Nov 20 2012: Thanks for the idea, Christopher. I hadn't really considered adopting different design strategies for residential vs. commercial cooks, but it makes a lot of sense. As you point out, the inclusion of, let's say the Mylar, may prove more valuable to a commercial cook than someone cooking at home. Diversifying the design strategy could definitely make the project more cost-effective and viable.
Nov 16 2012: I agree with David that considerations would need to be made for individuals, who, because of an increased retirement age, would remain in the workplace beyond the current traditional time frame, around 65. Even if the average life expectancy reaches 90 doesn't mean that most people should still be working into their seventies. I do believe that we should find ways of keeping retirement age employees around for a bit longer, though, especially in regards to trade jobs. Many of the trade people reaching retirement age hold a wealth of information that younger generations would have difficult time acquiring, if they are choosing to acquire the information at all. As an additional benefit to increasing retirement age, retirement tends to decrease life expectancy. Apparently, as much as we all like time to relax, staying busy could actually be keeping us alive...
Nov 16 2012: That could be a pretty good addition, TED Lover. As those Mylar blankets reflect something like 80 percent of incoming heat, it would prove very effective at keeping the localized heat of the stove from penetrating the apron. Combine that with the cooling layer from the packs, and maybe even Gordon Ramsey wouldn't have room to complain (though I think that may be towing the line just a bit...).
Nov 16 2012: Thanks for the comment, Lejan. I'm glad you brought up the technology used in the RPCM cool vests, as that was material I had considered for the aprons. Those particular vests are nice because they can be effectively cooled to their lowest levels in a bucket of ice water. Additionally, that cooling material holds at 59 degrees, meaning the packs won't be uncomfortable to sensitive areas.
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A reply on Conversation: A cooling apron for those hot days of summer cooking
A comment on Conversation: Retirement age should be extended to match increased life expectancy.
A reply on Conversation: A cooling apron for those hot days of summer cooking
A reply on Conversation: A cooling apron for those hot days of summer cooking