Cooling device

Abstract

To provide a cooling device with improved cooling effect and ease of wear. [Solution] The cooling device 1 comprises a neck cooling unit 2 in which ice I and water W are contained in an internal cavity 2b and worn around the neck of the user H, a back cooling unit 3 extending downward from the neck cooling unit 2 and facing the back of the user H, and a contact means 6 for bringing the back cooling unit 3 into contact with the back of the user H, wherein the internal cavity 2b of the neck cooling unit 2 and the internal cavity 3b of the back cooling unit 3 are in communication, and at least water W is contained in the internal cavity 3b of the back cooling unit 3.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling device to be worn around a user's neck, and more particularly, to a cooling device with further improved cooling effect and wearability. [Background Art]

[0002] Various cooling devices (ice bags) for cooling the neck used for heat stroke prevention have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). As in the invention described in Patent Document 1, conventional cooling devices have a structure that only wraps around the user's neck and rests on the shoulders. Therefore, when the user moves or changes posture, the cooling device is likely to shift relative to the neck, which is insufficient from the viewpoint of wearability (fit and stability). In addition, since conventional cooling devices can only cool the user's neck, there has been a demand for a cooling device with higher cooling effect. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-107248 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a cooling device with further improved cooling effect and wearability. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the cooling device of the present invention, which is a cooling device having a neck cooling portion that accommodates ice and water in an inner hollow space and is worn around a user's neck, comprises: a back cooling portion extending downward from the neck cooling portion and facing the user's back; and an abutting means for abutting the back cooling portion against the user's back, wherein the inner hollow space of the neck cooling portion and the inner hollow space of the back cooling portion communicate with each other, and at least the water is accommodated in the inner hollow space of the back cooling portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the cooling device of the present invention, the back cooling section, which extends downward from the neck cooling section, contains water cooled with at least ice. This lowers the center of gravity of the cooling device, which is advantageous for achieving stable wearability. Furthermore, as the back cooling section comes into contact with the user's back by the contact means, not only the user's neck but also their back is effectively cooled, and the stable fit is further improved. Therefore, the cooling effect and wearability of the cooling device are further improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the cooling device of the present invention in a side view. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cooling device in a longitudinal cross-sectional view. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cooling device in a perspective view. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the cooling device in a rear view. [Figure 5] This is a view from arrow A in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of BB. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment of the cooling device of the present invention, viewed from the rear. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a curved neck cooling section of the cooling device, as seen from a plan view. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the cooling device of the present invention in a side view. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the cooling device from a rear view. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state of the cooling device shown in Figure 10 with the shape-retaining core removed, viewed from the rear. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the cooling device of the present invention in a plan view. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the cooling device of the present invention in a plan view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0009] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the embodiment of the cooling device 1 is used by being worn around the neck of a user H (person) with ice I and water W contained inside. The cooling device 1 has a neck cooling section 2 that is worn around the neck of the user H, a back cooling section 3 that faces the back of the user H, and a contact means 6 that brings the back cooling section 3 into contact with the back of the user H. The cooling device 1 further has an opening material 4 into which ice I and water W can be inserted, and a lid 5 that closes the opening material 4.

[0010] In the following, the configuration of the cooling device 1 will be described based on the orientation of the cooling device 1 when it is attached to user H. The chest side of user H will be considered the front side of the cooling device 1, and the back side of user H will be considered the rear side of the cooling device 1. In the diagram, the boundary between the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 is virtually shown by a dashed line.

[0011] As illustrated in Figure 2, the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 are each formed in a bag shape. The neck cooling section 2 contains ice I and water W, and the back cooling section 3 contains at least water W. In Figure 2, ice I is shown in a packaging bag, but the ice I taken out of this packaging bag is used. Also, in Figure 2, water W is shown in a bottle, but the water W poured out of this bottle is used. The back cooling section 3 can be configured to contain both ice I and water W, or it can be configured to contain only water W without ice I.

[0012] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the neck cooling section 2 is formed in an arc shape in plan view to conform to the neck circumference of the user H, and the front is cut out and open to allow the user H's neck to pass through. In other words, the neck cooling section 2 is formed in a roughly C shape in plan view. The neck cooling section 2 adopts this cut-out shape that is always open, so that this opening is not blocked. As a result, if unnecessary force is applied to the cooling device 1 attached to the neck, the neck can pass through this opening and the cooling device 1 can be easily removed from the neck. In this embodiment, the height h on the front side of the neck cooling section 2 is slightly greater than the height h on the rear side. The height h of the neck cooling section 2 is set to, for example, 2 cm or more and 8 cm or less, and the thickness t in plan view is set to, for example, 1 cm or more and 5 cm or less. The height h and thickness t can be the same, but it is preferable to make the height h greater than the thickness t. The neck-facing surface 2a of the neck cooling section 2 that faces the user H's neck should be a curved shape that matches the shape of the neck.

[0013] The back cooling section 3 extends downward from the rear of the neck cooling section 2. The lower rear of the neck cooling section 2 and the upper part of the back cooling section 3 are connected, and the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 are integrated. The internal cavity 2b of the neck cooling section 2 and the internal cavity 3b of the back cooling section 3 are in communication. The back-facing surface 3a of the back cooling section 3 that faces the user H's back should be a curved shape that matches the shape of the back. The lateral width dimension of the back cooling section 3 should be, for example, 5 cm to 60 cm, and the vertical length dimension should be, for example, 3 cm to 50 cm. The front-to-back thickness dimension of the back cooling section 3 should be, for example, 2 cm to 8 cm. As illustrated in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the back cooling section 3 has a shape (trapezoidal) in which the width gradually increases from the top to the bottom.

[0014] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, in this embodiment, as the abutment means 6, a partition 8 that divides the back cooling portion 3 into a plurality of divided accommodation portions 7 in the lateral direction is provided. The inner space 3b of each divided accommodation portion 7 communicates with the inner space 2b of the neck cooling portion 2. Since the back cooling portion 3 is divided into a plurality of divided accommodation portions 7, the back cooling portion 3 is easily deformed in accordance with the shape of the back of a user H, and functions as the abutment means 6 for bringing the back cooling portion 3 into contact with the back of the user H. In this embodiment, partitions 8 extending in the vertical direction are provided at four locations spaced apart in the lateral direction of the back cooling portion 3, and the back cooling portion 3 is divided into five divided accommodation portions 7 in the lateral direction.

[0015] The number and arrangement of the divided accommodation portions 7 provided in the back cooling portion 3 are not limited to this embodiment, and can be appropriately determined according to the size and the like of the back cooling portion 3. For example, the back cooling portion 3 may be configured to be divided into four or less divided accommodation portions 7, or may be configured to be divided into six or more divided accommodation portions 7. Preferably, the back cooling portion 3 is preferably configured to be divided into three or more divided accommodation portions 7.

[0016] In this embodiment, the size (opening width) of the opening of each divided accommodation portion 7 communicating with the inner space 2b of the neck cooling portion 2 is set to 0.5 cm or more and 4 cm or less, so that the structure is such that relatively large ice I cannot enter the inner space of each divided accommodation portion 7.

[0017] The neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 are each formed from, for example, a flexible resin material or a rubber material. Suitable resin materials include, for example, polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane. Suitable rubber materials include, for example, silicone rubber. It is preferable that the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 be formed from the same material, but they can also be formed from different materials. The neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The surfaces of the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 may be, for example, treated with a peach skin finish or covered with a soft-touch covering material such as towel fabric. For example, the aforementioned peach skin finish or covering material may be applied to at least one of the neck-facing surface 2a or the back-facing surface 3a, or it may be applied to both the neck-facing surface 2a and the back-facing surface 3a.

[0018] As illustrated in Figure 2, in this embodiment, an opening 4 into which ice I and water W can be inserted is provided at the rear of the neck cooling section 2. The size (diameter) of the opening (hole) of the opening 4 should be set to, for example, 3 cm to 7 cm so that ice I of a typical size can be inserted. The lid 5 is detachable from the opening 4, and the opening 4 can be sealed by attaching the lid 5 to the opening 4.

[0019] The opening material 4 and the lid 5 are made of a hard resin or similar material that has higher rigidity than the material forming the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3. In this embodiment, the opening material 4 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the front part of the opening material 4 is joined to the neck cooling section 2. Spiral grooves (screw grooves) are formed on the inside of the opening material 4 and in the insertion part of the lid 5, and the lid 5 is fixed to the opening material 4 by screwing the insertion part of the lid 5 into the opening material 4.

[0020] The shape and structure of the opening material 4 and the lid 5 are not limited to the configuration of this embodiment, and various other configurations are possible. The lid 5 can also be fixed to the opening material 4 by a method other than screwing. For example, the lid 5 can be provided with a groove (recess) into which the edge of the opening material 4 fits. For example, the opening material 4 can be made of a waterproof fastener or the like, and the lid 5 can be omitted.

[0021] As in this embodiment, by placing the opening material 4 at the rear of the neck cooling section 2, it becomes easier to fill the entire neck cooling section 2 with ice I and water W, and also easier to fill the internal space 3b of the back cooling section 3 (the internal space of each divided storage section 7) with water W. The opening material 4 can also be placed at other locations on the cooling device 1, such as the tip of the neck cooling section 2, as long as it is on the outside when the user H is wearing the cooling device 1. The opening material 4 can also be placed at multiple locations on the neck cooling section 2.

[0022] When manufacturing the cooling device 1, for example, the bag-shaped component that makes up the neck cooling section 2 and the bag-shaped component that makes up the back cooling section 3 are manufactured separately. Each of the aforementioned bag-shaped components can be manufactured by molding the resin material or rubber material using a known method such as a mold. The neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 are then integrated by heat welding the lower rear part of the neck cooling section 2 component and the upper part of the back cooling section 3 component. The components of the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 can also be joined using, for example, an adhesive or bonding material.

[0023] As illustrated in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the front and rear surfaces of the back cooling section 3 are heat-welded linearly to form the respective partitions 8. The process of forming the partitions 8 in the back cooling section 3 can be performed before integrating the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3, or it can be performed after integrating the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3. The manufacturing of the cooling device 1 is then completed by joining the opening material 4 to the neck cooling section 2. The process of joining the opening material 4 to the neck cooling section 2 can be performed before integrating the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3, or it can be performed after integrating the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3.

[0024] For example, it is possible to integrally mold the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 using a mold that forms a bag-like body in which the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 are integrated. However, as mentioned above, if a method is adopted in which the bag-like components constituting the neck cooling section 2 and the bag-like components constituting the back cooling section 3 are manufactured separately, the structure of the mold can be made relatively simpler.

[0025] As illustrated in Figure 2, when using the cooling device 1, with the lid 5 removed from the opening material 4, ice I and water W are poured in through the opening material 4 to fill the inner cavity 2b of the neck cooling section 2 with ice I and water W, and the inner cavity 3b of the back cooling section 3 with at least water W. Preferably, the entire inner cavity 2b of the neck cooling section 2 is filled with ice I and water W, and the entire inner cavity 3b of the back cooling section 3 is filled with water W. Alternatively, only ice I is poured in through the opening material 4. This ice I will gradually melt into water W, resulting in the same state as when ice I and water W are poured in through the opening material 4. In this embodiment, the size of the openings of each divided storage section 7 that communicate with the inner cavity 2b of the neck cooling section 2 is set to 0.5 cm or more and 4 cm or less, so large pieces of ice I cannot pass through each opening. Therefore, the inner cavity of each divided storage section 7 mainly contains water W. After that, the opening material 4 is closed with the lid 5. This prevents the ice I and water W contained in the cooling device 1 from leaking out.

[0026] Then, as illustrated in Figure 1, the neck cooling unit 2 is attached around the user H's neck by passing it through the opening (notch) of the neck cooling unit 2 from the rear of the user H's neck, so that the neck-facing surface 2a of the neck cooling unit 2 is in contact with the user H's neck. When the neck cooling unit 2 is attached around the user H's neck, the back-facing surface 3a of the back cooling unit 3 comes into contact with the user H's back by the contact means 6. In this embodiment, the back cooling unit 3 is divided into multiple divided storage sections 7 as the contact means 6, making it easier for the back cooling unit 3 to deform to match the shape of the user H's back and come into contact with it. Then, the neck area of ​​the user H is cooled by the neck cooling unit 2 containing ice I and water W, and the back of the user H is cooled by the back cooling unit 3 containing water W. The ice I contained in the neck cooling section 2 gradually melts and becomes smaller, but since the ice I floats on the water W, the back cooling section 3 (each of the divided storage sections 7) remains mainly filled with water W.

[0027] After use, the cooling device 1 is removed from the neck. The lid 5 is removed from the opening material 4, and the water W (and ice I, if any remains, water W) contained inside the cooling device 1 is drained from the opening material 4, leaving the inner cavity 2b of the neck cooling section 2 and the inner cavity 3b of the back cooling section 3 empty. If the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 are made of a flexible resin or rubber material, the cooling device 1 can be made more compact by folding the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3.

[0028] As described above, the cooling device 1 contains water W cooled by at least ice I in the back cooling section 3 that extends downward from the neck cooling section 2. This lowers the center of gravity of the cooling device 1, which is advantageous for achieving stable wearability. Furthermore, the back cooling section 3 comes into contact with the user H's back by the contact means 6, effectively cooling not only the user H's neck but also their back, and further improving the feeling of stable wearability. Therefore, the cooling device 1 can effectively cool a wider area of ​​the user H's body, which is more advantageous in preventing heatstroke in the user H.

[0029] The neck cooling section 2 is not only wrapped around the user H's neck and rests on their shoulders, but the back cooling section 3 also contacts the user H's back via the contact means 6, making it less likely for the cooling device 1 to shift relative to the user H's neck and back when the user H moves or changes their posture. Specifically, for example, with a conventional cooling device (ice pack) that is simply wrapped around the neck, the cooling device may shift as the user H moves. In contrast, with this cooling device 1, the presence of the back cooling section 3 lowers the center of gravity of the cooling device 1. Furthermore, the contact means 6 ensures that the back cooling section 3 contacts the user H's back, allowing the cooling device 1 to move more easily in conjunction with the user H's movements, thus reducing the likelihood of the cooling device 1 shifting. Therefore, this is increasingly advantageous in improving the cooling effect and wearability of the cooling device 1.

[0030] This cooling device 1 can utilize readily available ice I and water W, and the used water W can be easily disposed of. Therefore, it can be used continuously for long periods even when out and about, making it extremely convenient. In addition, the cooling device 1 without ice I and water W becomes compact and easy to carry.

[0031] As in this embodiment, by providing a partition 8 as the contact means 6 that divides the back cooling unit 3 into multiple divided storage units 7 in the lateral direction, the back cooling unit 3 can be easily deformed to conform to the shape of the user H's back, which is advantageous for effectively contacting the back cooling unit 3 with the user H's back.

[0032] Furthermore, by dividing the back cooling section 3 into multiple divided storage sections 7, the water W contained in each divided storage section 7 remains in its respective section even when the user H moves from side to side. Therefore, the water W contained in the back cooling section 3 is less likely to move significantly from side to side, suppressing significant distortion of the shape of the back cooling section 3 and preventing the center of gravity of the water W contained in the back cooling section 3 from becoming significantly eccentric. As a result, the cooling device 1 is less likely to shift relative to the user H. Dividing the back cooling section 3 into three or more divided storage sections 7 is particularly advantageous in achieving the effects described above. In this embodiment, a partition 8 is formed by heat welding the front and rear surfaces of the back cooling section 3, but similar effects can be achieved, for example, by providing a membrane-like partition 8 inside the back cooling section 3.

[0033] For example, the back cooling section 3 could be designed to accommodate relatively large ice cubes I, but in that case, the ice cubes I would press against the user H's back, causing the user H to feel an uncomfortable, bumpy sensation. In contrast, as in this embodiment, by setting the size (opening width) of the openings (opening width) of each divided storage section 7 that communicate with the internal cavity 2b of the neck cooling section 2 to 0.5 cm or more and 4 cm or less, relatively large ice cubes I cannot be placed in the internal cavity of each divided storage section 7, and the large ice cubes I do not press against the user H's back, resulting in a more comfortable wearing experience for the cooling device 1.

[0034] The vertical length of the back cooling section 3 should be set appropriately within a range of, for example, 3 cm to 50 cm. The vertical length should be set so that the back cooling section 3 can cool a wide area of ​​the user H's upper back, while ensuring that the cooling device 1 does not become excessively heavy.

[0035] Another embodiment of the cooling device 1 illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 further includes, in addition to the cooling device 1 of the previous embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, a shape-retaining core material 9 capable of holding the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 in a predetermined shape, as a contact means 6, attached to the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3. In this embodiment, the height h on the rear side and the height h on the front side of the neck cooling section 2 are the same size. The other components of the cooling device 1 are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6.

[0036] Figure 7 illustrates the state of the neck cooling section 2 of the cooling device 1 before it is curved to match the shape of the user H's neck. That is, it shows the neck cooling section 2 in a straight line. As illustrated in Figure 7, this embodiment has a shape-retaining core material 9 that is continuous in an annular shape along the outer edge of the neck cooling section 2 and the outer edge of the back cooling section 3, surrounding the outer edge of the bag body in which the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 are integrated. The shape-retaining core material 9 is joined to the outer edges of the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3.

[0037] The shape-retaining core material 9 is a core material that has the function of retaining (maintaining) the deformed shape when it is deformed, and is composed of, for example, a metal core material such as copper wire or a known resin core material (so-called shape-retaining resin wire). Preferably, the shape-retaining core material 9 is made of a material that easily retains its shape and is resistant to fatigue failure, such as stainless steel, nickel-titanium alloy, or high-strength polymer. The shape-retaining core material 9 can be in sheet form, but it is preferable to use a wire.

[0038] When manufacturing the cooling device 1 of this embodiment, sheet members are made to form the inner surfaces (neck-facing surface 2a and back-facing surface 3a) of the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3, and sheet members are made to form the outer surfaces of the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3. Furthermore, an annular shape-retaining core material 9 with the same shape as the outer edges of the pair of sheet members is made. Then, when forming a bag body in which the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 are integrated by heat welding the outer edges of the pair of sheet members, the annular shape-retaining core material 9 is sandwiched between the pair of sheet members and pressed (compressed) together, thereby integrating the bag body constituting the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 with the annular shape-retaining core material 9. That is, the outer edges of the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 and the annular shape-retaining core material 9 are bonded together. After that, an opening material 4 is joined to the rear of the neck cooling section 2.

[0039] As illustrated in Figure 8, in this embodiment of the cooling device 1, by bending the portion of the shape-retaining core material 9 attached to the neck cooling portion 2 to match the shape of the user H's neck, the neck cooling portion 2 is held in a predetermined shape that fits the user H's neck, and the neck-facing surface 2a comes into contact with the user H's neck. Similarly, by bending the portion of the shape-retaining core material 9 attached to the back cooling portion 3 to match the shape of the user H's back, the back cooling portion 3 is held in a predetermined shape that fits the user H's back, and the back-facing surface 3a comes into contact with the user H's back.

[0040] As in this embodiment, the shape-retaining core material 9 is attached to the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 as the contact means 6, and the shape-retaining core material 9 extends in a ring shape continuously from the outer edge of the neck cooling section 2 and the outer edge of the back cooling section 3. This configuration allows the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 to be freely deformed to match the user H's body shape (neck size and back shape). The angle of the back cooling section 3 relative to the neck cooling section 2 can also be freely changed.

[0041] Furthermore, since shape-retaining core material 9 is provided on the outer edges of the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3, even if the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 are formed from relatively soft materials, the shape-retaining core material 9 can stably maintain the shape of the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3. Therefore, the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 can be fitted more precisely to the neck and back of the user H, which is advantageous for effectively cooling the neck and back of the user H. It is also advantageous in preventing the cooling device 1 from shifting relative to the neck and back of the user H when the user H moves or changes posture. Therefore, it is advantageous for improving the cooling effect and wearability of the cooling device 1.

[0042] The ends (tips) of the shape-retaining core material 9 may rub against the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3, potentially damaging them. However, forming the shape-retaining core material 9 in a ring shape is advantageous in avoiding damage to the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3.

[0043] Another embodiment of the cooling device 1 illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 further includes, in addition to the cooling device 1 of the previous embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, shape-retaining core material 9 separately attached to the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 as contact means 6. The other configurations of the cooling device 1 are substantially the same as those of the previous embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6.

[0044] As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, in this embodiment, two sets of shape-retaining core materials 9(9a) are detachably attached to the neck cooling section 2 as contact means 6, and three sets of shape-retaining core materials 9(9b, 9c) are detachably attached to the back cooling section 3. As illustrated in Figure 9, each shape-retaining core material 9a attached to the neck cooling section 2 has a structure in which a straight shape-retaining core material 9a is bent into a substantially U-shape. In this embodiment, a core material fixing part 10 is provided in the opening material 4 to fix the end of the shape-retaining core material 9a. The neck cooling section 2 is provided with a core material insertion part 11 that holds the middle portion of the shape-retaining core material 9a.

[0045] In this embodiment, core material fixing parts 10 are provided at two locations, upper and lower, on both the left and right sides of the opening material 4. When the end of the shape-retaining core material 9a is inserted into the core material fixing part 10, the end of the shape-retaining core material 9a is fixed to the core material fixing part 10. The core material fixing part 10 is made of, for example, a hard resin.

[0046] The core material insertion section 11 extends along the outer circumferential surface of the neck cooling section 2 in the longitudinal direction of the neck cooling section 2. The core material insertion section 11 is formed in a bag shape, and by inserting the middle portion of the shape-retaining core material 9a into the core material insertion section 11, the shape-retaining core material 9a is held in place along the outer circumferential surface of the neck cooling section 2 by the core material insertion section 11. Core material insertion sections 11 are provided at two locations, upper and lower, on both the left and right sides of the neck cooling section 2, sandwiching the opening material 4. The core material insertion section 11 is formed from, for example, a flexible resin material or rubber material, similar to the neck cooling section 2.

[0047] As illustrated in Figure 10, the back cooling section 3 has two sets of horizontally extending, linear shape-retaining core materials 9b spaced apart vertically. One set of horizontally extending shape-retaining core materials 9b is located at the top of the back cooling section 3, and the other set of horizontally extending shape-retaining core materials 9b is located at the bottom of the back cooling section 3. Furthermore, one set of vertically extending, linear shape-retaining core materials 9c is located in the center of the back cooling section 3.

[0048] In this embodiment, core material fixing parts 10 are provided at both the left and right ends of the back cooling section 3 to fix the ends of the shape-retaining core material 9b. A core material insertion part 11 is provided between a pair of core material fixing parts 10 that are spaced apart to the left and right, to hold the middle portion of the shape-retaining core material 9b.

[0049] In this embodiment, a core material fixing portion 10 is provided at the lower part of the opening material 4 to fix the upper end of the shape-retaining core material 9c. A core material fixing portion 10 is provided at the lower center of the back cooling portion 3 to fix the lower end of the shape-retaining core material 9c. A core material insertion portion 11 is provided between a pair of vertically spaced core material fixing portions 10 to hold the middle portion of the shape-retaining core material 9c.

[0050] When manufacturing the cooling device 1 of this embodiment, for example, a bag body is made in which the neck cooling section 2, the back cooling section 3, and the opening material 4 are integrated, similar to the cooling device 1 of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6. The opening material 4 is provided with a core material fixing section 10. Then, the core material fixing section 10 and the core material insertion section 11 are joined to the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3, respectively, by adhesive or heat welding, in accordance with the position of the core material fixing section 10 provided on the opening material 4. The core material fixing section 10 and the core material insertion section 11 can also be attached to the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 in advance, for example, before integrating the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3.

[0051] When using this cooling device 1, before placing ice I and water W into the cooling device 1, the shape-retaining core material 9 is attached and fixed to the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3, respectively. The U-shaped shape-retaining core material 9a to be attached to the neck cooling section 2 is inserted by inserting the upper and lower rear ends of the shape-retaining core material 9a from the front of the respective core material insertion sections 11 provided in the neck cooling section 2, so that the upper and lower middle portions of the shape-retaining core material 9 are inserted into the core material insertion sections 11, respectively. Then, the upper and lower rear ends of the shape-retaining core material 9a are inserted and fixed into the upper and lower core material fixing sections 10 provided in the opening material 4.

[0052] The shape-retaining core material 9b, which extends laterally from the back cooling section 3, is inserted by inserting one end of the shape-retaining core material 9b from the other side of the core material insertion section 11 provided in the back cooling section 3, so that the middle portion of the shape-retaining core material 9b is inserted into the core material insertion section 11. Then, the one end and the other end of the shape-retaining core material 9b are inserted into the core material fixing section 10 provided in the back cooling section 3 and fixed in place. The shape-retaining core material 9c, which extends vertically from the back cooling section 3, is inserted by inserting the lower end (or upper end) of the shape-retaining core material 9c from the upper (or lower) side of the core material insertion section 11 provided in the back cooling section 3, so that the middle portion of the shape-retaining core material 9c is inserted into the core material insertion section 11. Then, the upper end of the shape-retaining core material 9c is inserted into the core material fixing part 10 provided in the opening material 4 and fixed, and the lower end of the shape-retaining core material 9c is inserted into the core material fixing part 10 provided at the bottom of the back cooling section 3 and fixed. After that, ice I and water W are poured in through the opening material 4, and the opening material 4 is closed with the lid 5.

[0053] In this cooling device 1, by bending the shape-retaining core material 9a attached to the neck cooling section 2 to match the shape of the user H's neck, the neck cooling section 2 is held in a predetermined shape that fits the user H's neck, and the neck-facing surface 2a comes into contact with the user H's neck. Similarly, by bending the shape-retaining core materials 9b and 9c attached to the back cooling section 3 to match the shape of the user H's back, the back cooling section 3 is held in a predetermined shape that fits the user H's back, and the back-facing surface 3a comes into contact with the user H's back.

[0054] After use, the cooling device 1 is removed from the neck. The lid 5 is removed from the opening material 4, and the water W (and ice I, if any remains, water W) contained inside the cooling device 1 is drained from the opening material 4, leaving the inner cavity 2b of the neck cooling section 2 and the inner cavity 3b of the back cooling section 3 empty. Then, as illustrated in Figure 11, the fixing state between each core material fixing section 10 and the shape-retaining core materials 9a to 9c is released, and the shape-retaining core materials 9a to 9c are removed from each core material fixing section 10 and core material insertion section 11, thereby removing the shape-retaining core materials 9a to 9c from the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3. Finally, the cooling device 1 is made more compact by folding the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3.

[0055] As in this embodiment, by attaching separate shape-retaining core materials 9 (9a to 9c) to the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 as contact means 6, it becomes easier to individually deform the shapes of the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3. If the back cooling section 3 is provided with a shape-retaining core material 9b extending in the horizontal direction and a shape-retaining core material 9c extending in the vertical direction, the shape of the back cooling section 3 can be more freely deformed to match the shape of the user H's back, which is advantageous for effectively contacting the back cooling section 3 with the user H's back. The arrangement and number of shape-retaining core materials 9 provided on the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 are not limited to this embodiment and can be configured in various ways. For example, the back cooling section 3 can be configured to be provided with only one of either the shape-retaining core material 9b extending in the horizontal direction or the shape-retaining core material 9c extending in the upward direction.

[0056] For example, the shape-retaining core material 9 could be bonded to the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3. However, as in this embodiment, by making the shape-retaining core material 9 detachable from the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3, the shape-retaining core material 9 can be removed from the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 when the cooling device 1 is not in use, allowing the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 to be folded. Therefore, the cooling device 1 can be made more compact, increasing its convenience. Furthermore, if the shape-retaining core material 9 deteriorates, it can be easily replaced, improving the maintainability of the cooling device 1.

[0057] By providing a core material fixing part 10 that secures the end of the shape-retaining core material 9, the shape-retaining core material 9 can be stably fixed to the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3. In particular, if the end of the shape-retaining core material 9 is fixed to the opening material 4 provided in the back cooling section 3, the shape-retaining core material 9 can be fixed in a very stable state. Furthermore, providing the core material fixing part 10 is advantageous in preventing the end of the shape-retaining core material 9 from rubbing against the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3, thereby preventing damage to the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3.

[0058] By providing a core material insertion section 11 that holds the middle portion of the shape-retaining core material 9, the shape-retaining core material 9 is held in a state that conforms to the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3, so that the shape-retaining core material 9 can be fixed to the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 in a more stable state. Furthermore, since the shape-retaining core material 9 fits more closely to the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3, it becomes easier to adjust the shape of the neck cooling section 2 and the back cooling section 3 with greater precision using the shape-retaining core material 9.

[0059] In this embodiment, the end of the shape-retaining core material 9 is detachably attached to the core material fixing part 10. However, for example, the end of the shape-retaining core material 9 can also be joined to the core material fixing part 10. In this case as well, by providing the core material fixing part 10, the shape-retaining core material 9 can be fixed to the neck cooling part 2 and back cooling part 3 in a more stable state than when the end of the shape-retaining core material 9 is directly bonded and fixed to the neck cooling part 2 and back cooling part 3. This is also more advantageous in preventing the end of the shape-retaining core material 9 from rubbing against the neck cooling part 2 and back cooling part 3 and damaging them.

[0060] The cooling device 1 of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated above. For example, the device can be configured such that the shape-retaining core material 9 is attached only to the neck cooling section 2 as a contact means 6. In this case as well, the shape-retaining core material 9 allows the neck cooling section 2 to be bent to match the shape of the user H's neck, thereby maintaining the back cooling section 3, which is continuous with the lower part of the neck cooling section 2, in a predetermined shape (curved shape) that conforms to the user H's back. Therefore, the back cooling section 3 can be effectively brought into contact with the user H's back.

[0061] Furthermore, in the cooling device 1 of the present invention, for example, a shape-retaining core material 9 can be attached only to the back cooling section 3 as a contact means 6. In this case as well, the shape-retaining core material 9 allows the back cooling section 3 to be bent to match the shape of the user H's back, thereby enabling the back cooling section 3 to be in effective contact with the user H's back.

[0062] Another embodiment of the cooling device 1 illustrated in Figure 12 differs from the cooling device 1 of the previous embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 in the configuration of the back cooling section 3. As illustrated in Figure 12, the cooling device 1 of this embodiment has a neck cooling section 2, a back cooling section 3, shoulder cooling sections 12 that cool both shoulders of the user H, and a chest cooling section 13 that cools the chest of the user H, and has a vest-like shape.

[0063] In this embodiment, the back cooling section 3, shoulder cooling section 12, and chest cooling section 13 are made of a single flat bag that is roughly rectangular in shape in plan view (with a notch at the front). In Figure 12, the imaginary boundary line between the shoulder cooling section 12 and the back cooling section 3, and the imaginary boundary line between the shoulder cooling section 12 and the chest cooling section 13 are shown by dashed lines. The configuration of the neck cooling section 2 of this cooling device 1 is generally the same as the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, but in this embodiment, the bag bodies that make up the back cooling section 3, shoulder cooling section 12, and chest cooling section 13 are joined to the neck cooling section 2. The neck cooling section 2, back cooling section 3, shoulder cooling section 12, and chest cooling section 13 have a connected structure. It is preferable that the neck cooling section 2, back cooling section 3, shoulder cooling section 12, and chest cooling section 13 be made of the same material (flexible resin material or rubber material), but they can also be made of different materials.

[0064] The back cooling section 3, shoulder cooling section 12, and chest cooling section 13 extend to the outside of the neck cooling section 2. The shoulder cooling sections 12 are provided on both sides of the lower part of the neck cooling section 2, and the back cooling section 3 is provided on the rear side of the neck cooling section 2 and shoulder cooling section 12 (the back side of the user H). A pair of left and right chest cooling sections 13 are provided on the front side of the neck cooling section 2 and shoulder cooling section 12 (the chest side of the user H). The pair of chest cooling sections 13 are spaced apart laterally, and the portion located in front of the opening (notch) of the neck cooling section 2 is open. In this embodiment, the lateral width dimensions of the back cooling section 3, shoulder cooling section 12, and chest cooling section 13 are set to the same dimension, but for example, their respective width dimensions can be made different.

[0065] In this embodiment, as contact means 6 for the back cooling section 3, a plurality of partitions 8 extending in the extending direction of the back cooling section 3 (the vertical direction when worn by the user H) are arranged with spacing in the lateral direction (width direction). Furthermore, a plurality of partitions 8 extending laterally from the back cooling section 3 are arranged with spacing in the extending direction between adjacent partitions 8 extending in the extending direction. There is a gap between adjacent partitions 8 that is large enough for water W to pass through, and adjacent divided storage sections 7 are in communication. That is, each divided storage section 7 is not a completely closed space. In this embodiment, the configuration prevents relatively large ice I from being contained in the back cooling section 3 due to the plurality of partitions 8.

[0066] If the back cooling unit 3 is constructed as described above, even when the back cooling unit 3 tilts, the water W contained in each divided storage section 7 will be less likely to flow due to the other divided storage sections 7. Therefore, it is advantageous in preventing the back cooling unit 3 from deforming into an unintended shape due to the flow of water W, and is more advantageous in effectively making contact with the back cooling unit 3 against the user H's back.

[0067] In this embodiment, similar to the back cooling unit 3, a plurality of partitions 8 extending in the extending direction of the chest cooling unit 13 (the vertical direction when worn by the user H) are arranged at intervals in the lateral direction (width direction) as contact means 6 for bringing the chest cooling unit 13 into contact with the user H's chest. Furthermore, a plurality of partitions 8 extending laterally from the chest cooling unit 13 are arranged at intervals in the extending direction between adjacent partitions 8 extending in the extending direction. A gap large enough for water W to pass through is provided between adjacent partitions 8, and adjacent divided storage units 7 are in communication with each other.

[0068] When using this cooling device 1, ice I and water W are introduced through the opening material 4, and the ice I and water W are contained in the inner cavity 2b of the neck cooling section 2, and at least water W is contained in the inner cavity 3b of the back cooling section 3, the inner cavity 12b of the shoulder cooling section 12, and the inner cavity 13b of the chest cooling section 13. In this embodiment, the water W introduced into the inner cavity 2b of the neck cooling section 2 flows into the inner cavity 3b of the back cooling section 3, the inner cavity 12b of the shoulder cooling section 12, and the inner cavity 13b of the chest cooling section 13, respectively. The ice I introduced into the inner cavity 2b of the neck cooling section 2 also flows into the inner cavity 12b of the shoulder cooling section 12.

[0069] Then, the neck cooling unit 2 is attached to the user H's neck by passing it through the opening (notch) of the neck cooling unit 2 from the back of the user H's neck, and the shoulder cooling unit 12 is placed on the user H's shoulders. When the back cooling unit 3 is placed on the user H's back, the contact means 6 causes the back cooling unit 3 to come into contact with the user H's back. When the chest cooling unit 13 is placed on the user H's chest, the contact means 6 causes the chest cooling unit 13 to come into contact with the user H's chest. As a result, the user H's neck, back, shoulders, and chest are cooled by the cooling device 1.

[0070] As in this embodiment, a cooling device 1 having shoulder cooling sections 12 and chest cooling sections 13 is advantageous for effectively cooling the user H's body because it can cool a wider area of ​​the user H's body. In particular, a vest-type cooling device 1 having a neck cooling section 2, back cooling section 3, shoulder cooling sections 12 and chest cooling section 13, as in this embodiment, is advantageous for effectively cooling a wide area of ​​the user H's body. Furthermore, since the weight of the cooling device 1 is supported not only by the user H's neck but also by a wide area of ​​the shoulders, wearability and stability are improved. For example, the part of the cooling device 1 that comes into contact with the user H's shoulders (the shoulder cooling section 12) can be configured not to have a cooling function. That is, the part of the cooling device 1 that comes into contact with the user H's shoulders can be configured not to contain ice I or water W. In this case, it becomes possible to cool the user H's back and chest without cooling the user H's shoulders.

[0071] Another embodiment of the cooling device 1 illustrated in Figure 13 differs from the cooling device 1 of the previous embodiment illustrated in Figure 12 in the shape of the back cooling section 3, shoulder cooling section 12, and chest cooling section 13. The other components of the cooling device 1 are the same as those of the cooling device 1 of the previous embodiment illustrated in Figure 12. As illustrated in Figure 13, the back cooling section 3, shoulder cooling section 12, and chest cooling section 13 of this embodiment have a collar-like shape.

[0072] As illustrated in Figure 13, the back cooling section 3, shoulder cooling section 12, and chest cooling section 13 of this embodiment are composed of a single flat bag that is substantially ring-shaped in plan view (with a notch at the front). In Figure 13, the virtual boundary line between the shoulder cooling section 12 and the back cooling section 3, and the virtual boundary line between the shoulder cooling section 12 and the chest cooling section 13 are shown by dashed lines.

[0073] This collar-type cooling device 1 can be used in the same manner as the vest-type cooling device 1 illustrated in Figure 12, and can produce the same effects. This collar-type cooling device 1 is suitable for creating a relatively compact cooling device 1 that cools the neck, back, shoulders, and chest of the user H.

[0074] In the embodiments illustrated in Figure 12 and Figure 13, a partition 8 is provided as a contact means 6 in the back cooling section 3. However, for example, a shape-retaining core material 9, as illustrated in Figures 7-8 and 9-11, can also be provided as the contact means 6. The number and arrangement of partitions 8 provided in the back cooling section 3 and chest cooling section 13, as well as the direction of extension of each partition 8, are not limited to this embodiment and can be appropriately determined according to the size and shape of the back cooling section 3 and chest cooling section 13. The cooling device 1 only needs to have a contact means 6 that brings the back cooling section 3 into contact with the user H's back, and it is not essential to provide partitions 8 in the back cooling section 3. Similarly, it is not essential to provide partitions 8 in the chest cooling section 13. For example, partitions 8 can also be provided in the shoulder cooling section 12.

[0075] The contact means 6 of each embodiment illustrated above can be combined as appropriate. In the above examples, the cooling device 1 of all embodiments is illustrated in the case where the back cooling section 3 has multiple divided storage sections 7 as the contact means 6, but having multiple divided storage sections 7 in the back cooling section 3 is not a mandatory requirement, and the cooling device 1 only needs to have at least one set of contact means 6. For example, the cooling device 1 of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, and the cooling device 1 of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 9 to 11, have a shape-retaining core material 9 as the contact means 6, so the back cooling section 3 can be configured not to be divided into multiple divided storage sections 7.

[0076] As described above, the shape-retaining core material 9 is not limited to being able to be deformed into any desired shape and to retaining that deformed shape. It is also possible to use a shape-retaining core material 9 that is formed in advance into a predetermined shape and retains that shape. When using such a shape-retaining core material 9, in the cooling device 9 illustrated in Figure 8, one that is formed in advance into a C shape in plan view is used. When the cooling device 1 is attached around the neck, the C-shaped shape-retaining core material 9 is elastically deformed to expand in diameter, allowing the neck to pass through the cutout opening of the neck cooling section 2. The shape-retaining core material 9 that retains the predetermined shape also functions as a contact means 6, allowing the back cooling section 3 to come into contact with the user H's back. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1. Cooling device 2 Neck cooling section 2a Neck facing surface 2b Inner cavity 3. Back cooling section 3a Opposite side of the back 3b Inner cavity 4. Opening material 5 Lid 6 Contact means 7-compartment storage section 8 compartments 9, 9a~9c Shape-retaining core material 10 Core material fixing part 11 Core material insertion section 12 Shoulder cooling section 12b Inner cavity 13 Chest cooling section 13b Inner cavity IW Ice Water I ice W water H user

Claims

1. A cooling device having a neck cooling section that contains ice and water in its internal cavity and is worn around the user's neck, A cooling device comprising a back cooling section extending downward from the neck cooling section and facing the user's back, and a contact means for bringing the back cooling section into contact with the user's back, wherein the internal cavity of the neck cooling section and the internal cavity of the back cooling section are in communication, and at least the water is contained in the internal cavity of the back cooling section.

2. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the contact means is provided with a partition that divides the back cooling section into a plurality of divided storage sections in the lateral direction.

3. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact means has a shape-retaining core material capable of holding the back cooling portion in a predetermined shape.

4. The cooling device according to claim 3, wherein the shape-retaining core material is detachable.

5. The cooling device according to claim 3, wherein the end of the shape-retaining core material is provided in the back cooling section and fixed to the opening material into which the ice is introduced.

6. The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact means includes a shape-retaining core material capable of holding the neck cooling portion and the back cooling portion in a predetermined shape, and the shape-retaining core material extends in an annular manner continuously from the outer edge of the neck cooling portion and the outer edge of the back cooling portion.

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