Abstract: An insulated holder for providing cool air to a beverage container and to a lunch box. The holder includes a bottom wall and sidewalls being integrally connected to form an open end and an interior cavity for receiving a beverage container therein. The bottom wall and the side walls are formed of a composite structure including a first outer layer of a plastic material, a second inner layer of a conductive material, an inner core third layer of a refrigerant material, a fourth inner layer of the conductive material, and a fifth outer layer of the plastic material. This composite structure allows cool air to flow in an inwardly direction from the inner core of refrigerant material through the fourth inner layer and the fifth outer layer to the interior cavity for cooling the beverage container.

Abstract: A new portable beverage carrier for transporting beverages while keeping them at a constant temperature for long periods of time. The inventive device includes a case and a cooler insert member. The case functions as a suitcase and includes a base, a top hingedly secured to the base, and a latching means. The cooler insert member is disposed within a hollow interior of the case base and includes a plurality of beverage container receiving cavities. The cooler insert member is collapsible for convenient storage.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a temperature sensitive payload within a target temperature range, between a minimum temperature and a maximum temperature. Heat transfer devices are provided, having reservoirs for separately containing a first material and a second material, the materials having distinct and separate phase change temperatures which approximately bracket the target temperature range. The latent heats of transformation related to the respective phase changes of the first and second materials resist heating or cooling of the payload above or below the target temperature range.

Abstract: A self-adhering cold pack has an envelope defining a sealed cold pack volume. A cooling agent is positioned in the cold pack volume. A bandage sheet is fixed to the envelope by a bandage adhesive. The bandage sheet defines mounting tabs linearly extending from the envelope outer perimeter. The mounting tabs support a bandage adhesive for temporary adhesion of the cold pack to the skin surface of a patient.

Abstract: A cooling pack includes a plurality of thermally conductive shells made of a rigid plastic. Each shell contains a coolant and is securable directly to the protective housing of an electric fan. The shells are sized and shaped to allow the passage of fan air while the fan is operating. Heat is removed from the fan air flowing past the shells, thereby improving the cooling capability of the fan.

Abstract: A process of freezing a belt of encapsulated ice substitute is provided. The process for freezing the ice substitute belt generally includes the steps of preparing a capsule belt with a plurality of capsules, each capsule containing a thermal controlling agent which is a liquid in a predetermined temperature range; preparing a brine including a cruciferous oil, salts and a glycol and cooling the brine; feeding the belt into an apparatus which contains the cooled brine and passing the belt through the brine; adjusting the speed to the extent sufficient for the thermal controlling agent to become solidified. The travelling speed of the ice substitute belt is adjusted depending on the composition of the thermal controlling agent.

Abstract: A flexible heat transfer device for heating or cooling a surface such as the skin has an envelope formed from two double walled sheets, Each sheet contains within the double wall a first high thermal capacity material such as a freezing gel that is flexible when frozen for good surface contact. The space between the double walls contains a second high thermal capacity material that may have different physical properties than the first material. This may be in the form of a removable pouch insert that may be heated or cooled separately. The device is more versatile in its applications and provides for more prolonged heating and cooling.

Abstract: A pair of cooler inserts may be used as single units when immersed in a beverage in a container or as a pair when positioned in a cooler of the type designed to hold multi-pack beverage containers. Each insert has a flat top wall, a flat bottom wall, a pair of sidewalls and a pair of flat end walls. Plural concavities are formed in each side wall to accommodate cylindrical surfaces of beverage cans when the inserts are used as a pair to cool multi-pack beverage containers. Posts are formed in the top wall of each insert and post-receiving recesses are formed in the bottom wall of each insert so that a pair of inserts are easily interlocked to one another when a first insert is positioned in overlying relation to a second insert. The flat top and bottom walls ensure that the concavities abut the respective cylindrical surfaces of the multi-pack beverage cans along the entire vertical extent of the cans so that the cans are cooled to the maximum extent possible.

Abstract: An improved beverage cooling device is disclosed. The device consists of a main body. The main body is filled with a freezable material. A suction cup is attached to an open beverage container and the main body, after being sufficiently cooled, is threadably attached to the suction cup. A ring is attached to the top of the main body to allow for comfortable handling of the cold main body. An optional second ring is attached to the bottom of the main body for aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: A device for providing cooling relief for the body, especially during physical recreational/leisure activities, is disclosed which makes use of a water-permeable tubular material envelope containing a particulate resinous gel-forming material. The particulate resinous material, when hydrated by emersion in water, forms a soft pliable gel-like substance. The cooling effect of this device is provided by the evaporation of water from the surface of the material envelope. The filamentous components of the material envelope, by capillary action, wick water from the interstitial spaces in the water hydrated gel material, carrying the water to the material/air/skin interface. The water evaporating from that interface results in the evaporative cooling effect.

Abstract: A shallow pouch comprises a broad bottom panel, a plurality of narrow side panels, and a closable flap opposite the bottom panel. The flap includes a plurality of fasteners configured to releasably fasten the flap in a closed position over the pouch. The pouch is adapted to receive a cooling pack therein such that the cooling pack rests on the bottom panel between the side panels and such that the flap covers the cooling pack when the flap is in a closed position over the pouch. A strap is attached to the pouch and includes a strap fastening means adapted to releasably fasten the strap about a human wrist such that the bottom panel rests against an inside of the wrist.

Abstract: A portable insulated cooler system for beverages which includes one or more bottles containing a freezable coolant refrigerant. The bottles define recesses for receiving the housed beverage containers. An insulated casing or liner extends about the bottle to maintain and contain containers in a cool condition for an extended period of time. The bottles and casing are inserted into a fabric carrying case for convenience of the user. The carrying case, bottles and insulative casing may be configured so that the cooler may be comfortably carried by the user in a manner similar to a "fanny pack". In other embodiments, the bottles containing the refrigerant are identical one to the other and are positioned in face-to-face relationship to form a plurality of cooling chambers. The cooler may also be placed in another article for transportation such as within the large side pocket of a golf bag.

Abstract: A chiller device (10) for a pitcher (12) which holds a beverage (14). The pitcher (12) has a body (16) with an open top rim (18), a spout (20) on the open top rim (18) and a handle (22) on the body (16). The chiller device (10) comprises a sealed container (24) with a coolant (20) that becomes frozen is carried within the sealed container (24). A structure (28) is for maintaining the sealed container (24) with the coolant (26) within the body (16) of the pitcher (12), to keep the beverage (14) cold during a predetermined time interval. Even when the handle (22) is grasped by a hand of a person and the body (16) of the pitcher (12) tipped over to pour some of the beverage (14) from the spout (20) on the open top rim (18) into a glass, the sealed container (24) with the coolant (26) will stay within the body (16)) of the pitcher (12).

Abstract: A food container and assemblage of internal components including a tray with a corrugated and slotted bottom panel supported within the container receptacle, and a cooling pack positioned within the container in a variety of positions to define food chambers wherein the food is maintained out of contact with the cooling pack.

Abstract: A compress suitable for use in hot and cold treatments of an animal or human body part is described, such compress comprising a flexible container containing a formulation comprising an aqueous solution and discrete particles of a crosslinked, water-absorbing polymer. In one embodiment, the compress is contained in a sealed plastic bag. The formulation used in the compress can further comprise an anti-freeze agent, a salt compound, a glycol compound or mixtures thereof. The crosslinked, water-absorbing polymer in one embodiment is polyacrylamide or sodium polyacrylate.

Abstract: An insulated stein for carrying and maintaining a constant temperature of a poured beverage or of a canned beverage, featuring a sleeve to slip the can into, an optional insulating vessel to alterntively slip into the sleeve that can by itself contain a beverage poured into the vessel, a D-handle for the user to grasp onto, a hinged lid that can be pivoted upwards or downwards to cover the top of the can or to make the can accessible to the user, and a portable reusable refrigerant disk that fits into a cavity in the bottom of the stein and is held in place by a fitted bottom cap. The stein is made of an injection molded thermoplastic selected for good insulating properties.

Abstract: Phase-change materials are used to preserve temperature-sensitive items such as biological specimens without subjecting the latter to extreme heat or extreme cold. Such use provides active thermal control due to melting and solidification of the phase-change materials at constant temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is a heating and cooling pad for therapeutically treating the orbital, frontal, nasal, and temporal regions of a patient's head with a non-ambient temperature fluid that circulates through the pad. The pad includes a pair of molded membranes that enclose a central reservoir. Capillaries extend outwardly from opposing sides of the central reservoir into collector channels that extend around the outer periphery of the pad. The reservoir and collector channels are connected to an external source of the fluid. The design of the reservoir and capillaries is optimized to deliver the temperature-adjusting fluid to key anatomical structures. The pad includes a unique integral support structure including a universal joint, that allows adjustment of its shape.

Abstract: An ice pack having a bag, securement devices, and a clip. The bag has two multi-layer walls which are bonded to form a containment section, a neck, a mouth, and a clip mounting tab. The layers of the bag walls perform various functions for the ice pack. The securement devices have hook strips mounted to the bag and pile straps attached to the bag. The pile straps wrap around the object to which the ice pack is to be applied, and engage the hook strips. The clip includes two plates connected together by a hinge. The elongated hooks are positioned such that the two elongated hooks engage when the plates are rotated about the hinge, and secure the neck of the bag between the two elongated hooks. The inner surfaces of the clip are attached to the clip mounting tab located near the neck of the bag, thereby facilitating the sealing of the bag by the clip.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling and retarding an increase in the temperature of a liquid contained in a vessel. The apparatus includes a base for substantially occupying the lower interior of liquid containing vessel and a cooling body for upward projection from the base so that when the base is placed in the vessel the cooling body projects upwardly therefrom for submersion in the liquid. The cooling body comprises a sealed container substantially filled with a slow-to-freeze, slow-to-thaw gelatinous material which may be frozen prior to submersion in the liquid.

Abstract: An adjustable, refreezable heat removing cooler for refrigerating and insulating a variety of products such as variously sized beverage containers, frozen dinners, reusable plastic food left-over containers, or other objects. The cooler provides a cover having an inner and an outer layer of urethane coated nylon fabric that is sewn to form an envelope-like jacket. An array of refrigerant pouches in an elongate refrigerant bag carry a freezable refrigerant, such as Blue Ice, or a similar reusable refrigerant. An insulation layer of Thinsulate or similar insulation slows heat energy transfer through the outer lay of urethane fabric. Lack of insulation between the inner layer of fabric enhances heat energy flow from the item being cooled into the refrigerant. An elongate strip having hook fasteners on one side and loop fasteners on the other side allows the user to attach the cooler to a variety of objects having different circumferences.

Abstract: An insulated bag having a hollow enclosing wall and one open and one covered end is disclosed. The enclosing wall and the covered end include a multilayered structure made of an inner layer of heat resistive material, an intermediate layer, filled with air or other flexible heat insulating material disposed over said inner layer, and an outer layer of a metalized polyethylene material disposed over said intermediate layer. The covered end includes a heat sealed removable disc that when removed provides an opening in said covered end.

Abstract: A therapeutic pad is used in footwear which has a liquid absorbent to prevent liquid leakage in the event the sealed envelope of the pad is ruptured. The footwear includes a pair of compartments which substantially surround the foot cavity for receiving the therapeutic pad.

Abstract: A cooling pack for cooling and keeping cool beverages and other containerized food products. The cooling pack is designed to fit closely around the container and is adjustable to fit around a variety of containers. The cooling pack is also designed to be foldably compact, when not in use or for freezing. The cooling pack is made of an insulating yet flexible material, the exterior of which is ideal for printing commercial or other symbols upon. The cooling pack also includes a convenient strap for carrying the loaded cooling pack in a secure manner.

Abstract: A flexible, pressurized insert for insertion within the hot (evaporator) side of an inclined heat pipe that forms a part of a heat pipe heat exchanger. This insert is employed in order to prevent such heat pipe from rupturing in the event the working fluid contained therein freezes. This insert is constructed of a thin-walled flexible material that is capable of being deformed (i.e. compressed) thereby absorbing the expansion pressures exerted by the working fluid should the working fluid freeze or be exposed to freezing temperatures. By such absorption, the outer heat pipe itself will not be over-pressurized which might otherwise lead to its rupture. Upon the thawing of the working fluid, the pressurized insert (which is at a pressure greater than that of the working fluid in its non-frozen state) will once again regain its shape.

Abstract: A cooler for maintaining objects at a desired temperature. The inventive device includes a cooler body having a hollow perimeter sidewall. A gel-pack insert is removably positioned within the hollow perimeter sidewall and a removable upper rim closure seals the gel-pack insert therewithin. A lid is pivotally mounted to the upper rim closure and operates to enclose objects within the cooler body, whereby the gel-pack insert maintains the objects within the cooler at a desired temperature.

Abstract: Food or beverage container with two layers and a refrigerant material disposed between the two layers. The two layers have flanges outwardly disposed from the receptacle areas in the container. The two layers and/or flanges may be coupled together to form a liquid impervious seal. The refrigerant material may include a dye. A thermometer may be disposed in the refrigerant material or the receptacle area of the container.

Abstract: Particulate agents of this invention typically consist of a hydrophobic, microwave transparent liquid contained in a microwave responsive substrate. Liquid and substrate are selected to be substantially free of attendant moisture. The liquid is readily absorbed into its substrate and retained therein by capillary forces. Aggregates of such particulate agents preheated by microwave energy contain stored dry heat which is transferrable to load objects. The particulate agents may be formulated to provide a desirable fragrance along with the delivery of heat.

Abstract: A cooling insert for use in a beverage container or in a cooler for beverage containers such as cans which has opposed enlarged ends sized to fit in the beverage container with opposed grooves or concave openings formed in said ends for the passage of a straw or grasping with fingers and with the opposed enlarged ends being connected by an elongated center portion of reduced cross section. The ends being dimensioned so that a pair of inserts are stackable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cold pack device which includes a cold pack, a band member configured to extend around a part of a body in a self-supporting manner, and a housing connected to the band which removably receives the cold pack therein and a method of cooling using the same.

Abstract: A cooling device which utilizes an ice substitute in a shaped container which can be inserted into a sport bottle and retained in place by the straw so that the cooling device remains at the bottom of the sport bottle. The cooling device contains openings or slots at the bottom to allow the fluid to be drawn through the openings after it has flowed past the cooling device. The cooling device contains a hollow center through which the straw is placed, with retaining nibs or protrusions holding the cooling device in place and retaining it with respect to the straw. The device can be available in different sizes to fit a number of sport bottles and straws.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a therapeutic support garment comprising an elongated support member having two ends, an adjustable securing member for removably securing the support member ends, at least one breast pouch disposed on the support member, a positioning member for removably positioning the breast pouch, and a temperature regulator positioned in the breast pouch for imparting a predetermined temperature to the wearer's breast regions to relieve the discomforts of swelling and tenderness thereof.

Abstract: A portable container which may be refrigerated is provided which is composed of a flexible floor, walls, and lid and composed of inner and outer walls with flexible refrigerant gel captivated between these walls, floor and lid. The lid may be closed to the container with a device selected from the group consisting of nylon zippers and velcro seals. The entire container may be compressed or folded in a relatively flat position in order to be easily placed into the freezer so that the gel can be frozen for cooling purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cold-storage cartridge comprising a housing (1,2) having an interior into which a cold-storage medium (4) is introduced and having a device for indicating the charging state of the cold-storage medium. A very simple arrangement for the indication of the fully charged state is obtained in that the indicator device comprises an indicator substance (13) whose melting temperature Ti is lower than the melting temperature Ts of the cold-storage medium (4), in that the indicator substance (13) is held in a container (10) which is in heat-conducting contact with the cold-storage medium (4), in that the container (10) comprises an optically transparent wall portion (8) and in that the indicator device is connected to the cold-storage cartridge in such a manner that the transparent wall portion (8) is visible from outside the cold-storage cartridge.

Abstract: This invention disclosure pertains to a device which is used for cooling soda and food by means of a reusable two piece horizontally positioned iceblock pack which the parts thereof are molded to conform to the shape of a two liter soda bottle. The iceblock pack with bottle and a food holding tray are contained within a thickly insulated rectangular housing. A vented tap is screwed onto the bottle after being enclosed within the case to permit dispensing of the soda. The unit is supported into its tilted angled down position by means of an angular shaped leg apparatus which is also the carrying handle apparatus when rotated around to the top of the cooling unit and snapped onto the spring loaded buttons. The iceblock packs contained within the cooler are to be frozen within a freezing unit before usage.

Abstract: A soft-sided cooler is disclosed having a pivotably fastenable lid and a coolant container dimensioned to fit snugly within the underside region of the lid as defined by a plurality of generally opposing, inwardly facing sidewalls that extend downward towards the cooler body for fastening thereto when the lid is closed. The container is retained within the underside of the lid by VELCRO fastening surfaces on the container which mate with VELCRO fastening surfaces on at least a generally opposing pair of the sidewalls.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel compositions of matter, in particulate forms, which function as heat transfer agents for heating or cooling applications. The particulates comprise solid carriers containing microwave responsive substances which are liquid at a predetermined elevated operating temperature. These particulate agents, preheated by microwave energy, serve as sources of dry heat or moist heat, depending on their composition. They also serve as sources of cold, when prechilled in a freezer.

Abstract: Device for the local cooling of human body parts consisting of:a) a sheath;b) cooling means contained in said sheath;c) a flexible leaf contained also in said sheath, apt to adhere said sheath and said cooling means to the human part to cool.

Abstract: A thermal pack for heating or cooling portions of a body and a flow retardant gel for use therein. The thermal pack includes a gel pad and a pressure chamber. The gel includes a fibrous material disposed therein to essentially prevent flow and increase heat capacity.

Abstract: A method for performing chemical warfare and similar cleanup activities and apparatus enabling the performance of such activity in high-temperature environments while maintaining safe and worker comfortable body temperatures. The disclosed method and apparatus rely on alternate periods of work and rest with the rest periods being additionally used for worker body temperature regulation such as cooldown. A portable temperature regulated liquid source is provided. Avoidance of worker encumbrance by personally-borne apparatus and the maintenance of non-tethered independent condition during work portions of the operating cycle provide advantages over the most closely related prior methods and apparatus. Human subject test results are also included.

Abstract: A flexible wrap is arranged for securement about the side wall portion of a beverage keg, wherein the wrap includes a row of parallel pockets extending from the sides of the beverage keg to accommodate gel packs containing a freezable gel therewithin. The wrap is arranged for securement about the beverage keg, and further employs a lid and floor arranged to overlie the top and bottom walls of an associated beverage keg.

Abstract: A carrying bag or case is disclosed herein for storing heat sensitive cosmetics or the like in an internal storage compartment having a releasable fastener for closing an opening leading into the storage compartment. The storage compartment is surrounded by an auxiliary storage compartment for holding a replaceable refrigerant adjacent to the stored cosmetics which maintains the cosmetics or the like at a suitably low temperature to avoid spoiling. The carrying bag walls defining the storage compartment consists of a layered construction including flexible cushioning as well as temperature controlling characteristics.

Abstract: An improved portable and hand-held beverage chilling device, having water utilized as a coolant that can be frozen between non-permanently sealed walls of the device, is intended for chilling and subsequent maintenance of a canned or bottled beverage at its coldest liquid state, while providing direct consumption from its container. The beverage cooler features two cylindrical receptacles that are enclosed on one end. These receptacles, called shells, are of different diameter and height such that the inner is placed within the outer and a coolant is contained in the spacial void created. A beer or soft drink container is inserted within a cavity defined by the inner shell, thereby facilitating cooling. A threaded circular cap, with a circular hole of comparable diameter to that of the inner shell, is assembled by hand to the top of the inner shell in a snap-on interlocking fashion. The cap is secured by hand to the outer shell by means of mutually mating threads.

Abstract: An improved method to provide cooling properties to common beverage containers or sport water bottles is described. Specifically, a thermal cooling insert is universally applicable for use in many such containers used by outdoors, bicycle and fitness enthusiasts. The thermal insert is comprised of a molded polyethylene hollow tube filled with a safe, non-toxic refrigerant material which imparts cooling benefit to beverages held inside the container for extended periods of time. The refrigerant material is hermetically sealed inside the tube. The insert includes a flexible "spring loading" stabilizing assembly system which allows simple insertion into and removal from the container and effectively holds the insert in place during use. A shock absorbing assembly may be incorporated into the bottom of the insert to help hold the insert in place, cushion the insert and reduce rattling during use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination food and beverage cooler. The cooler includes a bottom wall, a plurality of attached side walls, and a top opening defined by the side walls. The bottom wall and side walls substantially enclose a compartment area formed therein. A beverage compartment is positioned in the compartment area and adjacent the bottom wall for storing an otherwise non-contained beverage. The beverage compartment is relatively flat and extends over a relatively large surface area of the compartment area in relation to its volume. A food compartment in the compartment area stores items such as canned goods, canned drinks and other solid food items. A cooler pack in the compartment area is positioned between the food compartment and the beverage compartment for cooling the food compartment and the beverage compartment. The cooler pack extends over a relatively large surface area of the beverage compartment and the food compartment.

Abstract: A thermal insulated bottle (10) includes an outer container (12) having an open end (16) and an inner cup (18) which is at least partially received and spaced apart from the outer container ( 12 ) . The inner cup ( 18 ) and outer container (12) engage each other, preferably by a shoulder (24) at the open end (16) of the outer container (12) which encloses the space between the inner cup (18) and the outer container (12) to form a chamber (26). Within the chamber (26), a sleeve (28) of freezable fluid (30) is positioned around the inner cup (18). A thermal insulating material (32) occupies the rest of the chamber (26) between the sleeve (28) and the outer container (12).

Abstract: An ice container for an ice-storage type air conditioning system includes a sealed plastic housing containing water therein. The housing has a plurality of elongated slots formed uniformly in the entire outer surface thereof. When the water in the housing is frozen, the bottom walls of the slots expand to increase the capacity of the housing. The bottom walls of the slots are arranged and sized so that the slots can remain in the outer surface of the housing when the water in the outer housing is frozen. The housing has a groove formed in one end surface thereof, and a tongue projecting outward from the other end surface thereof. The tongue of one housing can be inserted into the groove of another housing so that a plurality of the housings can be arranged in a row.

Abstract: An insulated bottle container which is characterized by a flexible enclosure having an inner insulation layer and a stiff bottom to facilitate freestanding and shock resistance. Elastic is provided in the neck and body portions of the enclosure to ensure a tight fit around a bottle, can or other container placed in the enclosure. At least one, and preferably a pair of refrigerant pockets are provided in the body of the enclosure to receive refrigerant capsules that may be frozen to provide cooling of the bottle, can or other container in the enclosure. One or more handles may be attached to the top portion of the enclosure for carrying purposes.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel compositions of matter, in particulate forms, which function as heat transfer agents for heating or cooling applications. The particulates comprise solid carriers containing microwave responsive substances which are liquid at a predetermined elevated operating temperature. These particulate agents, preheated by microwave energy, serve as sources of dry heat or moist heat, depending on their composition. They also serve as sources of cold, when prechilled in a freezer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an insulated wrap intended for wrapping any desired item in order to maintain a given temperature, either hot or cold, for the desired item. The method basically consists of providing a die having a plurality of cavities each of which has evacuation means associated therewith, placing a flexible thermoformable film over the die and evacuating the cavities thereby to thermoform the film and create multiple pouches in the film material. The pouches are then filled with a eutectic chemical compound consisting of potassium chloride solution, and then overlying the pouch-filled film with an insulated sealing film. The insulated sealing film consists of a polyethylene film co-extruded to a layer of closed cell polyolefin foam. The sealing film acts as a thermo barrier. The wrap is completed by providing fastening means at opposed ends of the wrap in order to permit the wrap to be fastened about any desired item for temperature maintenance purposes.