Patent Description:
After vaginal birth, the vaginal and perineal region can be very sore, swollen and tender. The discomfort can be significant as a consequence of acute tissue trauma.

Current practice is to use ice blocks, sometimes sheathed in rubber, as a makeshift means to provide relief. There is no satisfactory cooling device designed for treating a sore, swollen, chafed or tender perineum after vaginal birth.

<CIT>) discloses an absorbent article, typically a sanitary napkin, aimed at providing a cooling sensation to a wearer, while avoiding excessive stimulation causing discomfort to the wearer. In Komatsu, a refresher agent, which releases a cooling sensation when it contacts a liquid, is incorporated into the absorbent article. The refresher agent is concentrated outside a zone of the absorbent article which contacts the wearer's 'excretion unit', namely the vaginal area, the perineum and the anus. Komatsu specifically avoids providing relief to the vaginal and perineal region. <CIT> refers to a further document relevant for the present invention.

There is a need for an effective, inexpensive cooling pad which can provide relief in post-birth conditions such as those described above or which can at least provide a useful alternative.

When the web has a plurality of apertures, it is preferred that there are several apertures, such as five, and that the apertures are of a size to allow body fluids to flow through the cooling pad with no or little restriction. In one embodiment, each aperture is generally oval in shape, having a length of between <NUM> and <NUM> and a width of up to <NUM>. It is preferred that the apertures are located at spaced intervals, for example from the first chamber to the end of the second and third chambers and of differing sizes. In this embodiment, one or more apertures closer to the first chamber are preferably larger than apertures towards the end of the second and third chambers. The apertures may be graduated in size along the web.

In the aspects of the invention, it is preferred that the chamber or chambers are at or near the periphery of the cooling pad. In embodiments with four or more chambers, the chambers together do not need to be continuous around the periphery or to travel around the whole periphery. However it is preferred that the chambers together travel around a substantial part of the periphery.

The pad may have any desired shape. For example, the pad may be a generally elongated oval or may have a shape similar to a maternity pad. For this application, the pad may have a wider anterior end and a narrower posterior end.

The cooling fluid may be any suitable fluid. In one preferred embodiment, the cooling fluid is a saline solution, which may contain an amount of innocuous dye to tint the solution to a desired colour, such as aqua. The saline solution may include an anti-bacterial to enhance shelf life. As other examples, the cooling fluid may be water, another non-toxic solution or a gel.

The cooling fluid may be cooled in a freezer or refrigerator as required. Alternately, the cooling fluid may be of a type which does not require freezing: the fluid may comprise urea and an inner water-filled tube which, when broken, causes an endothermic reaction with the urea, resulting in cooling.

Preferably, the chamber size and number and the type of cooling fluid are designed to provide cooling relief for up to about <NUM> minutes after extraction from a freezer or refrigerator. Once the cooling fluid has reached a temperature at which the pad is no longer effective in providing relief, the pad may be discarded.

There may be a plurality of chambers segmented between at least two of front, middle and rear sections. In this embodiment, fold lines may delineate the sections. The chambers are preferably segmented between all three of the front, the middle and the rear sections. The chambers of the rear section are preferably shaped and oriented in a facing horseshoe configuration with the horseshoe chamber of claim <NUM>. It is preferred that the horseshoe-shaped chamber of the rear section is larger than the horseshoe-shaped chamber of the front section, and has a further discrete chamber (preferably teardrop-shaped) centred within. Conveniently, the cooling pad of the invention may be formed by heat-sealing two layers of suitable sheet plastic, forming the chamber and the web in one step. The cooling pad of the invention may be formed in any other suitable way.

The cooling pad of the invention may be used alone, or it may be inserted into a suitable pocket for use. In another embodiment, the cooling pad of the invention may be combined with one or more layers in an assembly, to add comfort or to enable adhesion to clothing or a pad, for example.

For instance, a cover layer may be placed over and adhered to the cooling pad, to provide an interface between the cooling pad and the relevant part of the perineum or other body part. The cover layer should allow body fluid to flow through in an appropriate application. The cover layer may be contoured to fit the body of the user. The cover layer may be impregnated with botanical or other products to aid healing or to provide a pleasing fragrance. If desired, the cover layer may incorporate wings with adhesive on one side, for adhering the cooling pad and cover to a garment.

The cooling pad of the invention may include one or more adhesive strips to enable the cooling pad to be adhered to the body, to underwear or to a pad for absorbing body fluid. A peel-off backing may protect the adhesive until the cooling pad is ready for use. The adhesive strips may be located in any desired position on the cooling pad, but preferably under the cooling pad in use.

The cooling pad of the invention in its various aspects may have on it or on its packaging a temperature-sensitive device printed or embedded thereon. Such a device can indicate when the cooling pad of the invention is sufficiently cool to be ready for use.

The invention will now be described in relation to non-limiting embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying <FIG> (The embodiments of <FIG> fall outside the scope of the present claims) in which:.

Each of the examples shown in <FIG> inclusive are shown for illustrative purposes only and do not form part of the invention as claimed.

Several embodiments are presented herein, some of which have variant constructions. None is intended to be limiting on the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.

<FIG> and <FIG> present a first embodiment of a winged version of cooling pad assembly in exploded and assembled view. <FIG> conveys the assembly and layers of the construction. <FIG> depicts the final constructed assembly of this embodiment.

The assembly <NUM> depicted in <FIG> is for a single use disposable pad assembly. The assembly <NUM> comprises a soft and thin absorption layer <NUM>, intended for contact with skin, a thin absorption layer <NUM>, optionally impregnated with one or more of witch hazel and lavender, to aid in wound healing, a cooling pad <NUM> to aid in relieving discomfort and help healing from swelling, perineal tears and episiotomies, a super absorbent core layer <NUM> to absorb fluids, an impermeable bottom layer <NUM> for increased protection from body fluids and adhesive strips <NUM> to keep pad in place.

Layers <NUM> and <NUM> include wings <NUM>.

Cooling pad <NUM> is described in more detail in connection with <FIG>, below.

<FIG> and <FIG> present a second embodiment of an elasticised version of cooling pad assembly <NUM> in exploded and assembled view.

Items being the same as in <FIG> and <FIG> carry the same labels.

The assembly <NUM> depicted in <FIG> is also for a single use disposable pad assembly. The assembly <NUM> comprises a soft and thin absorption layer <NUM>, intended for contact with skin, a thin absorption layer <NUM>, optionally impregnated with one or more of witch hazel and lavender, to aid in wound healing, a cooling pad <NUM> to aid in relieving discomfort and help healing from swelling, perineal tears and episiotomies, a super absorbent core layer <NUM> to absorb fluids, an impermeable bottom layer <NUM> for increased protection from body fluids and adhesive strips <NUM> to keep pad <NUM> in place.

<FIG> and <FIG> are analogous to <FIG> and <FIG>, as is apparent. Most layers are the same, barring minor changes in shape to avoid a winged footprint. A notable difference is that impermeable bottom layer <NUM> features elasticised strip ribbing <NUM>, to result in an assembled pad with elasticised sides as evident in <FIG>, instead of the wings <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>. Elasticised sides <NUM> are designed to fit snugly to protect against leakage and provide a comfortable fit.

<FIG> and <FIG> depicts in exploded view and detail components forming a variation to the first and second embodiments in which a "pocket" option is an alternative to the fully assembled construction outlined described and illustrated in connection with <FIG>.

<FIG> shows this alternative assembly <NUM>. Layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are essentially identical to the second embodiment described above in connection with <FIG> and <FIG>, omitting elasticised ribbing <NUM>.

Thin absorption layers 12a and 12b are fused together with an opening at the top to allow cooling pad <NUM> to be inserted later. Layer 12b covers and is bonded to bottom layers <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. This alternative is illustrated as wingless but could have wings as in <FIG> and <FIG> or elasticised sides as in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The benefits of this alternative include that cooling pad <NUM> is inserted only if needed, and that cooling pad <NUM> can be supplied separately, instead of as part of an assembly.

As can be seen in <FIG>, cooling pad <NUM> has a periphery indicated at <NUM> and includes an inboard chamber <NUM> as well as chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> around periphery <NUM>. Each chamber <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> contains a fluid for cooling, being a saline solution.

Chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are joined by web <NUM>, which also contains apertures <NUM> to <NUM>, for passage of body fluid to super absorbent core layer <NUM>. Apertures <NUM> to <NUM>, are located inboard of chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> present three cooling pad assembly variations, with <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> presenting matching nominal dimensions for these three variations. In each of <FIG>, cooling pad <NUM> is visible for purposes of illustration, although in fact cooling pad <NUM> would be covered by at least two layers.

In <FIG>, cooling pad <NUM> is shown in situ as part of an assembly <NUM>, which is similar to assembly <NUM> (omitting wings <NUM>) or assembly <NUM> (omitting elasticised sides <NUM>). For simplicity, web <NUM> is omitted Superimposed on assembly <NUM> is a schematic of the main areas of the perineum, showing location of assembly <NUM> in use. Details are described in relation to <FIG>, below.

As seen in <FIG>, assembly <NUM> has packaging folds <NUM> and <NUM>, separating assembly <NUM> into three folding segments, anterior segment <NUM>, middle segment <NUM> and posterior segment <NUM>. Folds <NUM> and <NUM> are omitted from <FIG> for simplicity.

In the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, cooling pad <NUM> has horseshoe-shaped chamber <NUM> in anterior segment <NUM>, elongate, parallel and spaced apart chambers <NUM> and <NUM> in middle segment <NUM> and teardrop-shaped chamber <NUM> and horseshoe-shaped <NUM> in posterior segment <NUM>. Horseshoe-shaped chamber <NUM> faces horseshoe-shaped chamber <NUM>.

When worn, posterior segment <NUM> is placed abutting the anus and the middle segment <NUM> abuts the vulva - as depicted.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict an assembly <NUM> with chambers located in anterior, middle and posterior segments (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the assembly, similar to assembly <NUM>. However, the cooling pad <NUM> used is smaller and targeted specifically on areas for cooling, having inwardly facing horseshoe-shaped chamber <NUM> in anterior segment <NUM>, and two elongate, S-curved or wishbone-shaped chambers <NUM> and <NUM> extending along the middle segment <NUM> and a terminating semi-circular chamber <NUM> in the posterior segment <NUM>. The two elongate S-curved chambers <NUM>, <NUM> frame a teardrop-shaped chamber <NUM> in middle segment <NUM>. In use, assembly <NUM> is placed so that chambers <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are next to the vulva and teardrop-shaped chamber <NUM> is next to the anus.

Horseshoe-shaped chamber <NUM> in anterior segment <NUM> and semi-circular chamber <NUM> in posterior segment <NUM> could be interchanged, or substituted with near analogues as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict an assembly <NUM> having chambers only in anterior segment <NUM> and middle segment <NUM>, reducing the number of segments having chambers. Cooling is also targeted specifically on the areas for cooling. In anterior segment <NUM> cooling pad <NUM> has a horseshoe-shaped chamber <NUM>, facing a larger horseshoe-shaped chamber <NUM> in middle segment <NUM>, having centred therein a teardrop-shaped chamber <NUM>. As is evident, posterior segment <NUM> has no chamber. As worn, the vulva spans the anterior segment <NUM> and the middle segment <NUM>, while the anus is over middle segment <NUM>, towards the rear of horseshoe-shaped chamber <NUM>.

Cooling pad <NUM> is a contraction of cooling pad <NUM>, collapsed to the anterior and middle segments <NUM>, <NUM>. As is evident in cooling pads <NUM> and <NUM>, the horseshoe-shaped chamber <NUM>, <NUM> in the middle or posterior segment is larger than chamber <NUM>, <NUM> in the anterior segment: the larger horseshoe-shaped chamber <NUM>, <NUM> is about a third wider, and twice as long, as the smaller horseshoe-shaped chamber <NUM>, <NUM>.

The larger horseshoe-shaped chambers <NUM>, <NUM> and the S-curved chambers <NUM>, <NUM> frame a central teardrop-shaped chamber <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, which is oriented to fill partly the internal space defined by these outer chambers. This provides a uniform cooling sensation across the area.

<FIG> relate to aspects of packaging of the assemblies of some of the different embodiments described above. As is most clearly evident from <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are segmented into sections to permit ready folding into thirds, approximately among lines <NUM> and <NUM>. This results in an approximately square-shaped packaging <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> depicts any of assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> after having been folded into thirds and packaged in an outer cover <NUM>, heat sealed at <NUM> and <NUM> in known manner. Included on cover <NUM> is a temperature-sensitive device <NUM>. Device <NUM> changes visual appearance to indicate when assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is sufficiently cold for use. Device <NUM> has suitable temperature-sensitive ink/s and/or coatings, such as those available from Chromatic Technologies Inc. , of Colorado, United States of America.

<FIG> depicts a small stack <NUM> of packaged assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> as depicted in <FIG> illustrates in cross-sectional view segmentation of each such assembly when folded into the packaging <NUM> of <FIG>, per fold lines <NUM> and <NUM> indicated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>.

<FIG> outline in cross-sectional view different constructional options for a chamber of a cooling pad of the invention, across different embodiments described herein. For convenience, the options are illustrated with regard to chamber <NUM> of cooling pad <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts cooling option A: chamber <NUM> is filled with water or saline solution <NUM>. This has the advantage of being a non-toxic affordable solution, which requires freezing before use.

<FIG> depicts cooling option B: chamber <NUM> is filled with a freezable gel, non-toxic <NUM>. Gel <NUM> requires freezing before use and is reusable.

<FIG> depicts cooling option C: chamber <NUM> is filled with a urea <NUM> and in inner water - filled tube <NUM>, which is a non-toxic instant cooling combination not requiring freezing. When chamber <NUM> is manipulated to break inner water-filled tube <NUM>, the resulting endothermic reaction with urea <NUM> causes cooling.

As will be appreciated, each of these options offers its own advantages and compromises.

<FIG> shows schematically the main areas needed for cooling post birth. These include perineal tearing (1st, 2nd, 3rd and <NUM>th degree tears), possible episiotomy, indicated at <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, and general swelling (not labelled).

Anogenital distance (AGD) is measured for women from the anus <NUM> to the base of the vagina and as indicated in <FIG> is roughly between <NUM> and <NUM>, based on the AGD distances described in two studies of women of reproductive age [<NUM>, <NUM>].

In order to adequately cover the areas needed for as many women as possible, an average anogenital distance of <NUM> was used for the cooling pad designs described above.

Referring now to <FIG>, cooling pad <NUM> has an anterior end <NUM> and a posterior end <NUM>. Chamber <NUM> contains saline solution for cooling and has a first volume <NUM> at anterior end <NUM> and a pair of second volumes <NUM> between anterior end <NUM> and posterior end <NUM>. In this embodiment, first volume <NUM> is not partitioned from second volumes <NUM>. Chamber <NUM> is approximately horseshoe-shaped. First volume <NUM> is located at the head <NUM> of the horseshoe, with second volumes <NUM> forming the legs.

Web <NUM> is formed between the pair of second volumes <NUM> and has five apertures 126a to 126e to allow passage of body fluid.

Cooling pad <NUM> may be used alone. However, in this embodiment, cooling pad <NUM> is part of an assembly, sandwiched between cover layer <NUM> and peel-off backing <NUM>, and intended to be placed in a freezer or refrigerator prior to use.

Cover layer <NUM> is adhered to cooling pad <NUM> by adhesive (not shown). As can be seen in <FIG>, cover layer <NUM> is contoured to fit the body, as is cooling pad <NUM>. Cover layer <NUM> may incorporate wings if desired.

Adhesive (not shown) on the underside of cooling pad <NUM> can be used to adhere cooling pad <NUM> to underwear (not shown) by removing peel-off backing <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, dimensions of an exemplary version of cooling pad <NUM> are set out. In this embodiment, chamber <NUM> contains <NUM> of saline solution.

In <FIG>, the assembly of <FIG> is shown superimposed on a maternity pad <NUM> (shown in dashed outline), with dimensions. Cooling pad <NUM> is adhered to maternity pad <NUM> after peel-off backing <NUM> is removed to expose adhesive (not shown).

<FIG> illustrate a second form of assembly, <NUM>. The same labels are used to denote the same or equivalent components. Assembly <NUM> has cooling pad <NUM>, cover layer <NUM> and peel-off backing <NUM> which are the same as in the previous FIGS and which will not be described in detail again. In assembly <NUM> there are adhesive strips <NUM> which are longer than cooling pad <NUM>. Consequently, when assembly <NUM> is assembled as shown in <FIG>, adhesive strips <NUM> extend beyond cooling pad <NUM> and are available to adhere assembly <NUM> to underwear or a maternity pad. It is to be noted that adhesive strips <NUM> are spaced apart so as not to impede body fluids travelling through cover layer <NUM> and apertures <NUM> in cooling pad <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a third form of assembly, <NUM>. The same labels are used to denote the same or equivalent components. Assembly <NUM> has cooling pad <NUM>, cover layer <NUM> and peel-off backing <NUM> which are the same as in the previous FIGS and which will not be described in detail again. In assembly <NUM> there are adhesive strips 136a and 136b. Two adhesive strips 136a are located between cooling pad <NUM> and cover layer <NUM>. Two adhesive strips 136b are located between cooling pad <NUM> and peel-off backing <NUM>. In contrast to assembly <NUM>, adhesive strips 136a, 136b are a little shorter than cooling pad <NUM>. When assembly <NUM> is assembled as shown in <FIG>, two adhesive strips 136a adhere cover layer <NUM> to cooling pad <NUM> and two adhesive strips 136b adhere to cooling pad <NUM>. When backing layer <NUM> is peeled off, adhesive strips 136b are available to adhere assembly <NUM> to underwear or a maternity pad. As before, adhesive strips 136a, 136b are spaced apart so as not to impede body fluids travelling through cover layer <NUM> and apertures <NUM> in cooling pad <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate how an assembly according to the present invention may be utilised. Reference is made to assembly <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, but the method of use can apply to other embodiments.

Assembly <NUM> is first chilled or frozen before use. When it is required, assembly <NUM> is removed from any packaging (<FIG>). Peel-off backing layer <NUM> is removed, exposing adhesive strips 136b (<FIG>). Assembly <NUM> is turned over so that adhesive strips 136b face downwards and positioned onto a maternity pad <NUM> or underwear <NUM> (<FIG>), as desired.

An embodiment of a cooling pad <NUM> suitable for use as a mastitis pad is shown in <FIG>. Cooling pad <NUM> two concentric chambers <NUM> and <NUM>, joined at passages <NUM> and <NUM>. In an alternate embodiment, passages <NUM> and <NUM> may be omitted. Chamber <NUM> lies along periphery <NUM>.

At the centre of cooling pad <NUM> is a single aperture <NUM>, formed in web <NUM>. Web <NUM> also joins chambers <NUM> and <NUM>. Aperture <NUM> is inboard of chambers <NUM> and <NUM>.

As may be seen from the schematic cross-sectional view in <FIG>, aperture <NUM> is sized to accommodate a nipple <NUM> of breast <NUM>.

Each of the embodiments described above has included at least one aperture for allowing passage of body fluid, the aperture being located inboard of the one or more chambers. The embodiments below are of the second aspect : a cooling pad for perineum relief, the pad having an anterior end and a posterior end, and including one or more chambers, containing a fluid for cooling, located on a web.

<FIG> shows in plan view cooling pad <NUM> having an anterior end <NUM> and a posterior end <NUM>. In this embodiment, cooling pad <NUM> has a single chamber <NUM>, supported by web <NUM>. Web <NUM> and chamber <NUM> are generally teardrop-shaped. The first or larger volume of chamber <NUM> is located near posterior end <NUM>. Chamber <NUM> is located close to periphery <NUM> and travels around it. Chamber <NUM> encloses part of web <NUM>, as shown. Cooling pad <NUM> may be provided with a soft and thin absorption layer <NUM>, like that in <FIG> but teardrop-shaped. Cooling pad <NUM> may also have adhesive strips as described above to enable attachment to clothing. Cooling pad <NUM> may be used to alleviate pain or discomfort in the perineum caused by cycling.

A second embodiment of a cycle pad is shown in <FIG>. Cooling pad <NUM> has an anterior end <NUM> and a posterior end <NUM>, being of the same shape as anterior end <NUM>. In this embodiment, cooling pad <NUM> has a four linked chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, supported by web <NUM>, a non-woven fabric. The chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are made of plastic and filled with saline solution.

As shown in <FIG>, cooling pad <NUM> is provided in an assembly having a top layer <NUM> being a non-woven fabric bonded to plastic, an under layer <NUM> of the same materials and four adhesive strips <NUM> for attaching the assembly to clothing.

The embodiment in <FIG> is suitable for use for alleviating pain or discomfort in the perineum following vasectomy or prostate invasion. Cooling pad <NUM> has three parallel chambers <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> located on web <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the three parallel chambers <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> allow pad <NUM> to contour to body shape in use, as indicated by the arrows.

Cooling pad <NUM> can be inserted into an assembly as shown in <FIG>, in a similar way to the embodiment in <FIG>. The assembly has an upper non-woven fabric layer <NUM>, and a lower non-woven fabric layer <NUM> with elasticised strips <NUM>. Layer <NUM> is bonded to layer <NUM>, as shown by dotted line <NUM>, leaving an opening <NUM> (<FIG>) through which cooling pad <NUM> is inserted after it has been chilled or frozen to the desired temperature. Adhesive strips <NUM> can be used to attach the assembly to clothing.

Elasticised strips <NUM> enable the sides of the assembly to fit snugly, as shown in <FIG>. Cooling pad <NUM> may be reused, while the remainder of the assembly may be discarded after use.

The cooling pads of the invention may be made of any suitable materials. Preferred materials are nylon or polyethylene for the plastic base layer and Fixomull (trade mark) or similar material for the soft upper layer, known for manufacture of personal care and wound care products. The preferred Fixomull product is available as Fixomull Stretch from, for example, BSN Medical, of Mount Waverley, Victoria, Australia. Fixomull Stretch is a hypoallergenic, porous, adhesive, non-woven tape, especially suitable for use on frequently mobile and highly contoured parts of the body. It is made from a white, stretchable, non-woven polyester dressing sheet coated with skin-friendly polyacrylate adhesive on quick-release backing paper. In the embodiment in <FIG>, for example, top layer <NUM> may be made from Fixomull Stretch and adhered to cooling pad <NUM>, using the polyacrylate adhesive.

Where required, bonding may take place by lamination, using heat sealing. Chambers may be filled with cooling fluid while the chambers are undergoing sealing.

A preferred cooling fluid is saline solution, a hypotonic <NUM>% salt solution. It is preferred that each chamber is of maximum volume <NUM> to <NUM>. A preservative or anti-bacterial may be included for longer shelf life, as may a dye.

Using a hypertonic <NUM>% saline solution, the cooling pad of the invention may be cooled to - <NUM> degrees Celsius without freezing. In suitable embodiments, the cooling pad, if cooled to - <NUM> degrees Celsius, is capable of providing relief in the range - <NUM> degrees to +<NUM> degrees Celsius, for at least <NUM> minutes.

Claim 1:
A cooling pad (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for a female perineal region, for alleviation of pain or discomfort, the pad (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) including:
- an anterior end (<NUM>) and a posterior end (<NUM>);
- one or more chambers (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), containing a fluid for cooling, the chamber, or a plurality of the chambers together, forming a head and two legs in an approximately horseshoe configuration, with a first chamber (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) at least located at the head of the horseshoe;
and
- a web (<NUM>; <NUM>) joining and extending between the head and legs of the horseshoe;
wherein the first chamber (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) located at the head of the horseshoe is at the anterior end (<NUM>); and
- at least one aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, 126a, 126b, 126c, 126d, 126e) is formed in the web (<NUM>; <NUM>) and located in an area between the head of the horseshoe and the two legs, the aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, 126a, 126b, 126c, 126d, 126e) being adapted to allow passage of body fluid through the pad (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), the at least one aperture having a boundary surrounded by the web.