Air conditioning system for a garment

Abstract

An air conditioning system for a garment that is worn over the clothing of an individual that utilizes a thermoelectric heating and cooling system that allows an individual to control the temperature under the garment. The garment protects the individual from extreme external temperatures in the environment. The system also prevents the buildup of humidity within the garment since the air that is heated or cooled by the thermoelectric device is dehumidified before it enters the garment. The air conditioning mechanism is mounted in a self-contained environment that is insulated from the ambient air temperature in the environment.

1 . An air conditioning system for retaining comfort in extreme temperatures comprising: 
 a. An air conditioner, said air conditioner further comprising a: 
 i. a casing, said casing further comprising an interior space, a first side, a second side, and an exhaust valve wherein each of the first and second sides further comprise hole;  
 ii. a thermoelectric heating and cooling device, said thermoelectric heating and cooling device further comprising a first plate and a second plate wherein said thermoelectric heating and cooling device is secured to the second side of the casing such that said second plate of said thermoelectric heating and cooling device fits within said hole of said second side of the casing and is not exposed to the interior space of the casing;  
 iii. a power source said power source is coupled to said thermoelectric heating and cooling device;  
 iv. a heat sink; said heat sink further comprising a contact plate and at least one fin such that said at least one fin is connected substantially perpendicular to said contact plate wherein said contact plate is coupled to said first plate of said thermoelectric heating and cooling device;  
 v. a fan, said fan is coupled to said power source and to said first side of the casing such that the fan is exposed to ambient air through said hole of the first side of the casing;  
 vi. a switch; said switch further comprising a first and second position and is coupled to said power source; 
 a) such that when said switch is in the first position, said power source delivers a direct current to said thermoelectric heating and cooling device so that the temperature of said first plate will rise above ambient air temperature thereby causing the temperature of said heat sink to approach the temperature of said first plate of said thermoelectric heating and cooling device; said fan becomes activated so that said fan draws ambient air into said casing such that said air is forced into contact with said at least one fin of said heat sink thereby raising the temperature of said air;  
 b) such that when said switch is in the second position, said power source delivers a direct current to said thermoelectric heating and cooling device so that the temperature of said first plate will drop below ambient air temperature thereby causing the temperature of said heat sink to approach the temperature of said first plate of said thermoelectric heating and cooling device; said fan becomes activated so that said fan draws ambient air into said casing such that said air is forced into contact with said at least one fin of said heat sink thereby lowering the temperature of said air;  
 
 vii. a tube; said tube further comprising a first end and a second end wherein the first end of said tube is connected to said exhaust valve of said casing;  
 viii. a protective garment; 
 a) said protective garment to be worn on top of at least one article of clothing on an individual such that said garment allows exposure of said individual's hands, feet, and face;  
 b) said protective garment further comprising an intake valve such that the second end of said tube is coupled to said intake valve wherein said air is expelled from said casing into said tube and into said protective garment thereby changing the temperature within said protective garment to a temperature that approaches the temperature of said first plate;  
 
   b. a carrying container, said carrying container further comprising a first hole and a second hole such that said air conditioner is enclosed within said carrying container wherein said fan is exposed to ambient air through said first hole and said second plate of said thermoelectric heating and cooling device physically resides outside of said carrying container through said second hole so that said second plate is exposed to ambient air wherein said carrying container is worn on top of said protective garment.    
   
   
       2 . The air conditioning system in  claim 1  wherein said protective garment is constructed of a plastic material.  
   
   
       3 . The air conditioning system in  claim 1  wherein said protective garment is constructed of a vinyl material.  
   
   
       4 . The air conditioning system of  claim 1  wherein said protective garment further comprises a hood wherein said hood is worn on the head of said individual so that the face of said individual remains exposed to ambient air.  
   
   
       5 . The air conditioning system of  claim 1  wherein said container is a backpack.