INSULATING AND REFLECTIVE COVER FOR AN ICE BARREL

Abstract

An ice barrel cover that comprises a top cover, a body wrap, and a binding device. The top cover and the body wrap may have a reflective outer layer, an insulation layer, and an inner layer. The body wrap reflective layer and said top cover reflective layer are smooth and have an albedo in the range of approximately 0.80 to approximately 1.00. When the top cover and the body wrap are donned on to an ice barrel, a rate of temperature increase in the ice barrel is lowered due to the top cover reflective outer layer, the body wrap reflective outer layer, the body wrap insulation layer, and the top cover insulation layer.

Claims

1. An ice barrel cover, comprising: a top cover; and a body wrap; wherein said body wrap comprises one or more body wrap layers; wherein said top cover comprises one or more top cover layers; wherein at least one of said one or more body wrap layers is a body wrap reflective outer layer; wherein at least one of said one or more top cover layers is a top cover reflective outer layer; wherein said body wrap is configured to be wrapped around an ice barrel, such that the sides of said ice barrel are substantially covered by said body wrap; wherein said top cover is configured to substantially cover a top of said ice barrel; and wherein when said top cover and said body wrap are donned on to said ice barrel, a rate of temperature increase in said ice barrel is lowered due to said reflective outer top cover layer and said body wrap reflective outer layer.

2. The ice barrel cover of claim 1, wherein said body wrap further comprises a first side, a second side edge, and a binding device; wherein said binding device is configured to removeably connect said first side edge to said second side edge, such that said body wrap substantially encircles said ice barrel.

3. The ice barrel cover of claim 1, wherein said top cover is configured, when donned on to said ice barrel, to removeably engage with said body wrap when said body wrap is donned on to said ice barrel by said binding device.

4. The ice barrel cover of claim 1, wherein said top cover is permanently secured to said body wrap.

5. The ice barrel cover of claim 1, wherein said one or more body wrap layers further comprises a body wrap insulation layer; wherein said one or more top cover layers further comprises a top cover insulation layer; wherein said body wrap insulation layer and said top cover insulation layer are configured to insulate said ice barrel when said body wrap and said top cover are donned on to said ice barrel, such that said rate of temperature increase of said ice barrel is further lowered.

6. The ice barrel cover of claim 1, further comprising one or more front handles.

7. The ice barrel cover of claim 1, further comprising one or more side handles.

8. The ice barrel cover of claim 1, wherein said body wrap further comprises a body wrap flap that is configured to substantially cover said binding device.

9. The ice barrel cover of claim 1, wherein said one or more body wrap layers further comprises a body wrap inner layer.

10. The ice barrel cover of claim 9, wherein, when said body wrap is donned on to said ice barrel, there is an air gap between said body wrap inner layer and said ice barrel.

11. The ice barrel cover of claim 9, wherein, when said body wrap is donned on to said ice barrel, said body wrap inner layer matingly engages with an outer surface of said ice barrel.

12. The ice barrel cover of claim 9, wherein there is at least one air gap layer between said body wrap outer reflective layer and said body wrap inner layer.

13. The ice barrel cover of claim 1, wherein said body wrap reflective layer and said top cover reflective layer are smooth and have an albedo in the range of approximately 0.80 to approximately 1.00.

14. The ice barrel cover of claim 2, wherein said binding device is selected from the group of binding devices consisting of: zipper, hook and loop, magnets, and combinations thereof.

15. An ice barrel cover, comprising: a top cover; a body wrap; and a binding device wherein said body wrap comprises one or more body wrap layers; wherein said top cover comprises one or more top cover layers; wherein at least one of said one or more body wrap layers is a body wrap reflective outer layer; wherein at least one of said one or more top cover layers is a top cover reflective outer layer; wherein at least one of said one or more body wrap layers is a body wrap insulation layer; wherein at least one of said one or more top cover layers is a top cover insulation layer; wherein said body wrap insulation layer and said top cover insulation layer are configured to insulate said ice barrel when said body wrap and said top cover are donned on to said ice barrel; wherein said body wrap is configured to be wrapped around an ice barrel, such that the sides of said ice barrel are substantially covered by said body wrap; wherein said top cover is configured to substantially cover a top of said ice barrel; wherein said body wrap reflective layer and said top cover reflective layer are smooth and have an albedo in the range of approximately 0.80 to approximately 1.00; and wherein when said top cover and said body wrap are donned on to said ice barrel, a rate of temperature increase in said ice barrel is lowered due to said top cover reflective outer layer, said body wrap reflective outer layer, said body wrap insulation layer, and said top cover insulation layer.

16. The ice barrel cover of claim 15, wherein said body wrap further comprises a first side, a second side edge, wherein said binding device is configured to removeably connect said first side edge to said second side edge, such that said body wrap substantially encircles said ice barrel.

17. The ice barrel cover of claim 15, further comprising at least one of: one or more front handles, one or more side handles, and a body wrap flap configured to substantially cover said binding device.

18. The ice barrel cover of claim 15, wherein said one or more body wrap layers further comprises a body wrap inner layer.

19. An ice barrel cover, comprising: a top cover; a body wrap; and a binding device wherein said body wrap comprises a reflective outer body wrap layer, at least one body wrap insulation layer, and a body wrap inner layer; wherein said top cover comprises a reflective outer top cover layer, at least one top cover insulation layer; wherein said body wrap insulation layer and said top cover insulation layer are configured to insulate said ice barrel when said body wrap and said top cover are donned on to said ice barrel; wherein said body wrap is configured to be wrapped around an ice barrel, such that the sides of said ice barrel are substantially covered by said body wrap; wherein said top cover is configured to substantially cover a top of said ice barrel; wherein said body wrap reflective layer and said top cover reflective layer are smooth and have an albedo in the range of approximately 0.80 to approximately 1.00; wherein when said top cover and said body wrap are donned on to said ice barrel, a rate of temperature increase in said ice barrel is lowered due to said reflective outer top cover layer, said reflective outer body wrap layer, said body wrap insulation layer, and said top cover insulation layer; wherein said body wrap further comprises a first side and a second side edge; wherein said binding device is configured to removeably connect said first side edge to said second side edge, such that said body wrap substantially encircles said ice barrel.

20. The ice barrel cover of claim 19, further comprising at least one of: one or more front handles, one or more side handles, and a body wrap flap configured to substantially cover said binding device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details which may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps which are illustrated. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps.

[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a top perspective view of one embodiment of the ice barrel cover.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a temperature graph based on the difference in an increase of water temperature over time without a cover vs using an insulated reflective cover.

[0018] FIGS. 3a-3b are illustrations of surfaces that have different reflection phenomena.

[0019] FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of an ice barrel cover specularly reflecting IR and UV energy.

[0020] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a front view of one embodiment of an ice barrel cover without a body wrap flap.

[0021] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a top view of one embodiment of an ice barrel cover without a top cover.

[0022] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a front view of one embodiment of an ice barrel cover without front handles.

[0023] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a partially exploded view of one embodiment of an ice barrel cover showing the layers.

[0024] FIG. 9 is an illustration of one embodiment of an ice barrel cover closure.

[0025] FIG. 10 is an illustration of another embodiment of an ice barrel cover closure.

[0026] FIG. 11 is an illustration of another embodiment of an ice barrel cover closure.

[0027] FIG. 12 is an illustration of another embodiment of an ice barrel cover closure.

[0028] FIG. 13 is an illustration of another embodiment of an ice barrel cover closure.

[0029] FIGS. 14a-14b are illustrations of other embodiments of vessels that can be covered by various embodiments of the ice barrel cover.

[0030] FIGS. 15a-15c are illustrations of other vessels that can be covered by various embodiments of the ice barrel cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0032] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from about one particular value, and/or to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent about, it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0033] Optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0034] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word comprise and variations of the word, such as comprising and comprises, means including but not limited to, and is not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps. Exemplary means an example of and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. Such as is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

[0035] Disclosed are components that may be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all embodiments of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that may be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps may be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

[0036] The present methods and systems may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

[0037] In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments. For purposes of the specification, unless otherwise specified, the term substantially refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, in one embodiment, an object that is substantially located within a housing would mean that the object is either completely within a housing or nearly completely within a housing. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of substantially is also equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

[0038] As used herein, the terms approximately and about generally refer to a deviance of within 5 percent of the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term approximately and about, may refer to a deviance of between 0.001-40 percent from the indicated number or range of numbers.

[0039] Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate describing these embodiments.

[0040] Cultures around the world have used cold water therapy for thousands of years. For example, ancient Greeks used cold water immersion for therapeutic and relaxation purposes, and Roman physician Claudius Galen promoted it as a treatment for fever. Cold water therapy uses water to promote health or assist in managing disease. While it has a long history, it's primarily used to speed healing after an injury, ease joint and muscle pain, and quicken recovery from exercise, among other possible health benefits, such as mental health, including but not limited to treating anxiety and high stress. Therapeutic ice baths may reduce inflammation, boost mood, or relieve pain after a workout. Cold water therapy has generally focused on pain, muscular injury prevention and recovery, and mood, and cold water therapy is considered a complementary therapy, and the uses are part of an evolving therapy field.

[0041] The present disclosure describes an apparatus for maintaining the therapeutic cold water temperature of an ice barrel. Ice barrels are sometimes not continuously shaded and are therefore subject to electromagnetic, infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV), radiation of the sun and surrounding area. The apparatus not only reflects IR and UV radiation, but it may also insulate an ice container from absorbing energy that would otherwise increase the temperature of the water.

[0042] The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of radiation. The part of the spectrum that reaches Earth from the sun is between 100 nm and 1 mm. This band is separated into three ranges: ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation.

[0043] Solar radiation is measured in wavelengths or frequency. Bands with shorter wavelengths produce higher frequencies. The energy of the wavelength increases with frequency and decreases with the size of the wavelength. In other words, shorter wavelengths are more energetic than longer ones. A shorter wavelength means that ultraviolet radiation is more energetic than infrared radiation.

[0044] According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 173,000 terawatts of solar energy strike the Earth continuously. That's more than 10,000 times the world's total energy use. Approximately 49 percent of this solar radiation is infrared, and approximately 7 percent is from UV.

[0045] The effect of absorbed infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation in a therapeutic ice bath is melted ice and an increase in the temperature of the therapeutic water. The increased water temperature reduces the effectiveness of the cold-water immersion therapy. The present disclosure describes a cover for an ice barrel that reflects the IR and UV radiation from the sun and surrounding area and insulates the liquid contained in the barrel in a time, cost, and energy-efficient manner.

[0046] This insulating and reflective ice bath cover may comprise multiple design models to fit a variety of ice barrel and ice bath devices and shapes. Ice barrels and baths come in a variety of containers, shapes, and sizes. Beginner ice bath users, or those wanting to drastically reduce the purchase cost of a specialty ice bath container, often use non-traditional containers. These include rubber stock tanks, galvanized tubs, large ice bins and ice buckets, and large garbage cans. Several very affordable blow-up versions of ice bath containers are also available. Importantly, before the present disclosure, an insulated reflective cover to protect the ice barrels and ice baths has not been created or made available for purchase. It should be appreciated that different models and embodiments of the ice barrel cover of the present disclosure may be produced to fit the various ice barrel and ice bath sizes and shapes.

[0047] As used herein, the term conservation of cold refers to a system where no heat energy enters the covering system, thereby maintaining temperature and conserving ice. This is slowing the rate of the temperature increase of the ice water content of the ice barrel that is being covered by the ice barrel cover of the present disclosure.

[0048] As used herein, the term ultra-violet or UV energy refers to a form of electromagnetic radiation. Ultra-violet is defined as light in the spectrum of wavelengths between 10-400 nanometers.

[0049] As used herein, the term infrared energy refers to a form of electromagnetic radiation. It is defined as the light in the spectrum of wavelengths between 700 nm to 1 mm.

[0050] As used herein, the term albedo effect refers to the energy a surface reflects. Dark colors have an albedo close to zero, meaning little or no reflected energy. Pale colors have an albedo approaching 1, meaning they reflect a substantial amount of energy. Albedo is generally understood to be the fraction of sunlight/light that is diffusely reflected by a body. It is measured on a scale from 0 (corresponding to a black body/surface that absorbs all incident radiation/light) to 1 (corresponding to a body that reflects all incident radiation). Examples of albedo scores include 0.06 for the ocean, 0.25 for green grass, 0.55 for pale concrete, 0.8 for snow, and 0.85 for aluminum.

[0051] As used herein, the term wavelength refers to the measure of light travels in a wave. A wavelength is defined as the distance from peak to peak and measured in nanometers (nm).

[0052] As used herein, the term frequency refers to the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time.

[0053] As used herein, the term radiation refers to the energy that comes from a source and travels through space at the speed of light.

[0054] As used herein, the term electromagnetic energy refers to radiant energy that travels in waves at the speed of light.

[0055] As used herein, the term electromagnetic spectrum refers to the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation.

[0056] As used herein, the term specular reflectance refers to a type of surface reflectance often described as a mirror-like reflection of light from the surface. The following detailed description of example implementations refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings can identify the same or similar elements.

[0057] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a top perspective view of one embodiment of the ice barrel cover. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the ice barrel cover 100. As shown in FIG. 1, an ice barrel cover 100 may comprise a top cover 101, a body wrap 120, and a sealing edge 165. Top cover 101 and body wrap 120 may be a unitary construction or may be permanently attached together, with at least some portion of the top cover 101 being permanently attached to body wrap 120. In some embodiments top cover 101 may be removeably attached or entirely detached from body wrap 120 without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

[0058] The sealing edge 165 may be configured to be a closeable opening for the ice barrel cover 100, which allows the user to don and doff the ice barrel cover 100 onto an ice barrel. Preferably, the outer layer of the top cover 101, body wrap 120, and any exposed portions of the sealing edge 165, be made from a durable, flexible, water-resistant, and IR and UV reflective material. An example of one such material is nylon, but other natural, synthetic, and coated materials may be used. The color and the texture of the outer layer of top cover 101, body wrap 120, and sealing edge 165 may preferably be a material that is light, such as white, light metallic, and/or silver, and may be substantially smooth. Darker colors and rough materials may hinder the reflective process.

[0059] The amount of energy reflected by the exterior surface of the outer layer of ice barrel 100, or any surface, may be referred to as albedo (the fraction of sunlight/light/infrared/ultra-violet) that is diffusely reflected by a body. Dark colors have an albedo close to zero, meaning little or no reflected energy. Having an albedo close to 1 (almost all or 100%) is preferable to reflect the maximum amount of IR and UV energy.

[0060] The surface texture of ice barrel 100 also contributes to the IR and UV reflective properties due to specular reflectance techniques. Specular reflection, or regular reflection, is the mirror-like reflection of waves, such as light, from a surface. The best surfaces for reflecting are very smooth, such as a glass mirror or polished metal, although almost all surface textures will reflect light to some degree. Examples of very suitable specular reflection materials are gold at 0.94 to 0.99 albedo and aluminum at 85 to 98 albedo.

[0061] Nylon may be formed to be a lustrous, durable, water-resistant, synthetic fabric material widely used across many industries. Nylon most commonly appears in the garment-manufacturing industry but may be versatile enough for specialty fabrics in aerospace, automotive, and medical applications. Nylon can be coated with various materials to increase its reflective properties. Such materials may include silver-coated knit tricot nylon fabric. The albedo of the reflective surface of ice barrel cover 100 may be greater than 0.5 and may preferably be in the range of 0.80 to 0.99.

[0062] In one embodiment, the top cover 101 may preferably be made from a durable, flexible, water resistant, insulating, and reflective material, with a top edge 105, a top edge flap 110, a top seal 115, and optionally, a brand label 170. The top cover 101 may have a top edge 105 that attaches the top cover 101 to the top seal 115. The top edge 105 may be hermetically sealed to the top cover to the top seal 115, or the two parts may be unitary in construction. The top seal may comprise a top edge flap 110 that overlaps the body wrap 120. The top seal 115 with the top edge flap 110 preferably seals the top cover 101 to reflect and insulate the therapeutic water from IR and UV radiation. As shown in FIG. 1, a brand label 170 may be affixed to the top edge flap 110 for identification.

[0063] In one embodiment, a body wrap 120 may preferably be made from one single piece of the same durable, flexible, water resistant, insulating, and reflective material, having a first body wrap edge 121, a second body wrap edge 122, a bottom body wrap edge 150, a top cover to top body wrap edge 155, and a seam 156. The body wrap 120 may be configured to removable envelope and/or wrap around an ice barrel. The first body wrap edge 121 and the second body wrap edge 122 may be bound to each other, such as being removeably connectable, after being wrapped around an ice barrel. The bottom body wrap edge 150 may in some embodiments, be in contact with the ice barrel supporting surface 199, such that the entire side of the ice barrel is covered by cover 100. The contact between the bottom body wrap edge 150 and the ice barrel supporting surface 199 provides an insulating effect and reflects IR and UV radiation all the way to the bottom of the side of the ice barrel. Seam 156 may be an ultrasonic weld, sewn stitch, or other type of permanent feature that affixes top cover 101 to body wrap 120. The top cover to top body wrap edge 155 and seam 156 may support the top cover 101, while the top cover 101 top seal 115 contacts the body wrap 120 and forms a temporary seal or connection point to reflect and insulate the therapeutic water inside the ice barrel from the IR and UV radiation. At the first body wrap edge 121 and the second body wrap edge 122, a body wrap flap 125 may overlap the two edges to provide a secure seal and connection that further insulates the underlying ice barrel.

[0064] In one embodiment, the body wrap 120 may have one or more of a first side handle 130, a second side handle 160, a first front handle 135, and a second front handle 136. The handles 130, 135, 136, and 160 may be attached to the body wrap by sewing, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, fasteners, and the like. The handles 130, 135, 136, and 160 may preferably be permanently affixed to the body wrap 120 to install, uninstall, grasp, and adjust the ice barrel cover 100 on and around an ice barrel. In other embodiments the handles 130, 135, 136, and 160 may be removeable.

[0065] Typically, an ice barrel contains about 105 gallons of water, is 35 to 48 inches tall by 25 to 37 inches wide and has an opening about 20 to 30 inches wide.

[0066] FIG. 2 is a temperature graph based on the difference in an increase of water temperature over time without a cover vs using an insulated reflective cover. FIG. 2 is a temperature chart 200 that represents typical water temperature increase rates and electric chiller use, based on temperature 210 over a period of time 220. As temperature 210 rises, time passes 220, individually or any combination thereof, therapy water temperature increase 240, and electric chiller use increases, as required by the laws of thermodynamics. The current rate of therapy water temperature increase 250 represents the therapy water temperature increase 240, and electric chiller use without using ice barrel cover 100. To maximize the conservation of cold (slowing the rate of temperature increase to the ice water), the therapy water temperature increase 240 rates should be minimized to an ideal rate of 260. As shown in FIG. 2, the maximum conservation 260 rate maximizes cold conservation (decreasing the rate of temperature increase).

[0067] FIGS. 3a-3b are illustrations of surfaces that have different reflection phenomena. FIG. 3a represents a specular reflective surface, and FIG. 3b represents a diffused reflective surface. As shown in FIG. 3a, incident rays 300 of electromagnetic energy, including IR and UV radiation, strike the smooth surface 320 sample and are reflected in a specular 310 reflection pattern. The specularly reflected angles 315 are similar. Specularly reflected angles 315 allows better control of absorption by directing the specular 310 reflection pattern elsewhere (away from the ice barrel). Achieving a high specular reflectance may be critical since even small differences in reflectance values can significantly impact IR and UV absorption. Every time rays of IR and UV energy are reflected, some amount of that IR and UV energy may be either be scattered or absorbed. The difference of just a few percentage points in specular reflectivity greatly affects overall performance in cold conservation.

[0068] FIG. 3b represents a diffused reflective surface. As shown in FIG. 3b, incident rays 300 of IR and UV radiation strike the rough surface 340 sample and are reflected in a diffused reflection 330 patterns, all diffused reflected angles 335 are dissimilar. Diffused reflections 330 are not uniform, making control difficult and increasing IR and UV energy absorption rates.

[0069] FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of an ice barrel cover specularly reflecting infrared (IR) and ultra-violet (UV) energy. Incident IR energy 400 and incident UV energy 410 strike the reflective outer layer 420 surface of ice barrel top cover 101. The amount of incident IR energy 400 and incident UV energy 410 absorbed depends on the smoothness and albedo of the reflective outer layer 420. That which is not absorbed, may be reflected at a specular reflected angle 315, may be represented as reflected IR energy 405 and reflected UV energy 415. The higher the albedo, the more IR and UV energy is reflected. Also, the smoother the ice barrel's outer surface is, the greater the amount of IR and UV energy may be reflected. Using a body wrap flap 125 to bind and overlay the first body wrap edge 121 and the second body wrap edge 122, shown in FIG. 1, increases the amount of IR and UV energy reflected, as well as providing additional insulation.

[0070] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a front view of one embodiment of an ice barrel cover without a body wrap flap. As shown in FIG. 5, the ice barrel cover 500 without body wrap flap, shows an exposed binding device 502. Body wrap 520 may comprise first body wrap edge 521 and second body wrap edge 522. As shown, exposed binding device 502 may be a zipper, but is not limited to any specific mechanism or device for binding, which is configured to bind first body wrap edge 521 with second body wrap edge 522.

[0071] The binding device 502 may preferably be a nylon zipper for its ease of use, insulation properties, durability, and availability. Other devices for binding the first body wrap edge 521 with the second body wrap edge 522, may include, but are not limited to, buttons, hook and loop, snaps, zippy lock, magnetic rubber seals, or any other fasteners that enable a user to open and close the cover efficiently and easily. One embodiment of the ice barrel cover 500 may have a first front handle 535 and a second front handle 536, which are preferably permanently attached to one or more layers of the ice barrel cover 500.

[0072] In some embodiments, the handles 535, 536 may be removeable. Top cover 501 may comprise top edge 505, edge flap 510, and top seal 515, which may be substantially similar to same parts of ice barrel cover 100 shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the ice barrel cover 500 may be substantially similar to the ice barrel cover 100, shown in FIG. 1, but without the body wrap flap (see body wrap flap 125 in FIG. 1). A body wrap flap offers the increased benefit of providing reflectivity and insulation properties, so it is preferred but not necessary.

[0073] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a top view of one embodiment of an ice barrel cover without a top cover. As shown in FIG. 6, the ice barrel cover 600 has been donned around ice barrel 601. The ice barrel cover 600 is shown without a top cover. As shown in FIG. 6, the therapeutic bath volume 610 may be maintained within ice barrel 605. In one embodiment, body wrap 620 of ice barrel cover 600 may have air gaps 630 within the layers of ice barrel cover 600 and/or between ice barrel 601 and barrel cover 600, which insulate ice barrel 601 from any absorbed IR of UV by body wrap 620. Alternatively, the body wrap 620 may be tightly donned by ice barrel 601 and have no air gaps. As shown in FIG. 6, the first body wrap edge 621 with the second body wrap edge 622 are bound using the binding device 601, which, as shown, may be a zipper. The first front handle 635 and a second front handle 636 may assist with donning of ice barrel cover 600.

[0074] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a front view of one embodiment of an ice barrel cover without front handles. The ice barrel cover 700 may have a top cover 701 with a top seal 715, body wrap 720, with a body wrap flap 725. Preferably, first side handle 730 and second side handle 760 may assist with donning ice barrel cover 700. FIG. 7 shows that in some embodiments the top cover 701 may be permanently secured to body wrap 720. In one embodiment top cover 701 is permanently attached or of unitary construction with body wrap 720. In other embodiments top cover 701 is attached, for example by a sewn seam, to body wrap 720. The sewn seam between top cover 701 and body wrap 720 is preferably about 50% of the circumference/perimeter of top cover 701, typically at the back of top cover 701, with about 50% of the circumference/perimeter of the top cover 701 being not attached to body wrap 720, typically at the front of top cover 701.

[0075] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a partially exploded view of one embodiment of an ice barrel cover showing the layers. The body wrap 820 of ice barrel cover 800 may comprise reflective outer layer 822, insulation layer 810, inner layer 821, top cover 801, top seal 815, handle 830, body wrap flap 820, and a sealing edge 865.

[0076] The insulation layer 810 may comprise any, or a combination of, materials that limit or slow the transfer of heat energy caused by the absorption of IR and UV energy. Typical insulation makes the convection and conduction of heat energy between reflective outer layer 822 and the inner layer 821 occur at a much slower rate. Conduction occurs when heat energy from the absorption of IR and UV energy moves directly from warmer objects to colder ones, in this case from the outer surface of ice barrel cover 800 to the therapeutic ice water 831. Insulation layer 810 acts as a strong barrier to slow or prevent convection and conduction. The insulation layer 810 may be, but is not limited to, vacuum insulation, a space almost completely evacuated of air, synthetic rubber, polyethylene foam, Styrofoam? (multicellular expanded synthetic resinous material), polyurethane foam, and the like.

[0077] Each of the three layers may be connected, permanently or removeably, to each other with sewing, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, and the like.

[0078] A top cover 801 may be configured to engage with seal 815 and top edge 805 of body wrap 820. This further insulates the junction of top cover 801 and body wrap 820. Preferably, top cover 801 may have an outer layer, an insulation layer, and an inner layer, just like body wrap 820.

[0079] Including an inner layer 820, an insulation layer 810, and a reflective outer layer 822 helps maintain the therapeutic ice water temperature in a cost, energy, time, and efficient manner when kept outside in the sun for an extended period of time.

[0080] Although top cover 801 is shown as being completely disconnected from body wrap 820, preferably top cover 801 is, at least partially, permanently connected in the back so that it can stay attached when removed and is easy to remove and don onto the ice barrel.

[0081] FIG. 9 is an illustration of one embodiment of an ice barrel cover closure. As shown in FIG. 9, the ice barrel cover 1000 shows a hook and loop (Velcro?) binding device 1501, as depicted may be one method of binding the first body wrap edge 1121 with the second body wrap edge 1122 of body wrap 1120, and/or for binding the body wrap flap to the surface of the body wrap 2120. Binding device 1501 may be a nylon hook 1010 material and loop 1020 material for its ease of use, insulation properties, and availability, as shown in the blown-up portion of FIG. 9. One embodiment of the ice barrel cover 1000 may have a first front handle 1135 and a second front handle 1136, both of which may be removeable, durable, and/or permanently, attached to the ice barrel cover 1000. As shown, the binding device may be placed on body wrap flap 1125, to keep the flap in place. Additional binding devices may be underneath the body wrap flap that further connect the two edges 1121, 1122, of the body wrap, as shown in FIG. 5. The body wrap flap offers the increased benefit of reflectivity and insulation properties at the opening of the ice barrel cover 1000.

[0082] FIG. 10 is an illustration of another embodiment of an ice barrel cover closure. As shown in FIG. 10, the ice barrel cover 2000 shows a button binding device 2501, which as depicted may be one way to bind the first body wrap edge 2121 with the second body wrap edge 2122 of body wrap 2120, and/or for binding the body wrap flap 2125 to the surface of body wrap 2120. The button binding device 2501 may be any type of button or slot fastener, but may preferably be a plastic UV and IR-resistant button with attachment hole(s) 2510 for easy attachment (as shown in the blown-up button 2502.

[0083] FIG. 11 is an illustration of another embodiment of an ice barrel cover closure. As shown in FIG. 11, the ice barrel cover 3000 shows a snap binding device 3501, which may be one method of binding the first body wrap edge 3121 with the second body wrap edge 3122 of body wrap 3420, and/or for binding the body wrap flap 3125 to the surface of body wrap 3420. The snap binding device 3501 may be any type of snap made from any type of natural or synthetic material but may preferably be a durable plastic UV and IR-resistant snap 3501. As shown in the blown-up portion of FIG. 11, snap binding device 3502 may comprise top snap 3010, top snap nipple 3115, bottom snap 3020, and bottom snap nipple receiver 3025. Top snap 3010 removeably locks to bottom snap 3025 by interlocking top snap nipple 3115 and bottom snap nipple receiver 3025.

[0084] FIG. 12 is an illustration of another embodiment of an ice barrel cover closure. As shown in FIG. 12, the ice barrel cover 4000 shows vertically interlocking binding device 4501, which may be one method of binding the first body wrap edge 4121 with the second body wrap edge 4122 of body wrap 4420, and/or for binding the body wrap flap 4125 to the surface of body wrap 4420. vertically interlocking binding device 4501 may be, but is not limited to, a plastic UV and IR-resistant vertically interlocking binding device 4501. As shown in the blown-up portion FIG. 12, vertically interlocking binding device 4502 may comprise outer surface 4030, which is connected to first top vertical lock 4010 and second top vertical lock 4030, and inner surface 4060, which is connected to first bottom vertical lock 4050 and second bottom vertical lock 4040. When the two surfaces 4030, 4060 are compressed towards each other, first top vertical lock 4010 and second top vertical lock 4030, respectively, removeably interlock with first bottom vertical lock 4050 and second bottom vertical lock 4040 to securely fasten the two surfaces 4030, 4060 together.

[0085] FIG. 13 is an illustration of another embodiment of an ice barrel cover closure. As shown in FIG. 13, the ice barrel cover 5000 shows a magnetic rubber seal binding device 5501, which may be one way to bind first body wrap edge 5121 with second body wrap edge 5122 of body wrap 5420, and/or for binding the body wrap flap 5125 to the surface of body wrap 5420. The magnetic rubber seal binding device 5501 may be, but is not limited to, a UV and IR-resistant silicone rubber that is embedded with magnets.

[0086] As shown in the blown-up portion of FIG. 13, magnetic rubber binding device 4502 may comprise a top rubber encasement seal 5020, one or more embedded top magnets 5010, 5011, bottom rubber encasement seal 5050, one or more embedded bottom magnets 5040, 5041. When top rubber encasement seal 5020 is brought into proximity with bottom rubber encasement seal 5050, the top magnets 5010, 5011 are attracted to and form a removeable bond with bottom magnets 5040, 5041 via magnetic flux force 5090.

[0087] FIGS. 14a-14b are illustrations of other vessels that can be covered by various embodiments of the ice barrel cover. The ice barrel cover of the present disclosure may be adapted to an ice bath reservoir, such as rectangular-shaped ice bath 899 shown in FIG. 14a. The ice bath may be of any shape that holds ice water and allows a person to take part in cold therapy. Ice bath 899 may comprise deck 910, vertical side walls 920, and rectangular therapeutic bath 900.

[0088] FIG. 14b shows rectangular ice reservoir 950, which may comprise angled side wall 970 which surrounds rectangular reservoir 960. The ice barrel cover of the present disclosure may be configured to cover a variety of shapes, such as those shown in FIGS. 14a-14b.

[0089] FIGS. 15a-15c are illustrations of other containers that various embodiments of the ice barrel cover can cover. The ice barrel cover of the present disclosure may be adapted to an ice bath reservoir, such as an oval-shaped stock tank 1500, shown in FIG. 15a.

[0090] FIG. 15b shows a round rotomolded plastic bucket 1520. The ice barrel cover of the present disclosure may be adapted to a readily available residential bucket, such as a round rotomolded plastic bucket 1520, shown in FIG. 15b.

[0091] FIG. 15c shows a heavy-duty round trash can 1540. The ice barrel cover of the present disclosure may be adapted to a readily available commercial container, such as a heavy-duty round trash can 1540, shown in FIG. 15c. The ice barrel cover of the present disclosure may be configured to cover a variety of shapes, such as those shown in FIGS. 15a-15c.

[0092] While the foregoing written description of the present disclosure enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. This disclosure should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the disclosure as claimed.

[0093] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments. As will be realized, the embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope. It is intended that the scope not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.

[0094] Except as stated immediately above, nothing which has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.