WO2019217940A1

WO2019217940A1 - Body cool down device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2019217940A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/031895
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stacey B. AINSLIE
Original assignee: Ainslie Stacey B
Priority date: 2018-05-11
Filing date: 2019-05-11
Publication date: 2019-11-14

Abstract

A series of side-by-side inter-contacting cooling gel channels acting together form a body cool-down device which cools the body for at least three days or up to several weeks without needing re-soaking. Two semipermeable membrane sheets of fabric are attached together with a series of side-by-side channels sewn into the fabric. Granular super absorbent polymer or super absorbent polymer gel capsules are loaded into the channels. Soaking the device in water for five to fifteen minutes transforms the super absorbent polymer into a greatly expanded volume of cooling gel causing the channels to expand in contact with each other acting together as a single passive open system thermodynamic device for cooling a body.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

BODY COOL DOWN DEVICE AND METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present utility patent application claims the benefit of Provisional Application #60/670,393, filed 11 MAY 2018.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices and methods for controlling body temperature and in particular to a multilayered and multi -channeled body cool-down device and method, the device comprising adjacent inter-contacting channels of hydrated super absorbent polymer forming a cooling gel layer, each channel in direct physical contact with each adjacent channel, to form a system wherein all of the cooling gel channels act together in a thermodynamic mass creating a passive open system thermodynamic device to conduct heat from a body in contact with an inner surface of the cool-down device and evaporate moisture from an outer surface into the surrounding air to cool the cool-down device and consequently cool-down the body contacting the cool-down device, with a cooling layer of cooling gel sandwiched by an inner layer and an outer layer of semipermeable webbing fabric comprising a plurality of channels all in direct contact with each adjacent channel, each of the channels holding a volume of super water absorbing material, a super absorbent polymer preferably polyacrylamide, which when soaked in water is adapted to transform into a heat-absorbing cooling gel into a cooling layer sufficiently increased in volume to cause each adjacent pair of channels to be in physical contact over a sufficient mutually contacting surface area of the channels to enable the entire volume of cooling gel in the cooling layer to act as one cooling gel unit over the entire cooling layer, which is configured in a shape to cover a portion of the body for maximum cooling, the body cool- down device adapted to contact the user’s body to draw heat from user’s body by conduction through the semipermeable membrane into the cooling gel layer of the cool-down device; the body cool-down device further adapted to circulate the heat by convection through the entire cooling gel layer acting as a single unit; the body cool-down device further adapted to evaporate the water from the cooling gel as water vapor through the outer layer of the cool-down device out into the surrounding air, the semipermeable membrane of the outer layer serving to limit the rate of evaporation and maintain the body cool-down device at a desired cool-down temperature for several days to several weeks depending on the environmental conditions and the volume of the cooling gel and then requiring only a short soaking in water to enable the device to continue to cool the body for several more days to several weeks in repeatable cycles; and, after many years of use when the super water absorbent material is used up, the cooling device is adapted for a user to refill the cooling layer with more super water absorbent polymer material to continue use of the device and repeat many cycles of usage.

Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

A significant comfort and health problem is the inevitable fact that bodies get overheated for various reasons including but not limited to the actual temperature of the surrounding environment. Bodies can get overheated from weather, exercise, activity, illness, menopause, hormonal changes, migraines, fever, burns and many more causes. Overheating due to weather causing heat exhaustion is one of the major causes of death from natural environmental conditions.

Prior art has tried to solve this problem with cooling towels and vests that are ineffective and only produce cooling effects for a very short amount of time: 30 minutes to a couple of hours depending on the ambient temperature. Prior art devices often need to be recharged by soaking in water every thirty minutes or they need long exposure to refrigeration. Prior art neck towels only cover the neck and do not cool down the whole body while the prior art vests only last for a short time with minimal cooling effects. Most prior art devices fail in the hottest temperatures. While still others have made products that cool in hot temperatures, but they are cumbersome vests that are battery operated and require heavy equipment and pumps to pump ice water throughout the garment.

Most gelled prior art products will only last 9 -12 months with heavy use. So they are useless after one year.

Prior art devices with a single cooling compartment or multiple cooling compartments spaced far apart do not work well for efficient cooling and have portions of fabric covering the skin that are not cooling the skin. Devices with cooling elements laid too thin over wider surfaces, like some of the infused fabric designs, are not effective in cooling for long periods of time.

Some prior art devices include US Patent #5,755,110, issued 5/26/1998 to Silvas;

US Patent #9,265,654, issued 2/23/2016 to Gallaher; US Patent #5,606,746, issued 3/4/1997 to Shelton et al; US Patent #4,742,581, issued 5/19/1988 to Rosenthal; US Patent #4,856,294, issued 8/15/1989 to Scaringe et al; and US Patent Application #20020092312, published 7/18/2002 by Head.

What is needed is a body cool-down system requiring no refrigeration or mechanical or electrical devices and which remains effective cooling the body down to a desired temperature for days or weeks depending on conditions and require only a quick water soaking for a few minutes to restore to full cooling after the water evaporates. A body cooling system is needed which provides adjacent inter-contacting channels of hydrated super absorbent polymer forming a cooling gel layer, each channel in direct physical contact with each adjacent channel, wherein all of the cooling gel channels act together in a thermodynamic mass creating a passive open system thermodynamic device to stay cool for days or weeks without re-soaking and never requiring refrigeration to maintain the body at a comfortable temperature throughout the day in all environments and all bodily exertions. And further needed is a body cooling device which is refillable with cooling ingredients by the user so that it is fully usable for many years.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the prior art problems. The body cool-down device of the present invention is light weight and relatively flat in the dray state and stays cool for several days or weeks in the transformed cooling gel state without re-soaking in water and without refrigeration of any type. Because the present invention's body cooling effect lasts all day for several days or weeks without re-soaking or refrigeration it can help maintain the body at a comfortable temperature throughout the day in all environments and bodily exertions. This allows less water intake for the user because the body doesn't sweat as much or at all if the body temperature is maintained at the proper healthy level.

One major object of the present invention is to provide a body cool-down device which is adjustable for desired body temperature, desired time of usage before resoaking, and particular heat conditions by adjusting the desired quantity of super water absorbent material installed in the device and adjusting the amount of water absorbed in the cooling gel layer by adjusting the amount of time that the device is soaked in water.

The body cooling device of the present invention is refillable with granular super absorbent polymer material or cooling gel capsules by the user easily restoring the device to full usage whenever depletion of the cooling ingredients occurs, so that the present invention is fully usable for many years.

With the present invention, the more a body moves, the cooler the invention gets, naturally charging itself using the body's own kinesthetics. The shape of the present invention is key to its success in the way the channels are aligned and connected together to so that the cooling gel acts as a single unit adapted to absorb a user’s body heat by conduction, circulate the heat through the entire cooling gel layer by convection, and evaporate the water from the cooling gel by controlled evaporation through the outer semipermeable layer lowering the temperature of the cooling gel layer, increasing evaporation and heat radiation with increased movement of the user’s body and lowering the temperature of the body cool down device. A primary object of the present invention is to provide a body cooling device against a user's body to draw heat away from the user's body by conduction and circulate the heat through the entire cooling gel layer by convection to the outer semipermeable layer where controlled evaporation to lower the temperature of the cooling gel in the body cooling device.

One more primary object of the present invention is to provide side-by-side inter contacting placement of the channels over the entire device to produce a large working volume of the cooling gel acting as one unit to enable highly effective cooling with a slow controlled evaporation rate enabled by the semipermeable outer layer and the fact that the original super water absorbent polymer material is adapted to absorb moisture so that one soaking of the device with water charges the cooling gel for at least three days and up to several weeks (depending on the environmental conditions) without re-soaking.

A related object of the present invention is to provide a body core cooling device over the core of the body to cool the concentration of heat which normally exists in the core of the body housing the heart, aorta, main arteries from the heart, and backbone and thereby cool the entire body by instantly cooling the blood circulated to the brain, the torso and the extremities.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooling surface against the most vital hot spots of the body, including the front or back of the user’s body housing the heart, main arteries leading to the brain and head and torso and extremities and along the spine and under the arms with the optional cooling straps, the cooling surface remaining dry and cool due to the semipermeable inner surface of the cooling layer which admits air, but not water.

An added object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable collar to push up as desired to control the cooling process by extending the volume of the cooling gel and providing added outer surface for evaporation and heat convection into the surrounding air, the temperature of the main portion of the body cool-down device further lowered as the air evaporates the moisture from the collar, so that raising the collar high to catch the wind or body motion from walking, riding, running, exercising, or other body motion activities enhances the cooling effect of the body cooling cover by increasing evaporation from the collar. With the collar in its most upright position, air evaporates the moisture most effectively.

Removing the cool down device from the user's body and swinging the body cool down device back and forth in the air generates airflow over the entire device on all surfaces significantly lowers the temperature of the body cool down device immediately. In as little as a minute or two a user will see a dramatic temperature change. The temperature of the body cool down device will even be instantly and dramatically cooled off by exposing both sides of the body cool down device to a heater blowing hot air, because the water is quickly evaporated from the cooling gel to cool down the device.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a body heating and cooling device which has health benefits for specific body ailments including providing a pillow insert (helps sleep better and can be used rolled up and in various position and body parts), a knee brace (simple cooling brace), a recovery knee brace (full coverage, much bigger than knee brace, offers restriction, compression, cooling and heat), a wrist brace (for heating/cooling to control pain as well as swelling and maintain the forearm, wrist, and hand in a rigid position for proper healing), a baby buddy (a pillow insert type of device but made with a different material so that the coolness is not so startling to an infant), an expectant mommy cool-down (fits around tummy of expectant mother), cooling head gear for sports activities and a cooling cap (for head aches, magraines, and other head problems), cooling booties for foot problems and for warming or cooling the user's body by warming or cooling the feet, cooling mittens for hand problems, a tummy covering device for menstruation (can be heated as well as cooled), braces (for shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, upper and lower back, ankle).

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a cooling device for any general body cooling comfort applications including an eyes mask, a face mask, a neck wrap, a scarf, a car seat cover, a baby stroller and child car seat cover, a baby blanket, bed covers, a bed insert, male and female genital cool-downs, and other desired insertable cooling devices for use in any desired body location.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a cool-down device for the bodies of animals including dogs, cats, any pets, and small animals (providing cool-down shelters, carriers, covers, blankets, beds, jackets). For larger animals the present cool-down device provides surgery cool-down blankets, equine cool-down devices including ready wraps, blankets, covers, saddle blankets, chest plates, and head gear.

In brief, the present invention comprises a multilayered and multi-channeled body cool-down device, the device comprising a cooling gel layer comprising a plurality of adjacent inter-contacting channels each containing a super water absorbent material hydrated to form a cooling gel, each channel in direct physical contact with each adjacent channel, adapted so that all of the cooling gel channels act together in a thermodynamic mass cooling gel layer creating a passive open system thermodynamic device adapted to conduct heat from a body in contact with the cool-down device, and adapted to evaporate moisture from an outer surface of the cooling gel layer into the surrounding air to cool the cool-down device and consequently maintain the body in contact with the cool-down device at a desired comfortable temperature cooler than the surrounding air.

Each of the channels holds any desired adjustable volume of a super water absorbent material, preferably a super absorbent polymer or polyacrylamide gel having an essentially neutral pH, which will break down into nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water with no residual toxicity. The present invention preferably utilizes a super absorbent polymer which, when soaked in water, is adapted to transform the polymer into a heat-absorbing cooling gel sufficiently increased in volume to substantially increase the thickness and the overall mass of cooling gel and causing each adjacent pair of channels to be in physical contact over a sufficient mutually contacting surface area of the channels to enable the entire volume of cooling gel in the cooling layer to act as one cooling gel mass over the entire cooling layer, all of the cooling gel channels act together in a thermodynamic mass creating a passive open system thermodynamic device. The layer of cooling gel is configured in a shape to cover and contact the any desired portions of the body for maximum cooling.

The cool-down device secured against the user’s body absorbs heat from the body through the inner semipermeable membrane by conduction and circulates the heat by convection through the entire body of the cooling gel of the cooling layer, and dissipates the heat by controlled evaporation through the outer semipermeable membrane thereby lowering the temperature of the body cooling device and cooling the user’s body.

An inner surface and an outer surface of the cooling layer each comprises a

semipermeable membrane, such as a tulle mesh or other materials admitting air and water vapor through the material but not water, attached around the edges to retain the super water absorbent material and further subdivided into narrow adjacent channels adapted to retain the granular dry super water absorbent material within the channels so that the granular dry super water absorbent material is spread evenly over the entire cooling layer. The semipermeable membrane is permeable to air and water vapor but not permeable to water which is not under pressure.

Each membrane is adapted to allow air and water vapor to pass through the membrane but not allow water to pass out through the membrane from the soaked cooling gel. The membranes cover and contain the cooling gel therebetween. When the cooling device is soaked in a body of water or sprayed with water, the water under pressure passes through the membrane to soak the super water absorbent material to transform it into a greatly expanded volume of cooling gel.

The semipermeable membrane comprising the inner surface of the cooling layer in contact with the body feels cool and dry to the skin while allowing heat from the body to dissipate by conduction from the user's body through the semipermeable membrane into the cooling gel. The semipermeable membrane comprising the outer surface exposed to the air retains water in the water soaked gel and is adapted for slow controlled evaporation of the water to lower the temperature of the cooling gel while retaining the water in the cooling gel for a longer time by controlling the speed of evaporation, so that each soaking of the cooling gel with water lasts for at least three days under extreme heat conditions and possibly several weeks depending on the environment and usage. The cooling gel drying effect from evaporation begins around the outer edges of the cooling gel layer so the center area of the cooling gel layer maintains its cooling effect for the longest time on the vital area of the user's body covered by the present invention.

After the water evaporates, a short soaking in water for approximately five to fifteen minutes soaks the super water absorbent material again to reform into an expanded volume cooling gel and enable the device to continue to cool the body for several more days or weeks in repeatable cycles; and, after many years of use when the super water absorbent material is used up, the cooling device is adapted for a user to refill the cooling layer with more super water absorbent material or cooling gel capsules to continue use of the device and repeat many cycles of usage.

The present invention stays cool in the hottest temperatures with a multilayered fabric structure having a cooling layer comprising adjacent channels each filled with a granular super water absorbent material which expands in volume up to fifty times the volume of the granular super water absorbent material. The quantity of super water absorbent material and amount of water absorbed to form the cooling gel are both adjustable to establish a desired body temperature and determine the length of cooling time before needing a re-soaking in water. The heat circulates in a convection current throughout the entire volume of the cooling gel.

Controlled evaporation from the outer surface of the cooling layer provides long term ongoing cooling, maintaining the user's body temperature at a healthy comfortable level. The present invention stays cool for at least three days under extreme conditions of heat and possibly several weeks on a single soaking. Some embodiments may have venting inserted in key locations.

The core body cool-down device of the present invention is configured in a trapezoid shape tapering downward against the back or front of the user's body from a wide portion at the shoulders down to a narrower portion below the center of the back or front like a small cape on the back or large lobster bib on the front with a top adjustable collar or evaporation cooling fin extending upwardly from the main body of the device behind the neck and base of the head or in front of the neck. The device is placed on the back or front of the user's body in contact with the user's body over the core body temperature regulating area and most vital body hot spots over the heart and aorta and the main arteries to the brain and head, and along the spine, while cooling straps may extend over the shoulder and under the arms, cooling the user's body core temperature and instantly sending cooled blood circulating through the brain and head, the torso, and the extremities.

The core body cooling embodiment of the cooling device of the present invention preferably further comprises a continuation of the inter-contacting channels in an extensible collar or cooling fin adapted for varying degrees of evaporative cooling by varying amounts of raising the collar for greater or lesser exposure to the air to increase or decrease the amount of evaporation due to the surrounding air contacting the collar. When fully soaked with water the expanded cooling gel in the collar channels stiffens the collar so that the collar stays in place when adjusted up or down. A stiffening layer in the collar may also be used to further enable the collar to stay in place as desired. The evaporation from both front and back of the collar greatly improves the cooling effect of the portion of the present invention contacting the user's body.

Preferably, the cooling gel works best in 1 inch to 2 inch channels stacked next to each other in the multilayered core body cooling device configured to contact the core body temperature controlling area on a back of a body over the heart, aorta, main arteries leaving the heart and backbone cooling the blood so that the heart immediately pumps the cooled blood through the head and body as well as cooling the hot spots of the user's body and the skin over the hot spots. A core body cool-down device with one inch wide channels which expand outward to a thickness of one inch from the expanded cooling gel provides sufficient cooling comfort for the average adult for at least three days and up to several weeks with a single soaking of the device. A five to fifteen minute re-soaking keeps it cool for another three days or several weeks, depending on environmental conditions. The present invention works anywhere with only occasional re-soaking in water.

The primary concentration of heat in the body is centered around the body core including the heart, the main arteries from the heart to the brain and to the rest of the body, along the spinal chord, and under the arms. The present invention is configured to cover the user's body core on the back or front of the user's body with optional cooling straps under the arms for greater cooling.

Various binding means, including the cooling straps under the arms and over the shoulder and adjustable straps with buckles, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or other fastening means can be used to hold the present invention against the user's body for the most effective cooling under all environmental conditions and all activities. The present invention may be used over clothing conducting heat through the clothing or directly on the skin. The present invention can be fabricated in multiple versions, including but not limited to the following applications having the device built into shirts, vests, pads, pillows, blankets, braces, headwear, eye covers, hand covers, bottle coolers, food containers, chair covers, outdoor equipment, car seat covers, pet products and cooling systems, pet shelters, pet carriers, animal core covers, animal blankets, animal leg braces as well as used in various health settings such as for paramedic devices, medical braces, bum victim covers, shoulder braces, back braces, wrist braces, knee braces, tummy covers, heat stroke covers, fever reduction head bands.

A primary advantage of the present invention is that it provides a large working volume of cooling gel acting as one unit to enable highly effective cooling with a slow evaporation rate so that one soaking of the device with water charges the cooling gel for at least three days under extreme heat conditions and up to several weeks of normal usage.

Another advantage is that the present invention is adjustable for desired body

temperature, desired time of usage before resoaking, and particular heat conditions.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a body cooling cover over the core of the body to cool the concentration of heat there in the heart, arteries, and backbone and thereby cool the entire body by up to twenty degrees instantly cooling the blood pumped by the heart to the brain, the torso and the extremities.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an energizing effect from the cooling blood circulating up the main arteries to the brain.

An added advantage of the present invention is that it draws the heat from the user's body so that sweating, the natural cooling system of the user's body is reduced or eliminated thereby allowing better water retention in the user's body.

An ensuing advantage of the present invention is that maintaining the user's body temperature at a comfortable level enables better performance.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it may be transported as a dry relatively flat and lightweight item. Further it may be stored for long periods of time in either the dry state or enclosed in an airtight container in the cooling gel state. And the present invention may also be shipped without the super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer in the device allowing a user to input a desired amount of super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer into the cool-down device to meet the needs of the user. Refills of the super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer or cooling gel capsules may be purchased to re-use the cool-down device for years until the actual fabric wears out. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other details and advantages of the present invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only by way of illustration and not in limitations of the invention, and in which drawings:

FIG. l is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view of the multilayer core body cooling device of the present invention showing the layers aligned for assembly, the device having a body cooling portion, a connected extending cooling fin, and two optional body cooling straps for extending over the top and front of the shoulders and back under the arms of the user when the body cooling portion is on the back of a user with the cooling fin extending adjustably upward in the manner of a collar, and showing the layers aligned for assembly with the body cooling layer having inter-contacting channels of water-attracting granular super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer which is soaked in water to expand and form a heat-absorbing cooling gel to conduct heat from the user's body on an inner face contacting the user's body, to circulate a heat convection current throughout the cooling gel layer, and to evaporate moisture from an outer face to cool the gel, the cooling gel layer being covered on both surfaces by semipermeable thermal webbing with minute openings in the thermal webbing layer to allow heat conduction and evaporation as water vapor but block liquid flow out from the gel;

FIG. 1 A is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view of one of the two cooling straps of FIG. 1 showing the layers aligned for assembly with a body cooling layer having aligned inter contacting cylinders of cooling gel over a portion of the cooling strap;

FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic elevational view of a basic core body cool-down device embodiment of the present invention similar to the device of FIG. 1 without the cooling straps, connecting straps, and collar the basic core body cool-down device for use with other items worn on the body or other items contacted by the body, such as the folding chair of FIG. 20;

FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic elevational view of a basic circular cool-down device embodiment of the present invention having concentric circular inter-contacting cooling channels for use with other items worn on the body or other items contacted by the body, as shown in FIGS. 7 A, 7B, and 10;

FIG. 2C is a diagrammatic elevational view of a basic rectangular cool-down device embodiment of the present invention having straight parallel elongated inter-contacting cooling channels for use with other items worn on the body or with straps or other cool-down applications, as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 13A, 13B, 13C, 16, 17A, 17B, and 18; FIG. 2D is an elevational view of the assembled trapezoidal core body cooling device of FIG. 1, which could also be made with the rectangular configuration of FIG. 2C, showing the body cooling portion at the narrower portion of the trapezoid having inter-contacting U-shaped and V-shaped channels aligned with the sloping sides of the trapezoid containing granular super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer which transforms into the expanded cooling gel when the device is soaked in water and the connected extending cooling fin or collar at the wide end of the trapezoid shape having straight elongated inter-contacting cylinders aligned with the wide end of the trapezoid, and covered openings for inserting the granular super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer into the channels when necessary, as well as showing the optional cooling straps for under the arms connected to lower straps to secure the core body cooling device in contact with the body of the user;

FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view taken through cross-section 2-2 of FIG. 2D showing the channels 26 of the cooling layer with the super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer 25A in the dry state so that the body cooling device is relatively flat and light weight and easy to transport or store in a flat or folded configuration;

FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional view taken through cross-section 2-2 of FIG. 2D showing the channels 26 of the cooling layer with the super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer 25B in the water soaked state forming a cooling gel greatly expanded in volume so that the heat absorbing cooling gel 25B is sufficiently expanded in volume to fill each channel 26 to capacity, to increase the thickness of the cooling layer to cause each adjacent pair of channels 26 to be in physical contact over a sufficient mutually contacting surface area of the channels to enable the entire volume of cooling gel 25B in the cooling layer to act as one cooling gel unit over the entire cooling layer;

FIG. 3 A is a diagrammatic elevational view of a back of a user and an outline of the position of the location of the core body temperature cooling device of the present invention as it is configured to be placed in contact with the most vital body hot spots including the heart, the aorta, the arteries leading to the brain and head, the main arteries along the spine, the arteries leading to the torso and the extremities, and the cooling straps shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C in contact with the arteries under the arms, cooling the body's core temperature and instantly sending cooled blood circulating through the entire body, head, and extremities;

FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic elevational view of a back of a user and the core body temperature cooling device of the present invention placed on the back of the user in contact with the body over the location of the most vital body hot spots shown in FIG. 3 A and the cooling fin or collar connected to and extending up away from the body cooling portion for more air exposure not contacting the body, and further showing circular arrows representing the circulation of heat from the body through the cooling gel and the evaporation of moisture from the outer surface of the device cooling the device and dissipating the heat, and the straight arrows illustrating the full air currents contacting the cooling fin or collar to further contribute to the cooling of the device and hence the cooling of the body through the body contacting portion of the device;

FIG. 3C is a partial elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the cooling straps providing an adjustable locking strap attached in two parts to the forward edges of the cooling straps in place of the loops;

FIG 3D is a partial elevational view of a front of a user having the present invention mounted on the user's back showing the locking strap of FIG. 3C locked together with a snap fastener or other secured fastener to secure the present invention to the body of the user;

FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic elevational view of a back of a user and an alternate embodiment of the present invention configured for use as a body treatment device for cooling and alternately heating and cooling an injured or painful portion of the body requiring cold treatment or hot and cold treatment, the alternate embodiment of the device shown positioned over a shoulder of the user with a strap around the body of the user holding the alternate embodiment of the device in place;

FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic elevational view of a back of a user and another alternate embodiment of the present invention configured for use as a body treatment device for cooling and alternately heating and cooling an injured or painful portion of the body requiring cold treatment or hot and cold treatment, the alternate embodiment of the device shown positioned on the upper back and behind a shoulder of the user with a strap around the body of the user holding the alternate embodiment of the device in place;

FIG. 4C is a diagrammatic elevational view of a back of a user and another alternate embodiment of the present invention configured for use as a body treatment device for cooling and alternately heating and cooling an injured or painful portion of the body requiring cold treatment or hot and cold treatment, the alternate embodiment of the device shown positioned on the lower back of the user with a strap (not visible) around the body of the user holding the alternate embodiment of the device in place;

FIG. 5 A is a diagrammatic elevational side view of FIG. 2 of the present invention on the back of a user showing one of the cooling straps around a shoulder of the user and further showing the cooling fin or collar in a full upright position so that air is captured behind the collar for full air contact with the collar for optimum evaporation and optimum cooling of the core body cooling device due to the collar;

FIG. 5B is a diagrammatic elevational side view of the present invention of FIG. 2 on the back of a user showing one of the cooling straps around a shoulder of the user and further showing the collar in a half upright position so that air is allowed to partially flow over the collar for partial air contact with the collar for partial evaporation and partial cooling of the core body cooling device due to the collar;

FIG. 5C is a diagrammatic elevational side view of the present invention of FIG. 2 on the back of a user showing one of the cooling straps around a shoulder of the user and further showing the collar in a full down position resting on the body contacting portion of the body core temperature cooling device so that air flows over and past the collar for minimal air contact with the collar for less evaporation and less cooling of the core body cooling device due to the collar;

FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic elevational view of a hand of a user having an alternate embodiment of the present invention configured for use as a wrist treatment device for cooling to conduct away heat to help reduce inflammation and reduce pain and alternately heating and cooling an injured or painful wrist requiring cold treatment or hot and cold treatment. The alternate embodiment of the device is shown positioned around a wrist of the user with a wide adjustable elasticized band around the wrist for compression against swelling and to firmly secure the relatively rigid cooling gel filled channels around the wrist for restrictive movement of the wrist to aid in healing and an elasticized strap around the palm and hand of the user for holding the wrist treatment embodiment of the device in place while allowing hand and finger movement;

FIG. 6B is a diagrammatic plan view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention configured for use as a wrist treatment device of FIG. 6A for cooling and alternately heating and cooling an injured or painful wrist requiring cold treatment or hot and cold treatment showing the aligned inter-contacting array of straight channels along the length of the device for encircling the wrist with the channels all aligned with the arm of the user, each of the channels containing granular super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer which transforms into the expanded cooling gel when the device is soaked in water and further showing a wide adjustable elasticized band adapted to encircle the wrist and a narrow elasticized strap adapted to encircle the palm and hand of the user, both band and the strap having hook and loop fasteners for adjustably securing the wrist device; FIG. 7 A is a side elevational view of a pregnancy body cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention in place on the baby bump of a pregnant woman having concentric circular channels of cooling gel in a stacked dome-like array over the body portion housing the baby and a strap circling around the back of the woman to hold the device in place;

FIG. 7B is a front elevational view of the pregnancy body cool-down device of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a front elevational view of a heart shaped body cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention for spot therapy cooling of various parts of the body with concentric adjacent heart shaped channels which may be inserted under articles of clothing against the body or provided with an optional strap or other means for holding the device against the body;

FIG. 8B is a front elevational view of the heart-shaped body cool-down device of FIG.

8 A shown over a tummy area of a woman for spot therapy cooling of the stomach for cooling or heating and cooling of the stomach to treat a stomach ache or menstrual cramps;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an eyeglass shaped body cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention using a pair of eyeglass shaped channels of cooling gel completely covering an eyeglass shaped portion like a sleeping mask for cooling the entire eye socket region and a strap for encircling the head of the user;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a beanie head cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention having concentric circular channels of cooling gel in a stacked dome-like array for cooling a head of a wearer shown in place on the head;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a mitten hand cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention having adjacent contacting channels of cooling gel contoured to the shape of the mitten for cooling or heating and cooling a hand of a wearer;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bootie foot cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention having adjacent contacting channels of cooling gel contoured to the shape of the bootie for cooling or heating and cooling a foot of a wearer;

FIG. 13 A is an elevational view of an equine leg wrap cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention having a full length array of side-by-side straight vertical channels of cooling gel and three elastic straps having mating hook and loop fasteners for encircling a leg of a horse to secure the cool-down device encircling the leg of the horse;

FIG. 13B is an elevational partial view showing the equine leg wrap cool-down device of FIG. 13 A encircling a leg of a horse;

FIG. 13C is an elevational view showing two equine leg wrap cool-down devices of FIG.

13 A encircling two legs of a horse, a cool-down device horse riding blanket alternate embodiment of the present invention having a full length array of side-by-side straight horizontal channels of cooling gel shown over the back of the horse, and a horse chest plate cool-down device alternate embodiment of the invention mounted over the chest area of the horse having a series of aligned vertical channels of cooling gel along the length of the sling shaped cool-down device having a securing strap around the base of the neck of the horse;

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of a canine body cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention showing cool-down device having inter-contacting U-shaped channels of cooling gel on the back of a dog having a strap around the belly of the dog and a cooling strap having linear inter-contacting side-by-side channels of cooling gel around the neck of the dog to secure the cool-down device in place;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a small animal cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a cat shelter constructed from interconnected cool-down devices shaped into triangular panels, each having arrays of straight inter-contacting channels of cooling gel, the panels forming an arched wall pyramid shaped shelter for a cat to stay inside and rest against the cool walls as desired in a hot environment;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a tubular carrying cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention showing vertical straight channels of cooling gel interconnected and bent into a cylindrical array to house a bottle or other similarly shaped item, the device being secured around the neck of the bottle by a tie string and top cooling fins arch outwardly like flower petals for exposure to the air to increase evaporation and further cool down the device, the tubular carrying cool-down device having a top handle for transporting a bottle of wine or other similarly shaped item to cool the bottle for at least three days and up to several weeks at a time before briefly re-soaking the channels to continue the cooling;

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a rectangular container cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention showing straight inter-contacting channels of cooling gel in a rectangular array forming a rectangular cool-down base with a cool-down side of cooling gel channels extending from each of the four sides, and a draw string slidably encased in the outer edges of the four side channels for covering and cooling a rectangular container with the cool down base covering the base and the cool-down sides covering the sides of the rectangular container and the draw string pulled tight and tied to secure the container cool-down device in place around the outer surface of the rectangular container, as shown in FIG. 17B;

FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the rectangular container cool-down device alternate embodiment of FIG. 17A showing the draw string pulled tight and tied to secure the container cool-down device in place around the outer surface of the container; FIG. 17C is a perspective view of a circular container cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention having concentric circular inter-contacting channels of cooling gel in a circular array forming a circular cool-down base similar to the device of FIG. 2B, with an annular side formed of inter-contacting straight cooling gel channels extending radially from the circular outer perimeter of the cool-down base, and a draw string slidably encased in the outer perimeter of the annular side shown covering and cooling the outside surface of a circular container with the cool-down circular base covering the circular container base and the cool-down annular cool-down side covering the side of the container and the draw string pulled tight and tied to secure the container cool-down device in place around the outer surface of the container;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a food-carrying cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention showing straight inter-contacting channels of cooling gel in a rectangular array forming two opposing rectangular cool-down sides, each in a configuration similar to the device of FIG. 2C, and two cool-down ends having inter-contacting cooling gel channels and an optional air vent and further comprising a flap closure for a top opening and a carrying handle for covering and cooling and carrying perishables, lunch boxes, and food bags;

FIG. 19A is an elevational view of a stroller/car seat cover cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention showing variously shaped inter-contacting cooling gel channels formed into a character shape, such as an elephant, having a perimeter shaped to cover a stroller/car seat, side recesses for a seat belt, and a double bottom recess (shaping the elephant's trunk) for receiving an attachment buckle, the device adapted for cooling a young child placed in the stroller/car seat;

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the stroller/car seat cover cool-down device alternate embodiment of FIG. 19A shown covering a stroller/car seat;

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a chair back support cool-down device alternate embodiment of the present invention covering or built into a folding chair, the device having a shape, similar to the device of FIG. 2 A to cover a core temperature area of a back of a user sitting in the chair, the device may be built into the chair or just attached thereto;

FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the core body cool-down device of FIG. 2D shown mounted on a chair beneficial after using the device in outdoor activity and wishing to sit down inside or outside in a temporary core body cool-down device chair;

FIG. 21 A is an exploded plan view of a cool down throw blanket embodiment of the present invention showing two halves aligned for interconnection using hook and loop fastener strips; FIG. 21B is a plan view of the cool down throw blanket embodiment of FIG. 21 A showing the two halves interconnected for use as a cool down throw blanket shown over a body of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIGS. 1-21, the present invention comprises a multilayered and multi-channeled body cool-down device 20 and method, the device comprising adjacent inter-contacting channels 26 of greatly expanded hydrated super water absorbent material such as super absorbent polymer 25 forming a cooling gel 25 A, as shown in FIG 2F, by soaking in water for a few minutes. Each channel is in direct physical contact with each adjacent channel, to form a system wherein all of the cooling gel channels act together in a thermodynamic mass creating a passive open system thermodynamic device to conduct heat from a body in contact with an inner surface of the cool- down device and evaporate moisture from an outer surface into the surrounding air to cool the cool-down device and consequently cool-down the body contacting the cool-down device.

In FIGS. 1, 1 A, 2A, 2D-2F, 3A-3D, and 5A-5C, the passive open system thermodynamic device for cooling a body of the present invention comprises a multilayered and multi -channeled body core temperature cooling device 20, shown on a back of a user in FIG. 3B, adapted to cover a core body temperature control area 24A, shown in FIG. 3 A, which includes the heart 10, aorta 9, main arteries to the brain 8, and main arteries along the spine 11, to cool down blood immediately circulated through the body and head of a user. The cooling device 20 comprises a body covering portion 24 contacting the back or front of the user to draw heat away from the body into the cooling device 20 and evaporate water from the outer surface into the air to cool down the device. An adjustable cooling fin or collar 23 extends upwardly from the body covering portion to further enhance the cooling effect by raising the collar to increase evaporation from the cooling device.

In FIGS. 1, 1 A, 2A-2F, 3A, 3B, and 5A-5C, the present invention provides a

multilayered body temperature control device 20, and 20A-20C and a method of controlling body temperature. The multilayer device has a cooling layer 25 comprising a plurality of channels 26 all in side-by-side contact with each adjacent channel. Each of the channels holds a volume of dry granular super water absorbent material or cooling gel capsule which when soaked with water is adapted to transform the material into a heat-absorbing cooling gel 25B, as shown in FIG 2F, sufficiently increased in volume to cause each adjacent pair of channels to be in physical contact over a sufficient mutually contacting surface area of the channels to enable the entire volume of cooling gel in the cooling layer to act as one cooling gel unit over the entire cooling layer, which is adapted to absorb heat from the user's body by conduction, an inside surface of the cooling layer contacting the user's body, cooling the user's body, adapted to create a heat convection current circulating throughout the entire layer of cooling gel 25B, and further adapted to allow water to evaporate slowly from the outside surface of the cooling layer exposed to airflow, thereby evaporating moisture slowly to cool the cooling device; the cooling device adapted to maintain a desired cool body temperature at least three days under extreme heat and up to several weeks or months, depending on conditions, until the water is evaporated and then requiring only a short soaking in water (five to fifteen minutes) to enable the device to continue to cool the body for at least three more days or several weeks in repeatable cycles; and, after many years of use when the super water absorbing polymer material is used up, the cooling device is adapted for a user to refill the cooling layer with more cooling gel capsules or super water absorbent material to continue use of the device and repeat many more cycles of usage, until after years of use, the fabric material gives out.

In FIG 1, the body cool-down device 20 is layered preferably with an outer air exposed decorative layer 21 A and an inner body contacting comfort layer 21B both preferably fabricated of cotton material 21 A and 21B which breathes to permit heat from the body to transmit heat by conduction to the inner surface 22B of the cooling layer, to permit convection circulation through the cooling gel layer 25B, and to permit evaporation into the air from the cooling layer outer surface 22A. Semipermeable layers of thermal retention webbing 22A and 22B house the cooling gel 25B, forming an outer heat dissipating evaporation layer 22A and an inner heat absorbing body or body clothing contacting layer 22B, both preferably fabricated of a fine mesh material such as tulle, forming semipermeable membranes housing the super water absorbing material or super absorbent polymer 25 in side-by-side inter-contacting channels 26. The semipermeable membranes admit passage of air and water vapor but not water. There is a backing that is less permeable which can be applied in certain circumstances but not all.

The inner semipermeable membrane 22B is adapted to receive air and water vapor from the body to pass through the inner semipermeable membrane 22B into the cooling gel 25B, shown in FIG 2F, absorbed by the cooling gel, the inner semipermeable membrane 22B adapted to prevent liquid from passing from the cooling gel 25B out through the semipermeable membrane, thereby providing a body contacting surface which is substantially dry to contact, and adapted to receive water under external water pressure through the inner semipermeable membrane 22B to be absorbed by the cooling gel 25B.

The outer semipermeable membrane 22A is adapted to limit the flow of air and water vapor out through the outer semipermeable membrane to evaporate the water from the cooling gel 25B at a controlled rate, slowing the evaporation process, the cool-down device adapted to provide a cooling cycle of at least three days under extreme heat and up to several weeks of effective cooling on a single soaking of the cooling gel 25B in water.

The inner covering of planar material 21B secured under the inner semipermeable membrane 22B is adapted for comfortable non-irritating contact with the body and adapted to allow air and water vapor from the body to pass through the inner covering to the inner semipermeable membrane 22B and into the cooling gel 25B.

The outer covering of planar material 21 A secured over the outer semipermeable membrane 22A is adapted to allow warm air and water vapor from the cooling gel 25 and outer semipermeable membrane 22A to pass through the outer covering and evaporate into the surrounding air. The outer covering is provided with at least an outer surface adapted for visual appeal.

In FIG. 1 A, one of the two cooling straps 30 of FIG. 1 is shown with the layers aligned for assembly with a body cooling layer having aligned inter-contacting cylinders of cooling gel over a portion of the cooling strap. At the outer ends and on a forward edge of each cooling strap 30, belt attaching loops 39, preferably of para cord extend from the cooling straps 30. The end loops attach to the lower adjustable straps 28 to tighten the cooling strap around a shoulder of the user to secure the device against the body of the user, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 5A - 5C.

The forward loops 39 interconnect with an adjustable strap 28 across the chest of the user, as shown in FIGS. 51-5C to further secured the present invention in place during exercise or movement.

In FIGS. 2A-2F, the fabric layers 21 A, 21B, 22A, and 22B of FIG. 1 are connected together in an array of spaced connection lines 3 A (as shown in FIG 2D), which may be lines of stitching or heat staking or other linear connecting means, forming the channels 26 between the connection lines 3 A to form an array of aligned elongated channels 26 each having end openings communicating with at least one common intersecting channel 26F provided with at least one closable opening 27, which may have a hook and loop fastener flap, adapted to admit a desired quantity of super water absorbent material through the opening 27 for dispersion of the super water absorbent material evenly distributed in all of the channels, which are touching each other without any space in between them. These channels 26 can range preferably from an inch to two or more inches wide depending on the function of garment or body attachment. A measured amount of dry super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer 25A is poured into the internally interconnected channels 26 or gel capsules are inserted into the channels 26, both through hook and loop fasteners 27 attached between the top layers 21 A, 22 A and bottom layers

21B, 22B forming a resealable opening between the layers of interconnected material at the edge where there is a small break in the edge threading 3. The inserted dry super water absorbing material or super absorbing polymer 25A is distributed evenly in each channel 26, encased in semipermeable thermal webbing 22A and 22B in each channel 26. The installed dry super water absorbent material preferably super absorbent polymer 25A, as shown in FIG 2E, within the channels is activated and re-activated by soaking in water to transform and greatly expand the installed material into a heat absorbing cooling gel 25B, as shown in FIG 2F. With the unique blend of fabrics, cooling material, and structure the device of the present invention will retain its form and coolness for at least three days under extreme heat and sometimes weeks depending on the environmental conditions and use.

In FIG. 2D, the core body cooling device 20 of the present invention comprises a body cooling portion 24, a connected extending cooling fin or collar 23 having an array of three or four or more horizontal inter-contacting channels, and two optional body cooling straps 30 attached to both the collar 23 and the body cooling portion 24 for extending over the top and front of the shoulders and back under the arms of the user and attached to adjustable straps 28 to secure the device in contact with the user's body when the body cooling portion 24 is on the back of a user with the cooling fin or collar 23 extending adjustably upward like a collar partially held upright by the cooling straps 30, as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C. The layers of FIG. 1 are aligned for assembly with the body cooling layer having inter-contacting channels of water-attracting granular super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer which is soaked in water to expand and form a heat-absorbing cooling gel to draw heat from the body by conduction on an inner face 22B contacting the user's body, to circulate the heat by convection currents through the entire cooling layer, and to evaporate moisture from an outer face to cool the gel, the cooling gel layer being covered on both surfaces by a semipermeable layer of thermal webbing 22A and 22B, such as tulle, with minute openings in the thermal webbing layer to allow heat conduction and evaporation but block liquid flow out from the gel. The trapezoidal shape of this device lends to its structural integrity. It holds the collar up and rigid in its most torrid state, with the channels stiffened by the expanded cooling gel. The collar stiffener helps when not so full of water.

In FIG. 2A, a basic core body cool-down device 20A embodiment of the present invention similar to the device of FIG 1 without the cooling straps, connecting straps, and collar. The basic core body cool-down device 20A is adapted for use with other items worn on the body or other items contacted by the body, such as the folding chair of FIG. 20. In FIG. 2B, a basic circular cool-down device 20B embodiment of the present invention having concentric circular inter-contacting cooling channels 26 for use with other items worn on the body or other items contacted by the body, as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 10.

In FIG. 2C, a basic rectangular cool-down device 20C embodiment of the present invention has straight parallel elongated inter-contacting cooling channels for use with other items worn on the body or with straps or other cool-down applications, as shown in FIGS. 6 A, 6B, 13 A, 13B, 13C, 16, 17A, 17B, and 18.

In FIG. 2D, the assembled trapezoidal core body cooling device 20 of FIG. 1 comprises the body cooling portion 24 at the narrower portion of the trapezoid having inter-contacting U- shaped and V-shaped channels 26 aligned with the sloping sides of the trapezoid containing granular super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer which transforms into the expanded cooling gel when the device is soaked in water and the connected extending cooling fin or collar 23 at the wide end of the trapezoid shape having straight elongated inter-contacting cylinders aligned with the wide end of the trapezoid, and covered openings for inserting the granular super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer into the channels when necessary, as well as showing the optional cooling straps 30 connected to adjustable straps 28 to secure the core body cooling device in contact with the body of the user. At the outer ends and on a forward edge of each cooling strap 30, belt attaching loops 39, preferably of parachute cord or paracord extend from the cooling straps 30. The end loops attach to the lower adjustable straps 28 to tighten the cooling strap around a shoulder of the user to secure the device against the body of the user, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 5A - 5C. The body cool-down device of the present invention can be used upside down or right side up. It is also reversible, so it does not matter which is used as the front surface or back surface of the body cool-down device except in terms of desired use. For instance one side may be plain or rugged and durable for work and the other side may be decorative fabric or other desired fabric.

In FIGS. 2E and 2F, the cooling layer 25 comprises two layers of a semipermeable fabric webbing 22A and 22B interconnected, preferably by sewing or other fabric interconnecting means, to form a plurality of adjacent mutually contacting channels 26 each housing a sufficiently small volume of dry super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer 25A to leave the cooling layer in a flat configuration, as shown in FIG. 2E. The super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer is adapted, upon being soaked with water, to transform the dry polymer or material into a heat absorbing gel 25B sufficiently expanded in volume to fill each channel 26 to capacity, shown in FIG. 2F. The volume expansion increases the thickness of the cooling layer to cause each adjacent pair of channels 26 to be in physical contact over a sufficient mutually contacting surface area of the channels to enable the entire volume of cooling gel 25B in the cooling layer to act as one cooling gel unit over the entire cooling layer to act as a passive open system thermodynamic device for cooling a body. The cooling layer is adapted to absorb heat by conduction from the user's body contacting an inner surface 22B of the cooling layer, cooling the user's body, adapted to disperse the heat into convection currents (circular arrows in FIG. 3B) throughout the entire cooling gel layer, and further adapted to allow water to evaporate slowly from an outer surface 22A of the cooling layer exposed to airflow, thereby cooling the body cool-down device.

In FIG. 2F, the hydrated super water absorbent material 25B expands the aligned and connected channels 26 forming undulating outer and inner surfaces with aligned grooves to facilitate heat dissipation and optimal air flow for heat dissipation and optimal airflow on the outer and inner surfaces while the mutually contacting sides of the channels act together in a thermodynamic mass cooling gel layer for optimum convection through the thermodynamic mass cooling gel layer 25B forming a passive open system thermodynamic device for cooling a body.

In FIG. 3 A, the outline 24A of the body covering portion of the body core temperature cooling device is shown against the back of the user over the core body temperature internal body parts. The cooling device body portion 24 is configured to be placed in contact with the body in proximity to the most vital body hot spots including the heart 10, aorta 9, main arteries to the brain 8, and main arteries along the spine 11, the arteries leading to the torso and the extremities, and the cooling straps 30 shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C in contact with the arteries under the arms, so that the body core temperature cooling device 20 cools the entire core body temperature area so that the heart then pumps the cooled blood to circulate through the brain and head, the torso, and all the body extremities to cool down the entire body and maintain a comfortable body temperature.

In FIG. 3B, a back of a user is shown partially covered by the core body temperature cooling device 20 of the present invention secured on the back of the user in contact with the body over the location of the most vital body hot spots shown in FIG. 3 A. The cooling fin or collar 23 is connected to and extends up away from the body cooling portion 24 for more air exposure not contacting the body. Circular arrows symbolically represent the circulation of heat from the body by convection through the entire cooling gel layer and the evaporation of moisture from the outer surface of the device cooling the device. The straight arrows illustrate the full air currents contacting the cooling fin or collar 23 to further contribute to the cooling of the device and hence the cooling of the body through the body contacting portion 24 of the device.

The inner surface of the body core temperature cooling device of the present invention held against the body draws away the heat from the warmest part of the user's body by conduction, circulates the heat by convection currents through the entire cooling gel layer, and the outer surface of the body core temperature cooling device allows evaporation of the water from the outer surface to cool the device maintaining a cool temperature on the inner surface cooling the core body temperature internal parts and blood flow as well as cooling the skin of the body, thereby lowering overall body temperature. It takes at least three days or up to several weeks for the water in the super saturated cooling gel to evaporate and require a quick five to fifteen minutes soaking in water under pressure to re-soak the cooling gel.

Because the user can now maintain a comfortable body temperature, the user's body will sweat less because of the body temperature maintenance and the user's body will retain more water for added health benefit and comfort.

The more a user moves, the cooler the cool-down device gets, even in temperatures as hot as 122 degrees F. It is structured to work with the movement of the body to make it even cooler as a user moves, works, exercises or goes about his or her day as well as in a sedentary state. The multi-channel, multi-layered structure of the device creates the volume needed for the thermal heat absorbing gel to work effectively with the channels for efficient heat conduction from the user's body, efficient convection of the heat throughout the entire cooling gel layer, and efficient evaporation through all exposed surfaces to create an ongoing long lasting cooling effect that last for at least three days and up to several weeks. The multilayered fabric structure allows for a slow evaporation of each unit giving it staying time in the hottest weather.

In FIGS. 3C and 3D, an alternate embodiment of the cooling straps 30 provides an adjustable locking strap 28E attached in two parts to the forward edges of the cooling straps 30 in place of the loops, so that the locking strap may 28E be locked together with a snap fastener or other secured fastener to secure the present invention to the body of the user, as shown in FIG. 3D.

In FIG. 4A, a back of a user is shown with an alternate embodiment of the present invention configured for use as a body treatment device 24A for cooling and alternately heating and cooling an injured or painful portion of the body requiring cold treatment or hot and cold treatment. The alternate embodiment of the device shown positioned over a shoulder of the user with a strap 28 around the body of the user holding the alternate embodiment of the device in place, so that the device acts as a shoulder brace to make the shoulder immobile. Two sets of channels 26 conform to the shape of the two halves of the device which together form an oval shape for conforming to the shoulder. This same body treatment device 24A could be used a restraint of body part or in some cases as in a brace for an injured arm, for example.

In FIG. 4B, a back of a user is shown with the body treatment device 24A of FIG. 4A used only on the back of the shoulder for cooling and alternately heating and cooling an injured or painful upper back and behind a shoulder of the user with a strap 28 around the body of the user holding the device in place. This particular cool-down device is configured to also go on any part of back or front of body for men and women.

In FIG. 4C, a back of a user is shown with the body treatment device 24A of FIG. 4A positioned on the lower back of the user with a strap (not visible) around the body of the user holding the device in place.

In FIG. 5 A, a side view of FIG. 2 shows the core body cool-down device 20 of the present invention on the back of a user showing one of the cooling straps 30 around a shoulder of the user attached to the adjustable strap 28 and further showing the cooling fin or collar 23 in a full upright position so that air is captured behind the collar for full air contact with the collar for optimum evaporation and optimum supplemental cooling of the core body cooling device due to the collar.

In FIG. 5B, a side view of FIG. 2 shows the core body cool-down device 20 of the present invention on the back of a user showing one of the cooling straps 30 around a shoulder of the user attached to the adjustable strap 28 and further showing the cooling fin or collar 23 in a half upright position so that air is allowed to partially flow over the collar for partial air contact with the collar for partial evaporation and partial supplemental cooling of the core body cooling device due to the collar.

In FIG. 5C, a side view of FIG. 2 shows the core body cool-down device 20 of the present invention on the back of a user showing one of the cooling straps 30 around a shoulder of the user attached to the adjustable strap 28 and further showing the cooling fin or collar 23 in a full down position resting on the body contacting portion of the body core temperature cooling device so that air flows over and past the collar for minimal air contact with the collar for minimal evaporation and minimal supplemental cooling of the core body cooling device due to the collar.

In FIGS. 5A-5C, an extra strap 28A is shown in the front of the body attached to fastener loops 39 on the cooling straps 30 for added comfort and security when in high activity situations, like running or horse back riding. Closely secured around neck kicks the effects to even higher levels as it closes the distance between neck and collar. With this additional contact to the neck and arteries it greatly increases effects. The fastener loops 39 are shown in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 6 A, a hand, wrist, and part of a forearm of a user is wrapped in an alternate embodiment of the present invention configured for use as a wrist treatment device 20D for cooling to whisk away heat to help reduce inflammation and reduce pain and alternately heating and cooling an injured or painful wrist requiring cold treatment or hot and cold treatment, the alternate embodiment of the device shown positioned around a wrist of the user with a wide adjustable elasticized band 28C around the wrist for compression against swelling and to firmly secure the relatively rigid cooling gel filled channels 26 around the wrist for restrictive movement of the wrist to aid in healing and an elasticized strap 28B around the palm and hand of the user for holding the wrist treatment embodiment of the device in place while allowing hand and finger movement.

FIG. 6B, the alternate embodiment of the present invention configured for use as a wrist treatment device 20D, shown in FIG. 6A, comprises an aligned inter-contacting array of straight channels 26 along the length of the body covering portion 24D for encircling the wrist with the channels all aligned with the arm of the user. Both the elasticized band 28C and the elasticized strap 28B preferably utilize hook and loop fasteners 27A and 27B for adjustably securing the wrist device.

In FIGS. 7A and 7B, a pregnancy body cool-down device 20E alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in place on the baby bump of a pregnant woman, the device having concentric circular channels 26 of cooling gel in a stacked dome-like array body contacting portion 24E over the body location housing the baby and a strap 28 circling around the back of the woman to hold the device in place. The same cool-down device 20E could also be used is a shoulder brace similar to FIG. 4A.

In FIGS. 8A, a heart shaped body cool-down device 20F alternate embodiment of the present invention provides spot therapy for cooling various parts of the body with concentric adjacent heart shaped channels 26 which may be inserted under articles of clothing against the body or provided with an optional strap or other means for holding the device against the body.

In FIG. 8B, the heart-shaped body cool-down device 20F of FIG. 8 A is shown over a tummy area of a woman for spot therapy cooling of the stomach for cooling or heating and cooling of the stomach to treat a stomach ache or menstrual cramps.

In FIG. 9, an eyeglass shaped body cool-down device 20G alternate embodiment of the present invention uses a pair of channels a pair of eyeglass shaped channels of cooling gel 26 completely covering an eyeglass shaped portion 24G like a sleeping mask for cooling the entire eye socket region and a strap 28 for encircling the head of the user.

In FIG. 10, a beanie head cool-down device 20H alternate embodiment of the present invention has concentric circular channels 26 of cooling gel in a stacked dome-like array 24H for cooling a head of a wearer as shown in place on the head.

In FIG. 11, a bootie foot cool-down device 20 J alternate embodiment of the present invention has adjacent contacting channels of cooling gel 26 contoured to the shape of the bootie 24J for cooling or heating and cooling a foot of a wearer.

In FIG. 12, a mitten hand cool-down device 20K alternate embodiment of the present invention has adjacent contacting channels 26 of cooling gel contoured to the shape of the mitten 24K for cooling or heating and cooling a hand of a wearer.

In FIG. 13 A, an equine leg wrap cool-down device 20L alternate embodiment of the present invention provides a full length array of side-by-side straight vertical channels 26 of cooling gel and three elastic straps 28 having mating hook and loop fasteners 8A and 8B for encircling a leg of a horse to secure the cool-down device encircling the leg of the horse, as shown in FIG. 13B.

In FIG. 13C, two equine leg wrap cool-down devices 20L of FIG. 13A encircle two legs of a horse. A cool-down device horse riding blanket 24C alternate embodiment of the present invention, similar to the device of FIG. 2C, has a full length array of side-by-side straight horizontal channels 26 of cooling gel shown over the back of the horse. A horse chest plate cool- down device 20M alternate embodiment of the present invention is mounted over the chest area of the horse having a series of aligned vertical channels 26 of cooling gel along the length of the sling-shaped cool-down device having a securing strap 28 around the base of the neck of the horse.

In FIG. 14, a canine body cool-down device 20N alternate embodiment of the present invention provides inter-contacting channels 26 of cooling gel, similar to that of FIG. 2D, shown on the back of a dog having a strap 28 around the belly of the dog and a hook and loop fastener adjustable cooling strap 30C having linear inter-contacting side-by-side channels of cooling gel around the neck of the dog to secure the cool-down device in place. A similar device may be used as a cool-down device for other pets.

In FIG. 15, a feline cool-down device 20P alternate embodiment of the present invention provides a cat shelter constructed from interconnected cool-down devices shaped into triangular panels 24P, each having arrays of straight inter-contacting channels 26 of cooling gel, the panels forming an arched wall pyramid shaped shelter for a cat to stay inside and rest against the cool walls as desired in a hot environment.

In FIG. 16, a tubular carrying cool-down device 20W alternate embodiment of the present invention showing vertical straight channels 26 of cooling gel interconnected and arched into a cylindrical array in the body portion 24W to house a bottle or other similarly shaped item. The device is secured around the neck of the bottle by a tie string 28D and top cooling fins 23W arch outwardly like flower petals for exposure to the air to increase evaporation and further cool down the device. A top handle 6 is adapted for transporting a bottle of wine or other similarly shaped item to cool the bottle for at least three days and up to several weeks at a time before briefly re-soaking the channels to continue the cooling.

In FIG. 17 A, a rectangular container cool-down device 20R alternate embodiment of the present invention provides straight inter-contacting channels 26 of cooling gel in a rectangular array forming a rectangular cool-down base with a cool-down side of cooling gel channels extending from each of the four sides. A draw string 28C slidably encased in the outer edges of the four side channels. The device is adapted for covering and cooling a rectangular container 40 A, as shown in FIG. 17B with the cool-down base covering the base and the cool-down sides covering the sides of the rectangular container 40A and the draw string 28C pulled tight and tied to secure the container cool-down device in place around the outer surface of the rectangular container, as shown in FIG. 17B.

In FIG. 17C, a circular container cool-down device 20R alternate embodiment of the present invention having concentric circular inter-contacting channels 26 of cooling gel in a circular array forming a circular cool-down base similar to the device of FIG. 2 A, with an annular side formed of inter-contacting straight cooling gel channels extending radially from the circular outer perimeter of the cool-down base, and a draw string 28C slidably encased in the outer perimeter of the annular side shown covering and cooling the outside surface of a circular container 40B with the cool-down circular base covering the circular container base and the cool-down annular cool-down side covering the side of the container and the draw string pulled tight and tied to secure the container cool-down device in place around the outer surface of the container.

In FIG. 18, a food-carrying cool-down device 20T alternate embodiment of the present invention has straight inter-contacting channels 26 of cooling gel in a rectangular array forming two opposing rectangular cool-down sides, each in a configuration similar to the device of FIG.

2C. Two cool-down ends having inter-contacting cooling gel channels and an optional air vent

4. A flap closure 5 has hook and loop fasteners 8 for access to a top opening. A carrying handle 6 extends from the top of the device, which is adapted to be used for covering and cooling and carrying perishables, lunch boxes, and food bags.

In FIG. 19A, a stroller/car seat cover cool-down device 20 V alternate embodiment of the present invention shows variously shaped inter-contacting cooling gel channels 26 formed into a character shape of an elephant, having a perimeter shaped to cover a stroller/car seat 50 as shown in FIG. 19B. The device has side recesses 55 for a seat belt, and a double bottom recess (shaping the elephant's trunk 56) for receiving an attachment buckle. The device is adapted for cooling a young child or infant placed in the stroller/car seat 50. This seat cover cool-down device could be configured in any shape to fit the seat and be suitable for the intended use.

In FIG. 20A, a chair back cool-down device 20C alternate embodiment of the present invention covers or is built into or attached to a folding chair 60. The device has a shape, similar to the basic core body cool-down device of FIG. 2C, to cover a back of a user sitting in the chair. This chair version of the core body cool-down device 20C has straight horizontal inter contacting channels 26 of cooling gel over the entire device.

In FIG. 20B, the core body cool-down device 20 of FIG. 2D is mounted on an office- type chair 60A with the cooling straps 30 connected to the adjustable securing strap 28 secured around the back of the chair so that after using the device in outdoor activity and wishing to sit down inside or outside in a temporary core body cool-down device chair. The cool-down device 20 could also be mounted in an upside-down position for treating lower back pain.

In FIG. 21 A, a cool down throw blanket device 20Z embodiment of the present invention is shown in two halves each with straight parallel gel filled channels 26 aligned for

interconnection using hook and loop fastener strips 27 and showing hook and loop fastener fill openings 27 in the comers.

In FIG. 21B, the cool down throw blanket device 20Z of FIG. 21A is shown with the two halves interconnected for use as a cool down throw blanket device 20Z shown over a body of a user.

The material for the inner layer 21B and outer layer 21 A of the device are preferably of 100 percent cotton and cotton blends but can be substituted with many other types of fabric that have the properties of allowing air and moisture to pass freely from the body and into the air, respectively. The facing outer material 21 A is preferably a breathable material exposing the cooling gel to airflow for the purpose of evaporation causing the device to cool down and give a cooling effect for the user. This is coupled with the thermal heat absorbing inner material layer 21B drawing away heat from the body by conduction. The semipermeable layers 22A and 22B housing the cooling gel are preferably thermal retention webbing that holds the coolness and moisture in the thermal gel for long periods of time, preferably for many days. The semipermeable webbing affects the evaporation process in a way that the moisture cannot escape causing the evaporation process to become slower or retarded. The effect is a body cooling device that last for many days without re-soaking giving the user long term cooling effects. Tulle and similar fabric can be used. The desired effect of the material is creating a semipermeable membrane which allows air and water vapor to pass through but does not allow water to pass through, except under pressure to soak the dry super water absorbing polymer material.

The super water absorbent material, or granular super absorbent polymer or gel capsules used in the device to form the thermal heat absorbing cooling gel are preferably non-toxic non irritating inert material, such as a polyacrylamide material. This is chosen because of its ability to absorb greater than 50 time it weight in water, giving the volumes needed to keep and maintain a constant cooling temperature in the device. Preferably the super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer used is non-toxic, biodegradable, and completely safe for the environment. It has been discovered that soaking the super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer with water transforms the super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer and expands it into a heat absorbing cooling gel of much greater volume than the original granular super water absorbent material or granular super absorbent polymer to form a powerful body cooling gel which is adapted to conduct heat from a user's body, to circulate the heat by convection currents through the entire cooling gel layer, and to evaporate the water from the cooling gel.

The super water absorbing material in each of the channels comprises poured in dry super absorbing polymer granular material or inserted super water absorbing polymer gel capsules, the super absorbent polymer comprising at least one water absorbing hydrogel taken from the list of water absorbing hydrogels including hygroscopic material, water absorbing polymers, polyacrylamide, polyacrylamide polymer, anionic polyacrylamide, sodium

polyacrylate, potassium polyacrylate, starch-acrylonitrile co-polymer,

polyacrylate/polyacrylamide copolymers, polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, and starch grafted copolymer of polyacrylonitrile.

The effects are that the user does not sweat or sweats far less, thus retaining the user's body moisture and maintaining a constant temperature as the user's own blood pumps the cooled blood of the body core to the body, head, and extremities, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The channels 26 are a key component of this invention in the way that it creates the volume of gel needed to maintain a constant temperature and cooling affect for extremely long periods of time. The channels are made side by side in varying size width from a fraction of an inch to 1, 2, 3, 4 inches and more, size channels which could any fractional increments. Even Larger sized channels may be used for different uses and configurations. The channels are sewn to be side by side with no space in between each pair of adjacent channels for the majority of the cooling devices. Vents may be strategically placed in the body cool-down device depending on the configuration and the intended use. The channels placement and configuration are very important and configured in a way to enhance airflow as the user moves, generating the right amount of airflow to remain cool but not to evaporate too quickly. The channels are configured in a way to create convection of heat in the entire gel cooling layer acting as a unit and evaporation of the water in the cooling gel from every exposed surface to cool the body cool- down device and help keep the device ever cool. The channels dry from the outside channel to the inside channel so the outer channel dries first leaving the inner ones still full of activated gel. The channels insulate themselves due to their side by side inter-contacting configuration with the entire cooling gel layer acting as one unit.

The webbing structure of the inner and outer semipermeable membranes 22B and 22A is what holds more water in the product and allows it to hold on to the water for a much longer time, which keeps it cooler far longer and it allows the fabric to be dry while wearing it.

The volume and placement of channels are highly significant in the effectiveness of the cooling device of the present invention. Because they are channel on channel and holding large volumes of cooling gel the product does not evaporate quickly at all. Depending on the size of the cooling device, the effective use time before re-soaking is required varies. A core body temperature cool-down device 20, of FIGS. 2D and 3B, may be very large with 221 square inches of cooling gel which enables a long time between re-soakings. Whereas, the wrist cooling device 20D, shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is much smaller in volume of cooling gel and needs to be re-soaked more often.

The cooling gel channels 26 work best in 1 + inch increments stacked next to each other. Anything smaller cannot handle the volume of heat transfer and remain cool for most human use. We are large animals. That is why single channel spaced far apart versions, do not work as well, as in some of the prior art versions. Prior art with cooling material laid too thin over wider surfaces, like some of the infused fabric designs, do not work as well either.

The collar 23 is a major key to the success of the present invention in the way that the collar is the cooling fin that sticks out in the air not contacting the body, always remaining out in the air for optimal cooling and convection effects. The collar has several settings to be customized by the user. In FIGS 2D and 5A-5C, the collar is configured with channels 26 that are perpendicular to the body portion 24 of the cool-down device. The collar can be extended upward to create various collar heights or may rest on the body covering portion of the garment. The collar can be adjusted to the user's taste in the amount of coolness desired or needed at any given time. The collar all the way up is the coolest setting available and offers the user a unique experience. The channels capture air as the user is doing physical activity, whipping the air behind the neck of the user and giving off a cooling air vapor that helps drop and maintain the user's core body temperature as well as cooling the entire garment. The collar at half mass can be achieved by rolling down the individual channels until desired affect or neck height, allowing the air to flow over and reduce the cooling effect. The collar all the way down is at its resting place allowing all air to flow past the collar. In this setting the garment gives off the least amount of cooling affect. This is useful in a high airflow situation, like riding a motorcycle, a horse or bike.

The body cool-down device is configured to stay tight and snug on the user to better absorb the heat of the user's body by conduction and not move or bounce around in heavy activity. There are several loops or actual buckles on the straps to use to fasten the garment close to the body in heavy movement activity such as running, working, horseback riding, gardening, etc. This can be used in the collar up or down mode depending on user needs and desired amount of cooling affect.

The straps are configured with and without thermal gel encased in them according to the user’s needs and desires. Providing thermal gel in the straps gives an added cooling effect and comfort to the user.

The collar may include a heavy plastic fabric, such as structural mesh, to allow the collar to remain in the up or down positions.

The outer layer is preferably fabricated of material adapted to admit water vapor through the material to slowly evaporate the water vapor from the cooling gel layer. The inner layer contacting the body or the clothing of the user is preferably fabricated of a material adapted to conduct heat from the user's body into the cooling gel layer. Cotton layers satisfy the requirement for both the outer layer and the inner body contacting layers.

In use, the body cool-down device is soaked for approximately 5-15 minutes or until desired turgor is acquired. The more water that is absorbed the more days it will last and the more rigid the device will be. The body cool-down device is configured to be customized by a user for the preferred amount of turgor and water absorption. Some users may want a super cooling effect by maximum soaking time with full water adsorption and full gel expansion within each channel, while others may want a minimal cooling effect with short soaking time and minimal water absorption and minimal gel expansion.

The elongated channels 26 containing the dry super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer or gel capsules are side by side and swell up when the super water absorbent material or super absorbent polymer is saturated with water forming a heat absorbing cooling gel which draws heat from the body by conduction, so that the entire body core temperature cooling gel layer 25 acts as a single cooling unit with the heat from the user's body circulating by convection currents through the entire cooling gel layer to the outer surface 21 A and 22 A of the body core temperature cooling device to slowly evaporate the water from the cooling gel on the outer surface thereby cooling the device.

The present invention is structured to move with the body to generate airflow keeping the body core temperature cooling device super cooled throughout its use in work, recreational, and other activities and in all environments regardless of how hot the external temperature might be. The more the body moves, the cooler it gets, giving the user all day relief for at least three days up to several weeks with the same water soaked gel. Evaporation and wind or airflow from walking, riding, running, exercising, or other activities keeps the body core temperature cooling device even cooler than just remaining stationary.

The method of cooling a body using a passive open system thermodynamic device of the present invention comprises the following steps:

a. providing a multilayered and multi -channeled body cool-down device, the device comprising a cooling gel layer comprising a plurality of adjacent inter-contacting channels each containing a super water absorbent material hydrated to form a cooling gel, each channel in direct physical contact with each adjacent channel, adapted so that all of the cooling gel channels act together in a thermodynamic mass cooling gel layer creating a passive open system thermodynamic device adapted to conduct heat from a body in contact with the cool-down device, and adapted to evaporate moisture from an outer surface of the cooling gel layer into the surrounding air to cool the cool-down device and consequently maintain the body in contact with the cool-down device at a desired comfortable temperature cooler than the surrounding air; b. providing an inner semipermeable membrane on an inner side of the cooling layer forming a body contacting surface which is adapted to be dry to contact with the body, the inner semipermeable membrane adapted to admit air and water vapor to pass through the

semipermeable membrane to absorb heat from the body into the cooling layer and adapted to prevent liquid from passing from the cooling layer through the semipermeable membrane without external water pressure;

c. providing an outer semipermeable membrane on an outer surface of the cooling layer thereby limiting the flow of air and water vapor out through the outer semipermeable membrane to evaporate the water from the cooling gel out into the surrounding air at a controlled rate, slowing the evaporation process, the cool-down device adapted to provide a cooling cycle of at least three days and up to several weeks of effective cooling on a single soaking of the cooling gel in water, the outer semipermeable membrane adapted to prevent liquid from passing through the semipermeable membrane without external water pressure;

d. installing a quantity of super water absorbing material in each of the plurality of channels, the quantity adjusted to achieve a desired cooling duration time;

e. soaking the device in water for a number of minutes adjusted to achieve a desired quantity of water absorption in the cooling gel to adjust the cooling duration time and cooling temperature to transform the super water absorbing material into a heat-absorbing cooling gel sufficiently increased in volume to cause each adjacent pair of channels to be in physical contact over a sufficient mutually contacting surface area of the channels to enable the entire volume of cooling gel in the cooling layer adapted to act as one cooling gel unit over the entire cooling layer creating a passive open system thermodynamic device, the duration of soaking time determining the quantity of water absorbed in to the cooling gel and thereby establishing the cool down temperature and duration of cooling;

f. placing the body temperature control device substantially in contact with a body of a user to absorb heat by conduction from the body contacting the inner permeable membrane surface of the cooling layer, thereby cooling the body;

g. circulating the heat through the entire cooling gel layer adapted to act as one cooling unit in convection currents forming a passive open system thermodynamic device;

h. exposing the outer surface of the body temperature control device to surrounding air to allow water to evaporate slowly from the outer semipermeable membrane surface of the cooling layer exposed to airflow, thereby evaporating moisture slowly to cool the cooling device to maintain a desired cool body temperature for at least three days under extreme heat conditions and up to several weeks until the water is evaporated from the cooling gel layer;

i. after the water in the cooling gel layer is substantially evaporated, soaking the water- depleted cooling gel layer in water to re-soak the super water absorbing granular material of the cooling layer to enable the device to continue to cool the body for at least three more days and up to several weeks in repeatable cycles. The method further comprises a step of filling the channels with super water absorbent material initially and refilled with more super water absorbent material should the super water absorbent material become used up after one or more years of use to continue use of the cooling device and repeat many cycles of rehydration and use.

The method still further comprising a step of forming the channels by connecting the inner semipermeable membrane and the outer semipermeable membrane together in an array of spaced connection lines forming the channels between the lines to form an array of aligned elongated channels each having end openings communicating with at least one common intersecting channel provided with at least one closable opening adapted to admit a desired quantity of super water absorbent material through the opening for dispersion of the super water absorbent material evenly distributed in all of the channels.

The method of the present invention wherein installing the super water absorbing material in each of the channels comprises pouring in dry super absorbing polymer granular material or inserting super water absorbing polymer gel capsules, the super absorbent polymer comprising at least one water absorbing hydrogel taken from the list of water absorbing hydrogels including hygroscopic material, water absorbing polymers, polyacrylamide, polyacrylamide polymer, anionic polyacrylamide, sodium polyacrylate, potassium polyacrylate, starch-acrylonitrile co-polymer, polyacrylate/polyacrylamide copolymers, polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, and starch grafted copolymer of polyacrylonitrile.

The method of the present invention further comprises a step of adapting the cool-down device for any of a variety of cool-down applications by structuring the cool-down device in any of a variety of configurations taken from the list of configurations including hats, shirts, vests, pads, pillows, chair covers, blankets, shoulder braces, back braces, wrist braces, knee braces, tummy covers, eye covers, headwear, hand covers, outdoor equipment, chair covers, car seat covers, paramedic devices, medical braces, heat stroke covers, fever reduction head bands, pet shelters, pet carriers, animal core covers, animal blankets, animal leg braces, bottle coolers, food containers.

The method of the present invention further comprises a step of providing:

an inner covering of planar material secured over the inner semipermeable membrane, the inner covering material adapted for comfortable non-irritating contact with the body and adapted to allow air and water vapor from the body to pass through the inner covering to the inner semipermeable membrane and into the cooling gel; an outer covering of planar material secured over the outer semipermeable membrane, the outer covering material adapted for comfortable non-irritating contact with the body and adapted to allow warm air and water vapor from the cooling gel and outer semipermeable membrane to pass through the outer covering and evaporate into the surrounding air, the out covering adapted with at least an outer surface adapted for visual appeal.

The present invention may be used in life-saving applications or overheating situations due to hot weather or hot environment and full-body comfort and performance in any activity including working, sports, and any other strenuous activity including race car driving, boat racing, or any situation requiring the user to be in an enclosed space with an engine or motor producing too much heat.

It is understood that the preceding description, the specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of some of the specific ways to make and use the invention but do not limit the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the preceding description is given merely by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A passive open system thermodynamic device for cooling a body comprising: a multilayered and multi-channeled body cool-down device, the device comprising a cooling gel layer comprising a plurality of adjacent inter-contacting channels each containing a super water absorbent material hydrated to form a cooling gel, each channel in direct physical contact with each adjacent channel, adapted so that all of the cooling gel channels act together in a thermodynamic mass cooling gel layer creating a passive open system thermodynamic device adapted to conduct heat from a body in contact with the cool-down device, and adapted to evaporate moisture from an outer surface of the cooling gel layer into the surrounding air to cool the cool-down device and consequently maintain the body in contact with the cool-down device at a desired comfortable temperature cooler than the surrounding air;

an inner surface of the cooling gel layer comprising an inner semipermeable membrane adapted to receive air and water vapor from the body to pass through the inner semipermeable membrane into the cooling gel absorbed by the cooling gel;

an outer surface of the cooling gel layer comprising an outer semipermeable membrane adapted to limit the flow of air and water vapor out through the outer semipermeable membrane to evaporate the water from the cooling gel at a controlled rate, slowing the evaporation process, the cool-down device adapted to provide a cooling cycle of at least three days under extreme heat conditions and up to several weeks of effective cooling on a single soaking of the cooling gel in water;

the cooling gel comprising an adjustable measured quantity of super water absorbent material installed in each channel, the super water absorbent material adapted to be evenly distributed throughout each channel to be relatively flat in a dry state, the super water absorbent material adapted to be hydrated with a desired quantity of water for a desired time period allowing the water to be absorbed by the super water absorbent material adapted to transform the super water absorbent material into a hydrated cooling gel greatly expanded in volume to transform the dry super water absorbent material into a heat absorbing gel sufficiently expanded in volume to fill each channel to a desired capacity and increase the thickness of the cooling gel layer to cause each adjacent pair of channels to be in physical contact over a sufficient mutually contacting surface area of the channels to enable the entire volume of hydrated cooling gel in the cooling layer to act together in a thermodynamic mass cooling gel layer creating a passive open system thermodynamic device adapted to conduct heat from a body in contact with the cool- down device, and adapted to evaporate moisture from an outer surface of the cooling gel layer into the surrounding air to cool the cool-down device and consequently maintain the body in contact with the cool-down device at a desired comfortable temperature for a desired number of days to a desired number of weeks adjustable according to the quantity of super water absorbent material and the degree of hydration determined by time duration of hydration and quantity of water absorbed and dependent on the surrounding air temperature and humidity and airflow; after some or all of the water is evaporated from the hydrated cooling gel layer, the device is adapted to be rehydrated for a desired number of minutes to expand the hydrated cooling gel layer to the desired thickness for a desired amount of body cooling time and the cooling gel is adapted for repeated cycles of rehydration and use.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the channels are adapted to be filled with super water absorbent material initially and refilled with more super water absorbent material should the super water absorbent material become used up after one or more years of use to continue use of the cooling device and repeat many cycles of rehydration and use.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the channels are formed by connecting the inner semipermeable membrane and the outer semipermeable membrane together in an array of spaced connection lines forming the channels between the lines to form an array of aligned elongated channels each having end openings communicating with at least one common intersecting channel provided with at least one closable opening adapted to admit a desired quantity of super water absorbent material through the opening for dispersion of the super water absorbent material evenly distributed in all of the channels.

4. The device of claim 1 further comprising:

an inner covering of planar material secured over the inner semipermeable membrane, the inner covering material adapted for comfortable non-irritating contact with the body and adapted to allow air and water vapor from the body to pass through the inner covering to the inner semipermeable membrane and into the cooling gel;

an outer covering of planar material secured over the outer semipermeable membrane, the outer covering material adapted to allow warm air and water vapor from the cooling gel and outer semipermeable membrane to pass through the outer covering and evaporate into the surrounding air, the outer covering adapted with at least an outer surface adapted for visual appeal.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the super water absorbing material in each of the channels comprises poured in dry super absorbing polymer granular material or inserted super water absorbing polymer gel capsules, the super absorbent polymer comprising at least one water absorbing hydrogel taken from the list of water absorbing hydrogels including

hygroscopic material, water absorbing polymers, polyacrylamide, polyacrylamide polymer, anionic polyacrylamide, sodium polyacrylate, potassium polyacrylate, starch-acrylonitrile co- polymer, polyacrylate/polyacrylamide copolymers, polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, and starch grafted copolymer of polyacrylonitrile.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the cool-down device is adaptable for any of a variety of cool-down applications by structuring the cool-down device in any of a variety of configurations taken from the list of configurations including hats, shirts, vests, pads, pillows, chair covers, blankets, shoulder braces, back braces, wrist braces, knee braces, tummy covers, eye covers, headwear, hand covers, outdoor equipment, chair covers, car seat covers, paramedic devices, medical braces, heat stroke covers, fever reduction head bands, pet shelters, pet carriers, animal core covers, animal blankets, animal leg braces, bottle coolers, food containers.

7. A passive open system thermodynamic device for cooling a body comprising: a multilayered and multi-channeled body cool-down device, the device comprising a cooling gel layer comprising a plurality of adjacent inter-contacting channels each containing a super water absorbent material hydrated to form a cooling gel, each channel in direct physical contact with each adjacent channel, adapted so that all of the cooling gel channels act together in a thermodynamic mass cooling gel layer creating a passive open system thermodynamic device adapted to conduct heat from a body in contact with the cool-down device, and adapted to evaporate moisture from an outer surface of the cooling gel layer into the surrounding air to cool the cool-down device and consequently maintain the body in contact with the cool-down device at a desired comfortable temperature cooler than the surrounding air;

an inner surface of the cooling gel layer comprising an inner semipermeable membrane adapted to receive air and water vapor from the body to pass through the inner semipermeable membrane into the cooling gel absorbed by the cooling gel, the inner semipermeable membrane adapted to prevent liquid from passing from the cooling gel out through the semipermeable membrane, thereby providing a body contacting surface which is substantially dry to contact, and adapted to receive water under external water pressure through the inner semipermeable membrane to be absorbed by the super water absorbent material;

an outer surface of the cooling gel layer comprising an outer semipermeable membrane adapted to limit the flow of air and water vapor out through the outer semipermeable membrane to evaporate the water from the cooling gel at a controlled rate, slowing the evaporation process, the cool-down device adapted to provide a cooling cycle of at least three days and up to several weeks of effective cooling on a single soaking of the cooling gel in water;

the cooling gel comprising an adjustable measured quantity of granular super water absorbent material installed in each channel, the granular super water absorbent material adapted to be evenly distributed throughout each channel to be relatively flat in a dry state, the granular super water absorbent material adapted to be hydrated with a desired quantity of water for a desired time period allowing the water to be absorbed by the super water absorbent material adapted to transform the super water absorbent material into a hydrated cooling gel greatly expanded in volume to transform the dry super water absorbent material into a heat absorbing gel sufficiently expanded in volume to fill each channel to a desired capacity and increase the thickness of the cooling gel layer to cause each adjacent pair of channels to be in physical contact over a sufficient mutually contacting surface area of the channels to enable the entire volume of hydrated cooling gel in the cooling layer to act together in a thermodynamic mass cooling gel layer creating a passive open system thermodynamic device adapted to conduct heat from a body in contact with the cool-down device, and adapted to evaporate moisture from an outer surface of the cooling gel layer into the surrounding air to cool the cool-down device and consequently maintain the body in contact with the cool-down device at a desired comfortable temperature for a desired number of days to a desired number of weeks adjustable according to the quantity of granular super absorbent polymer and the degree of hydration determined by time duration of hydration and quantity of water absorbed and dependent on the surrounding air temperature and humidity and airflow;

after some or all of the water is evaporated from the hydrated cooling gel layer, the device is adapted to be rehydrated for a desired number of minutes to expand the hydrated cooling gel layer to the desired thickness for a desired amount of body cooling time and the cooling gel is adapted for repeated cycles of rehydration and use;

the multilayered and multi-channeled body cool-down device further comprising an inner covering of planar material secured over the inner semipermeable membrane, the inner covering material adapted for comfortable non-irritating contact with the body and adapted to allow air and water vapor from the body to pass through the inner covering to the inner semipermeable membrane and into the cooling gel;

the multilayered and multi-channeled body cool-down device further comprising an outer covering of planar material secured over the outer semipermeable membrane, the outer covering material adapted for comfortable non-irritating contact with the body and adapted to allow warm air and water vapor from the cooling gel and outer semipermeable membrane to pass through the outer covering and evaporate into the surrounding air, the out covering adapted with at least an outer surface adapted for visual appeal.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the channels are adapted to be filled with super water absorbent material initially and refilled with more super water absorbent material should the super water absorbent material become used up after one or more years of use to continue use of the cooling device and repeat many cycles of rehydration and use.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the channels are formed by connecting the inner semipermeable membrane and the outer semipermeable membrane together in an array of spaced connection lines forming the channels between the lines to form an array of aligned elongated channels each having end openings communicating with at least one common intersecting channel provided with at least one closable opening adapted to admit a desired quantity of super water absorbent material through the opening for dispersion of the super water absorbent material evenly distributed in all of the channels.

10. The device of claim 7 wherein the super water absorbent material in each of the channels comprises poured in dry super absorbing polymer granular material or inserted super water absorbing polymer gel capsules, the super absorbent polymer comprising at least one water absorbing hydrogel taken from the list of water absorbing hydrogels including

hygroscopic material, water absorbing polymers, polyacrylamide, polyacrylamide polymer, anionic polyacrylamide, sodium polyacrylate, potassium polyacrylate, starch-acrylonitrile co polymer, polyacrylate/polyacrylamide copolymers, polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, and starch grafted copolymer of polyacrylonitrile.

11. The device of claim 7 wherein the hydrated super water absorbent material expands the aligned and connected channels forming undulating outer and inner surfaces with aligned grooves to facilitate heat dissipation and optimal air flow for heat dissipation and optimal airflow on the outer and inner surfaces while the mutually contacting sides of the channels act together in a thermodynamic mass cooling gel layer for optimum convection through the thermodynamic mass cooling gel layer.

12. The device of claim 7 wherein both the outer semipermeable membrane and the inner semipermeable membrane are each fabricated of a fine mesh fabric.

13. The device of claim 7 wherein the body cool-down device comprises a multilayered body core temperature cooling device configured to be worn alternately on a back and a front of a human body, the body core temperature cooling device adapted to cover a core body temperature control area over a heart, aorta, main arteries to the brain, and main arteries along the spine, the device adapted to cool down blood immediately circulated through the body and head of a user, and the cool-down device adapted so that the evaporation process dries outer portions of the cooling gel mass first leaving a central portion of cool-down device over the heart, aorta, and main arteries hydrated to maintain the cool body cored temperature over a longer time period before the entire cool-down device is dehydrated; and the body cool-down device further comprises an adjustable cooling fin or collar extending upwardly from the body cool-down device, the cooling fin or collar adjustable up and down by a desired amount and adapted to further enhance the cooling effect by raising the collar to increase evaporation from the cooling device and decrease the cooling effect by lowering the collar.

14. The device of claim 7 wherein the cool-down device is adaptable for any of a variety of cool-down applications by structuring the cool-down device in any of a variety of configurations taken from the list of configurations including hats, shirts, vests, pads, pillows, chair covers, blankets, shoulder braces, back braces, wrist braces, knee braces, tummy covers, eye covers, headwear, hand covers, outdoor equipment, chair covers, car seat covers, paramedic devices, medical braces, heat stroke covers, fever reduction head bands, pet shelters, pet carriers, animal core covers, animal blankets, animal leg braces, bottle coolers, food containers.

15. A method of cooling a body using a passive open system thermodynamic device, the method comprising:

f. placing the body temperature control device substantially in contact with a body of a user to absorb heat by conduction from the body contacting the inner permeable membrane surface of the cooling layer, thereby cooling the body; g. circulating the heat through the entire cooling gel layer adapted to act as one cooling unit in convection currents forming a passive open system thermodynamic device;

i. after the water in the cooling gel layer is substantially evaporated, soaking the water- depleted cooling gel layer in water to re-soak the super water absorbing granular material of the cooling layer to enable the device to continue to cool the body for at least three more days and up to several weeks in repeatable cycles.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising a step of filling the channels with super water absorbent material initially and refilled with more super water absorbent material should the super water absorbent material become used up after one or more years of use to continue use of the cooling device and repeat many cycles of rehydration and use.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising a step of forming the channels by connecting the inner semipermeable membrane and the outer semipermeable membrane together in an array of spaced connection lines forming the channels between the lines to form an array of aligned elongated channels each having end openings communicating with at least one common intersecting channel provided with at least one closable opening adapted to admit a desired quantity of super water absorbent material through the opening for dispersion of the super water absorbent material evenly distributed in all of the channels.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein installing the super water absorbing material in each of the channels comprises pouring in dry super absorbing polymer granular material or inserting super water absorbing polymer gel capsules, the super absorbent polymer comprising at least one water absorbing hydrogel taken from the list of water absorbing hydrogels including hygroscopic material, water absorbing polymers, polyacrylamide, polyacrylamide polymer, anionic polyacrylamide, sodium polyacrylate, potassium polyacrylate, starch-acrylonitrile co polymer, polyacrylate/polyacrylamide copolymers, polyacrylamide copolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, cross-linked polyethylene oxide, and starch grafted copolymer of polyacrylonitrile.

19. The method of claim 15 comprising a step of adapting the cool-down device for any of a variety of cool-down applications by structuring the cool-down device in any of a variety of configurations taken from the list of configurations including hats, shirts, vests, pads, pillows, chair covers, blankets, shoulder braces, back braces, wrist braces, knee braces, tummy covers, eye covers, headwear, hand covers, outdoor equipment, chair covers, car seat covers, paramedic devices, medical braces, heat stroke covers, fever reduction head bands, pet shelters, pet carriers, animal core covers, animal blankets, animal leg braces, bottle coolers, food containers.

20. The method of claim 15 further comprising a step of providing:

an outer covering of planar material secured over the outer semipermeable membrane, the outer covering material adapted for comfortable non-irritating contact with the body and adapted to allow warm air and water vapor from the cooling gel and outer semipermeable membrane to pass through the outer covering and evaporate into the surrounding air, the out covering adapted with at least an outer surface adapted for visual appeal.