Abstract: A grip device for use in one's hand includes a compressible member of a size to fit within one's hand and capable of being squeezed by the hand and a thermal element operably connected to the compressible member which is equipped for generating a non-ambient temperature for a sustained period during such period said device remains compressible. A sensor and transmitter circuitry is connected to the compressible member which when the grip device is compressed sends a signal indicative that compression is taking place. A computer with software receives and displays the signal to a recipient.

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus for providing therapeutic benefits to an immersed body part due to contact with a heated or unheated homogenous medium. The therapeutic apparatus includes at least two vibration generators for generating two waveforms at two distinct areas of the vibratory vessel, where the two waveforms are converging on each other and combined together to create a constructive and destructive pulse waveform having a larger constructive amplitude than the amplitude of the original wave and a smaller destructive amplitude than the amplitude of the original wave for providing a constructive and destructive pulse wave massaging effect to the body part of the user immersed within the homogenous medium contained within the vibratory vessel.

Abstract: A device for applying cold therapy to the foot of a wearer is disclosed. The device comprises a foot pad having a premolded configuration for directly contacting the bottom of the foot and surrounding heel area. The foot pad includes a heel portion sized to receive and surround the heel of the foot. The foot pad also includes a raised and contoured arch portion positioned to lie beneath and place localized pressure on the arch of the foot where the plantar fascia and tendons of the foot are located. The entire foot pad is formed of an ice pack that includes a container or shell for receiving and containing a substance capable of maintaining an extremely low temperature for an extended period of time during application to the foot. The device also includes a securement mechanism that is arranged for engaging the foot pad to the bottom of the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A cooling system 70 for an occupant 62 of an occupant support is a targeted cooling system comprising a coolant conduit 100 having an inlet 102 for receiving coolant from a source of coolant and an outlet 104 for discharging the coolant to a destination 120. The conduit is nonpermanently and manually shape adjustable, shape stable subsequent to adjustment, and removably securable to one or both of the occupant support and the occupant. In one embodiment the destination is an ambient environment selected to achieve targeted coolant delivery to a localized region of the occupant's body. A cooling glove 190 to be worn by a user has at least one coolant intake 210 and at least one of a) a coolant passage 240 extending from the coolant intake to an exhaust opening 260; and b) a cooperative relationship with the user which defines a fluid pathway 220 bounded in part by the glove and in part by the user.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a sheath that fits around at least a portion of the circumference of a finger, optionally comprising a pouch for retaining an insert, for supporting and protecting the finger.

Abstract: A warming article having a heat generating main body (4). The heat generating main body (4) is composed of a heat generating element (2) having water vapor generating capability and an air permeable holder (3) for holding the heat generating element (2). The heat generating main body (4) is configured to expand with heat generation of the heat generating element (2). The amount of water vapor generated from the warming article is preferably 1.0 to 100 mg/(cm2·10 min). The holder (3) preferably has a water vapor permeability of 1.5 to 10 kg/(m2·24 hr). The heat generating element (2) is preferably a sheet molded by papermaking and containing an oxidizable metal, a moisture-retaining agent, and a fibrous material.

Abstract: Sock structure that is especially useful in applying a cold pack to a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy treatment, and a method of applying a cold pack to a wearer (e.g. a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy treatment), using the sock structure. The sock structure comprises a sock body that includes (i) a foot portion configured to cover substantially all of the wearer's foot, (ii) a leg portion configured to cover a portion of the wearer's ankle and leg, and (iii) a turned heel that provides an angular (turned) junction between the foot and leg portions. Moreover, the sock structure comprises a pocket integral with the sock body and located along predetermined portions of the bottom of the foot portion and the turned heel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), lower extremity edema, and other associated medical conditions by adjusting the temperature of the muscles of a foot or a leg, and/or applying vacuum or negative pressure to increase blood flow. A human extremity such as a leg is exposed to a negative pressure environment and/or a thermally controlled environment within a medical device. In one aspect, the device is portable. A thermal exchange unit and, optionally, a vacuum or negative pressure unit, are provided to increase blood flow and vasodilation. The device can be programmed by a controller in a manner to stimulate the muscles of the extremity to reduce pooling of blood therein.

Abstract: A thermal pack having a bent lip uniformly disposed away from a skin side of the thermal pack. The thermal pack of the present invention eliminates discomfort associated with prior art thermal packs by providing a lip that bends up and away from the skin, thereby avoiding or minimizing contact with the skin and limiting irritation. The pack is preferably provided with an insulated wrap 90 that can be attached to the pack, such as by a hook-and-loop fastener. The wrap will aid in placement of the device upon the user, as well as extend the benefits of the thermal medium. The wrap is conventionally formed of a thermoplastic material commonly used in packaging.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of hyperhydrosis by application of electric current to a treatment area of the skin is described. The device comprises: a) a garment comprising a first electrode adapted for contacting said treatment area; b) a second electrode adapted for contacting the treatment area or skin proximal to the treatment area; and c) a power delivery unit in electrical communication with said first and second electrodes. The power delivery unit provides a customized dose of electricity to the treatment area. In one embodiment, the garment is a glove.

Abstract: A chemically-activated conformable thermal device that generates heat upon activation is provided. The thermal device typically contains an oxidizable metal that is capable of undergoing an exothermic reaction in the presence of moisture and air to generate heat. Although such metals, as well as other components of the composition (e.g., carbon), are relatively inflexible and stiff, the present inventors have nevertheless discovered that one or more conformable segments may be employed to impart flexibility and conformability to the thermal device. The conformable segments are malleable so that they yield under shear stress and acquire the shape of a surface (e.g., body part) without rupturing. The conformable segments are likewise stiff or hard enough to substantially retain the desired shape during use.

Abstract: A therapeutic heated pocket and method of use in accordance with the present disclosure generally comprises an outer covering, edge trim, baby-dry material, insulation material, headliner material, heating coil, heating element, power cord and power adjustment controller. The pocket allows an arthritis sufferer to quickly and evenly warm an affected area in order to increase blood flow to the area. This has been shown to increase mobility and decrease pain for several hours after use.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A device, combining a component of aerogel insulation with a heating or cooling component, for therapeutic, thermoregulatory, or therapeutic and thermoregulatory use with people or animals. Aerogels perform well as insulators for both high-temperature and low-temperature or cryogenic insulation. The aerogel insulation component and the heating and/or cooling component are enclosed in a structure that supports and retains the components. In some embodiments, a therapeutic garment includes an aerogel insulation layer and a heating and/or cooling system, both positioned between an inner layer and an outer layer. Some embodiments also include a middle layer separating the aerogel insulation layer from the heating and/or cooling system. In some embodiments, an aerogel insulation layer comprises a carrier material permeated with diffused fragments of aerogel material.

Abstract: A system and method for portably delivering a therapeutic dose of heat to the skin to relieve pain, reduce accommodation of thermal nerve receptors, promote healing, and deliver transcutaneous medications. The heating device is user programmable or pre-programmed to deliver according to a variety of cycles, patterns and algorithms. The cycles, patterns, and algorithms of the heat are programmable parameters, are under the user's control, and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the device. The heating algorithms are designed to interact with an individual user's thermal nerve receptors and other tissue characteristics and to reduce the tendency of the receptors to accommodate to the external stimuli with back pain, muscular pain, dysmenorrhea, headaches, fibromyalgia, post-herpetic neuralgia, nerve injuries and neuropathies, and sprains and strain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting body core temperature are provided. The apparatus comprises an appendage chamber that is adapted to be disassembled from a heat exchange element. In one aspect, the appendage chamber is disposable. The appendage chamber provides a negative pressure environment for a patient's appendage placed therein. An appendage is heated and exposed to a negative pressure environment within the apparatus to efficiently raise or maintain the body core temperature of the patient.

Abstract: A negative pressure, thermal energy device has an enclosure that receives a patient's body part. The body part is positioned in the enclosure and contacts a thermal energy contacting surface. The thermal energy contacting surface transfers its thermal energy to the body part. While in the enclosure, the body part is also exposed to a negative pressure to cause vasodilation. The combination of the vasodilation and the thermal energy transfer alter the patient's body core temperature. To ensure the body part remains in contact with the thermal contacting surface, the enclosure has a portion thereof that moves when negative pressure is in the enclosure. When the negative pressure is applied, the deforming enclosure material is pulled toward the body part to provide a positive pressure on the body part that ensures the body part effectively contacts the thermal energy contacting surface.

Abstract: A compression wrap for application to body members having a top layer and a bottom layer with an inflatable bladder of smaller dimension positioned therebetween, an interiorly positioned pocket for insertion of a gel pack and a hand-bulb for increasing the pressure within the bladder and thereby applying pressure to the gel pack. To remove the compression wrap, the hand bulb is mounted in a reverse direction and pumped to deflate the bladder.

Abstract: A bracelet and wrap having therapeutic properties is worn on a child's injured or sensitive wrist to facilitate healing and/or provide cold/warm treatment. The therapeutic bracelet and warp include a central portion having an internal chamber for receiving and housing a treatment pack. The therapeutic bracelet and warp further include first and second straps including mating fastener means attached to said central portion for securing the bracelet on the child's wrist. The therapeutic pack is appointed to either be a cold treatment pack or a hot treatment pack, depending on the type of treatment needed. Preferably, the treatment pack includes a transparent top wall and a liquid having a plurality of shapes suspended therein. In turn, the central portion's top side is constructed of a transparent material so that the shapes are visible. The therapeutic bracelet and wrap is appointed to be worn on an injury to facilitate healing while providing style, entertainment and distraction to the wearer.

Abstract: The Footie is an insulated thermal wrap designed specifically for application to the foot, but can be used on other limbs such as ankles, knees and elbows as well. Noted unique features are that it is available in two sizes and a variety of colors and patterns. The interior layer of the wrap comprises an insulated pouch for containment of the thermal medium and can be used with either heat or cold pack therapy. The pouch itself is held closed by Velcro strips located at the top. The wrap encases the foot and is tapered at the top to fit the toe area. The wrap is held in place by two wide, stretchable Velcro straps which are strategically placed to allow for desired compression adjustability. The exterior layer of the wrap is made from flexible cloth. This is a low-cost treatment and allows the patient mobility while applying therapy for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: Packs for providing heat or cold to a body part or parts. In some embodiments, packs comprising an outer flexible shell or skin housing or carrying a plurality of beads mixed in combination with a liquid or gel. In some embodiments, packs, which can be (or are) configured into various shapes, which contain beads in combination with a liquid or gel solution, which can be heated or cooled for application, thereafter, to a body part for providing hot or cold therapy to the body part.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention disclosed herein relate to devices that provide heat and/or ultraviolet light to fingernails or toenails that are afflicted by onychomycosis, as well as methods for treating onychomycosis by application of heat and/or ultraviolet light. The devices of the present invention may be used in connection with systemic and/or topical anti-fungal agents to treat onychomycosis.

Abstract: A non-ambulatory thermotherapy device for contacting and applying hot or cold therapy to a treatment area of a user of the non-ambulatory thermotherapy device. The device has at least one pad made of a pliable single piece of gel material for contacting a part of the user's treatment area and for undergoing selective heating or cooling to specific temperatures to selectively apply hot or cold therapy, respectively, to the part of the user's treatment area. The pad has opposite main surfaces and a plurality of bumps extending from one of the main surfaces for increasing a surface contact between the gel material and irregularly shaped contours of the part of the user's treatment area during application of hot or cold therapy to the part of the user's treatment area.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved hot/cold therapy pad consisting of a thermally conductive fluid and a discrete matrix insert contained within an outer envelope. The matrix insert has significant void space (over 50%) and is chemically inert relative to the other components within the envelope. The matrix has low bulk density and may be formed by bonding fibers together to form a mat. This matrix serves to reduce the flow of the thermally conductive fluid and provide for more effective and consistent heat (cold) transfer from the pad to the skin. The thermally conductive fluid has a viscosity greater than water and is stable over the typical range of hot/cold therapy applications. The invention eliminates saddle-bagging in hot and cold therapy applications.

Abstract: A thermal regulatory system to reduce swelling caused by trauma to a variety of tissues and limbs is provided. One or more substantially flexible, at least partially thermally conductive housing containing optionally activatable thermal regulatory medium may be coupled with one or more applicator, such as a splint, that is adapted to apply the medium housing to the tissue. Methods of therapeutically regulating tissue temperature are also provided.

Abstract: A moisturizing and therapeutic method and article of manufacture by utilizing non-electrical, heat generating objects to provide moisture and temporary pain relief to a user's hand, wherein the non-electrical, heat generating object is held closely against the inside of a user's palm to cause the temperature of the article of manufacture to gradually increase. The article of manufacture has a first glove half formed of natural materials and shaped to cover the back side of a user's hand. A second glove half is formed of the same natural materials to create an inner layer between the first glove half and the third glove layer (sheath). The third glove layer (sheath) is shaped to cover the under side (palm area only) of a user's hand and is joined with the first and second glove halves to form an opening at the wrist for receiving an enveloping a human hand.

Abstract: A pouch includes a mixture of a crystalline substance and liquid that is solid at room temperature (e.g., 70° F.) and melts when in contact with a human body, therein cooling the body.

Abstract: A device for application to a body part for the treatment of symptoms of injury or pain, comprising a holder for simultaneously applying (1) a thermal device capable of retaining hot or cold, and (2) a transcutaneous electrical nerve/muscle stimulator, whereby to allow the simultaneous application to a body part of transcutaneous electrical nerve/muscle stimulation and either hot or cold therapy. The holder can have a pocket for receiving the thermal device and a front surface bearing the nerve/muscle stimulator, for example, by hook and loop material, or adhesive, enabling the activatable surface of the nerve/muscle stimulator to be applied to the body part simultaneously with the hot or cold therapy of the gel pack in the pocket.

Abstract: In general, the present invention incorporates a cooling or heating wrap having internal channels to circulate a chilled or warmed fluid, with one or more layers of a thermo-conductive material to eliminate air pockets or gaps between the wrap and a human or animal body part. The thermo-conductive material may be applied directly to the human or animal skin and/or body part, may be encapsulated in a separate unit, or may be integrated into the wrap itself. The thermo-conductive material acts like a heat conduction medium between the heat exchanging wrap and the anatomical body part, to increase the therapeutic effect of the wrap.

Abstract: A heating device is presented for surface heating of a body so as to maintain a required temperature of the body. The heating device comprises an electrical heating element and a power source for supplying a required voltage thereto. The heating element comprises first and second conductors, wherein the first conductor is made of a material with relatively high specific resistivity as compared to that of the second conductor, and the second conductor is made of a material with high heat conductivity. The first and second conductors are accommodated in spaced-apart parallel relationship along their lengths such that, when they are connected to the power source, electric currents flow in the conductors in opposite directions, and magnetic fields created in the vicinity of the first and second conductors are completely compensated. The first conductor thus serves as a heater and the second conductor as a heat diffuser.

Abstract: A negative pressure, thermal energy device has an enclosure that receives a patient's body part. The body part is positioned in the enclosure and contacts a thermal energy contacting surface. The thermal energy contacting surface transfers its thermal energy to the body part. While in the enclosure, the body part is also exposed to a negative pressure to cause vasodilation. The combination of the vasodilation and the thermal energy transfer alter the patient's body core temperature. To ensure the body part remains in contact with the thermal contacting surface, the enclosure has a portion thereof that moves when negative pressure is in the enclosure. When the negative pressure is applied, the deforming enclosure material is pulled toward the body part to provide a positive pressure on the body part that ensures the body part effectively contacts the thermal energy contacting surface.

Abstract: A therapeutic cold pack comprises a sleeve member adapted to accommodate a portion of the leg of an individual. Attached to a surface of the therapeutic cold pack are one or more containment bags each defining an internal volume adapted to hold a therapeutic amount of a cold substance. Each containment bag is positioned to substantially coincide with an intended part of the leg of an individual such that the cold substance provides a therapeutic cooling to that area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the prevention and treatment of shivering encountered during therapeutic temperature regulation are disclosed that utilize an active system of counterwarming such that the timing and intensity of warmth provided to selected body areas is regulated dynamically in response to such factors as the extent of cooling applied to the core, the degree of shivering encountered, and patient temperature. Additionally, methods and apparatus are disclosed for the measurement and quantification of shivering for use in this and other applications.

Abstract: A footwear apparatus includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

Abstract: A therapeutic delivery system that includes an appliance for selectively holding at least one therapeutic article in contact with at least a portion of a user's body. The therapeutic article may contain an exothermic compound that releases heat after selective activation by the user. The therapeutic article may be selectively located on the appliance by the user. The rate at which the exothermic composition reacts with a catalyst may be selectively controlled by the user. The appliance may be a garment that covers or encloses a portion of the user's body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wrist band. The wrist band comprises a cylinder-shaped band body having a plurality of water absorbing pockets receiving a water absorbing agent therein and surrounding a user's wrist, one or more elastic bands for elastically connecting the pair of water absorbing agent pockets with each other, and a water absorbing agent chemical received in the band body. The wrist band performs a physical function of tightening to thereby pressurize a user's wrist when a user wears it, and can enhance an exercise effect. In addition, the wrist band can adjust body temperature and provide a fomentation effect thanks to the use of a water absorbing agent. Furthermore, the wrist band can easily absorb sweat from a body, so that it can be used like a towel.

Abstract: An aromatherapy chair for providing natural relaxation, rejuvenation and healing for the individual's mind, body, and soul by heating herbal ingredients placed in proximity to various parts, areas, regions, and limbs of the individual's body includes an eye and sinus coverings, a pair of neck and shoulder wraps, a pair of elbow and hand therapy gloves, a back therapy pad, a pair of knee, leg, and foot boots, and a pair of thigh wraps into which the herbal ingredients are disposed and through which wiring extends for heating the herbal ingredients for relaxing and healing the areas and limbs that are covered by and inserted and enclosed within the various coverings, pads and wraps with regular house current and batteries providing energy to a thermal heating element that regulates and conducts heat to and through the wiring and the type of herbal ingredients being specific to each particular area, region, appendage or limb to be relaxed and healed.

Abstract: Cold pack apparatus for abstracting heat comprises a container charged with a first liquid and with small auxiliary containers free to circulate in the first liquid. Each of the small auxiliary containers is charged with a second liquid. The first and second liquids each have a selected temperature of transformation that facilitates use of the apparatus to heat or cool a substance contacted by the apparatus. The cold pack apparatus reduces pain at a joint or at a diseased area in the epithelium by producing spaced apart points of cold at the joint or diseased area for an extended period of time of one hours or more.

Abstract: A simple warmth-retaining article comprising a heat insulating material, a cover material and an exothermic article that generates heat in the presence of air and that is inserted between the heat insulating material and the cover material, and a warmth-retaining cloth formed by connecting a plurality of the simple warmth-retaining articles in a plane-like state.

Abstract: There is provided by this invention a foot warming device that is light weight comprising a lower foot portion and an tipper leg portion. The upper leg portion is comprised of flaps that open in the front to allow easy entry of the foot and leg and has hook and loop type connectors manufactured under the trademark Velcro to adjustably fasten to wrap the flaps around the foot and leg to enclose them within the foot warmer. Inserted between an outer covering and the insulating inner lining of the lower foot portion and the upper leg portion are electrically conductive heating elements wherein the resistance of the heating elements is designed so that when the foot warmer is connected to a source of low voltage power such as 120 V it provides sufficient heat to warm the inner insulating limiting to sufficient temperatures for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A negative/positive pressure, thermal energy therapy device is described in this application. The present invention uses a conventional negative pressure, thermal energy device and/or an alternative embodiment thereof and adds a significant modification. The modification is that positive pressure, not just ambient pressure, is at least occasionally applied to the patient's body contained in the negative pressure, thermal energy device.

Abstract: A thermocautery block is formed by mixing alumina, zirconium silicate, feldspar, pottery stone, siliceous limestone, kaolin, Gairome clay (Japan), and black soil with water; evenly stirring the mixture; compressing, dehydrating, and extruding the mixture into polygonal blocks; and drying, kilning, and cooling the blocks. The thermocautery block has a high density and a hardness higher than 6.0, and could store thermal energy after being heated for a short time. The stored thermal energy is progressively released via superficial areas of the block other than corners thereof to produce the effect of progressive temperature rise.

Abstract: A thumb tool for use by a massage therapist includes a tubular sleeve having at least a portion of which is a rigid plastic tubular sleeve that slides over the thumb. A portion of the tool may include a flexible PVC thermo plastic membrane. The tool may be a one-piece construction or may include multiple layers or removable inserts. The tool and/or an insert may comprise a gel-like substance acting as thermal medium that may be heated or cooled for individualized thermal therapy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting body core temperature are provided. The apparatus comprises an appendage chamber that is adapted to be disassembled from a heat exchange element. In one aspect, the appendage chamber is disposable. The appendage chamber provides a negative pressure environment for a patient's appendage placed therein. An appendage is heated and exposed to a negative pressure environment within the apparatus to efficiently raise or maintain the body core temperature of the patient.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for massaging hands and wrists which has upper and lower panels affixed to respective upper and lower housing via a plurality of compressible vibration-absorbing mounting pads. An elevated wrist rest extends across the anterior end of the outer face of the lower panel. The device includes a plurality of vibration mechanisms and heating/electrical stimulation elements mounted onto the outer fact of the upper and lower panels. A hinge connects the upper housing to the lower housing. A latch-and-switch mechanism engages and secures the upper and lower housing together and connects the electrical circuit of the upper housing with the electrical circuit of the lower housing. A plurality of batteries and a removable power cord are both interconnected with the device's electrical circuits to provide either battery or line voltage electrical power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling article comprising a polymer absorbent enclosed within a bag delimited by a collapsible envelope having non-watertight walls, wherein said polymer absorbent is under the form of particles each of which comprises a core of less cross-linked polymer sequences more active in retaining absorbed water and a shell of more cross-linked polymer sequences apt to retard diffusion of water from a particle to another during desorption of absorbed water.