Jul 1, 2005 12:00 PM

A product created by a University of Florida professor and manufactured and licensed by Jacksonville FL-based Temperature Management System (TMS) is helping outdoor sports teams — especially football players — keep their cool on the sidelines.

The Core Cooler, which can be used with Riddell or Douglas shoulder pads, features a ventilation system, a refrigerant process, and at the heart of the system, the Vanair Viper Custom, a lightweight, portable air compressor unit from Vanair Mfg.

Fred Williams, president — Williams Sports Group and vice-president of TMS, said, “To provide the on-demand air power to send a refreshing, 45° F chill or a 130° F warm wave of air into the pads, we needed a powerful, compact, ultra quiet, and most importantly, a portable air compressor that we can rely on.”

This product is not a replacement for solid common sense, including proper hydration and sports conditioning. It doesn't bring the body core temperature down; it is a means to keep it in check, within the range of normal playing temperatures.

The Core Cooler, which debuted at the Clemson/Wake Forest football game Sept 4, 2004, is being adopted by professional and college football organizations. Coaches are reporting that fewer players are experiencing heat-related problems such as cramping, severe fluid loss, and fatigue.

Professional football teams that feature the Core Cooler include Green Bay, St Louis, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, and Dallas. Teams with a Core Cooler on order include the Detroit Lions and the Indianapolis Colts. Universities including UCLA, Georgia Southern, Clemson, and the University of South Florida also have the Core Cooler on their sidelines.
▪ Vanair Mfg | 800-526-8817