Heat stroke prevention; apparatus, system and method

Abstract

A cooling device comprising a housing configured to house an object to be cooled by virtue of the size and shape of the housing, and one or more chambers comprising solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, or one or more reservoirs containing a urea / solvent mixture. The chambers can be filled with water through sealable openings and in thermal communication with the exterior of the cooling device, water can be added to the chambers when the cooling device is in use. The reservoirs contain a urea / solvent mixture and the reservoirs can be fluidly connected to one or more of the chambers. The chambers can be filled with water through sealable openings and in thermal communication with the exterior of the cooling device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a system and method for providing a device that is easy to transport and store, such a device for cooling the body to prevent or alleviate heatstroke. Background Technology

[0002] Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Heatstroke occurs when the body is no longer able to control its temperature: body temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heatstroke occurs, body temperature can rise to 106°F (41°C) or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.

[0003] Heatstroke is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures and usually occurs in combination with dehydration, leading to the failure of the body's thermoregulation system. The medical definition of heatstroke is a core body temperature above 104°F (40°C) accompanied by complications related to the central nervous system. Common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma.

[0004] The goal of treating heatstroke (or sunsickness) is to rapidly lower the core body temperature to below 101°F (38°C). This can be achieved, for example, by fanning the patient while simultaneously wetting the skin with water from a sponge or hose; applying ice packs to areas close to the skin with rich blood vessels, such as the armpits, groin, neck, and back; or immersing the patient in a cool shower or bath. If the patient has engaged in strenuous exercise, an ice bath can be used. However, in remote areas, such as during hiking or when soldiers are stationed or patrolling in hot climates, access to amenities such as hoses, fans, and ice packs may be limited, water supplies may be scarce, and the available water may be lukewarm. Therefore, a method for cooling the patient that does not require large amounts of water and can cool and keep the water cool is needed.

[0005] U.S. Patent Application No. US2011 / 0190855 discloses a cooling assembly comprising a substrate and one or more cooling devices. The cooling devices include water and a reactant (e.g., ammonium nitrate), which undergoes an endothermic reaction when mixed. One type of cooling device has an impermeable bag inside and a selectively ruptureable bag. Another type of cooling device has an impermeable bag and a selectively ruptureable barrier that divides the bag into two packages. In use, the cooling device cools down when the water and reactant are allowed to mix. The cooled device absorbs heat from an injured person placed on (or encased in) the device, thereby minimizing inflammation that may result from the injury suffered by the person. One type of substrate conforming to the invention includes a body portion, a first winding portion, a second winding portion, and a cover. Another type of substrate conforming to the invention includes a body portion, a first side cooling baffle, a second side cooling baffle, and a cover.

[0006] However, US2011 / 0190855 uses ammonium nitrate mixed with water as a coolant; it is well known that ammonium nitrate will burn or explode if heated or exposed to flame. Furthermore, ammonium nitrate has a critical relative humidity of 59.4% at 30°C, thus it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, so it must be stored in a sealed container. (See https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Ammonium_nitrate.) Additionally, the water and ammonium nitrate are stored in a wrapping blanket, making the blanket heavy and bulky, difficult to store and handle. Pressure is used to break the barrier / packaging. The patient's weight can be used on the barrier / packaging below the body; the packaging / barrier above the body must be broken separately. Because the water and ammonium nitrate are stored in a waterproof package, the reactants or water cannot be replenished. Therefore, once the reaction between the stored water and the stored ammonium nitrate is complete, the water (and the patient) will return to ambient temperature, even if further cooling is needed.

[0007] U.S. Patent Application No. US2009 / 0132013 discloses a medical device implemented as a stretcher, body bag, or mattress. The device includes water and a selectively ruptureable package. The selectively ruptureable package contains a chemical substance, such as ammonium nitrate, which, when mixed with water, causes an endothermic reaction. In use, the package is broken to allow the water to cool. The cooled water absorbs heat from the injured person placed on the device, thereby minimizing inflammation that may result from the injury. Body bags are designed to cool the body, thus delaying decomposition. The weight of the body breaks the ruptureable package.

[0008] However, US2009 / 0132013 uses ammonium nitrate mixed with water as a coolant; it is well known that ammonium nitrate will burn or explode if heated or exposed to flame. Furthermore, ammonium nitrate has a critical relative humidity of 59.4% at 30°C, thus it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, so it must be stored in a sealed container. (See https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Ammonium_nitrate.) Additionally, the water and ammonium nitrate are stored in a blanket, making the blanket heavy and bulky, difficult to store and transport. Pressure is used to break the barrier / packaging. The patient's weight can be used on the barrier / packaging below the body; the packaging / barrier above the body must be broken separately. Because the water and ammonium nitrate are stored in a waterproof package, the reactants or water cannot be replenished. Therefore, once the reaction between the stored water and the stored ammonium nitrate is complete, the water (and the patient) will return to ambient temperature, even if further cooling is needed.

[0009] US Patent No. 11642240 discloses an emergency management system featuring an ice-water immersion bag capable of rapidly cooling an overheated individual through a combination of its components, openings, and capacity. An overheated person is placed inside the ice-water immersion bag; however, in a medical emergency, contact with the body can still be made using one of the multiple openings extending through the bag. Furthermore, the openings remain sealed and waterproof to prevent ice water from escaping from the bag, thereby further enhancing the ice-water immersion effect for rapid cooling of the overheated person.

[0010] However, because US11642240 uses ice to cool the water in the bag, ice needs to be provided, which is often unavailable in remote areas where heatstroke is a possibility. Furthermore, the bag includes openings to allow for medical procedures to be performed on the patient; although these openings are sealed when not in use, leakage may occur during use.

[0011] U.S. Patent Application No. US2014 / 0303695 discloses a device for providing heat treatment to a wearer's feet and ankles. The device is capable of applying cold or heat to the wearer's feet and ankles through a liquid contained in one or more hollow portions located at the top or bottom of the device. The top is boot-shaped and comprises a fluid-impermeable material. A top filling member disposed on the upper portion of the top can be used to fill the top with liquid, and then a top sealing member can be used to seal the top filling member. The bottom can be detachably or non-detachably attached to the top. The bottom may include a hollow portion that can contain liquid, or it can be filled and emptied using a bottom filling member and a bottom sealing member.

[0012] However, US2014 / 0303695 does not provide a method for heating or cooling the liquid inside the boot.

[0013] WIPO Patent Application No. WO2018 / 200480 discloses a therapeutic boot for horses, which has an insulated boot shaft that is securely fixed to multiple locations on the horse's leg and can hold a volume of therapeutic medium for treating hooves and legs, as disclosed herein. The therapeutic boot includes a bottom member, an internal fixing mechanism, and an insulated boot shaft configured to hold the therapeutic medium. Advantageously, the therapeutic boot secures the hoof to the bottom member so that the insulated boot shaft does not shift from the hoof and leg during treatment. A method for treating diseased or injured hooves and legs using the disclosed therapeutic boot is also disclosed herein.

[0014] However, WO2018 / 200480 does not provide a method for heating or cooling the liquid inside the boot.

[0015] U.S. Patent Application No. US2021 / 0275350 discloses a leg cryotherapy device for horses that surrounds the lower limbs of a test horse and provides cryotherapy. The integrated device includes upper and lower fasteners, a saddle area for holding ice and ice water, and a vertical zipper. The arrangement of the hoof sleeves and hoof boots allows the test horse free movement and enables the hot fluid to restrain the ice, preventing it from moving under the horse's hooves.

[0016] However, US2021 / 0275350 does not provide a method for heating or cooling the liquid inside the boot.

[0017] Therefore, there has long been a need for a system and method for cooling down heatstroke patients that does not require the use of cooling equipment or the storage of water within cooling equipment, thus avoiding the risk of explosion, does not require the storage of cooling chemicals within an impermeable membrane, and does not prevent the reactivation of the cooling mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0018] One object of the present invention is to disclose a system for providing a device that is easy to transport and store, such a device for cooling at least a part of the body to prevent or alleviate heatstroke.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub, the cooling bathtub comprising: A basin, constructed by means of its size and shape to accommodate at least a part of a body; and At least one chamber comprising solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the interior space of the basin; and water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cooling bath is used. or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the interior space of the basin; water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cooling bath is used; and at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture being capable of being transferred to at least one of the at least one chambers when the cooling bath is used.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, wherein the tub body is flexible or foldable.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, wherein the tub body further includes a frame that is assemblable or foldable and is configured to support the tub body when assembled or unfolded.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, wherein a plurality of support members are attachable to the frame, the plurality of support members supporting the tub body such that the upper edge of the tub body is raised above the base of the tub body.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, wherein the gap in the upper edge of the frame is configured to enable the lifting and / or transport of the cooling bathtub.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, the cooling bathtub also including a headrest.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, wherein the headrest includes at least one second chamber, the at least one second chamber being capable of being filled with liquid through a second sealable opening, the second chamber being in thermal communication with a head that can be placed on the headrest.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, the cooling bathtub further comprising a sunshade configured to shield the body, at least the head, from sunlight.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, the cooling bathtub further comprising at least one handle configured to enable lifting and / or transport of the cooling bathtub.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, wherein the tub body comprises a material selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyethylene (PE) film, or any combination thereof.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, wherein the chamber comprises a material having medium to high thermal conductivity.

[0030] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, the cooling bathtub further comprising an element for controlling the flow of fluid from a source or reservoir to said at least one chamber, said element being selected from the group consisting of a pump, a valve, gravity, or any combination thereof.

[0031] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, wherein the pump is selected from the group consisting of a diaphragm pump, a peristaltic pump, a reciprocating pump, an electroosmotic pump, an electrophoretic pump, a magnetohydrodynamic pump, or a thermocapillary pump.

[0032] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, the cooling bathtub further comprising a computer system configured to control at least one flow rate of the fluid.

[0033] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, the cooling bathtub further comprising at least one sensor in communication with at least one chamber in the chamber.

[0034] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, wherein the at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a density sensor, a viscosity sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0035] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling bathtub as described above, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile, or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

[0036] A cooling blanket, comprising: The body includes at least one water channel and is capable of wrapping around at least a portion of the body; and The at least one water channel contains solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one water channel is in fluid communication with at least one main sealable opening, the at least one main sealable opening having at least one closing configuration, the at least one sealable opening being impermeable to liquid when in the at least one closing configuration; the at least one water channel is in external thermal communication with the cooling blanket; water can be added to the at least one chamber when the cooling blanket is in use; or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one water channel being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one water channel being in external thermal communication with the cooling blanket; water being capable of being added to the at least one water channel when the cooling blanket is used; and at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture being capable of being transferred to at least one of the at least one water channel when the cooling blanket is used.

[0037] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, wherein at least a portion of the body is flexible, foldable, or any combination thereof.

[0038] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, wherein the body comprises a member of the group consisting of silicone rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyethylene (PE) film, or any combination thereof.

[0039] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, wherein each of the at least one main sealable openings is transferable to the closing configuration by applying a cover.

[0040] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, wherein the cover may be clip-on or screw-on.

[0041] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, wherein the cover is permanently mechanically connected to the cooling blanket.

[0042] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, the cooling blanket further comprising at least one of a neck support and a head support.

[0043] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, wherein the head support includes at least one second water channel in fluid communication with at least one second sealable opening.

[0044] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, wherein, for at least one of the second sealable openings, the at least one second sealable opening is the same as one of the at least one main sealable openings.

[0045] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, the cooling blanket further comprising at least one fastener configured to retain the cooling blanket in a configuration in which the cooling blanket is wrapped around the body.

[0046] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, the cooling blanket further comprising at least one handle, the at least one handle being configured to allow the body to be moved and / or transported when the body is wrapped in the cooling blanket.

[0047] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, the cooling blanket further comprising an element for controlling the flow of fluid from a source or reservoir to said at least one chamber, said element being selected from the group consisting of a pump, a valve, gravity, or any combination thereof.

[0048] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, wherein the pump is selected from the group consisting of a diaphragm pump, a peristaltic pump, a reciprocating pump, an electroosmotic pump, an electrophoretic pump, a magnetohydrodynamic pump, or a thermocapillary pump.

[0049] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, the cooling blanket further comprising a computer system configured to control at least one flow rate of the fluid.

[0050] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, the cooling blanket further comprising at least one sensor in communication with at least one chamber in the chamber.

[0051] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, wherein the at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a density sensor, a viscosity sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0052] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling blanket as described above, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile, or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

[0053] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest, the cooling vest comprising: The main body, configured as at least a portion of the torso surrounding the body, includes: At least one chamber containing solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one chamber being in fluid communication with at least one sealable opening, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through the sealable opening; the at least one sealable opening having at least one closing configuration, the at least one sealable opening being impermeable to liquid when in the at least one closing configuration; the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the outside of the body; or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening having at least one closing configuration, the at least one sealable opening being impermeable to liquid when in the at least one closing configuration; the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the exterior of the body; water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cooling vest is used; and at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture being capable of being transferred to at least one of the at least one chambers when the cooling vest is used.

[0054] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest as described above, wherein the body comprises a plurality of chambers, at least one of the plurality of chambers being located at the front of the body and configured to cool at least a portion of the front portion of the torso of the body, and at least one of the plurality of chambers being located at the rear of the body and configured to cool at least a portion of the back portion of the torso of the body; each of the plurality of chambers being in fluid communication with at least one main sealable opening.

[0055] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest as described above, wherein at least one of the main sealable openings is in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of chambers located at the front of the body, and in fluid communication with another of the plurality of chambers located at the rear of the body.

[0056] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest as described above, the cooling vest further comprising at least one fastener configured to perform a member of the group consisting of: fastening the front portion of the cooling vest to the back portion of the cooling vest at a side; fastening the front portion of the cooling vest to the back portion of the cooling vest at a shoulder; fastening the left side of the front portion of the cooling vest to the right side of the front portion of the cooling vest; or fastening the left side of the back portion of the cooling vest to the right side of the back portion of the cooling vest; or any combination thereof.

[0057] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest as described above, wherein the body comprises a flexible material.

[0058] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest as described above, wherein the flexible material is selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyethylene (PE) film, or any combination thereof.

[0059] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest as described above, wherein each of the at least one sealable opening is transferable to the closing configuration by applying a cap.

[0060] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest as described above, wherein the cover may be clip-on or screw-on.

[0061] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest as described above, wherein the cover is permanently mechanically connected to the cooling vest.

[0062] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest as described above, the cooling vest further comprising elements for controlling the flow of fluid from a source or reservoir to said at least one chamber, said elements being selected from the group consisting of a pump, a valve, gravity, or any combination thereof.

[0063] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest as described above, wherein the pump is selected from the group consisting of a diaphragm pump, a peristaltic pump, a reciprocating pump, an electroosmotic pump, an electrophoretic pump, a magnetohydrodynamic pump, or a thermocapillary pump.

[0064] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest as described above, the cooling vest further comprising a computer system configured to control at least one flow rate of the fluid.

[0065] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest as described above, the cooling vest further comprising at least one sensor in communication with at least one chamber in the cavity.

[0066] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest as described above, wherein the at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a density sensor, a viscosity sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0067] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling vest as described above, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile, or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

[0068] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling device, the cooling device comprising: A shell, configured by means of its size and shape to house at least a portion of a body or at least a portion of an object to be cooled; and At least one chamber comprising solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in external thermal communication with the cooling device; and water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cooling device is in use. or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in external thermal communication with the cooling device; the cooling device not containing water prior to use.

[0069] Another object of the present invention is to disclose any cooling device as described above, wherein the housing comprises a member of the group consisting of a bathtub, blanket, box, bottle, container, vest, hat, scarf, sleeve, gloves, fingerless gloves, leg warmers, socks, trousers, bra, underwear, or a combination of the above garments.

[0070] Another object of the present invention is to disclose cooling blankets, cooling vests or cooling devices as described above, which are configured to treat diseases related to the temperature of said part of the body, including members of the group consisting of heatstroke, fever, cancer, hair loss, skin lesions, nail injuries or muscle aches.

[0071] Another object of the present invention is to disclose any cooling blanket, cooling vest or cooling device as described above, wherein the body is selected from the group consisting of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, goats, horses, chickens, geese, wild boars, turkeys, rabbits, deer, lions, tigers, cheetahs, cougars, elephants, bears, bison, buffalo, snakes, alligators, crocodiles, alligator eggs, or crocodile eggs.

[0072] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a hat or helmet comprising: A housing, configured by means of its size and shape to accommodate at least a portion of the head to be cooled; and At least one chamber comprising solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the exterior of the cap or helmet; and water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cap or helmet is in use; or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the exterior of the cap or helmet; the cap or helmet not containing water prior to use.

[0073] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cap or helmet as described above, wherein the cap or helmet is configured to alleviate hair loss, thinning hair, or thinning hair caused by cancer treatment, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy.

[0074] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a cooling device as described above, which is also configured to transport a non-biological object that needs to be cooled or kept at a temperature below ambient temperature. As a non-limiting example, the non-biological object is a heat-sensitive drug, a heat-sensitive medical product, plasma, blood, a vaccine, growth hormone, insulin, or an anticancer drug.

[0075] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a method for cooling at least a part of the body, the method comprising the following steps: A cooling bathtub is provided, which includes: A basin, the basin being configured by means of its size and shape to accommodate at least a portion of the body; and At least one chamber comprising solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the interior space of the basin; and water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cooling bath is used. or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the interior space of the basin; the cooling bathtub is empty of water before use; Place the body in the basin; Add water to the at least one chamber; For the at least one reservoir containing the urea / solvent mixture, at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture is transferred from the at least one reservoir to at least one of the at least one chambers; and Add water to the basin.

[0076] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a method for cooling at least a part of the body, the method comprising the following steps: Cooling blankets are provided, including: A flexible body, including at least one water channel, the flexible body being capable of wrapping around said at least a portion of the body; and The at least one water channel contains solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one water channel is in fluid communication with at least one main sealable opening, the at least one main sealable opening having at least one closing configuration, the at least one sealable opening being impermeable to liquid when in the at least one closing configuration; the at least one water channel is in external thermal communication with the cooling blanket; water can be added to the at least one chamber when the cooling blanket is in use; or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one water channel capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one water channel being in external thermal communication with the cooling blanket; water being capable of being added to the at least one water channel when the cooling blanket is used; and the urea / solvent mixture being capable of being transferred to at least one of the at least one water channel when the cooling blanket is used. Wrap the body in the cooling blanket; Add water to at least one of the at least one water channel; and For the at least one reservoir containing the urea / solvent mixture, at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture is transferred to at least one of the at least one water channels.

[0077] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a method for cooling at least a part of the body, the method comprising the following steps: Cooling vests are provided, and the cooling vests include: The body, configured as a portion surrounding the torso of the body, includes: At least one chamber containing solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one chamber being in fluid communication with at least one sealable opening, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through the sealable opening; the at least one sealable opening having at least one closing configuration, the at least one sealable opening being impermeable to liquid when in the at least one closing configuration; the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the outside of the body; or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening having at least one closing configuration, the at least one sealable opening being impermeable to liquid when in the at least one closing configuration; the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the exterior of the body; water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cooling vest is used; and at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture being capable of being transferred to at least one of the at least one chambers when the cooling vest is used. The cooling vest is placed around the torso of the body; Water is added to at least one of the at least one chambers, wherein the cooling vest was not filled with water before use; and For the at least one reservoir containing the urea / solvent mixture, at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture is transferred to at least one of the at least one chambers.

[0078] Another object of the present invention is to disclose a method for cooling at least a part of a body or at least a part of an object, the method comprising the following steps: We provide cooling equipment, which includes: A housing, configured by means of its size and shape to house at least a portion of the body or at least a portion of the object to be cooled; and At least one chamber comprising solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in external thermal communication with the cooling device; and water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cooling device is in use. or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the outside of the cooling device; the cooling device is not filled with water before use; The cooling device is placed around the torso of the body; Water is added to at least one of the at least one chambers, and the cooling device was not previously filled with water; and For the at least one reservoir containing the urea / solvent mixture, at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture is transferred to at least one of the at least one chambers. Attached Figure Description

[0079] To better understand the present invention and its implementation in practice, several embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 The illustration schematically shows a prior art cooling device; Figure 2 The amount of cooling is shown as a function of the amount of water added to solid urea; Figure 3 and Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of the cooling system (3000) is schematically shown. Figure 5A and Figure 5B A cooling bathtub is shown schematically; Figures 6A to 6C A cooling blanket is schematically shown; and Figures 7A to 7C The cooling vest is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0080] The following description is provided together with all chapters of this invention to enable any person skilled in the art to use the invention and to illustrate the best mode of carrying out the invention as anticipated by the inventors. However, various modifications will still be apparent to those skilled in the art because the general principles of the invention have been specifically defined in order to provide an apparatus and method for providing a device that is easy to transport and store, such a device for cooling the body to prevent or alleviate heatstroke.

[0081] In the following text, the terms 'patient,' 'body,' and 'living' are used synonymously to refer to a living animal, such as, but not limited to, mammals, birds, or reptiles, that may require cooling to alleviate or prevent heatstroke. Typically, such an animal is a human; non-limiting examples of other animals that may require such cooling include dogs, apes, or livestock.

[0082] In the following text, 'water' refers to any liquid whose main component is H2O. Non-limiting examples include soda or other soft drinks, herbal teas or other teas, mixtures with increased heat capacity, such as, but not limited to, glycerol (glycerol) and ethylene glycol, or mixtures with decreased heat capacity, such as, but not limited to, salts (sodium chloride, etc.) or alcohols (ethanol, methanol, etc.).

[0083] In the following text, the terms 'chamber' and 'mixing chamber' refer to an internal pocket or sash constructed to contain liquids without leakage.

[0084] In the following text, the terms 'liquid', 'multiple liquids' and '(multiple) liquids' refer to liquid materials, mixtures of multiple liquid materials, or one or more materials dissolved in one or more liquid materials, unless the context clearly means to refer to the specific one described above.

[0085] This invention discloses an embodiment of a device for rapidly cooling the body to treat, alleviate, or prevent heatstroke. In some embodiments, a urea strip is disposed in a channel or chamber within the cooling device, such that during use, a patient is placed in, on, or inside the cooling device, and water (not necessarily purified water) is poured into the channel or chamber, thereby filling the channel and dissolving the urea. Since dissolving urea in water is an endothermic reaction, this provides a cooling environment to the body, thereby rapidly cooling the body. In one embodiment, the cooling device includes a bathtub, the basin of which can be filled with water to cool the patient; adding water to the urea in a chamber attached to the bathtub provides additional cooling.

[0086] In some embodiments, at least one reservoir or at least one channel or chamber contains urea dissolved in a solvent, water is added to at least one reservoir or at least one channel or chamber at a point of use, or urea dissolved in a solvent is transferred from at least one reservoir or at least one channel or chamber to a channel or chamber containing water.

[0087] In the prior art, typically, reactants (usually water and ammonium nitrate) are stored in separate compartments within waterproof containers within a blanket-shaped structure (see...). Figure 1 AB), where mixing occurs after the membrane separating the compartments is broken; or, for the foot, a boot-shaped container is placed around the foot and part of the leg (see AB). Figure 1 B), and then use water or a mixture of ice and water to fill the boot-shaped container.

[0088] The devices disclosed herein are useful for cooling a body or part of a body, or for transporting a body before, during, or after cooling a body. Cooling may be useful when the temperature of a body or part of a body is elevated above normal (37°C is considered normal for humans by way of non-limiting example) and needs to be restored to normal; or when it may be desirable to lower the temperature of a body or part of a body below normal. Non-limiting examples of elevated body temperature include heatstroke or fever. Non-limiting examples of situations where it may be desirable to lower the temperature of a body or part of a body include treating cancer, relieving muscle aches, reducing pain caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or reducing hair loss or nail loss caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. (See https: / / www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov / pmc / articles / PMC10275721 / , https: / / www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov / pmc / articles / PMC2211456 / , https: / / www.cancer.org / cancer / managing-cancer / side-effects / hair-skin-nails / hair-loss / cold-caps.html, or https: / / myhealth.alberta.ca / Health / aftercareinformation / pages / conditions.aspx?hwid=acj1006.) Typically, the body to be treated using any of the devices disclosed herein is a living body; however, a corpse can be preserved or transported in any of the devices disclosed herein. Typically, the body is a human body; by way of non-limiting example, the devices disclosed herein can be configured to treat at least one of humans, dogs, cats, apes, and livestock. Non-limiting examples of livestock include cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, goats, horses, chickens, geese, wild boars, turkeys, or rabbits. Other animals can also be treated; by way of non-limiting example, other animals include deer, lions, tigers, cheetahs, cougars, elephants, bears, bison, buffalo, snakes, alligators, crocodiles, or eggs, such as alligator eggs or crocodile eggs.

[0089] Furthermore, the devices disclosed herein are useful for transporting non-biological objects that require cooling or to be kept below ambient temperature. By way of non-limiting example, non-biological objects include heat-sensitive drugs, heat-sensitive medical supplies, plasma, blood, vaccines, growth hormones, insulin, or anticancer drugs.

[0090] As a non-limiting example, the device may include a bathtub, blanket, box, bottle, container, vest, hat, scarf, sleeve, gloves, fingerless gloves, leg warmers, socks, pants, bra, underwear, or a combination of the above.

[0091] Now, when referring to a hat or helmet, the hat or helmet includes: A housing, configured by means of its size and shape to accommodate at least a portion of the head to be cooled; and At least one chamber comprising solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one chamber being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the outside of the cap or helmet; water can be added to the at least one chamber when the cap or helmet is in use; or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber which can be filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the exterior of the cap or helmet; the cap or helmet not containing water prior to use.

[0092] The cap or helmet is designed to alleviate hair loss, thinning hair, or thinning hair caused by cancer treatment, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy.

[0093] Basic urea reaction When urea reacts with water, it undergoes hydrolysis to form ammonia and carbon dioxide: CO(NH2)2 + 2H2O 2NH3 + CO2 (1) Under normal environmental conditions, without the aid of any catalyst, the process of urea hydrolyzing to form ammonia and carbon dioxide is very slow and not significant.

[0094] Typically, the reaction conditions for ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) to form urea (CO(NH2)2) and water (H2O) involve high pressure (150 to 200 standard atmospheres), a catalyst, high temperature (150°C to 250°C), an equilibrium stoichiometric ratio of ammonia to carbon dioxide, and anhydrous conditions.

[0095] Urea dissolution in water Urea is a solid, but it can also form a solution, as follows: (a) Directly dissolving the solid in water to form a solution; or (b) Dissolve the solid in a solvent and then add water to form a solution.

[0096] When urea dissolves in solvents such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile, or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), energy is required to break the intermolecular forces in solid urea and dissolve the urea molecules in the solvent. This process is endothermic, absorbing heat from the surrounding environment. In the second step, when the solvent-urea solution is mixed with water, additional energy is absorbed to mix the solvent with the water and dissolve the urea molecules in the aqueous phase. This process is also endothermic. However, it is important to remember that the mixing of solvent and water is usually an exothermic reaction. For example, adding water to a pre-mixed mixture of urea and ethanol: CO(NH2)2 (ethanol) + H2O → CO(NH2)2 (aqueous solution) + C2H5OH (aqueous solution) (2) This step involves: o An exothermic mixture of ethanol and water.

[0097] o Urea dissolves endothermally in water.

[0098] Whether the entire process is exothermic or endothermic depends on the balance between these exothermic and endothermic effects. Typically, the dissolution of urea in water has a greater endothermic effect than the exothermic effect of mixing ethanol and water. Therefore, the entire process is likely endothermic, but the exact enthalpy change requires experimental data for precise quantification.

[0099] The following are five options for liquid-liquid reactions.

[0100] Option 1: Urea dissolves in methanol, then in water. Step 1: Dissolve urea in methanol CO(NH2)2 (solid form) → CO(NH2)2 (methanol) Enthalpy change: ΔH≈+10kJ / mol Step 2: Add methanol urea solution to the water CO(NH2)2 (methanol) + H2O → CO(NH2)2 (aqueous solution) + CH3OH (aqueous solution) Enthalpy change: ΔH≈+5kJ / mol Total enthalpy change: ΔH≈+15kJ / mol.

[0101] Option 2: Urea is dissolved in ethanol, and then dissolved in water. Step 1: Dissolve urea in ethanol CO(NH2)2 (solid form) → CO(NH2)2 (ethanol) Enthalpy change: ΔH≈+8kJ / mol Step 2: Add ethanol urea solution to the water CO(NH2)2 (ethanol) + H2O → CO(NH2)2 (aqueous solution) + C2H5OH (aqueous solution) Enthalpy change: ΔH≈+4kJ / mol Total enthalpy change: ΔH≈+12kJ / mol.

[0102] Option 3: Urea is dissolved in isopropanol, and then dissolved in water. Step 1: Dissolve urea in isopropanol CO(NH2)2 (solid form) → CO(NH2)2 (isopropanol) Enthalpy change: ΔH≈+9kJ / mol Step 2: Add isopropanol urea solution to the water. CO(NH2)2 (isopropanol) + H2O → CO(NH2)2 (aqueous solution) + C3H7OH (aqueous solution) Enthalpy change: ΔH≈+3kJ / mol Total enthalpy change: ΔH≈+12kJ / mol.

[0103] Option 4: Urea is dissolved in acetonitrile, and then dissolved in water. Step 1: Dissolve urea in acetonitrile CO(NH2)2 (solid form) → CO(NH2)2 (acetonitrile) Enthalpy change: ΔH≈+7kJ / mol Step 2: Add acetonitrile urea solution to the water. CO(NH2)2 (acetonitrile) + H2O → CO(NH2)2 (aqueous solution) + CH3CN (aqueous solution) Enthalpy change: ΔH≈+3kJ / mol Total enthalpy change: ΔH≈+10kJ / mol.

[0104] Option 5: Urea is dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and then dissolved in water. Step 1: Dissolve urea in DMSO CO(NH2)2 (solid form) → CO(NH2)2 (DMSO) Enthalpy change: ΔH≈+6kJ / mol Step 2: Add acetonitrile urea solution to the water. CO(NH2)2 (DMSO) + H2O → CO(NH2)2 (aqueous solution) + CH3CN (aqueous solution) Enthalpy change: ΔH≈+2kJ / mol Total enthalpy change: ΔH≈+8kJ / mol.

[0105] For the dissolution of urea in various solvents and subsequent mixing with water, the stoichiometric ratio is usually 1:1 (expressed as the ratio of urea to solvent).

[0106] Table I compares the relative heat endothermic reactions of urea-solvent solutions with water. The heat endothermic values ​​are shown as the ratio of the heat endothermic reaction of urea-solvent + water to the heat endothermic reaction of urea + water.

[0107] Table I: Overview of the endothermic properties of the step of adding water to urea or urea-solvent solution

[0108] In practice, the exact value can vary depending on specific conditions and concentration.

[0109] Chemometric considerations Solid-liquid reaction: CO(NH2)2 (solid form) → CO(NH2)2 (aqueous solution form) (3) Stoichiometric ratio: 1:1 Liquid-liquid reaction (two-phase reaction): CO(NH2)2 (solid form) + CH3OH (liquid form) + H2O → CO(NH2)2 (aqueous solution form) + CH3OH (aqueous solution form) (3) Stoichiometric value: 1:1:1 However, in practice, a much larger amount of water is expected to be needed.

[0110] Cooling effect of dissolving urea in water For directly dissolving solid urea in water: • Enthalpy change (ΔH) ≈ 15.5 kJ / mol (25700 J / mol) • Specific heat capacity of water: 4.18 J / g / °C • Molar mass of water: 18 g / mol calculate: The heat absorbed during dissolution is given by Equation 4: q=m·c·ΔT (4) Regarding the dissolution of solid urea in water: • q = heat absorbed (15500 J / mol) • m=18g / mol • c = specific heat capacity of water (4.18 J / g / °C) • ΔT = Temperature change Therefore, the temperature change is: ΔT=q / (m·c) (5) ΔT≈205.2°C (6) This theoretical calculation assumes that all energy is used to cool the water, which is a simplified model. In practice, due to other factors and approximations, temperature changes will not be as extreme, but will still be significant.

[0111] Options for achieving cooling 1. Solid-liquid reaction Each chamber is maintained with a thin, uniform layer of urea, which is integrated into the structure of each chamber. Pumps (standard or micro-pumps) are connected to the chambers via tubing and are computer-controlled. The urea-to-water ratio is determined based on the chamber size and the ability of water to disperse within the chamber, ensuring that each mole of urea corresponds to at least one mole of water. The amount of water added can be precisely controlled via the computer system, enabling a gradual cooling process that keeps the chambers cool over extended periods.

[0112] Figure 2 The diagram shows the cooling rate as a function of the amount of water gradually added to solid urea. In this exemplary diagram, water is added to 1 mole (60.06 g) of urea. The temperature change is calculated based on Equation 5.

[0113] The temperature decrease (ΔT) is inversely proportional to the mass of water added; due to the dilution effect, the more water added, the smaller the temperature decrease caused by each gram (g) of water.

[0114] Liquid-liquid reaction Compared to solid-liquid methods, this method provides a more direct and uniform cooling effect. Furthermore, this method allows for more precise control of the cooling rate through automated systems and can be easily scaled up or down according to cooling requirements.

[0115] This reaction uses urea pre-dissolved in a small amount of liquid to prepare a concentrated urea solution. The concentrated urea solution is stored in a reservoir connected to a pump. As a non-limiting example, the pre-dissolution stage can be carried out in water, ethanol, glycerol, propylene glycol, or any combination thereof. Ethanol dissolves urea and has a lower freezing point than water, which can be advantageous in some cooling applications. Glycerol has a high specific heat capacity and is non-toxic, making it a safe alternative to pre-mixing with urea. Propylene glycol is similar to glycerol, but has a lower viscosity and also a high specific heat capacity.

[0116] A mixing chamber contains a predetermined volume of water or other liquid. These liquids may be methanol or acetone. Methanol dissolves urea and has a high rate of endothermic reaction due to its low boiling point. Acetone can mix with urea and evaporate rapidly, thus providing a rapid cooling effect. The chamber is designed to ensure uniform and rapid mixing of the pre-dissolved urea with the selected liquid or liquid mixture by means of the chamber's size and shape. In some embodiments, the chamber integrates a sensor to monitor temperature changes. Any chamber in any embodiment described herein, whether it is a chamber for mixing liquids only, a chamber for holding liquids only, or a chamber for both holding and mixing liquids, may have at least one sensor; alternatively, in at least one embodiment, at least one chamber may not have a sensor.

[0117] A precision pump (either a standard or micro pump) is connected to the chamber via a sleeve and controlled by a computer system to regulate the flow of pre-dissolved urea solution into the chamber. The computer system adjusts the flow rate based on real-time temperature data to maintain a controlled cooling process.

[0118] In the proposed setup, a known volume of water or a selected liquid or liquid mixture is added to at least one chamber of the device of the embodiment; sensors are calibrated to ensure accurate temperature readings; and a computer control system is set up to monitor and regulate the cooling process. A pump is activated to add a pre-dissolved urea solution to the chamber, wherein the liquid-to-urea ratio in the chamber is determined based on the desired cooling effect and the chamber's capacity. Preferably, the desired ratio is determined by the computer system. The computer system then calculates the amount of urea solution required to achieve the target cooling.

[0119] When pre-dissolved urea mixes with the liquid in the chamber, the urea absorbs heat, causing the temperature to drop. Sensors continuously monitor the solution temperature. A computer system regulates the flow rate of the urea solution to maintain a stable cooling effect, ensuring that at least one mole of water is used for every mole of urea to maintain reaction efficiency. The computer system ensures that the pre-dissolved urea solution is added gradually to maintain a sustained cooling effect. Adjustments are made based on real-time data to prevent rapid temperature changes and ensure efficient cooling.

[0120] Figure 3A simplified schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment having a single chamber (3000) is shown schematically. A reservoir (3100) is connected to a pump and pump control unit (3200) via a first sleeve (3500A), and the pump and pump control unit (3200) is connected to a chamber (3300) via a second sleeve (3500B). The chamber (3300) contains a selected liquid or liquid mixture, including urea. A second pump (not shown) may be present to regulate the amount of the selected liquid or liquid mixture in the mixing chamber. The pump and pump control unit (3200) controls the flow of pre-dissolved urea into the chamber (3300). The pump and pump control unit (3200) may include a processor (3600), or may be wired or wirelessly connected to the processor (3600). As disclosed above, the processor (3300) may set the flow rate based on at least one signal from at least one sensor.

[0121] Examples of various mixed options Example A: Urea pre-dissolved in ethanol or glycerol is mixed with water. Urea is pre-dissolved in an ethanol solution: 60.06 g of urea is dissolved in 60.06 mL of ethanol or glycerol.

[0122] Water volume: 1000mL of water.

[0123] Temperature reduction calculation: Use the above equation (5), where Q (heat absorbed) is the enthalpy of urea solution (for 1 mole of urea, the enthalpy of solution is 15500 J / mol).

[0124] For a given volume: ΔT=15500J / (1000g·4.18J / g / °C)≈3.71°C.

[0125] Example B: Urea pre-dissolved in ethanol is mixed with a solution of water and methanol. Urea was pre-dissolved in an ethanol solution: 60.06 g of urea was dissolved in 60.06 mL of ethanol.

[0126] Mixing with a water and methanol solution: Assuming 500 mL of water and 500 mL of methanol: Total mass (m): m = m 水 +m 甲醇 =500g + 395g = 895g Weighted average specific heat capacity (C) 平均 ): • Specific heat capacity of water (C 水 ): 4.18 J / g / °C • Specific heat capacity of methanol (C 甲醇 ): 2.53 J / g / °C C 平均 =((500×4.18)+(395×2.53)) / 895=~3.45J / g / °C) With a solubility enthalpy (Q) of urea of ​​15500 J / mol, the temperature decrease (ΔT) is: ΔT=15500J / (895g×3.45J / g / °C)=~5.01°C.

[0127] Example C: Urea pre-dissolved in ethanol is mixed with a solution of water and acetone. Urea was pre-dissolved in an ethanol solution: 60.06 g of urea was dissolved in 60.06 mL of ethanol.

[0128] Mixing with water and propanol solution: Assuming 500 mL of water and 500 mL of propanol: Total mass (m): m = m 水 +m 丙醇 =500g + 395g = 895g Weighted average specific heat capacity (C) 平均 ): • Specific heat capacity of water (C 水 ): 4.18 J / g / °C • Specific heat capacity of propanol (C 丙醇 ): 2.15 J / g / °C C 平均 =((500×4.18)+(395×2.15)) / 895=~3.28J / g / °C) Temperature decrease (ΔT): Enthalpy of solution (Q) of urea: 15500 J / mol ΔT=15500J / (895g×3.28J / g / °C)=~5.28°C.

[0129] To improve the mixing efficiency of pre-dissolved urea with other liquids in the chamber, the chamber may include at least one flexible reservoir having an internal structure, such as, but not limited to, at least one baffle. Such an internal structure helps to promote turbulence, improve mixing, and ensure a uniform temperature reduction throughout the liquid.

[0130] Non-limiting examples of internal structures include: • Flat baffles: Flat baffles create channels and disrupt flow patterns, allowing the liquid to mix more thoroughly.

[0131] • Perforated baffles with holes or slots allow liquid to pass through while creating turbulence, thereby enhancing mixing by breaking laminar flow and promoting better mixing.

[0132] • A spiral baffle with a spiral structure, located inside the reservoir, enhances mixing by increasing path length and promoting turbulence.

[0133] • Grid baffles: Grid baffles create multiple small flow paths, disrupting the mainstream and enhancing mixing.

[0134] • Spiral coil baffles, which can be attached to the inner wall or suspended inside the reservoir, force the liquid to follow a spiral path, thereby promoting better mixing.

[0135] • Floating baffles: These baffles move with the liquid flow, promoting mixing by constantly changing their position.

[0136] Another option is to include a bubble generator to enhance mixing by introducing bubbles into the liquid through turbulence.

[0137] Ensure precise control and delivery of small amounts of fluid. Mini pumps and micro pumps are commonly used for precise control and delivery of small amounts of fluid. Some common types of mini pumps and micro pumps and their operating characteristics are given below.

[0138] 1. Mechanical • Diaphragm type: Uses a flexible diaphragm actuated by piezoelectric, electrostatic or electromagnetic forces to create pressure and move fluid.

[0139] • Peristaltic: This method uses a series of actuators to sequentially compress a flexible tube, thereby simulating the peristaltic motion in biological systems.

[0140] • Reciprocating: It operates by the reciprocating motion of a piston or diaphragm to drive the fluid.

[0141] 2. Non-mechanical • Electroosmotic: This type of flow utilizes electroosmotic flow, where an electric field applied to a channel causes fluid movement due to the interaction between the electric field and charged particles in the fluid.

[0142] • Electrophoretic: This method relies on electrophoresis, in which charged particles in the fluid are moved by an electric field, thereby transporting the fluid forward.

[0143] • Magnetohydrodynamic: In the presence of a magnetic field and an electric current, the Lorentz force is used to move a conductive fluid.

[0144] • Thermocapillary: It operates based on the surface tension gradient caused by temperature, thereby driving fluid flow.

[0145] Exemplary chamber Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment (3000) of a cooling system including at least one chamber is schematically shown. The cooling system includes: • At least one chamber (3300) comprising solid urea.

[0146] • At least one water storage tank (3100).

[0147] • At least one adjustable pump and / or adjustable valve (3200A, 3200B) for regulating the flow of water.

[0148] • For each chamber, there is at least one sleeve (3500) that connects the water reservoir to the chamber.

[0149] • A computer system (3600) for controlling the cooling process, the computer system including a control unit that manages pumps and / or valves and temperature sensors.

[0150] • In some variations of the exemplary embodiments, there is at least one temperature sensor (3400) that is in communication with at least one chamber and is configured to monitor the temperature inside the chamber.

[0151] exist Figure 4 In an exemplary embodiment, the flow of water from a water reservoir (3100) is controlled by a main valve and / or pump (3200A), and the flow rate is controlled by a computer system (3600). The water can then flow through a conduit (3500A) and from the conduit (3500A) to five chambers (3400), each chamber (3300) being served by a sleeve (3500B). The flow of water into each chamber (3300) is individually controlled by a valve and / or pump (3200B), and the flow rate is controlled by the computer system (3600).

[0152] As an alternative to, or in conjunction with, a pump, or in addition to a pump, the chambers can be filled by gravity. The chambers and the sleeves between them are constructed in a way that allows water poured into the equipment from the top to permeate downwards, first filling the lowest chamber, then the next lowest, and so on, until the desired number of chambers are filled. If the equipment remains vertical and partially filled, water will permeate from the filled chambers to the empty chambers when the equipment is lowered to a horizontal position, until all chambers are partially filled.

[0153] exist Figure 4In an exemplary embodiment, each chamber has a sensor (3400), such as, but not limited to, a temperature sensor, a temperature gradient sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a density sensor, a viscosity sensor, a pH sensor, a conductivity sensor, a turbidity sensor, an oxygen sensor, a level sensor, a refractometer, a total organic carbon (TOC) sensor, a redox potential (ORP) sensor, or any combination thereof, which may be in communication with one or more chambers (3300), one or more sleeves (3500), one or more pumps and / or valves (3200), or any combination thereof.

[0154] Typically, level sensors are ultrasonic sensors, constructed to use ultrasound to measure the liquid level in a reservoir. Refractometers are used to continuously monitor urea concentration. TOC sensors detect organic contaminants. ORP sensors provide in-depth understanding of the chemical stability and reactivity of the solution, ensuring the urea solution remains chemically stable and preventing degradation or reactions that could impair cooling efficiency.

[0155] Material When selecting materials for the walls of a chamber, the following factors must be considered: chemical compatibility, durability, thermal conductivity, safety, flexibility, manufacturability, and cost.

[0156] For flexible materials that can retain water, non-limiting examples of possible materials are as follows: Silicone rubber: Excellent flexibility, high durability, chemical inertness, and can withstand a wide temperature range. Used in medical devices, food-grade containers, seals, and gaskets.

[0157] • Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU): High elasticity, excellent abrasion resistance, oil and chemical resistance, and good transparency. Used in medical tubing, inflatable products, water bags, and flexible hoses.

[0158] • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Good flexibility, water and chemical resistance, and affordable cost. Used in flexible pipes, water bags, inflatable structures, and piping systems.

[0159] • Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA): Flexible, lightweight, with good chemical resistance and good clarity. Used in medical tubing, flexible packaging, and water storage bags.

[0160] • Polyethylene (PE) film: Flexible, lightweight, with good chemical resistance, and affordable. Used in flexible water containers, liners, and packaging materials.

[0161] An embodiment of the present invention including a cooling bathtub (100) is described in... Figure 5A and Figure 5B It is shown schematically in the diagram. Figure 5AAn exploded view of the cooling bathtub (100) is shown. Figure 5B A cooling bathtub (100) in its assembled configuration is shown.

[0162] The cooling bathtub (100) includes a basin (9) made of a strong, flexible plastic (typically PVC). At least one urea strip (7) is present in the basin, wherein the urea strip (7) is contained in at least one chamber (17) within the basin (9), the chamber (17) being in fluid communication (27) with a sealable opening (111) such that the chamber (17) can be filled with water. Although the chamber (17) is in thermal communication with at least a portion of the interior space of the basin (9), there is no fluid communication between any chamber (17) and any portion of the interior space of the basin (9); urea from the chamber (17) never comes into contact with the patient.

[0163] In some embodiments, the urea strip (7) is kept in the basin (9) such that the urea strip (7) does not separate from the basin (9) during transport or storage. Any conventional method of keeping the urea strip (7) in the basin (9) can be used, as long as water can enter the chamber (17) to dissolve the urea; the method of keeping the urea strip (7) in the basin (9) is not relevant to this patent.

[0164] The chamber (17) includes a water-impermeable membrane (17). Preferably, but not necessarily, the membrane is made of a material that is highly thermally conductive, impermeable to liquids and does not react with liquids such as water, and does not rupture under the pressure of the body plus the weight of the water in the basin (9).

[0165] As non-limiting examples, moderately conductive plastics have thermal conductivity ranging from 0.5 W / mK to 10 W / mK; non-limiting examples of moderately conductive plastics include polyimide containing 40% graphite, rubber filled with aluminum sheets, and commercially available non-conductive plastics. Non-limiting examples of moderately conductive plastics include: polyimide + 40% graphite with a thermal conductivity of 1.7 W / mK; rubber + aluminum sheets with a thermal conductivity of 1 W / mK; commercially available conductive plastics with thermal conductivity ranging from 6 W / mK to 100 W / mK; and high-density polyethylene in unfilled plastics with a thermal conductivity ranging from 0.45 W / mK to 0.52 W / mK.

[0166] As a non-limiting example, the thermal conductivity of highly conductive plastics is in the range of 10 W / mK to 600 W / mK; non-limiting examples of highly conductive plastics include filled plastics that use high aspect ratio fillers, such as metallized glass and graphite fibers, high-performance carbon fibers and carbon nanotubes.

[0167] The basin (9) is held in the open position by an assemblable frame (4). Preferably, the frame is reversibly assemblable. A support (6) is attached to the frame (4) to prevent the sides of the basin (9) from collapsing. The edge of the basin (9) includes a ring (19) through which the frame (4) passes during assembly of the cooling bathtub (100). The frame (4) includes drilled holes (10) to hold a support rod (2) which holds a sunshade (1) in place, wherein the sunshade (1) is configured to protect the patient's head from sun exposure.

[0168] The frame (4) can be used to move the cooling bathtub (100); preferably, there is a gap (14) or handle (24) at the top of the tub (9) to make it easy to move the cooling bathtub (100).

[0169] Provide a headrest (3, 5) to keep the patient’s head away from the water in the pelvis (9).

[0170] The cooling bathtub (100) is stored and transported in a disassembled state, making it easy to carry in a backpack; it is estimated that it only takes 2-3 minutes to assemble the cooling bathtub (100) and put it into a ready-to-use state.

[0171] In use, the cooling bathtub (100) is assembled and the patient is placed in it. Liquid is poured into the tub; the liquid filling the tub is provided on-site as needed. Typically, the liquid is water, but other thermally conductive liquids unlikely to cause harm to the patient may be used. As a non-limiting example, drinkable liquids such as soda or juice may be used. The type of liquid is irrelevant to this patent, as long as the liquid is thermally conductive and will not be harmful to the patient.

[0172] It is estimated that 10 liters (L) to 25 liters of water is sufficient to fill the basin (9), so that the total weight of the cooling bath (100) and the patient is less than about 150 kg. If additional cooling is desired, water can be poured into the chamber (17) through the sealable opening (111) to dissolve the urea, further cooling the water and cooling the patient.

[0173] Figures 6A to 6C An embodiment of the invention is illustrated schematically, which includes a cooling blanket (200) that can be wrapped around a patient (1000). Figure 6A A cooling blanket (200) in a partially unfolded configuration is shown. Figure 6B An end view of the cooling blanket (200) is shown. Figure 6C A cooling blanket (200) is shown wrapped around the patient (1000).

[0174] The cooling blanket (200) includes a body (210) having a neck support area (34) and a head support area (32) that wraps around the sides and top of the head.

[0175] The blanket includes at least one water channel (110), typically arranged longitudinally along the blanket, but may be arranged diagonally or at other angles, in a circular, spiral, arc, or any combination thereof. The water channel (110) connects to at least one sealable opening (111). Preferably, the water channel (110) extends substantially along the entire length of the cooling blanket (200). The water channel (110) contains urea, preferably in the form of at least one urea strip, but urea powder may be used. As disclosed above for the cooling bathtub (100), the urea may be held in place in any conventional manner; the manner in which the urea is held (and restrained) is irrelevant to this patent. In some variations of this embodiment, the head support area (32) also includes at least one water channel (110) and at least one urea strip to cool the head of the patient (1000). The head water channel (110) may be in fluid communication with at least one body sealable opening (111), or independently of the body sealable opening (111) of the cooling blanket (200), and the head water channel (110) may have its own sealable opening (111).

[0176] Preferably, the sealable opening (111) has a closable, waterproof cover; preferably, the waterproof cover can be reversibly closed. As a non-limiting example, the cover may be clip-on or screw-on. Preferably, the cover is permanently in communication with the cooling blanket (200) such that when the cover is removed from the sealable opening (111), it will not be misplaced, thereby allowing the water channel (110) to be filled with water.

[0177] The water channel (110) includes urea, preferably in the form of urea strips, but powdered or granular urea may be used. When the water channel (110) is filled with water, the water dissolves the urea, thereby cooling the water and lowering the patient's temperature.

[0178] In some embodiments, as shown, the cooling blanket (200) has holes for the arms—the arms can be seen protruding from the blanket.

[0179] Preferably, the cooling blanket (200) can be held in place around the patient by a conventional attachment element (121), such as, but not limited to, tape (transparent tape), a bandage wrapped around the patient, Velcro, or a band and buckle. Preferably, at least a portion of the attachment element (121) is permanently attached to the cooling blanket (200) so that the attachment element (121) is not lost or misplaced before or during use. In this embodiment, the blanket has holes (220) for the arm.

[0180] Figures 7A to 7C An embodiment of the present invention, including a wearable cooling vest (300), is illustrated schematically. Figure 7A The front of the cooling vest (300) is shown. Figure 7B The back of the cooling vest (300) is shown. Figure 7C A variation of the cooling vest (300) of the embodiment is shown, wherein the cooling vest (300) is positioned on a dummy (2000).

[0181] The cooling vest (300) includes a body (310) comprising at least one water chamber (320) in fluid communication with at least one sealable opening (111). In the illustrated embodiment, four water chambers (320) are located at the front of the cooling vest (300) and four water chambers (320) are located at the rear of the cooling vest (300), all of which are filled through the same sealable opening (111). In some embodiments, at least one front water chamber (320) has its own sealable opening (111). In some embodiments, at least one rear water chamber (320) has its own sealable opening (111).

[0182] Preferably, the cooling vest (300) can be held in place on the patient by conventional fastening elements (121), such as, but not limited to, tape (transparent tape), a strap wrapped around the patient, Velcro, or a strap and buckle. Preferably, at least a portion of the fastening element (121) is permanently attached to the cooling vest (200) so that the fastening element (121) is not lost or misplaced before or during use.

[0183] As a non-limiting example, fastening element (121) can fasten the front of the cooling vest (300) to the back of the cooling vest (300) from the side (see Figure 7ASecure the front of the cooling vest (300) to the back of the cooling vest (300) at the shoulder, secure the left side of the front of the cooling vest (300) to the right side of the front of the cooling vest (300), or secure the left side of the back of the cooling vest (300) to the right side of the back of the cooling vest (300), or any combination thereof.

[0184] Preferably, the water-sealing opening (111) has a closable, impermeable cover; preferably, the impermeable cover can be reversibly closed. As a non-limiting example, the cover may be clip-on or screw-on. Preferably, the cover is permanently in communication with the cooling blanket (200) such that when the cover is removed from the water-sealing opening (111), the cover will not be misplaced, thereby allowing the water channel (110) to be filled with water.

[0185] The water chamber (320) contains urea, preferably in the form of urea strips, but powdered or granular urea or urea in a solvent solution may also be used. When the water chamber (320) is filled with water, the water dissolves the urea or mixes with the dissolved urea, thereby cooling the water and lowering the patient's temperature.

[0186] exist Figure 7C In the cooling vest (300), there are exemplary pumps (3200), wherein at least one pump (3200A) is used to dispense water from a filling valve into a chamber (320), and at least one pump (3200B) is used to mix the water with urea in the chamber.

[0187] Preferably, at least a portion of the body (310) comprises a flexible material. In some embodiments, substantially the entire body (310) is flexible; in some embodiments, a large portion of the body (300) is flexible; in some embodiments, a small portion of the body (300) is flexible, or the body (300) is not flexible at all.

[0188] The bathtub, blanket, and vest are reusable. Additional cooling can be provided by adding more urea to the water as needed or when required, either by adding a urea strip to the bathtub or by pouring additional urea through the filling hole or by inserting a urea strip. For the bathtub, water can be added to or removed from the tub as needed, for example, by filling the tub with water. For the chambers in the bathtub or vest, or for the channels in the blanket, water can be removed by opening the sealable opening (110) and applying pressure to the water channel (110) or water chamber (17, 320).

Claims

1. A cooling bathtub, comprising: A basin, the basin being configured by means of the size and shape of the basin to accommodate at least a part of a body; as well as At least one chamber comprising solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the interior space of the basin; and water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cooling bathtub is used. or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the interior space of the basin; water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cooling bath is used; and at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture being capable of being transferred to at least one of the at least one chambers when the cooling bath is used.

2. The cooling bathtub according to claim 1, wherein, The basin is flexible or foldable.

3. The cooling bathtub according to claim 1, wherein, The basin also includes a frame that is assemblable or foldable and is configured to support the basin when assembled or unfolded.

4. The cooling bathtub according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple support members can be attached to the frame, and the multiple support members support the basin, such that the upper edge of the basin is raised above the base of the basin.

5. The cooling bathtub according to claim 1, wherein, The gap in the upper edge of the frame is configured to enable the lifting and / or transport of the cooling bathtub.

6. The cooling bathtub according to claim 1 further includes a headrest.

7. The cooling bathtub according to claim 6, wherein, The headrest includes at least one second chamber that can be filled with liquid through a second sealable opening, and the second chamber is in thermal communication with a head that can be placed on the headrest.

8. The cooling bathtub of claim 1 further includes a sunshade, the sunshade being configured to shield the body, at least the head, from sunlight.

9. The cooling bathtub according to claim 1, further comprising at least one handle, said at least one handle being configured to enable lifting and / or transport of the cooling bathtub.

10. The cooling bathtub according to claim 1, wherein, The basin body comprises a material selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyethylene (PE) film, or any combination thereof.

11. The cooling bathtub according to claim 1, wherein, The chamber comprises a material with medium to high thermal conductivity.

12. The cooling bathtub of claim 1, further comprising an element for controlling the flow of fluid from a source or reservoir to the at least one chamber, said element being selected from the group consisting of a pump, a valve, gravity, or any combination thereof.

13. The cooling bathtub according to claim 12, wherein, The pump is selected from the group consisting of a diaphragm pump, a peristaltic pump, a reciprocating pump, an electroosmotic pump, an electrophoresis pump, a magnetohydrodynamic pump, or a thermocapillary pump.

14. The cooling bathtub of claim 1, further comprising a computer system configured to control at least one flow rate of the fluid.

15. The cooling bathtub according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor, the at least one sensor being in communication with at least one chamber in the chamber.

16. The cooling bathtub according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a density sensor, a viscosity sensor, or any combination thereof.

17. The cooling bathtub according to claim 1, wherein, The solvent is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile, or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

18. A cooling blanket, comprising: A main body, the main body including at least one water channel, the main body being capable of wrapping around at least a portion of a body; as well as The at least one water channel contains solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one water channel is in fluid communication with at least one main sealable opening, the at least one main sealable opening having at least one closing configuration, the at least one sealable opening being impermeable to liquid when in the at least one closing configuration; The at least one water channel is in thermal communication with the outside of the cooling blanket; when the cooling bathtub is used, water can be added to the at least one chamber; or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one water channel capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one water channel being in external thermal communication with the cooling blanket; water being capable of being added to the at least one water channel when the cooling blanket is used; and at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture being capable of being transferred to at least one of the at least one water channel when the cooling bath is used.

19. The cooling blanket according to claim 18, wherein, At least a portion of the main body is flexible, foldable, or any combination thereof.

20. The cooling blanket according to claim 18, wherein, The main body includes members of the group consisting of silicone rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyethylene (PE) film, or any combination thereof.

21. The cooling blanket according to claim 18, wherein, Each of the at least one main sealable openings can be transferred to the closing configuration by applying a cap.

22. The cooling blanket according to claim 21, wherein, The cover can be clip-on or screw-on.

23. The cooling blanket according to claim 21, wherein, The cover is permanently mechanically connected to the cooling blanket.

24. The cooling blanket according to claim 18 further includes at least one of a neck support and a head support.

25. The cooling blanket according to claim 24, wherein, The head support includes at least one second water channel in fluid communication with at least one second sealable opening.

26. The cooling blanket according to claim 25, wherein, For at least one of the second sealable openings, the at least one second sealable opening is the same as one of the at least one main sealable openings.

27. The cooling blanket of claim 18, further comprising at least one fastener configured to retain the cooling blanket in a configuration in which the cooling blanket is wrapped around at least a portion of the body.

28. The cooling blanket of claim 18 further includes at least one handle, the at least one handle being configured to allow the body to be moved and / or transported while wrapped in the cooling blanket.

29. The cooling blanket of claim 18 further includes an element for controlling the flow of fluid from a source or reservoir to the at least one chamber, said element being selected from the group consisting of a pump, a valve, gravity, or any combination thereof.

30. The cooling blanket according to claim 29, wherein, The pump is selected from the group consisting of a diaphragm pump, a peristaltic pump, a reciprocating pump, an electroosmotic pump, an electrophoresis pump, a magnetohydrodynamic pump, or a thermocapillary pump.

31. The cooling blanket of claim 18, further comprising a computer system configured to control at least one flow rate of the fluid.

32. The cooling blanket according to claim 18 further includes at least one sensor, the at least one sensor being in communication with at least one chamber in the chamber.

33. The cooling blanket according to claim 32, wherein, The at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a density sensor, a viscosity sensor, or any combination thereof.

34. The cooling blanket according to claim 18, wherein, The solvent is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile, or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

35. A cooling vest, comprising: The main body, configured as at least a portion of the torso surrounding the body, includes: At least one chamber containing solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one chamber being in fluid communication with at least one sealable opening, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through the sealable opening; the at least one sealable opening having at least one closing configuration, the at least one sealable opening being impermeable to liquid when in the at least one closing configuration; the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the outside of the body; or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening having at least one closing configuration, the at least one sealable opening being impermeable to liquid when in the at least one closing configuration; the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the exterior of the body; water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cooling bath is used; and at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture being capable of being transferred to at least one of the at least one chambers when the cooling bath is used.

36. The cooling vest according to claim 35, wherein, The body includes a plurality of chambers, at least one of which is located at the front of the body and configured to cool at least a portion of the front of the torso of the body, and at least one of which is located at the rear of the body and configured to cool at least a portion of the back of the torso of the body; each of the plurality of chambers is in fluid communication with at least one main sealable opening.

37. The cooling vest according to claim 35, wherein, At least one of the main sealable openings is in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of chambers located at the front of the body, and is in fluid communication with another of the plurality of chambers located at the rear of the body.

38. The cooling vest of claim 35, further comprising at least one fastener configured to perform a member of the group consisting of: securing the front portion of the cooling vest to the back portion of the cooling vest at a side of the cooling vest; securing the front portion of the cooling vest to the back portion of the cooling vest at a shoulder; securing the left side of the front portion of the cooling vest to the right side of the front portion of the cooling vest; or securing the left side of the back portion of the cooling vest to the right side of the back portion of the cooling vest; or any combination thereof.

39. The cooling vest according to claim 35, wherein, The main body comprises a flexible material.

40. The cooling vest according to claim 39, wherein, The flexible material is selected from the group consisting of silicone rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyethylene (PE) film, or any combination thereof.

41. The cooling vest according to claim 35, wherein, Each of the at least one sealable opening can be transferred to the closing configuration by applying a cap.

42. The cooling vest according to claim 41, wherein, The cover can be clip-on or screw-on.

43. The cooling vest according to claim 41, wherein, The cover is permanently mechanically connected to the cooling vest.

44. The cooling vest of claim 35 further includes an element for controlling the flow of fluid from a source or reservoir to the at least one chamber, said element being selected from the group consisting of a pump, a valve, gravity, or any combination thereof.

45. The cooling vest according to claim 44, wherein, The pump is selected from the group consisting of a diaphragm pump, a peristaltic pump, a reciprocating pump, an electroosmotic pump, an electrophoresis pump, a magnetohydrodynamic pump, or a thermocapillary pump.

46. ​​The cooling vest of claim 35 further includes a computer system configured to control at least one flow rate of the fluid.

47. The cooling vest according to claim 35 further includes at least one sensor, the at least one sensor being in communication with at least one chamber in the cavity.

48. The cooling vest according to claim 47, wherein, The at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a density sensor, a viscosity sensor, or any combination thereof.

49. The cooling vest according to claim 35, wherein, The solvent is selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetonitrile, or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

50. A cooling device, comprising: A housing, the housing being configured by means of its size and shape to house at least a portion of a body or at least a portion of an object to be cooled; as well as At least one chamber comprising solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in external thermal communication with the cooling device; and water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cooling device is in use. or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in external thermal communication with the cooling device; The cooling equipment was not filled with water before use.

51. The cooling device according to claim 50, wherein, The housing includes members of the group consisting of bathtubs, blankets, boxes, bottles, containers, vests, hats, scarves, sleeves, gloves, fingerless gloves, leg warmers, socks, trousers, bras, underwear, or combinations thereof.

52. The cooling device according to claim 50 or the cooling device according to claim 54 is further configured to transport a non-biological object that needs to be cooled or kept at a temperature below ambient temperature, wherein, as a non-limiting example, the non-biological object is a heat-sensitive drug, a heat-sensitive medical product, plasma, blood, a vaccine, growth hormone, insulin, or an anticancer drug.

53. The cooling bathtub of claim 1, or the cooling blanket of claim 18, or the cooling vest of claim 35, or the cooling device of claim 50, is configured to treat a temperature-related illness of a part of the body, the illness including members of the group consisting of heatstroke, fever, cancer, hair loss, skin lesions, nail lesions, or muscle aches.

54. The cooling bathtub according to claim 1, or the cooling blanket according to claim 18, or the cooling vest according to claim 35, or the cooling device according to claim 50, wherein, The body is selected from the group consisting of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, goats, horses, chickens, geese, wild boars, turkeys, rabbits, deer, lions, tigers, cheetahs, cougars, elephants, bears, bison, buffalo, snakes, alligators, crocodiles, alligator eggs, or crocodile eggs.

55. A hat or helmet, comprising: A housing, the housing being configured by means of the size and shape of the housing to accommodate at least a portion of the head to be cooled; as well as At least one chamber comprising solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the outside of the cap or helmet; and water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cap or helmet is in use. or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the exterior of the cap or helmet; the cap or helmet not containing water prior to use.

56. The hat or helmet according to claim 54, wherein, The cap or helmet is designed to alleviate hair loss, thinning hair, or thinning hair caused by cancer treatment, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy.

57. A method for cooling at least a part of the body, comprising the following steps: A cooling bathtub is provided, the cooling bathtub comprising: A basin, the basin being configured by means of the size and shape of the basin to accommodate at least a portion of the body; and At least one chamber comprising solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the interior space of the basin; and water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cooling bathtub is used. or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the interior space of the basin; the cooling bathtub is empty of water before use; Place the body in the basin; Add water to the at least one chamber; For the at least one reservoir containing the urea / solvent mixture, at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture is transferred from the at least one reservoir to at least one of the at least one chambers; and Add water to the basin.

58. A method for cooling at least a part of the body, comprising the following steps: A cooling blanket is provided, the cooling blanket comprising: A flexible body, the flexible body including at least one water channel, the flexible body being capable of wrapping around the at least portion of the body; and The at least one water channel contains solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one water channel is in fluid communication with at least one main sealable opening, the at least one main sealable opening having at least one closing configuration, the at least one sealable opening being impermeable to liquid when in the at least one closing configuration; the at least one water channel is in external thermal communication with the cooling blanket; water can be added to the at least one chamber when the cooling bathtub is used; or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one water channel capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one water channel being in external thermal communication with the cooling blanket; water being capable of being added to the at least one water channel when the cooling blanket is used; and the urea / solvent mixture being capable of being transferred to at least one of the at least one water channel when the cooling bathtub is used. Wrap the body in the cooling blanket; Add water to at least one of the at least one water channel; and For the at least one reservoir containing the urea / solvent mixture, at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture is transferred to at least one of the at least one water channels.

59. A method for cooling at least a part of the body, comprising the following steps: Provide a cooling vest, the cooling vest comprising: The body, configured to surround at least a portion of the torso of the body, includes: At least one chamber containing solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one chamber being in fluid communication with at least one sealable opening, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through the sealable opening; the at least one sealable opening having at least one closing configuration, the at least one sealable opening being impermeable to liquid when in the at least one closing configuration; the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the outside of the body; or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening having at least one closing configuration, the at least one sealable opening being impermeable to liquid when in the at least one closing configuration; the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the exterior of the body; water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cooling vest is used; and at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture being capable of being transferred to at least one of the at least one chambers when the cooling vest is used. The cooling vest is placed around the torso of the body; Water is added to at least one of the at least one chambers, wherein the cooling vest was not filled with water before use; and For the at least one reservoir containing the urea / solvent mixture, at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture is transferred to at least one of the at least one chambers.

60. A method for cooling at least a part of a body or at least a part of an object, comprising the following steps: Provide cooling equipment, the cooling equipment including: A housing, the housing being configured by means of the size and shape of the housing to house at least a portion of the body or at least a portion of the object to be cooled; and At least one chamber comprising solid urea or a urea / solvent mixture, each of the at least one chamber being capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in external thermal communication with the cooling device; and water being capable of being added to the at least one chamber when the cooling device is in use. or At least one reservoir containing a urea / solvent mixture, the at least one reservoir being fluidly connected to at least one chamber capable of being filled with water through a sealable opening, the at least one chamber being in thermal communication with the outside of the cooling device; the cooling device is not filled with water before use; The cooling device is placed around the torso of the body; Water is added to at least one of the at least one chambers, and the cooling device was not previously filled with water; and For the at least one reservoir containing the urea / solvent mixture, at least a portion of the urea / solvent mixture is transferred to at least one of the at least one chambers.

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