Abstract:
A portable body cooling device, worn on the upper torso of a person, that uses a compressed or liquefied gas cartridge to vent cool gas onto the skin of the wearer as well as to act as a heat sink during the gas release. The cartridge is in contact with a conductive material that transfers heat from the skin of the wearer to the cartridge. The cooling device provides immediate and temporary relief from heat flashes.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a portable device for cooling the human body. The device relies on the sudden release of compressed or liquefied gas to cool the surface or skin of the human body, and, specifically, operates by the metered release of compressed gas from a small container, that is carried on the body or by the user, into gas distribution channels to direct the released gas onto the body of a person wearing the device. The device also conducts heat away from the body when activated, by use of metal or other heat conducting components in communication with the gas container and the body. The device is disguised as a jewelry piece, is built into a woman&#39;s bra, or is attached to a woman&#39;s bra in various preferred embodiments. 
         [0003]    Background of the Invention 
         [0004]    Hot flashes are a condition typically involving the experience of a feeling of intense heating with sweating and rapid heartbeat lasting typically for a few minutes. The condition is a common symptom of menopause and perimenopause. The sensation of heat begins and ends rapidly and is usually most intense in the face and chest area, but can also be experienced in the neck and upper back. These episodes can start unpredictably at any time and may occur as frequently as every few minutes. Women who are prone to hot flashes feel as if their upper torso is suddenly overheating and in need of immediate cooling. A typical hot flash comes on rapidly and reaches a maximum intensity in as little as a minute. Once the episode passes, however, the feeling of normalcy returns. 
         [0005]    Hot flashes can also be experienced by young women as, for example, a symptom of a problem with the pituitary gland. Men with low testosterone, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and andropause can also experience hot flashes. The condition, though, is quite common in middle-age women going through menopause. 
         [0006]    Symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, can sometimes be treated with hormone replacement therapy. Such therapy, however, can have significant long and short-term risks such as breast cancer, dementia, and stroke. The most commonly followed treatment is to remove clothing and seek cool air immediately upon the onset of a hot flash episode. Opening one&#39;s blouse to the inside of a freezer can bring instant relief, but is not a practical solution in most settings. Even using a hand-held folding fan can provide some limited relief during a hot flash, but the use of ambient air is minimally effective and the fanning brings attention to the user. 
         [0007]    A need exists, therefore, for a new and novel device and method for the treatment of hot flash symptoms. The device should be portable, discreet, and provide for immediate body cooling over a time period that corresponds to the duration of a hot flash episode. Ideally, such innovation should be relatively inexpensive and provide a flexible platform across many different clothing options and body shapes. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a personal cooling device which incorporates a gas container for storing a pressurized or liquefied gas, such as CO2 cartridges commonly used in home soda machines, for use as portable bike tire pumps, or in air guns and rifles. Such cartridges are typically made of metal and can be threaded at a discharge end or non-threaded. When the gas is released from such container it expands rapidly, absorbing ambient heat, thereby causing the exiting gas to chill and cooling the gas container as well. The invention described herein takes advantage of this thermodynamic cooling to help cool the exterior of a person who is experiencing a hot flash. 
         [0009]    The gas “container” or “cartridge,” such terms are used interchangeably herein, is fitted with a valve that can be operated by a wearer of the cooling devices and is integral to at least a portion of the cooling device. The valve is further in communication with one or more gas distribution channels, each having one or more gas ports. When the valve is activated, the chilled gas is ported onto the skin of the wearer, typically in the area of the upper torso (chest, neck, and upper back). The exhausting of the chilled gas onto the skin of the wearer has the effect of blowing cold or cool air onto the person similar to the effect of standing in front of an open freezer door or air-conditioning vent. 
         [0010]    Further, in a preferred embodiment, the portion of the device in which the cartridge resides is constructed of a heat conducting (conductive) material, such as metal or cloth with metal threads, and is in contact with the skin of the wearer of the device. As a consequence, when the valve is activated the cartridge rapidly cools and draws heat away from the skin of the wearer in the area that is in contact with the heat conducting material. This dual cooling functionality from both exhausted chilled gas and heat transfer due to conductivity from the warm skin to the cold gas container significantly lowers the exterior temperature of the wearer for a short period of time. Shortly after the valve is closed the device returns to ambient temperature to coincide with the short duration of the hot flash. 
         [0011]    The cooling device is available in several different embodiments and configurations. For example, in one embodiment the cooling device is an insert that attaches to the center of the front of a woman&#39;s bra. The cartridge in this embodiment is located under the bra in between the breasts (or on top of the center span of the bra) or can be configured such that one cartridge is located under each breast in a “push-up” arrangement. A plurality of gas ports, in communication with the one or two cartridges, direct vented gas upwards towards the neck area. A conductive frame that holds the cartridge conducts heat from around the chest to the cartridge. 
         [0012]    In an alternative embodiment the device is connected to a piece of tubing that is attached at one side of the frame, proceeds up the chest area, over the shoulder, around the back of the neck, and back down to the other side of the frame, much like a necklace would attach to a pendant. This tube, in one embodiment, is hidden under clothing. In another embodiment the tube is visible and disguised as a necklace. The tube also contains gas ports and is in communication with the valve and cartridge. Consequently, when the valve is activated chilled gas is ported to the skin area of the wearer along the chest, neck, and upper back areas. The cartridge can be attached to clothing, suspended from the tubing, or located in a carrier worn by the user. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment the cooling device is built into a woman&#39;s bra. In this embodiment the cartridge resides in a metal frame in the center of the front of the bra or two cartridges are used with one each located below a breast in a “push up” arrangement, much as the embodiment discussed above. Tubing is incorporated in the bra itself, such as along the top of the front of the bra and, alternatively, along the bra straps over the shoulders or around the neck, such that chilled gas is ported out of the tubes to the chest, neck, and upper back areas. Heat conducting material, such as metal mesh or metallic fibers, is incorporated in the bra itself in order to direct heat from the chest to the cartridge. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment the cooling device comprises a pendant hung around the wearer&#39;s neck. In this embodiment the cartridge resides in the pendant. Gas is exhausted to the chest and neck area through ports in both the pendant and the necklace that suspends the pendant, or just through the top of the pendant. The necklace is preferably made of a heat conducting material such as metal to help transfer heat from the skin to the pendant where the cartridge resides. 
         [0015]    What is provided is a unique and novel invention that offers immediate but temporary relief of the symptoms of a hot flash. The device in its various embodiments is portable, discreet, and provides for immediate body cooling over a time period to correspond to the duration of a hot flash episode. The innovation provided is relatively inexpensive and provides a flexible platform across many different wearing applications. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of the basic components of one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2 a  through 2 c    illustrate embodiments of the invention; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of the invention incorporated with a bra. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , shown are the basic components of one embodiment of the cooling device. A gas container such as a CO2 cartridge  110  is shown attached to and in gas communication with a valve  112 . The valve  112  is attached to the cartridge  110  by threading on the discharge end of the cartridge  110  in an embodiment that utilizes cartridges  110  manufactured with threading. In such embodiment the top of the cartridge  110  acts as a male insert that is screwed into a threaded female opening on the valve  112 . Any embodiment using a cartridge  110  that does not have threading at the top of the cartridge requires that the valve be integral with a cartridge enclosure. The enclosure (not shown) holds the cartridge  110  in place while the valve  112  is forced down over the end of the cartridge, thereby puncturing the end of the cartridge  110  and pressurizing the valve  112 . Similar enclosures can be found in the prior art for use as portable bicycle tire inflation devices, for example. 
         [0021]    Also shown in  FIG. 1  is a tube  116  (or gas discharge channel) connected to and in gas communication with the valve  112 . The tube  116  has a plurality of gas ports  118 . The valve  112  has a button or other triggering mechanism  114  that activates or opens the valve  112  in order to provide a metered gas release into the tubing  116 . The released gas then exits the tubing  116  through the gas ports  118 . The tube  116 , in one embodiment, is worn around the neck of a user like a necklace and is sealed at one end  17 . The tube is most effective when constructed of a heat conducting material such as metal or metal fibers, because the conductive material conducts heat away from the body of the user and to the cartridge  110 . The cartridge  110  becomes quite cold when gas is released therefrom and acts as a heat sink for the excess body heat given off during a hot flash episode. 
         [0022]    The valve  114  in all embodiments discussed is either mechanically activated by direct contact from the user or remotely activated by, for example, a control device that transmits to a receiver that activates the valve  114 . Such control device can be stored, for example, in a purse or pocket of the user. 
         [0023]    With the basic components of the device in mind,  FIGS. 2 a  through 2 c    provide more detail on two embodiments of the device.  FIG. 2 a    shows a gas cartridge  210  mounted on or connected to a frame  220 . This frame  220  is constructed at least partially of a conductive material such as metal, metal mesh, or metal thread. In one embodiment a soft and pliable metal is used, such as copper or aluminum. In other embodiments the metal is a thin metal sheet, a chain maille, a metal mesh, metal fibers either weaved together or in combination with other materials, or combinations thereof depending on the embodiment. The conductive material is in physical contact with the cartridge  210  and the body/skin of the wearer in order to conduct heat away from the body to the cartridge  210 . The frame  220  further comprises an insulation or insulative material on surfaces of the frame  220  that are not in contact with the cartridge  210  or the body/skin of the wearer in order to limit the amount of heat transfer from the ambient surroundings. Such insulation material includes plastics, foam, cloth, ceramics, wood, and combinations thereof. Thus, the frame  220  comprises heat conductive material on a first side (in contact with the wearer) and insulative material on a second side (exposed to ambient). 
         [0024]    The cartridge  210  is again connected to and in gas communication with a valve  212  having a release button or mechanism  214 . The valve  212  is in turn connected to and in gas communication with one or more gas distribution channels  216 , such as tubing. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 a   , the gas distribution channel  216  starts as a single tube  216  and then splits in two directions across the top of the frame  220 . The gas distribution channel  216  has a plurality of gas ports  218  oriented to vent gas onto the skin of the user and is sealed at each end  217 . 
         [0025]    The frame  220  is shaped to fit the contours of the chest area of the wearer. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 a   , the frame is placed in the center of a woman&#39;s chest such that the cartridge is centered between the woman&#39;s breasts. The frame  220  can be attached to a bra or other article of clothing, such as a vest, blouse, or shirt. The frame  220  is then in physical contact with area between the wearer&#39;s breasts and an upper portion of each breast with the gas ports  218  oriented to vent gas onto the upper chest area towards the wearer&#39;s neck. When the trigger mechanism  214  is activated, the valve opens and releases pressurized CO2 from the cartridge  210 . The cartridge  210  begins a rapid cooling which draws heat away from the wearer&#39;s body from the areas in contact with the conductive portions of the frame  220 . 
         [0026]    In an alternative embodiment the basic components of the device illustrated in  FIG. 2 a    can be worn as a pendant around a woman&#39;s neck. The pendant rests on the wearer&#39;s chest. The gas distribution channel  216  is located at the top of the pendant and, in one embodiment, is contiguous with a necklace that supports the pendant. The necklace, in one embodiment, consists of a conductive gas distribution channel with a plurality of gas ports such that vented gas is directed around the wearer&#39;s neck, upper back, and chest area. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2 b    illustrates another embodiment of the device similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 a   . Again, a cartridge  210  is shown mounted with a frame  220 .  FIG. 2 c    is a schematic representation of this embodiment looking at the base of the device in a cutaway view. The view in  FIG. 2 c    is obtained by rotating the plan view of  FIG. 2 b    90 degrees about a horizontal axis such that the top of the valve  212  is shown atop the cartridge  210 . 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 2 c   , the cartridge  210  is encased in an airtight compartment  250  defined by a portion of the frame  220  and a cover  222 . This airtight compartment  250  can also be described as a gas manifold. This compartment  250  comprises heat conductive material in at least the inner surfaces of the compartment  250 . The exterior surface of the cover  222  comprises an insulation material in order to minimize the heat transfer from areas other than the interior of the compartment  250 . 
         [0029]    Referring to both  FIGS. 2 b  and 2 c   , when the trigger mechanism  214  is activated, the valve  212  releases cool gas into the compartment  250  via tubing  224  or other gas channeling means. The released gas then flows through the compartment or gas manifold  250 , past the exterior of the cartridge, and into the gas distribution channel  216  located at the top of the device. In this embodiment the gas manifold  250  is in between and in communication with the valve  212  and at least one gas distribution channel  216 . The cartridge  210  simultaneously and rapidly cools during the gas release due to the sudden expansion of the gas as it exits the cartridge  210 . Heat in the exhausting gas is further removed as it travels through the compartment  250  and past the cartridge  210 . Consequently, the compartment  250  and encased cartridge  210  act as a heat exchanger when the valve  212  is activated. 
         [0030]    It can be seen in  FIG. 2 b    that the top of the cartridge  210  is oriented at the bottom of the frame  220 . This is done to facilitate the heat exchanging flow of the gas through the compartment  250 . Thus, the portable cooling device shown comprises a frame  220  that further comprises a gas manifold  250  through which gas released from the gas container  210  travels prior to entering at least one gas distribution channel  216 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 2 c    also shows a gross representation of the shape of the frame  220  as discussed in reference to the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 2 a   . The frame  220  of the cooling device is shaped such as to fit the contours of the wearer when located between the wearer&#39;s breasts. Thus, the frame  220  is shaped to fit the contours of a wearer&#39;s breasts. As with the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 a   , the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2 b  and 2 c    has gas ports  218  at the top of the frame  220  which direct vented gas onto the upper chest area of the wearer toward the neck. Again, the gas distribution channel  216  is sealed at each end  217 , but can be augmented by tubing around the neck of the wearer. 
         [0032]    In an alternative embodiment to either of the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 2 a  through 2 c   , the gas distribution channel  216  can comprise conductive tubing that runs along the exterior of the cartridge  210  before the area of the channel  216  comprising gas ports  218 . This alternative embodiment facilitates the heat exchanging functionality without the need for an airtight compartment  250 . In this embodiment the gas manifold is the portion of the gas distribution channel  216  in contact with the cartridge  210 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of the invention incorporated in a women&#39;s bra  340 . This embodiment consists of either a kit that is installed on the bra  340  or a bra  340  that has the invention built into the bra  340  prior to retail sale. Shown is a generic bra  340  construction with two cups  342 , a center span  348  connecting the two cups  342 , a horizontal strap  346  (a second horizontal strap is not visible) and shoulder straps  344 . It should be understood that, while  FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a bra having shoulder straps  344 , the principles of the invention described in relation to said shoulder straps  344  are contemplated to apply equally to a bra having a halter top arrangement with a strap around the wearer&#39;s neck. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment the cartridge  310  is mounted to or in contact with a frame  320 . Depending on the embodiment, the cartridge  310  resides either hooked over the center span  348  while in communication with frame  320 , or the cartridge  310  resides under the center span  348 . The frame comprises a heat conductive material such has a metal, or metal fiber. The metal is presented as a thin pliable sheet, a chain maille, a metal mesh, metal fibers either weaved together or in combination with other materials, or combinations thereof depending on the embodiment. The frame  320  is shown as residing between the two cups  342  above the center span  348 , but it should be understood that, depending on the embodiment, the frame can extend into part or all of the cups  342  and down into all or part of the center span  348 . Such portion of the frame  320  is between the skin of the wearer/user and the rest of the bra material in order to facilitate heat transfer from the wearer/user to the cartridge  310 . Portions of the frame  320  not in contact with the wearer&#39;s skin are covered with an insulation material such as cloth, plastic, or foam. 
         [0035]    As with previously discussed embodiments, the cartridge is connected to and in gas communication with a valve  312  that is activated by a trigger mechanism  314 . The valve is further connected to and in gas communication with tubing  316  that is shown running along the top of each cup  342 . In an alternative embodiment the tubing  316  also runs along all or part of the horizontal strap  346  and/or all or part of the shoulder straps  344 . The tubing (or other type of gas distribution channel)  316  has a plurality of gas ports (not shown) which direct vented gas onto the upper torso of the wearer. 
         [0036]    Another embodiment of the bra concept of the invention uses two cartridges  310 , one each placed in a roughly horizontal arrangement at the bottom of each cup  342  between the bra and the wearer&#39;s breasts. In this embodiment the cartridges  310  are in a “pushup” arrangement below the wearer&#39;s breasts, thus enhancing the bust line of the wearer as is common with pushup bras presently in the market. 
         [0037]    Another embodiment of the cooling device locates two gas cartridges  310  on the outside of each cup  342  near the side straps  346 . In such embodiment the cartridges  310  are oriented in a mostly vertical arrangement. Another embodiment of the cooling device locates one or more cartridges  310  at the upper back of the wearer near where the two side straps  346  connect. In such embodiment, the gas distribution channel  316  runs along the top of the side straps  346  as well as the top of the cups  342  and each cartridge  310  is in contact with or contained by a frame  320 . 
         [0038]    Although  FIG. 3  shows the gas cartridge  310  in an upright configuration, it should be understood that one embodiment incorporated in a bra uses the opposite cartridge  210  orientation illustrated in  FIG. 2 b    along with the gas manifold design to facilitate heat exchange 
         [0039]    The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this invention, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It should be understood, for example, that the various components, materials, and designs of the embodiments described herein can be mixed and matched in various ways in order to achieve the overall goal of the invention to effectively cool down the body of the wearer by using cool vented gas and the cartridge as a heat sink. The basic components of the various embodiments of the cooling device described herein can be used in any number of applications and in any number of configurations consistent with the general principles of the invention. 
         [0040]    While this invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.