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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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

N/A

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

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

1. Field of the Invention

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.

2. Description of the Background Art

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

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.

It is also an object of the instant invention to provide a portable cooling device that absorbs or isolates condensation.

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.

It is an additional object of the instant invention to provide a portable cooling device that is conducive for personal, portable use.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Claims

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.