Abstract:
A cooling device has a shell made up of a first layer and a second layer. The cooling device further has a medium transfer apparatus positioned between the first layer and the second layer that is detachably coupled to a medium injection apparatus. The medium injection apparatus contains a medium such that the medium is forced by the medium injection apparatus through the medium transfer apparatus thereby altering a temperature of the shell.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/846,301, entitled “Apparatuses and Methods for Adjusting Body Temperatures” and filed on Sep. 21, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
     RELATED ART 
       [0002]    There are a number of reasons one might want to decrease the temperature of a body part. For example, during physical activity, a person&#39;s body temperature rises, and applying cool or cold temperatures to the body part reduces the temperature. The temperature reduction may enable the person to continue the physical activity and/or bring comfort to the person. 
         [0003]    In addition, one may have an injury to a body part resulting from some type of physical activity. Oftentimes, it is advantageous to apply cool or cold temperatures to the injured body part in order to mitigate or eliminate pain associated with the injury or mitigate or eliminate swelling associated with the injury. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatuses and methods for cooling. In particular, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses that are worn by a user to cool a body part. 
         [0005]    An apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a shell having a first layer and a second layer and a medium transfer apparatus positioned between the first layer and the second layer of the shell. The medium transfer apparatus is detachably coupled to a medium injection apparatus containing a medium such that the medium is forced by the medium injection apparatus through the medium transfer apparatus thereby altering a temperature of the shell. 
         [0006]    A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the step of detachably coupling a medium injection apparatus to a medium transfer apparatus that is positioned within a shell, the medium injection apparatus having a medium that is compressed at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The method further comprises the step of injecting the medium from the medium injection apparatus through the medium transfer apparatus to the shell. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Furthermore, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a top view of a medium transfer apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the medium transfer apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is diagram illustrating an exploded view of an exemplary shoe of the prior art. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is diagram illustrating an exploded view of the shoe of  FIG. 3  with the medium transfer apparatus of  FIG. 1  inserted between an insole and an outsole of the shoe. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the shoe depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a side view of the shoe depicted in  FIG. 5  when a medium injection apparatus is being used to inject a medium through the medium transfer apparatus into the shoe. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating the medium injection apparatus and a portion of the medium transfer apparatus depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a shoe in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating a side view of a shoe having a built-in medium transfer apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating a front view of the shoe depicted in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating a top view of a shoe in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the shoe depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a flow chart illustrating a method for altering temperatures within a shoe in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is a flow chart illustrating a method for making a medium transfer apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating a wrist band having a medium transfer apparatus embedded therein in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the wrist band depicted by  FIG. 15 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 17  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the wrist band depicted by  FIG. 15 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating a top view of the medium transfer apparatus that is embedded in the wrist band depicted by  FIG. 15 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 19  is a diagram illustrating a bottom view of the medium transfer apparatus that is embedded in the wrist band depicted by  FIG. 15 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 20  is a diagram illustrating a fabric having a medium transfer apparatus embedded therein in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0028]      FIG. 21  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the fabric depicted by  FIG. 20 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 22  is a diagram illustrating a hat having an inner region lined with the fabric depicted by  FIG. 20 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 23  is a diagram illustrating a bottom view of the hat depicted in  FIG. 22 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 24  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary ankle brace in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0032]      FIG. 25  depicts a cross-sectional view of the ankle brace depicted by  FIG. 24 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 26  depicts a diagram illustrating an outside layer of a medium transfer apparatus used in the ankle brace depicted in  FIG. 24 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 27  depicts a diagram illustrating an inside layer of the medium transfer apparatus used in the ankle brace depicted in  FIG. 24 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 28  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary knee brace in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0036]      FIG. 29  depicts a cross-sectional view of the knee brace depicted by  FIG. 28 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 30  depicts a diagram illustrating an outside layer of a medium transfer apparatus used in the knee brace depicted in  FIG. 28 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 31  depicts a diagram illustrating an inside layer of the medium transfer apparatus used in the knee brace depicted in  FIG. 28 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 32  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary elbow brace in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0040]      FIG. 33  depicts a cross-sectional view of the elbow brace depicted by  FIG. 32 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 34  depicts a diagram illustrating an outside layer of a medium transfer apparatus used in the elbow brace depicted in  FIG. 32 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 35  depicts a diagram illustrating an inside layer of the medium transfer apparatus used in the elbow brace depicted in  FIG. 32 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 36  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary neck brace in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]    The present disclosure generally pertains to apparatuses and methods for cooling various body parts and/or extremities. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a medium transfer apparatus is inserted into and/or coupled to an article of clothing, such as, for example, a shoe, a wristband, a hat, or the like. The apparatus has an inlet that can be detachably coupled to a medium injection apparatus, such as a conventional spray can, that injects compressed air or some other cooling medium through the medium transfer apparatus into an interior region of the article of clothing. Thus, by injecting the cooling medium into the article of clothing, a user is able to cool an extremity without removing the article of clothing. 
         [0045]    In one embodiment, the cooling medium is directed to an insole of a shoe such that the insole is significantly cooled by the cooling medium being injected into the shoe. The cooled insole continues to draw heat from the user&#39;s foot and the user continues to feel a cooling sensation long after the cooling medium injection has ended. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 1 and 2  depict a medium transfer apparatus  50  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The medium transfer apparatus  50  comprises an upper layer  52  that has been melded with a lower layer  53  to form a bead  55  joining the upper and lower layers  52  and  53 , which form a foot-shaped base  68  and an inlet  69 . The upper and lower layers  52  and  53 , as well as the bead  55 , form a cavity  63  that is airtight except for a plurality of apertures  66  in the upper layer  52  and except for the inlet  69 . As will be described in more detail hereafter, the inlet  69  allows a medium, such as cooled or heated air, to enter the cavity  63 , and the apertures  66  allow the medium to exit the cavity  63 . 
         [0047]    In the embodiment depicted by  FIG. 1 , the inlet  69  is hollow and open at both ends  72  and  73  such that a medium may be injected into the end  72  and pass into the cavity  63  through end  73 . The end  72  of the inlet  69  forms a tab  76  that is wider than a throat  77  of the inlet  69 , as shown by  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the width (w 1 ) of the tab  76  is about 1¼ inches, and the width (w 2 ) of the throat  77  is about one-quarter of an inch, although w 2  increases slightly at end  73  making this end  73  tapered. By being wider than the throat  77 , the tab  76  is easier to locate and grasp by a user. In addition, a length (l 1 ) of the inlet  69  is about 5⅛ inches, and a length (l 2 ) of the tab  76  is about 1½ inches. In other embodiments, other shapes and dimensions of the inlet  69  are possible. 
         [0048]    As shown by  FIG. 1 , the tab  76  has a slit  79  in its upper layer  52 . The slit  79  provides an opening through which a medium can be injected, as will be described hereafter in more detail. 
         [0049]    A width (w 3 ) of the base  68  is about 10 inches, and a length (l 3 ) of the base  68  is about 2½ inches. In  FIG. 1 , the perimeter of the base  68  is generally shaped like a foot in two dimensions (2D). However, other shapes and dimensions of the base  68  are possible in other embodiments. 
         [0050]    The bead  55  forms the outer perimeter of both the base  68  and inlet  69 . Further, each layer  52  and  53  is composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is about 0.006 inches thick. In addition, the material of the apparatus  50  is flexible. However, in other embodiments, other types of material, including flexible and/or inflexible material, as well as porous and/or non-porous, may be used, and other dimensions are possible. 
         [0051]    In one embodiment, the apparatus  50  is inserted into a shoe, and the inlet  69  is positioned such that end  72  is exposed and conveniently accessible to a user.  FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary shoe  81  of the prior art. The shoe  81  comprises an outsole  84 , an insole  85 , and a vamp  86 . The outsole  84  is attached to the vamp  86 , and the insole  85  resides between the vamp  86  and the outsole  84 . When a user is wearing the shoe  81 , the bottom of the user&#39;s foot is pressed against the upper surface  88  of the insole  85  such that the user&#39;s weight is supported by the outsole  84  and insole  85  with the vamp  86  covering the top of the user&#39;s foot. Although the insole  85  is inserted between the vamp  86  and the outsole  84 , the insole  85  is often not fixedly attached to either the vamp  86  or the outsole  84  so that the insole  85  can be removed through an opening  89  in the vamp  86 . 
         [0052]    In one exemplary embodiment, the base  68  of the medium transfer apparatus  50  is positioned between the outsole  84  and the insole  85 , as depicted by  FIG. 4 . For example, the insole  85  may be removed from the shoe  81  through the opening  89 , and the medium transfer apparatus  50  may be inserted into the shoe  81  through this same opening  89 . In particular, the apparatus  50  may be positioned on the upper surface of the outsole  84 , and the insole  85  may then be re-inserted into the shoe  81  through the opening  89  such that a bottom surface of the insole  85  contacts the upper layer  52  of the apparatus  50 . Thus, a medium passing through the apertures  66  in the layer  52  strikes the bottom surface of the insole  85 , as will be described in more detail hereafter. 
         [0053]      FIG. 5  depicts a cross-sectional view of the shoe  81  after the apparatus  50  has been inserted as described above. In the embodiment depicted by  FIG. 5 , the inlet  69  has been positioned such that it passes through opening  89 , and the end  72  of the inlet  69  is exposed. In other embodiments, the inlet  69  may be positioned differently. When a person&#39;s foot is inserted into the shoe  81 , as shown by  FIG. 6 , the person&#39;s foot, ankle, and/or leg presses the inlet  69  against an inner surface of the vamp  86  thereby keeping the inlet  69  in the same approximate position such that the end  72  remains exposed and accessible. 
         [0054]    When desired, a user may cool his foot by interfacing a medium injection apparatus  110  with the exposed end  72  of inlet  69  and then using the apparatus  110  to inject a cooling medium, such as compressed air or oxygen, into the cavity  63  of the medium transfer apparatus  50 . The cooling medium is forced through the apertures  66  in the upper layer  52  of the apparatus  50  and strikes the insole  85  lowering the temperature of the insole  85 . Lowering the temperature of the insole  85  helps to draw heat from the user&#39;s foot thereby cooling the user&#39;s foot. Further, some of the cooling medium may be forced around the edges of the insole  85  into the region between the vamp  86  and the insole  85 . Such medium may strike the user&#39;s foot further cooling the user&#39;s foot. Moreover, injecting the cooling medium into the shoe  81  may provide the user with an immediate cooling sensation as well as significantly lower the temperature of the insole  85  for a relatively long period of time (e.g., several minutes) so that the user continues to feel a cooling sensation long after the injection. 
         [0055]    The material of the apparatus  50  is flexible in at least one embodiment. In such an embodiment, there may be no space between the upper and lower layers  52  and  53  when medium is not being injected into the apparatus  50 . When medium is injected into the apparatus  50 , the medium will slightly separate portions of the upper layer  52  from the lower layer  53  as the medium travels through the apparatus  50 . 
         [0056]    In one exemplary embodiment, as shown by  FIG. 6 , the medium injection apparatus  110  comprises a spray can  121  having a nozzle  125 . The cooling medium is contained within the spray can  121  and is under a pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure. For example, in one embodiment, the cooling medium is under a pressure of about 160-180 pounds per square inch (psi) when measured at an ambient temperature of 130 degrees F. Many conventional spray cans of compressed air or other media are manufactured with contents at about 100 to 200 psi when measured at an ambient temperature of 130 degrees F., and any known or future-developed spray can be used to implement the medium injection apparatus  110 . Such spray cans often include a refrigerant. In one embodiment, the cooling medium contained within the apparatus  110  is composed, at least partially, of difluoroxthane. For example, the medium in the apparatus  110  may be a compressed mixture of air and difluoroxthane. Further, other types of devices and other pressures are also possible. 
         [0057]    In the embodiment depicted by  FIG. 6 , the apparatus  110  comprises a removable hollow straw  131  that detachably couples the nozzle  125  to the end  72  of the inlet  69 . The tip of the straw  131  and the inlet  69  are dimensioned such that the inlet  69  fits around an outer periphery of the straw tip, as shown by  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Various other techniques for interfacing the apparatus  110  and the inlet  69  are possible in other embodiments. Indeed, the use of a straw  131  is unnecessary, and the inlet  69  may be detachably coupled to the nozzle  125  in some other manner. For example, the nozzle  125  may be interfaced directly with the inlet  69 . 
         [0058]    In the instant embodiment, the cooling medium exiting the can  121  passes through a hollow tip  126  of the nozzle  125 . The inner wall of the tip  126  fits snugly around the straw  131  such that frictional forces help to keep the straw  131  coupled to the tip  126  and such that medium exiting through the nozzle  125  preferably does not escape between the straw  131  and tip  126 . In another example, the inner wall of the straw  131  may be dimensioned to snugly fit around the tip  126 . 
         [0059]    In addition, the width of the throat  77  is slightly larger than that of the straw  131  such that the straw  131  can be inserted into the inlet  69  through the slit  79  and pass into the throat  77 , as shown by  FIGS. 6 and 7 . When a medium is being injected by the apparatus  110 , a significant portion of the medium is forced through the throat  77  into the cavity  63  and then through the apertures  66 , as will be described in more detail hereafter. In general, the closer that the straw  131  is inserted to the tapered end  73 , the less likely it is that portions of the injected medium will escape through the slit  79 . 
         [0060]    In the embodiment shown by  FIG. 6 , the nozzle  125  comprises a trigger  138  that when actuated by a user, releases the cooling medium within the can  121  through the nozzle  125 . In this regard, actuation of the trigger  138  transitions the nozzle  125  to a state in which a path is provided from the interior of the can  121  through the nozzle  125  to the atmosphere or, in the case when the nozzle  125  is interfaced with the inlet  69 , to the cavity  63  of the apparatus  50 . Since the contents of the can  121  are under pressure greater than the external pressure, the cooling medium of the can  121  is expelled through such a path when the trigger  138  is actuated. When the trigger  138  is released or otherwise no longer actuated, the path is closed such that the contents of the can  121  are not allowed to escape. The operation of the spray can  121  described herein may be similar or identical to that of other conventional spray cans and other types of medium injection apparatuses. 
         [0061]    In one exemplary embodiment, the cooling medium that is within the apparatus  110  and injected into the shoe  81  by the apparatus  110  is compressed air. The temperature of the cooling medium compressed at about 160-180 psi can be very low, such as close to or below freezing (ie., 32 degrees F.) upon exiting the spray can  121 . Thus, the cooling medium being injected into the shoe  81  in the instant example is likely significantly colder than the interior region of the shoe  81  prior to the injection. Accordingly, injection of the cooling medium within the shoe  81 , as described herein, has a significant effect to the temperatures within the shoe  81  and provides the user with a significant cooling sensation. 
         [0062]    In fact, injecting the cooling medium into the shoe  81 , as described above, for only a short time, such as a few seconds, can have a significant and prolonged impact to the temperatures within the shoe  81 . In particular, the insole  85 , which is struck directly by the cooling medium in the instant example, can be significantly cooled such that its temperature remains significantly below its original temperature (i.e., its temperate prior to the cooling medium injection) for a prolonged period (e.g., about ten minutes or more) without another injection. Accordingly, an athlete, such as a tennis or football player, may make an injection during a short break in play, yet the effects of the injection may linger well after play has resumed. 
         [0063]      FIG. 8  depicts another embodiment in which the medium transfer apparatus  50  is positioned on the upper surface  88  of the insole  85  rather than between the insole  85  and the outsole  84 . In this regard, the upper layer  52  faces the insole surface  88  such that the cooling medium passing through the apertures  66  strikes and cools the insole surface  88 . However, the presence of the apparatus  50  between the user&#39;s foot and the insole  85  may somewhat shield the insole  85  from the foot. Depending on the heat transfer characteristics of the insole  85  and the apparatus  50 , the insole  85  may be better cooled and/or cooled for a longer time period relative to the apparatus  50  such that it would be more preferable for the user&#39;s foot to abut the insole  85 , as described above for the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 . However, the injected cooling medium cools the apparatus  50  as well as the insole  85 , and if desired, the apparatus  50  may abut the user&#39;s foot so that heat is drawn from the user&#39;s foot by the apparatus  50 . 
         [0064]    In another exemplary embodiment, the medium transfer apparatus  50  is positioned on the upper surface  88  of the insole  85 , similar to the embodiment depicted by  FIG. 8 . However, the lower layer  53  faces the insole  85  such that the upper layer  52  faces the user&#39;s foot. Thus, the cooling medium passing through the apertures  66  directly strikes the user&#39;s foot. In such an embodiment, it is not likely that the insole  85  is as affected by the injection as in the embodiments described above, possibly limiting the duration of the injection&#39;s effect to the insole  85 . In addition, as described above, the temperature of the cooling medium can be very cold, such as close to or below freezing. In such an example, longer bursts of the cooling medium may not be possible without harming the user&#39;s foot. Thus, shorter bursts may be desired in order to prevent injury. Such shorter bursts, although giving the user an immediate cooling sensation, may have shorter lasting effects. 
         [0065]    As described above, the medium transfer apparatus  50  may be inserted into the shoe  81  after the shoe  81  has been manufactured, such as by removing the insole  85 , inserting the apparatus  50 , and inserting the insole  85  back into the shoe  81 . In other embodiments, the apparatus  50  may be built-in such that it is inserted into the shoe  81  during manufacturing. For example,  FIGS. 9 and 10  depict an embodiment in which the apparatus  50  is positioned in the shoe  81  during manufacturing, and the inlet  69  passes through the outsole  84 . In this regard, as best illustrated in  FIG. 10 , an end  72  of the inlet  69  protrudes from the outsole  84 . In the depicted embodiment, the end  72  is not wider than the throat  77 . An inner periphery of the end  72  can, however, be about the same as the outer periphery of the straw  131  such that the end  72  snugly fits around the straw  131  when the straw  131  is interfaced with the end  72 . In another example, the end  72  may form a tab  72  that is wider than the throat  77 , as described above. Except for the positioning of the inlet  69 , the configuration of the shoe  81  and the apparatus  50  may be identical to any of the embodiments previously described above. In the embodiment depicted by  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the outsole  84  may be manufactured with a groove (not shown) through which the inlet  69  may be inserted when the apparatus  50  is positioned during manufacturing. In other embodiments, the inlet  69  may pass through other components of a shoe. For example, the inlet  69  may pass through a hole in the vamp  86 . 
         [0066]    In addition, in several of the embodiments described above, the width of the straw  131  has been described as being smaller than the width of the inlet  69  and, in particular, the throat  77  of the inlet  69 . However, it is possible for the width of the straw  131  to be greater than the width of the inlet  69 . As an example, the end  72  of the inlet  69  could be composed of a rigid material having an outer periphery slightly smaller than the inner periphery of the straw  131 . In such an embodiment, the medium injection apparatus  110  could be interfaced with the medium transfer apparatus  50  by inserting the end  72  into the straw  131  such that the straw  131  fits snugly around the end  72 . Various other techniques for interfacing the medium transfer apparatus  50  with the medium injection apparatus  50  would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. 
         [0067]    In some embodiments described above, the medium transfer apparatus  50  is composed of flexible material. However, the apparatus  50  may be composed of inflexible material or a combination of flexible and inflexible material. For example, the inlet  69  may be composed of a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic material, and the base  68  may be composed of a flexible material. In another example, the end  72  may be covered by a hollow and rigid tip (not shown). Such a rigid tip may facilitate interfacing of the apparatuses  50  and  110 . 
         [0068]      FIGS. 11 and 12  depict a shoe  81  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment shown by  FIGS. 11 and 12  is identical to that shown by  FIG. 5  except that the inlet  69  is embedded in the vamp  86  and has a rigid tip  99  at end  72 . The straw  131  may be interfaced with the tip  99  so that the cooling medium can be injected via inlet  69  into the cavity  63  of the apparatus  50  similar to the embodiments previously described above. The tip  99  is hollow and dimensioned such that the straw  131  snugly fits around the tip  99  or vice versa. For example, the outer periphery of the tip  99  may be about the same as the inner periphery of the straw  131  so that the straw  131  fits snugly around the tip  99 , or the outer periphery of the straw  131  may be about the same as the inner periphery of the tip  99  so that the tip  99  fits snugly around the straw  131 . 
         [0069]    Note that the apparatus  50  may be positioned differently in other yet embodiments. For example, the base  68  of the apparatus  50  may be embedded within the insole  85 . In such an embodiment, the insole  85  may have a hole (not shown) for allowing the inlet  69  to pass out of the insole  85 , or the inlet  69  may be an integral component of the insole  85 . If the inlet  69  passes through a hole in the insole  85 , such a hole may be large enough to allow the injected medium to exit the insole  85 , or the insole  85  may have additional holes for allowing the injected medium to exit. In addition, the layers  52  and  53  may be composed of a material similar to that of the insole  85  so that the apparatus  50  can replace the conventional insole  85  or be used in lieu of the conventional insole  85 . 
         [0070]    It should be emphasized that in any of the embodiments described above, the nozzle  125  may be interfaced directly with the medium transfer apparatus  50  without the use of a straw  131 . For example, in the embodiment depicted by  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the shoe tip  99  may fit snugly into nozzle tip  126  or vice versa. As an example, the outer periphery of the shoe tip  99  may be about the same as the inner periphery of the nozzle tip  126  so that the nozzle tip  126  fits snugly around the shoe tip  99 , or the outer periphery of nozzle the tip  126  may be about the same as the inner periphery of the shoe tip  99  so that the shoe tip  99  fits snugly around the nozzle tip  126 . 
         [0071]    An exemplary use and operation of a medium transfer apparatus  50  will be described in detail hereinbelow with particular reference to  FIG. 13 . 
         [0072]    Assume that a user of the shoe  81  shown by  FIG. 3  desires to use the medium transfer apparatus  50  to cool his feet when wearing the shoe  81 . Before donning the shoe  81 , the user removes the insole  85  and inserts the medium transfer apparatus  50  into the shoe  81 , as shown by block  211  of  FIG. 13 . The user then inserts the insole  85  back into the shoe  81  on top of the apparatus  50 , as shown by  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In other examples, the apparatus  50  may be inserted and/or attached to the shoe  81  by the shoe manufacturer such that it is unnecessary for the user to insert the apparatus  50  into the shoe  81 . 
         [0073]    At some point, the user may desire to use the apparatus  50  for cooling his foot. For example, the user may be an athlete, such as a football player, and desire to use the apparatus  50  for cooling his foot after coming to the sideline during a football game. In another example, the user may be a tennis player and desire to use the apparatus  50  to cool his foot during a break between sets. 
         [0074]    To cool his foot, the user interfaces the medium injection apparatus  110  with the inlet  69  so that the cooling medium in the apparatus  110  can be injected into the medium transfer apparatus  50  through the inlet  69 , as shown by block  215  of  FIG. 13 . For illustrative purposes, assume that the apparatus  110  comprises a spray can  121 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 , and that the cooling medium is composed of compressed air and a refrigerant, although other types of medium injection apparatuses  110  and cooling media may be used in other examples. In the instant example, the user couples one end of the hollow straw  131  to the nozzle  125  such that any of the cooling medium exiting the apparatus  110  passes through the straw  131 . The user also inserts the opposite end of the straw  131  into the inlet  69  through the slit  79  such that the cooling medium passing through the straw  131  enters the inlet  69  and passes into the cavity  63  of the apparatus  50 . 
         [0075]    The user then operates the medium injection apparatus  110  such that cooling medium within the apparatus  110  is injected into the medium transfer apparatus  50 , as shown by block  221  of  FIG. 13 . In the instant example, the user actuates the trigger  138  such that the cooling medium, which is under pressure, is forced out of the apparatus  110  through the nozzle  125 . During injection, the relatively high pressure within the apparatus  110  forces the cooling medium through the straw  131  and inlet  69  into the cavity  63 . In addition, such pressure also forces the cooling medium out of the cavity  63  through the apertures  66  such that the cooling medium strikes the insole  85  thereby cooling the insole  85 . In the instant example, the cooling medium is pressurized to about 160-180 psi when measured at an ambient temperature of 130 degrees F., although other pressures are possible in other examples. 
         [0076]    The duration of the injection may be for any time period, and the user may make more than one injection, if desired. Generally, the longer that cooling medium is injected into the shoe  81  via apparatus  50 , the greater is the cooling effect to the user&#39;s foot and to the insole  85 . In one example, the user maintains an injection for about 5 to 10 seconds. Such a duration, at the exemplary pressures described above for the instant example, can provide a significant cooling effect. Indeed, the insole  85  may remain below its original temperature (i.e., its temperature prior to the injection) for several minutes after the injection has ended. Moreover, the insole  85  may continue cooling the user&#39;s foot long after the injection has ended. Eventually, heat from the user&#39;s foot and/or other sources may raise the temperature of the insole  85  back to its original temperature, but at any time, the user may perform another injection to again cool his foot and the insole  85 , as described above. 
         [0077]    After performing at least one injection, the user decouples the medium injection apparatus  110  from the medium transfer apparatus  50 , as shown by block  225 , so that the medium injection apparatus  110  does not interfere with the user&#39;s activities. In the instant example, the user can decouple the medium injection apparatus  110  from the medium transfer apparatus  50  by simply pulling the straw  131  out of the inlet  69 . 
         [0078]    There are various methods that can be used to manufacture the medium injection apparatus  50 . One exemplary method will be described in more detail hereinbelow with particular reference to  FIG. 14 . 
         [0079]    Initially, two sheets of material for forming the layers  52  and  53  are provided, as shown by block  311  of  FIG. 14 . In one example, each of the sheets is composed of PVC and is about 0.006 inches thick, although other types of material and other thicknesses are possible in other examples. One of the sheets is punctured to form apertures  66 , as shown by block  314  of  FIG. 14 . Any known or future-developed process of puncturing a sheet of material may be used. 
         [0080]    One of the sheets is then overlaid with the other sheet, such that one of the sheets is positioned on top of the other sheet, as shown by block  316  of  FIG. 14 . The two sheets are then melded to form the bead  55 , as shown by block  317  of  FIG. 14 . In one embodiment, a thermoformer is used to meld the two sheets in block  317 . A thermoformer is a well-known press that uses radio frequency (RF) sealing for forming a seal. Such a seal can be of just about any desired pattern. In the instant example, a pattern is selected such that the perimeter of the bead portion forming the base  68  is in the general shape of a foot outline, as shown by  FIG. 1 , although other types of shapes are possible in other examples. 
         [0081]    Once the bead  55  has been formed, the bead  55  and the sheet material within the perimeter of the bead  55  are separated from the remainder of the sheet material to provide the apparatus  50  depicted in  FIG. 1 , as shown by block  325  of  FIG. 14 . In this regard, the portion of the sheet material forming the apparatus  50  can be easily separated from the remainder of the sheet material by hand, although some type of automated separating process may be used instead. 
         [0082]    The above embodiments have been described as injecting a medium for cooling a user&#39;s foot. In other examples, the injection medium apparatus  110  may contain a heated medium, which can be injected into the shoe  81  according to the same or similar techniques described above for injecting a cooling medium so that the user&#39;s foot and/or the insole  85  can be warmed instead of cooled. 
         [0083]    Additionally, it should be emphasized that the aforedescribed embodiments of the medium transfer apparatus  50  and the medium injection apparatus  110  are exemplary, and other configurations of the apparatuses  50  and  110  are possible without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, the shoe  81  depicted above is also exemplary, and apparatuses  50  and  110  may be used with other types of known or future-developed shoes in other embodiments. Further, the method of manufacturing an exemplary medium transfer apparatus  50  is described above for illustrative purposes, and other methods of manufacturing a medium transfer apparatus  50  are possible. 
         [0084]    Furthermore, it should be noted that the medium transfer apparatus  50  can be used in locations other than in shoes to allow the apparatus  50  to cool or heat parts of the body other than feet. For example, the apparatus  50  may be embedded within clothing fabric and used to alter the temperatures of such fabric. 
         [0085]      FIG. 15  depicts an exemplary wrist band  411  being worn on a wrist of a user. As shown by  FIGS. 15-17 , the wrist band  411  comprises an upper layer  416  and a lower layer  417  of fabric, such as cotton, forming a shell. The apparatus  50  is disposed between the layers  416  and  417  so that the apparatus  50  is embedded within the wrist band  411 . Note that the layers  416  and  417  are sewn together along seams  421  and  422 . 
         [0086]    As shown by  FIG. 18 , the apparatus  50  of the instant embodiment is similar to the apparatus  50  of the embodiment depicted by  FIG. 1 . However, the base  68  is dimensioned such that it fits between the layers  416  and  417 . Further, as in the previously described embodiments, the apparatus  50  of  FIG. 18  has an inlet  69  that allows a medium from a medium injection apparatus  110  to be injected into the cavity  63  of the apparatus  50 . As shown by  FIG. 15 , the end  72  of the inlet  69  is exposed. 
         [0087]    As shown by  FIGS. 17-19 , apertures  66  exist in both layers  52  and  53  of the apparatus  50 . Thus, when a cooling medium is injected into the apparatus  50 , the medium exits the apertures  66  in both layers  52  and  53  and strikes both of the fabric layers  416  and  417 . Thus, both of the fabric layers  416  and  417  are cooled. Note that  FIG. 16  shows no space between layers  52  and  53 , such as may be the case when the cooling medium is not being injected into the apparatus  50 .  FIG. 17 , however, shows a slight separation between the layers  52  and  53 , such as may be the case when the cooling medium is being injected into the apparatus  50 . 
         [0088]    To provide an enhanced cooling sensation, it is generally desirable for the fabric layer in contact with the user&#39;s body to be cooled by the cooling medium injection. In the instant example, the bottom fabric layer  417  contacts the user&#39;s wrist, and the apertures  66  in the bottom layer  53  of the apparatus  50  allow the cooling medium to strike this fabric layer  417  thereby enhancing the cooling sensation to the user. 
         [0089]    Moreover, the upper fabric layer  416  is not in direct contact with the user&#39;s body in  FIG. 15 . If desired, the upper layer  52  could be configured without apertures  66  such that all of the cooling medium is directed through the apertures  66  in layer  53  toward the fabric layer  417  is in direct contact with the user&#39;s wrist. However, the user may rub the upper fabric layer  416  against parts of his body (e.g., the user may rub the layer  416  against his forehead or face to wipe perspiration from his forehead or face). By configuring the layer  52  with apertures  66 , cooling medium injected through the apparatus  50  is directed toward the upper fabric layer  416  thereby enhancing the cooling effect to this layer  416 . The user may acutely sense this cooling effect when he rubs the layer  416  against other body parts, such as his forehead or face. Accordingly, having apertures  66  in both layers  52  and  53  may enhance the overall cooling effect to the user. 
         [0090]    The apparatus  50  may be similarly disposed between fabrics of other articles of clothing to provide cooling sensations to other parts of the body. For example, the apparatus  50  may be embedded within shirts, pants, hats, head bands, and/or other articles of clothing. In addition, the material of the layers  52  and  53  may be composed of conventional clothing fabric material, such as cotton, polyester, wool, etc., such that the apparatus  50  is formed by the article of clothing being worn. As an example, a shirt may comprise an inner layer of clothing fabric and an outer layer of clothing fabric. An inlet may allow a cooling medium to be injected between the two layers of fabric thereby cooling each of the layers. Either of the layers may have vents to allow the cooling medium to egress from the layers of fabric. Other types of articles of clothing may be similarly configured. 
         [0091]      FIGS. 20 and 21  depict an exemplary fabric  505  that can be used to form just about any article of clothing. Similar to the wrist band  411  depicted by  FIG. 15 , the fabric  505  has two layers  516  and  517  of fabric material, such as cotton, for example, with a medium transfer apparatus  50  embedded between the two layers  516  and  517 . The fabric layers  516  and  517  are sewn together along a seam  521 . 
         [0092]    The base  68  of the apparatus  50  between the fabric layers  516  and  517  may have any shape or size. Preferably, the base  68  is dimensioned to fit between the fabric layers  516  and  517 . However, it is possible for at least portions of the base  68  to extrude from the fabric  505 . As shown by  FIG. 20 , the inlet  69  of the apparatus  50  is exposed to allow a medium injection apparatus  110  to be detachably coupled to the inlet  69  so that cooling medium can be injected into the apparatus  50  through the inlet  69  as described above in the previous embodiments. 
         [0093]    At least one aperture  66  exists in at least one of the layers  52  and  53  of the apparatus  50  so that the injected cooling medium is directed toward and strikes at least one of the fabric layers  516  and  517 . As described above, directing the cooling medium toward a fabric layer in contact with a user&#39;s body generally enhances the cooling sensation felt by the user. If desired, apertures  66  may exist in both layers  52  and  53  so that cooling medium is directed toward and strikes both fabric layers  516  and  517 . Note that the seam  521  is preferably not airtight so that portions of the cooling medium can escape between the layers  516  and  517 . 
         [0094]    The fabric  505  of  FIG. 20  is generally circular and is dimensioned such that it can fit within an exemplary hat, as will be described in more detail hereafter. However, the fabric  505  may have other shapes and dimensions in other embodiments. Indeed, the fabric  505  may be used to form a shirt, pants, or some other article of clothing. The fabric  505  may be used to form a head strap within a military helmet or some other type of clothing strap. In one embodiment, the inner or outer surface of a canteen may be lined with the fabric  505  so that the fabric  505  can be used to cool the contents of the canteen. The fabric  505  may have a rectangular or some other elongated shape so that it can be wrapped around the neck of a user, like a towel. The inner surface of a military flak jacket may be lined with the fabric  505 . In each of the aforedescribed examples, a cooling medium can be injected into the apparatus  50  by a medium injection apparatus  110  in order to cool one or more of the fabric layers  516  and  517  and to provide a cooling sensation to the user. Further, like the insole  85  described above, the cooling of either of the layers  516  and  517  may be significant such that the cooling effects continue long after the injection has ended. 
         [0095]      FIG. 22  depicts an exemplary hat  533 . As shown by  FIG. 23 , an inner surface of the hat  533  that would otherwise contact the user&#39;s head is lined with the fabric  505  of  FIG. 20 . Thus, the fabric  505  contacts the user&#39;s head and cools the user&#39;s head when cooling medium is injected into the apparatus  50 . As shown by  FIG. 23 , the fabric  505  may be sewn to the hat  533  along a plurality of seams  537 . 
         [0096]    Note that, in some examples, the apparatus  50  can be used without either of the layers  516  or  517 . For example, if one of the layers  516  or  517  is to be the only layer directly contacting a user&#39;s body, then the other layer  516  or  517  could be eliminated. In such an example, the seam  521  may join the apparatus  50  to one of the layers  516  or  517 . Further, in some examples, the apparatus  50  may directly contact the user&#39;s body. However, having a layer between the user&#39;s body and apparatus  50  is generally desirable to help prevent injury to the user&#39;s body due to the temperature of the cooling medium exiting the apertures  66 . Further, such a layer may enable longer injections of cooling medium without injury thereby increasing the duration of the cooling effects from an injection. In this regard, the layer between the apparatus  50  and the user&#39;s body can be cooled to a very low temperature thereby helping to prolong the effects of the injection. Further, as described above, a heating medium instead of a cooling medium may be injected into the apparatus  50  for any of the aforedescribed embodiments in order to generate a heating sensation rather than a cooling sensation. 
         [0097]    In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooling medium is directed to an inner layer of an ankle brace such that the ankle brace, and the user&#39;s ankle, is significantly cooled by the cooling medium being injected into the inner layer. The cooled ankle brace continues to draw heat from the user&#39;s ankle and the user continues to feel a cooling sensation long after the cooling medium injection has ended. 
         [0098]      FIG. 24  depicts such an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 24  depicts an ankle brace  2400  from which protrudes an air inlet  2406  from an opening  2401  in the ankle brace  2400 . Notably, the ankle brace  2400  fits substantially snug to an ankle (not shown) and a corresponding foot  2409 . 
         [0099]    As described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 6 , a medium injection apparatus  110  ( FIG. 6 ) is inserted into air inlet  2406 . When a user (not shown) actuates the medium injection apparatus  110 , cool or cold air (not shown) is delivered to the ankle brace  2400 , as described further with reference to  FIGS. 25-27 . 
         [0100]    The delivered air works to cool the user&#39;s foot  2409  and ankle (not shown). In this regard, a user can cool the foot  2409  and ankle (not shown) while continuing to engage in physical activity or while the user is resting. Notably, once the user injects cool air into the ankle brace  2400 , the ankle brace  2400  continues to draw heat from the user&#39;s ankle and foot  2409  and the user continues to feel the cooling sensation long after the cooling medium injection has ended. 
         [0101]      FIG. 25  depicts a cross-sectional view of the ankle brace  2400  taken along line  25  ( FIG. 24 ). The ankle brace  2400  comprises an outer layer  2402 , a medium transfer apparatus  2403 , and an inner layer  2404 . The outer layer  2402  and the inner layer  2404  form a shell in which the medium transfer apparatus  2403  resides. 
         [0102]    In one embodiment, the outer layer  2402  is made of a stretchable material, such as, for example, Neoprene. Other types of elastic materials may be used for the outer layer  2402  in other embodiments. Further, the inner layer  2404  is made of any type of material, including cotton. A material capable of protecting one&#39;s skin from extreme temperatures may also be employed. 
         [0103]    The medium transfer apparatus  2403  is substantially similar to the apparatus  50  ( FIG. 1 ) as described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 1 . Accordingly, in one embodiment the medium transfer apparatus  2403  is comprised of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is about 0.006 inches thick. In addition, the material of the medium transfer apparatus  2403  is flexible. The medium transfer apparatus  2403  has an outer layer  2403   a  and an inner layer  2403   b  that are melded together to form a cavity  2410 . The outer layer  2403   a  and the inner layer  2403   b  are described further with reference to  FIGS. 26 and 27 . As described hereinabove, when the user injects cool air into via the air inlet  2406 , the cool air (not shown) enters the cavity  2410 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 26  depicts a perspective view of the outer layer  2403   a  of the medium transfer apparatus  2403 , and  FIG. 27  depicts a perspective view of the inner layer  2403   b  of the medium transfer apparatus  2403 . As noted, the cavity  2410  is formed by the melding of the outer layer  2403   a  and the inner layer  2403   b.    
         [0105]    The outer layer  2403   a  is substantially solid and comprises the air inlet  2406 . Whereas, the inner layer comprises a plurality of apertures  2405 . In one embodiment, the outer layer  2403   a  is melded with the inner layer  2403   b  to form a bead  2455  joining the outer layer  2403   a  and inner layer  2403   b . The outer and inner layers  2403   a  and  2403   b , as well as the bead  2455 , form the cavity  2410  that is substantially airtight except for the plurality of apertures  2405  ( FIG. 27 ) in the inner layer  2403   b  and the inlet  2406  ( FIG. 26 ). 
         [0106]    The medium transfer apparatus  2403  is then inserted between the outer layer  2402  ( FIG. 25 ) and the inner layer  2404  ( FIG. 25 ) of the ankle brace  2400 . Such insertion may be accomplished by, for example, sewing the outer layer  2402  to the inner layer  2404  thereby encapsulating the medium transfer apparatus  2403 . 
         [0107]    When the ankle brace  2400  is assembled, the inlet  2406  protrudes through the opening  2401 . Such inlet  2406  allows a medium, such as cooled or heated air, to enter the cavity  2410 , and the apertures  2405  allow the medium to exit the cavity  2410 . 
         [0108]    In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooling medium is directed to an inner layer of a knee brace such that the knee brace, and the user&#39;s leg, is significantly cooled by the cooling medium being injected into an inner layer of the knee brace. The cooled knee brace continues to draw heat from the user&#39;s leg and the user continues to feel a cooling sensation long after the cooling medium injection has ended. 
         [0109]      FIG. 28  depicts such an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 28  depicts a knee brace  2800  from which protrudes an air inlet  2806  from an opening  2801  in the knee brace  2800 . Notably, the knee brace  2800  fits substantially snug to a leg  2809 . 
         [0110]    As described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 6 , a medium injection apparatus  110  ( FIG. 6 ) is inserted into air inlet  2806 . When a user (not shown) actuates the medium injection apparatus  110 , cool or cold air (not shown) is delivered to the knee brace  2800 , as described further with reference to  FIGS. 29-31 . 
         [0111]    The delivered air works to cool the user&#39;s leg  2809 . In this regard, a user can cool the leg  2809  while continuing to engage in physical activity or while the user is resting. Notably, once the user injects cool air into the knee brace  2800 , the knee brace  2800  continues to draw heat from the user&#39;s leg  2809 , and the user continues to feel the cooling sensation long after the cooling medium injection has ended. 
         [0112]      FIG. 29  depicts a cross-sectional view of the knee brace  2800  taken along line  29  ( FIG. 28 ). The knee brace  2800  comprises an outer layer  2802 , a medium transfer apparatus  2803 , and an inner layer  2804 . The outer layer  2802  and the inner layer  2804  form a shell in which the medium transfer apparatus  2803  resides. 
         [0113]    In one embodiment, the outer layer  2802  is made of a stretchable material, such as, for example, Neoprene. Other types of elastic materials may be used for the outer layer  2802  in other embodiments. Further, the inner layer  2804  is made of any type of material, including cotton. A material capable of protecting one&#39;s skin from extreme temperatures, for example Thinsulate or Gortex, may also be employed. 
         [0114]    The medium transfer apparatus  2803  is substantially similar to the apparatus  50  ( FIG. 1 ) as described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 1 , except that the apparatus  2803  is shaped in accordance with a leg and corresponding knee. Accordingly, in one embodiment the medium transfer apparatus  2803  is comprised of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is about 0.006 inches thick. In addition, the material of the medium transfer apparatus  2803  is flexible. 
         [0115]    The medium transfer apparatus  2803  has an outer layer  2803   a  and an inner layer  2803   b  that are melded together to form a cavity  2810 . The outer layer  2803   a  and the inner layer  2803   b  are described further with reference to  FIGS. 30 and 31 . As described hereinabove, when the user injects cool air into via the air inlet  2806 , the cool air (not shown) enters the cavity  2810 . 
         [0116]      FIG. 30  depicts a perspective view of the outer layer  2803   a  of the medium transfer apparatus  2803 , and  FIG. 31  depicts a perspective view of the inner layer  2803   b  of the medium transfer apparatus  2803 . As noted, the cavity  2810  is formed by the melding of the outer layer  2803   a  and the inner layer  2803   b.    
         [0117]    The outer layer  2803   a  is substantially solid and comprises the air inlet  2806 . Whereas, the inner layer comprises a plurality of apertures  2805 . In one embodiment, the outer layer  2803   a  is melded with the inner layer  2803   b  to form a bead  2855  joining the outer layer  2803   a  and inner layer  2803   b . The outer and inner layers  2803   a  and  2803   b , as well as the bead  2855 , form the cavity  2810  that is substantially airtight except for the plurality of apertures  2805  ( FIG. 31 ) in the inner layer  2803   b  and the inlet  2806  ( FIG. 30 ). 
         [0118]    The medium transfer apparatus  2803  is then inserted between the outer layer  2802  ( FIG. 29 ) and the inner layer  2804  ( FIG. 29 ) of the knee brace  2800 . Such insertion may be accomplished by, for example, sewing the outer layer  2802  to the inner layer  2804  thereby encapsulating the medium transfer apparatus  2803 . 
         [0119]    When assembled the inlet  2806  protrudes through the opening  2801 . Such inlet  2806  allows a medium, such as cooled or heated air, to enter the cavity  2810 , and the apertures  2805  allow the medium to exit the cavity  2810  thereby cooling the leg  2809 . 
         [0120]    In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooling medium is directed to an inner layer of an elbow brace such that the elbow brace, and the user&#39;s arm, are significantly cooled by the cooling medium being injected into an inner layer of the elbow brace. The cooled elbow brace continues to draw heat from the user&#39;s arm and the user continues to feel a cooling sensation long after the cooling medium injection has ended. 
         [0121]      FIG. 32  depicts such an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 32  depicts an elbow brace  3200  from which protrudes an air inlet  3206  from an opening  3201  in the elbow brace  3200 . Notably, the elbow brace  3200  fits substantially snug to an arm  3209 . 
         [0122]    As described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 6 , a medium injection apparatus  110  ( FIG. 6 ) is inserted into air inlet  3206 . When a user (not shown) actuates the medium injection apparatus  110 , cool or cold air (not shown) is delivered to the elbow brace  3200 , as described further with reference to  FIGS. 33-35 . 
         [0123]    The delivered air works to cool the user&#39;s arm  3209 . In this regard, a user can cool the arm  3209  while continuing to engage in physical activity or while the user is resting. Notably, once the user injects cool air into the elbow brace  3200 , the elbow brace  3200  continues to draw heat from the user&#39;s arm  3209 , and the user continues to feel the cooling sensation long after the cooling medium injection has ended. 
         [0124]      FIG. 33  depicts a cross-sectional view of the knee brace  3200  taken along line  33  ( FIG. 32 ). The elbow brace  3200  comprises an outer layer  3202 , a medium transfer apparatus  3203 , and an inner layer  3204 . The outer layer  3202  and the inner layer  3204  form a shell in which the medium transfer apparatus  3203  resides. 
         [0125]    In one embodiment, the outer layer  3202  is made of a stretchable material, such as, for example, Neoprene. Other types of elastic materials may be used for the outer layer  3202  in other embodiments. Further, the inner layer  3204  is made of any type of material, including cotton. A material capable of protecting one&#39;s skin from extreme temperatures, for example Thinsulate or Gortex, may also be employed. 
         [0126]    The medium transfer apparatus  3203  is substantially similar to the apparatus  50  ( FIG. 1 ) as described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 1 , except that the apparatus  3203  is shaped in accordance with an arm and corresponding elbow. Accordingly, in one embodiment the medium transfer apparatus  3203  is comprised of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is about 0.006 inches thick. In addition, the material of the medium transfer apparatus  3203  is flexible. 
         [0127]    The medium transfer apparatus  3203  has an outer layer  3203   a  and an inner layer  2803   b  that are melded together to form a cavity  3210 . The outer layer  3203   a  and the inner layer  3203   b  are described further with reference to  FIGS. 34 and 35 . As described hereinabove, when the user injects cool air into via the air inlet  3206 , the cool air (not shown) enters the cavity  3210 . 
         [0128]      FIG. 34  depicts a perspective view of the outer layer  3203   a  of the medium transfer apparatus  3203 , and  FIG. 35  depicts a perspective view of the inner layer  3503   b  of the medium transfer apparatus  3203 . As noted, the cavity  3210  is formed by the melding of the outer layer  3203   a  and the inner layer  3203   b.    
         [0129]    The outer layer  3203   a  is substantially solid and comprises the air inlet  3206 . Whereas, the inner layer comprises a plurality of apertures  3205 . In one embodiment, the outer layer  3203   a  is melded with the inner layer  3203   b  to form a bead  3255  joining the outer layer  3203   a  and inner layer  3203   b . The outer and inner layers  3203   a  and  3203   b , as well as the bead  3255 , form the cavity  3210  that is substantially airtight except for the plurality of apertures  3205   FIG. 35 ) in the inner layer  3203   b  and the inlet  3206  ( FIG. 34 ). 
         [0130]    The medium transfer apparatus  3203  is then inserted between the outer layer  3202  ( FIG. 33 ) and the inner layer  3204  ( FIG. 33 ) of the elbow brace  3200 . Such insertion may be accomplished by, for example, sewing the outer layer  3202  to the inner layer  3204  thereby encapsulating the medium transfer apparatus  3203 . 
         [0131]    When assembled, the inlet  3206  protrudes through the opening  3201 . Such inlet  3206  allows a medium, such as cooled or heated air, to enter the cavity  3210 , and the apertures  3205  allow the medium to exit the cavity  3210  thereby cooling the leg  3209 . 
         [0132]    In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooling medium is directed to an inner layer of a neck brace such that the neck brace, and the user&#39;s neck, are significantly cooled by the cooling medium being injected into an inner layer of the neck brace. The cooled neck brace continues to draw heat from the user&#39;s neck and the user continues to feel a cooling sensation long after the cooling medium injection has ended. 
         [0133]      FIG. 36  depicts a neck brace  3600  in accordance with such an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 6 , a medium injection apparatus  110  ( FIG. 6 ) is inserted into an air inlet  3606 . When a user (not shown) actuates the medium injection apparatus  10 , cool or cold air (not shown) is delivered to the elbow brace  3600  similar to injection of the cool or cold air into the wrist band  411  ( FIG. 15 ), the ankle brace  2400  ( FIG. 24 ), the knee brace  2800  ( FIG. 28 ), and the elbow brace  3200  ( FIG. 32 ). 
         [0134]    The delivered air works to cool a user&#39;s neck  3609 . In this regard, a user can cool the neck  3609  while continuing into physical activity or while the user is resting. Notably, once the user injects cool air into the neck brace  3600 , the neck brace  3600  continues to draw heat from the user&#39;s arm  3609 , and the user continues to feel the cooling sensation long after the cooling medium injection has ended. 
         [0135]    For brevity, a cross-section of the neck brace  3600  is not further described. However, the cross-section of the neck brace  3600  would be identical to the cross-section of the wrist band  411  described with reference to  FIG. 16 , the cross-section of the ankle brace  2400  described with reference to  FIG. 25 , the cross-section of the knee brace  2800  described with reference to  FIG. 29 , and the cross-section of the elbow brace  3200  described with reference to  FIG. 33 . Furthermore, the neck brace  3600  operates identical to such other embodiments, as described hereinabove.