Patent Publication Number: US-2021178104-A1

Title: Thermal material nebulizing system with animal mask

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to devices for atomizing liquid and, more particularly, to a noninvasive portable apparatus and system that utilizes a thermal medium to chill atomized liquid into a stream of chilled mist during nebulization and delivers the chilled mist to an animal. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Nebulizers are commonly found in the healthcare industry for delivery of atomized mist to a patient. Nebulizers hold a prescribed amount of liquid medication or saline that is then atomized for inhalation. The medication used will vary, depending on the needs of the patient, which can range from Albuterol for Asthma to Racemic Epinephrine for Croup. Nebulizers utilize a variety of technologies to atomize the solutions being inhaled, such as jet nebulizers, High Density Jet Nebulizers, ultrasonic wave nebulizers, and ultrasonic vibrating mesh technology among others. These methods all produce a room temperature mist delivered to the patient&#39;s airway, usually particles fewer than 5 micrometers for better delivery to the patient&#39;s airway. 
     Nebulizers are used for a variety of conditions including but not limited to Croup, RSV, Epiglottitis, Allergic Reactions, Bronchospasm, Laryngitis, Pneumonia, Asthma, COPD, Bronchitis, Sepsis, ventilated patients, and smoke/heat/blast inhalation patients. They are commonly used by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Pre-Hospital, ambulance, medical flight crews in aircraft, in Emergency Departments, ICU&#39;s, CCU&#39;s, Operating rooms, Recovery rooms, Medical and Surgical units, Respiratory Therapy for both in and out patients, Medical Short Stay units, doctors&#39; offices, urgent care clinics, Home Health, Military Medical personal in military hospitals, field hospitals, and front line medic treatment, Wilderness expedition medical crews, World Outreach Medical Teams, individual patients in their homes and by Veterinarians in Animal Hospitals, Zoos, Clinics, and in Outpatient settings. 
     Chilled liquid nebulized into mist can have beneficial effects on the patient and can be more comfortable for the patient. Chilled liquid nebulized into mist can act to reduce swelling and irritation of the larynx and upper respiratory tract due to illness such as croup, bronchitis, allergic reaction, smoke inhalation and other airway compromised patients. Chilled liquid nebulized into mist can act to initiate Therapeutic Hypothermia and treat other heat related illness. 
     Attempts have been made to chill breathable gases in the past, for example those of U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,423 (“Conway”), U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,184 (“Donohue”), U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,163 (“Jiang et al”) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/899,110 (“Carrier”). However, these attempts have all failed to produce an adaptable, ergonomic, highly portable, simple way to produce chilled mist nebulized from chilled liquid. For example, Conway uses a complicated mist producing apparatus that requires a constant power supply and is not compatible with standard nebulizers. Donohue cannot interface with a nebulizer and, therefore, cannot chill the fine mist produced by a nebulizer. Furthermore, Donohue chills the air that is breathed in immediately prior to breathing in, which may cause significant condensation of any fine particles contained in the air, significantly reducing the benefits of breathing fine particles. Similarly, Jiang et al uses a complex heat exchanger in order to chill or heat the mist and is not compatible with standard nebulizers in a portable manner. Carrier also does not interface with a standard nebulizer, and his device produces the chilling effect immediately prior to inhalation, which can cause the condensation issues described above. Carrier also involves a number of separate pieces that must be placed together in order to use the device, greatly reducing simplicity and ease of use. 
     Moreover, these designs require complicated processes and setups, and none are readily compatible with standard small-volume nebulizers, therefore requiring additional costly devices. There is a need, therefore, for a simple, ergonomic solution to chill the nebulized mist coming from a standard nebulizer, without requiring expensive or complicated systems. Such a solution should address the need for rapid reduction of airway edema, irritation, and/or inflammation in patients with Epiglottis, Croup, RSV, Bronchospasm, Fever, Allergic Reaction, Smoke Inhalation, Blast Injury, Asthma, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Laryngitis, Sepsis, COPD, ventilated patients, and pre and post ENT surgery, as well as provide for core cooling during CPR. Moreover, there is a need for rapid initiation of Therapeutic Hypothermia for patients post Cardiac Arrest or acute brain insult. Furthermore, there is a need for Targeted Temperature Management (TTM). 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a thermal nebulizing system is disclosed. The thermal nebulizing system includes a device that has a container with an interior, an input port in fluid communication with the interior, a nebulizer in the interior of the container and coupled to the input port, a conduit coupled to the nebulizer and configured to deliver a mist from the nebulizer to the exterior of the container, and a lid configured to cover the container. The interior is configured to accept a thermal material for cooling. The device includes a delivery apparatus coupled to the conduit that includes a mask having a body with an interior chamber and a cap with radially oriented flaps that are capable of bending inward into the interior chamber, the interior chamber sized and shaped to accommodate the muzzle, snout or beak of an animal. 
     In another embodiment, the device has a thermal material configured to chill a liquid; a source configured to deliver at least one of oxygen or compressed air to the nebulizer; and a delivery mechanism configured to interface with a recipient and deliver chilled nebulized mist from the nebulizer to the recipient. In a further embodiment, the thermal material is an evaporative material. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a device is provided that includes a container having at least a side wall and a bottom wall configured to define an open interior and an open top in communication with the interior, and an input port in the bottom wall or the side wall that is in fluid communication with the interior; a nebulizer located in the interior of the container and coupled to the input port for fluid communication; a lid configured to cover the open top and provide fluid communication with the interior of the container; and a conduit coupled to the lid and the nebulizer and configured to deliver a chilled mist from the nebulizer through the access tube extending through the lid to an exterior of the container. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the device includes a nipple extending through the container input port and into the interior of the container, the nipple coupled to an input of the nebulizer and sized and shaped to provide fluid communication between the input port and the input of the nebulizer and to position the nebulizer above the bottom wall of the container. 
     In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided that includes a thermal material configured to chill a liquid; a nebulizing device; a hand-holdable container having an interior sized and shaped to receive the nebulizing device and configured to store the thermal material around the nebulizing device; a source configured to deliver at least one of oxygen or compressed air to an input of the nebulizing device; and a delivery apparatus operably coupled to an output of the nebulizing device and configured to interface with a recipient and deliver chilled nebulized mist from the nebulizing device to the recipient. 
     Ideally, the system includes a conduit extending through the container and into the interior of the container, the conduit coupled to the input of the nebulizing device and sized and shaped to provide fluid communication between the source and the input of the nebulizing device and to hold the nebulizing device above the bottom wall of the container. 
     In accordance with still yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, a thermal material nebulizing and delivery apparatus is provided that includes a nebulizer having a fluid input and a fluid output and configured to hold a liquid; thermal material; a container configured to hold the thermal material and the nebulizer, the container having an interior and an input port and an open top in fluid communication with the interior and the input port; a cover configured to close the open top and having an opening structured to provide fluid communication with the interior; and a conduit mounted in the opening of the cover and coupled to the nebulizer and configured to deliver a chilled mist from the nebulizer through the lid and to an exterior of the container. 
     Ideally, the apparatus includes a conduit extending through the container and into the interior of the container, the conduit coupled to the input of the nebulizing device and sized and shaped to provide fluid communication between the source and the input of the nebulizing device and to hold the nebulizing device above the bottom wall of the container. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, the container is configured to hold the nebulizer in the interior and the container is configured to hold the thermal evaporative material in the interior surrounding the contained nebulizer. Alternatively, the container includes a double-walled portion having an interior space configured to hold the thermal material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily appreciated as the same become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a thermal nebulizing device that includes a delivery mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a partially exploded isometric view of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a container and cap of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a thermal nebulizing device that includes a mouthpiece attached to a connector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a partially exploded isometric view of the nebulizing device of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a partially exploded isometric view of a thermal nebulizing device with handles according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a thermal nebulizing device utilizing a thermal evaporative material according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a thermal nebulizing device that includes a mask configured to be used with animals or birds according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the nebulizing device of  FIG. 8  illustrating an animal using the nebulizing device; 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a mask being used with an animal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged isometric view of the mask of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of a thermal nebulizing device that includes a mask to attach to a recipient&#39;s face according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a partially exploded view of the nebulizing device of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the nebulizing device of  FIG. 12  shown being used by a child; 
         FIG. 15  is an isometric view of a thermal nebulizing device with a pacifier mist delivery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is an isometric view of a thermal nebulizing device having a dual port T-connector and supply tubing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is an isometric view of the nebulizing device of  FIG. 16  illustrating a dual-port embodiment in which one end of the T-connector is blocked off according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is a chart illustrating five mist cooling configurations for the Thermal Nebulizing System; 
         FIG. 19  is an pictorial view illustrating a doubled wall configuration of the thermal nebulizing container in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 20  is a partial cut-away isometric view illustrating the doubled wall configuration of the thermal nebulizing container of  FIG. 19 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or components or both associated with the nebulizing system, including but not limited to the oxygen or air compressor have not been shown or described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. 
     Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” The foregoing applies equally to the words “including” and “having.” 
     Reference throughout this description to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  shows a thermal nebulizing apparatus  20  configured to produce a chilled atomized mist to a patient for therapeutic purposes. The thermal nebulizing system  20  includes a container  22 , a lid  24  removably attached to the container, thermal material  26  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) in an interior  44  of the container  22  along with a nebulizer  28 , and a delivery mechanism  30 . The apparatus  20  also includes a T-shaped connector  32  mounted on top of an access tube  52 , and a mist delivery tube  34  configured to be coupled to the connector  32 . The thermal nebulizing system  20  provides a number of benefits to patients through the use of the container  22  and thermal material  26 . The thermal material  26  acts to cool a liquid  38  that is located in the nebulizer  28 , thereby delivering a chilled mist to the patient after nebulization. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the container  22  is made up of a circular sidewall  40  and a bottom  42 , forming a substantially hollow interior  44 , which is accessible through an opening  46  in the container top. The interior  44  is configured to receive and house the nebulizer  28 . 
     In addition, the interior  44  is structured to receive and store the thermal material  26 . The bottom  42  of the container  22  has a connector nipple  48  extending from the interior  44  through to the exterior of the bottom  42 , which is structured to provide fluid communication between an interior  45  of the nebulizer  28  and the outside of the container  22 . In other embodiments the connector nipple  48  may be located so as to extend through the sidewall  40  of the container  22 , or any other suitable location to provide fluid communication between the nebulizer interior  45  and the exterior of the container  22 . In some embodiments, the connector nipple  48  may be inserted through and sealingly connected to the container  22  through a snug fitting; however, the nipple  48  may be also be sealingly connected using an adhesive, threading or any other suitable means that provides a seal between the nipple  48  and the container  22  in order to prevent air or liquid from leaking to the outside of the container  22 . The ideal embodiment would be injection molded with the nebulizer  28  a fluid part of the container  22  housed in the interior  44  accessed through the opening  46  at the top of the container  22 . The access tube  52  is formed to be in fluid communication with the nebulizer  28 . 
     The lid  24  is mounted on to the container  22  in order to close off the opening  46 . The lid  24  may be any shape or size, but preferably has a two-tiered convex dome configuration  49 . The lid  24  is structured to mount to the sidewall  40  of the container to remain firmly in place yet be removable. The lid  24  may attach to the sidewall  40  through a screw-type threading, or it may snap onto the container  22  using ribs or depressions on the lid  24  and sidewall  40  or by any other suitable means. 
     The lid  24  includes a tube opening  50  in the top of the dome to accommodate an extension tube or access tube  52 , which is configured to provide fluid communication between the nebulizer  28  and the connector  32 . The tube opening  50  in the lid  24  has a generally circular shape through which the access tube  52  can be inserted. However, in other embodiments, the tube opening  50  can be any shape and size suitable to accommodate the access tube  52 . The access tube  52  is connected to the output of the nebulizer  28  for fluid communication, and it is configured as the output conduit of the nebulizer  28  through which the atomized mist is conveyed and expelled. The access tube  52  is formed to project through the tube opening  50  and connect to a fitting  31  on the connector  32 , preferably in a slidable arrangement. The lid  24  with the tube opening  50  and access tube  52  therefore enable fluid communication between the output of the nebulizer  28  and the connector  32  while still closing off the opening  46  of the container  22  to any other fluid communication. 
     The thermal material  26  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) can be any material with thermal properties capable of inducing a cooling effect on the liquid  38  in the nebulizer  28 . The thermal material  26  may induce a cooling effect on the liquid  38 . For example, in some cases, a patient may require Therapeutic Hypothermia, in order to cool the temperature of the patient&#39;s body. In such a case, the thermal material  26  would be of a type to cool the liquid  38  in order to deliver a chilled mist to the patient. The thermal material  26  is stored in the interior  44  of the container  22 , where it thermally interacts with the liquid  38  in the nebulizer  28  in order to induce a cooling effect. 
     The nebulizer  28  is generally a small volume nebulizer, structured to be inserted into the interior  44  of the container  22 . Because the nebulizer  28  is readily commercially available, it will not be described in detail herein. Briefly, the nebulizer  28  can be any type of nebulizer, for example, an ultrasonic nebulizer, jet nebulizer, High Density Jet Nebulizer or vibrating mesh nebulizer, but is preferably a small volume jet nebulizer, such as those manufactured by CareFusion. Generally, the nebulizer  28  has a housing  29  that defines the interior space  45 . Typically, the housing  28  is formed of a top  31  and a bottom  33  with a fluid input  35  formed in the bottom  33 , which is in fluid communication with the interior space  45 , and a fluid output  37  formed in the top  31 , which is also in fluid communication with the nebulizer interior space  45 . The interior space  45  of the nebulizer  28  contains the liquid  38 , which is reduced to a mist of fine particles and delivered to the patient through the fluid output  37  of the nebulizer and the access tube  52 . In all embodiments, the interior space  45  of the nebulizer  28  is in fluid communication with the connector nipple  48 . In such an embodiment, the nebulizer  28  receives a gaseous input from a gas source through the connector nipple  48 , for example, compressed air or oxygen. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the nipple  48  extends into the interior  44  of the container  22  a short distance before coupling to the input on the bottom of the nebulizer  28 . This positions the nebulizer  28  above the container bottom  48  to be centrally disposed inside the interior  44  of the container  22 , permitting the coolant or thermal material to surround the nebulizer  28  from the bottom  33  to the top  31  thereof. This facilitates more rapid and complete cooling of the liquid  38  in the nebulizer  48  as described more fully below. 
     The delivery mechanism  30  is an interface through which a patient receives the therapeutic mist from the thermal nebulizing system  20 . The delivery mechanism  30  is in fluid communication with the nebulizer  28  through the connector  32 , either directly or through the tube  34 , where the tube is connected to the connector  32  on one end and the delivery mechanism  30  on the other end. In other embodiments, the delivery mechanism may connect directly to the access tube  52 . The delivery mechanism  30  is configured to enable a patient to receive the chilled atomized mist through the delivery mechanism  30 . There are a number of delivery mechanisms commercially available, such as masks, mouthpieces, endotracheal tubes and pacifier mist delivery devices, and these will not be described in more detail. 
     The connector  32  is generally a T-shaped connector, but could also be any other connector with two or more end openings, such as an L-shaped connector, a straight tube connector, or a Y-shaped connector. The connector  32  has generally a hollow cylindrical shape, but it could also be any other shape. The fitting  31  extends at substantially a right angle from a cross tube  33 , and both the fitting  31  and the cross tube  33  are substantially hollow to allow for air passage. The fitting  31  is structured to connect the access tube  52  to the cross tube  33  and ultimately to the delivery mechanism  30  via the flexible tube  34 . The connector  32  may also optionally include a cover  36  in order to close off one of the cross tube  33  openings. 
     In the partially exploded view of  FIG. 2 , the thermal nebulizing system  20  is assembled by placing the nebulizer  28  inside the container  22 , placing the thermal material  26  inside the container  22  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ), and placing the lid  24  on the container  22  to cover the opening  46  while positioning the access tube  52  through the tube opening  50 . The connector  32  is attached to the access tube  52 , and the delivery mechanism  30  is attached to a connector, to attach to a ventilator. The container  22  may optionally also be covered in a thermally insulating sleeve in order to decrease loss of cooling ability, such as a neoprene sleeve. The nebulizer  28  is then used regularly, either with a liquid medication  38  or with sterile saline, while the patient breathes in the chilled mist through the delivery mechanism  30 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the container  22  and lid  24 . The container  22  can be any suitable material, but is preferably a material with an insulating quality in order to decrease thermal losses. The container  22  is generally made of a rigid material, such as plastic, polyethylene or polycarbonate, in order to protect the nebulizer  28  and thermal material  26 . Other embodiments may use a flexible material for enhanced portability and storage ability when not in use. In some embodiments, the container is between 1.5 and 4 inches in width or diameter, and between 3 and 6 inches in height, preferably about 2.5 inches in width or diameter and about 4.5 inches in height. The opening  46  is generally about the same width as the container  22 , or it may be somewhat smaller than the width of the container. Ideally, a 20 ounce size bottle is preferred because anything smaller would not hold enough ice along with the nebulizer  28 , and anything much larger would be difficult for a child to hold. The container  22  may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. 
     The lid  24  is configured to entirely cover and removably attach to the container  22  at the opening  46 . The lid  24  may be attached to the container  22  in any suitable fashion, such as threading, rib to rib connection, rib to depression connection, or any other method. The tube opening  50  is configured to snugly fit the access tube  52  through the tube opening  50 , and it is generally located in the center of the lid  24 . The tube opening  50  may be of any size suitable to fit the access tube  52 , but is preferably between 0.5 and 1.5 inches. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  show the thermal nebulizing system  20  with a corrugated tube  60  and mouthpiece  62 , both of which are readily commercially available. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  is the preferred embodiment for the typical method of use. The corrugated tube  60  is configured to removably attach to the connector  32 , while the mouthpiece  62  attaches to the other end of the connector  32 , and is used as the delivery mechanism  30 . The corrugated tube  60  allows ambient air to freely mix with the chilled nebulized mist upon delivery when desired. The corrugated tube further allows for the expiration of gases from the thermal nebulizing system  20  when necessary. The mouthpiece  62  is placed into a patient&#39;s mouth, and the nebulized mist, or oxygen enriched mist, is then inhaled by the patient through the mouthpiece. The connector  32  may also include an attachment point  64 , to which an anchor or tether can be attached to keep the corrugated tube  60  in a desired position. 
       FIG. 6  shows the thermal nebulizing system  20  with at least one handle  70  attached to the container  22 . The handle  70  could be place on both sides of the container  22 , or the container could have only one handle  70 . The handle could be anything suitable to make gripping the container easier, such as a D-shaped piece of rigid material. In some embodiments, the handle  70  is removable, being attached through any suitable removable means, such as a slot/insert mechanism or a hook and loop mechanism, such as Velcro. In other embodiments the handle  70  could be permanently attached to or formed to be integral with the container  22 . 
       FIG. 7  shows the thermal nebulizing system  20  with the thermal material  26 , in this case a thermal evaporative material  80  and a tubing  82 . The thermal evaporative material  80  is a fast evaporating material that is placed in the interior  44  of the container  22  in order to chill the liquid  38 . The evaporative material  80  could be any dry material capable of rapid evaporation to provide a cooling effect, such as evaporative material available from the Shanghai Tianjin Industry Co., Ltd. The thermal evaporative material  80  is activated by adding 30-60 mls water to 12-22 grams of dry snowflake shaped pieces of the evaporative material  80 . This allows users to chill the liquid  38  without access to power or ice, making the thermal nebulizing system  20  highly portable and mobile. The thermal evaporative material  80  can also be mixed with ice if available and desired in order to produce an even greater cooling effect. 
     In other embodiments, the thermal material  26  could be any suitable thermal material, such as ice, an ice and water mixture, cold water, frozen Thermal Gel Bead packs or a cold pack, such as the Dynarex Instant Cold Pack. In further embodiments, the thermal material  26  located inside the interior  44  of the container  22 , with the addition of a thermal material applied to the outside of the container, such as a cold pack wrapped around the outside of the container  22  for greater cooling effect. In other embodiments, the container  22  is configured to include a thermal material as an integrated part of the sidewall  40 , bottom  42 , or both in the form of an insulated container  22 . 
     The cooling temperatures of various types of thermal materials  26  used in conjunction with various delivery mechanisms  30  can be seen in the graph of  FIG. 18 . In a controlled environment this device predictably chilled nebulized mist to a Celsius temperature significantly less than ambient temperature for one hour.  FIG. 18  compares four types of Thermal medium for cooling liquid that is nebulized to a chilled mist. Four of the five configurations tested remained consistently under 10 degrees Celsius at the eight minute mark until termination of testing. The fifth configuration remained under 13 degrees Celsius from the five minute mark until termination of testing. All configurations indicate a slight increase in temperature when additional fluid was added to continue adequate mist production. The optional disposable insulator is a foil backed bubble wrap chosen for its lightweight yet effective insulating properties. Testing was terminated at one hour as this best reflects the longest expected transport time for the patient to a hospital or Medical Center. 
     Returning to  FIG. 7 , the tubing  82  is configured to be connected to the connector nipple  48  to deliver a gas to the nebulizer  28 . The tubing  82  connects to the connector nipple  48  in any suitable way, such as snuggly fitting the tubing  82  over the connector nipple  48 , snuggly fitting the connector nipple  48  over the tubing  82 , or screwing the tubing  82  and connector nipple  48  together with a threading system. 
     As shown in the figures, the container bottom  42  is concave and has a plurality of radially oriented ridges  45 . However, the bottom  42  can be formed without the ridges  45  and, in some configurations can be flat. 
     The tubing can be any size sufficient to deliver the required amount of gas to the nebulizer  28 , but is preferably between ¼ inch and ¾ inch. The tubing  82  is connected to a gas source (not shown) on the opposite end from the connector nipple  48 . The gas source can supply natural air, oxygen, or other suitable compressed gas source. The gas source is preferably set to deliver gas through the tubing at 8 Liters/minute, but can be set to any desired level. The tubing can be any length suitable to connect the thermal nebulizing system  20  to the gas source, but is preferably between 3 feet and 10 feet long. 
       FIGS. 8-11  show the thermal nebulizing system  20  with an animal mask  90  as the delivery mechanism. The animal mask  90  can be used to deliver therapeutic nebulizing techniques to animals  103 . The animal mask  90  is configured to be placed over the mouth, snout, beak or trunk of an animal without harming the animal, in order to deliver nebulized mist to the animal&#39;s air passages. The animal mask  90  can be connected directly to the connector  32 , the access tube  52 , or it can be connected to the connector  32  via the flexible tube  34  in order to give greater reach to the mask  90 . 
     In the illustrated version of  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the mask  90  has a circular sidewall  92 , a removable petal cap  94 , and a bottom wall  96  that together define an interior chamber  93 . The mask  90  also includes an access point  98  that is structured as an input port for fluid communication with the interior chamber  93 . The sidewall  92  can be either substantially straight, perpendicular to the bottom wall  96  and removable petal cap  94  or angled with respect to the bottom wall  96  and removable petal cap  94  to create a tapered sidewall  92 . The sidewall  92  and bottom wall  96  are preferably made of light weight, rigid material such as plastic, but can also be made of a flexible material in order to facilitate easier storage and portability. The access point  98  is preferably located in the bottom wall  96 , and is generally a hole in the bottom wall, or a hollow cylinder in the bottom wall  96  through which the animal mask  90  is connected to either the connector  32  or the tube  34 . The access point  98  is of sufficient size to connect to the connector  32  or the flexible tube  34 , either through snug fitting, a threaded screw type connection, or other suitable semi-air tight connections. Other embodiments of the access point  98  may include an L-shaped cylindrical port for direct connection to the access tube  52  or for connection to the connector  32  or tube  34 . 
     The removable petal cap  94  attaches to the sidewall  92  of the animal mask  90 . The petal cap  94  can be attached through any means, including, without limitation, a slip on fitting, a rib-to-rib snap fitting, rib-to-depression snap fitting, and a screw type fitting. In embodiments where the sidewall  92  is made of a flexible material, a rigid connective part may be located on the edge of the sidewall  92  in order to facilitate easier connection between the petal cap  94  and the sidewall  92 . 
     The petal cap is made of several flexible flaps that are arcuate-shaped petals  100 , which are connected around the outer edge of the petal cap  94  and come together near the center of the petal cap. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the petals  100  are sized and shaped to leave a circular opening  95  at the center of the cap  94  that is in fluid communication with the interior chamber  93 . 
     The petals  100  are radially oriented and designed to bend or flex centrally inward, flexing along the connected edge, and provide a sealable opening about an animal&#39;s muzzle, beak or trunk when inserted into the animal mask  90 . When no animal is utilizing the mask  90 , the petals  100  return to a natural state, in which they are positioned roughly perpendicular to the sidewall  92 , and abut each other to substantially close off the interior of the mask  90 . The petals  100  allow for a safe, snug fit between the animal mask  90  and an animal, while keeping dust and other contaminants out of the mask  90  while not in use. The sidewall  92  or bottom wall  96 , or both, may also contain a series of holes  102 , which are configured to enable ambient air to mix with the nebulized mist when the animal  103  is using the nebulizing system  20  and provide easy exhalation. 
     The animal mask  90  may also optionally contain handles  104 . The handles  104  can be either permanently fixed to the mask  90  or removably attachable to the sidewall  92  through any suitable means, such as a slot/insert mechanism or a hook and look mechanism, such as Velcro. Preferably, the handles are located on the sidewall  92 ; however, they may also be located on the bottom wall  96  or petal cap  94 . The handles allow for a user to hold the animal mask  90  more comfortably, steadily and without obstructing the holes  102 . 
     The animal mask  90  can be made in a variety of sizes and shapes in order to be used with a variety of animals, as shown in  FIG. 10 . Animal masks  90  that are of similar shape, but different size could be nested together, with smaller masks  90  inside larger masks  90 , in order to reduce the storage space necessary and increase portability and mobility of the masks  90 . The mask  90  may also include a strap or resilient filament connected to the sidewall  92  or elsewhere to aid in holding the mask  90  to the animal&#39;s head. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  show the thermal nebulizing system  20  with an attached face mask  110  as the delivery mechanism  30 . The face mask  110  attaches to the thermal nebulizing system  20  through the connector  32  or may connect directly to the access tube  52 . The face mask  110  may also connect to either the access tube  52  or connector  32  through the tube  34  in order to allow for greater mobility. The face mask  110  is generally shaped to fit around the mouth and lower face of a patient, and can be held in place by a flexible, reliant one-piece strap  112 . The strap  112  connects to the face mask through any suitable means, such as using an adhesive or tying the strap on, and is used to hold the face mask  110  to the patients face without the need for the patient to perform any task in order to keep the face mask  110  on the lower face. The mask  110  also contains an access or attachment point  116 , in order to allow for connection with the nebulizer  28 . The access point  116  may be a generally circular opening in the face mask, or it can be a straight or bent hollow cylindrical tube located in the mask. The access point  116  connects to the nebulizer  28  through the access tube  52 , connector  32  or tube  34 . The face mask  110  also may contain one or more relief holes  114  that allow a patient to exhale normally and ambient air to mix with the nebulized mist. The face mask  110  can be made in a variety of sizes in order to fit a variety of patients who may require the use of the mask due to limited ability to use one of the alternate delivery mechanisms  30 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates the thermal nebulizing apparatus  20  of  FIG. 12  being used on a pediatric patient  111 . Pediatric patients are often unable to effectively use many of the alternate delivery mechanisms and, therefore, must utilize the face mask  110  in order to use the thermal nebulizing system  20  for a beneficial amount of time. The patient places the face mask  110  on their face and then places the strap  112  behind their head in order to hold it in place then breathes normally. Alternately, a caretaker may place the face mask  110  and strap  112  on the patient if they are unable to do so. 
       FIG. 15  shows the thermal nebulizing system  20  with an attached pacifier mist delivery device  120 . The pacifier mist delivery device  120  is intended for use with pediatric patients  111  in order to ease the transition into breathing in nebulized mist by using a device familiar to most pediatric patients. The pacifier mist delivery device is generally in the shape of a standard pacifier and contains an air channel that goes the length of the pacifier to allow nebulized mist to be breathed into through the nostrils of an infant  111  while using the pacifier mist delivery device  120 . The channel connects to an access point  122 , which is connected to the thermal nebulizing system  20  through a tube  34 , the connector  37  or directly to the access tube  52 . 
       FIG. 16  shows the thermal nebulizing system  20  with an attached corrugated tube  60  being used on a patient. The corrugated tube  60  is preferable attached to a T or Y shaped connector  32 , opposite the end where a patient  111  interfaces with the thermal nebulizing system  20 . The corrugated tube acts as a reservoir to collect various droplets contained in the mist, as well as an exhalation point and a point for air to mix with the nebulized mist for inhalation. The corrugated tube may be bent and attached to the connector  32  in order to allow for more effective catching of debris and mist droplets. When bent, the corrugated tube  60  may bend to about 180 degrees, though other bends may be desirable. When bent, the corrugated tube  60  is generally attached to the connector  32  at the attachment point  64  through any suitable attachment mechanism  66 , such a twist tie or cable tie. 
       FIG. 17  shows the thermal nebulizing system  20  of  FIG. 16 , in which a patient interfaces with the corrugate tube  60  to obtain the nebulized mist. The port on the opposite end of the connector  32  may optionally be plugged or covered by any suitable covering mechanism  68 , such as with tape, a patient&#39;s hand or finger, or the cover  36  (see  FIG. 1 ) may be used. Alternatively, the port on the opposite side of connector  32  may be left open. The corrugated tube  60  serves as a collection device, retaining any large droplets in the nebulized mist to prevent the patient from inhaling these droplets. The corrugated tube  60  can also be used to direct the flow of the mist. 
     The chilled mist has a number of therapeutic properties, including fast acting therapy to initiate Therapeutic Hypothermia, treatment of multiple respiratory illnesses such as croup, laryngobronchitis, and others, and can produce a more comfortable nebulized mist for patients who regularly use a nebulizer. The thermal nebulizing system  20  is particularly beneficial to emergency medical professionals: allowing earlier initiation of Therapeutic Hypothermia with the potential to drastically improve patient outcomes in cases of cardiac arrest, anoxic encephalopathy and others. 
     Traditionally, a number of techniques may be used to induce hypothermia, such as cooling pads, intravenous devices and intranasal wands, however, these devices are generally not used until the patient is already at a hospital or other medical facility. The thermal nebulizing system  20 , on the other hand, is capable of initiating Therapeutic Hypothermia in a mobile setting, allowing first responders to use the system  20  in order to begin life saving techniques much earlier. The thermal nebulizing system  20  also is simple enough for home use or use by medical professionals without costly and time consuming training. Furthermore, the simple design of the system allows for low costs, and thereby allows the system to be treated as a one-time use system if desired in order to improve health and safety of the system. 
     As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the device and system of the present disclosure provides a rapid, simple method to deliver chilled oxygen, mist or medication to treat, improve or reverse symptoms related to the respiratory system, heat related illness, and initiation of Therapeutic Hypothermia to alleviate illness and suffering. 
     It is widely accepted medical practice that the application of ice to injured tissue reduces swelling, inflammation and pain. There have been many attempts in the past to apply this practice to the respiratory system. The disclosed thermal material nebulizing system is portable and requires no electrical connection to initiate cooling once a thermal medium is chosen for the application. This thermal material nebulizing system does not require effort from the patient to initiate the mist as it is a continuous flow until the airflow is disconnected. 
     The historical development of Therapeutic Hypothermia (TH) dates back millennia, and has been actively used by “modern” clinical medicine for the last two hundred years. Routine use of TH has been employed in the Operating Room for the past fifty years. Numerous clinical trials have used TH to reduce the core body temperature to 32-34 degrees C. Early recognition of the need for TH and the rapid initiation of TH have improved both chances of survival and neurological outcome. Current TH treatment involves various methods to cool a patient&#39;s core temperature of 32-34 degrees C. within four hours of insult to reduce the risk of tissue damage following a period of insufficient blood flow either within the brain or the myocardium (heart attack), or throughout the body as a result of cardiac arrest. Multiple invasive methods are currently in use to maintain the core temperature within the designated range for approximately twenty-four hours. 
     The American Heart Association has released guidelines indicating Therapeutic Hypothermia as a Class  1  evidence for surviving STEMI (heart attack), plus cardiac arrest. Targeted Temperature Management is now recognized as a valid treatment for other Hyperthermia related illness like Malignant Hyperthermia, Heatstroke and Febrile Sepsis. 
     The missing link in the chain of survival for patients needing rapid cooling has been the lack of a noninvasive portable inexpensive device that can deliver cooling to the core circulation via the respiratory system. The disclosed noninvasive thermal material nebulizing system is for single patient use. The ergonomic, light weight easy use design can be used to deliver chilled mist to adults, children, infants, newborns and animals with beaks, trunks, or snouts for cooling via mask, mouth piece, pacifier mist delivery device (for infants), Aerosol Delivery Hood/Tent, Endotracheal tube, Blow-by and Bipap (noninvasive ventilation). 
     Various types of insulators have been tested including but not limited to Neoprene, Foil backed bubble wrap, plastic bubble wrap, Thermal evaporative material, foam. 
     Venues of Application and Use 
     Chilled mist via the disclosed thermal material nebulizing system can be used:
         In any venue with a supply of compressed oxygen, air or accessible portable nebulizer compressor to treat Epiglottis, Croup, RSV, Bronchospasm, Fever, Allergic Reaction, Smoke Inhalation, Blast Injury, Asthma, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Laryngitis, Sepsis, COPD, ventilated patients, and pre and post ENT surgery.   In any venue with a supply of compressed oxygen, air or accessible portable nebulizer compressor.   To initiate core cooling during CPR.   To initiate Therapeutic Hypothermia in any venue.   As an adjunct during Targeted Temperature Management.   By Paramedics/Flight Nurses/Military medics to initiate Therapeutic Hypothermia post Cardiac Arrest.   In Emergency Departments, Intensive Care Units, Coronary Care Units, Critical Care Units and Operating Rooms to initiate or continue Therapeutic Hypothermia post Cardiac Arrest.   By Paramedics, Military and Emergency Department medical personnel immediately upon recognition of myocardial infarction to initiate Therapeutic Hypothermia prior to re-vascularization in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.   By Pre-Hospital, EMS Paramedic/Firefighters/Flight Nurses/Military Medic, emergently treating Croup, RSV, Epiglottitis, Allergic Reactions, Bronchospasm, Laryngitis, Pneumonia, Asthma, COPD, Bronchitis, Heat Stroke and other heat related illness, heat/blast/smoke/exposure injury/inhalation, Sepsis and other airway compromising conditions.   By Emergency Department Personnel emergently treating Croup, RSV, Epiglottitis, Allergic Reactions, Bronchospasm, Laryngitis, Pneumonia, Asthma, COPD, Bronchitis, Heat Stroke, heat/blast inhalation/exposure/injury, other heat related illnesses (chemically induced hyperthermia), Sepsis and other airway compromising conditions.   In the Neurological ICU to initiate Therapeutic Hypothermia post Cerebral Vascular Accident and other Neurologic Hyperthermia related events.   In the ENT postoperative setting to chill the mouth, nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract to decrease bleeding, swelling and to aid in pain control.   To initiate tissue chilling by EMS, Emergency Department, Military medical and Wilderness Medical personnel for facial trauma to reduce nasopharyngeal and oral swelling and to aid in pain control.   By Anesthesiology in the Operating rooms and ICU&#39;s to treat Anesthesia induced Hyperthermia by delivering chilled mist/medication/oxygen/air to the patients core via endotracheal tube, tracheotomy tube via Triple port nebulizer T-connector, mask, or mouth piece to initiate Therapeutic Hypothermia.   By the patient at home for the treatment of Croup, Bronchitis, Asthma, COPD and other airway compromising illnesses.   To connect to endotracheal ( 32 ) or tracheotomy tubes to initiate Therapeutic Hypothermia by delivering chilled mist/medication/oxygen/air to the patient&#39;s core.   On airplanes, trains, and cruise ships.   On space shuttle and space stations.   By Pre-Hospital EMS Paramedics, Firefighters and/or Veterinarians emergently treating Animal airway compromise due to heat/smoke/inhalation/exposure or heat related illness via the Animal Rescue Mask.   By Veterinarians in animal hospitals, clinics, zoos, and outpatient settings in treating asthma, allergic reaction and other airway compromising illnesses via the Animal Rescue mask.       

     The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments. For example,  FIGS. 19 and 20  illustrate a double-walled configuration of a container  80  in which an inner wall  82  is integrally formed with an out wall  84 . This design creates an air space  86  between the two walls  82 ,  84 . In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure the air space  86  serves to insulate the interior of the container. Not only does this configuration maintain the cool temperature within the container  80 , it allows the user to hold the outer wall  84  for a prolonged period of time. Alternatively, the air space can contain the thermal material, either as an integrated part of the container as described above or as a refillable space through an opening in the outer wall  84 . 
     These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.