located at the geographic center of the exterior surface 208B or in an area located within a 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) diameter from the geographic center.

In some more specific examples of this aspect of the present technology, the contoured shape of the exterior surface 208B may form a recessed region 208R within the exterior surface 208B. The recessed region 208R may be located between the center C of the exterior surface 208B and a top outer edge of the exterior surface 208B. In some examples, a central, side-to-side cross section of the exterior surface 208B (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7D) may form a general wave shape (e.g., a sine wave), with a central peak 218P, two recessed valleys (at recessed region 208R) on opposite sides of the central peak 218P, and two raised outer edges 218O.

Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the recessed region 208R may form a valley (e.g., a local “minima”) that extends around and surrounds the center C of the exterior surface 208B (e.g., an annular recessed region 208R that extends around the “central area” of the exterior surface 208B may form the valley). More specifically, in some examples, the exterior surface 208B may include: (i) an annular outer edge 218O, (ii) a central peak 218P (e.g., located at the center C or within the central region), and (iii) an annular valley or recessed region 208R located between and connecting the annular outer edge 218O and the central peak 218P. This valley formed by recessed region 208R is located closer to the mount surface of the base 204 of the temperature modifying unit 200 than are the center C of the exterior surface 208B, the central peak 218P, and/or the annular outer edge 218O.

FIGS. 7A-7D show the air passageway openings 208A through the exterior surface 208B (e.g., of outer cap 208) having a generally round shape and in a generally matrix or grid pattern (with adjacent rows of openings 208A offset or staggered with respect to one another). Many different types sizes, shapes, and arrangements of openings 208A (providing many different aesthetics) may be provided in different examples of this technology. Some additional examples of different opening 208A sizes, shapes, and arrangements are shown in FIGS. 7E-7H. FIGS. 7E-7H provide top views similar to FIG. 7A, but with different opening 208A features. FIG. 7E shows triangular shaped openings 208A arranged in a general matrix or grid pattern (with adjacent rows of openings 208A offset or staggered with respect to one another). FIG. 7F shows openings 208A formed as elongated slots of different side-to-side lengths. FIG. 7G shows openings 208A formed as curved slots arranged in generally circular arcs around a center. FIG. 7H shows openings 208A formed as a plurality of different sizes, shapes, and orientations. Despite the very different opening 208A patterns, however, the surfaces 208B may have the contoured surface features, e.g., as shown or described above in conjunction with FIGS. 7A-7D (and as most clearly shown in the cross sectional view of FIG. 7D). Thus, the specific arrangement of openings 208A shown in FIGS. 7A-7D is not critical to the function of the temperature modifying unit(s) 200 provided in a garment 100, as many other arrangements of openings can provide the desired air flow features.

As mentioned above with respect to FIGS. 1B and 1E, garments 100 in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may include an accessory package 400, e.g., for housing pump 400P, battery 400B, processing system 400M, and/or other components. FIG. 8 provides some additional details on an accessory package 400 in accordance with some examples of this technology and its incorporation into a garment 100 structure. Where the same reference numbers are used in FIG. 8 as used in the other figures discussed above, the same or similar parts are being referenced (including any of the options or alternatives for those parts described above), and much of the overlapping and/or repetitive discussion may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8, the accessory package 400 of this example may be mounted to the garment 100 such that at least portion of the accessory package 400 is located between the exterior layer 120 and the interior layer 130 of the garment 100. The exterior layer 120 of this example includes a through hole opening 120O through which at least a portion of the accessory package 400 (e.g., its outer cover 402) may extend. The outer cover 402 may be engaged with the housing base 402B, e.g., by one or more screws and/or other fasteners. The pump 400P, battery 400B, processing system 400M, portions of the fluid lines 406, portions of the power and/or data communication lines 404, and/or other components of the heating and/or cooling systems may be provided within the space defined between housing base 402B and outer cover 402.

In this illustrated example, the accessory package 400 is mounted over a second fabric layer 130D, which may be formed of a material of the interior layer 130, a material of the exterior layer 120, a different material (e.g., a foam layer, etc.). The double layer immediately adjacent the accessory package 400, when present, may provide somewhat more cushioning or padding at the wearer's back and/or may help attenuate heat generated by the components within the accessory package 400. The second fabric layer 130D, when present, may be sized and shaped to be just a bit larger than the footprint of the housing base 402B (so it completely underlies the housing base 402B).

FIG. 8 further shows that the mounting for this example accessory package 400 includes a reinforcement element 414, e.g., to help prevent the exterior layer 120 from tearing at the through hole opening 120O. The reinforcement element 414 may include a tear resistant fabric, such as a wood felt or other fabric material, or it may include a plastic reinforcement.

In some examples of this technology, the garment 100 described herein may be used in combination with other treatment systems and/or methods, e.g., to provide a more comprehensive or complete treatment system (e.g., a workout/game preparation or warm up system, a workout/game cool down system, a recovery system, etc.). U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/529,402 filed Jul. 28, 2023 and entitled “Footwear Structures Providing Compression and Thermal Treatment” and U.S. Patent Appln. Publn. No. 2025/0031803 A1 published Jan. 30, 2025 and entitled “Footwear Structures Providing Compression and Thermal Treatment” describe footwear systems and methods that include components for applying compression and/or thermal treatments to a wearer's foot, ankle, and/or lower leg (each of U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/529,402 and U.S. Patent Appln. Publn. No. 2025/0031803 A1 is entirely incorporated herein by reference). FIG. 9 shows a combined system 900 with: (i) a garment 100 having any of the features and/or functionality described herein (e.g., in conjunction with FIGS. 1A-8 above) and (ii) an article of footwear 902, e.g., having any of the features and/or functionality described for the footwear and systems in U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/529,402 and/or U.S. Patent Appln. Publn. No. 2025/0031803 A1. In some examples of such combined systems 900, a single input device 500 (such as the input devices 500 described herein) may be used to control and provide input to both the garment 100 (see transmission icon 508) and the article of footwear 902 (see transmission icon 508B). Additionally or alternatively, the processing system 400M on the garment 100 and the processing system 904 on the article of footwear 902 may communicate with one another, e.g., directly (see transmission icon 508A) and/or through the input device 500 (see transmission icons 508 and 508B).

In at least some examples of this technology, the compression and/or thermal systems and treatment programs operating in the article of footwear 902 may be coordinated with (e.g., synched up with) the heating and/or cooling treatment programs operating in the garment 100 (e.g., coordinated and/or synchronized by the input device 500). Such coordination and/or synchronization may provide enhanced and/or optimized treatments for the wearer. In these manners, the combined system 900 (as well as the individual article of footwear 902 and/or garment 100 structures) may be considered “wearable” warm-up, treatment, and/or recovery systems for athletes and/or other users. The combined system 900 of FIG. 9, the individual garment 100 systems described herein, and/or the footwear systems described in U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/529,402 and/or U.S. Patent Appln. Publn. No. 2025/0031803 A1 also may be used in combination with (including coordinated with and/or synchronized with) other treatment systems and/or methods, such as heating, cooling, and/or compression treatment systems for the legs, hands, arms, etc.

The input device 500 in the combined system 900 of FIG. 9 described above further may include features that allow the wearer to: (i) program their own treatment programs for the garment 100 and the article of footwear 902; (ii) select “Preset” treatment programs for the garment 100 and the article of footwear 902 (e.g., see preset buttons “A” and “B” in the input device of FIG. 9); and/or (iii) select one or more treatment programs from “libraries” of programs available for the garment 100 and/or the article of footwear 902. Such programmable and/or selectable treatment programs for the garment 100 and the article of footwear 902 also may be coordinated and synchronized to operate together and in combination. Access to the programmable features may be made available, e.g., through a “settings” button 910 or feature of the input device 500. The example input device 500 of FIG. 9 further includes input “soft buttons” that allow a user to activate just the footwear 902 system (button 912), activate just the garment 100 system (button 914), or activate both together (button 916). Additional and/or other types of input buttons may be provided in input devices 500 in accordance with other specific examples of this aspect of the present technology.

While FIGS. 1A-9 illustrate garment components and garments having specific structures (e.g., specific component and feature sizes, shapes, and configurations), many variations in these component and feature sizes, shapes, and configurations are possible without departing from this technology and without affecting the functions of the components and features as described herein. The noted components and features could be varied widely in sizes, shapes, and/or configurations while still providing the desired functions and/or properties described above.

III. CONCLUSION

The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of example structures. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.