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 sized and dimensioned to fit a human body, for use with a thermal transfer element, comprising:
 inner and outer layers of the clothing defining a space capable of receiving the thermal transfer element, the space having an opening through which the thermal transfer element can be inserted, and the space further having a bottom and first and second sides;   wherein the space is configured to allow the thermal transfer element to be repositioned in either of at least first and second non-overlapping positions within the space;   at least one of the layers having sufficient stretchability to maintain a position of the thermal transfer element without a need for fasteners, and   wherein to an external observer the outer layer has no apparent seams defining the first and second sides of the space.   
     
     
         2 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the item of clothing is selected from at least one of a shirt and a jacket. 
     
     
         3 . The item of clothing of  claim 2 , wherein the space extends across an upper back region of the clothing. 
     
     
         4 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the item of clothing is selected from at least one of a pair of short or a pair of pants. 
     
     
         5 . The item of clothing of  claim 4 , wherein the space extends across a thigh area of the pants or shorts. 
     
     
         6 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the space has an area of at least 200 cm 2 . 
     
     
         7 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the space has an area of at least 600 cm 2 . 
     
     
         8 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the clothing can be adjusted so that the space has a volume of at least 1000 cm 3 . 
     
     
         9 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the clothing can be adjusted so that the space has a volume of at least 8000 cm 3 . 
     
     
         10 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the space has an opening disposed at a region of the clothing selected from the list consisting of a shoulder and an upper arm region. 
     
     
         11 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the space has an opening disposed at a side torso region of the clothing, and the space extends around front, sides and lower back regions of the clothing. 
     
     
         12 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the space had an opening disposed at a front pocket region of the clothing. 
     
     
         13 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the space has a closable opening. 
     
     
         14 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the space has first and second closable openings. 
     
     
         15 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the space further comprises a wall having a hook and loop attachable material. 
     
     
         16 . The item of clothing of  claim 1 , wherein the clothing comprises a shirt having quadrants, and the space comprises one of the quadrants.