DESIGN PROCESS

COOL Pads were designed to solve the problem of kids (and other players) getting overheated and dehydrated in football games and practices. COOL Pads will save lives by keeping people from overheating in football practice or games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why COOL Pads?
A: People are dying, and kids pass out when they get too hot on the football field on really hot days.  We wanted to help football players stay safe, so we came up with something that can make the temperature right for them.

Q: Who will use COOL Pads?
A: Kids can use COOL Pads in youth football games, and high school, college and professional players could wear them too.

Q: Do I have to wear/use anything with COOL Pads?
A: Yes.  Many athletes like to wear fitted shirts and shorts under their gear.  We have added small temperature sensors in the 'body heat loss areas' (head, neck, armpits, chest and groin) in these clothing items.  These sensors detect changes in body temperature, which automatically activates COOL Pads' internal cooling system.

Q: How will COOL Pads help?
A:   There are ice packs built into the shoulder pads.  The temperature on the ice pack will spread all around the shoulder pads when activated. Less people will overheat in practice or games, so COOL Pads will save lives.

Q: How does heat exhaustion happen?
A: A lot of football players' body heat gets trapped under their football pads.  No air gets in, so their body goes through changes.  When you get too hot it become dangerous for your health.

Q: How are COOL Pads better than current methods of treating heat exhaustion?
A: One of the main problems with players overheating is that when it takes a long time for them to get treatment, many health problems happen.  With COOL Pads, the body gets immediate treatment, so the body never overheats.

Q: Are COOL Pads heavy?
A: They will be made of light weight material, so it won't cause the player to move slower in the game.

Q: How will players stay hydrated?
A: There will be a pocket inside the shoulder pads that holds Gatorade for the player to drink when their COOL Pads are working. 

 

 

 

Other Ideas Considered in Making COOL Pads

• Air-conditioned shoulder pads were already invented
• A sensor on helmet that turns green or red to show when player's body temperature changes  is already being used.
• If shoulder pads are too heavy, players cannot move as easily or run as fast
• When it takes a long time for players to get treatment, many health problems happen

BREAKTHROUGHS

• A lightweight material that can change from hot to cold automatically will be needed to make COOL Pads.
• The technology to make ice lighter and slower to melt so that it will work the way we want in the shoulder pads also must be invented.