Apparatus and method for triggering thermogenesis

Abstract

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a system and articles for triggering thermogenesis may be provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a vest, at least one wrist wrap, and a neck pad. The vest, at least one wrist wrap, and neck pad may each include at least one cooling element capable of influencing a wearer's body temperature.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A vest for triggering thermogenesis comprising:
 a back panel having two columns of at least one cooling element separated by a vertical folding line;
 a left front panel integral to the back panel over a shoulder and laced to an outer edge of the back panel below an arm hole, the left front panel having one column of at least one cooling element substantially equal in width to the back panel columns; 
 a right front panel integral to the back panel over a shoulder and laced to an outer edge of the back panel below an arm hole, the right front panel having one column of at least one cooling element substantially equal in width to the back panel columns; 
 an interior surface material having moisture wicking characteristics; and 
 wherein front edges of the left and right front panels are configured to removably fasten. 
   
     
     
         2 . The vest of  claim 1 , further comprising a padded collar extending inside a neck line of the back panel so as to provide padding between the neck line and a wearer and to provide consistent contact to a wearer's body insulating a wearer's body within the vest from ambient air. 
     
     
         3 . The vest of  claim 1 , wherein the left front panel and right front panel are laced to the back panel through a series of connection points with an elastic cord configured to provide consistent contact between the vest and a wearer's body. 
     
     
         4 . The vest of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of cooling elements in each column separated by horizontal folding lines. 
     
     
         5 . The vest of  claim 4 , wherein the vertical folding line and edges of the panels are configured to allow the vest to be folded substantially into the width of a single column and the horizontal folding lines are configured to allow the folded vest to be rolled or further folded. 
     
     
         6 . The vest of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one cooling element comprises a phase change gel. 
     
     
         7 . The vest of  claim 1 , wherein the interior surface material comprises microfleece. 
     
     
         8 . The vest of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one cooling elements are sealed permanently within the vest. 
     
     
         9 . The vest of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one cooling elements are removable from the vest. 
     
     
         10 . The vest of  claim 1 , further comprising an outer shell capable of enclosing and insulating the vest on a wearer's body. 
     
     
         11 . A system for triggering thermogenesis comprising:
 a vest having a back panel having two columns of at least one cooling element separated by a vertical folding line, a left front panel integral to the back panel over a shoulder and laced to an outer edge of the back panel below an arm hole, the left front panel having one column of at least one cooling element substantially equal in width to the back panel columns, a right front panel integral to the back panel over a shoulder and laced to an outer edge of the back panel below an arm hole, the right front panel having one column of at least one cooling element substantially equal in width to the back panel columns, an interior surface material having moisture wicking characteristics, and a padded collar extending inside a neck line of the back panel, wherein front edges of the left and right front panels are configured to removably fasten;   an outer shell capable of enclosing and insulating the vest on a wearer's body;   a neck pad configured to wrap around a wearer's neck, wherein the neck pad comprises a cooling element disposed therein; and   at least one wrist wrap configured to wrap around a wearer's wrist, wherein the at least one wrist wrap comprises a cooling element disposed therein.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one cooling element comprises a phase change gel. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the outer shell comprises insulating material. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the wrist wrap and neck pad cooling elements are removable.