Abstract: A warming pack includes a container in the form of a pack, pouch, or bag in which reactants for an exothermic chemical reaction are distributed in one or more flexible matrixes that prevent them from shifting. The rate of the reaction is controlled and the reaction is thermally buffered in order that heat be produced at a constant rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing therapy to a portion of a body. The system and method use an elastic band to hold a pack against an injured area on a body. The system and method are particularly effective in supporting packs that require access to the ambient environment in order to maintain a chemical reaction within the pack. The system comprises an elastic band that includes an opening and a pack that includes a gas-permeable portion. The pack is secured to the elastic band such that the gas-permeable portion of the pack is exposed through the opening in the elastic band. The elastic band provides support to the pack without covering the gas-permeable portions of the pack. Therefore, the elastic band does not inhibit the chemical reaction within the pack when the elastic band is applied to the portion of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a skin cooling device which utilizes the sensory ability of the skin as an integumentary sense organ so that it is applicable to medical treatments and surgical operations, while being configured to use the heat absorbing effect of a thermoelectric element while having a small size to be easily handled. The skin cooling device includes a case having a size allowing the user to grasp the case by the hand, and a thermoelectric element installed in the case. The thermoelectric element has a heat emitting portion and a heat absorbing portion. The skin cooling device also includes a heat sink unit provided at the heat emitting portion of the thermoelectric element, and cold heat transfer unit provided at the heat absorbing portion of the thermoelectric element, and adapted to locally transfer cold heat from the thermoelectric element to the skin. Thus, the cold heat can be locally applied to the skin.

Abstract: A garment for a personal cooling or warming system, the garment comprising a carrier formed in the shape of the garment, and a bladder comprising at least two channel segments, wherein the channel segments have a substantially flat configuration so as to improve thermal efficiency.

Abstract: Equipment for thermal therapy of patients is disclosed. The equipment includes a flexible heat exchange structure having fluid conducting channels formed between two layers of flexible material, with improved liquid manifolds at the ends of the channels for resisting pinching, crimping or buckling in the manifolds on pressurization and when the heat exchange structure is subjected to flexure as when worn on the human body. The manifolds are configured so that pressurization shrinkage at the manifold is balanced with pressurization shrinkage laterally among the fluid conducting channels. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid conducting channels themselves are configured in a zig-zag pattern which is effective to resist buckling or pinching of the channels when the heat exchange structure is subjected to bending. In a further embodiment the flexible heat exchange structure includes a third layer of material to form a pressurized air envelope, for heat/cold and pressure theraby.

Abstract: Apparatus and a system for thermally comforting a patient include pneumatic, convective device providing thermal treatment for persons or animals. The pneumatic convective device is adapted to fit around a person's neck and provides convective warming focused or directed primarily on the thorax or body core. The pneumatic convective device includes an inlet, a region in distribution with the inlet for distributing a stream of pressurized, thermally treated air, and a permeable member for emitting pressurized, thermally treated air from the distribution region.

Abstract: A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.

Abstract: A method for preventing or reducing the development of delayed brain damage in a patient, comprises applying headwear (1) to the patient's head and circulating a fluid coolant through conduits (3) or passages in the headwear to cool the brain and thermostatically controlling the coolant temperature within a predetermined range to maintain the brain at a temperature sufficiently below normal for an extended period sufficient to prevent the death of neurons, glial or other cells that would otherwise die as a consequence of direct injury to the brain or other injury to the patient likely to cause injury to the brain.

Abstract: A non-contact wound treatment device suitable for releasable attachment to a patient's skin surface over a selected wound area in a non-contact position relative to the selected wound area, the wound treatment device comprising an attachment portion suitable for releasable attachment with the patient's skin surface, having an inner perimeter for defining the selected wound area, a wound treatment portion with a substantially planar wound cover and a support member supporting the wound cover, and a transition portion with a membrane connecting the wound treatment portion to the attachment portion, the membrane extending around the outer perimeter of the support member and attached to the attachment portion between the inner and outer perimeter of the attachment portion.

Abstract: A heat-generative, steam generation facial sheet that is planar and is adapted to cover a part or the whole of a wearer's face in intimate contact. It has a planar heat generator capable of generating steam upon contact with oxygen in such a manner that the skin surface temperature reaches 34° C. or higher within 120 seconds from the contact with air and the skin surface temperature is maintained at 34° C. or higher for at least 5 minutes.

Abstract: A garment for warming, cooling or maintaining the temperature of a specific area of a user's body includes a hoop-shaped support structure, at least one pocket on the support structure and at least one mass. The mass is removably positionable in the at least one pocket. The garment is worn by a user such that the at least one pocket is positioned adjacent the specific area of the user's body in a working position.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the body temperature of a patient comprises an enclosure defining an interior space for receiving at least a portion of a patient's body therein. The enclosure is adapted for substantially sealingly enclosing the portion of the patient's body within the interior space with the enclosure. Heat transfer liquid may then be circulated through the interior space of the enclosure via an inlet and an outlet for flow over the patient's body in direct liquid contact therewith to promote heat transfer between the patient's body and said heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid may be either warmer or cooler than the patient's body temperature, to either warm or cool the portion. Controlled cooling may be employed to induce therapeutic hypothermia, while controlled warming may be employed to counteract unintended hypothermia.

Abstract: A cooling system includes a pressurized liquid refrigerant source having a liquid refrigerant and a cooling garment coupled to the liquid refrigerant source. The cooling garment defines chambers containing a heat transfer fluid. During operation, a user places the cooling garment in thermal communication with a body portion of a subject. As the cooling garment receives the liquid refrigerant from the pressurized source, the liquid refrigerant thermally contacts the heat transfer fluid and evaporates, thereby reducing the temperature of the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid, in turn, reduces the temperature of the body portion in thermal communication with the cooling garment. The heat transfer fluid acts to substantially evenly distribute cooling, as provided by the evaporation of the liquid refrigerant, to the body portion contacting the cooling garment to minimize localized “cold spots” within the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for relieving the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis comprises a fabric envelope having on one surface a plurality of projections and on an opposed surface, one or more strips of a hook and loop-type fastener sold under the trademark Velcro® or similar material for releasably attaching the envelope to a carpeted floor surface. A container fits within the fabric envelope and comprises two side-by-side compartments which communicate with one another through one or more openings. A mouthpiece is provided in the container to enable the compartment to be inflated. The container includes a pocket above one of the two compartments of the container to receive a heating element.

Abstract: A multifunctional cool and hot compress comprises two first internal layers. Edges of the two first internal layers being sealed by pressing. An inner space is formed by the two first internal layer being filled with chemical substance. Two second internal layers encloses the two first internal layers. One outer layer surrounding the second internal layers. A press portion is formed by compressing the first internal layers. Moreover, the materials of the outer layer are water-proof rubber and cotton cloth. The water-proof rubber is as an internal layer and the cotton cloth is as an outer layer. The second internal layers are also compressed at the press portion. A through hole is formed on the press portion.

Abstract: A flexible overlay for providing cooling therapy to the shoulder joint and the upper arm area. The overlay has pockets for holding cooling material; additional pockets can be attached to it in order to cool chest and/or back muscles or more of the upper arm area. One end of the overlay is removably secured around the neck, and the other end is wrapped around the wearer's upper arm. The overlay is typically made from a soft fabric such as cotton, but can also be made from a disposable plastic material.

Abstract: A patient cooling system comprises a patient enclosure or tent having a coaxial hose connection to a re-circulating air-cooling system. The hose comprises an inner tube to introduce air into the enclosure and an outer tube for the return air. The patient cooling system further comprises a patient-supporting mattress comprising a plurality of inflatable compartments extending transversely across the width of the mattress, which can also be supplied with cooled air. The compartments can be alternately pressurized for pressure relief therapy. Moreover, the compartments can be pressurized either with relatively low pressure cold air from the air cooling system, or with higher pressure air which acts to support the patient, but provides relatively less cooling effect. Radially collapsible, sleeved openings in the tent panel enable connection of conduits or patient care lines to the patient.

Abstract: An enclosure is described for containing a patient whose core temperature is to be cooled below normal body temperature, e.g. to reduce brain damage in patients suffering cardiac arrest. The enclosure comprises a base panel and one or more side panels attached to the base panel, the side panels being foldable over the patient to create an enclosure. Air conduits are provided on one or more panels with outlets positioned to direct cold air onto areas of the patient from which heat loss is particularly rapid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hot stone therapy apparatus for self-applied hot stone therapy. The apparatus comprises at least one elongated flexible member, and a plurality of stones connected to each other by means of the at least one elongated flexible member. The stones are capable of storing heat energy from, for example, a bowl of hot water. The distribution of the plurality of stones permit self-application of the stones about a desired area of a person's body such as the shoulders, neck, or hips of a person.

Abstract: An electric heating device that is constructed in a unique fashion that allows it to be drapeable so that its three-dimensional, ‘scoop-like’ shape fits the curvature of a relaxed shoulder, a crooked knee or a crooked elbow, and is held in place by an adjustable strap whose ends are attached to the device. The heating element configuration that is contained within a singular, sealed, water-tight vinyl envelope that is produced as one piece, with the three panels briefly connected at a point where the heating element wiring crosses from one panel to the other.

Abstract: A thermal treatment garment of the present invention includes an outer structure layer formed of a pliable material, an interior lining formed of a gel material which directly contacts the wearer skin and a thermal treatment layer to thermally treat and control temperature of the interior lining. The thermal treatment layer heats and/or cools the gel material to a desired temperature and is typically disposed between the structure and gel layers. The thermal treatment layer is controlled by a controller that receives a user-specified or desired temperature. An intervening layer can be disposed between the thermal treatment and structure layers. The intervening layer secures the structure, thermal treatment and/or gel layers to each other and can be an elastomeric material to which the gel and/or thermal treatment layers readily adhere. The garment may be adjustable in size to snugly fit body parts of users in a range of body sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating tissue in a tissue treatment area includes a heater that does not contact the tissue. The apparatus may be attached to the skin of a person to form a treatment volume about the tissue to be treated. The heater, supported at the layer, is held near the tissue to be treated, out of contact with the tissue. The apparatus includes a controller to cause the heater to raise the temperature of tissue in the tissue treatment area to a temperature in a range from a pretreatment temperature to 38° C. The controller may include means that cause the heater to operate over a therapeutic sequence, that cycle the heater on and off, that provide selectable average temperature values, that cause the heater to operate over an average temperature range, that cause the heater to operate at an average temperature over a therapy cycle, or that cause the heater to operate at an average temperature over a therapeutic sequence.

Abstract: A thermal pack is provided for application to a female breast for therapeutic application of heat or cold to the breast, comprises a pliable, disk-shaped body having an aperture extending approximately through the center of the body, the body comprising a top wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, an opposed bottom wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the top wall and the inner surface of the bottom wall define at least one fluid tight cavity therebetween; and a thermal fluid, such as a gel, contained in the at least one cavity. The thermal pack may have a single cavity wherein the body further comprises two or more baffles which restrict the flow of fluid through to keep the thermal fluid dispersed substantially uniformly in each cavity region between the baffles when the thermal pack is secured against the breast.

Abstract: A method for providing a paraffin treatment to a patient, including the steps of: (a) melting a paraffin composition to a melted, flowable state; (b) immersing at least a portion of an absorptive strip into the melted paraffin composition so that the strip absorbs some of the melted paraffin composition; (c) applying the strip containing the melted paraffin composition to a portion of skin on the patient; (d) allowing the strip containing the melted paraffin composition to remain in contact with the portion of skin whereby the melted paraffin transfers heat to the patient's skin; and (e) removing the strip from the portion of the patient's skin wherein the paraffin composition is contained by the strip making removal of strip and paraffin composition substantially simultaneous. The present invention is also directed to a therapeutic strip, containing melted paraffin, to be applied to a portion of a patient's skin to provide a therapeutic treatment of heat to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a temperature therapy to a hand includes an outer member and an inner member. The inner member functions to at least temporarily maintain a therapy temperature. In one embodiment, the therapy temperature is less than an ambient temperature. The outer member receives the inner member and defines a pocket for receiving a thumb of the hand. The outer member includes a feature for selectively attaching to the hand and further provides for use by either a right or a left hand.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a portion of the anatomy of a wearer comprises an elongated fabric with fastening means on its ends for adjustably connecting the ends together in the form of a closed loop to encircle tightly a portion of the anatomy of the wearer such as the head or wrist. A portion of elongated fabric is provided with a pocket with a flap for folding over an elongated cooling pack. A cooling pack is inserted in the pocket and retained in the pocket by the flap. The cooling pack is comprised of a plurality of elongated tubes, at least some of the tubes containing ammonium nitrate and a container for water. A burstable seal is provided between the container for the water and the tubes containing the ammonium nitrate. Pressure may be applied to burst the seals allowing the water to mix with the ammonium nitrate and cause an endothermic cooling reaction.

Abstract: There is provided a thermal therapy pad useful in relieving pain and having a plurality of easily removable layers on the side of the pad normally facing the skin. The removal of layers results in increased heat removal or delivery to the skin. The removable layers may be re-attached desirably the user find the pad too hot, or may be moved to the opposite side of the pad, or discarded. The pad may use an iron powder reactive core which reacts exothermically with air to provide heating or water and other reactants that react endothermically. More than one core may be used to further tailor the amount and rapidity of the temperature change.

Abstract: A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.

Abstract: A method of extending the therapeutic duration of a thermal therapy product is disclosed. The method includes selecting a thermal therapy product to provide a benefit to a user, selecting a phase change material, incorporating the phase change material into a flexible thermal therapy sleeve, and placing the thermal therapy product into the thermal therapy sleeve.

Abstract: A trigger to activate a supercooled aqueous salt solution wherein the solution is encased in a flexible container to form a heat pack, the trigger made of dry or partially dry particles adhering to a support so that when the trigger is manipulated, allowing the dry or partially dry particles to be released and contact the supercooled salt solution, crystallization is initiated and heat is released.

Abstract: A vascular treatment apparatus, comprising a chair, a horizontal housing and a retractable cover. The cover has hot and cold fluid dispensers whereby alternating and pulsating sprays of hot fluid and cold fluid treat a patient. The housing section also includes hot and cold fluid dispensers. The temperature, pulse strength and pulse rate are controlled by a central processing unit. The central process unit also correlates patient information for observing patient progress and comparing with other patients. Skin conditioner and disinfectant dispensers are included. The chair swivels for easy patient entry. The inventive method includes alternating pulsing streams of hot and cold fluid, preferably alternating 3 seconds of hot fluid with 3 seconds of cold fluid. The hot fluid is between 32 degrees centigrade and 41 degrees centigrade, and the treatment duration is approximately 25 minutes. Preferably, before treatment, the temperature of the hot fluid is gradually raised.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an exothermic composition having, as essential components, a water absorptive polymer and/or tackifier, carbon component and/or metal chloride and features that the product is as a whole ink-like or cream-like in a method of manufacturing an exothermic device.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating a temperature of a body support structure including at least one bladder. A temperature modulator is coupled to the at least one bladder for varying the temperature of fluid within the bladder.

Abstract: A mechanism for electrically connecting various electronic devices to a garment is provided. The mechanism has a sliding track adapted to support a variety of different electronic devices. The sliding track has one or more channels enabling elective electrical communication between at least one electronic device and a power source. The electronic device is adapted to be selectively supported by the sliding track such that the electronic device can slide along the sliding track. The mechanism has one or more channels having at least one conductive element disposed therein. The first conductive element is shaped to conform to one or more channels to provide an ideal electrical contact surface. The one or more channels are adapted to selectively enclose or seal the conductive element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal treatment pack that includes a tubular body having a first opening, a second opening, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first opening, the inner surface and the second opening cooperate to define a passage through the tubular body for the limb. The inner surface and the outer surface of the tubular body are defined by a continuous film of flexible material such as a copolymer of polyester and polyurethane. A temperature-retaining fluid such as a water-based gel is received between the inner surface and the outer surface. Optionally, a thermal pack according to the invention can be covered with a fabric layer to provide insulation between the continuous film of flexible material and a user's skin. The diameter of the passage through the thermal treatment pack is preferably smaller than or equal to the diameter of the injured limb, which causes the inner surface of the thermal treatment pack to make contact the limb or an insulating wrap placed over the limb.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for manipulating a core body temperature of a mammal. The system of the invention includes a chamber for enclosing a body portion of a mammal and a seal in operative association with the chamber for sealing the chamber around the body portion and for inhibiting movement of the body portion relative to the chamber when the system is in operation. A thermal energy exchange system in operative association with the chamber includes an energy element assembly coupled to a flexible membrane assembly. The flexible membrane assembly facilitates an exchange of energy between the energy element assembly and the body portion. A vacuum system is operatively associated with the chamber while the thermal energy exchange system is in operation. The vacuum system generates a sub-atmospheric pressure within the chamber.

Abstract: A thermal apparatus includes a wrap adapted to be secured to the body surface of a user. At least one temperature sensor is mounted to the wrap to measure an actual temperature of the body surface, and at least one thermoelectric device is mounted to the wrap to selectively deliver heat to and remove heat from the body surface. The thermal apparatus further includes a control unit mountable to the wrap. The control unit receives the actual temperature of the body surface from the temperature sensor and communicates with the thermoelectric device to operate the thermoelectric device as one of a heater and a cooler, thereby achieving a desired temperature of the body surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hot stone therapy apparatus for self-applied hot stone therapy. The apparatus comprises at least one elongated flexible member, and a plurality of stones connected to each other by means of the at least one elongated flexible member. The stones are capable of storing heat energy from, for example, a bowl of hot water. The distribution of the plurality of stones permit self-application of the stones about a desired area of a person's body such as the shoulders, neck, or hips of a person.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the body temperature of a patient comprises an enclosure defining an interior space for receiving at least a portion of a patient's body therein. The enclosure is adapted for substantially sealingly enclosing the portion of the patient's body within the interior space with the enclosure. Heat transfer liquid may then be circulated through the interior space of the enclosure via an inlet and an outlet for flow over the patient's body in direct liquid contact therewith to promote heat transfer between the patient's body and said heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid may be either warmer or cooler than the patient's body temperature, to either warm or cool the portion. Controlled cooling may be employed to induce therapeutic hypothermia, while controlled warming may be employed to counteract unintended hypothermia.

Abstract: A portable medical cooling device has two circuits of heat transfer liquid, a hot circuit and a cold circuit. The cold circuit begins at a patient's body conducting heat to a cooling pad cool heat exchanger. The cooling pad conforms to a specific part of a patient's body. The airflow leaves the housing via an exhaust port formed on the housing allowing exhausting of hot air into an ambient environment. The cold circuit completed by return of heat transfer liquid by cool tubing to the cooling pad via pressure created by a cold circuit pump. The hot circuit is completed by return of heat transfer liquid by cool tubing to the hot face via pressure created by a hot circuit pump and a thermostat controls voltage of the thermoelectric element to achieve and maintain a user defined temperature in the cold circuit heat transfer liquid.

Abstract: A system and method provide for the interconnection of a medical fluid processing system with at least one patient temperature control pad positionable on a patient. Includable in the system is at least one connector interconnected and/or interconnectable to the medical fluid processing system and at least one connector interconnected and/or interconnectable to the at least one temperature control pad, wherein the connectors include an orientation device which provides for interconnection of the connectors at a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A thermal delivery system includes a base unit having a thermal regulation source and a console configured to deliver cooling fluid to a body-cooling device to induce hypothermia and aid in resuscitation of a patient. When a user docks the console with the base station, the console thermally contacts the thermal regulation source. The thermal regulation source alters the temperature of fluid held by the console for an indefinite period of time. In the case where a patient, at a location remote from the thermal delivery system, requires induction of hypothermia, a user detaches the console from the base station and transports the console to the patient's location. The configuration of the thermal delivery system allows the base station to thermally adjust the temperature of the fluid held by the console for an extended period of time, thereby minimizing a delay in transporting a console having the thermally adjusted fluid to the patient.

Abstract: A therapeutic pad system comprises an ice patch having a generally disc-shaped configuration. The ice patch has a circular generally parallel first and second walls fabricated of a plastic-vinyl material. A non-solid gel which is capable of being frozen, thawed and re-frozen a plurality of times is located within the space between the walls. A jacket is fabricated of a cloth material and has a generally disc shaped configuration with an interior panel and an exterior panel and a pocket there between for receiving the ice patch. Common stitching is over approximately the lower two-thirds of the jacket and the upper one-third forms an opening. Decorative indicia coupled to the exterior panel of the jacket.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the body temperature of a patient comprises an enclosure defining an interior space for receiving at least a portion of a patient's body therein. The enclosure is adapted for substantially sealingly enclosing the portion of the patient's body within the interior space with the enclosure. Heat transfer liquid may then be circulated through the interior space of the enclosure via an inlet and an outlet for flow over the patient's body in direct liquid contact therewith to promote heat transfer between the patient's body and said heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer liquid may be either warmer or cooler than the patient's body temperature, to either warm or cool the portion. Controlled cooling may be employed to induce therapeutic hypothermia, while controlled warming may be employed to counteract unintended hypothermia.

Abstract: A connector apparatus employable in a patient temperature control system includes a connection end which is employable for connecting to at least one other connector in the system. Includable in the connection end is an orientation device configured to align the connectors and provide for interconnection only at a predetermined orientation. The connector may be configured as either a male or female style connector and include one or more engagement devices or surfaces for engaging with another connector.

Abstract: A blanket system (1) is provided for maintaining or controlling a patient's body temperature before, during, or after surgical and non-surgical procedures. The system includes a non-obtrusive cover blanket (3), a blower (28) to blow the air beneath the blanket (3) and a vacuum source (30) to suction the air from beneath the blanket (3) and away from the patient.

Abstract: A flexible thermal therapy sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve includes a first layer including a first phase change material having a transition temperature of from about −10° C. to about 40° C., and a second layer including a second phase change material having a transition temperature of from about 35° C. to about 65° C. The first layer is joined to the second layer to form at least a partial enclosure having an opening through which a thermoactive material may be inserted and removed.

Abstract: A sling holder that when assembled can be secured around a body part to hold an object thereto comprises a strap having first and second ends and a fastener for securing the strap to itself. The strap includes at least one pocket into which the object is placed. The strap is placed around the body part and over the desired portion of the skin. The strap ends are connected to one another, thereby locating and holding the object proximate to the skin in the desired position. The sling holder may be variable in length due to the selective attachment of a plurality of interengageable straps. Fasteners for coupling the straps are interposed between opposing ends of the assembled straps. If multiple straps are employed, any number of pockets may be attached to any number of the straps. An adjustable fastener, an elastic material, and/or a fixedly adjustable extension member may also be employed to adjust the length of the sling holder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a skin cooling device which utilizes the sensory ability of the skin as an integumentary sense organ so that it is applicable to medical treatments and surgical operations, while being configured to use the heat absorbing effect of a thermoelectric element while having a small size to be easily handled. The skin cooling device includes a case having a size allowing the user to grasp the case by the hand, and a thermoelectric element installed in the case. The thermoelectric element has a heat emitting portion and a heat absorbing portion. The skin cooling device also includes a heat sink unit provided at the heat emitting portion of the thermoelectric element, and cold heat transfer unit provided at the heat absorbing portion of the thermoelectric element, and adapted to locally transfer cold heat from the thermoelectric element to the skin. Thus, the cold heat can be locally applied to the skin.

Abstract: An enhanced chest protector for usage in sporting events and hazardous activities. More particularly, the invention is a chest protector that utilizes a soft, pliable gel attached to the previously-existing chest protector to greatly enhance absorption and dissipation of impact forces. The gel is of a type commonly used for heat or freezer packs, and is configured in many separate panels to keep the gel from flowing across the entire device. Importantly, the gel is durable and lightweight, which allows the player to wear the product comfortably for extended periods of time. In addition, the gel may be frozen or refrigerated prior to use, so as to provide cooling for the player in hot water.