Flexible thermal device

A flexible thermal device comprising:

• an elastic fabric ring having an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer and first terminal circumference at a first edge and a second terminal circumference at an opposite second edge;
• a plurality of panels defined between the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer creating at least a first panel row and a second panel row;
• a plurality of gel cells retained in the plurality of panels in the first and second panel rows;
• wherein the panels are bordered by stretch stitches joining the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer;
• wherein the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer are formed of fabric that is elastic in four different directions and can be stretched 25% longer than an unstretched length;
• wherein each panel has only one gel cell retained within;
• wherein the gel cells contain a phase change material that transitions between solid and liquid states within a temperature range of 0° C. to 40° C.;
• wherein a first elastic cord is attached to the first terminal circumference and a second elastic cord is attached to the second terminal circumference;
• wherein each gel cell is contained in a rectangular pouch having round corners;
• wherein the first and second terminal circumferences have a relaxed diameter 5% to 15% smaller than the diameter of the device at a mid-point between the first and second edges;
• wherein the device includes a first elongated channel defined at the first edge to receive the first elastic cord, and a second elongated channel defined at the second edge to receive the second elastic cord;
• wherein the panels are arrayed circularly around a central axis;
• wherein the first panel row contains an even number of panels to facilitate substantially flat positioning of the device on a surface when laid on its side;
• wherein the gel cells contain a mixture of diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and sodium polyacrylate;
• wherein the gel cells are configured to maintain a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius or below 9.5 degrees Celsius for at least 30 minutes when applied to a body part;
• wherein the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer are composed of a blend of 80% spandex and 20% nylon;
• wherein each gel cell contains substantially the same volume of gel material, ensuring uniform thermal distribution across the device;
• and
• wherein the outer fabric layer includes a thermochromic material that changes color to indicate when the gel cells have reached a predetermined temperature range.