This jacket, thanks to the research by Grado Zero Espace, uses the latest technology from some of the most innovative deep sea diving equipment. The I.O.W. is a motorbike jacket with an internal heating mechanism (produced by a specialist English firm). This garment is the first portable heating system for motorbikers. This sophisticated device can be connected directly to a motorbike or a scooter, and can monitor body temperatures in 4 different areas of the torso (arms, chest, back and shoulders) and regulate those temperatures accordingly. The philosophy of this garment follows the research for solutions which can improve the quality of life, whatever the occasion.
Inside the jacket lining is a computerized microprocessor with hard disk (no bigger than a packet of cigarrettes) which controls the body temperature over a series of electric heating pads.
The five pads, (located at the lower back, the shoulders, the chest and the arms) can be individually monitored to desired temperatures. It is the ingenuity of these pads that makes this temperature management system different from other previous attempts at heating systems in jackets. These soft body forming pads heat in this following manner.
A thin strip of metal is vacuum sealed between two layers of gel and then covered in KEVLAR tm, (bullet proof fabric used by Police/Army) On this thin strip of metal is a chip that sends impulses to the computer relaying messages on the internal body heat inside the jacket. The special aspect of this gel is that it diffuses the heat rapidly to the body. When the pad temperature reaches the 'preset level', the power will tail off until required again. This prevents over heating and perspiring. The temperatures can be adjusted by a software available on a CD that can be used on almost any PC.
The jacket, via a short cable, is attatched to a well designed leather pouch that houses a 12 volt supply . From this pouch runs a cable to the bike. By plugging in the cable to the bike you start the heating system. When you unplug the cable, (which folds neatly into the pouch) the batteries which have been charged by the bike's engine give you up to one hour of heating power.The microprocessor is shock resistant.
