Thermoregulating devices

Abstract

A thermoregulating device is described. The device includes a housing with one or more internal compartments, a fluid inlet connected to the one or more internal compartments, a sealable access opening into the one or more internal compartments, and one or more thermoregulating packets sized to pass through the sealable access opening and fit within the one or more internal compartments. The thermoregulating packets include a chemical composition, a sponge layer embedded within the chemical composition, and a water-soluble polymeric layer encapsulating the chemical composition. The chemical composition includes at least one compound capable of undergoing an endothermic or exothermic reaction when placed in contact with a fluid.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTIONThermoregulating DevicesCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 685,813, filed August 22, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 598,485, filed November 13, 2023, the disclosures of which are each incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As the world gets hotter, heat related illness and death is emerging as one of the most important health issues of our time. The human and financial cost of this crisis is as extreme as the heat. Under baseline climate conditions, the United States could lose on average approximately $100 billion annually from heat-induced lost labor productivity. There have been significant financial settlements against institutions and corporations in the tens of millions of dollars over the past five years, and almost 235,000 emergency department visits and more than 56,000 hospital admissions add approximately $1 billion in health care costs each summer.

[0003] In many cases, heat related death is preventable. When core body temperatures exceed 103 °F, brain damage, organ failure, and death can occur within 30 minutes. Heat protocols need to change worldwide- music festivals, schools, sports games, farms, military bases, outdoor work environments, and many other activities, situations, and environments adversely impacted by heat can be better secured.

[0004] To address these concerns, a wearable thermal device was designed and described in U.S. Patent No. 10,413,443, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. While this well-designed and highly effective device can provide both cooling and alternatively heating therapy, it is for all practical purposes, a single-use item.

[0005] Thus, there is a continuing need in the art for improved devices and methods to efficiently and effectively lower core body temperatures. The present invention addresses this need.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A thermoregulating packet is described. The packet includes a chemical composition, a sponge layer embedded within the chemical composition, and a water-soluble polymeric layer encapsulating the chemical composition. In some examples, the sponge layer is a compressed sponge. In some examples, the chemical composition includes at least one compound that undergoes an endothermic reaction when in contact with a fluid. In some examples, the polymeric layer includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted: polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyacrylamide (PAM), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyamine, polyethyleneimine, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl ether, polyurethane, poly(maleic anhydride), copolymers thereof, and blends thereof. In some examples, the chemical composition includes at least one compound that is a salt. In some examples, the chemical composition includes at least one compound that is selected from the group consisting of urea, ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, barium hydroxide, thionyl chloride, potassium chloride, sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, hydrates thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0007] Also described is a thermoregulating device. The device includes a housing with one or more internal compartments, a fluid inlet connected to the one or more internal compartments, a sealable access opening into the one or more internal compartments, and one or more thermoregulating packets that are sized to pass through the sealable access opening and fit within the one or more internal compartments. In some examples, the housing is composed of a flexible and water-proof material. In some examples, the housing is wearable by a subject. In some examples, the housing is a vest. In some examples, the one or more internal compartments includes a plurality of ribs fixed to an interior surface of the housing. In some examples, the plurality of ribs form a plurality of fluidly connected channels within the one or more internal compartments. In some examples, the one or more thermoregulating packets is sized to fit within a width of at least one of the channels.

[0008] A waterproof, wearable garment is also described. The garment includes a plurality of fluidly connected channels within an internal compartment of the waterproof garment, a fluid inlet valve on the outer surface of the garment and fluidly connected to the channels within the internal compartment, and a sealable access opening to the internal compartment. In some examples, the garment is a vest. In some examples, each channel is defined by raised seams on two sides along a length of the channel. In some examples, the raised seams are fixed to an interior surface of the garment. In some examples, the garment also includes a thermoregulating packet sized to fit between the raised seams of a channel. In some examples, the thermoregulating packet is sized to fit through the sealable access opening. In some examples, the internal compartment is washable.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The foregoing purposes and features, as well as other purposes and features, will become apparent with reference to the description and accompanying figures below, which are included to provide an understanding of the invention and constitute a part of the specification, in which like numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic of the internal structure of an exemplary thermoregulating device.

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic of the internal structure of an exemplary thermoregulating device, highlighting the fluidly connected channels.

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic of the internal structure of an exemplary thermoregulating device with thermoregulating packets placed within the channels.

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic of an exemplary thermoregulating packet.

[0014] Figure 5 is a photographic image of a constructed thermoregulating packet.

[0015] Figure 6 is a schematic of exemplary layering structures of a thermoregulating packet.

[0016] Figure 7 depicts an image of a constructed, wearable thermoregulating device and water bladder.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following discussion omits or only briefly describes conventional features of thermoregulating devices that are apparent to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the pertinent arts may thus recognize that other elements may be desirable and / or necessary to implement the devices, systems, and / or methods described herein. It is noted that various examples are described in detail with reference to the drawings. Reference to these various examples does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are intended to be non-limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible implementations for the appended claims. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. As such, it is understood that this detailed description is exemplary and explanatory only and is not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the examples disclosed herein are based.

[0018] Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest reasonable interpretation. This includes meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and / or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

[0019] It is noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless otherwise specified. The terms “includes” and / or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0020] Relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top,” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then-described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intendedto require a particular orientation in actuality. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The phrases “operatively” or “operably connected” indicates such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.

[0021] Reference throughout the specification to “exemplary”, “one example”, “an example” or “some examples” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with at least one example of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one example”, “in an example” or “in some examples” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same example. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics of “one example”, “an example” or “some examples” may be combined in any suitable manner with each other to form additional examples of such combinations. It is intended that examples of the disclosed subject matter cover modifications and variations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components, steps, operations, functions, and / or points of reference as disclosed herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular configuration or orientation.

[0022] Moreover, throughout this disclosure, various aspects can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, 6, and any whole and partial increments there between. This applies regardless of the breadth of therange. As used herein, the term “about” in reference to a measurable value, such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of plus or minus 20%, plus or minus 10%, plus or minus 5%, plus or minus 1%, and plus or minus 0.1% of the specified value, as such variations are appropriate.

[0023] The terms “proximal,” “distal,” “anterior,” “posterior,” “medial,” “lateral,” “superior,” and “inferior” are defined by their standard usage indicating a directional term of reference. For example, “proximal” refers to a position that is situated nearer to the center of a body or point of attachment or interest, while “distal” refers to a position that is situated away from the center of the body or point of attachment or interest. In another example, “anterior” refers to the front of a body or structure, while “posterior” refers to the rear of a body or structure, in relation to a relative viewpoint. In another example, “medial” refers to the direction towards the midline of a body or structure, and “lateral” refers to the direction away from the midline of a body or structure. In some examples, “lateral” or “laterally” may refer to any sideways direction. In another example, “superior” refers to the top of a body or structure, while “inferior” refers to the bottom of a body or structure. It should be understood, however, that the directional term of reference may be interpreted within the context of a specific body or structure, such that a directional term referring to a location in the context of the reference body or structure may remain consistent as the orientation of the body or structure changes.

[0024] The terms “patient,” “subject,” “individual,” and the like are used interchangeably herein, and refer to any human, animal, or other living organism, amenable to the systems, devices and methods described herein.

[0025] The term “derivative” refers to a small molecule that differs in structure from the reference molecule, but retains the essential properties of the reference molecule. A derivative may change its interaction with certain other molecules relative to the reference molecule. A derivative molecule may also include a salt, an adduct, tautomer, isomer, or other variant of the reference molecule.

[0026] Described herein are thermoregulating devices configured to produce endothermic or exothermic reactions to either reduce the temperature or increase the temperature surrounding or adjacent to the thermoregulating device. While examples of the thermoregulating devicesdescribed herein are focused on endothermic reactions for the reduction of temperature, it should be appreciated that all features and characteristics pertaining to a change of temperature are also contemplated as equivalent features and characteristics pertaining to increases in temperature when an exothermic chemical composition is utilized.

[0027] Referring now to Figures 1-3, a thermoregulating device 100 is shown. Device 100 may include a rigid, flexible and / or elastic housing 102 forming one or more internal compartments 104, in which one or more thermoregulating packets 200 may be inserted or positioned. On the outside surface of the housing 102 is one or more fluid inlets 106, which is configured to couple or engage with a fluid line or source to permit a fluid to flow into the one or more compartments 104. Fluid inlet 106 may include a connector 107 for engaging a feed line 108 from a fluid source. Also on the outside surface of the housing 102 is one or more vents 105 connected to the one or more internal compartments 104. The housing 102 includes at least one sealable access opening 110 configured to permit access to the one or more internal compartments for purposes of inserting or positioning the thermoregulating packets 200 within an internal compartment, and further for access to cleaning and removing residual chemical composition matter from the one or more internal compartments after use. Accordingly, the unique design of the thermoregulating device 100 and packets 200 permit the system to be reloadable and reusable.

[0028] Housing 102 may be any desired shape or size, and may be rigid, flexible, elastic or any combination thereof. In some examples, the housing forms a wearable device, such as a garment or article of clothing, including a vest, jacket, hat, wrap, dressing, and the like. In some examples, the housing may include a strap or belt that may be releasably secured to position the device on a surface of a subject via a clip, buckle, snap, sinch, zipper or other attachment mechanism.

[0029] In some examples, the housing 102 comprises one or more sheets or layers of flexible material or fabric to form a sealable enclosure. In some examples, the housing 102 includes first and second layers that can be welded or bonded at or near the periphery to form the one or more internal compartments 104. Bonding can be achieved by any standard means, including via radiofrequency (RF) welding, heat sealing, sewing, adhesives, glues, and the like. In some examples, the housing 102 material is made of any suitable material known to one of skill in theart, preferably waterproof materials. In some embodiments, the first layer and the second layer may be made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), nylon, polyester, cotton, Teflon, vinyl, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the first layer and the second layer are made of a polyurethane film. In some examples, the first layer and the second layer further comprise a nylon coating on the outer surface. In some examples, the first layer and the second layer may be made of the same material or may be made of different materials. In some examples, the outer surface of the first layer is configured to contact the body of a subject. The thickness of the housing may be any thickness desired. Generally, the thicker the housing, the less energy and / or temperature transfer will occur, or at least at a slower rate, across the housing material. In some examples, the thickness of the first and second layers may be between about 150 microns to about 300 microns.

[0030] The one or more internal compartments 104 may be defined by the enclosure created by the first and second layers of the housing 102 welded or bonded together. Further, the one or more internal compartments 104 may be further defined by inclusion of one or more ribs or raised seams 103 positioned between the first and second layers of the housing 102. As such, these ribs or raised seams 103 may function as internal compartment side walls. As shown in Figure 2, internal ribs or raised seams 103 may form one or more channels 104a-104c (shown as dashed lines with arrows running within the channel along its length) through which a fluid can flow. In some examples, one or more channels may be an enclosed internal compartment that has a perimeter defined by one or more ribs or raised seams acting as sidewalls, and a top and bottom covering formed by the internal surfaces of the housing. In some examples, multiple channels may be fluidly connected to each other. For example, channels 104a and 104b may be fluidly connected to each other by channel 104c or by a gap 104d between ribs or raised seams 103. As contemplated herein, the channels may have any desired shape and may be oriented in any desired configuration relative to each other. In some examples, the ribs or raised seams 103 may be porous or have through holes, through which a fluid may pass. The ribs or raised seams 103 may be fixedly attached via welding or bonding to one or both of the top and bottom interior surfaces of the housing to hold them in place. In some examples, the ribs or raised seams 103 may be removably attached to one or both of the top and bottom interior surfaces of the housing. As such, the ribs or raised seams 103 can be removed for improved cleaning of the one or moreinternal compartments 104, and further to customize the number and size of channels created within an internal compartment.

[0031] Through the creation of fluidly connected channels within one or more internal compartments 104, the number of fluid inlets 106 can be reduced for introduction of a fluid into the internal compartments. For example, device 100 may include a single internal compartment 104 comprising a plurality of fluidly connected channels, such that a single fluid inlet 106 can be used to fill the entire internal compartment 104 via the plurality of channels. As such, the fluid inlet 106 can be positioned anywhere within the housing 102 and effectively permit a fluid to fill the entire internal compartment 104.

[0032] As mentioned previously, the one or more thermoregulating packets 200 may be inserted or otherwise positioned within the one or more internal compartments 104. In some examples, the thermoregulating packets 200 are sized and shaped to fit between the ribs or raised seams 103, like a frame. As such, the packets 200 can be fully or at least partially secured or otherwise held in place when positioned within one of the channels within an internal compartment 104, as shown in Figure 3. In some examples, a single packet 200 fits within a given channel. In some examples, multiple packets 200 fit aligned and linearly within a given channel. In some examples, each packet 200 is sized to fit within the width of a channel between respective ribs or raised seams 103. Insertion of the packets 200 occurs through the one or more sealable access openings 110. In some examples, the access opening 110 is a single opening along a peripheral edge of the housing 102, such as a bottom edge. In some examples, each internal compartment 104 or selected channels within internal compartment 104 each have their own access opening 1 10. As contemplated herein, the one or more access openings 110 may be resealable such that they are water-tight. Exemplary mechanisms for resealing include sealable flaps, zippers, and the like.

[0033] In some examples, device 100 may include additional layers either within the housing or adjacent the housing, such as insulating layers. For example, the housing when configured as a vest, will have a first exterior surface designed to be in contact with a subject when worn, and a second exterior surface that is not in contact with the subject when worn. Accordingly, the second surface may include an insulating layer to help direct and consolidate temperature transfer through the first surface in contact with the subject.

[0034] The fluid inlet 106 may comprise a seal or gasket configured to seal the edges of the fluid inlet to prevent the leakage of fluid. In some examples, the seal or gasket may be welded to the first or second layer of the housing 102. In some examples, the fluid inlet is connected to an intake tube with a connector 107 that is flexible for easy connection to the feed line 108 fluid source. In some examples, the fluid inlet 106 may comprise a valve. In some examples, the valve may be positioned external to the device 100 and may be manually actuatable. In some examples, opening the valve allows fluid flow into the plurality of channels of the one or more internal compartments 104, and closing the valve prevents fluid flow into the plurality of channels. In some examples, the valve may be a one-way valve, configured to allow fluid flow into the plurality of channels and prevent fluid flow out of the plurality of channels. In some embodiments, the device 100 may further comprise a separate fluid outlet, configured for fluid flow out of the plurality of channels and one or more internal compartments 104. In some embodiments, the fluid inlet 106 may be configured for both fluid inflow and fluid outflow.

[0035] The device 100 may further include one or more air vents 105 positioned within the housing 102. In some examples, the air vents 105 comprise sealable openings or valves in the first or second layer of the housing 102 and allow air outflow from the one or more internal compartments 104. In some examples, the air vents 105 comprise a hydrophobic porous membrane. In some examples, the air vents 105 may comprise a seal or gasket surrounding the air vents 105 to prevent leakage of fluid. In some examples, the seal or gasket may be welded to the first or second layer of the housing 102. In some examples, the air vents 105 are configured to release a pressure from the one or more internal compartments 104. The air vents 105 may be positioned at any location on the device 100 that provides access to the one or more internal compartments 104.

[0036] As contemplated herein, the device 100 may form part of a kit that also includes a fluid bladder that can serve as the source of fluid to feed into the device 100 (See, e.g., Figure 7). As such, the fluid bladder may include a tube and connector designed to couple with the connector attached to fluid inlet 106. Accordingly, the kit includes both the device 100 and the bladder as the fluid source to make the kit highly functional in remote settings. In some examples, the bladder may hold a volume of fluid ranging between about 0.5L and about 5L. In some examples, the bladder may be positioned within the one or more internal compartments,and may further include a fluid release valve that can be actuated from outside of the housing 102. In some examples, the bladder may be positioned centrally within the housing 102 for optimal fluid dispersal throughout the internal compartments 104. In some examples, the bladder may be configured to rupture for fluid release and dispersal.

[0037] As mentioned previously, the present invention provides one or more thermoregulating packets which are capable of absorbing heat from its surrounding environment. These packets may be utilized with any of the thermoregulating devices, systems and / or methods described herein. For example, one or more packets may be positioned within one or more compartments of a wearable garment, such as a vest. Figure 4 shows an exemplary thermoregulating packet 200. In some examples, the packet 200 includes a sponge, such as a compressed sponge 215, positioned within or surrounded by an endothermic or exothermic chemical composition 210, and an outer coating, layer or bag of a polymeric material 220 that encapsulates the chemical composition 210. Figure 5 is a photo image of an exemplary thermoregulating packet 200. In some examples, the compressed sponge 215 is a single, continuous piece. In some examples, the compressed sponge 215 is a collection of smaller sponge units organized into a layer. In some examples, the compressed sponge 215 is positioned in the middle of the chemical composition 210, such that a substantially equal amount of chemical composition 210 rests on top of and below the layer of compressed sponge 215. In some examples, the compressed sponge 215 is not in the middle of the chemical composition 210, such that substantially more of chemical composition 210 rests on one side of the layer of compressed sponge 215 than the other. As shown in Figure 4, when a liquid or fluid, such as water, comes into contact with the thermoregulating packet 200, the polymeric material 220 may dissolve, thereby releasing the chemical composition 210 to react endothermically or exothermically with exposure to the liquid or fluid, and further the compressed sponge 215 swells to promote a more even distribution of the reacting chemical composition 210. In some examples, the thermoregulating packets do not include a sponge. In some examples, a sponge or sponge layer may optionally be positioned within the channels of the internal compartments between the ribs or raised seams 103, and the thermoregulating packets 200 that do not include a sponge can be positioned adjacent to the sponge within the channels.

[0038] The packets 200 may have any desired size and any desired shape. In some examples, the size and shape of packets 200 will be based on the size and shape of a channel within the internal compartments of the housing. In other examples, the size and shape of packets 200 will be based on the opening through which packet 200 can be inserted into a compartment of device 100.

[0039] Reference is now made to Figures 6A-6E, in which multiple examples of packet 200 are shown in cross-section. For example, as shown in Figure 6A, packet 200 includes a compressed sponge 215 positioned within a composition 210 composed of one or more compounds, which itself is encased or encapsulated in a polymeric material 220. As shown in Figure 6B, the polymeric material 220 may have a first thickness 220a in certain regions, and may further have a second, greater thickness 220b in other regions. In some examples, the thickness of the polymeric material 220 around composition 210 is generally uniform. As shown in Figure 6C, the encasing or encapsulating material may have a first region comprising a first polymeric material 220 and a second region comprising a second polymeric material 222. In such examples, the first and second polymeric materials are different, thereby providing different properties or characteristics surrounding the chemical compound 210. As shown in Figure 6D, packet 200 may include multiple polymeric layers encasing or encapsulating chemical composition 210, such as one or more inner polymeric layers 220 and an outer layer 224. In some examples, there may be any number of inner or intermediate layers, such as 1, 2, 3, or more inner or intermediate polymeric layers. As shown in Figure 6E, packet 200 may include multiple chemical composition layers, such as a first, inner chemical composition layer 210 and an outer chemical composition layer 230 separated by an inner polymeric material layer 220. An outer polymeric material layer 226 encases or encapsulates the outer chemical composition layer 230. It should be appreciated that packet 200 may include any combination of features shown in Figures 6A-6E.

[0040] In some examples, the polymeric material is water-soluble, such that it dissolves when in contact with water. The speed at which the polymeric material in any particular layer of packet 200 dissolves may be based on both the thickness of the layer and the material selected.

[0041] In some examples, the polymer may be substituted or unsubstituted: polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyacrylamide (PAM), polyacrylic acid (PAA),polyamine, polyethyleneimine, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl ether, polyurethane, poly(maleic anhydride), composites thereof, derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, or blends thereof. In some examples, the polymer comprises a hydroxyl group. In some examples, the polymer comprises an ionic group. In some examples, the polymer comprises a quaternary ammonium. In some examples, the polymer comprises an electrophilic functional group. Exemplary electrophilic functional groups include, but are not limited to, carbonyls, amides, esters, amines, imines, anhydrides, and alkenes. In some examples, the polymer is polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). In some examples, the polymer is a copolymer. In some examples, the polymer is a blend. In some examples, fluid readily passes through a side wall of the packet.

[0042] In some examples, the polymer is hydrophilic. In one embodiment, the polymer is not soluble in water. In some examples, the polymer may be substituted or unsubstituted: synthetic polyolefins, i.e. polyethylene (PE), low-density PE (LDPE), very-low-density PE (VLDPE), ultra-low-density PE (ULDPE), medium-density PE (MDPE), linear low-density PE (LLDPE), high-density PE (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), or a polyalkene, polystyrene, poly(vinyl chlorides), poly(meth)acrylates, or natural fibers, i.e. lignocellulose, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, ash, composites thereof, derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, or blends thereof.

[0043] In some examples, the polymer is processed to provide polymeric material layer 220, 222, and 226. In certain embodiments, the polymer is processed to provide a nonwoven fabric. Exemplary methods of providing nonwoven fabrics include, but are not limited to, thermal bonding, hydroentangling, ultrasonic pattern bonding, needle punching / needle felting, chemical bonding, melt blowing, spunbonding, spunlacing, wet laying, and air laying.

[0044] In some examples, one or more polymer material layers is porous. In one embodiment, the polymeric material is a porous fiber. In one embodiment, the polymeric material is a nonwoven fabric. In one embodiment, the polymeric material is a commercially available nonwoven fabric. In some examples, the polymeric material is a dryer sheet, agricultural covering, apparel lining, food wrap (i.e. cheese wrap), geotextile, coffee filter, cosmetic wipe, household cleaning wipe, hygienic wipe, personal wipe, linen, tea bag, coffee bag, and upholstery.

[0045] In some examples, the polymeric material is selectively permeable to aqueous solution, such as water or a solution comprising water. In some examples, the polymeric material is selectively impermeable to chemical composition layers 210 or 230.. In some examples, the polymeric material is macroporous. In some examples, the polymeric material is microporous.

[0046] In some examples, the thickness of the polymeric material is 0.1 cm to 1.0 cm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the polymeric material is about 0.1 cm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the polymeric material is about 0.2 cm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the polymeric material is about 0.3 cm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the polymeric material is about 0.4 cm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the polymeric material is about 0.5 cm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the polymeric material is about 0.6 cm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the polymeric material is about 0.8 cm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the polymeric material is about 0.9 cm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the polymeric material is about 1.0 cm.

[0047] In some examples, the density of the polymeric material is about 0.1 g / cm3to 0.4 g / cm3. In one embodiment, the density of the polymeric material is about 0.1 g / cm3. In one embodiment, the density of the polymeric material is about 0.2 g / cm3. In one embodiment, the density of the polymeric material is about 0.3 g / cm3. In one embodiment, the density of the polymeric material is about 0.4 g / cm3.

[0048] As contemplated herein, chemical composition 210 and / or 230 may include one or more compounds. In some examples, the one or more compounds is a salt. In some examples, the one or more compounds comprises a metal. Exemplary metals include, but are not limited to, lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, aluminum, gallium, indium, tin, titanium, vanadium, chromium, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, silver, any oxidation state thereof, alloys thereof, and any combination thereof. In some examples, the one or more compounds is organic. In some examples, the one or more compounds is urea, ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, barium hydroxide, thionyl chloride, potassium chloride, sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, hydrates thereof, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the one or more compounds is urea. In some examples, the one or more compounds is ammonium chloride. In some examples, the one or more compounds is ammonium nitrate.

[0049] In some examples, the chemical composition undergoes an exothermic reaction when in contact with a fluid. In some examples, the chemical composition undergoes an endothermic reaction when in contact with a fluid. In some examples, the endothermic reaction absorbs heat from the surrounding environment. The present invention provides, in part, a thermoregulating packet which undergoes unexpectedly enhanced cooling of a surrounding environment.

[0050] In some examples, the endothermic reaction reduces the temperature of the surrounding environment by 1 °F to about 15 °F, by 1 °F to about 14 °F, by 1 °F to about 13 °F, by 1 °F to about 12 °F, by 1 °F to about 11 °F, by 1 °F to about 10 °F, by 1 °F to about 9 °F, by 1 °F to about 8 °F, by 1 °F to about 7 °F, by 1 °F to about 6 °F, or by 1 °F to about 5 °F. In some examples, the endothermic reaction reduces the temperature of the surrounding environment by 2 °F to about 15 °F, by 2 °F to about 14 °F, by 2 °F to about 13 °F, by 2 °F to about 12 °F, by 2 °F to about 11 °F, by 2 °F to about 10 °F, by 2 °F to about 9 °F, by 2 °F to about 8 °F, by 2 °F to about 7 °F, by 2 °F to about 6 °F, or by 2 °F to about 5 °F. In some examples, the endothermic reaction reduces the temperature of the surrounding environment by 3 °F to about 15 °F, by 3 °F to about 14 °F, by 3 °F to about 13 °F, by 3 °F to about 12 °F, by 3 °F to about 11 °F, by 3 °F to about 10 °F, by 3 °F to about 9 °F, by 3 °F to about 8 °F, by 3 °F to about 7 °F, by 3 °F to about 6 °F, or by 3 °F to about 5 °F.

[0051] In some examples, the endothermic reaction reduces the temperature of the surrounding environment by at least 1 °F, at least 2 °F, at least 3 °F, at least 4 °F, at least 5 °F, at least 6 °F, at least 7 °F, at least 8 °F, at least 9 °F, or at least 10 °F.

[0052] In some examples, the endothermic reaction occurs in 1 second to 30 minutes. In some examples, the endothermic reaction occurs in less than about 1 second, in less than about 30 seconds, in less than about 1 minute, in less than about 2 minutes, in less than about 3 minutes, in less than about 5 minutes, in less than about 6 minutes, in less than about 7 minutes, in less than about 8 minutes, in less than about 9 minutes, in less than about 10 minutes, in less than about 20 minutes, or in less than about 30 minutes.

[0053] In some examples, the endothermic reaction reduces the temperature of the surrounding environment at a rate of 0.01 °F / min to 1 °F / min, at a rate of 0.05 °F / min to 1°F / min, at a rate of 0.1 °F / min to 1 °F / min, at a rate of 0.2 °F / min to 1 °F / min, at a rate of 0.3 °F / min to 1 °F / min, at a rate of 0.4 °F / min to 1 °F / min, at a rate of 0.5 °F / min to 1 °F / min, at a rate of 0.01 °F / min to 0.1 °F / min, at a rate of 0.05 °F / min to 0.1 °F / min, at a rate of 0.01 °F / min to 0.2 °F / min, or at a rate of 0.05 °F / min to 0.2 °F / min.

[0054] In some examples, the endothermic reaction reduces the temperature of the surrounding environment at a rate of at least 0.01 °F / min, at a rate of at least 0.05 °F / min, at a rate of at least 0.1 °F / min, at a rate of at least 0.2 °F / min, at a rate of at least 0.3 °F / min, at a rate of at least 0.4 °F / min, at a rate of at least 0.5 °F / min, at a rate of at least 0.6 °F / min, at a rate of at least 0.7 °F / min, at a rate of at least 0.8 °F / min, at a rate of at least 0.9 °F / min, or at a rate of at least 1 °F / min.EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES

[0055] The invention is further described in detail by reference to the following experimental examples. These examples are provided for purposes of illustration only, and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified. Thus, the invention should in no way be construed as being limited to the following examples, but rather, should be construed to encompass any and all variations which become evident as a result of the teaching provided herein.

[0056] Without further description, it is believed that one of ordinary skill in the art can, using the preceding description and the following illustrative examples, make and utilize the present invention and practice the claimed methods. The following working examples therefore, specifically point out the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting in any way the remainder of the disclosure.Example 1 : Wearable Thermoregulating Device

[0057] The present invention is a non-toxic FDA approved Class 1 medical device (Figure 1). Versions of the present invention can lower core body temperatures by at least 5 °F in less than 30 minutes. The present invention can be deployed in seconds by adding 3 L of liquid to the vest via the bladder and connector. It can be easily deployed by any non-medical personnelvirtually anywhere in minutes and should be used at the first sign of heat stroke or other heat related illness during the time it takes first responders to arrive.

[0058] Cooling is activated in three easy steps with no prior medical training required. Cooling is triggered when internal chemicals are activated by adding fluid. Since there is no battery required, it does not need any charging or electricity. Further, it can be stored anywhere in any environment as long as it remains sealed. The devices and systems described herein require no refrigeration and provide longer cooling than competitive systems and techniques for lowering body temperature, such as chemical ice packs, ice sheets, and ice baths.

[0059] The disclosures of each and every patent, patent application, and publication cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. While this invention has been disclosed with reference to specific embodiments, it is apparent that other embodiments and variations of this invention may be devised by others skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A thermoregulating packet, comprising: a chemical composition; a sponge layer embedded within the chemical composition; and a water-soluble polymeric layer encapsulating the chemical composition.

2. The thermoregulating packet of claim 1, wherein the sponge layer is a compressed sponge.

3. The thermoregulating packet of claim 1, wherein the chemical composition includes at least one compound that undergoes an endothermic reaction when in contact with a fluid.

4. The thermoregulating packet of claim 1, wherein the polymeric layer includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted: polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyacrylamide (PAM), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyamine, polyethyleneimine, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl ether, polyurethane, poly(maleic anhydride), copolymers thereof, and blends thereof.4X. The thermoregulating packet of claim 1, wherein the polymeric layer includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted: polyethylene (PE), low- density PE (LDPE), very-low-density PE (VLDPE), ultra-low-density PE (ULDPE), mediumdensity PE (MDPE), linear low-density PE (LLDPE), high-density PE (HOPE), polypropylene (PP), a polyalkene, polystyrenes, polyfvinyl chlorides), poly(meth)acrylates, lignocellulose, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, ash, composites thereof, derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, or blends thereof.

5. The thermoregulating packet of claim 1, wherein the chemical composition includes at least one compound that is a salt.

6. The thermoregulating packet of claim 1, wherein the chemical composition includes at least one compound that is selected from the group consisting of urea, ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, barium hydroxide, thionyl chloride, potassium chloride, sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, hydrates thereof, and combinations thereof.

7. A thermoregulating device, comprising: a housing with one or more internal compartments; a fluid inlet connected to the one or more internal compartments; a sealable access opening into the one or more internal compartments; and one or more of the thermoregulating packets of claim 1, wherein the one or more thermoregulating packets is sized to pass through the sealable access opening and fit within the one or more internal compartments.

8. The thermoregulating device of claim 7, wherein the housing is composed of a flexible and water-proof material.

9. The thermoregulating device of claim 8, wherein the housing is wearable by a subject.

10. The thermoregulating device of claim 9, wherein the housing is a vest.

11. The thermoregulating device of claim 7, wherein the one or more internal compartments includes a plurality of ribs fixed to an interior surface of the housing.

12. The thermoregulating device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of ribs forms a plurality of fluidly connected channels within the one or more internal compartments.

13. The thermoregulating device of claim 12, wherein the one or more thermoregulating packets is sized to fit within a width of at least one of the channels.

14. A wearable garment, comprising:a plurality of fluidly connected channels within an internal compartment of a waterproof garment; a fluid inlet valve on the outer surface of the garment and fluidly connected to the channels within the internal compartment; and a sealable access opening to the internal compartment.

15. The garment of claim 14, wherein the garment is a vest.

16. The garment of claim 14, wherein each channel is defined by raised seams on two sides along a length of the channel.

17. The garment of claim 16, wherein the raised seams are fixed to an interior surface of the garment.

18. The garment of claim 16, further comprising a thermoregulating packet sized to fit between the raised seams of a channel, the thermoregulating packet including a chemical composition, a sponge layer embedded within the chemical composition, and a water-soluble polymeric layer encapsulating the chemical composition.

19. The garment of claim 18, wherein the thermoregulating packet is sized to fit through the sealable access opening.

20. The garment of claim 19, wherein the internal compartment is washable.

21. A thermoregulating device comprising: a housing with one or more internal compartments; a fluid source positioned within or connected to the one or more internal compartments; a sealable access opening into the one or more internal compartments; and one or more of the thermoregulating packets of claim 1, wherein the one or more thermoregulating packets is sized to pass through the sealable access opening and fit within the one or more internal compartments.

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