Patent Description:
Traditional cooling garments (e.g., cooling vests) may not adequately support the weight or shape of articles that are coupled with the cooling vests, such as icepacks. Moreover, traditional cooling garments and icepacks may be rigid or otherwise not flexible such that they do not adequately conform to the wearer's body or cause discomfort during wearer activity.

<CIT> describes a body temperature-adjusting vest which includes a plurality of generally rectangular pockets in each of which is housed at least one cooling and/or warming gel pack capable, when activated, of transferring heat between its contents and the wearer's body. The pockets themselves are part of a wide, belt-like, generally symmetrical array worn snugly about the torso. Side-by-side pockets form the array's mid-section where the vest's gel packs are concentrated. Additional pockets are connected to, but spaced apart from, the mid-section by elasticized side bands which pass under the armpits and can be stretched slightly, pressing each pocket against the torso. Reversible in that the array and shoulder straps supporting it can be quickly repositioned and worn with the mid-section in front or back, the vest can reduce a wearer's exposure to changing wind directions and the like.

Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings figures, wherein:.

The claimed invention is defined by independent claim <NUM>. Additional embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. At a high level, certain aspects herein relate to a flexible cooling garment system configured to cool a wearer before, during, and/or after an activity (e.g., a workout). In one aspect, the cooling garment system can include a vest configured to be worn by a wearer and one or more pockets on the vest configured to receive one or more icepacks. These pockets may be formed from a first inner layer of material which may comprise a non-stretch material and a second outer layer of material which may comprise a stretch material. The stretch material of the second outer layer of the pocket may help secure the one or more icepacks to the wearer's torso, as the stretching of the garment may allow an icepack to fully expand to its capacity while additionally cause increased pressure against a surface area of the icepack due to the elastic properties of the stretch material. Additionally, the non-stretch material of the first inner layer of the one or more pockets can help support the weight of the icepacks such that the icepacks do not sag or otherwise move outside of intended contact points on the wearer's body.

According to the claimed invention, a system includes one or more icepacks that include at least a first aperture configured to receive a first end of at least one shoulder strap. The system further includes a garment that includes one or more pockets configured to receive the one or more icepacks. The shoulder strap is disposed over a shoulder region of the garment and includes a first end that is configured to pass through the first aperture of the one or more icepacks. The shoulder strap can further help secure the one or more icepacks to a wearer's torso and support the icepack's weight and shape. The shoulder strap can help secure the one or more icepacks to the wearer's torso by keeping an icepack in an upright extended position, as opposed to a strapless system, which may result in a folding or compression of the icepack due to gravitational and other movement forces especially as the ice within the icepack begins melting. In some aspects, a particular end of the shoulder strap extends downward when the garment is in an as-worn configuration and fastens to a superior portion of the icepack, which allows the icepack to maintain its expanded shape, as gravitational forces pull downward on the icepack, while the shoulder strap keeps the icepack in an upright position. The shoulder strap can also help prevent the icepack from shifting or bouncing during wear and various activities while wearing, such as working out or engaging in a sport. In this way, the icepacks can maintain continuous contact with the wearer, as opposed to sporadic contact that may happen without a shoulder strap mechanism.

In yet other aspects, an icepack configured for use with a cooling garment can include at least one flexion area. These flexion areas may correspond to one or more points or areas at which a first front portion of the icepack and a first back portion of the icepack are affixed to each other, such that the one or more points or areas are not filled with a filler substance (e.g., water). The icepack can further include one or more second apertures disposed adjacently to the at least one flexion area. These apertures may extend from a second front portion of the icepack through a second back portion of the icepack. The flexion areas and apertures on the icepack can allow the icepack to more closely conform to a wearer's chest or other body part and allow for a generally unabated range of motion. For example, various flexion areas on an icepack may effectively act as joints or axis points about which the rest of the corresponding icepack portions can axially rotate or move. Accordingly, for example, the icepack can more closely conform to the contours of the wearer's body because the flexion areas may bend at areas where the body changes size or shape. In another example, the apertures and flexion areas can also act as hinges or points about which the rest of the icepack can move during particular wearer movements. Without these apertures and/or flexion areas, the icepack is generally prevented from bending or folding according to wearer movement, which may cause discomfort or strain during movement. The apertures can decrease the surface area of the icepack and act as a movement point such that when a wearer moves, there is less rigidity and the icepack can conform more to the contours of the wearer.

Positional and range of motion terms as used herein such as "inner," "outer," "medial," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "superior," "inferior," "anterior," "posterior," "flexion," "extension," "abduction," "adduction," and the like are to be given their common meaning with respect to the cooling garment being worn as intended and as shown and described herein by a hypothetical wearer standing in an upright position (i.e., standing in anatomical position). Still further, the phrase "configured to contact," or other similar phrases used when describing different portions of the garment in relation to a wearer refer to a support garment appropriately sized for the particular wearer. Terms such as "fastened" or "secured" as used herein generally refer to attachment methodologies between two or more elements that generally maintain the elements in a fixed relationship with respect to one another. Terms such as "adjustably secured" as used herein refer to attachment methodologies that allow at least one element, such as a strap, to be adjusted (e.g., shortened or lengthened) in relation to another element, such as an upper portion of an icepack surface.

The term "stretch material" as used herein refers to textiles or materials formed using elastomeric yarns. Elastomeric yarns may generally provide a maximum stretch greater than about <NUM>% under load prior to returning to its non-stretched state when the load is removed, and some elastomeric yarns provide a maximum stretch of about <NUM>%. Examples of elastomeric yarn types include SPANDEX®, lycra, rubber, and the like. Moreover, examples of stretch materials or textiles may include stretch woven materials, stretch knit materials, stretch non-woven materials, and the like. The term "non-stretch material" as used herein refers to textiles or materials that are formed using non-elastomeric yarns that generally do not stretch over a threshold amount (e.g., cotton, silk, polyester, conventional denim, and/or other non-elastic polymers). To describe this differently, non-stretch materials have a lower stretching capacity than stretch materials.

The term "cooling garment" or "garment" as used herein may mean an upper-body garment (e.g., a vest, a shirt, a jacket, a coat, a support garment, and the like), a lower-body garment (e.g., shorts, pants, and the like), or a combination upper-body garment and lower-body garment (e.g., a unitard, overall, and the like).

Turning now to <FIG>, a front perspective view of an example cooling garment system <NUM> being worn by a wearer <NUM> is illustrated. Although the cooling garment system <NUM> is depicted as including a vest <NUM>, it is understood that the cooling garment system <NUM> may alternatively or additionally include any suitable cooling garment, such as a shirt, jacket, and/or other wearable article. The vest <NUM> includes pockets <NUM>, which includes the pocket <NUM>-<NUM>, pocket <NUM>-<NUM>, the inlet opening <NUM>-<NUM>, the inlet opening <NUM>-<NUM>, and the outer layer <NUM>-<NUM>. The pockets106-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are located on an anterior or front portion of the vest <NUM>, and is disposed over a front torso and chest portion of the wearer <NUM>. The pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are each respectively configured to receive icepacks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> (collectively referred to herein as the "icepacks <NUM>"). The pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may each respectively include the inlet opening <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> at an upper portion of the pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> such that respective icepacks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> can be inserted into the pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. In some aspects, the inferior or bottom of the pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may not include an inlet, such that the weight of the icepacks <NUM> can be supported. Although the cooling garment system <NUM> depicts the two icepacks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and the two pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, it is understood that this quantity is representative only and that there may be any suitable quantity. For example, in some aspects, the cooling garment system <NUM> may comprise a single pocket and a single corresponding icepack or more than two pockets and corresponding icepacks.

The cooling garment system <NUM> further includes an optional slider mechanism <NUM>, which is disposed in between the pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and may form, in some aspects, an inner or medial edge of the pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. The slider mechanism <NUM> may include a tape that extends along a longitudinal or vertical length of the pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. The slider mechanism <NUM> includes a slider pull configured to reversibly open and close the slider mechanism <NUM> and, accordingly, open and close the vest <NUM> such that the wearer <NUM> can put on or remove the vest <NUM>. Although the cooling garment system <NUM> includes the slider mechanism <NUM> as a fastening mechanism, it is understood that any suitable fastening mechanism can alternatively or additionally be used to secure or put on the vest <NUM>. For example, instead of the wearer <NUM> zipping up the vest <NUM> via the slider mechanism <NUM>, the wearer <NUM> in various aspects secures the vest <NUM> via one or more buttons, snaps, or hook-and-loop fasteners.

As mentioned, the cooling garment system <NUM> further includes the icepacks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, each of which respectively include apertures <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> at the superior or upper portions of the icepacks <NUM>. These apertures (collectively described herein as "apertures110") and the rest of the upper portions of the icepacks <NUM> are illustrated as being exposed or not covered by a portion of the pockets <NUM> or vest <NUM>. This may make it easier for the wearer <NUM> to remove and/or place the icepacks <NUM> to/from the inlet opening <NUM>-<NUM> and inlet opening <NUM>-<NUM> of the pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and/or make it easier for the wearer <NUM> to fasten shoulder straps <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> to the icepacks <NUM> via the apertures <NUM>. The shoulder straps <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> (collectively referred to herein as the shoulder straps <NUM>) are each configured to fasten or be secured to the icepacks <NUM> via placing respective ends through the apertures <NUM>, as described in more detail below. The shoulder straps <NUM> are oriented, at least in part, horizontally or transversely over a shoulder region of the vest <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>) or wearer <NUM> and longitudinally oriented over the anterior portion of the vest <NUM> or wearer <NUM> to attach to the upper portion of the icepacks <NUM>. In various aspects, the icepacks <NUM> can include various flexion areas and additional apertures, as described in more detail below.

The vest <NUM> includes inner layer portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> (collectively described herein as the "inner layer <NUM>"). The inner layer <NUM> is positioned adjacent to a front or face portion (i.e., the outer layer <NUM>-<NUM>) of the pockets <NUM> such that opposing surfaces of the inner layer <NUM> and the outer layer <NUM>-<NUM> of the pockets <NUM> are positioned adjacent to each other. In particular aspects, the pockets <NUM> are formed as a space between the inner layer <NUM> and the outer layer <NUM>-<NUM>, and the outer layer <NUM>-<NUM> may only be present in certain portions of the vest <NUM> such as where the pockets <NUM> are located. In this way, the icepacks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are disposed between the inner layer <NUM> and outer layer <NUM>-<NUM>. The inner layer <NUM> may comprise the inner-most layer of the vest <NUM> such that it is positioned adj acent to a body surface of the wearer <NUM> (e.g., either a skin surface or a surface of the wearer <NUM> covered by, for instance, a base layer).

The inner layer portion <NUM>-<NUM> may abut and be positioned beneath the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM>. In some aspects, the shoulder straps <NUM> are sewn or otherwise permanently fixed to the inner layer <NUM>. In other aspects, the shoulder straps <NUM> are stand-alone articles, such that they are not sewn or permanently attached to the inner layer <NUM> and, instead, are removably attached to the inner layer <NUM> using, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, and the like. Although the vest <NUM> is shown without sleeves, in some aspects the inner layer <NUM>-<NUM> may extend to form short or long sleeves (e.g., sleeves of a long sleeved T- shirt) such that a portion of the wearer's <NUM> arm is covered (e.g., the length of a person's entire arm down to a wrist portion of the arm). The vest <NUM> further includes a neck opening inner layer portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the inner layer <NUM> that is configured to be placed over the wearer <NUM>'s head in order to wear the vest <NUM>. In some aspects, the portions (not shown) of the inner layer <NUM> that are positioned beneath the icepacks <NUM> represent the back side or posterior part of the pockets <NUM>. The inner layer <NUM> or any part of the cooling garment system <NUM> can be made from any suitable material, such as knitted mesh, woven material, nylon, cotton, polyester, silk, etc. In various aspects, the inner layer <NUM> or posterior portion of the pockets <NUM> is formed from a non-stretch material, such as non-stretch woven, a non-stretch knit, a non-stretch nonwoven, and the like. In various aspects, the outer layer <NUM>-<NUM> is formed from a stretch material including a stretch woven, a stretch knit, a stretch nonwoven, and the like.

<FIG> illustrates a shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> and a view of a pocket <NUM> (representing both the first inner layer <NUM>-<NUM>, the second outer layer <NUM>-<NUM>, and the lower margin <NUM>-<NUM>) of a cooling garment <NUM> with a portion of a second outer layer <NUM>-<NUM> of the pocket <NUM> partially detached to better illustrate the pocket <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cooling garment <NUM> represents the vest <NUM> of <FIG> and vice versa. For example, in some aspects, the pocket <NUM> represents the pocket <NUM>-<NUM> (and/or <NUM>-<NUM>) of <FIG> and vice versa. In some aspects, the first inner layer <NUM>-<NUM> represents the inner layer <NUM>-<NUM> and/or <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> and vice versa. Likewise, in some aspects, the second outer layer <NUM>-<NUM> represents the outer layer <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> and vice versa. In example aspects, the first inner layer <NUM>-<NUM> may form remaining portions of the cooling garment <NUM>. An inner-facing surface of the second outer layer <NUM>-<NUM> is positioned adjacent to an outer-facing surface of the first inner layer <NUM>-<NUM> such that the second outer layer <NUM>-<NUM> forms at least a portion of an exterior surface of the cooling garment <NUM> and is at least partially viewable while a wearer is wearing the associated cooling garment <NUM>. In aspects, the first inner layer <NUM>-<NUM> may comprise an interior (or body-facing) layer of the cooling garment <NUM>. In some aspects, the second outer layer <NUM>-<NUM> is or includes a stretch material (e.g., a stretch-woven material) and the first inner layer <NUM>-<NUM> is or includes a non-stretch material.

By structuring the pocket <NUM> such that the second outer layer <NUM>-<NUM> of the pocket <NUM> is formed from a stretch material and the first inner layer <NUM>-<NUM> of the pocket <NUM> is formed from a non-stretch material, the pocket <NUM> is configured to both support the weight of an icepack and help conform the icepack closer to the body of a wearer. Because the first inner layer <NUM>-<NUM> includes the non-stretch material, it supports an icepack in its inserted or upright position such that the icepack does not sag or orient downward due to gravitational forces. In some example aspects, a lower margin <NUM>-<NUM> of the second outer layer <NUM>-<NUM> also includes non-stretch material in order to further prevent sagging or drooping of the icepack. Because the second outer layer <NUM>-<NUM> generally comprises the stretch material, the inserted icepack may conform more to a wearer than portions with a non-stretch material because the stretch material may keep an icepack in its extended or upright form (e.g., the icepack does not sag, deform, bend, and the like) and keep continuous pressure on the icepack and thus a wearer. For instance, a wearer may have to exert an initial tension on the second outer layer <NUM>-<NUM> in order to insert the icepack in the pocket <NUM>. However, because of the elastic nature of stretch material, the stretch material may engage in the elastic process of returning to its original shape when the icepack is fully positioned in the pocket <NUM>. Therefore, there may be greater pressure against the body of the wearer due to elastic forces and the icepack may not fold or compress because of these elastic forces countering gravitational forces. In some aspects, the stretch material allows the wearer to more easily place an icepack in the pocket inlet than an otherwise rigid non-stretch material because of the ability of the pocket to stretch.

The shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> includes at least a first end that contains, for instance, a male end <NUM> of a connecting element and a portion that includes a female end <NUM> of the connecting element. In some aspects, the first end of the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to pass through the aperture <NUM>-<NUM> of the icepack <NUM>-<NUM> and the male end <NUM> can be snapped or secured into the female end <NUM> such that a portion of the icepack <NUM>-<NUM> is secured to the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> at loop portion <NUM>. In this manner, when the male end <NUM> and the female end <NUM> are coupled, the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> forms a loop and the icepack <NUM>-<NUM> can then extend from the newly formed loop portion <NUM> by way of the aperture <NUM>-<NUM>. Although <FIG> illustrates that the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> includes a snap mechanism to help fasten the icepacks to the cooling garment <NUM>, in other aspects, the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> can include other fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, releasable adhesives, and the like. In some aspects, the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> can be adjustably secured to the icepack <NUM>-<NUM> such that the wearer can loosen or tighten the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of a cooling garment system <NUM> being worn by a wearer <NUM>. In some aspects, the cooling garment system <NUM> represents a side view of the same cooling garment system <NUM> of <FIG> and/or cooling garment <NUM> of <FIG> and vice versa. In other aspects, however, the cooling garment system <NUM> may only have icepacks and pockets on the front portion of the cooling vest, such that there are no icepacks on a back portion, for example. The cooling garment system <NUM> includes a pocket <NUM>-<NUM> on a front portion of the garment <NUM> and a pocket <NUM>-<NUM> on a back portion of the garment <NUM>, each of which are respectively configured to receive icepacks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. In some aspects, there is a second pocket on the front portion and/or on the back portion (not visible because of the view).

<FIG> illustrates that shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> can help secure and hold both of the icepacks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. A mid-section of the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed or oriented transversely over a shoulder region of the garment <NUM> or wearer <NUM>. The shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> includes a second end <NUM>-<NUM> that is configured to be placed through an aperture <NUM>-<NUM> on the icepack <NUM>-<NUM> so as to be secured or fastened to the icepack <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g., in the manner described in <FIG>). The shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> further includes a first end <NUM>-<NUM> that is configured to be placed through an aperture <NUM>-<NUM> on the icepack <NUM>-<NUM> so as to be secured or fastened to the icepack <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g., in the manner described in <FIG>). Accordingly, the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> in aspects is a continuous article that can help secure front and rear icepacks to the garment <NUM> so as to prevent the icepacks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> from shifting or bouncing during wearer activities and help cool the chest and back of a wearer. Further, the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> can help keep the icepacks <NUM> (representing both of the icepacks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>) in an upright position such that the icepacks <NUM> maintain their expanded shape (e.g., they do not fold, bend, twist, compress, deform, and the like) and maintain contact with more surface area of the wearer <NUM>, as opposed to a strapless system, which may allow the icepacks <NUM> to fold or compress due to gravitational and other movement forces.

<FIG> illustrates a rear or posterior view of a cooling garment system <NUM> being worn by a wearer <NUM>. In some aspects, the cooling garment system <NUM> represents the rear view of the cooling garment system <NUM> of <FIG> (which shows the front view) and vice versa. Accordingly, for example the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> can be the same shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Likewise, the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> can be the same shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. In some aspects, the cooling garment system <NUM> represents the rear side of the cooling garment system <NUM> of <FIG> (which shows a side view) and/or the cooling garment <NUM> of <FIG> and vice versa.

The cooling garment system <NUM> includes pockets <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, each of which are configured to respectively receive icepacks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. The shoulder straps <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> each include ends that are configured to be placed through respective apertures in the icepacks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> in order to fasten or be secured to the icepacks <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. As described above, in some aspects cooling garment systems such as the cooling garment system <NUM> can include icepacks on a front side and a backside of the cooling garment system <NUM> or wearer <NUM> and the shoulder straps <NUM> may therefore be continuous articles that fasten to both front and backside icepacks. Accordingly, for example, a cooling vest <NUM> of the cooling garment system <NUM> can comprise the first shoulder strap (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>) (that includes first and second ends) and the second shoulder strap (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>) (that includes third and fourth ends). The first end of the first shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to fasten to a first icepack (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>) on a front portion of the cooling vest <NUM>. The second end of the first shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> can be additionally configured to fasten to a second icepack (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>) on a back portion of the cooling vest <NUM> (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>). The third end of the second shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to fasten to a third icepack (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>) on the front portion of the cooling vest <NUM>. The fourth end of the second shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM> can be configured to fasten to a fourth icepack (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM>) on the back portion of the cooling vest <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating a front perspective view an icepack <NUM>. In some aspects, the icepack <NUM> represents any of the icepacks described with respect to the cooling garments systems of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and/or <FIG>. The icepack <NUM> includes a top or upper portion <NUM>, which includes a first aperture <NUM>. The first aperture <NUM> is an open space, slit, or a through-hole that may be cylindrical in shape in order to receive a shoulder strap (e.g., the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM>), such that the shoulder strap can fasten to the icepack <NUM>, as described in <FIG>, for example. In some aspects, the upper portion <NUM> is not configured to be filled with a liquid or substance, but is a panel that is configured to protrude or be exposed outside of a pocket inlet (e.g., the inlet opening106-<NUM>) so that a wearer can easily place or remove the icepack <NUM> and/or easily fasten a shoulder strap to the icepack <NUM> via the first aperture <NUM>. In some aspects, the upper portion <NUM> is or includes any suitable material, such as foam or any other polymer-based material. In some aspects, the upper portion <NUM> is made from a different material than a body <NUM> of the icepack <NUM>.

The body <NUM> includes example flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> (collectively referred to herein as the flexion areas <NUM>) that surround or extend away from a second aperture <NUM>. Although the icepack <NUM> illustrates a particular shape, orientation, quantity, and length of flexion areas, apertures, and icepacks themselves, it is understood that this is illustrative only and that any suitable shape, quantity, orientation, and length can exist. For example, in some aspects, the second aperture <NUM> represents a circular, rectangular, or square shape, as opposed to triangular as represented in <FIG>. In another example, some or each of the flexion areas <NUM> are circular in shape, as opposed to cylindrical as represented in <FIG>.

Each of the flexion areas <NUM> is an area at which a first respective front portion of the icepack <NUM> and a first respective back portion of the icepack <NUM> converge, bond, or affix to each other, as described in more detail below. Accordingly, the flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> each have portions of the front and back of the icepack <NUM> that are bonded or affixed to each other. Because the front and back of the icepack <NUM> are affixed to each other at the flexion areas <NUM>, these flexion areas <NUM> are unable to be filled with a filler substance, such as water. In one aspect, the flexion area <NUM>-<NUM> is cylindrical in shape and extends longitudinally from just inferior to an edge <NUM>-<NUM> (defined by a border between the upper portion <NUM> and the body <NUM>) to just above the second aperture <NUM>. The flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> (also cylindrical shaped) extend obliquely or diagonally across the body <NUM> from a first side edge <NUM>-<NUM> of the body <NUM> to an area laterally adjacent to the second aperture <NUM>. As illustrated, in an example aspect, these flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are oriented parallel or substantially parallel to respective edges or sides that form the second aperture <NUM>. The flexion area <NUM>-<NUM> extends parallel with and is substantially aligned with the flexion area <NUM>-<NUM>. The flexion area <NUM>-<NUM> extends longitudinally across a length of the body <NUM> from just inferior to the second aperture <NUM> to just above (or superior to) a bottom edge <NUM>-<NUM> of the body <NUM>.

The second aperture <NUM> (or any apertures described with reference to an icepack body) is a hole or opening in an icepack body (e.g., the body <NUM>) that extends from and through a front or face portion of the icepack <NUM> through a back or rear portion of the icepack <NUM>. Accordingly, in these aspects, portions of the body <NUM> can form the borders of the entire space around the second aperture <NUM> such that there is open space that forms the second aperture <NUM>. For example, a person can see through these apertures and some objects can pass through the apertures (e.g., a finger) in some aspects. <FIG> illustrates a triangular-shaped second aperture <NUM>, with an apex <NUM>-<NUM>. In some aspects, the apex <NUM>-<NUM> (defined as the vertex where two sides of equal length meet, opposite an unequal third side or base) of the triangular-shaped second aperture <NUM> is oriented toward a midline or medial portion of a cooling garment or wearer as illustrated in <FIG>. In various aspects, the apertures (e.g., the second aperture <NUM>) within the bodies of the icepacks are disposed adjacently or next to flexion areas, such as the flexion areas <NUM>. The second aperture <NUM> is disposed near the center of the body <NUM> and in between the flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. The second aperture <NUM> is further disposed adjacent to and medial of the flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> when the icepack <NUM> is in an as-utilized configuration or worn as illustrated with respect to the icepack <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>.

Each of the flexion areas <NUM> and the second aperture <NUM> allow more flexibility for cooling garments and wearers as well as allow the icepack <NUM> to more easily conform to a wearer, as described herein. For example, the flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> extend across a portion of the longitudinal length of the body <NUM>. Accordingly, if a wearer performs a horizontal adduction or horizontal abduction movement of the arm (e.g., to swing a bat), this may cause the body <NUM> to move or rotate in the direction of the movement, which may be substantially perpendicular to the length of the flexion areas <NUM>. Accordingly, the flexion areas <NUM> may act as an effective axis point or line such that the body <NUM> can more freely move, thereby allowing more unabated range of motion by the wearer and greater contact of the icepack with the wearer, which can reduce discomfort or strain during movement. Likewise, the flexion areas <NUM> may act as effective joints, such that the body <NUM> of the icepack <NUM> can more easily conform to varied contours of a wearer's body, such as a chest region. In another example, if a wearer performs a flexion and extension movement of his or her trunk (e.g., a sit up motion), the second aperture <NUM> and the flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may act as effective axis areas so that a wearer can more easily flex and extend her trunk while at the same time allow for optimal contact between the body <NUM> of the icepack <NUM> and the wearer. Accordingly, in these movements, the second aperture <NUM> can bend or fold at the apex <NUM>-<NUM>, and the body <NUM> can bend or fold at the flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> during flexion and extension.

In various aspects, the body <NUM> is made from any suitable material. For example, the body <NUM> can be made from a thermoplastic-polyurethane material and/or other polymers such as low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. The size of the icepack <NUM> can also include any suitable length, width, and thickness. For example, in some aspects, the width of the body <NUM> (defined by the distance along the edge <NUM>-<NUM> or the distance between the edge <NUM>-<NUM> and edge <NUM>-<NUM>) is about <NUM> (e.g., plus or minus <NUM>% of <NUM>). In some aspects, the length of the icepack <NUM> (defined by the distance along the edge <NUM>-<NUM> or the distance between edge <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> is from about <NUM> to about ~<NUM> with the upper portion <NUM> (e.g., plus or minus <NUM>% of <NUM> and <NUM> respectively)). In some aspects, the thickness of the body <NUM> is from about <NUM> to about <NUM> (e.g., plus or minus <NUM>% of these values) without a fluid (e.g., water) or other filler substance.

In some aspects, the icepack <NUM> is formed from two separate layers that are adhered together at certain areas such as around the periphery (e.g., edges <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>), at the flexion areas <NUM> and/or around the perimeter edge of the second aperture <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the flexion areas <NUM> do not extend to any of the edges of the body <NUM>. Accordingly, fluid or other filler substances can surround each portion of some or each of the flexion areas <NUM>, as described in more detail below. For example, a first edge <NUM>-<NUM> of the body <NUM> may extend across a longitudinal length of the body <NUM>. A second edge <NUM>-<NUM> may extend along a horizontal width from the edge <NUM>-<NUM> to a portion (e.g., a corner) of the edge <NUM>-<NUM>. The third edge <NUM>-<NUM> may be parallel with and extend the same distance as the edge <NUM>-<NUM>. The fourth edge <NUM>-<NUM> may extend across a horizontal width and represent a line of demarcation between the upper portion <NUM> and the body <NUM> and further represent the top of the body <NUM>. The edge <NUM>-<NUM> may be parallel with the edge <NUM>-<NUM>. In an illustrative example, the flexion area <NUM>-<NUM> may extend longitudinally from just inferior the edge <NUM>-<NUM> to just above an edge of the second aperture <NUM>. Accordingly, the flexion area <NUM>-<NUM> does not extend to the edge <NUM>-<NUM> and to the edge of the second aperture <NUM>. Therefore, for example, the portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> can be filled with water or another substance because the flexion area <NUM>-<NUM> does not extend all the way to the edges. Therefore, the flexion area <NUM>-<NUM> can be surrounded entirely by a filler substance. In like manner, some or each of the other flexion areas may also not extend to nearby edges such that a filler substance can entirely surround each side of the flexion areas, as illustrated in <FIG>. In other aspects, however, flexion areas can abut or extend to one or more edges of the body <NUM> of the icepack <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the icepack <NUM> of <FIG>, which is filled with a filler substance (e.g., gel, water, ice, etc.). <FIG> illustrates what the icepack <NUM> can appear like when it is filled with a filler substance, such as water. Accordingly, the body <NUM> appears as bulging or expanded at each of the areas surrounding the flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and the second aperture <NUM>. The flexion areas <NUM> thus do not bulge or expand upon filling the icepack <NUM> with a filler substance because the flexion areas <NUM> are areas where the front and back layers of the icepack <NUM> are affixed, as described above. The second aperture <NUM> also does not bulge or expand upon filling the icepack <NUM> because the body <NUM> does not continue into this area. As such, water or other filler substances does not fill this space. <FIG> also illustrates that the flexion areas <NUM> and the second aperture <NUM> can be completely or entirely surrounded by a fluid or other filler substance, such that each area surrounding the second aperture <NUM> and flexion areas <NUM> is configured to bulge out or expand in response to filling the icepack <NUM> with a filler substance.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating a front perspective view of a second example icepack <NUM>. In some aspects, the icepack <NUM> represents any of the icepacks described with respect to the cooling garments systems of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and/or <FIG>. The icepack <NUM> includes a top or upper portion <NUM>, which includes a first aperture <NUM>. The first aperture <NUM> is an open space, slit, or hole that is cylindrical in shape in order to receive a shoulder strap (e.g., the shoulder strap <NUM>-<NUM>), such that the shoulder strap can fasten to the icepack <NUM>, as described in <FIG> for example. In some aspects the upper portion <NUM> is not configured to be filled with a liquid or substance, but is a panel that is configured to protrude or be exposed outside of a pocket inlet (e.g., the pocket <NUM>-<NUM>) so that a wearer can easily place or remove the icepack <NUM> and/or easily fasten a shoulder strap to the icepack <NUM> via the first aperture <NUM>. In some aspects, the upper portion <NUM> is or includes any suitable material, such as foam or any other polymer-based material. In some aspects, the upper portion <NUM> is made from a different material than the body <NUM> of the icepack <NUM>.

The body <NUM> includes flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> (collectively referred to herein as the flexion areas <NUM>) that surround a second aperture <NUM>. Although the icepack <NUM> illustrates a particular shape, orientation, quantity, and length of flexion areas, apertures, and icepacks themselves, it is understood that this is illustrative only and that any suitable shape, quantity, orientation, and length can exist. For example, in some aspects, the second aperture <NUM> represents a circular, triangular, rectangular, or square shape, as opposed to diamond-shaped as represented in <FIG>. In another example, some or each of the flexion areas <NUM> are circular in shape, as opposed to cylindrical as represented in <FIG>.

Each of the flexion areas <NUM> is an area at which a first respective front portion of the icepack <NUM> and a first respective back portion of the icepack <NUM> are affixed and/or bonded to each other, as described in more detail below. Accordingly, the flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are unable to be filled with a filler substance, such as water. The flexion area <NUM>-<NUM> is cylindrical in shape and extends longitudinally from just inferior to a top edge <NUM>-<NUM> (the horizontal border between the upper portion <NUM> and a body <NUM> of the icepack <NUM>) to just above or superior to the second aperture <NUM>. The flexion area <NUM>-<NUM> extends parallel with and is substantially aligned with the flexion area <NUM>-<NUM>. The flexion area <NUM>-<NUM> extends longitudinally across a length of the body <NUM> from just inferior to the second aperture <NUM> to just above or superior to a bottom edge <NUM>-<NUM> of the body <NUM>.

The second aperture <NUM> (or any apertures described with reference to an icepack body) is a hole or opening in an icepack body (e.g., the body <NUM>) that extends from a front or face portion of the icepack through a back or rear portion of the icepack. Accordingly, in these aspects, portions of the body <NUM> can form the borders of the entire second aperture <NUM> such that there is open space that forms the aperture. For example, a person can see through these apertures and some objects can pass through the apertures (e.g., a finger) in some aspects. <FIG> illustrates a diamond-shaped second aperture <NUM>, with vertices or points <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> that define the aperture <NUM>. In various aspects the apertures (e.g., second aperture <NUM>) within the bodies of the icepacks are disposed adjacently or next to flexion areas, such as the flexion areas <NUM>. The second aperture <NUM>, in an example aspect, is disposed near the center of the body <NUM> and in between the flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. The vertex <NUM>-<NUM> and/or <NUM>-<NUM> may be oriented towards a midline of a cooling garment or wearer of the cooling garment.

Each of the flexion areas <NUM> and the second aperture <NUM> allow more flexibility for cooling garments and wearers, as well as allow the icepack <NUM> to more easily conform to a wearer. For example, the flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> extend across a portion of the longitudinal length of the body <NUM>. Accordingly, if a wearer performs a horizontal adduction or horizontal abduction movement of the arm (e.g., a throwing motion), this may cause the body <NUM> to move or rotate in the direction of the movement, which may be substantially perpendicular to the flexion areas <NUM>. Accordingly, the flexion areas <NUM> may act as an effective axis point or area such that the body <NUM> of the icepack <NUM> can more freely move, thereby allowing more unabated range of motion by the wearer and greater contact of the icepack with the wearer, which can reduce discomfort or strain during movement. Likewise, the flexion areas <NUM> may act as effective joints, such that the body <NUM> of the icepack <NUM> can more easily conform to varied contours of a wearer's body, such as a chest region. In another example, if a wearer performs a flexion and extension movement of his or her trunk (e.g., a sit up motion), the second aperture <NUM> may act as an effective axis point at the vertices <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> so that a wearer can more easily flex and extend her trunk while at the same time allow for optimal contact between the body <NUM> of the icepack <NUM> and the wearer. Accordingly, in these movements, the second aperture <NUM> can bend or fold at the vertices <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, and the body <NUM> of the icepack <NUM> can thus bend or fold at these areas during flexion and extension movements.

In various aspects, the body <NUM> is made from any suitable material. For example, the body <NUM> can be made from a thermoplastic-polyurethane material and/or other polymers such as low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. The size of the icepack <NUM> can also include any suitable length, width, and thickness. For example, in some aspects, the width of the body <NUM> (defined by a distance along the edge <NUM>-<NUM>) is about10 cm (e.g., plus or minus <NUM>% of <NUM>). In some aspects, the length of the icepack <NUM> (defined by at least a distance along the edges <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>) is from about <NUM> to about <NUM> with the upper portion <NUM> (e.g., plus or minus <NUM>% of <NUM> and <NUM> respectively). In some aspects, the thickness of the body <NUM> is from about <NUM> to about <NUM> (e.g., plus or minus <NUM>% of these values) without a fluid (e.g., water) or other filler substance.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the flexion areas <NUM> do not extend to any of the edges of the icepack <NUM>. Accordingly, fluid or other substances can surround each portion of each of the flexion areas. For example, the first edge <NUM>-<NUM> of the body <NUM> may extend across a longitudinal length of the body <NUM>. The second edge <NUM>-<NUM> may extend along a horizontal width from the edge <NUM>-<NUM> to a portion (e.g., a corner) of the edge <NUM>-<NUM>. The third edge <NUM>-<NUM> may be parallel with and extend the same distance as the edge <NUM>-<NUM>. The fourth edge <NUM>-<NUM> may extend across a horizontal width and represent a line of demarcation between the upper portion <NUM> and the body <NUM>. The fourth edge <NUM>-<NUM> further represents the top of the body <NUM>. The edge <NUM>-<NUM> may be parallel with the edge <NUM>-<NUM>. In an illustrative example, the flexion area <NUM>-<NUM> may extend longitudinally from just inferior the edge <NUM>-<NUM> to just above or superior to an edge of the second aperture <NUM>. Accordingly, the flexion area <NUM>-<NUM> does not extend to the edge <NUM>-<NUM> and to the edge of the second aperture <NUM>. Therefore, for example, the portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> can be filled with water or another filler substance because the flexion area <NUM>-<NUM> does not extend all the way to the edges. In like manner, the other flexion area <NUM>-<NUM> may also not extend to nearby edges such that a filler substance can entirely surround each side of the flexion areas, as illustrated in <FIG>. In other aspects, however, flexion areas can abut or extend to one or more edges.

<FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the icepack <NUM> of <FIG>, which is filled with a filler substance (e.g., gel, water, ice, etc.). <FIG> illustrates what the icepack <NUM> can appear like when it is filled with a filler substance, such as water. Accordingly, the body <NUM> of the icepack <NUM> appears as bulging or expanded at the areas outside of the flexion areas <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and the second aperture <NUM>. The flexion areas <NUM> thus do not bulge or expand upon filling the icepack <NUM> with a filler substance because the flexion areas <NUM> are areas where the front and back layers of the icepack <NUM> are affixed, as described above. The second aperture <NUM> also does not bulge or expand upon filling the icepack <NUM> because the body <NUM> does not continue into this area. As such, water or other filler substances does not fill this space. <FIG> also illustrates that the flexion areas <NUM> and the second aperture <NUM> can be completely or entirely surrounded by a fluid or other filler substance, such that each area surrounding the second aperture <NUM> and flexion areas <NUM> is configured to bulge out or expand in response to filling the icepack <NUM> with a filler substance.

<FIG> illustrates a side top view of an opened icepack <NUM>. In some aspects, the icepack <NUM> represents a side top view of the icepack 500icepack <NUM> of <FIG>, and/or any icepack described herein, such as with respect to the icepack <NUM>-<NUM>. <FIG> illustrates how an icepack may appear when a person opens the icepack <NUM> up to fill it with a filler substance or remove the filler substance, according to certain aspects. At a first time, the icepack <NUM> may be closed, such that the body <NUM> remains sealed or otherwise secured. In some aspects, the securing or sealing of the body <NUM> occurs by a zipper seal <NUM>, which is disposed just superior to an upper portion of the body <NUM> and inferior to the bottom of upper portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. The zipper seal <NUM> includes an interlocking groove and ridge that form a seal when pressed together. Although the zipper seal <NUM> is described, it is understood that any suitable fastening mechanism or seal can be used to close the body <NUM>, such as permanently bonding the body <NUM> together. With respect to this aspect, the icepack <NUM> would be filled with a filler substance prior to sealing.

At the first time (before opening the body <NUM> or the upper portions <NUM>), the upper portions <NUM> may appear as one single piece, as illustrated by the upper portion <NUM> of <FIG>, for example. However, at a second time (which is subsequent to the first time), a user, such as wearer may open up the icepack <NUM> by exerting an opposing tension force on the upper portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the upper portion <NUM>-<NUM> causing the two portions to separate from one another. When this separation occurs, the first aperture (such as first aperture <NUM>, as represented in <FIG>), in certain aspects may appear divided or become two apertures because there are two sides of the icepack (front and back side), as represented by the apertures <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. The user may then unlock or unzip the zipper seal <NUM> in order to fill the body <NUM> with a filler substance by inserting the filler substance into the cavity <NUM> or bladder opening, which is the inside of the body <NUM>. The user may then, at a third subsequent time, place the groove and ridge portions of the zipper seal <NUM> together to once again form a seal in order to keep the filler substance within the body <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
one or more icepacks (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a garment (<NUM>) that includes one or more pockets (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to receive the one or more icepacks (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
at least one shoulder strap (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed over a shoulder region of the garment (<NUM>), the at least one shoulder strap (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising at least a first end (<NUM>-<NUM>);
characterized in that each of the one or more icepacks (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) includes at least a first aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>); and in that the first end (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the at least one shoulder strap (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to pass through the first aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the one or more icepacks (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to secure the at least one shoulder strap (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the one or more icepacks (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).