Presence detection system for heated wearables

Abstract

A presence detection system for electrically heated wearables to safeguard against accidental battery drainage and the risk of heating elements of the wearables being accidently connected to power. The presence detection system is comprised of a capacitive touch sensor secured to an automatic switch actuation circuit. The capacitive touch sensor has an electronic circuit connected to a portable rechargeable battery supply of an associated heated wearable. The battery supply provides power to one or more heating elements secured to the heated wearable through a switch. The capacitive touch sensor is secured to the heated wearable at a position wherein a sensing face of the capacitive touch sensor can detect the presence of a wearer person. The electronic circuit generates an output signal to the automatic switch actuation circuit indicative of the presence of the wearer person. The heated wearable when removed from the wearer person, with the switch in a 'closed' state continuing to supply power to the one or more heating elements and to the capacitive touch sensor, the automatic switch actuation circuit automatically actuates the switch to an “open” state to cut off the power supply.