Wrist & headband with a source of cooling energy

Abstract

The wrist or headband described herein is of composite construction, specifically, an essentially continuous elastic band or sleeve, which is anatomically conforming in overall dimensions to the approximate wrist or headband size of a wearer; and, a moisture absorbent material, associated with at least one end of the sleeve, to wick moisture from the interface of a wearer and the sleeve into a reservoir located on the exterior surface of the sleeve. The sleeve is preferably fabricated of the same material as the foam fabric used in the fabrication of a SCUBA diver's suit, specifically, a closed cell foam. The thickness of such materials is generally uniform throughout the device and designed to provide more than adequate thermal insulation for the source of cooling energy housed within the device. The sleeve is further modified on the interior surface thereof (also “skin contact surface”) to accommodate a source of thermal energy (also “chill pack”). This modification of the interior of the sleeve (also herein “chill pocket”) can include a compartment for containment of a source of cooling thermal energy, or integral bladder containing a high heat capacity fluid or gel.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . In an anatomically fitted sleeve or band having a source of cooling energy and a perspiration absorbing member, wherein the improvement comprises: 
 an essentially continuous anatomically fitted sleeve or band of thermally insulating, elastomeric material, wherein said sleeve or band is anatomically conforming to a feature or appendage of a wearer so as to remain in place during relatively strenuous activities of said wearer,    said anatomically fitted sleeve or band having associated therewith (a) means for supply of cooling energy to said wearer and (b) means for absorption of perspiration, said thermally insulating elastomeric material comprising a closed cell foam like material being essentially devoid of thermal transmission,    each of said cooling energy supply means and said perspiration absorption means being discrete and independent of the other and associated with said sleeve ( 10 ) of elastomeric material to impart cooling energy to said wearer and absorb preparation from said wearer during use.    
     
     
         2 . The anatomically fitted sleeve or band of  claim 1 , wherein the thermally insulating elastomeric material is essentially the same as the materials used in the fabrication of a SCUBA diver's wet suit.  
     
     
         3 . The wrist band of  claim 1 , wherein the perspiration absorbing means comprises a wicking means and a reservoir.  
     
     
         4 . The wrist band of  claim 1 , wherein the cooling energy supply means comprises a high heat capacity gel-like material that is capable of chilling to and release of cooling thermally energy.  
     
     
         5 . The wrist band of  claim 1 , wherein the said sleeve includes an insert or fastener to permit said sleeve to be adjusted on, or released from, an anatomical feature or appendage of said wearer.