AU2001250038A1

AU2001250038A1 - Forced ventilated anatomical supports

Info

Publication number: AU2001250038A1
Application number: AU2001250038A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Leonard G. Davis; Lytton A. Williams; Sui-Kay Wong
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-03-16
Filing date: 2001-03-16
Publication date: 2001-12-06
Anticipated expiration: 2021-03-16

Description

FORCED VENTILATED ANATOMICAL SUPPORTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an anatomical support for fully or

partially immobilizing a body portion and more particularly pertains to a new ventilated

anatomical support having controlled airflow between the anatomical support and the

corresponding body portion of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of medical devices, namely anatomical

supports, braces or casts, such as cervical collars, lumbar braces, wrist, arm, neck and leg casts

and braces. The present invention is equally applicable to other protective devices used adjacent

to body parts such as, for example, protective helmets.

A commonly used prior art anatomical brace, the Thomas Collar, consists of a

foam member that is wrapped around the neck to anatomically support the neck and head of the user and relieve pressure on the cervical portion of the spine. The Thomas Collar is typically

used following an injury, such as, for example, whiplash, sporting injury, or surgery upon the

cervical portion of the spine. Similar prior art anatomical supports are also used around the

lower vertebrae proximate the lumbar region of the back. Additionally, as will be understood by

those of ordinary skill in the art, a large variety of anatomical supports, braces and casts are used

on numerous other body parts in order to facilitate the healing of, or to otherwise protect the,

corresponding body area. Such typical prior art supports, braces and casts are used on, for

example, human knees, ankles, feet, legs, humorous, ulna, wrist, and hand. Of course, such

supports, braces and casts are not limited to use on humans, but may be used on animals in

veterinary practices as well including, for example, horses, bovine, canines, and the like.

Because an enclosed space having minimal, if any, air flow, is formed between

the anatomical support and the body portion, heat and moisture typically build up between prior

art anatomical supports and the corresponding body portion of the user. Prior art anatomical

supports generally become uncomfortable to wear and can result in an increased likelihood of

infections and, in the event of open wounds, increased duration of time required for healing.

Furthermore, the discomfort associated with prior art supports increases the likelihood that the

user will not wear the support against a physician's instructions. An additional problem

associated with currently available anatomical supports is that they are not easily placed in the

proper position resulting in insufficient, less efficient, or improper support.

The new, unique and useful aspects of the present invention overcome these and

other shortcomings of current anatomical supports. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel anatomical support which preferably

employs a powered forced air flow device, such as, for example, a fan, blower, or air compressor

to provide airflow between the anatomical support and the corresponding portion of the body of

the user in order to provide airflow therebetween and/or to decrease the temperature and

humidity between the anatomical support and the corresponding body part. The powered forced

air flow device can be either attached directly to the support or connected to an opening in the

support by a hose, tube, or other suitable mechanism. As will be appreciated by those of

ordinary skill in the art, and persons involved in the provision of health care, the present

invention not only substantially enhances the comfort associated with utilizing anatomical

supports, and potentially increases the likelihood that a user will comply with a physician's

instructions to wear the support, but it also facilitates the healing of wounds, if any, which may

be located within the region of the anatomical support.

The present invention also preferably provides a new and unique manner in which

to regulate and control the temperature and humidity of the air gap in the area between an

anatomical support and the corresponding portion of the body of the user by preferably

employing a controlled air flow device which may preferably be intermittently activated or,

alternatively, has variable speed capabilities to increase or decrease the amount of air flow. One

preferred embodiment of the controlled air flow device also incorporates the use of: (i) a sensor

to monitor the corresponding temperature between the anatomical support and the corresponding

body part; (ii) a sensor to monitor the corresponding humidity between anatomical support and

the corresponding body part; (iii) a manual air flow control which can be adjusted by the user;

and (iv) a microprocessor to adjust the controlled air flow device in response to input from the temperature sensor and humidity sensor. As persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate,

the present invention may incorporate any one or a combination of any of these devices.

The present invention preferably employs a fan, such as a battery-powered

propeller fan, to cause air to flow into, out of, or through a space or channel formed between the

corresponding body portion of the user and the anatomical support, or between the body of the

user and the anatomical support. The fan may also be powered by other means such as, for

example, alternating current, a generator, or solar power source.

The anatomical support is preferably comprised of two or more support members,

which when joined or connected together preferably form a rigid support generally conformed in

contour to the corresponding body portion to be immobilized or supported and, when joined or

connected, preferably results in the arrangement of at least one communicating and

corresponding interior channels in the interior surface of the respective anatomical support

members proximate the corresponding body portion of the user and/or between the body of the

user and the interior surface of the corresponding anatomical support members. Similar to the

Thomas Collar, the anatomical support of the present invention may also be comprised of a

single rigid member having first and second ends, such as foam, which is wrapped around the

corresponding body portion and then the first and second ends are connected. One or more of the

members of the support of the present invention preferably possess one or more openings in the

exterior surface of the support members which are employed and configured either to receive and

house a fan or to connect to a remote forced air flow device through flexible air hose or tube.

The support members of the present invention may accommodate one or a plurality of fans,

depending upon the body portion to be supported, the size of the fan employed, the volume of air

desired to be moved, and the target temperature and humidity to be achieved. The interior surface of the support member preferably has an open channel

through which air may easily flow. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the

interior surface of the support members are preformed such that they have a predefined open

channel running from end to end. In another preferred embodiment, where a soft material, such

as foam, is connected to the interior surface of the support members, the foam is either preferably

connected to only portions of the interior surface of the support members such that an open

channel is thereby formed where the foam is not affixed or, alternatively, the foam preferably has

a varied thickness resulting in the thinner thicknesses of the foam creating a channel. When the

support members of the present invention are utilized and placed in position by a user, the one or

more interior channels facilitate the movement of air within the neck brace by allowing air

generated by a fan to flow over at the immobilized body part. In yet another embodiment of the

present invention, the soft material, such as foam, used on the interior surface of the support

members may have a relatively uniform thickness and, instead of creating one or more distinct

channels created by decreased thickness or voids of material, the interior surface preferably

possesses indentations, grooves, or the like, to allow for the creation of one or more channels

through which air may travel. Preferably, the channels of the present invention allow air to flow

unencumbered, or controlled, around the neck of the user.

The fan of the present invention is preferably powered by a low direct current

voltage source, preferably below 36 volts. In one preferred embodiment, three volts is sufficient,

derived from two standard AA batteries. However, other battery and energy options and sources

may also be used including, for example, nickel cadmium, lithium ion, solar, or other known

sources. Because the amperage of some preferred embodiments of the fan is so low, the

preferred battery sources will last for long periods of time without requiring recharging or replacement. Additionally, because in some preferred embodiments the fan does not provide a

cooling effect, but rather serves to remove air from the channel and replace it with fresh air, the

speed of the fan and volume of air flow may be relatively low and the fan will preferably remain

relatively quiet. Furthermore, because air is not forced into the channel in some preferred

embodiments, but is preferably pulled and removed from the channel, foreign particles from the

air are preferably not forced into an area that may have open wounds. In another preferred

embodiment, air may be forced into the channel via the fan, however a filter is used to remove

impurities or particles from the air prior to being transferred into the channel adjacent the

corresponding body part.

In a preferred embodiment the power supply will be built into the compartment

holding the fan so that no extension cord or separate battery compartment will be necessary.

Further, the fan and/or battery compartment may preferably be detachable from the anatomical

support. The fan and/or battery compartment can be held in place by a snap fit, or other suitable

means of holding it in place, including a separate strap arrangement surrounding the brace.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a front view of the exterior surface of one preferred embodiment of the

present invention;

Figure 2 is a left perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the present

invention;

Figure 3 is a top view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a bottom left perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the

present invention; Figure 5 is a front view of the exterior surface of one preferred embodiment of the

present invention;

Figure 6 is a right perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a rear view of the outside surface of the back support member of one

embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is the front view of the interior surface of the back support member of

one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is the back view of the interior surface of the front support member of

one embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 10 is a right sectional view of one preferred embodiment with the cloth

cover removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the present disclosure, for ease of description, reference is made to several

preferred embodiments relating to a cervical anatomical support used around the neck of a user.

However, the present invention, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, is equally

applicable to any type of anatomical support, brace and cast, and, of course, for all other

appropriate parts of an anatomical structure, human or otherwise. Additionally, the presently

described invention may also be used in protective devices such as, for example, helmets

including motorcycle, bicycle, football, hockey, and other recreational and sporting helmets and

devices.

As exhibited in FIGS. 1-10, a preferred embodiment of a neck brace employing

the present invention comprises two separate members, a front support member 2 and back

support member 3, forming two halves of an anatomical support 1. The support members 2 and 3 are preferably made from a firm and light weight material such as, for example, pp (poly-

propane) medical grade PNC. Of course, persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that

numerous types of materials and composite, such as graphite or foam, would be suitable for this

purpose. The interior surface 4 of each support member 2 and 3 preferably has a soft surface or,

in some preferred embodiments, if the material which comprises support members 2 and 3 is not

sufficiently soft, the interior surface 14 of the support members may preferably be covered by a

soft material 5 such as, for example, foam, or other soft substance. The bottom and top edges 6

and 7 of the support members are similarly covered with a soft substance. The soft material is

attached using means which are well known in the field such as adhesives, glue, Nelcro®, loop

and button, or other well known connection methods.

The interior surface 4 of the support members 2 and 3 preferably have an open

channel 8 through which air may easily flow. In one preferred embodiment of the present

invention, the interior surface 4 of the support members 2 and 3 are preformed such that they

have a predefined open channel 8 running from one end of each support member to the other end

of the support member. In another preferred embodiment, where a soft material 5 is adjacent to

the interior surface 4 of the support members 2 and 3, the soft material 5 is either preferably

connected to only portions of the interior surface 4 of the support members 2 and 3, as shown in

FIG. 4, such that an open channel 4 is thereby formed where the soft material 5 is not affixed or,

alternatively, the soft material 5 preferably has a varied thickness resulting in the thinner

thicknesses of the foam creating a channel 8. When the support members 2 and 3 of the present

invention are utilized and placed in position by a user, the one or more interior channels 8

facilitate the movement of air within the neck brace by allowing air generated by a fan 9 to flow over at the immobilized body part. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the soft

material 5 used on the interior surface 4 of the support members 2 and 3 may have a relatively

uniform thickness and, instead of creating one or more distinct channels 8 created by decreased

thickness or voids of material, the interior surface preferably possesses indentations, grooves, or

the like, to allow for the creation of one or more conduits through which air may travel.

Preferably, the channels 8 of the present invention allow air to flow unencumbered, or controlled,

around the corresponding body part of the user.

In one preferred embodiment, the soft material 5 employed on the interior surface

4 of the support members 2 and 3 is covered by a second preferably porous material, such as,

preferably, 100 percent cotton cloth 10. The cloth material 10 preferably covers the soft material

5 and is attached to the support members 2 and 3, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, by wrapping over and

partially covering the exterior surface 11 of the support members 2 and 3. Of course, the cloth

material 10 may be affixed or connected to the support members 2 and 3 in numerous ways well

known in the art such as, for example, tie strings, Nelcro®, elastic bands, and other well known

methods. The material, such as cloth, is preferably removable and washable since this is the

portion of the anatomical support that will likely, over time, become soiled as it is exposed to the

surface of the skin of the user.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the present invention preferably employs a fan 9, such as

a battery-powered propeller fan, to cause air to flow into, out of, or through a channel 8 formed

between the corresponding body portion of the user and the anatomical support 1, or between the

body of the user and the anatomical support 1. The fan 9 may also be powered by other means

such as, for example, alternating current, a generator, or solar power source. The anatomical support 1 is preferably comprised of two or more support members 2 and 3, which when joined

or connected together preferably form a rigid anatomical support 1 generally conformed in

corresponding interior channels 8 in the interior surface 4 of the respective anatomical support

members 2 and 3 proximate the corresponding body portion of the user and/or between the body

of the user and the interior surface 4 of the corresponding anatomical support members 2 and 3.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the anatomical support 1 may be

comprised of a single rigid member having first and second ends which is wrapped around the

corresponding body portion and then the first and second ends are connected. If desired, the

anatomical support 1 of the present invention may be made with any number of support

members.

One or more of the support members 2 and 3 of the anatomical support 1 of the

present invention preferably possess one or more openings 12 in the exterior surface 11 of the

support members 2 and 3 which are employed and configured to receive and house a fan 9. The

support members 2 and 3 of the present invention may accommodate one or a plurality of fans 9,

depending upon the body portion to be supported, the size of the fan 9 employed, the volume of

air desired to be moved, and the target temperature and humidity to be achieved.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, preferably, one or more fans 9 are connected to or within

the corresponding openings 12 in the exterior surface 11 of the support members 2 and 3. The

openings 10 preferably directly communicate with, or have conduits which communicate with,

the channel 8 formed between the interior surface 15 of the support members 2 and 3 and the

corresponding body part. Furthermore, alternative embodiments of the present invention preferably have one or more additional openings 13 in the exterior surface 11 of the support

members 2 and 3 which likewise communicate with the interior channel 8 thus permitting air

flow in or out of said channels 8. However, in some preferred embodiments, such additional

openings 13 are not accompanied by fans, rather, they are employed for the purpose of

facilitating greater air flow and ventilation through the channel.

In one prefeπed embodiment of the present invention a battery-powered fan 9,

such as a propeller fan, is employed to preferably pull or force air to flow out of the channel 12

formed on the interior surface 4 of the support members 2 and 3 proximate the body portion of

the user and/or between the body of the user and the anatomical support 1 and through the fan 9.

One end of each respective support member 2 and 3 are preferably affixed to one

another in a manner such that they may pivot with respect to one another. Any appropriate

means may be used for this purpose, such as, for example, butt hinges, piano hinges, flexible

materials (including plastic, string or leather), or any other material or mechanism generally

known or used in the art. In the prefeπed embodiment shown in FIG. 6, one end of each support

member 2 and 3 are pivotally connected to each other by employing a pulley aπangement 14 and

by a snap belt aπangement 15 on the opposite end. In the pulley aπangement 14, the first end of

a cord 16 is fixed to the upper exterior surface of the front support member 2 of the neck brace

by a cord retainer 17, the cord 18 passes around a pulley 19 on the side of the back support

member 3 of the neck brace. The second end of the cord 20 is attached to a second cord retainer

21. This pulley cord system enables the tightening force to double the pull force exert to the cord

by the user and makes it easier for the user to tighten up the front and back support members. A wide variety of conventional fasteners may be employed including the commercially available

fabric attachment fastener sold under the trademark NELCRO®.

After being affixed to one another, the two halves (support members 2 and 3) of

the anatomical support 1 are preferably opened wide enough to receive the coπesponding

anatomical portion of the user, such as a neck, and, after receiving the body portion, the two

support members 2 and 3 are then closed so that the respective remaining ends of the support

members 2 and 3 may be connected to complete and close the brace, cast or support member

around the body part. The user may preferably attach the remaining respective ends of the

support members to one another by well known means such as, for example, Nelcro®, hook and

loop attachments, tie strings, or any other well known methods.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6 in one prefeπed embodiment of the invention, the user

first attaches the snap belt aπangement 15, or other suitable attachment for causing the two

support members 1 and 2 to pivot for receiving the neck of the user. The two support members 1

and 2 of the neck brace are then fitted around the neck and closed so that the bottom edge 7 rests

comfortably on the shoulders of the user. The user then attaches the other side of the neck brace

by means of the pulley attachment 14 so that it is held snugly, but comfortably, in place.

One or more openings 12 in the exterior surface 11 of the support members 2 and

3 of the anatomical support 1 are preferably fitted with a small detachable battery-operated fan 9

that, when activated, causes air to flow through the channel 8 located in the interior surface 4 of

the anatomical support 1 proximate the body portion of the user and or between the body of the

user and the anatomical support 1. Preferably, the fan operates so that air is drawn or removed

from the channel. Of course, in another embodiment the flow of air may preferably be reversed to also allow for air to be forced into the channel 8. Additionally, there can be one or more

additional openings 13 in the support members 2 and 3 of the anatomical support 1 which

communicate with the channel 8 to which fans 9 are not affixed but through which air flow is

further facilitated.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, a fan 9 may preferably interference or snap fit into an

opening 12 in the front support member 2 of the neck brace after the neck brace is in place. It

may also be placed into the opening 12 prior to placing the neck brace on the user. Other means

of attaching the fan 9 to the opening 12 may also be used. The fan 9 is preferably removably

detachable from the opening 12 in the front of the neck brace so that it may be services or

replaced. Retractable snap clips are used in the prefeπed embodiment, although other means of

attaching the fan assembly 9, may be used.

The fan of the present invention is preferably powered by a low direct cuπent

voltage source, preferably below 36 volts. In one prefeπed embodiment the power source is

combined with the fan. However, a separate battery pack 22 may also be used. The power

supply preferably has a control for turning the power on and off and for preferably controlling

the speed of the fan 9. Also, an intermittent or variable fan control may be employed for

intermittently automatically turning the fan 9 on and off to save battery power or regulate

temperature, humidity or other air circulation variables. Once the anatomical support 1 is in

place, the power is turned on activating one or more fans 9. The user, based on the user's

preferences and personal comfort, can manually control the speed of the fan 9. Alternatively, a

microprocessor may be employed so that the fan 9 control and regulation may be preprogrammed

to achieve the desired characteristics. When activated, the fan draws air from inside the channel

8 created between the support members 2 and 3 and the neck of the user. Fresh air is preferably drawn through the additional opening 13 and out the opening 12 in which the fan 9 is housed. In

such configuration an optional filter may cover the additional opening 13 to help prevent foreign

particles and impurities from entering the channel 8. Alternatively, the fan 9 may force air into

the channel 8 and out through the additional opening 13. In this configuration an optional

filter 23 may be employed with the fan 9 to help prevent foreign particles and impurities from

entering the channel 8.

In one prefeπed embodiment the power supply will be built into the compartment

means of holding it in place, including a separate strap aπangement suπounding the brace.

In one prefeπed embodiment, three volts of power is sufficient, being the size of two standard

AA batteries. However, other battery and energy options and sources may also be used

including, for example, nickel cadmium, lithium ion, solar, or other known sources may also be

used. Because the amperage of some prefeπed embodiments of the fan is so low, the prefeπed

battery sources will last for long periods of time without requiring recharging or replacement.

Claims

We claim:

1. An anatomical support for immobilizing a body portion comprising:

one or more support members, having an interior surface and an exterior surface and

conforming in contour to the body portion to be immobilized such that at least one channel is

formed between the body portion and the interior surface;

at least one of the support members having at least one opening through the exterior surface;

at least one air flow device coupled to the at least one opening through the exterior surface to

generate air flow though said channel.

2. The anatomical support of claim 1, wherein at least one support member has a second

opening through the exterior surface to improve the flow of air through said channel.

3. The anatomical support of claim 1, wherein the one or more support members comprise

a plurality of support members, the anatomical support further comprising

at least one releasable mechanism for securing said members in joined relation to each other.

4. The anatomical support of claim 3 further comprising at least one hinge mechanism for

further securing said support members in joined relation.

5. The anatomical support of claim 3 wherein the one or more support members comprise a first

support member and second support member and wherein the at least one releasable

mechanism comprises:

a first cord retainer for fixing a first end of a cord to the first support member;

a pulley attached to the second support member;

a cord that extends from the first cord retainer and around the pulley; and

a second end of the cord that is attached to a second cord retainer on the first support

member.

6. The anatomical support of claim 5 wherein the first cord retainer or second cord retainer

comprise a fabric attachment mechanism.

7. The anatomical support of claim 1 wherein the at least one air flow device is detachably

removable from the opening.

8. The anatomical support of claim 1 wherein the at least one air flow device provides

intermittent air flow.

9. The anatomical support of claim 1 wherein the at least one air flow device is controlled by a

sensor to monitor the coπesponding temperature of the area located between the anatomical

support and the coπesponding body portion.

10. The anatomical support of claim 1 wherein the at least one air flow device is controlled by a

sensor to monitor the coπesponding humidity of the area located between the anatomical

support and the coπesponding body portion.

11. The anatomical support of claim 1 wherein the at least one air flow device is manually

controlled.

12. The anatomical support of claim 1 wherein the at least one air flow device is controlled by a

microprocessor.

13. The anatomical support of claim 1 wherein the at least one air flow device is electrically-

powered.

14. The anatomical support of claim 1 wherein the at least one air flow device is battery-

powered.

15. The anatomical support of claim 14 further comprising a battery compartment that is separate

from said air flow device.

16. The anatomical support of claim 1 wherein the at least one air flow device is a fan.

17. The anatomical support of claim 1 wherein the air flow device is connected to said opening

with a hose.

18. An anatomical support for immobilizing a body portion, wherein the support comprises:

separate front and rear support members, each having an interior surface and an exterior

surface and conforming in contour to the body portion to be immobilized such that at least

one channel is formed between the body portion and the interior surface;

at least one of the support members having at least one opening on the exterior surface;

at least one air flow device connected to at least one coπesponding opening on the exterior

surface to generate air flow through said channel; and

at least one releasable mechanism for securing said support members in joined relation.

19. The anatomical support of Claim 18, wherein the at least one support member has at least one

second opening to facilitate a flow of air in said channel.

20. The anatomical support of claim 18 further comprising at least one hinge mechanism for

further securing said members in joined relation.

21. The anatomical support of claim 18 where in the at least one releasable mechanism

comprises:

a first cord retainer for fixing a first end of a cord to the rear support member;

a pulley attached to the front support member;

a cord that extends from the cord retainer and around the pulley; and

a second end of the cord that is attached to a second cord retainer on the rear support

member.

22. The anatomical support of claim 21 wherein the first cord retainer or second cord retainer

comprises a fabric attachment mechanism.

23. The anatomical support of claim 18 where in the at least one releasable mechanism

comprises:

a first cord retainer for fixing a first end of a cord to the front support member;

a pulley attached to the rear support member;

a cord that extends from the first cord retainer and around the pulley; and

member.

24. The anatomical support of claim 23 wherein the at least one cord retainer comprises a fabric

attachment mechanism.

25. The anatomical support of claim 18 wherein the at least one air flow device is detachably

removable from the opening.

26. The anatomical support of claim 18 wherein the at least one air flow device provides

intermittent air flow.

27. The anatomical support of claim 18 wherein the at least one air flow device is controlled by a

support and the coπesponding body portion.

28. The anatomical support of claim 18 wherein the at least one air flow device is controlled by a

support and the coπesponding body portion.

29. The anatomical support of claim 18 wherein the at least one air flow device is manually

controlled.

30. The anatomical support of claim 18 wherein the at least one air flow device is controlled by a

microprocessor.

31. The anatomical support of claim 18 wherein the at least one air flow device is electrically-

powered.

32. The anatomical support of claim 18 wherein the at least one air flow device is battery-

powered.

33. The anatomical support of claim 32 further comprising a battery compartment that is separate

from said air flow device.

34. The anatomical support of claim 18 wherein the at least one opening through the exterior

surface is covered with a filter.

35. The anatomical support of claim 18 wherein at least one air flow device is covered with a

filter.

36. The anatomical support of claim 18 further comprising a foam material attached to the

interior surface wherein the foam material possess indentations creating the at least one

channel.

37. A protective helmet for protecting the head of the user comprising:

at least one member, having an interior surface and an exterior surface and conforming in

contour to the head of the user such that at least one channel is formed between the head of

the user and the interior surface;

at least one of the members having at least one opening on the exterior surface; and

surface to generate air flow through said channel.

8. An anatomical support for immobilizing the neck of a user comprising:

separate front and rear support members, having an interior surface and an exterior surface,

conforming in contour to the body portion to be immobilized;

wherein the interior surface of the front and rear support members are at least partially

covered by a foam material, which is covered by a washable cloth material, such that a

channel is formed between the body of the user and the interior surface that lacks the foam

material;

at least one support member having at least one opening through the exterior surface;

at least one battery-powered fan coupled to at least one opening through the exterior surface

to facilitate the removal of air from said channel;

at least one member having a second opening to further facilitate the flow of air in said

channel; and

two releasable mechanisms for securing said members in joined relation to each other.