Evaporative cooling article

Abstract

Evaporative cooling material comprising three layers of nonwoven material. The innermost layer can be a breathable laminate, the central layer can be an absorbent material, and the outermost layer can be a wicking material that allows evaporative liquid to reach the central layer. The material can be used to fabricate garments such as vests, shorts and other articles such as blankets and compresses. The material is suited for use in hot conditions.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A material for evaporative cooling, said material comprising three layers of nonwoven material: 
 a first nonwoven layer which is liquid impermeable and vapor permeable;    a second nonwoven absorbent layer; and    a third nonwoven layer which is liquid permeable.    
     
     
         2 . The material of  claim 1 , wherein said second layer absorbs at least about 1.0 pounds of water per square yard.  
     
     
         3 . The material of  claim 2 , wherein said second layer absorbs at least about 2.0 pounds of water per square yard.  
     
     
         4 . The material of  claim 3 , wherein said second layer absorbs at least about 2.8 pounds of water per square yard within two minutes.  
     
     
         5 . The material of  claim 1 , wherein each nonwoven layer comprises a polymeric material.  
     
     
         6 . The material of  claim 5 , wherein said polymeric material is a polyalkylene or polyester material.  
     
     
         7 . The material of  claim 6 , wherein said polymeric material is polypropylene.  
     
     
         8 . The material of  claim 1 , wherein said second layer comprises a polyhydroxylated material.  
     
     
         9 . The material of  claim 8 , wherein said polyhydroxylated material is selected from cellulosic material, or starch material.  
     
     
         10 . The material of  claim 9 , wherein said polyhydroxylated material is 60-80% of said second layer, by weight.  
     
     
         11 . An evaporative cooling article comprising the material of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         12 . The article of  claim 11 , wherein said article is a garment  
     
     
         13 . The article of  claim 12 , wherein said garment is a vest.  
     
     
         14 . The article of  claim 11 , wherein said article is a blanket.  
     
     
         15 . A method of providing evaporative cooling to a subject, said method comprising providing an evaporative cooling article of  claim 11 , wherein said article further contains water, and contacting the subject with said water-containing article.