Temperature Altering Garment and Methods of Use Thereon

Abstract

Human clothing has inner and outer flexible layers that define a space sufficiently large to position a thermal transfer element in any of multiple, non-overlapping positions. The space and the thermal transfer element preferably have cooperating sides of a hook-and-loop attachment. All suitable items of clothing are contemplated, but especially a shirt, jacket or pants that appear to others as a substantially normal garment. Each space has one or more openings, in either the inner or outer layers, and preferably at the shoulders or sides of the torso, or at the pocket areas of pants. The spaces are preferably large, not only relative to the size of a corresponding thermal transfer element, but also to the size of the garment. Thermal transfer elements are preferably disposed in pouches having a thermal insulation on that side, and have only a very thin, thermally transmissive, fabric on the other side.

1 . An item of clothing selected from the group consisting of a shirt, a jacket and a pair of pants, comprising:
 a layer of fabric having an outer side and an inner side; and   a pocket removably and repositionably secured in either of at least first and second positions on the inner side of the layer of fabric.   
     
     
         2 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket is repositionable relative to an underlying portion of the layer of fabric using a hook and loop type fastener. 
     
     
         3 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket is sized and dimensioned relative to the layer of fabric such that there exists a first portion of the layer of fabric that underlies the pocket in the first position that is non-overlapping with a second portion of the layer of fabric that underlies the pocket in the second position. 
     
     
         4 . The item of clothing of  claim 3 , wherein the pocket is repositionable relative to the layer of fabric using a hook and loop type fastener. 
     
     
         5 . The item of clothing of  claim 3 , wherein the pocket contains a thermal transfer element. 
     
     
         6 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one of a hook and loop material covering substantially all of the inner side of the layer of fabric. 
     
     
         7 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket has a closure operable from the inner side of the layer of fabric. 
     
     
         8 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric comprises a performance fabric. 
     
     
         9 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric comprises a mesh. 
     
     
         10 . A heating/cooling system comprising the item of clothing of  claim 1 , and a thermal transfer element sized and dimensioned to be disposed within the pocket.