Thursday, July 21, 2011

Japanese company creates 'air-conditioned' jacket: Kuchofuku's cool look

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 10:46 AM on 21st July 2011

Travelling on public transport can be sweltering at any time of the year, but is particularly insufferable in summer.

But one designer has come up with a practical, if hardly stylish, solution - a jacket with its own air-conditioning system built in.

The Japanese garment, which comes with two small fans sewn into the back, wafts a refreshing breeze around its wearer, whether in the street or an office.

Looking cool: Former Sony technician Hiroshi Ichigaya (left), president of Japanese company Kuchofuku, and a colleague pose with a jacket that has a built-in air-conditioning system

Looking cool: Former Sony technician Hiroshi Ichigaya (left), president of Japanese company Kuchofuku, and a colleague pose with a jacket that has a built-in air-conditioning system

It works by helping the body's own cooling system.

Normally, sweat is produced and evaporates, causing a cooling effect - but clothes interfere with this process by trapping the droplets.

 

But the jacket, invented by former Sony technician Hiroshi Ichigaya, produces a layer of circulating air which enhances sweat evaporation.

Two fans at the back pump fresh air around the wearer and out through the neck and sleeve ends. Moisture can also pass through the cloth.

Puffa jackets: The clothing works by helping the body's own cooling system, producing a layer of circulating air which enhances sweat evaporation

Puffa jackets: The clothing works by helping the body's own cooling system, producing a layer of circulating air which enhances sweat evaporation

The fans - four inches in diameter - are powered by AA batteries, which last for several hours, or by plugging into a computer using a USB cable.

The electrical parts can be removed for washing. The only drawback is the balloon effect caused by the air flow.

Mr Ichigaya, now president of the shirt's manufacturer Kuchofuku - whose products range from a blouse for £50 to overalls at £100 - said: 'It's true the jackets make you look like a "Michelin Man" but on factory floors people are more worried about being able to do their jobs in comfort.'

 

21 Jul, 2011


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Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2016513/Japanese-company-creates-air-conditioned-jacket-Kuchofukus-cool-look.html?ITO=1490
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