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Apparatus and method for powering a garment

a technology of a drivable machine and an apparatus, which is applied in the directions of snow cleaning, coupling device connection, transportation and packaging, etc., can solve the problems of mowing grass, cold weather, and needing lawn maintenan

Inactive Publication Date: 2019-06-27
GREEN IND INNOVATORS
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent provides a method for using a garment with an electrical device on a lawn mower. The garment is connected to the engine of the mower through a port and current is directed to the device through a wire and plug. The device can be powered by the mower while the operator is dismounted, and the battery can be charged while the operator is performing a secondary action remote from the mower. The method allows for the simultaneous powering of a resistive heating element and a supplemental battery, and the ability to disconnect the battery while still using the heating element. The method also includes the use of a transformer to change the voltage of the current before it exits the port. Overall, the method provides a convenient and safe way to use electrical devices on a lawn mower while in operation.

Problems solved by technology

Clearly, when snow removal is required, the weather is cold.
Sometimes lawn maintenance is required even when the outside weather is less than ideal.
Additionally, the grass may still need mowed even when the outside temperature is hot.
These weather conditions may become uncomfortable for the mower operator.
But there may be some instances where a garment of clothing is still insufficient to provide protection and comfort for the outside weather / temperature conditions.
Issues continue to exists with engine drivable outdoor power units, which may be in the form of a lawn mower or a snow thrower, and the clothing worn by the operator, inasmuch as the operator may need to be warmed on cold days or may need to be cooled on hot days.

Method used

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  • Apparatus and method for powering a garment
  • Apparatus and method for powering a garment
  • Apparatus and method for powering a garment

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

first embodiment

[0035]As depicted in FIG. 2, a first embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure provides first exemplary garment 32A as an overcoat. Garment 32A includes electrically resistive heating elements strung throughout the coat. The heating elements 50 are connected to an exterior wire 60 terminating in a plug 62 shaped complementary to slot 44 and is configured to be inserted therein. In one example, wire 60 extends outwards from the garment below a bottom hem 61. However, wire 60 may alternatively extend from sleeve 63 or a chest region of the garment. Plug 62 includes at least indirectly exposed wires configured to electrically connect with the at least indirectly exposed ends of wire 48. When the plug 62 is connected to port 30 and the switch 46 is turned “ON”, electric current is able to flow from the alternator to the resistive heating elements 50. In this instance, the second switch would be engaged to have the regulator 52 or transformer ensure that the low voltage curren...

second embodiment

[0036]As depicted in FIG. 3, a second embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure provides second exemplary garment 32B as an overcoat. Garment 32B includes electrically resistive heating elements strung throughout the coat. The heating elements 50 are directly connected to a rechargeable battery 70 carried by the garment. In one embodiment, the battery 70 may be carried within or adjacent a pocket of the garment. This enables garment 32B to be washable when the battery 70 is removed. Alternatively, battery 70 may be sewn into the garment. Garment 32B includes exterior wire 60 terminating in a plug 62 shaped complementary to slot 44 and is configured to be inserted therein. Exterior wire 60 further includes a second plug 72 which may be directly connected to battery 70 or to a exteriorly extending battery wire 73. Plug 62 includes wires configured to electrically connect with the exposed ends of wire 48. When the plug 62 is connected to port 30 and the switch 46 is turned “...

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PUM

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Abstract

An outdoor power unit or lawn mower has an electrical port that receives current from an alternator powered by the lawn mower engine. The current and voltage sent the electrical port depend on a flywheel and stator arrangement operatively connected to the alternator. The stator may be replaceable or interchangeable to selectively determine the alternator current and voltage output. The port receives a plug from a garment worn by the lawn mower operator. Alternatively, the outdoor power unit may be an entirely electric device free of an internal combustion engine. The garment includes one or more thermo-electric elements that are powered from current extending through the port. The thermo-electric elements may be resistive heaters to warm the operator or TEC coolers to cool the operator. Furthermore, the garment may include a rechargeable battery that powers the thermo-electric elements when the plug is disconnected from the port.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 610,692, filed on Dec. 27, 2017; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to outdoor drivable power units or machines, such as lawn mowers or snow blowers / throwers, and a garment(s) worn by the operator of the powered drivable machine. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a powered drivable machine that includes an electrical port through which the operator may connect an electrically powered garment configured to either warm or cool the operator.BACKGROUNDBackground Information[0003]Outdoor yard / property maintenance and lawn care may be accomplished in a number of different ways. Some people choose riding mowers or other zero turn standing mowers to accomplish their yard mowing tasks. Some people choose snow blowers / snow throwers to accomplish their snow removal ta...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A41D13/005A01D34/00A01D34/78A01D69/02H02J7/00A41D1/00A41D3/02A41D1/04H10N10/13
CPCA41D13/0051A01D34/001A01D34/78A01D69/02H02J7/0068A41D1/005A41D3/02A41D13/0053A41D1/04A01D2101/00E01H5/08H01R13/70H01R2201/26A41D2300/50A41D2400/12A41D2600/20A41D1/002A41D13/005H02K7/1815H10N10/13H02K5/225H02K11/0094H02K7/02A41D1/02H05B2203/036A01D43/00
Inventor HOPPEL, STEFFONPUGH, TODD
Owner GREEN IND INNOVATORS