U.S. patent application number 11/139240 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-01 for portable cooling system.
Invention is credited to Bailey-Weston, Valerie.
Application Number | 20050262871 11/139240 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35423689 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050262871 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bailey-Weston, Valerie |
December 1, 2005 |
Portable cooling system
Abstract
A personal portable cooling device for facilitating relief from
hot environments or conditions, such as those caused by menopausal
"hot flashes", the cooling device having a waterproof plastic pouch
with a sealable access port, internal insulation layer to resist
heat transfer, waterproof inner liner to resist leakage, fastening
device for selectively closing the access port, sealed bladder
filled with a freezable agent that provides a cooling medium and
absorbent pad to absorb moisture from the bladder.
Inventors: |
Bailey-Weston, Valerie;
(Boca Raton, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David P. Lhota
Stearns Weaver Miller, et al.
Suite 1900
200 East Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale
FL
33301
US
|
Family ID: |
35423689 |
Appl. No.: |
11/139240 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60574884 |
May 27, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/457.2 ;
62/457.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2007/0001 20130101;
A61F 2007/108 20130101; A61F 7/103 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/457.2 ;
062/457.4 |
International
Class: |
F25D 003/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A portable cooling device for personal cooling in hot
conditions, said device comprising: a pouch having an interior
surface, exterior surface, interior volume and closeable access
port for accessing said interior volume; means for selectively
opening and closing said access port; an insulating material
disposed along at least a portion of said interior surface for
minimizing heat transfer from ambient to said interior volume;
means for facilitating the prevention of liquids from leaking from
said pouch; and a bladder filled with a freezable agent, said
bladder being removeably insertable into said interior volume of
said pouch, said bladder being removable from said pouch for
placement in an environment that freezes said agent and insertable
in said pouch when frozen.
2. A device as recited in claim 1, further comprising: lining
means, at least partially disposed along said interior surface, for
facilitating the prevention of liquids from leaking out of said
pouch.
3. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein said lining means
comprises: a waterproof plastic liner disposed along said interior
surface.
4. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein said lining means
comprises: a waterproof plastic liner at least partially defined by
said pouch and said interior surface.
5. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for
selectively opening and closing comprises: a zipper.
6. A device as recited in claim 5, wherein said zipper provides a
water-tight seal.
7. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for
selectively opening and closing comprises: a tongue and groove
fastener that provides a water-tight seal.
8. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for
selectively opening and closing comprises: hook and loop
fasteners.
9. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for
facilitating the prevention of liquids leaking comprises: a liquid
absorbent pad removably insertable in said interior volume of said
pouch, said pad at least partially absorbing condensation from the
bladder and any potential leaks from said bladder.
10. A device as recited in claim 9, wherein said pad comprises: at
least a partial sponge-like material.
11. A device as recited in claim 9, wherein said pad comprises: a
pocket for removeably placing said bladder.
12. A device as recited in claim 9, wherein said pad comprises: a
washable material.
13. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said insulating
material at least partially comprises an open cell foam.
14. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said insulating
material at least partially comprises a closed cell foam.
15. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said insulating
material at least partially comprises cotton or polymer fibers.
16. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said freezable agent at
least partially comprises an aqueous gel.
17. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said freezable agent at
least partially comprises water.
18. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said freezable agent at
least partially comprises a glycol mixture.
19. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said bladder at least
partially comprises a flexible, durable, puncture resistant
plastic-based material.
20. A device as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a strap
extending out from the exterior surface of said pouch; and a pouch
sleeve at least partially comprising a cloth-based material having
an interior volume with dimensions adaptable for receiving and
storing said pouch, said sleeve being capable of at least partially
absorbing any condensation that develops on said exterior surface
of said pouch.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/574,884 filed May 27, 2004.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] N/A
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention relates generally to a cooling device, and
more particularly, to a portable cooling device and system that
provides instant cooling when placed against the body, minimizes
condensation and prevents leakage.
[0006] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0007] Oftentimes it would be convenient and comforting to have a
portable cooling device, such as in hot weather, for emergencies or
for immediate relief from hot flashes. Conventional cooling packs
are available in the art, such as those used in lunch boxes.
However, the cooling packs known in the art develop condensation,
leak and are not conducive for personal use. Consequently, clothes
can become wet and the user embarrassed. If a portable cooling
device existed that offered discreet personal use, minimized the
build up of condensation and prevented leakage, it would be well
received. The instant invention addresses this unfulfilled need in
the prior art by providing a portable cooling system as
contemplated by the instant invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In light of the foregoing, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a portable cooling device for providing the
user with immediate cooling relief.
[0009] It is also an object of the instant invention to provide a
portable cooling device that absorbs or isolates condensation.
[0010] It is another object of the instant invention to provide a
portable cooling device that does not leak into the ambient and
internally absorbs and isolates leaks.
[0011] It is an additional object of the instant invention to
provide a portable cooling device that is conducive for personal,
portable use.
[0012] In light of these and other objects, the instant invention
comprises a personal portable cooling source for facilitating
immediate relief from temporary heat conditions, such as "hot
flashes", and hot environments. The invention may also be used in
medical emergencies. The cooling device comprises a waterproof
plastic pouch having an internal insulation layer, waterproof inner
liner, fastening device, such as a zipper, and sealed bladder
filled with a freezable agent that provides a cooling medium. The
cooling system may also comprise a strap and, or internally
disposed absorbent pad. The pouch is preferably flexible and
waterproof and comprises a leak proof fastener. The bladder may
comprise a variety of shapes and sizes. The bladder is removable
from the pouch for freezing or replacement. The pad absorbs
condensation that may form when the freezing agent begins to thaw
and can also absorb the freezing agent in the event a leak
develops.
[0013] In accordance with these and other objects, which will
become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be
described with particular reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the
cooling device with the waterproof pouch shown in the open position
in accordance with the instant invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the
cooling device with the waterproof pouch shown in the closed
position in accordance with the instant invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the
absorbent pad and bladder of the cooling device in accordance with
the instant invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the
absorbent pad, liner and bladder of the cooling device in
accordance with the instant invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 shows a partial plan view of the cooling device's
absorbent pad, liner and bladder layers and perspective views of
the bladder in various alternative shapes in accordance with the
instant invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] With reference to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 5 depict the
preferred embodiment of the instant invention which is generally
referenced as a personal or portable cooling device, cooling system
and, or by numeric character 10. The portable cooling device 10 is
a small, discreet and portable cooling source for facilitating
immediate personal cooling relief when experiencing temporary "hot
flashes" or hot environments. The personal cooling device 10 may
also be used in medical emergencies.
[0020] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the cooling device 10 comprises
a waterproof, flexible plastic pouch 12 having a sealable opening
17, internal insulation layer 18 lining the interior walls of the
pouch 12, waterproof inner liner 19 along the interior walls of the
pouch 12, fastening device 14 for selectively sealing and accessing
the opening 17 and sealed bladder 22 filled with a freezable agent
23 that provides a cooling medium when frozen. The cooling system
10 may also comprise a strap 16 attached to and extending from the
pouch 12 and, or an interchangeable absorbent pad 20 removably
insertable into the pouch 12 for absorbing condensation and, or any
fluid that inadvertently leaks from the pouch 12. The pouch 12 is
preferably flexible for comfort and convenient storage. The
waterproof inner liner 19 preferably runs along the inner surface
of the pouch 12 to provide a first layer of protection from
leakage. The insulation layer 18 preferably runs along the interior
surface of the pouch 12 over the insulation layer 19. The sealed
bladder 22 conceals and contains a freezable agent and is removably
insertable into the pouch 12 through the access opening 17. The
bladder 22 is removed to freeze the agent and inserted into the
pouch 12 through the access opening 17 when ready for use.
comprises closed cell foam of the type that insulates the bladder
22 from heat to keep it cold for an extended period of time.
[0021] The cooling device 10 preferably comprises waterproof or
water resistant materials. The pouch 12 is flexible and preferably
comprises a soft, durable and puncture resistant plastic. The
sealed bladder 22 comprises a plastic-based material sealed along
the edges once filled. The freezable agent 23 may comprise water, a
glycol mixture, an aqueous gel or other solution that is amenable
to freezing. With reference to FIG. 5, the bladder 22 may comprise
a variety of shapes and sizes. The absorbent pad 20 comprises a
material capable of absorbing water, such as a fabric or sponge
based material. The pad 20 may include a pocket for storing the
bladder 22. The bladder 22 is located on or in the pad 20, which
are removably stored in the pouch 12. The bladder 22 is removable
from the pouch 12 for freezing or replacement. The pad 20 may be
removed for cleaning or replacement. The pad 20 absorbs
condensation that may form when the freezing agent begins to thaw
and can also absorb the freezing agent in the event a leak
develops. The fastener 14 preferably comprises a
waterproof-sealable zipper 14 but may comprise other fasteners,
such as zip-lock or hook-and-loop. The fastener 14 is preferably
leak proof.
[0022] The portable cooling device 10 may be manufactured in a
variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate one or more bladders 22
containing the freezing agent. The absorbent pad 20 is removed from
the pouch 12 for accessing or replacing the bladder 22 and cleaning
the pad 20. The pad 20 and, or bladder 22 may be disposable or
reusable. The outer surface of the pouch 12 may be printed,
colored, embroidered or otherwise adorned with patterns, designs or
logos.
[0023] The pouch 12 may be manufactured from flexible polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), polyethylene or polypropylene plastic sheet. A
cloth woven from nylon or polyester fiber may be used for the outer
cover if a flexible waterproof plastic liner is incorporated in the
design. The zipper 14 may be made from steel, stainless steel,
brass or plastic with nylon being the preferred material. The
internal layer of insulating material 18 may be made from opened or
closed cell foam, a pad of polymer fibers or other non-water
absorbent insulating material. The inner liner 19 may be
manufactured from flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene
or polypropylene plastic sheet. The removable absorbent pad 20 may
be manufactured from cotton, cellulose fiber, paper or similar
absorbent material.
[0024] The portable cooling system 10 incorporates a pouch 12 that
minimizes heat transfer and air flow to the insulating layer 18.
The fastener 14 may comprise other suitable closure devices wherein
a zipper 14 is preferred. The pouch 12 is made from a waterproof
material and preferably comprises a flexible non-porous plastic
sheet. The internal layer of insulating material 18 may be
manufactured from a flexible or rigid material. However, the
insulating layer 18 preferably comprises flexible closed cell foam.
In an alternative embodiment, the insulating layer 18 may comprise
nonabsorbent polymer fibers. The inner liner 19 is preferably
waterproof and may be manufactured from a non-porous flexible or
rigid material, such as flexible non-porous polyvinyl chloride
(PVC), polyethylene or polypropylene plastic sheet. The waterproof
inner liner preferably comprises flexible non-porous polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) sheet. The removable absorbent pad 20 is optional
but preferred. The removable absorbent pad 20 may comprise cotton,
cellulose fiber, paper or a similar absorbent material. The frozen
sealed bladder 22 is placed in the pouch 12 during use. The bladder
cooling medium 22 may comprise other sealed containers capable of
storing frozen water, glycol mixture or aqueous gel. The cooling
system 10 may include a strap 16 or similar connector for attaching
a key chain or other items. The strap 16 or similar connector also
facilitates operation of the zipper 14.
[0025] In accordance with the foregoing, the cooling system 10
stores and transports a chilled cooling medium having a freezing
agent while minimizing condensation and preventing the leakage of
any condensation during storage and transport. The sealed bladder
22 of water, glycol mixture or aqueous gel is frozen prior to
insertion in the pouch 12. The frozen bladder 22 is placed on or in
the absorbent pad 20 or other absorbent surface and placed in the
pouch 12. If an absorbent pad 20 is not available, the device 10
will still function. The cooling system 10 can be placed in a
pocket, purse or desk drawer for immediate personal cooling in the
event of a temporary "hot flash", medical emergency or need for
personal cooling. The bladder 22 is removed from the pouch 12 for
additional cooling as needed. The bladder 22 should be wiped dry
before placement in the pouch 12 and after use. The bladder 22
should be placed in a freezer for use at a later time.
[0026] The instant invention has been shown and described herein in
what is considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made
therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious
structural and/or functional modifications will occur to a person
skilled in the art.
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