Cooling device

Abstract

To provide a highly versatile cooling device with few restrictions on installation location. [Solution] The cooling device 1 has a cooling section 2 that extends in at least three directions and contains ice water IW, with the internal cavities 3 of adjacent cooling sections 2 being in communication, and a core material 4 that holds at least two of the cooling sections 2 that extend in any desired shape, and by holding at least two of the cooling sections 2 that extend in any desired shape with the core material 4, the cooling section 2 is fixed in close contact with the mounting position (part of the body).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling device to be worn on a user's body, and more particularly, to a cooling device with fewer restrictions on mounting positions and higher versatility. [Background Art]

[0002] Various cooling devices (ice bags) for cooling the body, which are used for heat stroke prevention, cooling of inflamed sites, and the like, have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The bag body of the cooling device described in Patent Document 1 includes a main body and a plurality of holding members that are finger-like protrusions protruding from the main body, so that the cooling device can be worn to enclose the cooling site of a user. However, this bag body (each holding member) is only formed into a preset shape (substantially C-shaped), and cannot be deformed into any desired shape. Reinforcing ribs, retainers, and aggregates attached to the bag body are also members for maintaining the preset shape of the bag body, and thus cannot be deformed into any desired shape. Therefore, the positions (body parts) where the cooling device can be attached are limited to positions that match the preset shape of the cooling device. Accordingly, there has been a demand for a cooling device with fewer restrictions on attachment positions and higher versatility. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3168443 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a cooling device with fewer restrictions on attachment positions and higher versatility. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a cooling device having cooling sections extending in at least two directions in which ice water is contained, characterized in that the internal spaces of adjacent cooling sections are in communication with each other, and the cooling device has a core material that holds the cooling sections extending in at least two directions in any desired shape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the cooling device of the present invention, since the cooling parts extending in at least two directions are held in any desired shape by the core material, these cooling parts can be fixed in close contact with the mounting position (body part) according to various shapes of mounting positions (body parts). Furthermore, the mounting position and its surroundings can be cooled by each of the cooling parts extending in at least two directions. Therefore, this cooling device has few restrictions on the mounting position (body part) and can be applied to most parts of the body, thus possessing high versatility. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an illustrative diagram showing, from an oblique view, a state in which the user's shoulders and neck are being cooled using the cooling device of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a rear view of the cooling device when it is not being worn by the user. [Figure 3] This is a view from arrow A in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of BB. [Figure 5] This is a view from arrow C in Figure 2. [Figure 6] This is a view from arrow D in Figure 2. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating, in a plan view, the deformed state of the cooling section of the cooling device shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is an illustrative diagram showing, from an oblique view, the cooling device used to cool the user's back, neck, and the back of their head. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is an illustrative diagram showing, from an oblique view, the cooling device used to cool the back of a user's head, neck, and back while they are lying on their back. [Figure 10]Figure 1 is an illustrative diagram showing, from a perspective view, a cooling device being used to cool the user's legs (thighs). [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment of the cooling device of the present invention, viewed from the rear. [Figure 12] This is a view from arrow E in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the cooling device of the present invention, viewed from the rear. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the cooling device of the present invention, viewed from the rear. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the cooling device of the present invention, viewed from the rear. [Figure 16] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the cooling device of the present invention, viewed from the rear. [Figure 17] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the cooling device of the present invention, viewed from the rear. [Figure 18] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the cooling device of the present invention, viewed from the rear. [Figure 19] This is a view from arrow F in Figure 18. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The cooling device of the present invention will be described below based on the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0009] As illustrated in Figure 1, the embodiment of the cooling device 1 is used by being attached to the body of the user H (person) with ice water IW (ice I and water W) contained inside. Figure 1 illustrates the case where the cooling device 1 is used to cool the shoulders and neck of user H, but the cooling device 1 can be used to cool various other parts of user H's body. Note that the cooling device 1 is illustrated in a simplified form in Figure 1 and in Figures 8 to 10 which will be described later.

[0010] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 6, the cooling tool 1 has a cooling portion 2 that accommodates ice water IW and extends in at least two directions, and includes a core material 4 that holds the cooling portion 2 extending in at least two directions of the cooling portion 2 in any desired shape. The inner hollow portions 3 of adjacent cooling portions 2 are in communication with each other. The cooling tool 1 further includes an opening member 5 into which ice water IW can be poured, and a lid 6 that closes the opening member 5.

[0011] Hereinafter, as exemplified in FIG. 2, the configuration of the cooling tool 1 will be described with reference to the orientation when the cooling tool 1, which is not worn on a user H, is viewed from the back side. When the cooling tool 1 is worn, the side facing the body of the user H (the back side of the paper plane of FIG. 2) is defined as the facing surface side of the cooling tool 1, and the opposite side (the front side of the paper plane of FIG. 2) is defined as the back side of the cooling tool 1. The vertical direction of the paper plane of FIG. 2 is defined as the vertical direction of the cooling tool 1, the horizontal direction of the paper plane of FIG. 2 is defined as the left-right direction (lateral direction) of the cooling tool 1, and the depth direction of the paper plane of FIG. 2 is defined as the depth direction (thickness direction) of the cooling tool 1. The center side of the cooling tool 1 is defined as the inner side, and the side spaced away from the center of the cooling tool 1 is defined as the outer side.

[0012] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 6, the cooling tool 1 of this embodiment includes, as the cooling portions 2, a central cooling portion 2a located at the center, a pair of wrapping cooling portions 2b, 2b extending leftward and rightward from the central cooling portion 2a respectively, and a pair of main cooling portions 2c, 2c extending upward and downward from the central cooling portion 2a respectively. That is, the cooling tool 1 has cooling portions 2 (2b, 2b, 2c, 2c) extending in four directions from the central cooling portion 2a.

[0013] The central cooling portion 2a, the pair of wrapping cooling portions 2b, 2b, and the pair of main cooling portions 2c, 2c are configured as an integrated bag body. In FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, the boundaries between the central cooling portion 2a and the respective wrapping cooling portions 2b are virtually indicated by dashed-dotted lines. In FIG. 2, the boundaries between the central cooling portion 2a and the respective main cooling portions 2c are further virtually indicated by dashed-dotted lines.

[0014] As illustrated in Figure 2, each cooling section 2 (2a to 2c) is formed in a bag shape. Adjacent cooling sections 2 are joined together and integrated. In this embodiment, the inner cavity 3 of the central cooling section 2a is in communication with the inner cavity 3 of each wrapped cooling section 2b, and the inner cavity 3 of the central cooling section 2a is in communication with the inner cavity 3 of each main cooling section 2c.

[0015] The central cooling section 2a is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that extends in the left-right direction. The length dimension L1 of the central cooling section 2a in the extending direction (left-right direction) is set to, for example, 3 cm or more and 20 cm or less. The width dimension W1 (vertical dimension) of the central cooling section 2a is set to, for example, 2 cm or more and 20 cm or less.

[0016] Each of the wrap-around cooling sections 2b in this embodiment is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the outer end of each wrap-around cooling section 2b is formed in a hemispherical shape. The cross-sectional shape of the wrap-around cooling section 2b is not limited to a circular shape, but may be other shapes such as an ellipse. The shape of the outer end of the wrap-around cooling section 2b is not limited to a hemispherical shape, but can be various other shapes. Each wrap-around cooling section 2b is formed in an elongated shape such that the width dimension W2 is, for example, 5% to 80%, more preferably 5% to 60%, and even more preferably 5% to 40% of the length dimension L2 in the extending direction (left-right direction). In this embodiment, the width dimension W2 (dimension in the vertical direction) is set to a constant dimension in the area other than the outer end of the wrap-around cooling section 2b. The wrap-around cooling section 2b can also be made to have a shape in which the width dimension W2 is not constant from the inner end to the outer end. In that case, it is preferable to set the width dimension W2 of the narrowest part of the wrapped cooling section 2b to, for example, 5% to 80%, more preferably 5% to 60%, and even more preferably 5% to 40%, of the length dimension L2 of the wrapped cooling section 2b in the extending direction.

[0017] The length dimension L2 of the wrapping cooling section 2b in the extending direction is set to, for example, 5 cm or more and 20 cm or less. The width dimension W2 of the wrapping cooling section 2b is set to, for example, 2 cm or more and 8 cm or less. The length dimension (L2 + L1 + L2) in the extending direction from the outer end of one wrapping cooling section 2b to the outer end of the other wrapping cooling section 2b is set to, for example, 13 cm or more and 60 cm or less.

[0018] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the central cooling section 2a and each of the wrap-around cooling sections 2b is the same (approximately annular), and the width dimension W1 of the central cooling section 2a and the width dimension W2 of each of the wrap-around cooling sections 2b are set to the same dimension. The central cooling section 2a and each of the wrap-around cooling sections 2b extend along the same straight line. For example, it is also possible to configure the system so that the width dimension W1 of the central cooling section 2a and the width dimension W2 of each of the wrap-around cooling sections 2b are set to different dimensions. For example, the length dimension L2 of the left and right wrap-around cooling sections 2b can be set to different dimensions.

[0019] As illustrated in Figure 2, each main cooling section 2c is formed in a roughly trapezoidal bag shape when viewed from the rear. Each main cooling section 2c is formed in a wide shape such that the width dimension W3(W4) of the narrowest part is 50% or more and 200% or less of the length dimension L3(L4) in the extending direction (vertical direction). Preferably, the main cooling section 2c is configured such that the portion in which the width dimension W3(W4) is 80% or more and 200% or less of the length dimension L3(L4) in the extending direction is provided within a range of 50% or more and 100% or less of the extending direction of the main cooling section 2c. The length dimension L3(L4) of the main cooling section 2c in the extending direction is set to, for example, 5 cm or more and 15 cm or less. The width dimension W3(W4) of the main cooling section 2c is set to, for example, 5 cm or more and 15 cm or less.

[0020] In this embodiment, the upper end portion of the lower main cooling section 2c connected to the central cooling section 2a is a constricted section with a relatively narrow width, and the portion below the constricted section is a wide section with a relatively wide width. Similarly, the lower end portion of the upper main cooling section 2c connected to the central cooling section 2a is a constricted section with a relatively narrow width, and the portion above the constricted section is a wide section with a relatively wide width.

[0021] In this embodiment, the size (surface area) of the lower main cooling section 2c and the upper main cooling section 2c are different. The lower main cooling section 2c has a relatively larger length L3 and width W3 in the extending direction compared to the upper main cooling section 2c, resulting in a relatively larger surface area facing the user H's body. The upper main cooling section 2c has a relatively smaller length L4 and width W4 in the extending direction compared to the lower main cooling section 2c, resulting in a relatively smaller surface area facing the user H's body. The width of the upper end portion of the lower main cooling section 2c is set to be the same size as the length L1 in the extending direction of the central cooling section 2a. The width of the lower end portion of the upper main cooling section 2c is set to be smaller than the length L1 in the extending direction of the central cooling section 2a.

[0022] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, in this embodiment, each main cooling section 2c is provided with partitions 8 that divide the internal space 3 of the main cooling section 2c into a plurality of divided storage sections 7. In this embodiment, in the lower main cooling section 2c, a plurality of partitions 8 extending in the direction of extension of the main cooling section 2c (vertical direction) are arranged at intervals in the width direction (left-right direction). In the lower main cooling section 2c, a plurality of partitions 8 extending in the width direction of the main cooling section 2c are further arranged at intervals in the direction of extension. In the upper main cooling section 2c, a plurality of partitions 8 extending in the direction of extension of the main cooling section 2c are arranged at intervals in the width direction.

[0023] There is a gap between adjacent partitions 8 that is large enough for water W to pass through, and adjacent divided storage sections 7 are in communication with each other. That is, each divided storage section 7 is not a completely closed space. The size of the gap (separation distance) between adjacent partitions 8 is set to, for example, 0.5 cm or more, more preferably 0.5 cm or more and 6 cm or less. If the configuration is such that relatively large ice I of about 4 cm to 6 cm cannot be stored in the divided storage section 7, the size of the gap between adjacent partitions 8 is set to, for example, 0.5 cm or more and 3 cm or less.

[0024] For example, if the main cooling section 2c is not provided with a partition 8, when the main cooling section 2c tilts, the ice water IW contained in the main cooling section 2c will easily flow over a wide area of ​​the main cooling section 2c. In contrast, as in this embodiment, if the main cooling section 2c is provided with a partition 8 that suppresses the flow of ice water IW, when the main cooling section 2c tilts, the ice water IW contained in each divided storage section 7 will be less likely to flow to the other divided storage sections 7.

[0025] The number and arrangement of partitions 8 provided in the cooling section 2, as well as the direction in which each partition 8 extends, are not limited to this embodiment and can be appropriately determined according to the size and shape of the cooling section 2. Preferably, each cooling section 2 provided with partitions 8 is configured to be divided into 3 to 30 partitioned storage sections 7. Partitions 8 are not limited to the main cooling section 2c, but can also be provided in other cooling sections 2 (2a, 2b).

[0026] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 6, the thickness dimension t1 (depth dimension in Figure 2) of the thickest part of the central cooling section 2a is set to, for example, 1 cm or more and 8 cm or less. The thickness dimension t2 of the thickest part of each wrap-around cooling section 2b is set to, for example, 1 cm or more and 8 cm or less. The thickness dimension t3 (t4) of the thickest part of each main cooling section 2c is set to, for example, 1 cm or more and 8 cm or less. The thickness dimensions t1 to t4 described here refer to the dimensions when the internal cavity 3 of each cooling section 2 is filled with ice water IW.

[0027] In this embodiment, the thickness of the thickest part of the central cooling section 2a (the central part in the width direction) is set to a constant thickness dimension t1 from one end to the other in the extending direction (left-right direction). The thickness of the thickest part of each wrapped cooling section 2b (the central part in the width direction) is set to a constant thickness dimension t2, except for the outer ends which are formed in a hemispherical shape. The thickness dimension t1 of the central cooling section 2a and the thickness dimension t2 of each wrapped cooling section 2b are set to be the same size. Note that the thickness of the wrapped cooling section 2b is not constant in the extending direction; specifically, for example, it can be made into a shape that tapers near the outer ends.

[0028] The thickness dimension t3 of the thickest part of the lower main cooling section 2c (the most bulging part between the partitions 8) is set to be greater than the thickness dimension t1 of the central cooling section 2a. The thickness dimension t4 of the thickest part of the upper main cooling section 2c (the most bulging part between the partitions 8) is set to be smaller than the thickness dimension t1 of the central cooling section 2a. In other words, in this embodiment, a lower main cooling section 2c with a relatively large surface area and thickness, and an upper main cooling section 2c with a relatively small surface area and thinness are provided.

[0029] The thickness dimension t1 of the central cooling section 2a and the thickness dimension t2 of the wrapped cooling section 2b can be set to different sizes, for example. The thickness dimension t1 of the central cooling section 2a and the thickness dimension t3 (t4) of the main cooling section 2c can also be set to the same size, for example.

[0030] Each cooling section 2 (2a-2c) is formed from, for example, a flexible resin material or a rubber material. Suitable resin materials include, for example, polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane. Suitable rubber materials include, for example, silicone rubber. It is preferable to form all cooling sections 2 from the same material, but it is also possible to form any of the cooling sections 2 or a part of any of the cooling sections 2 from different materials. Each cooling section 2 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The surface of each cooling section 2 may be, for example, treated with a peach skin finish or covered with a soft-touch covering material such as towel fabric. For example, the aforementioned peach skin finish or covering material may be applied to at least one of the cooling sections 2, or to all of the cooling sections 2.

[0031] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, in this embodiment, an opening 5 into which ice water IW (ice I and water W) can be introduced is provided on the back side of the central cooling section 2a. Figure 3 illustrates the state in which the lid 6 has been removed from the opening 5, while the other drawings illustrate the state in which the lid 6 has been attached to the opening 5. To allow ice I of a typical size to be introduced, the size (diameter) of the opening (hole) of the opening 5 should be set to, for example, 3 cm or more and 7 cm or less. The lid 6 is detachable from the opening 5, and the opening 5 can be sealed by attaching the lid 6 to the opening 5.

[0032] The opening member 5 and the lid 6 are made of, for example, a hard resin with higher rigidity than the material forming the cooling section 2. In this embodiment, the opening member 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the front part of the opening member 5 is joined to the central cooling section 2a. Spiral grooves (screw threads) are formed on the inside of the opening member 5 and on the insertion part of the lid 6, and the lid 6 is fixed to the opening member 5 by screwing the insertion part of the lid 6 into the opening member 5.

[0033] The shape and structure of the opening material 5 and the lid 6 are not limited to the configuration of this embodiment, and various other configurations are possible. For example, the lid 6 can be fixed to the opening material 5 by a method other than screwing. For example, the lid 5 can be provided with a groove (recess) into which the edge of the opening material 4 fits. For example, the opening material 5 can be made of a waterproof fastener or the like, and the lid 6 can be omitted.

[0034] As in this embodiment, by placing the opening material 5 on the back side of the central cooling section 2a, it becomes easier to fill each of the cooling sections 2 (2a to 2c) with ice water IW. The opening material 5 can also be placed in cooling sections 2 other than the central cooling section 2a (2b, 2c), for example, as long as it is in a position that is on the back side when the user H attaches the cooling device 1. Multiple opening materials 5 can also be placed in different locations.

[0035] As illustrated in Figure 4, in this embodiment, with ice water IW contained inside the cooling device 1, the central cooling section 2a, the winding cooling sections 2b, and the constricted sections adjacent to the central cooling section 2a of each main cooling section 2c are configured to contain ice I and water W. Relatively large pieces of ice I, about 4cm to 6cm in size, are not contained in the divided storage sections 7 of each main cooling section 2c, but rather the water W cooled by the ice I is contained within them.

[0036] Specifically, the gaps at the connection between the inner cavity 3 of the central cooling section 2a and the inner cavity 3 of each wrapped cooling section 2b, and the gaps at the connection between the inner cavity 3 of the central cooling section 2a and the inner cavity 3 of the constricted sections 2c of each main cooling section 2c, are set to a size that allows relatively large ice particles I of about 4 cm to 6 cm to pass through. The gaps between the partitions 8 provided in the main cooling section 2c are set to a size that prevents relatively large ice particles I from passing through (for example, between 0.5 cm and 3 cm). When the ice particles I melt and become small enough to pass through the gaps between the partitions 8, each divided storage section 7 will also contain relatively small ice particles I of 3 cm or less along with water W.

[0037] For example, the gaps between the partitions 8 can be set to a size that allows relatively large ice cubes I, about 4 cm to 6 cm in size, to pass through, so that relatively large ice cubes I and water W can be accommodated in each of the divided storage sections 7 of the main cooling section 2c.

[0038] As illustrated in Figure 2, the core material 4, an important component of the cooling device 1, can be deformed into any desired shape and has the function of maintaining that deformed shape. The core material 4 is composed of, for example, a metal core material such as copper wire, or a known resin core material (so-called shape-retaining resin wire). Preferably, the core material 4 is made of a material that easily maintains its shape and is resistant to fatigue failure, such as stainless steel, nickel-titanium alloy, or high-strength polymer. The core material 4 can be in sheet form, but it is preferable to use a wire.

[0039] The cooling device 1 of this embodiment has a central cooling section 2a and a pair of wrap-around cooling sections 2b, 2b and a pair of main cooling sections 2c, 2c, each of which has a core material 4 (4a, 4b) that holds them in any desired shape. Specifically, it has a central core material 4a that is continuous in an annular shape along the outer edge of the portion where the central cooling section 2a and the left and right wrap-around cooling sections 2b are connected, a lower core material 4b that is connected to the lower part of the central core material 4a and continuous along the outer edge of the lower main cooling section 2c, and an upper core material 4b that is connected to the upper part of the central core material 4a and continuous along the outer edge of the upper main cooling section 2c.

[0040] The portion of the central core material 4a that extends along the outer edge of each wrapped cooling section 2b is joined to the outer edge of each wrapped cooling section 2b. The portion of the central core material 4a that is not located at the connection point between the central cooling section 2a and the upper main cooling section 2c (constricted section) (the portion outside the upper main cooling section 2c) is joined to the outer edge of the central cooling section 2a. The portion of the central core material 4a located at the connection point between the central cooling section 2a and each main cooling section 2c (constricted section) is not joined to the sheet member forming the central cooling section 2a, but is located in the internal cavity 3 of the connection point between the central cooling section 2a and the main cooling section 2c. The lower core material 4b is joined to the outer edge of the lower main cooling section 2c. The upper core material 4b is joined to the outer edge of the upper main cooling section 2c. As illustrated in Figures 3 to 6, the core material 4 (4a to 4b) is positioned in the center of the cooling section 2 (2a to 2c) in the thickness direction.

[0041] When manufacturing this cooling device 1, sheet members are made to form the opposing surfaces of each cooling section 2 and a sheet member to form the back surface. Furthermore, an annular core material 4 having the same shape as the outer edges of the pair of sheet members is made. In this embodiment, sheet members are made to form the opposing surfaces of the central cooling section 2a, the left and right wrap-around cooling sections 2b, and the upper and lower main cooling sections 2c, and a sheet member to form the back surface. Then, a core material 4 (4a, 4b, 4b) is made by integrating an annular central core material 4a having the same shape as the outer edges of the central cooling section 2a and the left and right wrap-around cooling sections 2b, a lower core material 4b having the same shape as the outer edge of the lower main cooling section 2c, and a lower core material 4b having the same shape as the outer edge of the upper main cooling section 2c.

[0042] Next, when forming a bag body in which the cooling sections 2 are integrated by heat welding the outer edges of the pair of sheet members, the core material 4 is sandwiched between the pair of sheet members and pressed together to integrate the bag body and the core material 4 that constitute the cooling sections 2 (2a to 2c). In this embodiment, the portion of the central core material 4a located between the central cooling section 2a and each main cooling section 2c is not heat-welded to the pair of sheet members, while the other portion of the core material 4a is heat-welded to the outer edges of the central cooling section 2a and the outer edges of the respective wrapping cooling sections 2b of the pair of sheet members. Furthermore, the lower core material 4b is heat-welded to the outer edge of the lower main cooling section 2c of the pair of sheet members, and the upper core material 4b is heat-welded to the outer edge of the upper main cooling section 2c of the pair of sheet members.

[0043] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, the sheet members on the opposing surfaces and the sheet members on the back of the main cooling section 2c are heat-welded in a linear fashion to form the respective partitions 8. Then, the opening material 5 is joined to the sheet member on the back side of the central cooling section 2a. With these steps, the manufacturing of the cooling device 1 is completed.

[0044] As illustrated in Figure 3, when using the cooler 1, the lid 6 is removed from the opening member 5, and ice water IW is poured in through the opening member 5. Then, as illustrated in Figure 4, the cooler is configured to contain at least water W cooled by ice I in each cooling section 2. In this embodiment, ice I and water W are contained in the constricted sections of the central cooling section 2a, each wrapped cooling section 2b, and each main cooling section 2c. The divided storage section 7 of each main cooling section 2c is also configured to contain water W cooled by ice I. As in this embodiment, the cooler 1 does not necessarily need to contain ice I in all of the cooling sections 2; it is sufficient if ice I is contained in at least one of the cooling sections 2. After that, the opening member 5 is closed with the lid 6. This prevents the ice water IW contained in the cooler 1 from leaking out. It is also possible to configure the cooler to contain ice I in all of the cooling sections 2.

[0045] As illustrated in Figure 4, it is preferable to fill the entire interior space 3 of each cooling section 2 (2a to 2c) with ice water IW (partially with water W). When ice I is to be contained in all the cooling sections 2 of the cooling device 1, for example, ice I can be introduced only through the opening material 5 without using water W. This ice I will gradually melt into water W, resulting in the same state as when ice I and water W are introduced through the opening material 5.

[0046] Next, as illustrated in Figure 7, the cooling section 2 (2a-2c) on which the core material 4 is provided is deformed into any desired shape to match the mounting position (body part) of the user H, thereby fixing the cooling section 2 on which the core material 4 is provided in close contact with the mounting position.

[0047] As illustrated in Figure 1, for example, when the cooling device 1 cools the shoulders and neck of user H, the central cooling section 2a and the pair of wrap-around cooling sections 2b, 2b are deformed into a roughly C-shape to match the shape of user H's neck, together with the central core material 4a, so that the opposing surfaces of the central cooling section 2a and the pair of wrap-around cooling sections 2b, 2b are tightly wrapped around user H's neck. As a result, the central cooling section 2a and the pair of wrap-around cooling sections 2b, 2b are held in the desired shape that fits user H's neck by the central core material 4a. Next, the main cooling section 2c on one side is deformed together with the core material 4b on one side to match the shape of user H's shoulder, so that the main cooling section 2c is placed on user H's shoulder. As a result, the main cooling section 3 on one side is held in the desired shape that fits user H's shoulder by the core material 4b, and the opposing surface of the main cooling section 3 is in contact with user H's shoulder. Then, the user H's shoulders are cooled by the main cooling section 2c on one side, which contains water W cooled by ice I, and the user H's neck is cooled by the central cooling section 2a and a pair of wrap-around cooling sections 2b, 2b, which contain ice I and water W.

[0048] When cooling user H's face, the main cooling section 2c on the other side is deformed together with the core material 4b on the other side to match the shape of user H's face, so that the opposing surface of the main cooling section 2c is in contact with user H's face. When not cooling user H's face, the main cooling section 2c on the other side is bent together with the core material 4b on the other side in a direction away from user H's face, so that the main cooling section 2c on the other side is separated from user H's face.

[0049] As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, for example, when the cooling device 1 is used to cool the user H's back, neck, and back of the head, the central cooling section 2a and the pair of wrap-around cooling sections 2b, 2b are deformed together with the central core material 4a to match the shape of the user H's neck, so that the opposing surfaces of the central cooling section 2a and the pair of wrap-around cooling sections 2b, 2b are tightly wrapped around the user H's neck. Next, the main cooling section 2c on one side is deformed together with the core material 4b on one side to match the shape of the user H's back, so that the opposing surface of the main cooling section 2c is in contact with the user H's back. Furthermore, the main cooling section 2c on the other side is deformed together with the core material 4b on the other side to match the shape of the user H's back of the head, so that the opposing surface of the main cooling section 2c is in contact with the back of the user H's head.

[0050] Figure 8 illustrates a case where user H is sitting upright and the cooling device 1 cools user H's back, neck, and the back of their head. Figure 8 illustrates a case where user H's back is cooled by the main cooling unit 2c with a relatively large surface area, and user H's back of the head is cooled by the main cooling unit 2c with a relatively small surface area. Figure 9 illustrates a case where user H is lying on their back and the cooling device 1 cools user H's back, neck, and the back of their head. Figure 9 illustrates a case where user H's back is cooled by the main cooling unit 2c with a relatively small surface area, and user H's back of the head is cooled by the main cooling unit 2c with a relatively large surface area.

[0051] As illustrated in Figure 10, for example, when cooling the user H's leg (thigh) with the cooling device 1, the main cooling section 2c on one side is deformed together with the core material 4b on one side to match the shape of the target area (inflammation site, etc.) on the user H's leg, and the opposing surface of the main cooling section 2c is brought into contact with the target area on the user H's leg. Then, the central cooling section 2a and the pair of wrap-around cooling sections 2b, 2b are deformed together with the central core material 4a to match the attachment point on the leg near the target area, and the central cooling section 2a and the pair of wrap-around cooling sections 2b, 2b are wrapped around the user H's leg and fixed in place. To widen the cooling area, the main cooling section 2c on the other side is also deformed together with the core material 4b on the other side to match the shape of the target area on the user H's leg, and the opposing surface of the main cooling section 2c is brought into contact with the target area on the user H's leg. If it is not necessary to widen the cooling area, the main cooling section 2c on the other side is bent in a direction away from the user H's legs, along with the core material 4b on the other side, so that the main cooling section 2c on the other side is separated from the user H's legs.

[0052] When removing the cooling device 1 from the user H's body after use, the shape of the cooling section 2 in which the core material 4 is located is deformed along with the core material 4 to separate the cooling section 2 from the user H's body and remove it. Then, the lid 6 is removed from the opening material 5, and the water W (and ice I, if any remains, water W) contained in each cooling section 2 is drained from the opening material 5, leaving the inner cavity 3 of each cooling section 2 empty. Then, as illustrated in Figure 2, each cooling section 2 in which the core material 4 is located is moved from a bent state to a straight, extended state (flat and open state). Since each cooling section 2 is made of a flexible resin or rubber material, each cooling section 2 that does not contain ice water IW in its inner cavity 3 can be flattened.

[0053] As described above, in this cooling device 1, the cooling section 2, which extends in at least two directions, is held in any desired shape by the core material 4. Therefore, depending on the shape of the mounting position (body part), these cooling sections 2 can be fixed in close contact with the mounting position. Even if the mounting position is on a body part such as the neck, legs, or arms, which have different thicknesses and shapes, the cooling section 2, which extends in at least two directions, can be deformed into any desired shape by the core material 4, thereby stably fixing the cooling section 2, which extends in at least two directions, to each mounting position. Since the cooling section 2, which has the core material 4, is held in a desired shape that fits the mounting position, the cooling device 1 is less likely to shift relative to the mounting position when the user H moves or changes posture. Therefore, this cooling device 1 can be worn with great stability.

[0054] Furthermore, because the cooling section 2 is provided with a core material 4, it is possible to cool the injured area, such as a sprain, with the cooling section 2, while simultaneously fixing the injured area with the cooling section 2, which maintains its shape thanks to the core material 4. In other words, this cooling device 1 can also be used as a temporary fixation device with a cooling function for injured areas such as sprains. Moreover, this cooling device 1 can cool the mounting position and its surroundings with each of the cooling sections 2 that extend in at least two directions. This cooling device 1 is highly convenient because adults and children can use the same cooling device 1 regardless of the user H's physique. In addition, this cooling device 1 can use readily available ice I and water W, and used water W can be easily disposed of. Therefore, it can be used continuously for long periods of time even when out and about, making it highly convenient. Also, the cooling device 1 without ice water IW can be flattened, making it compact and easy to carry.

[0055] If the cooling device 1 is configured to have cooling sections 2 extending in three or four directions, it becomes easier to stably fix the cooling device 1 to the user H's body compared to a cooling device 1 with cooling sections 2 extending in only two directions, and this is also advantageous in enhancing the cooling effect. Furthermore, since the area to be cooled can be adjusted more precisely by the cooling sections 2, the versatility of the cooling device 1 is increased. In particular, as in this embodiment, if the cooling device has an elongated wrap-around cooling section 2b extending in two directions with a core material 4, and a wide main cooling section 2c extending in two directions opposite to the wrap-around cooling sections 2b, the wrap-around cooling section 2b extending in two directions can be wrapped around the part of the body to be cooled or its vicinity and stably fixed. Then, the part of the body to be cooled can be effectively cooled by the wide main cooling section 2c with a large surface area.

[0056] When the area to be cooled is large, a wide area can be cooled by bringing both of the main cooling sections 2c, which extend in two directions, into contact with the area to be cooled. When the area to be cooled is relatively small, the area to be cooled can be adjusted by bringing one side of the main cooling section 2c, which extends in two directions, into contact with the area to be cooled, and keeping part or all of the other main cooling section 2c away from the user H's body. When the other main cooling section 2c is kept away from the user H's body, body heat is not directly transferred to that main cooling section 2c, so the time required for the temperature of the ice water IW contained in that main cooling section 2c to rise will be longer. Therefore, using either of the main cooling sections 2c in a state where it is kept away from the user H's body is advantageous for extending the time that the cooling device 1 can cool.

[0057] Furthermore, if the cooling device 1 is configured to have a main cooling section 2c with a relatively large size (surface area) and a main cooling section 2c with a relatively small size, the main cooling sections 2c of different sizes can be used depending on the size and location of the area to be cooled. Therefore, this is more advantageous in increasing the versatility of the cooling device 1.

[0058] Furthermore, if the cooling device 1 is configured to have cooling sections 2 extending in three or four directions, for example, if there is a wound on the part of the body to be cooled, pressing (tightening) the cooling sections 2 extending in at least two directions against that part of the body will cause unnecessary pain. Even in such cases, the cooling sections 2 extending in at least two directions can be pressed against and fixed near the part of the body to be cooled, and a separate cooling section 2, different from the cooling sections 2 used for fixing, can be extended to the part of the body to be cooled to directly cool that part of the body. Therefore, a configuration with cooling sections 2 extending in three or four directions reduces the constraints on the mounting position (part of the body) of the cooling device 1, making it possible to apply it to most parts of the body.

[0059] By having a core material 4 that holds all the extending cooling parts 2 in any desired shape, not only the cooling part 2 (2b) extending in two directions, but also the other cooling parts 2 (2a, 2c) can be freely deformed to match the shape of the body part to be cooled. Therefore, it is more advantageous to make a wide area of ​​the cooling part 2 in close contact with the body part of the user H that needs to be cooled, and is advantageous to enhance the cooling effect of the cooling device 1. Since at least the cooling part 2 extending in two directions and the other cooling parts 2 are in close contact with the user H's body, the cooling device 1 is less likely to shift relative to the user H's body when the user H moves or changes posture. Therefore, it is more advantageous to obtain stable wearability.

[0060] If the cooling section 2, which has a core material 4 and extends in at least two directions, is an elongated wrap-around cooling section 2b whose width W2 is set to 5% to 80%, more preferably 5% to 60%, and even more preferably 5% to 40% of its length L2 in the extending direction, it becomes easier to stably wrap the cooling section 2 (wrap-around cooling section 2b) with the core material 4 around the neck, legs, arms, etc. of the user H, and this is advantageous in ensuring the cooling effect of these cooling sections 2. If the width W2 of the cooling section 2 with the core material 4 is, for example, less than 5% of its length L2 in the extending direction, the cooling section 2 becomes too thin, reducing its stability when wrapped around the neck, legs, arms, etc., and the cooling effect of these cooling sections 2 also decreases. If the width W2 of the cooling section 2 with the core material 4 is, for example, more than 80% of its length L2 in the extending direction, the cooling section 2 becomes too thick, reducing the number of body parts to which the cooling section 2 can be stably wrapped.

[0061] If the wrapped cooling section 2b is shaped such that, for example, the width dimension W2 is not constant from the inner end to the outer end, it is preferable to set the width dimension W2 of the narrowest part of the wrapped cooling section 2b to 5% to 80%, more preferably 5% to 60%, and even more preferably 5% to 40%, of the length dimension L2 in the extending direction of the wrapped cooling section 2b. Preferably, the wrapped cooling section 2b has an elongated portion in which the width dimension W2 is 5% to 80%, more preferably 5% to 60%, and even more preferably 5% to 40%, of the length dimension L2 in the extending direction, within a range of 50% to 100% of the extending direction of the wrapped cooling section 2b. The length dimension (L2 + L1 + L2) in the extending direction from one end of one wrapped cooling section 2b to the other end of the wrapped cooling section 2b is, for example, set to 13 cm to 60 cm. By providing a wrap-around cooling section 2b that satisfies at least one of the aforementioned conditions, the cooling section 2 (wrap-around cooling section 2b) extending in at least two directions from which the core material 4 is provided can be stably wrapped around the neck, legs, arms, etc. of the user H, which is advantageous in ensuring the cooling effect of these cooling sections 2.

[0062] If one of the cooling units 2 is provided with a partition 8 that divides the cooling unit 2 into multiple divided storage units 7, then even if the user H wearing the cooling device 1 moves, the ice water IW (water W) contained in each divided storage unit 7 will remain in that unit and will not easily flow to the other divided storage units 7. Therefore, the shape of the cooling unit 2 will not be greatly distorted, and the center of gravity of the ice water IW contained in the cooling unit 2 will not be greatly eccentric. As a result, the cooling device 1 will be less likely to shift relative to the user H. A configuration in which the cooling unit 2 is divided into 3 to 30 divided storage units 7 is particularly advantageous in achieving the effects described above. In this embodiment, the partition 8 is formed by heat welding a sheet member on the opposing surface and a sheet member on the back of the cooling unit 2 (main cooling unit 2c), but similar effects can be achieved, for example, if a membrane-like partition 8 is provided inside the cooling unit 2.

[0063] For example, the main cooling section 2c could be designed to accommodate relatively large pieces of ice I. However, in that case, the ice I would come into contact with the part of the body being cooled by the main cooling section 2c, which could cause the user H to feel a rough, uncomfortable sensation. In contrast, as in this embodiment, by setting the size of the gap between the partitions 8 in the main cooling section 2c to 0.5 cm or more and 3 cm or less, relatively large pieces of ice I cannot enter each of the divided storage sections 7, and the large pieces of ice I do not come into contact with the part of the body being cooled, thus improving the comfort of wearing the cooling device 1.

[0064] Another embodiment of the cooling device 1 illustrated in Figures 11 and 12 differs from the configuration of the cooling device 1 and cooling unit 2 in the previous embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 10. The other configurations of the cooling device 1, the basic method of using the cooling device 1, and the effects and benefits of the cooling device 1 are generally the same as in the previous embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 10. The differences from the previous embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 10 and their effects and benefits will be explained below.

[0065] Figures 11 and 12 show the cooling section 2 and core material 4 in a straight line (flat open state). As illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the cooling device 1 of this embodiment has a cylindrical central cooling section 2a and four winding cooling sections 2b extending in all directions from the central cooling section 2a. The internal cavity 3 of the central cooling section 2a and the internal cavity 3 of each winding cooling section 2b are in communication. An opening material 5 is provided on the back side of the central cooling section 2a, and a lid 6 is attached to the opening material 5. In Figure 11, the boundary between the central cooling section 2a and each winding cooling section 2b is virtually shown by a dashed line.

[0066] The preferred shape and dimensions of the wrapped cooling section 2b are the same as those described in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 10. As illustrated in Figure 12, in this embodiment, the thickness dimension t1 of the thickest part of the central cooling section 2a and the thickness dimension t2 of the thickest part of each wrapped cooling section 2b are set to the same dimension. However, for example, the thickness dimension t1 of the central cooling section 2a and the thickness dimension t2 of each wrapped cooling section 2b can be set to different dimensions.

[0067] In Figure 11, the centerlines (extension direction of the winding cooling sections 2b) of each winding cooling section 2b are virtually shown by dashed lines. As illustrated in Figure 11, when viewing the cooler 1 from the rear side, the two winding cooling sections 2b, 2b facing each other with the central cooling section 2a in between extend along the same straight line. The other two winding cooling sections 2b facing each other with the central cooling section 2a extend along the same straight line at a different angle. That is, the four winding cooling sections 2b are arranged in an X shape.

[0068] This cooling device 1 has a core material 4 that holds the central cooling section 2a and four winding cooling sections 2b in any desired shape. The core material 4 is composed of annularly formed wires that extend continuously along the outer edges of the central cooling section 2a and each of the winding cooling sections 2b. As illustrated in Figure 12, the core material 4 is positioned in the center of the thickness direction of the central cooling section 2a and each of the winding cooling sections 2b. The core material 4 is joined to the outer edges of the central cooling section 2a and each of the winding cooling sections 2b. In this embodiment, when ice water IW is poured in from the opening material 5, the ice I and water W are contained in the central cooling section 2a and each of the winding cooling sections 2b.

[0069] When attaching this cooling device 1 to the user H, the central cooling section 2a is deformed together with the core material 4 to match the shape of the body part to be cooled, and the opposing surface of the central cooling section 2a is brought into contact with the body part to be cooled. Then, the wrap-around cooling sections 2b that extend in all four directions together with the core material 4 are each deformed to match the shape of the body part to be cooled or its vicinity, and the four wrap-around cooling sections 2b are wrapped around the body part to be cooled or its vicinity and fixed in place.

[0070] As in this embodiment, by having elongated wrap-around cooling sections 2b extending in all four directions, the four wrap-around cooling sections 2b can be wrapped around different parts of the user H's body in different directions. Therefore, it becomes easier to securely fix the cooling device 1 to the user H's neck, legs, arms, etc., which is advantageous for achieving stable wear. In particular, when cooling the elbow, the central cooling section 2a is placed in contact with the elbow, two wrap-around cooling sections 2b are wrapped around the upper arm, and the remaining two wrap-around cooling sections 2b are wrapped around the forearm, allowing the cooling device 1 to be securely fixed to the user H's arm even when the elbow is bent. Similarly, when cooling other joints such as the knees and ankles, the cooling device 1 can be securely fixed even when the joint is bent.

[0071] As illustrated in Figure 11, in particular, when viewing the cooling device 1 from the back, if the angle θ1 between the centerlines of two wrap-around cooling sections 2b extending in the same straight line and the centerlines of two wrap-around cooling sections 2b extending in the same straight line at a different angle is set to a range of 20 degrees to 70 degrees, more preferably 20 degrees to 60 degrees, then two adjacent wrap-around cooling sections 2b will be positioned relatively close to each other. Therefore, it becomes easier to wrap each wrap-around cooling section 2b around parts of the body that can be wrapped around relatively narrow areas such as the neck and arms, thereby increasing the versatility of the cooling device 1.

[0072] Another embodiment of the cooler 1 illustrated in Figure 13 is configured such that the angle θ1 between the centerlines of two linearly extending wrap-around cooling sections 2b and the centerlines of two linearly extending wrap-around cooling sections 2b at a different angle, as viewed from the rear side of the cooler 1 of the previous embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, is set to 90 degrees. In other words, in this embodiment, as viewed from the rear side of the cooler 1, four wrap-around cooling sections 2b are arranged in a cross shape. The other configurations of the cooler 1, the basic method of use of the cooler 1, and the effects and benefits of the cooler 1 are generally the same as those of the previous embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 and 12.

[0073] Another embodiment of the cooling device 1 illustrated in Figure 14 has a cooling section 2 comprising a cylindrical central cooling section 2a and three winding cooling sections 2b extending in three directions from the central cooling section 2a. The other configurations of the cooling device 1, the basic method of use of the cooling device 1, and the effects and benefits of the cooling device 1 are generally the same as those of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. The differences from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 11 and 12 and their effects and benefits will be explained below.

[0074] Figure 14 shows each cooling section 2 and core material 4 in a straight line (flat and open state). In Figure 14, the centerlines of each wrapped cooling section 2b are virtually indicated by dashed lines. As illustrated in Figure 14, in this embodiment, when the cooling device 1 is viewed from the rear side, the three wrapped cooling sections 2b are arranged in a Y shape.

[0075] This cooling device 1 has a core material 4 that holds a central cooling section 2a and three wrap-around cooling sections 2b in any desired shape. The core material 4 is composed of annularly formed wires that extend continuously along the outer edges of the central cooling section 2a and each of the wrap-around cooling sections 2b. The core material 4 is joined to the outer edges of the central cooling section 2a and each of the wrap-around cooling sections 2b. In this embodiment, the width dimension W2 of one wrap-around cooling section 2b is set to be larger than the width dimension W2 of the other two wrap-around cooling sections 2b. That is, this cooling device 1 has wrap-around cooling sections 2b of different sizes (surface areas).

[0076] When attaching this cooling device 1 to user H, the central cooling section 2a is deformed together with the core material 4 to match the shape of the part of user H's body to be cooled, and the opposing surface of the central cooling section 2a is brought into contact with the part to be cooled. Then, the three wrap-around cooling sections 2b extending in three directions together with the core material 4 are each deformed to match the shape of the part of the body to be cooled or its vicinity, and the three wrap-around cooling sections 2b are wrapped around the part of the body to be cooled or its vicinity and fixed in place.

[0077] Even in this embodiment, which has a configuration with three elongated wrap-around cooling sections 2b extending in three directions, the cooling device 1 can be stably fixed to the user H's neck, legs, arms, etc., by wrapping the three wrap-around cooling sections 2b in different directions so that they are in close contact with the user H's body parts, thereby providing stable wearability.

[0078] In particular, when viewing the cooling device 1 from the back, if the angle θ2 between the center line of one of the wrap-around cooling sections 2b and the center lines of the other two wrap-around cooling sections 2b is set to a range of 10 degrees to 30 degrees, then the other two wrap-around cooling sections 2b will extend to the other side (right side in Figure 13) relative to the one wrap-around cooling section 2b that extends to one side (left side in Figure 13). As a result, two adjacent wrap-around cooling sections 2b extending to the other side will be positioned relatively close to each other. Therefore, it becomes easier to wrap each wrap-around cooling section 2b around parts of the body with a relatively narrow wrapping area, such as the neck, thus increasing the versatility of the cooling device 1.

[0079] The aforementioned angle θ2 can be set to, for example, 3 degrees or more and less than 10 degrees, but in that case, two adjacent wrapped cooling sections 2b will be positioned very close together, so the advantage of providing wrapped cooling sections 2b extending in three directions will be reduced.

[0080] As in this embodiment, by setting the width dimension W2 of one wrap-around cooling section 2b to be larger than the width dimension W2 of the remaining two wrap-around cooling sections 2b, for example, when cooling long parts of a user H such as their arms or legs, one relatively wide wrap-around cooling section 2b can be positioned to extend in the direction of the arm or leg's extension, and the remaining two relatively narrow wrap-around cooling sections 2b can be wrapped around and fixed to the arm or leg, thereby effectively cooling a wide area of ​​the arm or leg.

[0081] Another embodiment of the cooling device 1 illustrated in Figure 15 has a structure in which the angle θ2 between the center line of one of the wrapped cooling sections 2b and the center lines of the other two wrapped cooling sections 2b, as viewed from the back side of the cooling device 1 of the previous embodiment illustrated in Figure 14, is set to 90 degrees.

[0082] As illustrated in Figure 15, the cooling device 1 of this embodiment has a cooling section 2 comprising a cylindrical central cooling section 2a, one winding cooling section 2b extending to one side from the central cooling section 2a, and one winding cooling section 2b extending to the other two sides from the central cooling section 2a. When viewing the cooling device 1 from the rear side, the angle between the center line of one winding cooling section 2b and the center line of the other winding cooling section 2b is set to 90 degrees. In other words, in the cooling device 1 of this embodiment, the two winding cooling sections 2b are arranged in a T-shape. In this embodiment, a winding cooling section 2b extending horizontally (left-right direction in Figure 15) is joined to one side of the central cooling section 2a, and a winding cooling section 2b extending vertically (up-down direction in Figure 15) is joined to the other side of the central cooling section 2a.

[0083] This cooling device 1 has a core material 4 that holds the central cooling section 2a and the two wrap-around cooling sections 2b in any desired shape. In this embodiment, the width dimension of one wrap-around cooling section 2b is set to be larger than the width dimension of the other wrap-around cooling section 2b. Alternatively, the width dimensions of one wrap-around cooling section 2b and the other wrap-around cooling section 2b can be set to the same dimension.

[0084] As in this embodiment, when the cooling device 1 is T-shaped, for example, when cooling a long part of the user H's arm or leg, one wrap-around cooling section 2b is positioned to extend in the direction of the arm or leg's extension, and the other wrap-around cooling section 2b is wrapped around the arm or leg and fixed in place, thereby effectively cooling a long area of ​​the arm or leg. The T-shaped arrangement of the two wrap-around cooling sections 2b makes it easier to wrap around the arm or leg.

[0085] In this embodiment, a case in which two winding cooling units 2b are arranged in a T-shape is illustrated, but for example, a configuration in which three winding cooling units 2b are arranged in a T-shape can also be used. In that case as well, the same effects and advantages can be achieved with the same method of use.

[0086] Another embodiment of the cooling device 1 illustrated in Figure 16 has a cooling section 2 comprising a cylindrical central cooling section 2a, one winding cooling section 2b extending in two directions from the central cooling section 2a, and another winding cooling section 2b extending in two other directions from the central cooling section 2a. The two winding cooling sections 2b are arranged parallel to each other on both sides of the central cooling section 2a. In other words, in the cooling device 1 of this embodiment, when the cooling device 1 is viewed from the rear side, the central cooling section 2a and the two winding cooling sections 2b are arranged in an H shape. This cooling device 1 has a core material 4 that holds the central cooling section 2a and the two winding cooling sections 2b in any desired shape.

[0087] When attaching this cooling device 1 to user H, the central cooling section 2a is deformed together with the core material 4 to match the shape of the part of user H's body to be cooled, and the opposing surface of the central cooling section 2a is brought into contact with the part to be cooled. Then, the two wrap-around cooling sections 2b are deformed together with the core material 4 to match the shape of the part of the body to be cooled or its vicinity, and the two wrap-around cooling sections 2b are wrapped around the part of the body to be cooled or its vicinity and secured.

[0088] As in this embodiment, by using an H-shaped cooling device 1, the two parallel-arranged wrap-around cooling sections 2b can be wrapped tightly around parts of the user H's body, allowing the cooling device 1 to be stably fixed to the user H's neck, legs, arms, etc., resulting in extremely stable wearability.

[0089] In this embodiment, the case in which the central cooling section 2a and two winding cooling sections 2b are arranged in an H-shape is illustrated, but for example, a configuration in which the central cooling section 2a and four winding cooling sections 2b are arranged in an H-shape is also possible. In that case as well, the same effects and advantages can be achieved with the same method of use.

[0090] Another embodiment of the cooling device 1 illustrated in Figure 17 has a cooling section 2 comprising a cylindrical central cooling section 2a, one winding cooling section 2b extending from the central cooling section 2a to one side, and another winding cooling section 2b extending from the central cooling section 2a to the other side. The two winding cooling sections 2b are arranged in a straight line extending from both sides of the central cooling section 2a. In other words, in the cooling device 1 of this embodiment, when the cooling device 1 is viewed from the rear side, the central cooling section 2a and the two winding cooling sections 2b are arranged in an I-shape. This cooling device 1 has a core material 4 that holds the central cooling section 2a and the two winding cooling sections 2b in any desired shape.

[0091] When attaching this cooling device 1 to user H, the central cooling section 2a is deformed together with the core material 4 to match the shape of the part of user H's body to be cooled, and the opposing surface of the central cooling section 2a is brought into contact with the part to be cooled. Then, the two wrap-around cooling sections 2b are deformed together with the core material 4 to match the shape of the part of the body to be cooled or its vicinity, and the two wrap-around cooling sections 2b are wrapped around the part of the body to be cooled or its vicinity and secured.

[0092] As in this embodiment, by using an I-shaped cooler 1, the structure of the cooler 1 can be made very simple. In this embodiment, the case in which the central cooler 2a and two wrap-around cooler 2b are arranged in an I-shape is illustrated, but for example, a configuration in which one I-shaped wrap-around cooler 2b extending in two directions is joined to the side of the central cooler 2a can also be used. In that case as well, the same effects can be achieved with the same method of use.

[0093] Another embodiment of the cooling device 1 illustrated in Figures 18 and 19 is configured such that the core material 4 of the cooling device 1 illustrated in Figures 11 and 12 is detachable from the cooling unit 2. The other configurations of the cooling device 1, the basic method of use of the cooling device 1, and the effects and benefits of the cooling device 1 are generally the same as those of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 11 and 12. The differences from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 11 and 12 and their effects and benefits will be explained below.

[0094] Figures 18 and 19 show the cooling section 2 and core material 4 in a straight line (flat and open). In Figure 18, the boundary between the central cooling section 2a and each wrapped cooling section 2b is virtually shown by a dashed line. Figure 18 shows the state in which all core material 4 is attached to the cooling section 2 that constitute the cooling device 1. Figure 19 shows the state in which some of the core material 4 has been removed from the cooling section 2.

[0095] As illustrated in Figures 18 and 19, the cooling device 1 of this embodiment, like the cooling device 1 of the previous embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, has a cylindrical central cooling section 2a and four winding cooling sections 2b extending in all directions from the central cooling section 2a as the cooling section 2. In this embodiment, four linear core materials 4 are provided extending in the direction of extension of each winding cooling section 2b, and these four core materials 4 are detachably disposed on the back side of the central cooling section 2a and the winding cooling sections 2b.

[0096] In this embodiment, fixing parts 9 are attached to four locations on the outer circumferential surface of the opening material 5. When the end of the core material 4 is inserted into the fixing part 9, the end of the core material 4 is fixed to the fixing part 9. The fixing part 9 is made of, for example, a hard resin. Similar fixing parts 9 are also attached to the back side near the tip of each winding cooling section 2b. The core material 4 used for deforming the winding cooling section 2b and the central cooling section 2a can be attached by inserting and fixing one end of the straight core material 4 into the fixing part 9 provided on the opening material 5, and inserting and fixing the other end of the core material 4 into the fixing part 9 provided near the tip of the winding cooling section 2b.

[0097] When manufacturing this cooling device 1, for example, a bag body is made that consists of a central cooling section 2a and four wrap-around cooling sections 2b. Next, the opening material 5 to which the fixing part 9 is attached is joined to the back side of the central cooling section 2c. The fixing part 9 is joined to the back side near the tip of each wrap-around cooling section 2b by adhesive or heat welding. Then, a straight core material 4 is made.

[0098] When using this cooling device 1, the core material 4 is attached and fixed to the cooling section 2 (2a, 2b) before or after filling the cooling device 1 with ice water IW. The method of using the cooling device 1 thereafter is the same as the embodiment illustrated in Figures 18 and 19. After use, the cooling device 1 is removed from the user's body H, the internal cavity 3 of each cooling section 2 is emptied, the fixing state between each core material 4 and the fixing part 9 is released, and each core material 4 is removed from the cooling section 2. Then, the cooling device 1 is made compact by folding each cooling section 2.

[0099] In this way, by making the core material 4 detachable from the cooling unit 2, the cooling unit 2 can be folded when the cooling device 1 is not in use by removing the core material 4 from the cooling unit 2. Therefore, the cooling device 1 can be made more compact and more convenient. Furthermore, if the core material 4 deteriorates, it can be easily replaced, improving the maintainability of the cooling device 1.

[0100] By providing a fixing part 9 to secure the end of the core material 4, the core material 4 can be fixed to the cooling unit 2 in a stable state. In particular, if the end of the core material 4 is fixed to the opening material 5, the core material 4 can be fixed in a very stable state. Furthermore, providing the fixing part 9 is advantageous in preventing the end of the core material 4 from rubbing against the cooling unit 2 and damaging the cooling unit 2. In this embodiment, the case in which the fixing part 9 is provided on the winding cooling unit 2b is illustrated, but for example, the core material 4 can also be fixed to the winding cooling unit 2b by providing an insertion part through which the core material 4 is inserted and inserting the core material 4 into the insertion part. In this embodiment, the case in which one core material 4 is provided for each winding cooling unit 2b is illustrated, but the number and arrangement of core materials 4 provided on the cooling device 1 are not limited to this embodiment. For example, it is also possible to have a configuration in which multiple core materials 4 are provided for each winding cooling unit 2b.

[0101] The cooling device 1 of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated above, and can also be configured to have, for example, a cooling section 2 extending in five or more directions. The cooling sections 2 (2a, 2b, 2c) of each embodiment illustrated above can be combined as appropriate. In the embodiments illustrated above, a case in which a core material 4 is provided for all cooling sections 2 was illustrated, but it is sufficient to have a core material 4 that holds the cooling sections 2 extending in at least two directions in any desired shape, and it is also possible to have a configuration in which no core material 4 is provided for any of the cooling sections 2. Furthermore, in the embodiments illustrated above, a case in which the core material 4 is provided on the outer edge or back side of the cooling section 2 was illustrated, but the position and range in which the core material 4 is provided is not limited to the embodiments illustrated above, and the core material 4 can also be provided at other positions, such as on the opposing surface side of the cooling section 2. For example, the configuration in which the core material 4 is detachable from the cooling section 2, as illustrated in Figures 18 and 19, can also be applied to each of the embodiments illustrated above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1. Cooling device 2 Cooling section 2a Central cooling section 2b Wrapped cooling section 2c Main cooling section 3 Inner cavity 4, 4a, 4b Core material 5. Opening material 6 Lid 7 divided storage compartments 8 compartments 9 Fixed part IW Ice Water I ice W water H user

Claims

1. In a cooling device having cooling sections extending in at least two directions and containing ice water, A cooling device characterized in that the internal cavities of adjacent cooling sections are in communication with each other, and the cooling section having a core material that holds the cooling section extending in at least two directions in any desired shape.

2. The cooling device according to claim 1, having the cooling portion extending in three or four directions.

3. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cooling portion extending in at least two directions on which the core material is provided is an elongated, winding cooling portion whose width dimension is set to 5% or more and 80% or less of its length dimension in the extending direction.

4. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, having a core material that holds all of the extending cooling sections in any desired shape.

5. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the core material is a wire that extends continuously along the outer edge of each of the cooling sections.

6. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the cooling sections is provided with a partition that divides the cooling section into a plurality of divided housing sections.

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