CN116033843A

CN116033843A - Flexible cooling clothing system

Info

Publication number: CN116033843A
Application number: CN202180055217.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·R·阿诺德; B·C·布兰特; A·J·戴德曼; P·A·罗斯; K·C·斯泽
Original assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA
Current assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA
Priority date: 2020-09-08
Filing date: 2021-08-31
Publication date: 2023-04-28
Also published as: WO2022055746A1; EP4210526A1

Abstract

Aspects herein relate to a cooling system kit. The cooling system kit includes a cooling vest configured to be worn by a wearer. The one or more pockets on the back core may be configured to hold one or more ice bags. The one or more pockets may include stretch material on an anterior portion of the one or more pockets. The one or more pockets may also include a non-stretch material on a back portion of the one or more pockets. The cooling system suit also includes an upper torso garment configured to be worn on the cooling back, the upper torso garment including a reflective outer surface and a plurality of apertures evenly distributed on the upper torso garment.

Description

Flexible cooling clothing system

Technical Field

Aspects herein relate to a flexible cooling garment system configured to cool a wearer.

Background

Conventional cooling garments (e.g., cooling vests) may not be sufficient to support the weight or shape of an item (e.g., an ice bag) coupled to the cooling vest. Furthermore, conventional cooling garments and ice bags may be rigid or otherwise inflexible such that they do not adequately conform to the body of the wearer or cause discomfort during the wearer's activities.

Drawings

Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an example cooling vest system worn by a wearer according to aspects herein.

Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of a shoulder strap and a front view of a pocket of a cooling garment, with a second outer layer of the pocket partially separated to better illustrate the pocket, according to aspects herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a cooling garment system worn by a wearer according to aspects herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of a cooling garment system worn by a wearer in accordance with aspects herein.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front perspective view of a first example ice bag according to aspects herein.

Fig. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the ice bag of fig. 5 filled with a fill material, in accordance with aspects herein.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front perspective view of a second example ice bag according to aspects herein.

Fig. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of the ice bag of fig. 7 filled with a fill material, in accordance with aspects herein.

Fig. 9 illustrates a side top view of an open ice bag according to aspects herein.

Fig. 10 illustrates a front view of a reflective upper body garment configured to be worn on a cooled back core as described herein, in accordance with aspects herein.

Fig. 11 illustrates a back view of the retroreflective upper body garment of fig. 10 in accordance with aspects hereof.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example cooling system kit according to aspects herein, including a cooling vest as described herein, one or more ice packs, and the reflective upper body garment of FIG. 10, wherein the components of the kit are packaged together.

FIG. 13 illustrates a second example cooling system kit according to aspects herein, including a cooling vest as described herein, one or more ice packs, and the reflective upper body garment of FIG. 10, wherein the components of the kit are individually packaged.

FIG. 14 illustrates a wearer donning a cooling vest described herein according to aspects herein.

FIG. 15 illustrates the wearer of FIG. 14 positioning an ice bag within one of the pockets of the cooling back, in accordance with aspects herein.

Fig. 16 illustrates the wearer of fig. 14 donning the retroreflective upper body garment of fig. 10 in accordance with aspects hereof.

Detailed Description

The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Furthermore, although the terms "step" and/or "block" may be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.

At a high level, certain aspects herein relate to a flexible cooling garment system configured to cool a wearer before, during, and/or after an activity (e.g., exercise) of the wearer. In one aspect, the cooling garment system can include a vest configured to be worn by a wearer and one or more pockets on the vest configured to hold one or more ice packs. The pockets may be formed by a first inner layer material that may include a non-stretch material and a second outer layer material that may include a stretch material. The stretched material of the second outer layer of the pocket may help secure the ice bag or bags to the torso of the wearer because stretching of the garment may fully expand the ice bag to its capacity while additionally causing greater pressure on the surface area of the ice bag due to the elastic nature of the stretched material. Additionally, the non-stretch material of the first inner layer of the one or more pockets may help support the weight of the ice bag so that the ice bag does not sag or otherwise move beyond the intended contact point of the wearer's body.

In other aspects, the system may include one or more ice bags including at least a first aperture configured to receive a first end of at least one shoulder strap. The system may also include a garment including one or more pockets configured to hold one or more ice bags. The shoulder strap may be disposed on a shoulder region of the garment and may include a first end configured to pass through a first aperture of the one or more ice packs. The shoulder straps may also help secure one or more ice bags to the torso of the wearer and support the weight and shape of the ice bags. In contrast to the strapless system, the shoulder straps may help secure one or more ice packs to the torso of the wearer, maintaining the ice packs in an upright extended position. While the strapless system may cause the ice bag to collapse or compress due to gravity and other movement forces, particularly as the ice within the ice bag begins to melt. In some aspects, when the garment is in the wearing configuration, the particular ends of the shoulder straps extend downward and are secured to the upper portion of the ice bag, which causes the ice bag to maintain its expanded shape when pulled downward due to gravity, while the shoulder straps maintain the ice bag in an upright position. The shoulder straps may also help prevent the ice bag from shifting or bouncing during various activities during and while being worn, such as exercising or engaging in athletic activities. In this way, the ice bag can maintain continuous contact with the wearer rather than sporadic contact that can occur without the shoulder strap mechanism.

In other aspects, an ice bag configured for use with a cooling garment may include at least one flex zone. The flex zones may correspond to one or more points or zones at which the first front portion of the ice bag and the first back portion of the ice bag are attached to one another such that the one or more points or zones are not filled with a fill substance (e.g., water). The ice bag may also include one or more second apertures disposed adjacent to the at least one flexion zone. The apertures may extend from a second front portion of the ice bag through a second back portion of the ice bag. The flexion zones and apertures on the ice bag may allow the ice bag to more closely conform to the chest or other body part of the wearer and generally do not limit the range of motion. For example, various flex zones on the ice bag may effectively act as joints or axis points about which the remainder of the corresponding ice bag portion may axially rotate or move. Thus, for example, the ice bag may more closely conform to the contours of the wearer's body, as the flex region may bend where the body changes size or shape. In another example, the aperture and flex region may also act as a hinge or point about which the rest of the ice bag may move during certain movements by the wearer. Without these holes and/or flex zones, the ice bag would not typically bend or fold in response to the movement of the wearer, which may cause discomfort or strain during movement. These apertures may reduce the surface area of the ice bag and act as a point of movement such that as the wearer moves, the stiffness of the ice bag decreases and the ice bag may more conform to the contours of the wearer.

In an additional aspect, a retroreflective upper body garment in the form of a jacket may be provided, wherein the retroreflective upper body garment is configured to be worn on a vest containing ice packs. The retroreflective upper body garment has a retroreflective outer surface and further includes a plurality of apertures evenly distributed on the upper body garment. The reflective outer surface of the upper body garment reflects heat and/or sun away from the wearer and may promote cooling, especially when used in conjunction with a vest/ice-bag system. In addition, the plurality of apertures allow air to enter and exit the upper body garment, which may help to facilitate evaporative heat transfer.

Aspects herein also contemplate a cooling system kit including, for example, a cooling vest as described herein, a reflective upper body garment, and one or more ice packs. The kit of parts may be packaged separately or together for sale to the consumer. To use the cooling system, the wearer may fill the ice bag with a filling substance, such as water, and optionally cool the ice bag according to the filling substance. The wearer wears the cooling vest, positions the ice pack in one of the pockets on the cooling vest, and wears the reflective upper body garment. This may occur before, during or after the wearer's movement.

As used herein, the location and extent of the terms of movement, such as "inner", "outer", "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "front", "back", "flexion", "extension", "abduction", "adduction", etc., shall be given their common meaning for cooling garments worn as intended, as well as for cooling garments worn by an imaginary wearer standing in an upright position (i.e., standing in an anatomical position) as shown and described herein. Further, the phrase "configured to contact" or other similar phrase as used in describing various portions of the garment that are associated with a wearer refers to a support garment that is sized to fit a particular wearer. As used herein, terms such as "fastening" or "securing" generally refer to attachment methods between two or more elements that generally maintain the elements in a fixed relationship relative to each other. As used herein, terms such as "adjustably secured" refer to an attachment method that allows at least one element (such as a strap) to be adjusted (e.g., shortened or lengthened) relative to another element (such as an upper portion of an ice bag surface).

As used herein, the term "stretch material" refers to a textile or material formed using elastomeric yarns. The elastomeric yarn may generally be provided under load before returning to its unstretched state upon removal of the load Greater than about 200% of maximum draw, and some elastomeric yarns provide about 400% of maximum draw. Examples of elastomeric yarn types include

Lycra, rubber, etc. Further, examples of stretch materials or textiles may include stretch woven materials, stretch knit materials, stretch nonwoven materials, and the like. As used herein, the term "non-stretch material" refers to a textile or material (e.g., cotton, silk, polyester, conventional jean, and/or other non-elastic polymers) formed using non-elastomeric yarns that generally stretch in an amount not exceeding a threshold. In other words, the stretch ability of the non-stretch material is lower than the stretch material.

As used herein, the term "cooling garment" or "garment" may mean an upper body garment (e.g., vest, shirt, jacket, support garment, etc.), a lower body garment (e.g., shorts, pants, etc.), or a combination of upper body and lower body garments (e.g., full body tights, coveralls, etc.).

Turning now to fig. 1, a front perspective view of an example cooling garment system 100 being worn by a wearer 102 is illustrated in accordance with aspects herein. Although the temperature reducing garment system 100 is depicted as including a vest 101, it should be appreciated that the temperature reducing garment system 100 may alternatively or additionally include any suitable temperature reducing garment, such as a shirt, jacket, and/or other wearable item. The vest 101 includes a pocket 106, the pocket 106 including a pocket 106-1, a pocket 106-2, an inlet opening 106-3, an inlet opening 106-4, and an outer layer 106-5. Pockets 106-1 and 106-2 are located on the front or front portion of the vest 101 and are disposed on the front torso and chest portions of the wearer 102. The pockets 106-1 and 106-2 are each configured to receive an ice bag 108-1 and 108-2, respectively (collectively referred to herein as "ice bag 108"). The pockets 106-1 and 106-2 may each include an inlet opening 106-3 and 106-4 at an upper portion of the pockets 106-1 and 106-2, respectively, such that the corresponding ice pockets 108-1 and 108-2 may be inserted into the pockets 106-1 and 106-2. In some aspects, the lower or bottom of the pockets 106-1 and 106-2 may not include an inlet, which may support the weight of the ice bag 108. Although the temperature reducing garment system 100 depicts two ice packs 108-1 and 108-2, and two pockets 106-1 and 106-2, it should be understood that this number is merely representative and that any suitable number may be present. For example, in some aspects, the cooling garment system 100 can include a single pocket and a single corresponding ice pocket, or more than two pockets and corresponding ice pockets.

The temperature reducing garment system 100 further includes an optional slider mechanism 112, the slider mechanism 112 being disposed between the pockets 106-1 and 106-2 and may form the inner edges or medial edges of the pockets 106-1 and 106-2 in some aspects. The slider mechanism 112 may include a strap that extends along the longitudinal or vertical length of the pockets 106-1 and 106-2. The slider mechanism 112 includes a slider configured to reversibly open and close the slider mechanism 112 and correspondingly open and close the vest 101 so that the wearer 102 can put on or take off the vest 101. While the temperature reducing garment system 100 includes the slider mechanism 112 as a fastening mechanism, it should be understood that any suitable fastening mechanism may alternatively or additionally be used to secure or put on the vest 101. For example, rather than pulling up the vest 101 by the slider mechanism 112, the wearer 102 secures the vest 101 in various aspects by one or more buttons, snaps, or hook-and-loop fasteners.

As described above, the temperature reducing garment system 100 also includes the ice packs 108-1 and 108-2, each of the ice packs 108-1 and 108-2 including the apertures 110-1 and 110-2, respectively, in an upper or upper portion of the ice pack 108. These apertures (collectively referred to herein as "apertures 110") and the remainder of the upper portion of the ice bag 108 are illustrated as being exposed or uncovered by the pocket 106 or a portion of the vest 101. This may make it easier for the wearer 102 to remove and/or place the ice bag 108 from and/or to the inlet openings 106-3 and 106-4 of the pockets 106-1 and 106-2 and/or to fasten the shoulder straps 104-1 and 104-2 to the ice bag 108 via the apertures 110. Shoulder straps 104-1 and 104-2 (collectively referred to herein as shoulder straps 104) are each configured to be fastened or secured to ice bag 108 by passing respective ends through aperture 110, as described in more detail below. The shoulder straps 104 are oriented at least partially horizontally or transversely over a shoulder region of the vest 101 (e.g., 116-1) or the wearer 102, and longitudinally over a front portion of the vest 101 or the wearer 102 to attach to an upper portion of the ice pack 108. In various aspects, the ice bag 108 may include various flex zones and additional holes, as described in more detail below.

The vest 101 includes inner portions 116-1 and 116-2 (collectively referred to herein as "inner layers 116"). The inner layer 116 is positioned adjacent to the anterior or frontal portion of the pocket 106 (i.e., the outer layer 106-5) such that the opposing surfaces of the inner layer 116 and the outer layer 106-5 of the pocket 106 are positioned adjacent to each other. In a particular aspect, the pocket 106 is formed as a space between the inner layer 116 and the outer layer 106-5, and the outer layer 106-5 may be present only in certain portions of the vest 101, such as the portion where the pocket 106 is located. As such, the ice packs 108-1 and 108-2 are disposed between the inner layer 116 and the outer layer 106-5. The inner layer 116 may comprise the innermost layer of the vest 101 such that the innermost layer is located adjacent to the body surface of the wearer 102 (e.g., the skin surface or the surface of the wearer 102 covered by, for example, a base layer).

The inner layer portion 116-1 may abut the shoulder strap 104-1 and be positioned below the shoulder strap 104-1. In some aspects, the shoulder straps 104 are stitched or otherwise permanently secured to the inner layer 116. In other aspects, the shoulder straps 104 are separate items such that they are not sewn or permanently attached to the inner layer 116, but are removably attached to the inner layer 116 using, for example, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, and the like. Although the vest 101 is shown without sleeves, in some aspects the inner layer 116-1 may be extended to form a short sleeve or long sleeve (e.g., a sleeve of a long sleeve T shirt) such that a portion of the arm of the wearer 102 is covered (e.g., the entire arm of a person is down the length of the wrist portion of the arm). The vest 101 also includes a neck-opening inner layer portion 116-2 of the inner layer 116, the neck-opening inner layer portion 116-2 being configured to be placed over the head of the wearer 102 in order to wear the vest 101. In some aspects, the portion (not shown) of the inner layer 116 positioned below the ice bag 108 represents the back side or rear of the pocket 106. Inner layer 116 or any portion of cooling garment system 100 can be made of any suitable material, such as knitted mesh, woven material, nylon, cotton, polyester, silk, and the like. In various aspects, the inner layer 116 or back portion of the pocket 106 is formed from a non-stretch material, such as a non-stretch woven material, a non-stretch knit material, a non-stretch nonwoven material, or the like. In various aspects, the outer layer 106-5 is formed from a stretch material including a stretch woven material, a stretch knit material, a stretch nonwoven material, and the like.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of shoulder straps 204-1 and pocket 206 (representing first inner layer 206-3, second outer layer 206-1, and lower rim 206-5) of cooling garment 200, with a portion of second outer layer 206-1 of pocket 206 partially separated to better illustrate pocket 206. In some embodiments, the temperature reducing garment 200 represents the vest 101 of fig. 1, and vice versa. For example, in some aspects, pocket 206 represents pocket 106-1 (and/or 106-2) of fig. 1, and vice versa. In some aspects, the first inner layer 206-3 represents the inner layers 116-1 and/or 116-2 of FIG. 1, and vice versa. Also, in some aspects, the second outer layer 206-1 represents the outer layer 106-5 of FIG. 1, and vice versa. In an example aspect, the first inner layer 206-3 can form a remainder of the cooling garment 200. The inward facing surface of the second outer layer 206-1 is positioned adjacent to the outward facing surface of the first inner layer 206-3 such that the second outer layer 206-1 forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the cooling garment 200 and is at least partially visible when the associated cooling garment 200 is worn by a wearer. In various aspects, the first inner layer 206-3 can include an inner (or body-facing) layer of the cooling garment 200. In some aspects, the second outer layer 206-1 is or includes a stretch material (e.g., a stretch woven material) and the first inner layer 206-3 is or includes a non-stretch material.

By configuring the pocket 206 such that the second outer layer 206-1 of the pocket 206 is formed of a stretched material and the first inner layer 206-3 of the pocket 206 is formed of a non-stretched material, the pocket 206 is configured to both support the weight of the ice bag and help conform the ice bag closer to the body of the wearer. Because the first inner layer 206-3 comprises a non-stretch material, it provides support when the ice bag is in an inserted or upright position so that the ice bag does not sag or face downward due to gravity. In some example aspects, the lower edge 206-5 of the second outer layer 206-1 also includes a non-stretch material to further prevent sagging or drooping of the ice bag. Because the second outer layer 206-1 generally comprises a stretched material, the inserted ice bag may conform more to the wearer than portions having non-stretched material, because the stretched material may maintain the ice bag in an extended or upright form (e.g., the ice bag does not sag, deform, bend, etc.) and maintain continuous pressure against the ice bag and the wearer. For example, the wearer may have to exert an initial tension on the second outer layer 206-1 in order to insert the ice bag into the pocket 206. However, due to the elastic nature of the stretched material, when the ice bag is fully positioned in the pocket 206, the stretched material may undergo an elastic process that resumes its original shape. Thus, the wearer's body may be subjected to greater pressure due to the elastic forces, and the ice bag may not collapse or compress because these elastic forces counteract the force of gravity. In some aspects, because of the ability of the pouch to stretch, the stretch material allows the wearer to more easily place the ice bag in the pouch inlet than other non-stretch materials that are not pliable.

Shoulder strap 204-1 includes at least a first end that includes, for example, a male end 201 of the connecting element and a portion that includes a female end 203 of the connecting element. In some aspects, a first end of the shoulder strap 204-1 is configured to pass through the aperture 110-2 of the ice bag 108-2, and the male end 201 may be snapped or secured into the female end 203 such that a portion of the ice bag 108-2 is secured at the loop portion 205 of the shoulder strap 204-1. In this manner, when male end 201 and female end 203 are coupled, shoulder strap 204-1 forms a loop, and then ice bag 108-2 may extend from newly formed loop portion 205 through aperture 110-2. While fig. 2 illustrates that the shoulder straps 204-1 include a snap mechanism to help secure the ice bag to the cooling garment 200, in other aspects, the shoulder straps 204-1 may include other fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, buttons, releasable adhesive, and the like. In some aspects, shoulder straps 204-1 may be adjustably secured to ice bag 108-2 such that the wearer may loosen or tighten shoulder straps 204-1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a cooling garment system 300 worn by a wearer 302 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the cooling garment system 300 represents a side view of the same cooling garment system 100 of fig. 1 and/or cooling garment 200 of fig. 2, and vice versa. However, in other aspects, the cooling garment system 100 may have ice pockets and pockets only on the front portion of the cooling vest such that there are no ice pockets, for example, on the back portion. The temperature reducing garment system 300 includes a pocket 306-1 on a front portion of the garment 301 and a pocket 306-2 on a back portion of the garment 301, each of which is configured to receive an ice pocket 308-1 and 308-2, respectively. In some aspects, there is a second pocket (not visible due to the viewing angle) on the front portion and/or the back portion.

FIG. 3 illustrates that shoulder straps 304-1 may help secure and retain both ice packs 308-1 and 308-2. The intermediate portion of shoulder strap 304-1 is disposed or oriented laterally over the shoulder area of garment 301 or wearer 302. Shoulder strap 304-1 includes a second end 304-2, which second end 304-2 is configured to be placed through aperture 310-2 on ice bag 308-2 to be secured or fastened to ice bag 308-2 (e.g., in the manner described in fig. 2). Shoulder strap 304-1 also includes a first end 304-3, which first end 304-3 is configured to be placed through an aperture 310-1 in ice bag 308-1 to be secured or fastened to ice bag 308-1 (e.g., in the manner described in fig. 2). Thus, shoulder straps 304-1 are continuous items in all respects that can help secure the front and rear ice packs to garment 301, thereby preventing ice packs 308-1 and 308-2 from shifting or bouncing during wearer activity and helping to cool the chest and back of the wearer. Further, shoulder straps 304-1 may help ice packs 308 (representing both ice packs 308-2 and 308-2) to remain in an upright position such that ice packs 308 retain their expanded shape (e.g., they do not fold, bend, twist, compress, deform, etc.) and remain in contact with more surface area of wearer 302, as opposed to a strapless system, which may allow ice packs 308 to fold or compress due to gravity and other movement forces.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear or rear view of a cooling garment system 400 worn by a wearer 402 in accordance with aspects herein. In some aspects, the temperature reducing garment system 400 represents a rear view (which shows a front view) of the temperature reducing garment system 100 of fig. 1, and vice versa. Thus, for example, shoulder strap 404-1 may be identical to shoulder strap 104-2 illustrated in FIG. 1. Likewise, shoulder strap 404-2 may be identical to shoulder strap 104-1 of FIG. 1. In some aspects, the cooling garment system 400 represents the rear side of the cooling garment system 300 of fig. 3 (which shows a side view) and/or the cooling garment 200 of fig. 2, and vice versa.

The temperature reducing garment system 400 includes pockets 406-1 and 406-3, each of which is configured to receive an ice bag 408-1 and 408-3, respectively. Shoulder straps 404-1 and 404-2 each include ends that are configured to be placed through corresponding holes in ice packs 408-1 and 408-3 to be fastened or secured to ice packs 408-1 and 408-3. As described above, in some aspects, a cooling garment system, such as cooling garment system 400, may include ice pockets on the front and back sides of cooling garment system 400 or wearer 402, and shoulder straps 404 may thus be continuous items secured to both the front and back side ice pockets. Thus, for example, the cooling vest 401 of the cooling garment system 400 can include a first shoulder strap (e.g., 404-2) (which includes a first end and a second end) and a second shoulder strap (e.g., 404-1) (which includes a third end and a fourth end). A first end of the first shoulder strap 404-2 may be configured as a first ice bag (e.g., 108-1) secured to a front portion of the cooling vest 401. The second end of the first shoulder strap 404-2 may additionally be configured as a second ice bag (e.g., 408-3) secured to the back portion of the cooling vest 401 (e.g., as illustrated in fig. 2). The third end of the second shoulder strap 404-1 may be configured as a third ice bag (e.g., 108-2) secured to the front portion of the cooling vest 401. The fourth end of the second shoulder strap 404-1 may be configured as a fourth ice bag (e.g., 408-1) secured to the back portion of the cooling vest 401.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front perspective view of an ice bag 500 according to aspects herein. In some aspects, the ice bag 500 represents any of the ice bags described with respect to the temperature reducing garment system of fig. 1, 2, 3, and/or 4. The ice bag 500 includes a top portion or upper portion 508, the top portion or upper portion 508 including a first aperture 510. The first aperture 510 is an open space, slit or through-hole, and may be cylindrically shaped to receive a shoulder strap (e.g., shoulder strap 104-1) so that the shoulder strap may be secured to the ice bag 500, for example, as described in fig. 2. In some aspects, the upper portion 508 is not configured to be filled with a liquid or substance, but is configured as a panel that protrudes or is exposed outside of the pocket entrance (e.g., the entrance opening 106-3) so that the wearer can easily place or remove the ice bag 500 and/or easily fasten the shoulder strap to the ice bag 500 through the first aperture 510. In some aspects, upper portion 508 is or includes any suitable material, such as foam or any other polymer-based material. In some aspects, the upper portion 508 is made of a different material than the body 512 of the ice bag 500.

The body 512 includes example flexion zones 516-1, 516-2, 516-3, and 516-4 (collectively referred to herein as flexion zones 516) that extend around or away from the second bore 514. Although the ice bag 500 illustrates a particular shape, orientation, number, and length of the flex zones, apertures, and the ice bag itself, it should be understood that this is merely illustrative and that any suitable shape, number, orientation, and length may exist. For example, in some aspects, the second aperture 514 represents a circle, rectangle, or square, as opposed to the triangle shown in fig. 5. In another example, some or each of the flexion zones 516 are circular, as opposed to cylindrical as shown in fig. 5.

Each of the flex zones 516 is a zone where a first respective front portion of the ice bag 500 and a first respective back portion of the ice bag 500 converge, join, or attach to each other, as described in more detail below. Thus, flexion zones 516-1, 516-2, 516-3, and 516-4 each have portions of the front and back of ice bag 500 that are bonded or otherwise attached to each other. Because the front and back of the ice bag 500 are attached to each other at the flex zones 516, these flex zones 516 cannot be filled with a filling substance such as water. In one aspect, flexion zone 516-1 is cylindrical and extends longitudinally from just below edge 512-4 (defined by the boundary between upper portion 508 and body 512) to just above second bore 514. Flexion zones 516-2 and 516-3 (also cylindrical) extend diagonally or diagonally across body 512 from a first side edge 512-1 of body 512 to a region laterally adjacent to second aperture 514. As shown, in an exemplary aspect, these flexion zones 516-1 and 516-2 are oriented parallel or substantially parallel to respective edges or sides that form the second aperture 514. Flexion zone 516-4 extends parallel to flexion zone 516-1 and is substantially aligned with flexion zone 516-1. Flexion zone 516-4 extends longitudinally across the length of body 512 from just below second aperture 514 to just below (or above) bottom edge 512-2 of body 512.

The second aperture 514 (or any aperture described with reference to the ice bag body) is an aperture or opening in the ice bag body (e.g., body 512) that extends from a front or front portion of the ice bag 500 and through a back or rear portion of the ice bag 500. Thus, in these aspects, portions of the body 512 may form boundaries around the entire space of the second aperture 514 such that there is an open space forming the second aperture 514. For example, in some aspects, a person may see through the holes, and some object (e.g., a finger) may pass through the holes. Fig. 5 illustrates a second aperture 514 having a triangular shape with a tip 514-1. In some aspects, the tips 514-1 of the triangular-shaped second apertures 514 (defined as the vertices where two equal sides meet, opposite the unequal third side or bottom) face the midline or middle portion of the cooling garment or wearer, as illustrated in fig. 1. In various aspects, an aperture (e.g., second aperture 514) within the body of the ice bag is disposed adjacent or near a flex zone, such as flex zone 516. A second aperture 514 is disposed near the center of the body 512 and between flexion zones 516-1 and 516-2. The second aperture 514 is also disposed adjacent to the flexion zones 516-2 and 516-3 and intermediate the flexion zones 516-2 and 516-3 when the ice bag 500 is in the use configuration or the donned configuration as illustrated by the ice bag 108-1 of fig. 1.

As described herein, each of the flex zones 516 and the second apertures 514 allow for greater flexibility to be provided to the cooling garment and wearer and allow the ice bag 500 to more easily conform to the wearer. For example, flexion zones 516-1 and 516-4 extend across portions of the longitudinal length of body 512. Thus, if the wearer performs a horizontal adduction or horizontal abduction movement of the arm (e.g., swings the club), this may cause the body 512 to move or rotate in a direction of movement, which may be substantially perpendicular to the length of the flexion zone 516. Thus, flexion zone 516 may act as an effective axis point or line such that body 512 may move more freely, allowing a range of motion for the wearer to be less restrictive, and allowing greater contact of the ice bag with the wearer, which may reduce discomfort or strain during movement. Likewise, the flex region 516 may act as an effective joint so that the body 512 of the ice bag 500 may more easily conform to varying contours of the wearer's body, such as the chest region. In another example, if the wearer performs flexion and extension movements of his or her torso (e.g., a sitting up movement), the second aperture 514 and flexion zones 516-2 and 516-3 may act as effective axis zones so that the wearer may more easily flex and extend her torso while allowing optimal contact between the body 512 of the ice bag 500 and the wearer. Thus, during these movements, the second aperture 514 may bend or collapse at the tip 514-1, and the body 512 may bend or collapse at the flexion zones 516-2 and 516-3 during flexion and extension.

In various aspects, the body 512 is made of any suitable material. For example, the body 512 may be made of a thermoplastic polyurethane material and/or other polymers such as low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. The size of the ice bag 500 may also include any suitable length, width, and thickness. For example, in some aspects, the width of the body 512 (defined by the distance along the edge 512-2 or the distance between the edge 512-1 and the edge 512-3) is about 10cm (e.g., 5% of 10 cm). In some aspects, the length of the ice bag 500 (defined by the distance along edge 512-1 or the distance between edges 512-4 and 512-2) is about 30cm to about 36cm (e.g., + -5% of 30cm and 36cm, respectively) from the upper portion 508. In some aspects, the thickness of the body 512 is about 2cm to about 4cm (e.g., ±5% of these values) in the absence of a fluid (e.g., water) or other filler substance.

In some aspects, the ice bag 500 is formed from two separate layers that adhere together in certain areas, such as around the perimeter (e.g., edges 512-1, 512-2, and 512-3), in the flex areas 516, and/or around the perimeter edges of the second aperture 514.

As illustrated in fig. 5, flexion region 516 does not extend to any edge of body 512. Thus, a fluid or other filler substance may surround each portion of some or each of the flexion zones 516, as described in more detail below. For example, the first edge 512-1 of the body 512 may extend across the longitudinal length of the body 512. The second edge 512-2 may extend along a horizontal width from edge 512-1 to a portion (e.g., a corner) of edge 512-3. Third edge 512-3 may be parallel to edge 512-1 and extend the same distance as edge 512-1. Fourth edge 512-4 may extend across the horizontal width and represent the dividing line between upper portion 508 and body 512 and also represent the top of body 512. Edge 512-4 may be parallel to edge 512-2. In the illustrative example, flexion zone 516-1 may extend longitudinally from just below edge 512-4 to just above the edge of second aperture 514. Thus, flexion zone 516-1 does not extend to edge 512-4, as well as the edge of second aperture 514. Thus, for example, portions 512-5 and 512-6 may be filled with water or another substance because flexion zone 516-1 does not extend all the way to the edges. Thus, flexion zone 516-1 may be completely surrounded by the filler material. In a similar manner, some or each of the other flex zones may also not extend to nearby edges, such that the filler substance may completely surround each side of the flex zone, as illustrated in fig. 6. However, in other aspects, the flex region may abut or extend to one or more edges of the body 512 of the ice bag 500. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated as being within the various aspects herein.

Fig. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the ice bag 500 of fig. 5 filled with a filling substance (e.g., gel, water, ice, etc.), in accordance with aspects herein. Fig. 6 illustrates what can be seen when the ice bag 500 is filled with a filling substance such as water. Thus, the body 512 appears to be convex or expanded at each of the regions surrounding the flex regions 516-1, 516-2, 516-3, 516-4 and the second bore 514. Thus, when the ice bag 500 is filled with a filling substance, the flex zone 516 does not bulge or expand because the flex zone 516 is the zone where the front and back layers of the ice bag 500 are attached as described above. The second aperture 514 also does not bulge or expand when the ice bag 500 is filled because the body 512 does not continue into this area. Thus, water or other filling substances do not fill the space. Fig. 6 also illustrates that flexion zone 516 and second aperture 514 may be entirely or completely surrounded by fluid or other fill material, such that each of the zones surrounding second aperture 514 and flexion zone 516 are configured to bulge or expand in response to filling ice bag 500 with the fill material.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front perspective view of a second example ice bag 700 in accordance with aspects herein. In some aspects, the ice bag 700 represents any of the ice bags described with respect to the temperature reducing garment system of fig. 1, 2, 3, and/or 4. The ice bag 700 includes a top portion or upper portion 708, the top portion or upper portion 708 including a first aperture 710. The first aperture 710 is a cylindrical open space, slit, or aperture to receive a shoulder strap (e.g., shoulder strap 104-1) so that the shoulder strap may be secured to the ice bag 700, for example as described in fig. 2. In some aspects, the upper portion 708 is not configured to be filled with a liquid or substance, but is configured as a panel that protrudes or is exposed outside of the pocket entrance (e.g., pocket 106-1) such that the wearer may easily place or remove the ice bag 700 and/or easily secure the shoulder strap to the ice bag 700 through the first aperture 710. In some aspects, upper portion 708 is or includes any suitable material, such as foam or any other polymer-based material. In some aspects, the upper portion 708 is made of a different material than the body 712 of the ice bag 700.

The body 712 includes flexion regions 716-1, 716-2 (collectively referred to herein as flexion regions 716) that surround the second aperture 714. Although the ice bag 700 illustrates a particular shape, orientation, number, and length of the flex zones, apertures, and the ice bag itself, it should be understood that this is merely illustrative and that any suitable shape, number, orientation, and length may exist. For example, in some aspects, the second aperture 714 represents a circle, triangle, rectangle, or square, as opposed to the diamond shape shown in fig. 7. In another example, some or each of the buckling regions 716 are circular, as opposed to cylindrical as shown in fig. 7.

Each of the flex zones 716 is a zone where a first respective front portion of the ice bag 700 and a first respective back portion of the ice bag 700 are attached and/or bonded to each other, as described in more detail below. Thus, flexion regions 716-1 and 716-2 are not filled with a filling substance, such as water. The flex region 716-1 is cylindrical and extends longitudinally from just below the top edge 712-1 (the horizontal boundary between the upper portion 708 of the ice bag 700 and the main body 712) to just above or over the second aperture 714. Flexion region 716-2 extends parallel to flexion region 716-1 and is substantially aligned with flexion region 716-1. The flex region 716-2 extends longitudinally across the length of the body 712 from just below the second aperture 714 to just above or above the bottom edge 712-2 of the body 512.

The second aperture 714 (or any aperture described with reference to the ice bag body) is an aperture or opening in the ice bag body (e.g., body 712) that extends from a front or front portion of the ice bag through a back or rear portion of the ice bag. Thus, in these aspects, portions of the body 712 may form the boundaries of the entire second aperture 714 such that there is open space forming the aperture. For example, in some aspects, a person may see through the holes, and some object (e.g., a finger) may pass through the holes. FIG. 7 illustrates a diamond-shaped second hole 714 with vertices or points 714-1 and 714-2 defining the second hole 714. In various aspects, an aperture (e.g., second aperture 714) within the body of the ice bag is disposed adjacent or near a flex zone, such as flex zone 716. In an exemplary aspect, the second aperture 714 is disposed near the center of the body 512 and between the flex regions 716-1 and 716-2. The vertices 714-1 and/or 714-2 may be oriented toward the midline of the cooling garment or the wearer of the cooling garment.

Each of the flex regions 716 and the second apertures 714 allow for greater flexibility to be provided to the cooling garment and wearer and allow the ice pack 700 to more easily conform to the wearer. For example, flexion zones 716-1 and 716-2 extend across portions of the longitudinal length of body 512. Thus, if the wearer performs a horizontal adduction or horizontal abduction movement (e.g., a throwing movement) of the arm, this may cause the body 712 to move or rotate in a direction of movement, which may be substantially perpendicular to the flexion zone 716. Thus, flexion zone 716 may act as an effective pivot point or zone such that body 712 of ice bag 700 may move more freely, allowing for less restriction of the range of motion of the wearer and allowing for greater contact of the ice bag with the wearer, which may reduce discomfort or strain during movement. Likewise, the flex region 716 may act as an effective joint such that the body 712 of the ice bag 700 may more easily conform to varying contours of the wearer's body, such as the chest region. In another example, if the wearer performs flexion and extension movements of his or her torso (e.g., a sitting up movement), the second aperture 714 may act as an effective axis point at vertices 714-1 and 714-2, such that the wearer may more easily flex and extend her torso while allowing optimal contact between the body 712 of the ice bag 700 and the wearer. Thus, during these movements, the second aperture 714 may bend or fold at the vertices 714-1 and 714-2, and thus the body 712 of the ice bag 700 may bend or fold at these regions during flexion and extension movements.

In various aspects, the body 712 is made of any suitable material. For example, the body 712 may be made of a thermoplastic polyurethane material and/or other polymers such as low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. The size of the ice bag 700 may also include any suitable length, width, and thickness. For example, in some aspects, the width of the body 712 (defined by the distance along the edge 712-2) is about 10cm (e.g., 10cm ± 5%). In some aspects, the length of the ice bag 700 (defined by at least the distance along edges 712-1 and 712-3) is about 30cm to about 36cm (e.g., + -5% of 30cm and 36cm, respectively) from the upper portion 508. In some aspects, the thickness of the body 712 is about 0.5cm to about 4cm (e.g., ±5% of these values) in the absence of a fluid (e.g., water) or other filler substance.

As illustrated in fig. 7, the flex region 716 does not extend to any edge of the ice bag 700. Thus, a fluid or other substance may surround each portion of each of the flexion zones. For example, the first edge 712-1 of the body 512 may extend across the longitudinal length of the body 712. The second edge 712-2 may extend along a horizontal width from the edge 712-1 to a portion (e.g., a corner) of the edge 712-3. The third edge 712-3 may be parallel to the edge 712-1 and extend the same distance as the edge 712-1. Fourth edge 712-4 may extend across the horizontal width and represent the dividing line between upper portion 708 and body 712. The fourth edge 712-4 also represents the top of the body 712. Edge 712-4 may be parallel to edge 712-2. In an illustrative example, the flex region 716-1 may extend longitudinally from just below the edge 712-4 to just above or over the edge of the second aperture 714. Thus, the flex region 716-1 does not extend to the edge 712-4, as well as the edge of the second aperture 714. Thus, for example, portions 712-5 and 712-6 may be filled with water or other filling material because flexion area 716-1 does not extend all the way to the edge. In a similar manner, the other flex region 716-2 may also not extend to the nearby edges, such that the filler material may completely surround each side of the flex region, as illustrated in fig. 8. However, in other aspects, the flex region may abut or extend to one or more edges.

In some aspects, the ice bag 700 is formed from two separate layers that adhere together in certain areas, such as around the perimeter (e.g., edges 712-1, 712-2, and 712-3), in the flex area 716, and/or around the perimeter edge of the second aperture 714.

Fig. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of the ice bag 700 of fig. 7 filled with a filling substance (e.g., gel, water, ice, etc.), in accordance with aspects herein. Fig. 8 illustrates what may be present when the ice bag 700 is filled with a filling substance such as water. Thus, the body 712 of the ice bag 700 appears to bulge or expand in areas outside of the flex areas 716-1, 716-2 and the second aperture 714. Thus, when the ice bag 700 is filled with a filler substance, the flex region 716 does not bulge or expand because the flex region 716 is the region where the front and back layers of the ice bag 700 are attached as described above. The second hole 714 does not bulge or expand when filling the ice bag 700 because the body 712 does not continue into this area. Thus, water or other filling substances do not fill the space. Fig. 8 also illustrates that the flex region 716 and the second aperture 714 may be entirely or completely surrounded by a fluid or other fill material such that each region surrounding the second aperture 714 and the flex region 716 is configured to bulge or expand in response to filling the ice bag 700 with the fill material.

Fig. 9 illustrates a side top view of an open ice bag 900 according to aspects herein. In some aspects, the ice bag 900 represents a side top view of the ice bag 500 and the ice bag 700 of fig. 5-8 and/or any of the ice bags described herein (such as with respect to the ice bag 108-1). Fig. 9 illustrates what the ice bag may look like when a person opens the ice bag 900 to fill the ice bag with a filling substance or removes the filling substance, in accordance with certain aspects. At the first time, the ice bag 900 may be closed such that the body 912 remains sealed or otherwise secured. In some aspects, the securing or sealing of the body 912 is performed by a zipper seal 922, the zipper seal 922 being disposed just above the upper portion of the body 912 and just below the bottom of the upper portions 908-1 and 908-2. The zipper seal 922 includes interlocking grooves and ridges that form a seal when pressed together. Although a zipper seal 922 is described, it should be appreciated that any suitable fastening mechanism or seal may be used to close the body 912, such as permanently bonding the body 912 together. In this regard, the ice bag 900 is filled with a filler substance prior to sealing.

The upper portion 908 may be presented as a single piece for the first time (prior to opening the body 912 or the upper portion 908), for example as illustrated by the upper portion 708 of fig. 7. However, at a second time (which is after the first time), a user (e.g., wearer) may open the ice bag 900 by applying opposing tension on the upper portion 908-1 and the upper portion 908-2 such that the two portions separate from each other. When such separation occurs, in certain aspects, a first aperture (such as first aperture 710 shown in fig. 7) may separate or become two apertures because there are two sides (front and back) of the ice bag, as shown by apertures 910-1 and 910-2 of fig. 9. The user may then unlock or unzip the zip seal 922 to fill the body 912 with filler material by inserting the filler material into the cavity 920 or the bladder opening, i.e., the interior of the body 912. Then, at a subsequent third time, the user may put the groove and ridge portions of the zipper seal 922 together to again form a seal to retain the filler substance within the body 912.

Fig. 9 also illustrates how buckling regions as described herein may be formed according to certain aspects. The flex region 916 illustrates a region where the first anterior side 936 and the second posterior side 934 of the body 912 converge or attach to each other to form the flex region 916. Thus, when a user fills cavity 920 with a filler material, the filler material will encompass flexion zone 916. In various aspects, the front side 936 and the rear side 934 are bonded together in any suitable manner, such as a permanent adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, or the like.

Fig. 10 and 11 illustrate front and back views, respectively, of an outer surface 1005 of an example retroreflective upper body garment 1000. Garment 1000 includes a torso portion 1010, with torso portion 1010 configured to cover front and rear torso regions of a wearer. The torso portion 1010 has a neck opening 1012, and an optional hood 1014 extends from the neck opening 1012, wherein the hood 1014 is configured to cover a head region of a wearer when the garment is donned. Torso portion 1010 also has a waist opening 1016 through which the waist of the wearer extends when garment 1000 is worn. In an example aspect, the waist opening 1016 may be positioned a predetermined distance below the natural waist of the wearer such that the waist opening 1016 is positioned at a substantially mid-thigh to lower region of the wearer. Garment 1000 also includes a first long sleeve 1018 extending from torso portion 1010, and a second long sleeve 1020 extending from torso portion 1010. While the garment 1000 is shown as a long-sleeve jacket with a front opening, it is contemplated herein that the garment 1000 may take other forms, such as a sleeveless vest, a pullover, a garment with three-quarter, half-sleeve, quarter-sleeve, or half-sleeve, or the like.

In an exemplary aspect, the retroreflective upper body garment 1000 can be formed from a single layer of retroreflective material, wherein the retroreflective properties of the retroreflective material are indicated by reference numeral 1022. The reflective material 1022 is configured to cause reflection of incident sunlight, for example. In an example aspect, the reflective material 1022 may be reflective on only one surface thereof such that the outer surface 1005 of the garment 1000 is reflective, while the inner surface 1007 of the garment 1000 is substantially non-reflective. As used herein, the term "substantially non-reflective" means that at least about 80% of the inner surface 1007 is non-reflective. In other example aspects, the reflective material 1022 may be reflective on both surfaces thereof such that both the outer surface 1005 and the inner surface 1007 of the garment 1000 are reflective. In one example aspect, the reflective material 1022 may include a knitted, woven, or nonwoven material having a heat reflective material deposited on an outer surface of the material. In certain exemplary aspects, the retroreflective material can comprise a woven nylon material having a weight of 52 grams/code. The heat reflective material may include a liquid, aqueous, evaporated, or powdered metal, such as aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and/or alloys thereof. Additional examples of heat reflective materials may include films formed from non-metallic substances or metal-containing compounds, such as those commonly under the trade name

And->

Metallized biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET), metallized polyethylene terephthalate (PET), holographic foil, and the like are known. Other example heat reflective materials may include semi-metallic materials such as silicon (Si) and silicon-containing compounds. In other example aspects, the yarns and/or fibers used to form the reflective material 1022 may comprise one or more of the heat reflective materials described above. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated as being within the various aspects herein.

The retroreflective upper body garment 1000 can also include a plurality of apertures 1024 evenly distributed across the garment 1000. In other words, the plurality of apertures 1024 may be located in the front and rear of the torso portion 1010, the hood 1014, the first long sleeve 1018, and the second long sleeve 1020. The plurality of apertures 1024 may include access points for ambient air to enter the garment 1000 and cool the wearer. Likewise, the plurality of apertures 1024 may include exit points through which hot air and/or moisture generated by the wearer may escape the garment 1000. In an example aspect, the plurality of apertures 1024 may have a uniform shape and size, and may be separated from each other by a uniform distance such that there are approximately equal numbers of apertures per unit area (e.g., 10cm2 x 10cm 2) on the torso portion 1010, the hood 1014, the first long sleeve 1018, and the second long sleeve 1020.

In one example aspect, each aperture 1024 may have a square shape and a measured width of about 1mm to about 5mm, about 1.5mm to about 3mm, or about 2mm. In this example, each aperture 1024 is about 5mm to about 15mm, about 6mm to about 10mm, about 7mm to about 9mm, or about 8mm from an adjacent aperture 1024. Regarding the exemplary aspect of square holes having a measured width of 2mm and being 8mm from adjacent holes, it has been found that the size and spacing of the holes 1024 helps create a micro-vortex effect when air enters the garment 1000 through the holes 1024. In addition to the actual cooling that can occur by evaporation of moisture, for example, caused by air inflow, the micro-vortex effect can produce a perceptible cooling effect. This is merely an example, and it is contemplated herein that the shape and size of the plurality of apertures 1024 may vary, and that the distance between adjacent apertures 1024 may vary at different locations on the garment 1000, such that the number of apertures per unit area also varies at different locations on the garment 1000. In other example aspects, the apertures 1024 may be positioned zonally based on the heat and/or sweat pattern of the human body. As such, the apertures 1024 may be located zonally in a high heat and/or sweat producing region, such as a central back region of the garment 1000, although other locations are also contemplated herein.

Fig. 12 illustrates a first example cooling system suit 1200, the first example cooling system suit 1200 including a cooling vest 1210, which may be any of the cooling vests/garments shown in fig. 1-4, one or more ice packs 1212, which may be any of the ice packs shown in fig. 5 and 7, and a light reflecting upper body garment 1214, such as the light reflecting upper body garment 1000 of fig. 10 and 11. In one example aspect, the ice bag 1212 may not include a filler substance, while in other example aspects, the ice bag 1212 may be pre-filled with a filler substance. The cooling vest 1210, one or more ice packs 1212, and reflective upper body garment 1214 are shown positioned within the container 1216. The containers 1216 may include shipping containers, containers for shipping

different parts

1210, 1212, and 1214, as well as display containers, etc., between, for example, different sporting events. The depiction of the container 1216 and the positioning and arrangement of the

different components

1210, 1212, and 1214 within the container 1216 are merely illustrative, and it is contemplated herein that the container 1216 may have different configurations, and that the positioning and packaging of the

components

1210, 1212, and 1214 may be different than shown.

Fig. 13 illustrates another example cooling system suit 1300, the example cooling system suit 1300 including a cooling vest 1310 that may be any of the cooling vests/garments shown in fig. 1-4, one or more ice packs 1312 that may be any of the ice packs shown in fig. 5 and 7, and a reflective upper body garment 1314 such as the reflective upper body garment 1000 of fig. 10 and 11. Fig. 13 is provided to illustrate that the

components

1312, 1314 and 1316 may be packaged individually. For example, the cooling vest 1310 may be packaged in a container 1311, the ice bag 1312 may be packaged in a container 1313, and the reflective upper body garment 1314 may be packaged within a container 1315. In one example aspect, the

different containers

1311, 1313, and 1315 may be positioned within a single container 1316, as shown in fig. 13, or the

containers

1311, 1313, and 1315 may be maintained separate from one another. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated as being within the various aspects herein. Similar to the cooling system kit 1200, in one example aspect, the ice bag 1312 may not include a filler substance, while in other examples, the ice bag 1312 may be pre-filled with a filler substance.

Fig. 14, 15 and 16 illustrate the use of the suit 1200 or suit 1300 by the wearer 1400. In fig. 14, a wearer 1400 is shown wearing a cooling vest 1410, such as cooling vest 1210 or cooling vest 1310. As described above, cooling vest 1410 may include one or more pockets 1420. Fig. 15 illustrates a wearer 1400 inserting an ice bag 1412, which may be an ice bag 1212 or an ice bag 1312, into one of the pockets 1420 on a cooling vest 1410. The ice bag 1412 may have been previously filled with a filling substance and cooled prior to insertion of the ice bag 1412 into one of the pockets 1420. It is contemplated herein that additional ice packs may be positioned within each of the pockets 1420 on the cooling vest 1410. Fig. 16 illustrates a wearer 1400 wearing a retroreflective upper body garment 1414, such as retroreflective

upper body garments

1000, 1214, or 1314. Reflective upper body garment 1414 is worn over cooling vest 1410 such that the inner surface of garment 1414 faces the outer surface of cooling vest 1410 and the outer surface of garment 1414 faces away from cooling vest 1410 and towards the external environment. When the cooling system is donned, cooling vest 1410 and ice pack 1412 provide immediate cooling of the body surface of wearer 1400. The reflective upper body garment 1414 reflects light from the wearer 1400 and also provides a communication path through which air can enter and exit the garment 1414, which can facilitate the cooling effect achieved by using the cooling vest 1410.

The following clauses represent exemplary aspects of the concepts contemplated herein. Any of the following clauses may be combined in a number of dependent ways to depend on one or more other clauses. Furthermore, any combination of subordinate clauses (clauses explicitly dependent on previous clauses) may be combined while remaining within the scope of aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are exemplary in nature and not limiting.

Clause 1. A cooling garment comprising:

a vest configured to be worn by a wearer;

at least one shoulder strap disposed on a shoulder region of the vest; and

one or more pockets on the back, the one or more pockets configured to receive one or more ice bags, the one or more pockets including a stretch material on a front portion of the one or more pockets, and the one or more pockets further including a non-stretch material on a back portion of the one or more pockets.

Clause 2. The cooling garment of clause 1, wherein the at least one shoulder strap comprises a first end configured to be placed through at least one aperture of the one or more ice packs.

Clause 3 the cooling garment of clause 1 or 2, wherein the one or more pockets comprise a first pocket and a second pocket on the front portion of the vest, wherein the first pocket and the second pocket are configured to receive a first ice pocket and a second ice pocket, respectively, of the one or more ice pockets.

Clause 4. The cooling garment of clause 3 or 2, wherein the one or more pockets comprise a third pocket and a fourth pocket on a back portion of the vest, wherein the third pocket and the fourth pocket are configured to receive a third ice pocket and a fourth ice pocket, respectively, of the one or more ice pockets.

Clause 5. The cooling garment of clause 4, 3, 2 or 1, further comprising: a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap, the first shoulder strap comprising a first end and a second end, the second shoulder strap comprising a third end and a fourth end, wherein the first end of the first shoulder strap is configured to be secured to the first ice bag, the second end of the first shoulder strap is configured to be secured to the third ice bag, and wherein the third end of the second shoulder strap is configured to be secured to the second ice bag, and the fourth end is configured to be secured to the fourth ice bag.

Clause 6. The temperature reducing garment of clause 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the stretch material comprises a stretch woven material.

Clause 7. A system comprising:

one or more ice packs, each of the one or more ice packs comprising at least a first aperture;

a garment comprising one or more pockets configured to receive the one or more ice bags;

at least one shoulder strap disposed on a shoulder region of the garment, the at least one shoulder strap including at least a first end configured to pass through the first aperture of the one or more ice bags to secure the at least one shoulder strap to the one or more ice bags.

The system of clause 8, wherein at least one of the one or more ice bags comprises at least one flex zone corresponding to one or more zones where a first front portion of the at least one of the one or more ice bags and a first back portion of the at least one of the one or more ice bags are attached to each other, wherein the at least one flex zone is not configured to be filled with a filling substance.

The system of clause 7 or 8, wherein at least one of the one or more ice bags comprises a second aperture extending from a front portion of the at least one of the one or more ice bags through a back portion of the at least one of the one or more ice bags.

Clause 10 the system of clause 7, 8 or 9, wherein the one or more pockets comprise a stretch material on an anterior portion of the one or more pockets, and the one or more pockets further comprise a non-stretch material on a posterior portion of the one or more pockets.

Clause 11 the system of clauses 7, 8, 9 or 10, wherein at least one of the one or more ice packs comprises a second aperture of triangular shape, wherein a top end of the second aperture is oriented toward a midline of the garment.

The system of clause 7, 8, 9, or 10, wherein at least one of the one or more ice packs comprises a diamond-shaped second aperture, wherein an apex of the second aperture is oriented toward a midline of the garment.

The system of clause 7, 8, 9, or 10, wherein at least one of the one or more ice bags comprises a plurality of flexion zones surrounding a second aperture, wherein the second aperture extends from a front portion of the at least one of the one or more ice bags through a back portion of the at least one of the one or more ice bags, and wherein the second aperture is positioned below the first aperture of the at least one of the one or more ice bags.

The system of clause 7, 8, 9, or 10, wherein the at least one shoulder strap comprises a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap, and wherein the first shoulder strap is secured to a first ice bag and a second ice bag of the one or more ice bags, and wherein the second shoulder strap is secured to a third ice bag and a fourth ice bag of the one or more ice bags.

Clause 15, an ice bag configured for use with a cooling garment, the ice bag comprising:

at least one flex zone corresponding to one or more zones where a first front portion of the ice bag and a first back portion of the ice bag are attached to each other, wherein the one or more zones are not configured to be filled with a filling substance; and

one or more apertures disposed adjacent to the at least one flex zone, the one or more apertures extending from a second front portion of the ice bag through a second back portion of the ice bag.

Clause 16 the ice bag of clause 15, further comprising an additional aperture on an upper portion of the ice bag, the additional aperture receiving a first end of at least one shoulder strap to help secure the ice bag.

Clause 17 the ice bag of clause 15 or 16, wherein the one or more holes comprise a triangular shaped hole comprising a tip, the tip being oriented toward a side edge of the ice bag.

Clause 18 the ice bag of clause 17 or 16, wherein the at least one flex zone comprises a first flex zone oriented parallel to a first side of the triangular-shaped aperture, the at least one flex zone further comprising a second flex zone oriented parallel to a second side of the triangular-shaped aperture.

Clause 19 the ice bag of clauses 15, 16, 17 or 18, wherein the ice bag comprises: a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, and wherein the at least one buckling region comprises a first buckling region that does not extend to: the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge, and wherein the first flex zone is configured to be completely surrounded by the filler substance.

Clause 20 the ice bag of clauses 15, 16, 17 or 18, wherein the one or more holes comprise diamond-shaped holes, and the at least one flex zone comprises a first flex zone disposed along a longitudinal length of the ice bag and above an apex of the diamond-shaped holes.

Clause 21. A cooling system kit comprising: the cooling undershirt, the cooling undershirt includes: a front portion, a back portion, a pair of shoulder regions extending between the front portion and the back portion, and one or more pockets on one or more of the front portion and the back portion; an ice bag configured to be positioned within the one or more pockets of the cooling vest; and an upper torso garment configured to be worn on the cooling back, the upper torso garment comprising: a torso portion, first and second sleeves each extending from the torso portion, a reflective outer surface, and a plurality of apertures evenly distributed over the upper torso garment.

Clause 22 the cooling system kit of clause 21, wherein the first sleeve is a long sleeve, and wherein the second sleeve is a long sleeve.

Clause 23 the cooling system set of any of clauses 21-22, wherein the upper torso garment further comprises a hood extending from the neck opening of the torso portion.

The cooling system set of any one of clauses 21-23, wherein an interior surface of the upper torso garment is substantially non-reflective.

Clause 25 the cooling system kit of any of clauses 21-24, wherein the cooling vest, the ice pack, and the upper torso garment are packaged together.

The cooling system kit of any one of clauses 21-25, wherein the cooling vest comprises at least a first shoulder strap disposed on one of the pair of shoulder regions of the cooling vest.

Clause 27. The cooling system kit of clause 26, wherein the ice bag comprises an aperture, and wherein the first shoulder strap is configured to extend through the aperture.

The cooling system kit of any one of clauses 21-27, wherein the one or more pockets on the cooling back core comprise a stretch material on an anterior portion of the one or more pockets and a non-stretch material on a posterior portion of the one or more pockets.

The cooling system kit of any one of clauses 21-28, wherein the ice bag comprises a flex zone corresponding to a zone where a front portion of the ice bag and a back portion of the ice bag are attached to each other.

Clause 30. A cooling system kit comprising: the cooling undershirt, the cooling undershirt includes: a front portion, a back portion, a pair of shoulder regions extending between the front portion and the back portion, and two or more pockets on one or more of the front portion and the back portion; a first ice bag configured to be positioned within the two or more pockets of the cooling vest; and an upper torso garment configured to be worn on the cooling back, the upper torso garment comprising: a torso portion, first and second long sleeves each extending from the torso portion, a hood extending from a neck opening of the torso portion, a reflective outer surface, and a plurality of apertures evenly distributed on the upper torso garment.

Clause 31. The cooling system kit of clause 30, wherein the cooling vest, the first ice pack, and the upper torso garment are packaged together.

The cooling system kit of any one of clauses 30-31, wherein the cooling vest, the first ice pack, and the upper torso garment are packaged separately.

Clause 33 the cooling system kit of any of clauses 30 to 32, wherein the cooling vest comprises a first shoulder strap extending over a first shoulder region of the pair of shoulder regions and a second shoulder strap extending over a second shoulder region of the pair of shoulder regions.

Clause 34 the cooling system kit of any of clauses 30 to 33, further comprising a second ice bag configured to be positioned within the two or more pockets of the cooling vest.

Clause 35 the cooling system kit of clause 34, wherein the first shoulder strap extends through a first aperture at the first end of the first ice bag and the second shoulder strap extends through a second aperture at the first end of the second ice bag when the cooling vest is in the use configuration.

The cooling system kit of any one of clauses 30-35, wherein the first ice bag comprises a flex zone corresponding to a region where a front portion of the first ice bag and a back portion of the first ice bag are attached to each other.

Clause 37 the cooling system set of any one of clauses 30-36, wherein the inner surface of the upper torso garment is substantially non-reflective.

The cooling system kit of any one of clauses 30-37, wherein the two or more pockets on the cooling back comprise a stretch material on a front portion of the two or more pockets and a non-stretch material on a back portion of the two or more pockets.

Clause 39 a method of using the kit of clause 21, the method comprising: wearing the cooling vest; inserting the ice bag into the one or more pockets of the cooling vest; and putting on the upper torso garment.

Clause 40. The method of using the kit of clause 39, wherein the ice bag is filled with a filler material and the filler material is cooled prior to inserting the ice bag into the one or more pockets of the cooling vest.

Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with an illustrative, but non-limiting, intent. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope thereof. Alternative means of accomplishing the above improvements may be developed by the skilled artisan without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be performed in the particular order described.

Claims

1. A cooling system kit comprising: the cooling undershirt, the cooling undershirt includes: a front portion, a back portion, a pair of shoulder regions extending between the front portion and the back portion, and one or more pockets on one or more of the front portion and the back portion; an ice bag configured to be positioned within the one or more pockets of the cooling vest; and an upper torso garment configured to be worn on the cooling back, the upper torso garment comprising: a torso portion, first and second sleeves each extending from the torso portion, a reflective outer surface, and a plurality of apertures evenly distributed over the upper torso garment.

2. The cooling system kit of claim 1, wherein the first sleeve is a long sleeve, and wherein the second sleeve is a long sleeve.

3. The cooling system kit of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the upper torso garment further comprises a hood extending from a neck opening of the torso portion.

4. The cooling system kit of any one of claims 1-3, wherein an interior surface of the upper torso garment is substantially non-reflective.

5. The cooling system kit of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the cooling vest, the ice bag, and the upper torso garment are packaged together.

6. The cooling system kit of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cooling vest comprises at least a first shoulder strap disposed on one of the pair of shoulder regions of the cooling vest.

7. The cooling system kit of claim 6, wherein the ice bag comprises an aperture, and wherein the first shoulder strap is configured to extend through the aperture.

8. The cooling system kit of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more pockets on the cooling back core comprise a stretch material on an anterior portion of the one or more pockets and a non-stretch material on a posterior portion of the one or more pockets.

9. The cooling system kit of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the ice bag comprises a flex zone corresponding to a zone where a front portion of the ice bag and a back portion of the ice bag are attached to each other.

10. A cooling system kit comprising: the cooling undershirt, the cooling undershirt includes: a front portion, a back portion, a pair of shoulder regions extending between the front portion and the back portion, and two or more pockets on one or more of the front portion and the back portion; a first ice bag configured to be positioned within the two or more pockets of the cooling vest; and an upper torso garment configured to be worn on the cooling back, the upper torso garment comprising: a torso portion, first and second long sleeves each extending from the torso portion, a hood extending from a neck opening of the torso portion, a reflective outer surface, and a plurality of apertures evenly distributed on the upper torso garment.

11. The cooling system kit of claim 10, wherein the cooling vest, the first ice pack, and the upper torso garment are packaged together.

12. The cooling system kit of any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the cooling vest, the first ice pack, and the upper torso garment are packaged separately.

13. The cooling system kit of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the cooling vest comprises a first shoulder strap extending over a first shoulder region of the pair of shoulder regions, and a second shoulder strap extending over a second shoulder region of the pair of shoulder regions.

14. The cooling system kit of claim 13, further comprising a second ice bag configured to be positioned within the two or more pockets of the cooling vest.

15. The cooling system kit of any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein when the cooling vest is in a use configuration, the first shoulder strap extends through a first aperture at a first end of the first ice bag and the second shoulder strap extends through a second aperture at a first end of the second ice bag.

16. The cooling system kit of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the first ice bag comprises a flex zone corresponding to a zone where a front portion of the first ice bag and a back portion of the first ice bag are attached to each other.

17. The cooling system kit of any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein an interior surface of the upper torso garment is substantially non-reflective.

18. The cooling system kit of any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the two or more pockets on the cooling back include a stretch material on an anterior portion of the two or more pockets and a non-stretch material on a posterior portion of the two or more pockets.

19. A method of using the kit of claim 1, the method comprising: wearing the cooling vest; inserting the ice bag into the one or more pockets of the cooling vest; and putting on the upper torso garment.

20. The method of using the kit of claim 19, wherein the ice bag is filled with a filling substance and the filling substance is cooled prior to inserting the ice bag into the one or more pockets of the cooling vest.