Wrist & headband with a source of cooling energy

Abstract

The wrist or headband described herein is of composite construction, specifically, an essentially continuous elastic band or sleeve, which is anatomically conforming in overall dimensions to the approximate wrist or headband size of a wearer; and, a moisture absorbent material, associated with at least one end of the sleeve, to wick moisture from the interface of a wearer and the sleeve into a reservoir located on the exterior surface of the sleeve. The sleeve is preferably fabricated of the same material as the foam fabric used in the fabrication of a SCUBA diver's suit, specifically, a closed cell foam. The thickness of such materials is generally uniform throughout the device and designed to provide more than adequate thermal insulation for the source of cooling energy housed within the device. The sleeve is further modified on the interior surface thereof (also "skin contact surface") to accommodate a source of thermal energy (also "chill pack"). This modification of the interior of the sleeve (also herein "chill pocket") can include a compartment for containment of a source of cooling thermal energy, or integral bladder containing a high heat capacity fluid or gel.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] This invention relates to an article of manufacture. More specifically, this invention is directed to device which includes an anatomically fitted sleeve (10) or band (10') having a source of cooling energy associated therewith, and means, distinct from the source of cooling energy, for absorbing perspiration. The device is designed for use in an active environment while maintaining itself in position on the body during work or play.[0003] 2. Background of Invention[0004] Headband s and wrist band s worn during sports, such as tennis and volleyball, are well known. Such bands are commonly worn to absorb perspiration, thereby preventing perspiration from contacting the user's eyes and / or hands where it may potentially interfere with the user's performance. Such contemporary bands typically comprise elastic terry cloth or the like which is configured to snugly encircle the wearer's wrist or the upper portion of the user's head.[0005] Flexible col...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] In an alternative embodiment the device of this invention, the structural component of the device are comparatively inelastic. In order to accommodate the placement and removal thereof from the anatomy of the wearer, the inelastic band includes an elastic strip, or insert, running across the width of the device. This strip or insert is expandable and connects the inelastic portions of the band together to complete the assembly band and facilitate stretching thereof. The flexible strip or insert is preferably sewn to both the upper and lower portions of the inelastic material at one end thereof, and to only the upper portion at the opposite end thereof. By sewing only to the upper portion of the inelastic material at the opposite end thereof, an aperture is formed therein such that a flexible chill pack may be received thereby and disposed within the band. Thus, the expandable or elastic material facilitates the use of a comparatively non-stretchable fabric for the major anatomically defining portion of the band.

Problems solved by technology

However, this technique is not particularly effective when the humidity is high.

Other techniques, such as drinking cold liquids, may affect the user's performance and possibly present health risks.

No effective means of providing a cooled band for use in sports is presently known.

Additionally, no means is presently known for maintaining contact of a therapeutic cold pack with an anatomical portion of a user's body during sports activities.

As such, although the prior art has recognized to a limited extent the problems of absorbing perspiration during sporting events and of cooling the participants, the proposed solutions have to date been ineffective in providing a satisfactory remedy.

As is evident from review of the foregoing patent literature, the past efforts at design and fabrication of writ and headbands, having incorporating a source of cooling energy, are rather primitive because of the design limitation imposed by the choice of materials and the failure to combine materials of different properties to accommodate the multiple demands placed upon such a device.

The representative devices disclosed in the representative prior art are limited because of their failure to isolate each of these distinct functions within the device, and thereby compromise performance.

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