# Smart Clothing That Actively Heats or Cools Your Body > This patent describes a system for clothing that can actively heat or cool a person by using special electronic modules placed in a frame on the fabric. - **Patent:** US 12733697 - **Original title:** Apparel thermo-regulatory system - **Granted:** 2026 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** consumer_electronics, apparel, materials, wearable_technology ## What it does This apparel thermo-regulatory system actively heats or cools a person wearing it. It includes a piece of clothing, like a jacket or shirt, that has a sturdy frame attached to its outer surface at a specific spot. This frame has openings, and an absorbent material is placed on its exposed side. Inside these openings, there are special electronic parts called thermoelectric modules that can be easily put in or taken out. These modules are what actually generate the heat or cold, allowing the wearer to adjust their body temperature. For example, a hiker could use this system to stay warm in cold weather or cool down during a strenuous climb. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover apparel that heats or cools using only passive methods, like special fabrics or phase-change materials, without active thermoelectric modules. - Does not cover systems where the heating/cooling elements are permanently integrated into the fabric rather than being releasably positioned within a frame's aperture. - Does not cover apparel where the thermoelectric modules are not housed within a dimensionally stable frame with an absorbent material. - Does not cover systems that use resistive heating elements or fluid circulation for temperature regulation instead of thermoelectric modules. - Does not cover apparel where the temperature regulation system is affixed to an inner-facing surface of the apparel item. ## The clever bit The novelty lies in the modular design, specifically using a dimensionally stable frame with apertures to releasably hold thermoelectric modules, combined with an absorbent material. This allows for easy insertion, removal, and potential replacement of the active heating/cooling components. ## Real-world examples 1. Heated jackets for construction workers 2. Cooling vests for athletes 3. Personal climate control systems in outdoor gear 4. Smart uniforms for emergency responders 5. Temperature-regulating clothing for medical applications ## Why it matters Maintaining a comfortable body temperature is important for health, performance, and energy efficiency. This technology could allow individuals to customize their thermal environment, potentially reducing the need to heat or cool entire buildings. It could be particularly useful for outdoor workers, athletes, or people in extreme climates, offering a personalized approach to thermal comfort. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Smart Clothing That Actively Heats or Cools Your Body cover? This patent describes a system for clothing that can actively heat or cool a person by using special electronic modules placed in a frame on the fabric. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? Maintaining a comfortable body temperature is important for health, performance, and energy efficiency. This technology could allow individuals to customize their thermal environment, potentially reducing the need to heat or cool entire buildings. It could be particularly useful for outdoor workers, athletes, or people in extreme climates, offering a personalized approach to thermal comfort. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover apparel that heats or cools using only passive methods, like special fabrics or phase-change materials, without active thermoelectric modules. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733697/apparel-thermo-regulatory-system **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12733697 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [Smart Clothing That Compares Pulse Signals from Both Sides of Your Body](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20200281484/an-apparatus-for-monitoring-the-pulse-of-a-person-and-a-method-thereof) — This patent describes a piece of clothing, like a t-shirt, with built-in sensors in its sleeves or legs to measure and compare pulse characteristics from different limbs, helping to detect subtle health differences. - [How Special Underwear Wicks Away Sweat from the Lower Torso](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734078/moisture-management-lower-torso-garments-and-methods) — This patent describes a garment, like underwear, designed with a special two-layer fabric pouch in the front to move sweat away from the body, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable. - [Wearable Wrap Detects Blood Clots and Swelling in Joints](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12011291/non-invasive-wearable-biomechanical-and-physiology-monitor-for-injury-prevention) — This patent describes a smart wrap for joints like knees or elbows that uses temperature sensors to spot early signs of dangerous blood clots and stretch sensors to detect swelling during recovery. - [How Fabric Sensors Measure Pressure on Your Body](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11137298/supercapacitive-iontronic-nanofabric-sensing) — This patent describes a flexible, all-fabric sensor that uses special ionic and conducting materials woven into a cloth to detect tiny pressure changes on the body, like blood pulses or movements. - [How Batteries Charge Fast in the Cold Without Damage](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10186887/systems-and-methods-for-fast-charging-batteries-at-low-temperatures) — This patent describes a smart battery system that uses an internal heater to warm itself up for quick, safe charging, even when it's freezing outside.