Heated cover for warming a user's feet while wearing shoes

Abstract

Heatable cover for warming the feet of a user with shoes on, characterized in that it is formed by a textile composite material comprising an inner textile layer and an outer textile layer, between which a functional layer is arranged, wherein the inner textile layer is made of a fleece-like textile with a basis weight of 50 to 300 g / m² 2 , the outer textile layer is made of a knitted or woven fabric with a basis weight of 50 to 400 g / m² 2 and the functional layer is formed by a microporous and simultaneously hydrophobic membrane with a basis weight of 5 to 50 g / m² 2 is formed, wherein at least one pocket is formed on the outside of the casing in which a battery is stored, and at least one pocket is formed on the inside of the casing in which an electric heating element is stored, wherein the electric heating element and the battery have means for connecting to each other.

Description

field of technology

[0001] The technical solution involves a heated cover for warming the feet of a user wearing shoes. State of the art

[0002] Various types of heated shoes and foot warmers are currently available. While heated shoes offer diverse applications, particularly outdoors, such as in sports, the military, integrated rescue systems, and for outdoor workers, heated foot warmers are primarily intended for indoor use at home, for example, to warm limbs, for relaxation, rehabilitation, and therapy. Heating of shoes and foot warmers is usually electrical, powered by mains electricity or a battery, sometimes using preheated materials with high heat capacity or phase-change materials (PCMs) that release heat during a change in state.

[0003] The disadvantage of existing heated shoes and bags is that they do not allow the user's feet to be warmed while wearing shoes and are therefore unsuitable for athletes or other users who wear special footwear, such as ice skates, football boots, trainers, work shoes, etc., before or during athletic or work performance – for example, during substitutions or breaks in athletic or work performance, or between two athletic or work performances, etc.

[0004] The aim of the technical solution is to propose a heated cover for warming the feet of a user wearing shoes, which would eliminate the disadvantages of the state of the art. Explanation of the nature of the technical solution

[0005] The technical solution aims to achieve its objective with a heated cover for warming a user's feet while wearing shoes. This cover is constructed from a textile composite material comprising an inner and an outer textile layer, with a functional layer sandwiched between them. The outer surface of the cover features at least one pocket for a battery, and the inner surface contains at least one pocket for an electric heating element. The inner textile layer is made of a fleece-like fabric with a basis weight of 50 to 300 g / m². 2 The outer textile layer consists of a knitted or woven fabric with a basis weight of 50 to 400 g / m². 2 and the functional layer is formed by a microporous and simultaneously hydrophobic or non-porous and simultaneously hydrophilic membrane with a basis weight of 5 to 50 g / m². 2or by a surface layer of polymer nanofibers with a basis weight of 5 to 25 g / m² 2 educated.

[0006] The inner textile layer is preferably formed by a fleece-like polyester textile that is non-absorbent and able to wick away water.

[0007] The outer textile layer is preferably formed by a knitted or woven fabric made of polyester, polyamide, cotton, wool or a combination of at least two of these materials.

[0008] The functional layer is preferably formed by a microporous layer of foamed polytetrafluoroethylene or a membrane of chemically modified polyester or polyurethane with a polyethylene oxide content of up to 40 wt.% or a layer of polymer nanofibers of polyurethane, polyamide or polyvinylidene fluoride or a combination of at least two of these materials.

[0009] If required, an insulating layer made of non-woven fabric or polyurethane foam with a basis weight of 50 to 300 g / m² can be inserted between the inner textile layer and the functional layer and / or between the outer textile layer and the functional layer. 2 be stored.

[0010] The pocket for receiving an electric heating element is preferably made of a woven or knitted fabric of natural and / or synthetic fibers with a basis weight of 50 to 350 g / m². 2 educated.

[0011] To protect against mechanical damage, the heated cover preferably has a Cordura or rubber sole or a rubber coating on the outside of its lower area. Examples of the technical solution

[0012] The objective of the technical solution is achieved by a heated cover adapted to the user's feet with shoes of the appropriate size and which, in its structure, includes at least one electric heating element and at least one battery, wherein the electric heating element and the battery have the means to connect to each other.

[0013] The body of the heated enclosure is formed from a multi-layered textile composite material, comprising an inner textile layer and an outer textile layer, with a functional layer sandwiched between them. If required, at least one thermal insulation layer can be placed between the inner textile layer and the functional layer and / or between the outer textile layer and the functional layer.

[0014] The inner textile layer is made of a fleece-like fabric, a type of knit (lining knit or chenille knit) that is heavily combed on both sides. Thanks to its specific structure, this material offers excellent thermal insulation properties even at low weight per unit area, while remaining vapor-permeable. Polyester (PL) is the preferred material for the inner textile layer because polyester fleece is non-absorbent and wicks liquid water along the fiber surface into the internal structure of the composite material. The purpose of the inner textile layer is primarily to protect the functional layer from abrasion or mechanical damage caused by the user's footwear, to provide thermal insulation, and, if necessary, to wick away moisture from the user's footwear—for example, from snow or ice adhering to the shoes.The basis weight of the inner textile layer ranges from 50 to 300 g / m², depending on requirements. 2 .

[0015] The outer textile layer can be made of a textile of virtually any type, preferably, for example, warp-knitted or rib-knitted fabrics, or a woven fabric in plain or twill weave made of polyester (PL), polyamide (PA), cotton (CO), wool (WO), or any combination of at least two of these materials. The purpose of the outer textile layer is, in particular, to protect the functional layer from external mechanical damage and contamination that would impair its functional properties. The basis weight of the outer textile layer ranges from 50 to 400 g / m², depending on requirements. 2 If necessary, the outer textile layer (especially on its outside) can be, for example, impregnated with a hydrophobic coating and / or otherwise surface-treated.

[0016] The functional layer of the textile composite is formed either by a microporous (and simultaneously hydrophobic) membrane – see, for example, a membrane available on the market under the name Gore-Tex, which is formed by a layer of foamed polytetrafluoroethylene with a high proportion of micropores – or by a non-porous (and simultaneously hydrophilic) membrane – see, for example, membranes available on the market under the names Sympatex or Gelantos, which are formed by a thin film of chemically modified polyester or polyurethane with up to 40% polyethylene oxide (PEO) content, allowing water vapor to penetrate this membrane by means of sorption – or by a layer of polymer nanofibers, preferably made of polyurethane (PU), polyamide (PA) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or any combination of at least two of these materials.Thanks to its internal structure and, in particular, the small spaces between the fibers, the polymer nanofiber layer is essentially impermeable to liquid water, but highly permeable to water vapor, which penetrates it via diffusion. The basis weight of the functional layer typically ranges between 5 and 50 g / m², depending on the requirements and intended application. 2 , this layer consists of a polymer nanofiber layer, its basis weight is from 2 to 25 g / m² 2 sufficient.

[0017] If the functional layer of the composite material is formed by a layer of polymer nanofibers, this layer may have a suitable known surface treatment to increase hydrostatic resistance - for example, by plasma coating with a hydrophobic agent, such as based on fluorocarbon, silicone or hydrocarbon (see e.g. CZ 33497 or CZ 34632).

[0018] To reduce friction between the individual layers of the textile composite, the functional layer is preferably bonded to the inner and / or outer textile layer using a spot hot melt adhesive. The advantage of this type of bonding is that the hot melt adhesive used does not significantly impair the functional properties of the resulting composite and, in addition to providing a durable bond between the two layers, simultaneously reinforces and stiffens the functional layer, as it typically penetrates its entire thickness or at least a substantial portion thereof.

[0019] Any thermal insulation layer can be made of non-woven fabric or polyurethane foam (foam) with a basis weight of 50 to 300 g / m². 2The purpose of this thermal insulation layer(s) is to reduce heat loss in the direction away from the user's feet, thus ensuring greater thermal comfort for the user or shortening the time required to achieve it.

[0020] This textile composite achieves high thermal resistance (thermal insulation properties), vapor permeability, wind resistance, and hydrostatic resistance, resulting in properties that are higher than the sum of those of the individual layers. Depending on the specific design of the individual layers, this composite achieves a vapor permeability Rv. ET of up to 15.0, a thermal resistance R CTIt has a thermal conductivity of up to 0.285, hydrostatic resistance of up to 30,000 mm water column, and is windproof. Since these properties are determined by the internal structure of its layers (and not by a temporary surface treatment), these parameters essentially remain unchanged until one of its layers is significantly damaged mechanically.

[0021] If required, each of the above-described variants of the textile composite material can be supplemented by at least one additional layer of a textile material.

[0022] The heated foot warmer, designed to warm the user's feet while wearing shoes, features an external sole on the lower part to protect it from mechanical damage caused by abrasion. This sole is preferably made of Cordura, a technical fabric such as nylon, characterized by extremely high abrasion, tear, and wear resistance; rubber; or an external rubber coating on the foot warmer material. The typical basis weight of Cordura ranges from 150 to 500 g / m². 2 In the lower section within the cover, an inner protective insert is preferably located, which protects the cover material from mechanical damage caused by the user's shoes. This inner protective insert preferably consists of a rubber sheet or mat and is preferably removable within the cover.

[0023] The heated cover has an opening at the top, preferably with a suitable means for closing the cover or tightening the cover material around the user's shoes or feet. Such means could be, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners, snap fasteners, a zipper, or a so-called textile tunnel through which a longitudinal fastening element is guided, which has a brake outside the tunnel, or an elastic textile band, etc.

[0024] The battery is stored in a removable pocket formed on the outside of the case, preferably in its rear (heel) area. The outer surface of this pocket is preferably made of the same textile composite material as the heated case. When using multiple heating elements and / or when prolonged heating is required, several batteries can be integrated into one case. These can be housed in a single pocket or in multiple pockets. Storing the battery in the pocket on the outside of the case allows easy access to it even while the heated case is in use, e.g., for inspection, replacement, etc.

[0025] The electric plate heating element is then arranged in a pocket formed in the inner lining of the cover, preferably in the side or upper area (instep area) of the cover. Depending on requirements, several independent electric heating elements can be housed in one cover, each of which can be individually connected to a battery. The lining can cover the entire inner surface of the cover or only the areas where the electric plate heating element(s) are located. Suitable lining materials include, for example, woven or knitted fabrics made of natural and / or synthetic fibers with a basis weight of 50 to 350 g / m². 2 .

[0026] A suitable variant of an electric plate heating element is a flexible plate heating element based on a graphene honeycomb membrane. Besides its high flexibility, its advantages include very fast and even heating and – with appropriate settings – the ability to emit infrared light with a wavelength of 6 to 14 µm, which has a positive effect on human health and performance in work or sports, as it relieves pain, muscle cramps, reduces inflammatory responses in the body, and improves the absorption of chronic effusions and edema, etc. In a typical embodiment of such a flexible electric plate heating element, the graphene honeycomb membrane is covered on both sides with a protective layer of waterproof textile.Such a textile can, for example, consist of a composite material formed by a knitted or woven fabric of polyester (PL), polyamide (PA), cotton (CO), wool (WO), or a combination of at least two of these materials, in conjunction with the microporous or non-porous membrane described above, or a layer of polymer nanofibers. The basis weight of such a composite material can range from 50 to 400 g / m², depending on requirements. 2 In a preferred embodiment, a damping layer, e.g., made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), is additionally arranged between each protective layer and the graphene honeycomb membrane. This damping layer further enhances the mechanical protection of the graphene honeycomb membrane and, optionally, the flexible printed circuit board (FPC) used to control the function of the graphene honeycomb membrane. If used, the damping layer is applied to one side of the graphene honeycomb membrane. The basis weight of the damping layer is preferably 5 to 50 g / m².2 .

[0027] According to the technical solution, the heated cover for warming the user's feet allows the user to warm their feet without having to take off their shoes - it is therefore useful for users who wear special shoes and need to keep their feet thermally comfortable, e.g. during sports or when working in a cold environment.

Claims

[1] Heated cover for warming the feet of a user with shoes on, characterized by that it is formed by a textile composite material containing an inner textile layer and an outer textile layer, between which a functional layer is arranged, the inner textile layer being a fleece-like textile with a basis weight of 50 to 300 g / m² 2 , the outer textile layer is made of a knitted or woven fabric with a basis weight of 50 to 400 g / m² 2 and the functional layer is formed by a microporous and simultaneously hydrophobic membrane with a basis weight of 5 to 50 g / m² 2 is formed, wherein at least one pocket is formed on the outside of the casing in which a battery is stored, and at least one pocket is formed on the inside of the casing in which an electric heating element is stored, wherein the electric heating element and the battery have means for connecting to each other. [2] Heated cover for warming the feet of a user with shoes on, characterized by that it is formed by a textile composite material containing an inner textile layer and an outer textile layer, between which a functional layer is arranged, the inner textile layer being a fleece-like textile with a basis weight of 50 to 300 g / m² 2 , the outer textile layer is made of a knitted or woven fabric with a basis weight of 50 to 400 g / m² 2 and the functional layer is formed by a non-porous and simultaneously hydrophilic membrane with a basis weight of 5 to 50 g / m² 2is formed, wherein at least one pocket is formed on the outside of the casing in which a battery is stored, and at least one pocket is formed on the inside of the casing in which an electric heating element is stored, wherein the electric heating element and the battery have means for connecting to each other. [3] Heated cover for warming the feet of a user with shoes on, characterized by that it is formed by a textile composite material containing an inner textile layer and an outer textile layer, between which a functional layer is placed, the inner textile layer being a fleece-like textile with a basis weight of 50 to 300 g / m² 2 , the outer textile layer is made of a knitted or woven fabric with a basis weight of 50 to 400 g / m² 2 and the functional layer by a surface layer of polymer nanofibers with a basis weight of 5 to 25 g / m² 2is formed, wherein at least one pocket is formed on the outside of the casing in which a battery is stored, and at least one pocket is formed on the inside of the casing in which an electric heating element is stored, wherein the electric heating element and the battery have means for connecting to each other. [4] Heatable casing according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, characterized by , that the inner textile layer is formed by a fleece-like textile made of polyester. [5] Heatable casing according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, characterized by that the outer textile layer is formed by a knitted or woven fabric made of polyester, polyamide, cotton, wool or a combination of at least two of these materials. [6] Heatable casing according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, characterized by , that the functional layer is formed by a microporous layer of foamed polytetrafluoroethylene. [7] Heatable casing according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, characterized by , that the functional layer is formed by a membrane made of chemically modified polyester or polyurethane with a polyethylene oxide content of up to 40 wt.%. [8] Heatable casing according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, characterized by that the functional layer is formed by a layer of polymer nanofibers made of polyurethane, polyamide or polyvinylidene fluoride or a combination of at least two of these materials. [9] Heatable casing according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, characterized by that an insulating layer made of a non-woven fabric or polyurethane foam with a surface weight of 50 to 300 g / m² 2 is located between the inner textile layer and the functional layer and / or between the outer textile layer and the functional layer. [10] Heatable casing according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, characterized bythat the bag for housing the electric heating element is made of woven or knitted fabric of natural and / or synthetic fibers with a basis weight of 50 to 350 g / m² 2 consists. [11] Heatable casing according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, characterized by that it has a sole made of Cordura or rubber on the outside in its lower area, or is rubber-coated.