Portable body cooling device and application thereof

Abstract

A portable body cooling device is disclosed, in particular, the portable body cooling device being wearable on a subject, the device comprising a strap channel assembly comprising coupled pairs of channels extending longitudinally adjacent to each other, and the channeled assembly can be worn along the outer contour of the body part of the subject. The apparatus further includes a forced air flow assembly connected to the belt channel assembly for generating and driving a forced air flow into and through the belt channel assembly, and the forced air flow promoting indirect evaporation of the liquid inside the belt channel assembly, a forced flow of cold air exiting from the channeled assembly and directed toward the object is generated to cool the object. A corresponding method of cooling an object is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to techniques (devices, methods) for cooling a subject, wherein the body cooling device is portable, and in particular, the body cooling device is wearable on the subject. Embodiments of the present invention are suitable for cooling a subject who is performing or participating in strenuous activities of the type that generate or / and are associated with excessive body temperature and sweating (perspiration) of the subject (e.g., construction work, factory work, vehicle repair work, agricultural work, military work, outdoor summer housework, sports, camping, hiking). Background Art

[0002] Various types of intense activities performed by subjects (e.g., construction work, factory work, vehicle repair work, agricultural work, military work, outdoor summer chores, sports, camping, hiking, and other types of work) often generate or / and are associated with excessive body temperature and sweating (perspiration) of the subject. In order for a subject to perform such intense activities for a reasonable duration, it is necessary to prevent or at least reduce the occurrence of excessive body temperature and sweating of the subject in real time.

[0003] Many techniques (devices, methods) have been proposed, the primary purpose of which is to cool a subject while performing an activity associated with excessive body temperature and sweating. Examples of such techniques are taught in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 01137181A1, U.S. Patent Nos. 10,820,637, 9,851,113, 9,308,121, and 6,823,678, and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-135614A. Despite such attempts, there is still a need for continued development and implementation of new and improved techniques suitable for cooling a subject. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a device for cooling a subject and a corresponding method for cooling a subject, wherein the body cooling device is portable and in particular wearable on the subject. In an exemplary embodiment, the body cooling device is compact, made of environmentally friendly, lightweight, durable materials, and easy to manufacture at low cost. The body cooling device is also easy to wear (for example, as a flexible belt or strap with adjustable length) and safe to operate, does not use or generate hazardous materials, and does not restrict or interfere with the mobility of the subject's arms or hands required for strenuous activities. The present invention is user-friendly and ergonomic, taking into account the subject's physiological and psychological factors in the design, construction and operation of the body cooling device.

[0005] The implementation of a body cooling device and a corresponding method of cooling an object is based on an indirect evaporative process. In an exemplary embodiment, the body cooling device is characterized by a channel assembly that includes a coupled pair of wettable (e.g., outer) channels and dry (e.g., inner) channels extending longitudinally adjacent to each other. The wettable (e.g., outer) channels are connected to a liquid feed input assembly, and both the wettable (e.g., outer) channels and the dry (e.g., inner) channels are connected to a forced air flow assembly.

[0006] In such an exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed input assembly feeds liquid (e.g., water) into the wettable (e.g., outer) channel, thereby wetting the surfaces of both the inner wall of the wettable (e.g., outer) channel and the outer wall of the dry (e.g., inner) channel. At the same time, the forced air flow assembly generates a forced air flow inside and through the wettable (e.g., outer) channel, thereby evaporating the liquid from the surfaces of both the inner wall of the wettable (e.g., outer) channel and the outer wall of the dry (e.g., inner) channel, thereby cooling these surfaces (lowering the temperature of these surfaces).

[0007] Cooling of the dry (e.g., interior) channel outer wall surface causes cooling of the forced air flow flowing inside and through the dry (e.g., interior) channel (lowering the temperature of the forced air flow). In addition, cooling of the wettable (e.g., exterior) channel inner wall surface causes cooling of the forced air flow flowing inside and through the wettable (e.g., exterior) channel (lowering the temperature of the forced air flow), which in turn cools the dry (e.g., interior) channel outer wall surface (lowering the temperature of the dry (e.g., interior) channel outer wall surface), which in turn cools the forced air flow flowing inside and through the dry (e.g., interior) channel (lowering the temperature of the forced air flow).

[0008] The cool air thus generated flowing inside and through the dry (e.g., interior) passages leaves the dry (e.g., interior) passages and is directed toward the subject wearing the body cooling device, thereby cooling the subject. According to this indirect evaporation process, the air flowing through the wettable (e.g., exterior) passages is separated from the air flowing through the dry (e.g., interior) passages and does not mix with them, so that the air flowing through the dry (e.g., interior) passages is cooled without unnecessarily increasing its moisture content.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are useful for cooling a subject who is engaged in or participating in strenuous activities of the type that generate or are associated with excessive body temperature and sweating (perspiration) in the subject (e.g., construction work, factory work, vehicle repair work, agricultural work, military work, outdoor summer housework, sports, camping, hiking). Implementation of the present invention enables a subject to safely and effectively regulate their body temperature while engaging in many strenuous activities. The present invention is useful for preventing or at least assisting in preventing the occurrence of heat stroke (hyperthermia) in a subject who is engaged in or participating in strenuous activities that generate or are associated with excessive body temperature and sweating (perspiration) in the subject.

[0010] According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a portable body cooling device, in particular, the portable body cooling device is a portable body cooling device that can be worn on an object, the device comprising: a channel assembly, the channel assembly comprising a pair of channels connected and extending longitudinally adjacent to each other, and the channel assembly is configured to receive a liquid feed and a forced air flow, the channel assembly can be worn along the outer contour of the body part of the object; a liquid feed input assembly, the liquid feed input assembly is operatively connected to the channel assembly and in fluid communication with the channel assembly, and the liquid feed input assembly is configured to facilitate the input of the liquid feed into the channel assembly; and a forced air flow assembly, the forced air flow assembly is operatively connected to the channel assembly and in fluid communication with the channel assembly, and the forced air flow assembly is configured to generate the forced air flow and drive the forced air flow into and through the channel assembly. The forced air flow promotes indirect evaporation of the liquid feed inside the channel assembly, and generates a forced cold air flow that leaves the channel assembly and is directed to the object, thereby cooling the object.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the invention, the coupled pair of channels comprises a wettable channel configured to be wetted via an input flow of a liquid feed and a dry channel configured to be substantially dry.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the invention, the wettable channels are configured as outer channels and the dry channels are configured as inner channels, wherein the dry inner channels are positioned inside and surrounded by the wettable outer channels.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the invention, the wettable channel comprises at least one wettable channel forced air flow inlet port and at least one wettable channel forced air flow outlet port, and wherein the dry channel comprises at least one dry channel forced air flow inlet port and at least one dry channel forced air flow outlet port.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the invention, each wettable channel forced air flow outlet port protrudes from a wall of the wettable channel, and each drying channel forced air flow outlet port protrudes from a wall of the drying channel.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the invention, the drying duct comprises a plurality of drying duct forced air flow outlet ports protruding from a wall of the drying duct and being positionally aligned with respect to each other.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the invention, a plurality of the drying duct forced air flow outlet ports protrude from a same wall of the drying duct and are positionally aligned relative to each other along the same wall of the drying duct.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the invention, the wettable channel is configured as a tubular member.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the wettable channel can be configured as any other structure other than a tubular member, so that the dry channel is positioned within the wettable channel. Within the wettable channel, the dry channel can be configured into a shape similar to the shape of the wettable channel, or the dry channel can be configured as a tubular member positioned inside the wettable channel and arranged in any manner (e.g., spiral, loop, curve, continuous row) so that the outer wall of the dry channel in contact with the feed liquid has the maximum surface area.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, each wettable channel forced air flow outlet port is located at a position away from each dry channel forced air flow outlet port, so that the forced cold air flow leaving each dry channel forced air flow outlet port is not affected by the forced air flow leaving each wettable channel forced air flow outlet port.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, each position is partially defined whereby each wettable channel forced air flow outlet port is angled away from each dry channel forced air flow outlet port at least 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the channel assembly, and in particular, each wettable channel forced air flow outlet port is angled away from each dry channel forced air flow outlet port at an angle equal to or greater than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the channel assembly.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the invention, the wettable channels include a liquid absorbent material therein, the liquid absorbent material extending along and in physical contact with at least a majority of the entire length of the drying channels, wherein the liquid absorbent material is adapted to absorb a liquid feed input into the channeled assembly. According to some embodiments of the invention, the liquid absorbent material is in physical contact with at least a majority of the surface area of ​​the outer wall of the drying channels.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid absorbing material is a type of material selected from a cloth material and a coating material.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the wettable channel further comprises a spacing member, the spacing member extending along at least a majority of the entire length of the drying channel, and the spacing member is configured to provide a spacing between the liquid absorbent material and the inner wall of the wettable channel so as to promote unimpeded passage of the forced air flow within and through the wettable channel. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the spacing member may extend along at least a majority of the entire length of the wettable channel to provide a spacing between the liquid absorbent material and the inner wall of the wettable channel. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the spacing member may be arranged according to the shape of the wettable channel and / or the drying channel so as to provide a spacing between the liquid absorbent material and the inner wall of the wettable channel.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the invention, the drying channel is configured as a tubular member extending longitudinally along at least a majority of the entire length of the wettable channel.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the invention, the length of the wettable channel is less than the length of the wettable channel.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the invention, the belt channel assembly is reversibly deformable and reshapeable (can be deformed multiple times and fixed in any form). For example, the belt channel assembly can be configured to be reversibly (and repeatedly) bendable and reversibly and repeatedly fixable in a bent form so that it can (e.g., securely) fit along the outer contour of a body part of a subject.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid feed input assembly is directly connected to the belt channel assembly via a liquid feed input line extending between the liquid feed input assembly and the belt channel assembly.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the invention, the body cooling device is a stand-alone device comprising a liquid feed reservoir operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the channeled assembly, and configured to store a backup supply of liquid feed.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the invention, the liquid feed reservoir is positioned adjacent to the belt channel assembly and extends adjacent to the belt channel assembly.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the liquid feed reservoir is operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the channeled assembly via a liquid feed connector, the liquid feed connector being configured to facilitate inputting a backup supply of liquid feed from the liquid feed reservoir into the channeled assembly via a forced air flow according to the Bernoulli liquid flow principle. In such an implementation, the liquid feed connector may constitute part of the liquid feed input assembly.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the forced air flow assembly is operatively connected to the belt channel assembly via a wettable channel forced air flow inlet line and via a dry channel forced air flow inlet line and is in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly, the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is operatively connected to the wettable channel forced air flow inlet port and is in fluid communication with the wettable channel forced air flow inlet port, and the dry channel forced air flow inlet line is operatively connected to the dry channel forced air flow inlet port and is in fluid communication with the dry channel forced air flow inlet port. In some examples, the forced air flow assembly may include a single forced air flow assembly operatively connected to both the wettable channel and the dry channel. In some examples, the forced air flow assembly may include two forced air flow assemblies, each of which is operatively connected to a corresponding one of the wettable channel and the dry channel.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the forced air flow assembly is configured with a power supply, which is operatively connected to a power interface and a control device, which is operatively connected to a forced air blower, which is in turn operatively connected to the channel assembly.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the invention, the forced air blower is a fan or a fan-like device.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the forced air flow component is configured with a power supply, which is operatively connected to an integrated component, the integrated component is configured with a power interface and a control device, which is operatively connected to a forced air blower, and wherein the integrated component is operatively connected to the channel component.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the forced air flow component is configured with an integrated component, which is configured with a power supply, which is operably connected to a power interface and a control device, wherein the integrated component is operably connected to a forced air blower, which is in turn operably connected to the channeled component.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the forced air flow component is configured with an integrated component, which is configured with a power supply, which is operatively connected to a power interface and a control device, which is in turn operatively connected to a forced air blower, wherein the integrated component is operatively connected to a channeled component.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the invention, the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is positioned at least partially within a volume defined by the wettable channel.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the invention, at least a majority of the length of the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is positioned within the volume defined by the wettable channel.

[0039] According to some embodiments of the invention, at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 100% of the length of the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is positioned within the volume defined by the wettable channel.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the invention, the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line may extend at least partially along the drying channel.

[0041] According to some embodiments of the invention, the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is at least partially surrounded by a liquid absorbent material. The liquid absorbent material may be the same or different from the liquid absorbent material that extends along and is in physical contact with the drying channel in some embodiments.

[0042] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is configured to provide a pre-cooled air flow to the wettable channel forced air flow inlet port. For example, the air flow flowing through the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line positioned in the wettable channel is pre-cooled (in the same manner as the air flow in the dry channel is cooled) before passing through the wettable channel forced air flow inlet port and entering the wettable channel, thereby improving the efficiency of cooling.

[0043] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cooling device further comprises a distribution line configured to distribute the forced cold air flow leaving the channel assembly to at least one location away from the channel assembly. For example, the distribution line can distribute the cold air flow to different body parts of the subject.

[0044] According to some embodiments of the invention, the distribution line is operably connected to the at least one dry aisle forced air flow outlet port, and the distribution line is configured to be in fluid communication with the at least one dry aisle forced air flow outlet port.

[0045] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the belt channel assembly can be securely worn along the outer contour of a body part of a subject.

[0046] According to another aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of cooling an object, the method comprising: obtaining a portable body cooling device, wherein the device is particularly wearable on an object. The device comprises: a belt channel assembly, the belt channel assembly comprising a pair of coupled channels extending longitudinally adjacent to each other, and the belt channel assembly is configured to receive a liquid feed and a forced air flow; a liquid feed input assembly, the liquid feed input assembly is operatively connected to the belt channel assembly and in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly, and the liquid feed input assembly is configured to facilitate the input of the liquid feed into the belt channel assembly; and a forced air flow assembly, the forced air flow assembly is operatively connected to the belt channel assembly and in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly, and the forced air flow assembly is configured to generate the forced air flow and drive the forced air flow into and through the belt channel assembly; placing and wearing the device along the outer contour of the body part of the object; providing the liquid feed to the liquid feed input assembly to facilitate the input of the liquid feed into the belt channel assembly; and activating the forced air flow assembly. The forced air flow entering the channeled assembly promotes indirect evaporation of the liquid feed within the channeled assembly and generates a forced cool air flow exiting the channeled assembly and directed toward the object, thereby cooling the object.

[0047] According to some embodiments of the invention, placing and wearing the device comprises positioning the coupled pairs of channels along an outer contour of a body part of the subject such that the coupled pairs of channels are longitudinally aligned with the body part of the subject.

[0048] According to some embodiments of the invention, activating the forced air flow assembly is performed in a manner that facilitates controllably regulating indirect vaporization of the liquid feed within the channeled assembly.

[0049] According to some embodiments of the present invention, starting the forced air flow component includes: controllably adjusting the power level of the forced air flow component to controllably adjust the rate of indirect evaporation of liquid feed within the channeled component, thereby facilitating controllable adjustment of the forced cold air flow that leaves the channeled component and is directed toward the object.

[0050] According to some embodiments of the invention, placing and wearing the device along the outer contour of the subject's body part comprises: firmly placing and wearing the device along the outer contour of the subject's body part.

[0051] All technical and / or scientific words, terms and / or phrases used herein have the same or similar meanings as those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise specifically defined or described herein. The exemplary embodiments of the equipment (devices, parts thereof), equipment, materials, methods (steps, procedures) described illustratively herein are merely exemplary and illustrative and are not necessarily restrictive. Although equipment, equipment, materials and methods (steps, procedures) equivalent or similar to those described herein can be used in practice or / and testing embodiments of the present invention, exemplary equipment, equipment, materials and methods are only described illustratively below. In the event of a conflict, the patent specification including the definitions shall prevail.

[0052] Implementation

[0053] While more specific descriptions are provided in the Detailed Description, the following are non-limiting examples of various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0054] 1. A portable body cooling device, in particular, the portable body cooling device is a portable body cooling device that can be worn on a subject, the device comprising:

[0055] a belt channel assembly including a coupled pair of channels extending longitudinally adjacent to each other and configured for receiving a liquid feed and a forced air flow, the belt channel assembly being wearable along an outer contour of a body part of the subject;

[0056] a liquid feed input assembly operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly and configured to facilitate input of the liquid feed into the belt channel assembly; and

[0057] a forced air flow assembly operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly and configured to generate and drive the forced air flow into and through the belt channel assembly;

[0058] wherein the forced air flow promotes indirect evaporation of the liquid feed within the channeled assembly and generates a forced cold air flow that exits the channeled assembly and is directed toward the object, thereby cooling the object.

[0059] 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the coupled pair of channels comprises a wettable channel and a dry channel, the wettable channel being configured to be wetted via the input flow of the liquid feed, and the dry channel being configured to be substantially dry.

[0060] 3. The apparatus of embodiment 2, wherein the wettable channel is configured as an outer channel and the dry channel is configured as an inner channel, wherein the dry inner channel is positioned inside the wettable outer channel and surrounded by the wettable outer channel.

[0061] 4. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 2 or 3, wherein the wettable channel includes at least one wettable channel forced air flow inlet port and at least one wettable channel forced air flow outlet port, and wherein the dry channel includes at least one dry channel forced air flow inlet port and at least one dry channel forced air flow outlet port.

[0062] 5. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 2 to 4, wherein each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports protrudes from a wall of the wettable channel and each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports protrudes from a wall of the dry channel.

[0063] 6. The apparatus according to any one of embodiments 2 to 5, wherein the drying duct comprises a plurality of the drying duct forced air flow outlet ports, which protrude from the wall of the drying duct and are aligned relative to each other.

[0064] 7. The apparatus according to embodiment 6, wherein a plurality of the drying duct forced air flow outlet ports protrude from a same wall of the drying duct and a plurality of the drying duct forced air flow outlet ports are positionally aligned relative to each other along the same wall of the drying duct.

[0065] 8. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 2 to 7, wherein the wettable channel is configured as a tubular member.

[0066] 9. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 4 to 8, wherein each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports is located away from each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports, so that the forced cold air flow leaving each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports is not affected by the forced air flow leaving each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports.

[0067] 10. An apparatus according to embodiment 9, wherein each of the positions is partially defined whereby each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports is angled away from each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports at least 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the channel assembly, and in particular, each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports is angled away from each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports at an angle equal to or greater than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the channel assembly.

[0068] 11. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 2 to 10, wherein the wettable channel includes liquid absorbent material therein, extending along and in physical contact with at least a majority of the entire length of the drying channel, wherein the liquid absorbent material is suitable for absorbing the liquid feed input into the channeled assembly.

[0069] 12. The apparatus according to embodiment 11, wherein the liquid absorbing material is a type of material selected from a cloth material and a coating material.

[0070] 13. An apparatus according to embodiment 11 or 12, wherein the wettable channel further includes a spacing member, which extends along at least a majority of the entire length of the drying channel, and the spacing member is configured to provide a spacing between the liquid-absorbent material and the inner wall of the wettable channel so as to promote the unimpeded passage of the forced air flow within and through the wettable channel.

[0071] 14. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 2 to 13, wherein the drying channel is configured as a tubular member extending longitudinally along at least a majority of the entire length of the wettable channel.

[0072] 15. The apparatus of embodiment 14, wherein the length of the wettable channel is less than the length of the wettable channel.

[0073] 16. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the channeled assembly is reversibly bendable and reversibly fixable in a bent form to facilitate the adaptation of the channeled assembly along the outer contour of the subject's body part.

[0074] 17. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the liquid feed input assembly is directly connected to the channeled assembly via a liquid feed input pipeline, and the liquid feed input pipeline extends between the liquid feed input assembly and the channeled assembly.

[0075] 18. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the body cooling apparatus is a stand-alone apparatus comprising a liquid feed reservoir, the liquid feed reservoir being operably connected to the channeled assembly and in fluid communication with the channeled assembly, and the liquid feed reservoir being configured to store a backup supply of the liquid feed.

[0076] 19. An apparatus according to embodiment 18, wherein the liquid feed reservoir is positioned adjacent to the channeled assembly and extends adjacent to the channeled assembly.

[0077] 20. An apparatus according to embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the liquid feed reservoir is operably connected to the channel assembly and is in fluid communication with the channel assembly via a liquid feed connector, and the liquid feed connector is configured to facilitate the input of the backup supply of the liquid feed from the liquid feed reservoir into the channel assembly via the forced air flow according to the Bernoulli liquid flow principle.

[0078] 21. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 2 to 20, wherein the forced air flow component is operably connected to the channel component and fluidly connected to the channel component via a wettable channel forced air flow inlet line and via a dry channel forced air flow inlet line, the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is operably connected to the wettable channel forced air flow inlet port and fluidly connected to the wettable channel forced air flow inlet port, and the dry channel forced air flow inlet line is operably connected to the dry channel forced air flow inlet port and fluidly connected to the dry channel forced air flow inlet port.

[0079] 22. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the forced air flow component is configured with a power supply, the power supply is operably connected to a power interface and a control device, the power interface and the control device are operably connected to a forced air blower, and the forced air blower is in turn operably connected to the channeled component.

[0080] 23. The apparatus of embodiment 22, wherein the forced air blower is a fan or a fan-like device.

[0081] 24. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 22 or 23, wherein the forced air flow component is configured with the power supply, the power supply is operably connected to an integrated component, the integrated component is configured with the power interface and control device, the power interface and control device are operably connected to the forced air blower, and wherein the integrated component is operably connected to the channeled component.

[0082] 25. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 22 or 23, wherein the forced air flow component is configured with an integrated component, the integrated component is configured with the power supply, the power supply is operably connected to the power interface and control device, wherein the integrated component is operably connected to the forced air blower, and the forced air blower is operably connected to the channeled component.

[0083] 26. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 22 or 23, wherein the forced air flow component is configured with an integrated component, the integrated component is configured with the power supply, the power supply is operably connected to the power interface and control device, and the power interface and control device are in turn operably connected to the forced air blower, wherein the integrated component is operably connected to the channeled component.

[0084] 27. The apparatus of embodiment 21, wherein the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is positioned at least partially within a volume defined by the wettable channel.

[0085] 28. The apparatus of embodiment 27, wherein at least a majority of the length of the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is positioned within the volume defined by the wettable channel.

[0086] 29. An apparatus according to embodiment 28, wherein at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 100% of the length of the wettable channel forced air flow inlet pipeline is positioned within the volume defined by the wettable channel.

[0087] 30. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 27 to 29, wherein the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line extends at least partially along the drying channel.

[0088] 31. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 27 to 30, wherein the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is at least partially surrounded by a liquid absorbent material.

[0089] 32. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 to 31, further comprising a distribution line configured to distribute the forced cold air flow exiting the channeled assembly to at least one location remote from the channeled assembly.

[0090] 33. The apparatus of embodiment 32 when dependent upon embodiment 4, wherein the distribution line is operatively connected to the at least one dry aisle forced air flow outlet port and the distribution line is configured to be in fluid communication with the at least one dry aisle forced air flow outlet port.

[0091] 34. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 to 33, wherein the belt channel assembly is securely worn along the outer contour of the body part of the subject.

[0092] 35. A method of cooling an object, the method comprising:

[0093] A portable body cooling device is obtained, in particular, the device is wearable on the subject, and the portable body cooling device comprises:

[0094] a belt channel assembly including a coupled pair of channels extending longitudinally adjacent to each other and configured for receiving a liquid feed and a forced air flow;

[0095] a liquid feed input assembly operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly and configured to facilitate input of the liquid feed into the belt channel assembly; and

[0096] a forced air flow assembly operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly and configured to generate and drive the forced air flow into and through the belt channel assembly;

[0097] placing and wearing the device along the outer contour of the subject's body part;

[0098] The liquid feed is provided to the liquid feed input assembly so as to transfer the liquid feed

[0099] input into the channeled component;

[0100] as well as

[0101] The forced air flow assembly is activated, wherein the forced air flow entering the channeled assembly promotes indirect evaporation of the liquid feed within the channeled assembly and generates a forced cool air flow exiting the channeled assembly and directed toward the object, thereby cooling the object.

[0102] 36. A method according to embodiment 35, wherein placing and wearing the device includes: positioning the connected paired channels along the outer contour of the body part of the object so that the connected paired channels are longitudinally aligned with the body part of the object.

[0103] 37. The method of any one of embodiments 35 or 36, wherein activation of the forced air flow assembly is performed in a manner that facilitates controllably regulating the indirect evaporation of the liquid feed within the channeled assembly.

[0104] 38. A method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 37, wherein starting the forced air flow component includes: controllably adjusting the power level of the forced air flow component to controllably adjust the rate of indirect evaporation of the liquid feed within the channeled component, thereby facilitating controllable adjustment of the forced cold air flow leaving the channeled component and directed toward the object.

[0105] 39. A method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 38, wherein placing and wearing the device along the outer contour of the body part of the object includes: firmly placing and wearing the device along the outer contour of the body part of the object.

[0106] 40. A portable cooling device, comprising:

[0107] a belt channel assembly including a coupled pair of channels positioned and extending adjacent to each other and configured for receiving a liquid feed and a forced air flow;

[0108] a liquid feed input assembly operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly and configured to facilitate input of the liquid feed into the belt channel assembly; and

[0109] a forced air flow assembly operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly and configured to generate and drive the forced air flow into and through the belt channel assembly;

[0110] wherein the forced air flow promotes indirect evaporation of the liquid feed within the channeled assembly and generates a forced cold air flow exiting from the channeled assembly.

[0111] 41. An apparatus according to embodiment 40, wherein the coupled pair of channels includes a wettable channel and a dry channel, the wettable channel is configured to be wetted via the input flow of the liquid feed, and the dry channel is configured to be substantially dry.

[0112] 42. The apparatus of embodiment 41, wherein the wettable channel is configured as an outer channel and the dry channel is configured as an inner channel, wherein the dry inner channel is positioned inside the wettable outer channel and surrounded by the wettable outer channel.

[0113] 43. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 41 or 42, wherein the wettable channel includes at least one wettable channel forced air flow inlet port and at least one wettable channel forced air flow outlet port, and wherein the dry channel includes at least one dry channel forced air flow inlet port and at least one dry channel forced air flow outlet port.

[0114] 44. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 41 to 43, wherein each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports protrudes from a wall of the wettable channel and each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports protrudes from a wall of the dry channel.

[0115] 45. Apparatus according to any one of embodiments 41 to 44, wherein the drying duct comprises a plurality of the drying duct forced air flow outlet ports protruding from a wall of the drying duct and positionally aligned relative to each other.

[0116] 46. ​​The apparatus of embodiment 45, wherein a plurality of the drying duct forced air flow outlet ports protrude from a same wall of the drying duct, and wherein a plurality of the drying duct forced air flow outlet ports are positionally aligned relative to each other along the same wall of the drying duct.

[0117] 47. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 41 to 46, wherein the wettable channel is configured as a tubular member.

[0118] 48. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 43 to 47, wherein each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports is located away from each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports, so that the forced cold air flow leaving each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports is not affected by the forced air flow leaving each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports.

[0119] 49. An apparatus according to embodiment 48, wherein each of the positions is partially defined whereby each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports is angled away from each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports at least 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the channel assembly, and in particular, each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports is angled away from each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports at an angle equal to or greater than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the channel assembly.

[0120] 50. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 41 to 49, wherein the wettable channel includes liquid absorbent material, which extends along at least a majority of the entire length of the drying channel and is in physical contact with at least a majority of the entire length of the drying channel, wherein the liquid absorbent material is suitable for absorbing the liquid feed input into the channeled assembly.

[0121] 51. The apparatus of embodiment 50, wherein the liquid absorbing material is a type of material selected from a cloth material and a coating material.

[0122] 52. An apparatus according to embodiment 50 or 51, wherein the wettable channel further includes a spacing member, which extends along at least a majority of the entire length of the drying channel, and the spacing member is configured to provide a spacing between the liquid-absorbent material and the inner wall of the wettable channel so as to promote unimpeded passage of the forced air flow within and through the wettable channel.

[0123] 53. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 41 to 52, wherein the drying channel is configured as a tubular member extending longitudinally along at least a majority of the entire length of the wettable channel.

[0124] 54. The apparatus of embodiment 53, wherein the length of the wettable channel is less than the length of the wettable channel.

[0125] 55. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 40 to 54, wherein the channeled assembly is reversibly bendable and reversibly fixable in a bent form.

[0126] 56. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 40 to 55, wherein the liquid feed input assembly is directly connected to the channeled assembly via a liquid feed input line extending between the liquid feed input assembly and the channeled assembly.

[0127] 57. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 40 to 56, further comprising a liquid feed reservoir, the liquid feed reservoir being operably connected to the channeled assembly and in fluid communication with the channeled assembly, and the liquid feed reservoir being configured to store a backup supply of the liquid feed.

[0128] 58. An apparatus according to embodiment 57, wherein the liquid feed reservoir is positioned adjacent to the channeled assembly and extends adjacent to the channeled assembly.

[0129] 59. An apparatus according to embodiment 57 or 58, wherein the liquid feed reservoir is operably connected to the channel assembly and is in fluid communication with the channel assembly via a liquid feed connector, and the liquid feed connector is configured to facilitate the input of the backup supply of the liquid feed from the liquid feed reservoir into the channel assembly via the forced air flow according to the Bernoulli liquid flow principle.

[0130] 60. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 41 to 59, wherein the forced air flow component is operably connected to the channel component and fluidly connected to the channel component via a wettable channel forced air flow inlet line and via a dry channel forced air flow inlet line, the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is operably connected to the wettable channel forced air flow inlet port and fluidly connected to the wettable channel forced air flow inlet port, and the dry channel forced air flow inlet line is operably connected to the dry channel forced air flow inlet port and fluidly connected to the dry channel forced air flow inlet port.

[0131] 61. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 40 to 60, wherein the forced air flow component is configured with a power supply, the power supply is operably connected to a power interface and a control device, the power interface and the control device are operably connected to a forced air blower, and the forced air blower is in turn operably connected to the channeled component.

[0132] 62. The apparatus of embodiment 61, wherein the forced air blower is a fan or a fan-like device.

[0133] 63. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 61 or 62, wherein the forced air flow component is configured with the power supply, the power supply is operably connected to an integrated component, the integrated component is configured with the power interface and control device, the power interface and control device are operably connected to the forced air blower, and wherein the integrated component is operably connected to the channeled component.

[0134] 64. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 61 or 62, wherein the forced air flow component is configured with an integrated component, the integrated component is configured with the power supply operably connected to the power interface and the control device, the power supply is operably connected to the power interface and the control device, wherein the integrated component is operably connected to the forced air blower, and the forced air blower is in turn operably connected to the channeled component.

[0135] 65. An apparatus according to any one of embodiments 61 or 62, wherein the forced air flow component is configured with an integrated component, the integrated component is configured with the power supply, the power supply is operably connected to the power interface and control device, and the power interface and control device are in turn operably connected to the forced air blower, wherein the integrated component is operably connected to the channeled component.

[0136] 66. The apparatus of embodiment 60, wherein the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is positioned at least partially within a volume defined by the wettable channel.

[0137] 67. The apparatus of embodiment 66, wherein at least a majority of the length of the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is positioned within a volume defined by the wettable channel.

[0138] 68. An apparatus according to embodiment 67, wherein at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 100% of the length of the wettable channel forced air flow inlet pipeline is positioned within the volume defined by the wettable channel.

[0139] 69. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 66 to 68, wherein the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line extends at least partially along the drying channel.

[0140] 70. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 66 to 69, wherein the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is at least partially surrounded by a liquid absorbent material.

[0141] 71. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 40 to 70, further comprising a distribution line configured to distribute the forced cold air flow exiting the channeled assembly to at least one location remote from the channeled assembly.

[0142] 72. The apparatus of embodiment 71 when dependent upon embodiment 43, wherein the distribution line is operably connectable to, and configured to be in fluid communication with, the at least one dry aisle forced air flow outlet port. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0143] Some embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and photographs by way of example only. With specific detailed reference now to the accompanying drawings and photographs, it should be emphasized that the details shown are only examples for illustrative description of some embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, the description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and photographs will make it clear to those skilled in the art how to practice some embodiments of the present invention.

[0144] In the accompanying drawings and photos:

[0145] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the front side of an exemplary embodiment of a body cooling device according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0146] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a cut-away front side of an exemplary embodiment of a channeled assembly (part of a body cooling device) according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0147] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the front side of another exemplary embodiment of a body cooling device according to some embodiments of the present invention, highlighting that the body cooling device includes a liquid feed reservoir as part of facilitating input of a backup supply of liquid feed into the channeled assembly;

[0148] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a front side of another exemplary embodiment of a body cooling device according to some embodiments of the present invention, the body cooling device including separate individual forced air flow assemblies for each of a wettable (e.g., outer) channel and a dry (e.g., inner) channel of a belt channel assembly;

[0149] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D are schematic diagrams of various exemplary embodiments of forced air flow assemblies (and components thereof) according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0150] Figure 6is a schematic diagram of a cut-away front side of another exemplary embodiment of a channeled assembly (part of a body cooling device) according to some embodiments of the present invention, highlighting the tubular configuration of wettable (e.g., outer) channels and dry (e.g., inner) channels of the channeled assembly;

[0151] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B are photographs of the front and back sides, respectively, of an exemplary prototype body cooling device according to some embodiments of the present invention, highlighting the linear configuration of the prototype body cooling device;

[0152] Figure 7C and Fig.7D are photographs of the top and bottom sides, respectively, of an exemplary prototype body cooling device according to some embodiments of the present invention, highlighting a curved (practical) configuration of the prototype body cooling device;

[0153] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a photograph of a close-up view of an exemplary prototype body cooling device according to some embodiments of the present invention, highlighting the connection of the forced air flow assembly to the wettable (e.g., exterior) and dry (e.g., interior) channel forced air flow inlet ports [ Fig. 8A ] and connections to a liquid reservoir liquid input port and a wettable (eg, external) channel air input port [ Figure 8B ];

[0154] Fig. 9 is a photograph of the partially cut-away front side of an exemplary prototype body cooling device according to some embodiments of the present invention, highlighting an exemplary tubular configuration with a channel assembly;

[0155] FIG. 10A to FIG. 1 0C is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of placing and wearing a body cooling device on the following different specific body parts of a subject according to some embodiments of the present invention: waist region [ Fig. 10A ], chest region [Fig. 10B], and head region [Fig. 10C];

[0156] Fig.11 is a photograph of an exemplary (practical) application of an exemplary prototype body cooling device according to some embodiments of the present invention, highlighting placement and wearing of the prototype body cooling device on the waist region of a subject's body;

[0157] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of the front side of an exemplary embodiment of a body cooling device according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

[0158] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of the front side of an exemplary embodiment of a body cooling device according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0159] The present invention relates to a device for cooling a subject (also referred to herein as a body cooling device) and a corresponding method for cooling a subject (also referred to herein as a body cooling method), wherein the body cooling device is portable and in particular wearable on the subject. In an exemplary embodiment, the body cooling device is compact, made of environmentally friendly, lightweight, durable materials, and easy to manufacture at low cost. The body cooling device is also easy to wear (e.g., as a flexible belt or strap with adjustable length) and safe to operate, does not use or generate hazardous materials, and does not restrict or interfere with the mobility of the subject's arms or hands required for strenuous activities. The present invention is user-friendly and ergonomic, taking into account physiological and psychological factors of the subject in the design, construction and operation of the body cooling device.

[0160] The implementation of a body cooling device and a corresponding method of cooling an object is based on an indirect evaporative process. In an exemplary embodiment, the body cooling device is characterized by a channel assembly that includes a coupled pair of wettable (e.g., outer) channels and dry (e.g., inner) channels extending longitudinally adjacent to each other. The wettable (e.g., outer) channels are connected to a liquid feed input assembly, and both the wettable (e.g., outer) channels and the dry (e.g., inner) channels are connected to a forced air flow assembly.

[0161] In such an exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed input assembly feeds liquid (e.g., water) into the wettable (e.g., outer) channel, thereby wetting the surfaces of both the inner wall of the wettable (e.g., outer) channel and the outer wall of the dry (e.g., inner) channel. At the same time, the forced air flow assembly generates a forced air flow inside and through the wettable (e.g., outer) channel, thereby evaporating the liquid from the surfaces of both the inner wall of the wettable (e.g., outer) channel and the outer wall of the dry (e.g., inner) channel, thereby cooling these surfaces (lowering the temperature of these surfaces).

[0162] The cooling of the dry (e.g., inner) channel outer wall surface causes the cooling of the forced air flow flowing inside and through the dry (e.g., inner) channel (reducing the temperature of the forced air flow). In addition, the cooling of the wettable (e.g., outer) channel inner wall surface causes the cooling of the forced air flow flowing inside and through the wettable (e.g., outer) channel (reducing the temperature of the forced air flow), which in turn cools the dry (e.g., inner) channel outer wall surface (reducing the temperature of the dry channel outer wall surface), thereby cooling the forced air flow flowing inside and through the dry (e.g., inner) channel (reducing the temperature of the forced air flow).

[0163] The cool air thus generated flowing inside and through the dry (e.g., interior) passages exits the dry (e.g., interior) passages and is directed toward the subject wearing the body cooling device, thereby cooling the subject. According to this indirect evaporation process, the air flowing through the wettable (e.g., exterior) passages is separated from the air flowing through the dry (e.g., interior) passages and does not mix with the air flowing through the dry (e.g., interior) passages, so that the air flowing through the dry (e.g., interior) passages is cooled without undesirably increasing its moisture content.

[0164] Embodiments of the present invention are useful for cooling a subject who is engaged in or participating in strenuous activities of the type that generate or are associated with excessive body temperature and sweating (perspiration) in the subject (e.g., construction work, factory work, vehicle repair work, agricultural work, military work, outdoor summer chores, sports, camping, hiking). Implementations of the present invention enable a subject to safely and effectively regulate their body temperature while engaging in many strenuous activities. The present invention is useful for preventing or at least assisting in preventing the occurrence of heat stroke (hyperthermia) in a subject who is engaged in or participating in strenuous activities that generate or are associated with excessive body temperature and sweating (perspiration) in the subject.

[0165] Implementations of the present invention attempt to address and overcome at least some of the persistent limitations and problems associated with technologies (apparatus, methods) for cooling objects.

[0166] The invention and aspects thereof (i.e., body cooling apparatus and body cooling method) disclosed herein include, or alternatively are substantially composed of, or alternatively are composed of, the structural and functional (operating) features described illustratively below.

[0167] In a non-limiting manner and in some embodiments, a portable body cooling device, in particular, the portable body cooling device can be worn on an object, including: a channel assembly, a liquid feed input assembly and a forced air flow assembly. In such an exemplary embodiment, the channel assembly includes a pair of channels connected and extending longitudinally adjacent to each other, and the channel assembly is configured to receive a liquid feed and a forced ambient air flow. The channel assembly can be worn along the outer contour of the body part of the object (e.g., firmly). The liquid feed input assembly is operatively connected to the channel assembly and is in fluid communication with the channel assembly, and the liquid feed input assembly is configured to facilitate the input of the liquid feed into the channel assembly. The forced air flow assembly is also operatively connected to the channel assembly and is in fluid communication with the channel assembly, and the forced air flow assembly is configured to generate a forced ambient air flow and drive the forced ambient air flow into and through the channel assembly. The forced ambient air flow promotes indirect evaporation of the liquid inside the channel assembly, and generates a forced cold air flow that leaves the channel assembly and is directed to the object, thereby cooling the object.

[0168] In a non-limiting manner and in some embodiments, a method for cooling an object includes: (i) obtaining a portable body cooling device, wherein, in particular, the body cooling device is wearable on the object; (ii) placing and wearing the device (e.g., securely) along the outer contour of a body part of the object; (iii) providing a liquid feed to a liquid feed input assembly to facilitate input of the liquid feed into a channel assembly; and (iv) activating a forced air flow assembly, wherein a forced ambient air flow entering the channel assembly promotes indirect evaporation of the liquid feed within the channel assembly and generates a forced cool air flow that exits the channel assembly and is directed toward the object, thereby cooling the object.

[0169] In such an exemplary embodiment, a body cooling device includes: a channel assembly, which includes a pair of connected channels extending longitudinally adjacent to each other, and the channel assembly is configured to receive a liquid feed and a forced ambient air flow; a liquid feed input assembly, which is operatively connected to the channel assembly and fluidly connected to the channel assembly, and the liquid feed input assembly is configured to facilitate input of the liquid feed into the channel assembly; and a forced air flow assembly, which is operatively connected to the channel assembly and fluidly connected to the channel assembly, and the forced air flow assembly is configured to generate the forced ambient air flow and drive the forced ambient air flow into and through the channel assembly.

[0170] In order to further understand the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in the illustrative description below, reference will be made to the drawings and photographs. In the following description and in the drawings and photographs, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts, elements or features. It should be understood that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the specific details of the construction and / or arrangement of the exemplary device parts, or any specific order of the exemplary method steps or procedures in its application, as described in the following illustrative description. The present invention can have other exemplary embodiments, or / and can be practiced or executed in various alternative ways.

[0171] In the following description and drawings, the physical orientation (location, position) and direction-type terms "back side", "front side", "top side" and "bottom side" are used to indicate the relative orientation (location, position) and direction of the body cooling device (and its components) disclosed herein relative to the object wearing the body cooling device and relative to its observer (or viewer).

[0172] As used herein, the phrase "front side of a body cooling device" and the (synonymous) phrase "front side of the body cooling device" refer to that side of the body cooling device and the surface thereof that faces and is positioned outwardly or away from a body part of a subject. The front side of the body cooling device is substantially visible to an observer (other than the subject) who is directly facing and observing the side of the subject wearing the device. The front side of the body cooling device is the side that is diametrically opposite to the back side of the body cooling device, as defined below. Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 6 , Fig. 7A , Fig. 9 and Fig.11 Examples of schematic diagrams and photographs showing the 'front side' of a body cooling device are set forth.

[0173] As used herein, the phrase "back side of a body cooling device" and the (synonymous) phrase "back side of the body cooling device" refer to that side of the body cooling device and the surface thereof that faces and is positioned inwardly or toward a body part of a subject. The back side of the body cooling device is not visible to an observer (unlike the subject) who is directly facing and observing the side of the subject wearing the device. The back side of the body cooling device is the side that is diametrically opposite to the front side of the body cooling device, as defined above. Figure 7B An example of a photograph showing the 'back side' of a body cooling device is illustrated.

[0174] As used herein, the phrase "top side of a body cooling device" and the (synonymous) phrase "top side of the body cooling device" refer to the (narrower) side of the body cooling device and its surface as seen by an observer looking down at (the top portion of) the body cooling device when the body cooling device is in its right-side-up position (i.e., correct orientation or configuration) (i.e., when typically intended to be worn by a subject) at 90° relative to the (wider) back or front side of the body cooling device. Figure 7C An example of a photograph showing the 'top side' of a body cooling device is illustrated.

[0175] As used herein, the phrase "bottom side of a body cooling device" and the (synonymous) phrase "underside of the body cooling device" refer to the (narrower) side and surface thereof of the body cooling device as seen by an observer looking up at (the bottom portion of) the body cooling device when the body cooling device is in its right-side-up position (i.e., correct orientation or configuration) (i.e., when typically intended to be worn by a subject) or as seen by an observer looking down at (the bottom portion of) the body cooling device when the body cooling device is in its inverted position at 90° relative to the (wider) back or front side of the body cooling device. Fig.7D An example of a photograph showing the 'underside' of a body cooling device is illustrated.

[0176] In addition, in order to illustrate the 'normal' or 'intended' physical orientation and direction when a subject wears the body cooling device, the term "L" in the specification and the term "L" in the drawings (with a double arrow directly above it) refer to a reference longitudinal axis that is parallel to the longitudinal extension direction (right to left or left to right) of the body cooling device.

[0177] The phrase "self-contained" is used herein in the context of exemplary embodiments of a body cooling device that itself constitutes a complete and independent unit or device. That is, any particular exemplary embodiment of a body cooling device that includes a channeled assembly (and its components), a liquid feed input assembly (and its components), a forced air flow assembly (and its components), and a liquid feed reservoir (and its components) itself constitutes a complete and independent unit or device. For example, in some implementations, the body cooling device may also include an internal power source that is used to operate the liquid feed input assembly and the forced air flow assembly, thereby making the body cooling device so independent and self-contained that it does not even require any type of connection to any external unit.

[0178] The phrase "portable" is used herein in the context of a device that, due to its size, shape, dimensions, and weight, can be easily carried by being worn on the body or by being carried in a suitcase or bag, or held in the user's hand.

[0179] Body cooling equipment and parts thereof

[0180] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the front side of an exemplary embodiment of a body cooling device [indicated as and referred to by reference numeral 100 ]. Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram of a cutaway front side of an exemplary embodiment of a channeled assembly 102 (of a body cooling device 100). The body cooling device 100 is portable and particularly suitable for being worn on a subject. In an exemplary embodiment, the body cooling device 100 includes: a channeled assembly 102, a liquid feed input assembly 104, and a forced air flow assembly 106.

[0181] The channeled assembly 102 includes a coupled pair of channels (e.g., a wettable channel 110 and a dry channel 112) extending longitudinally adjacent to each other and is configured to receive a liquid feed 114 (via the liquid feed input assembly 104) and a forced ambient air flow (via the forced air flow assembly 106). The wettable channel 110 is configured to be wetted via input of the liquid feed 114, which is supplied into the wettable channel 110 via the liquid feed input assembly 104. The dry channel 112 is configured to be substantially dry during operation of the body cooling device 100.

[0182] In an exemplary embodiment, the wettable channels 110 are configured as outer channels, and the dry channels 112 are configured as inner channels, wherein the dry inner channels 112 are positioned inside and surrounded by the wettable outer channels 110 .

[0183] The belt channel assembly 102 is configured to be wearable (e.g., securely) along the outer contour of a body part (e.g., waist region, chest region, head region) of a subject, for example, as FIG. 10A to FIG. 1 0C and Fig.11 As shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the channel assembly 102 is reversibly bendable and reversibly fixable in a curved form so that it can be firmly adapted along the outer contour of the body part of the object. In an exemplary embodiment, the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110 is made of a sheet or sheet-like material and has a sheet or sheet-like form. In an exemplary embodiment, the dry (e.g., internal) channel 112 is made of a strong, reversibly bendable and foldable material. In an exemplary embodiment, the dry (e.g., internal) channel 112 has a curved or / and folded form. In an exemplary embodiment, the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110 has a sheet or sheet-like form that wraps around and surrounds at least most or all of the dry (e.g., internal) channel 112 having a curved or / and folded form.

[0184] In an exemplary embodiment, the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110 includes at least one wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet port (e.g., a single wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet port 116) and at least one wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow outlet port (e.g., a single wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow outlet port 118). In an exemplary embodiment, the dry (e.g., internal) channel 112 includes at least one dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow inlet port (e.g., a single dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow inlet port 120) and at least one dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow outlet port (e.g., a plurality of five dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow outlet ports 122 (122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e)). In an exemplary embodiment, for example, Fig.13 As shown, the dry (e.g., internal) channel 112 may include a single dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow outlet port 122, and the body cooling device 100 may also include a distribution line 136, which is configured to be operatively and fluidly connected (removably) to the dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow outlet port 122 (whether single or multiple) and to distribute the forced cool air flow exiting the dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow outlet port 122 to at least one location (e.g., a body part) away from the channeled assembly (e.g., to a body part away from the body part where the cooling device is worn).

[0185] In an exemplary embodiment, each wettable (eg, external) channel forced air flow outlet port protrudes from a wall of a wettable (eg, external) channel 110. For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the wettable (e.g., exterior) channel forced air flow outlet ports 118 protrude from the wall 124 of the wettable (e.g., exterior) channel 110. In an exemplary embodiment, each dry (e.g., interior) channel forced air flow outlet port protrudes from the wall of the dry (e.g., interior) channel 112. For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As specifically shown in FIG. 1 , all of the plurality of five dry (eg, interior) duct forced air flow outlet ports 122 ( 122a , 122b , 122c , 122d , 122e ) protrude from the same wall (eg, wall 126 ) of the dry (eg, interior) duct 112 .

[0186] In an exemplary embodiment, all of the plurality of dry (eg, interior) channel forced air flow outlet ports are aligned relative to each other along the same wall of the dry (eg, interior) channel 112. For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As particularly shown in FIG. 1 , all five dry (e.g., interior) channel forced air flow outlet ports 122 ( 122a , 122b , 122c , 122d , 122e ) are aligned relative to each other along the same wall (e.g., wall 126 ) of the dry (e.g., interior) channel 112 .

[0187] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the at least one wettable (e.g., exterior) channel forced air flow outlet port is located away from each of the at least one dry (e.g., interior) channel forced air flow outlet port so that the forced cold air flow exiting each dry (e.g., interior) channel forced air flow outlet port is not affected by the forced air flow exiting each wettable (e.g., exterior) channel forced air flow outlet port. For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As particularly shown in the figure, the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow outlet port 118 is located away from all five dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow outlet ports 122 (122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e) so that the forced cold air flow leaving each dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow outlet port 122 is not affected by the forced air flow leaving the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow outlet port 118.

[0188] In an exemplary embodiment, the position of each wettable (e.g., outer) channel forced air flow outlet port is partially defined, whereby each wettable (e.g., outer) channel forced air flow outlet port is at an angle of at least 45 degrees, and particularly equal to or greater than 90 degrees, away from each dry (e.g., inner) channel forced air flow outlet port relative to the longitudinal direction of the channeled assembly. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the position of the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow outlet port 118 is partially defined, whereby the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow outlet port 118 is angled 90 degrees away from each of the plurality of five dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow outlet ports 122 (122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e) relative to the longitudinal direction (L) of the channel assembly 102.

[0189] The liquid feed input assembly 104 is operatively connected to the belt channel assembly 102 and is in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly 102, and the liquid feed input assembly 104 is configured to facilitate the input of the liquid feed 114 into the belt channel assembly 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed input assembly 104 is directly connected to the belt channel assembly 102 (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed input assembly 104 is connected to the liquid feed input pipeline 128 and the liquid feed input port 130 (e.g., Figure 2 102) is operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110 of the channeled assembly 102. It should be understood herein that the liquid feed input line 128 and the liquid feed input port 130 cooperate with the liquid feed input assembly 104 to facilitate the input of the liquid feed 114 into the channeled assembly 102, and thus the liquid feed input line 128 and the liquid feed input port 130 constitute a part of the liquid feed input assembly 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed input assembly 104 can be fluidly connected to a source (not shown) of the liquid feed 114, which can be a fixed or portable liquid feed reservoir and can facilitate the input of the liquid feed 114 from the source into the channeled assembly 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed input assembly 104 is indirectly connected to the channeled assembly 102 (e.g., via the liquid feed reservoir 204 and the liquid feed connector 206, as shown). Figure 3 shown and described below).

[0190] The liquid feed 114 is a liquid that evaporates easily when subjected to a forced air flow (e.g., ambient air) generated by the forced air flow assembly 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed 114 is user-friendly (i.e., environmentally friendly, non-hazardous, non-flammable, non-toxic) and safe for use with the body cooling device 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed 114 is water or another type of user-friendly liquid that evaporates easily when subjected to a forced air flow generated by the forced air flow assembly 106.

[0191] The (wettable [e.g., exterior] channel and dry [e.g., interior] channel) forced air flow assembly 106 is operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the channeled assembly 102 and is configured to generate and drive a forced (e.g., ambient) air flow into and through the channeled assembly 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the (wettable [e.g., exterior] and dry [e.g., interior] channel) forced air flow assembly 106 is operatively connected to and in fluid communication with a wettable (e.g., exterior) channel forced air flow inlet port 116 of the wettable (e.g., exterior) channel 110 via a wettable (e.g., exterior) channel forced air flow inlet line 132. In an exemplary embodiment, the (wettable [e.g., exterior] and dry [e.g., interior] passages) forced air flow assembly 106 is also operatively connected to and fluidically connected to the dry (e.g., interior) passage forced air flow inlet port 120 of the dry (e.g., interior) passage 112 via a dry (e.g., interior) passage forced air flow inlet line 134.

[0192] In an exemplary embodiment, the forced air flow assembly 106 includes a forced air blower (eg, a forced air blower 150, such as FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D ), such as a fan or fan-like device, which produces (generates) a forced air (e.g., ambient air) flow or a forced air flow that surrounds (is surrounded by) the body cooling device 100 and the immediate vicinity of the subject's body part where the body cooling device 100 is placed and worn. In an exemplary embodiment, the forced air blower (e.g., fan) 150 includes or is operatively connected to at least one air filter or air filtering device (e.g., air filter or air filtering device 151, such as FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D ), the at least one air filter or air filtering device is configured to filter the air entering the forced air blower 150 and / or filter the air leaving the forced air blower 150.

[0193] The forced (e.g., ambient) air flow promotes indirect evaporation of the liquid feed 114 within the channeled assembly 102 and produces a forced cool air flow 140 that exits the channeled assembly 102 (via a dry [e.g., internal] channeled forced air flow outlet port 122) and is directed onto a subject wearing the body cooling device, thereby cooling the subject.

[0194] Body cooling device including a liquid feed reservoir

[0195] In an exemplary embodiment, the body cooling device further comprises a liquid feed reservoir operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly. The liquid feed reservoir is configured to store a backup supply of liquid feed to be used after the initial supply of liquid feed is exhausted. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the front side of another exemplary embodiment of a body cooling apparatus [designated and referenced by reference numeral 200 ] highlighting the inclusion of a liquid feed reservoir 204 facilitating input of a backup supply 114 r of liquid feed into the channeled assembly 102 .

[0196] The body cooling device 200 is provided with ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 102) body cooling device 200, except for the additional inclusion of a liquid feed reservoir (e.g., liquid feed reservoir 204) and a liquid feed connector (e.g., liquid feed connector 206) and the operative connection of the liquid feed reservoir (e.g., liquid feed reservoir 204) and the liquid feed connector (e.g., liquid feed connector 206). In an exemplary embodiment, in body cooling device 200, liquid feed reservoir 204 is operatively connected between liquid feed input assembly 104 and channeled assembly 102 and is in fluid communication with liquid feed input assembly 104 and channeled assembly 102. Liquid feed reservoir 204 is configured to store a backup supply 114r of liquid feed to be used (i.e., supplied to channeled assembly 102) after an initial supply of liquid feed 114 is consumed or when no external liquid feed source is available.

[0197] A body cooling device 100 (e.g., wherein the liquid feed input assembly 104 is directly connected to the channel assembly 102 via the liquid feed input line 128) Figure 1 and Figure 2 Compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , here, in the body cooling device 200, the liquid feed input assembly 104 is indirectly connected to the channeled assembly 102. That is, it is connected to and in fluid communication with the liquid feed reservoir 204 via the liquid feed input line 128, and the liquid feed reservoir 204 is in turn connected to and in fluid communication with the channeled assembly 102 via the liquid feed connector 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed connector 206 is connected to the liquid feed input port 130 (e.g., external) configured in the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110 of the channeled assembly 102. Figure 2) is operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the liquid feed input port 130.

[0198] The liquid feed connector 206 is configured to facilitate the input of the liquid feed 114 from the liquid feed reservoir 206 into the channeled assembly 102. In an exemplary embodiment, such facilitation of the input of the liquid feed 114 via the liquid feed connector 206 is achieved via a forced (e.g., ambient) air flow into and through the channeled assembly 102 in accordance with the Bernoulli liquid flow principle. According to such an embodiment, the liquid feed connector 206 acts as a venturi through which the liquid feed 114 enters the channeled assembly 102 from the liquid feed reservoir 204. It should be understood herein that although the liquid feed connector 206 is shown as being separate from the liquid feed assembly 104, since the liquid feed connector 206 cooperates with the liquid feed input assembly 104 to facilitate the input of the liquid feed 114r into the channeled assembly 102, the liquid feed connector 206 constitutes a part of the liquid feed input assembly 104. The liquid feed assembly 104 should be considered to be comprised of components that directly or indirectly facilitate the delivery of liquid feed into the channeled assembly, regardless of the configuration of the components shown and / or described herein. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid feed input assembly 104 is described as being indirectly connected to the channeled assembly 102 via the liquid feed reservoir 204, simply because the liquid feed reservoir 204 is shown as being located between the liquid feed assembly 104 and the channeled assembly 102, and not because the liquid feed connector 206 is not considered to be part of the liquid feed assembly 104. It should be understood herein that other arrangements may exist, and the liquid feed reservoir 204 may be operatively connected to the channeled assembly 102 via the liquid feed assembly 104 and in fluid communication with the channeled assembly 102. Therefore, the liquid feed assembly 104 should be understood herein as a component or a set of components configured to facilitate the input of the liquid feed 114 / 114r into the channeled assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed reservoir 204 is a pre-filled disposable container, and the liquid feed reservoir 204 is operatively connected or removably connected to the channeled assembly 102 via the liquid feed connector 206. In such an implementation, although there may be no such liquid feed assembly 104, the liquid feed connector 206 that facilitates the input of liquid feed into the channeled assembly 102 will constitute the liquid feed assembly.

[0199] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed reservoir 204 is positioned adjacent to the belt channel assembly 102 and extends longitudinally adjacent to the belt channel assembly 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed reservoir 204 is positioned adjacent to the wettable (e.g., outer) channel 110 of the belt channel assembly 102 and extends longitudinally adjacent to the wettable (e.g., outer) channel 110 of the belt channel assembly 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed reservoir 204 is physically (mechanically) connected to the belt channel assembly 102, for example, physically (mechanically) connected to the belt channel assembly 102 via an outer wall of the wettable (e.g., outer) channel 110 of the belt channel assembly 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid feed reservoir 204 is configured as a bag or bag-like container or receptacle that holds a specific reserve volume (e.g., 5 ml to 100 ml) of a reserve supply 114r of liquid feed.

[0200] Body cooling device comprising two separate individual forced air flow components

[0201] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, Figure 1 As shown, the body cooling device is configured with a single forced air flow component, which is operatively connected to the channel component via a wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line and via a dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow inlet line and is fluidly connected to the channel component, the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line is operatively connected to the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet port and is fluidly connected to the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet port, and the dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow inlet line is operatively connected to the dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow inlet port and is fluidly connected to the dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow inlet port.

[0202] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the body cooling device includes two separate individual forced air flow components, which utilize a first forced air flow component and a second forced air flow component to be operably connected to a channel component and communicate with the channel component fluid, the first forced air flow component is operably connected to a wettable (e.g., external) channel and communicates with the wettable (e.g., external) channel fluid, and the second forced air flow component is operably connected to a dry (e.g., internal) channel and communicates with the dry (e.g., internal) channel fluid. Figure 4300], which includes separate individual forced air flow assemblies for each of the wettable (e.g., outer) channels 110 and the dry (e.g., inner) channels 112 of the channel assembly 102. The body cooling device 300 is configured with ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) body cooling device 100, with the only difference being that it includes two separate individual forced air flow components 106-w and 106-d and two separate individual forced air flow components 106-w and 106-d are operatively connected, and these forced air flow components 106-w and 106-d are configured to generate a forced (e.g., ambient) air flow and drive the forced (e.g., ambient) air flow into and through the channeled component 102.

[0203] According to such an exemplary embodiment, the body cooling device 300 includes a wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow component 106-w and a dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow component 106-d. The wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow component 106-w is operatively connected to the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet port 116 of the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110 via a wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 and is in fluid communication with the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet port 116 of the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110. The dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow component 106 - d is operably connected to the dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow inlet port 120 of the dry (e.g., internal) channel 112 via a dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow inlet pipeline 134 and is fluidically connected to the dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow inlet port 120 of the dry (e.g., internal) channel 112.

[0204] A possible advantage of the body cooling device 300 including two separate individual forced air flow assemblies 106-w and 106-d is that additional control capabilities are provided regarding the forced air flow into and through the ducted assembly 102. For example, according to such an embodiment, although both the separate individual wettable (e.g., exterior) ducted forced air flow assembly 106-w and the dry (e.g., interior) ducted forced air flow assembly 106-d may be operated in a synchronized manner relative to each other, each of the individual forced air flow assemblies 106-w and 106-d may be individually operated and controlled according to the specific operating conditions and requirements of each of the respective wettable (e.g., exterior) ducts 110 and dry (e.g., interior) ducts 112 of the ducted assembly 102.

[0205] Various Exemplary Embodiments of Forced Air Flow Assemblies

[0206] The body cooling apparatus (100, 200, 300) may be configured with different exemplary embodiments of the forced air flow assembly (and components thereof). FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D 1 is a schematic diagram of different exemplary embodiments of the forced air flow assembly 106 (and its components). Four different exemplary embodiments of the forced air flow assembly are described herein, namely, the forced air flow assembly 106a, the forced air flow assembly 106b, the forced air flow assembly 106c, and the forced air flow assembly 106d. Each exemplary embodiment of the forced air flow assembly 106 (a, b, c, d) includes: a forced air blower 150, a power interface and control device 152, and a power supply 154.

[0207] The forced air blower 150 is a fan or fan-like device that produces (generates) a forced air flow (airflow) that is forced into and through the channeled assembly 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the forced air blower (e.g., fan) 150 includes or is operatively connected to at least one air filter 151 or air filtering device 151, which is configured to filter the air entering the forced air blower 150 and / or filter the air leaving the forced air blower 150. A forced air blower (e.g., fan) 150 is operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 and the dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow inlet line 134, thereby supplying forced air flow to the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110 and the dry (e.g., internal) channel 112, respectively. The forced air blower 150 is also operatively connected to a power interface and control device 152.

[0208] The power interface and control device 152 is connected between the forced air blower 150 and the power supply 154, and controls the operation of the forced air blower 150 (and operating parameters [e.g., on / off conditions, power levels, rotational speed of the motorized drive shaft]), which is then converted into control of operating parameters of the forced air flow (e.g., linear speed, volumetric flow rate) during operation of the body cooling device 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the power interface and control device 152 includes a variable frequency drive that facilitates such operational control of the forced air blower 150 by controlling the frequency of the power to the forced air blower 150 and its motorized drive shaft.

[0209] In an exemplary embodiment, the power supply 154 is a durable 12V or 24V DC battery, either having a one-time life (ie, disposable) or having a renewable life (ie, rechargeable).

[0210] In an exemplary embodiment, forced air blower 150, power interface and control device 152, and power supply 154 are configured as small (micro), lightweight components. This embodiment of the forced air flow assembly makes the body cooling device independent, portable and wearable on the subject's body.

[0211] In the first exemplary embodiment of the forced air flow assembly, namely the forced air flow assembly 106a[ Figure 5A ], the power supply 154 is operably connected to the power interface and control device 152, the power interface and control device 152 is operably connected to the forced air blower (fan) 150, and the forced air blower (fan) 150 is operably connected to the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet pipeline 132 and the dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow inlet pipeline 134, respectively.

[0212] In the second exemplary embodiment of the forced air flow assembly, namely the forced air flow assembly 106b[ Figure 5B ], the power supply 154 is operably connected to an integrated component 160 (configured with a power interface and control device 152, and the power interface and control device 152 are operably connected to a forced air blower (fan) 152), and the integrated component 160 is operably connected to a wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet pipeline 132 and a dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow inlet pipeline 134, respectively.

[0213] In the third exemplary embodiment of the forced air flow assembly, namely the forced air flow assembly 106c[ Figure 5C ], an integrated component 162 (configured with a power supply 154, which is operably connected to a power interface and a control device 152) is operably connected to a forced air blower (fan) 152, and the forced air blower (fan) 152 is operably connected to a wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet pipeline 132 and a dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow inlet pipeline 134, respectively.

[0214] In the fourth exemplary embodiment of the forced air flow assembly, namely the forced air flow assembly 106d[ Figure 5D], an integrated component 164 (configured with a power supply 154, which is operably connected to a power interface and control device 152, which is in turn operably connected to a forced air blower (fan) 152) is operably connected to a wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet pipeline 132 and a dry (e.g., internal) channel forced air flow inlet pipeline 134, respectively.

[0215] A belt having a tubular configuration further comprising a wettable channel liquid absorbing material and a wettable channel spacing member Channel Components

[0216] In an exemplary embodiment, the channeled assembly has a tubular configuration, wherein the wettable (eg, outer) channel and the dry (eg, inner) channel are configured as tubular members. Figure 6 1 is a schematic diagram of a cutaway front side of another exemplary embodiment of a channeled assembly (part of a body cooling device) [designated as and referenced by reference numeral 402] highlighting its tubular configuration of wettable (e.g., exterior) channels 110 and dry (e.g., interior) channels 112. Channeled assembly 402 is configured with ( Figure 2 ) with all the same components (and their functions) of the channel assembly 102, wherein each of the wettable (e.g., external) channels 110 and the dry (e.g., internal) channels 112 has a tubular configuration and also includes and is operably positioned with a wettable (e.g., external) channel liquid absorbent material 410 and a wettable (e.g., external) channel spacing member 420.

[0217] In an exemplary embodiment of the channel assembly 402, the tubular dry (e.g., inner) channel 112 extends longitudinally along at least a majority of the entire length of the tubular wettable (e.g., outer) channel 110, and the length of the tubular dry (e.g., inner) channel 112 is greater than the length of the tubular wettable (e.g., outer) channel 110. For example, the dry (e.g., inner) channel 112 is longer than the wettable (e.g., outer) channel 110 and the dry (e.g., inner) channel 112 is positioned in a loop within the wettable (e.g., outer) channel 110. The dry (e.g., inner) channel 112 is configured and positioned in the wettable (e.g., outer) channel 110 so that its outer wall has the maximum possible surface area for contact with the liquid feed water. Such an exemplary embodiment ensures that the entire length of the tubular dry (e.g., inner) channels 112 will experience and benefit from cooling by the forced air flowing within and through the tubular wettable (e.g., outer) channels 110 due to the indirect evaporation process occurring via evaporation of liquid from the wettable (e.g., outer) channel liquid absorbent material 410 within the tubular wettable (e.g., outer) channels 110.

[0218] In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular wettable (e.g., outer) channel 110 includes a liquid absorbent material (e.g., liquid absorbent material 410) therein, extending longitudinally along and in physical contact with at least a majority of the entire length of the tubular dry (e.g., inner) channel 112. The liquid absorbent material 410 is adapted to be wetted and absorb the liquid feed 114 input into the tubular wettable (e.g., outer) channel 110 of the channel assembly 402 via the liquid feed input port 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the wettable (e.g., outer) channel liquid absorbent material 410 is a type of material selected from a cloth material and a coating material.

[0219] In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular wettable (e.g., outer) channel 110 includes a spacing member 420 therein that extends longitudinally along at least a majority of the entire length of the tubular dry (e.g., inner) channel 112 and / or the tubular wettable (e.g., outer) channel 110. The wettable (e.g., outer) channel spacing member 420 is configured to provide a passageway (aisle) type spacing (division) between the liquid-absorbent material 410 and the inner wall of the wettable (e.g., outer) channel to facilitate unimpeded passage of a forced (e.g., ambient) air flow within and through the wettable (e.g., outer) channel 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the wettable (e.g., outer) channel spacing member 420 is made of a rigid (solid) material.

[0220] Body cooling device for pre-cooling a forced air stream before it enters a wettable channel

[0221] In an exemplary embodiment, the body cooling device further comprises a device for applying a pressure to the wettable (eg, outer) channel prior to forcing the air flow into the wettable (eg, outer) channel. Forced air flow Arrangement for Pre-Cooling. The pre-cooled forced air flow significantly increases the cooling efficiency of the body cooling device and can actually reduce the air temperature to below the bulb (wet) thermometer temperature and possibly to about the dew point temperature (dew point). Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of the front side of another exemplary embodiment of a body cooling apparatus [indicated as and referenced by reference numeral 100 ′] highlighting the positioning of a wettable (eg, external) duct-forced air flow inlet line 132 within ducted assembly 102 .

[0222] The body cooling device 100' is configured with ( Figure 1 and Figure 2100′, with the primary difference being the positioning of the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132. It should be understood herein that the positioning of the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 relative to the body cooling device 100′ described herein may also be implemented with all other embodiments of the body cooling device described herein.

[0223] In an exemplary embodiment, the forced air flow assembly 106 is operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet port 116 of the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110 via a wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 positioned at least partially within the volume defined by the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110. This particular placement of the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 facilitates cooling of the forced air flow flowing from the forced air flow assembly 106 to the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet port 116 even before the forced air flow passes through the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet port 116 into the wettable (e.g., external) channel. For example, the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 operates as another dry (e.g., internal) channel, and the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 operates in a similar manner to the dry (e.g., internal) channel 112 for cooling the forced air flow within the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132. Precooling the forced air flow significantly improves the cooling efficiency of the body cooling device, at least because the precooled air entering the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110 cools the air within the dry (e.g., internal) channel 112 (and the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132) by heat conduction in addition to indirect evaporation as described herein.

[0224] In an exemplary embodiment, the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 is implemented as a pipe / conduit / tubing positioned within the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110 such that at least a majority of the length of the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 extends within the wettable (e.g., external) channel 100. For example, at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 100% of the length of the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 is positioned within the volume defined by the wettable (e.g., external) channel. In other words, the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 is positioned such that the forced air flow travels the maximum possible distance within the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110 before arriving at the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet port 116 and entering the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110. Thus, the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 can be located away from the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet port 116 (e.g., Fig.12 As shown, or even entering the wettable (e.g., external) channel 110 from an end of the wettable (e.g., external) channel opposite to the end having the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet port 116) and configured at a position within the wettable (e.g., external) channel so as to extend along the dry (e.g., internal) channel 112 in any suitable form and / or shape (e.g., spiral, loop, curve, continuous row) so that the outer wall of the wettable (e.g., external) channel forced air flow inlet pipeline 132 that contacts the liquid feed has the maximum possible surface area.

[0225] In an exemplary embodiment, the wettable (e.g., outer) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 is at least partially surrounded by a liquid absorbent material (not shown, but in a manner similar to that described with respect to the liquid absorbent material 410 described herein). The liquid absorbent material surrounding the wettable (e.g., outer) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 can be the same as or different from the liquid absorbent material 410 surrounding the dry (e.g., inner) channel 112.

[0226] It should be appreciated herein that the wettable (eg, external) channel forced air flow inlet line 132 is made of a material that does not interfere with the rebendable and fixable properties of the body cooling apparatus 100'.

[0227] Exemplary (actual) prototypes of body cooling devices and their components

[0228] The following figure (i.e. Figure 7 to Fig. 9) are photographs showing various views of an exemplary (actual) prototype body cooling device [indicated as reference numeral p200 and referenced by reference numeral p200] and its components. For clarity and consistency, in the following illustrative description, components and structural features of the prototype body cooling device p200 are assigned reference numerals prefixed with the letter "p" followed by reference numerals identical to the corresponding components and structural features of the exemplary body cooling device 200 (including the liquid feed reservoir 204 and the liquid feed connector 206), the prototype body cooling device p200 including the exemplary channeled assembly 402 (including the wettable (external) channel liquid absorbing material 410 and the wettable (external) channel spacing member 420), as schematically and illustratively described above.

[0229] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Photographs of the front and back sides, respectively, of an exemplary prototype body cooling device p200, highlighting the rectilinear configuration of the prototype body cooling device p200. Figure 7C and Fig.7D 200 and 210. Photographs of the top and bottom sides, respectively, of an exemplary prototype body cooling device p200, highlighting the curved (practical) configuration of the prototype body cooling device p200.

[0230] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a photograph of a close-up view of an exemplary prototype body cooling device p200 highlighting the connection of the forced air flow assembly p106 to the wettable (outer) channel forced air flow inlet port p116 and the dry (inner) channel forced air flow inlet port p120, respectively [ Fig. 8A ], and the connection of the forced air flow assembly p106 to the liquid feed reservoir p204 and the wettable (external) channel forced air flow inlet port p116 [ Figure 8B ].

[0231] Fig. 9 is a photograph of the partially cut-away front side of an exemplary prototype body cooling device p200, highlighting an exemplary tubular configuration with channel assembly p402 (including wettable (outer) channels p110 and dry (inner) channels p112).

[0232] Exemplary Applications of Body Cooling Devices

[0233] The exemplary embodiments of the stand-alone portable body cooling devices (100, 200, 300, p200) described above are suitable for application to (via placement and wearing on) different body parts of a subject. Exemplary body parts of a subject where the body cooling device can be placed and worn are, for example, the waist area, the chest area, and the head area.

[0234] FIG. 10A to FIG. 1 0C is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of placing and wearing a body cooling device (100, 200, 300, p200) on different specific body parts of a subject 10: waist area [ Fig. 10A ], chest area [Figure 10B] and head area [Figure 10C].

[0235] Fig.11 is a photograph of an exemplary (practical) application of an exemplary prototype body cooling device p200, highlighting its placement and wearing on the waist region body part of subject 15.

[0236] Body cooling methods

[0237] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for cooling a subject (ie, a body cooling method). In a non-limiting manner and in some embodiments, the body cooling method comprises the following steps (procedures).

[0238] (i) Acquire a portable body cooling device, wherein the acquired portable body cooling device is any one of the above illustratively described embodiments of the body cooling device 100, 200, 300, p200.

[0239] (ii) The body cooling device is securely positioned and worn along the outer contour of the subject's body part.

[0240] (iii) providing a liquid feed to a liquid feed input assembly of the body cooling device so as to input the liquid feed into the channeled assembly of the body cooling device.

[0241] (iv) activating a forced air flow assembly of the body cooling apparatus, wherein the forced air flow entering the channeled assembly promotes indirect evaporation of a liquid feed within the channeled assembly and generates a forced cool air flow that exits the channeled assembly and is directed toward the object, thereby cooling the object.

[0242] In an exemplary embodiment, the step of securely placing and wearing the body cooling device includes positioning the coupled pair of channels along an outer contour of a body part of a subject such that the coupled pair of channels are longitudinally aligned with the body part of the subject.

[0243] In an exemplary embodiment, the step (procedure) of activating the forced air flow assembly is performed in a manner that facilitates controllably regulating the indirect vaporization of the liquid feed within the channeled assembly.

[0244] In an exemplary embodiment, the step (procedure) of starting the forced air flow component includes: controllably adjusting the power level of the forced air flow component to controllably adjust the rate of indirect evaporation of the liquid feed inside the channeled component, thereby facilitating controllable adjustment of the forced cold air flow leaving the channeled component and directed toward the object.

[0245] As used herein, each of the following terms written in singular grammatical form: "a", "an", and "the" means "at least one" or "one or more". The use of the phrase "one or more" herein does not change the intended meaning of "a", "an", or "the". Therefore, the terms "a", "an", and "the" used herein may also refer to and include a plurality of said entities or objects, unless otherwise expressly defined or stated herein, or unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, as used herein, the phrases "unit", "device", "component", "mechanism", "part", "element", and "step or procedure" may also refer to and include a plurality of units, a plurality of devices, a plurality of components, a plurality of mechanisms, a plurality of parts, a plurality of elements, and a plurality of steps or procedures, respectively.

[0246] As used herein, each of the following terms "include," "including," "have," "having," "comprise," and "comprising," and their linguistic / grammatical variations, derivatives, and / or inflections, means "including but not limited to," and should be considered to specify stated components, features, properties, parameters, integers, or steps, and does not preclude the addition of one or more additional components, features, properties, parameters, integers, steps, or groups thereof. Each of these terms is considered to have the same meaning as the phrase "consisting essentially of.

[0247] As used herein, each of the phrases "consisting of" and "consist of" means "including but not limited to."

[0248] As used herein, the phrases “consisting essentially of” and “consist essentially of” mean that the entity or item (system, system unit, system subunit, device, component, subassembly, mechanism, structure, part, element, or peripheral equipment, utility, accessory, or material, method or process, step or procedure, sub-step or subroutine) that is all or part of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed invention or / and for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed invention may include at least one additional “feature or characteristic”, which is a system unit, system subunit, device, component, subassembly, mechanism, structure, part, element, or peripheral equipment, utility, accessory, or material, step or procedure, sub-step or subroutine), but with the premise that each such additional “feature or characteristic” does not materially change the basic novel and inventive characteristic or specific technical characteristics of the entity or item claimed.

[0249] As used herein, the term "method" refers to a single step, procedure, way, means or / technique for completing or achieving a given task or action, or a sequence, set or group of two or more steps, procedures, ways, means or / techniques. Any such method disclosed herein, in a non-limiting manner, may include one or more steps, procedures, ways, means or / techniques that are known or easily developed from one or more steps, procedures, ways, means or / techniques previously taught by practitioners in the relevant fields and technical fields of the invention disclosed herein. In any such method disclosed herein, in a non-limiting manner, the order in which one or more steps, procedures, ways, means or / techniques are described or presented is not limited to the order specifically described or presented in order to complete or achieve a given task or action, unless otherwise specifically defined or described herein, or unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, in any such method disclosed herein, in a non-limiting manner, there may be one or more alternative sequences of the same steps, procedures, modes, means and / or techniques for completing or achieving the same given task or action while maintaining the same or similar meaning and scope of the invention disclosed herein.

[0250] Throughout this disclosure, the numerical value of a parameter, feature, characteristic, object or size can be stated or described in a numerical range format. As used herein, this numerical range format illustrates the realization of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but does not rigidly limit the scope of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical range described or described also refers to and includes all possible sub-ranges and individual numerical values ​​(wherein numerical values ​​can be expressed as a whole, integer or fraction) in the numerical range described or described. For example, the numerical range "from 1 to 6" stated or described also refers to and includes all possible sub-ranges, such as "from 1 to 3", "from 1 to 4", "from 1 to 5", "from 2 to 4", "from 2 to 6", "from 3 to 6", etc., and individual numerical values ​​in the numerical range of "from 1 to 6" stated or described, such as "1", "1.3", "2", "2.8", "3", "3.5", "4", "4.6", "5", "5.2" and "6". Regardless of the numerical width, degree or size of the numerical range stated or described, this applies.

[0251] In addition, for stating or describing a numerical range, the phrase "in the range between about a first value and about a second value" is considered to be equivalent and the same meaning as the phrase "in the range from about a first value to about a second value", and therefore, the two equivalent phrases can be used interchangeably. For example, for stating or describing a numerical range of room temperature, the phrase "room temperature refers to a temperature in the range between about 20°C and about 25°C" is considered to be equivalent and the same meaning as the phrase "room temperature refers to a temperature in the range from about 20°C to about 25°C".

[0252] As used herein, the term "about" refers to ±10% of the stated numerical value.

[0253] As used herein, the phrase "operably connected" refers equivalently to the corresponding synonym phrases "operably linked" and "operably attached". As used herein, these phrases mean that the entities described or / and shown are configured to be "connected" to each other in an "operable" (ready to operate / ready to use) manner. Such operational connection, operational connection or operational attachment between entities is based on one or more types of mechanical (physical, structural), or / and electrical, or / and electronic, or / and electro-mechanical connections, involving one or more corresponding types or kinds of mechanical (physical, structural), or / and electrical, or / and electronic, or / and electro-mechanical equipment and components. Optionally, such operational connection, operational connection or operational attachment between entities may include or may involve one or more types or kinds of computerized hardware and / or software equipment and components.

[0254] As used herein, the phrase "operably connectable" refers equivalently to the corresponding synonym phrases "operably connectable" and "operably attachable". As used herein, these phrases mean that the entities described or / and shown are configured to be "connectable" to each other (i.e., capable of being connected to each other, having the ability to be connected to each other, or having the potential to be connected to each other) so as to subsequently form an "operably connected", "operably connected" or "operably attached" between the entities. This operable connectability, operable connectability or operable attachability between entities is based on one type or multiple types of mechanical (physical, structural), or / and electrical, or / and electronic, or / and electro-mechanical connections, involving one or more corresponding types or types of mechanical (physical, structural), or / and electrical, or / and electronic, or / and electro-mechanical equipment and components. Optionally, this operable connectability, operable connectability or operable attachability between entities may include or may involve one or more types or types of computerized hardware and / or software equipment and components.

[0255] It should be fully understood that certain aspects, features, and characteristics of the invention that are illustratively described and presented in the context or form of multiple separate embodiments for clarity may also be illustratively described and presented in the context or form of a single embodiment in any suitable combination or subcombination. Conversely, various aspects, features, and characteristics of the invention that are illustratively described and presented in the context or form of a single embodiment in combination or subcombination may also be illustratively described and presented in the context or form of multiple separate embodiments.

[0256] Although the present invention has been described and presented illustratively by specific exemplary embodiments and examples thereof, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications and / or variations thereof are apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such alternatives, modifications and / or variations are intended to be included within the broad scope of the appended claims.

[0257] All publications, patents and / or patent applications cited or mentioned in this disclosure are incorporated by reference in their entirety into this specification to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or / and patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein. In addition, the citation or identification of any reference in this specification should not be interpreted or understood as an admission that the reference represents or corresponds to the prior art of the present invention. Insofar as section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A portable body cooling device, in particular, the portable body cooling device is a portable body cooling device that can be worn on a subject, the device comprising: a belt channel assembly including a coupled pair of channels extending longitudinally adjacent to each other and configured for receiving a liquid feed and a forced air flow, the belt channel assembly being wearable along an outer contour of a body part of the subject; a liquid feed input assembly operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly and configured to facilitate input of the liquid feed into the belt channel assembly; as well as a forced air flow assembly operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly and configured to generate and drive the forced air flow into and through the belt channel assembly; wherein the forced air flow promotes indirect evaporation of the liquid feed within the channeled assembly and generates a forced cold air flow that exits the channeled assembly and is directed toward the object, thereby cooling the object.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The coupled pair of channels includes a wettable channel configured to be wetted via the input flow of the liquid feed and a dry channel configured to be substantially dry.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The wettable channel is configured as an outer channel and the dry channel is configured as an inner channel, wherein the dry inner channel is positioned inside and surrounded by the wettable outer channel.

4. The device according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein: The wettable channel includes at least one wettable channel forced air flow inlet port and at least one wettable channel forced air flow outlet port, and wherein the dry channel includes at least one dry channel forced air flow inlet port and at least one dry channel forced air flow outlet port.

5. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: Each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports protrudes from a wall of the wettable channel, and each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports protrudes from a wall of the dry channel.

6. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The drying duct comprises a plurality of the drying duct forced air flow outlet ports protruding from a wall of the drying duct and being positionally aligned with respect to each other.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: A plurality of the drying duct forced air flow outlet ports protrude from a same wall of the drying duct, and the plurality of the drying duct forced air flow outlet ports are positionally aligned relative to each other along the same wall of the drying duct.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: The wettable channel is configured as a tubular member.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein: Each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports is located away from each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports so that the forced cold air flow exiting each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports is not affected by the forced air flow exiting each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: Each of the positions is partially defined whereby each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports is angled at least 45 degrees away from each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports relative to the longitudinal direction of the channel assembly, and in particular, each of the wettable channel forced air flow outlet ports is angled equal to or greater than 90 degrees away from each of the dry channel forced air flow outlet ports relative to the longitudinal direction of the channel assembly.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein: The wettable channel includes liquid absorbent material therein, extending along and in physical contact with at least a majority of the entire length of the drying channel, wherein the liquid absorbent material is adapted to absorb the liquid feed input into the channeled assembly.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The liquid absorbing material is a type of material selected from cloth materials and coating materials.

13. The device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The wettable channel also includes a spacing member extending along at least a majority of the entire length of the drying channel and configured to provide a spacing between the liquid-absorbent material and the inner wall of the wettable channel so as to promote unimpeded passage of the forced air flow within and through the wettable channel.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein: The drying channel is configured as a tubular member extending longitudinally along at least a majority of the entire length of the wettable channel.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The length of the wettable channel is less than the length of the wettable channel.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The channeled assembly is reversibly bendable and reversibly fixable in a bent form to facilitate conforming of the channeled assembly along the outer contour of the subject's body part.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: The liquid feed input assembly is directly connected to the belt channel assembly via a liquid feed input line extending between the liquid feed input assembly and the belt channel assembly.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein: The body cooling device is a stand-alone device including a liquid feed reservoir operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the channeled assembly and configured to store a backup supply of the liquid feed.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: The liquid feed reservoir is positioned adjacent to the belt channel assembly and extends adjacent to the belt channel assembly.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The liquid feed reservoir is operatively connected to the channeled assembly and in fluid communication with the channeled assembly via a liquid feed connector, and the liquid feed connector is configured to facilitate input of the backup supply of the liquid feed from the liquid feed reservoir into the channeled assembly via the forced air flow according to the Bernoulli liquid flow principle.

21. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 20, wherein: The forced air flow component is operatively connected to the belt channel component via a wettable channel forced air flow inlet line and via a dry channel forced air flow inlet line and is in fluid communication with the belt channel component, the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is operatively connected to the wettable channel forced air flow inlet port and is in fluid communication with the wettable channel forced air flow inlet port, and the dry channel forced air flow inlet line is operatively connected to the dry channel forced air flow inlet port and is in fluid communication with the dry channel forced air flow inlet port.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein: The forced air flow assembly is configured with a power supply operatively connected to a power interface and controls operatively connected to a forced air blower which in turn is operatively connected to the channeled assembly.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein: The forced air blower is a fan or a fan-like device.

24. Apparatus according to any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein The forced air flow component is configured with the power supply, which is operatively connected to an integrated component, the integrated component is configured with the power interface and control device, which are operatively connected to the forced air blower, and wherein the integrated component is operatively connected to the channeled component.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein: The forced air flow assembly is configured with an integrated assembly, the integrated assembly is configured with the power supply, the power supply is operatively connected to the power interface and control device, wherein the integrated assembly is operatively connected to the forced air blower, and the forced air blower is in turn operatively connected to the channeled assembly.

26. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein: The forced air flow assembly is configured with an integrated assembly, the integrated assembly being configured with the power supply, the power supply being operatively connected to the power interface and control device, the power interface and control device being operatively connected to the forced air blower, wherein the integrated assembly is operatively connected to the channeled assembly.

27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein: The wettable pathway forced air flow inlet line is positioned at least partially within a volume defined by the wettable pathway.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein: At least a majority of the length of the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is positioned within the volume defined by the wettable channel.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein: At least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 100% of the length of the wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is positioned within the volume defined by the wettable channel.

30. Apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein: The wettable channel forced air flow inlet line extends at least partially along the drying channel.

31. Apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein: The wettable channel forced air flow inlet line is at least partially surrounded by a liquid absorbent material.

32. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 31, further comprising a distribution line configured to distribute the forced cold air flow exiting the channeled assembly to at least one location remote from the channeled assembly.

33. Apparatus according to claim 32 when dependent on claim 4, wherein: The distribution line is operatively connected to the at least one dry aisle forced air flow outlet port and the distribution line is configured to be in fluid communication with the at least one dry aisle forced air flow outlet port.

34. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein: The belt channel assembly is securely worn along the outer contour of the body part of the subject.

35. A method of cooling an object, the method comprising: A portable body cooling device is obtained, in particular, the device is wearable on the subject, and the portable body cooling device comprises: a belt channel assembly including a coupled pair of channels extending longitudinally adjacent to each other and configured for receiving a liquid feed and a forced air flow; a liquid feed input assembly operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly and configured to facilitate input of the liquid feed into the belt channel assembly; and a forced air flow assembly operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the belt channel assembly and configured to generate and drive the forced air flow into and through the belt channel assembly; placing and wearing the device along the outer contour of the subject's body part; Providing a liquid feed to the liquid feed input assembly so as to input the liquid feed into the channeled assembly; as well as The forced air flow assembly is activated, wherein the forced air flow entering the channeled assembly promotes indirect evaporation of the liquid feed within the channeled assembly and generates a forced cool air flow exiting the channeled assembly and directed toward the object, thereby cooling the object.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein: Placing and wearing the device includes positioning the coupled pair of channels along an outer contour of the body part of the subject such that the coupled pair of channels are longitudinally aligned with the body part of the subject.

37. The method according to any one of claims 35 or 36, wherein: Activation of the forced air flow assembly is performed in a manner that facilitates controllably regulating the indirect vaporization of the liquid feed within the channeled assembly.

38. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein: Activating the forced air flow assembly includes controllably adjusting the power level of the forced air flow assembly to controllably adjust the rate of indirect evaporation of the liquid feed within the channeled assembly, thereby facilitating controllable adjustment of the forced cold air flow exiting the channeled assembly and directed toward the object.

39. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein: Placing and wearing the device along the outer contour of the subject's body part includes firmly placing and wearing the device along the outer contour of the subject's body part.

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