Abstract:
Contiguously attached bags on a substantially cylindrical roll are separated by perforations forming a perforated edge, such that individual bags can efficiently and quickly be filled with ice, removed from the roll, and substantially closed using a sealer that applies an adhesive material about a portion of the bag in an area proximal to its opening.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for warming a patient are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a patient warming device may include a heater layer comprising a plurality of heater cells disposed on a flexible substrate; and a thermal conduction layer disposed on a patient side of the heater layer to transfer heat generated by the heater layer to a patient. The heater cells may comprise an electrical circuit to generate heat by Joule heating. The patient warming device is flexible to facilitate conforming the patient warming device to a patient during use.
Abstract:
A therapeutic massage mask comprises an elongated resilient plastic pouch having a length and width which is greater than the thickness thereof. The pouch is filled with a plurality of spherical balls made of a thermal transfer material, such as hard plastic, ceramic, or hollow spheres filled with BLUE ICE.RTM. material. The pouch is placed in a freezer to lower the temperature of the balls located within it. Subsequently, the pouch then may be applied to overlie a portion of the human body and a gentle rolling action on the side of the pouch opposite the body causes the balls to transfer a massaging action to the portion of the body underlying the pouch. At the same time, the balls function to cool the underlying body portion, thereby serving a dual function.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a heating and/or cooling assembly such as a heat pad. The assembly includes a plurality of modules articulated together by connection means so that the assembly can be manipulated by a user to adopt a desired profile. At least one of the modules contains a thermal store in the form of a solid, liquid or gel responsive to heating or cooling externally applied to the assembly so that the solid, liquid or gel is heated or cooled, respectively, and remains in a heated or cooled state for a prolonged period of time after the externally applied heating or cooling is removed.
Abstract:
A device and method is taught for providing thermo therapeutic relief through the positioning of a heating element at a predetermined position in association with a garment to support and sustain the heat generated by the heating element in a designated area. The invention more particularly relates to a method and a device for treating menstrual cramps by application of thermo therapeutic relief to specific areas associated with a woman's abdomen. In addition a kit is taught for providing a particular type of undergarment and reusable heating pad for use therein, effective for relieving the discomfort of menstrual cramps.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an apparatus for reducing heat strain. The apparatus includes a pair of receptacles each of which being attached to a web. Each receptacle is adapted to carry a coolant. The web is adapted to engage and be suspended from a foreign object such as a human being or a chair to support the receptacle.
Abstract:
Apparatuses and methods for providing thermal treatment to a foot and ankle of a wearer are provided. An example apparatus may allow applying cold or heat to the foot and ankle of the wearer through a liquid contained in one or more hollows in a top portion or a sole portion of the apparatus. The top portion may have a form of a boot and include a fluid-tight material. The top portion may be filled with the liquid using a top portion filling member disposed on an upper part of the top portion, then the top portion filling member may be sealed using a top portion sealing member. The sole portion may be attached to the top portion removably or non-removably. The sole portion may include a hollow, which may contain the liquid or be filled and emptied using a sole portion filling member and a sole portion sealing member.
Abstract:
Warm air is distributed through a device and diffused along a person's body who is lying under a blanket. Warm air is supplied to the invention from a base unit that has various settings with respect to temperature of air supplied to the invention. The device has three distribution tubes that are long enough to extend from a person's feet to their upper torso while they are lying down. Heating takes place both conductively where the device is in contact with the patient and convectively where the warmed air circulates about the skin. The device is constructed from a light weight tissue paper that is plastic coated on one side and perforated at regular intervals. Heated air is supplied to the invention near the person's feet and is channeled to the several tubes toward the person's upper body. The heated air diffuses through perforations in the tubes as it moves up through the tubes and warms or maintains the body temperature of the patient. Blankets of varying tightnesses of weaves are placed over both the device and the patient thereby holding the desired amount of air near the patient while at the same time insulating against the exterior elements of the environment.
Abstract:
A topical temperature therapy device that imparts known temperatures as a function of time to the therapy skin surface of a user during the course of therapy. The skin surface can be intact or breached through injury or surgery. The therapy temperature and time profile can be varied by varying the selections of, among several parameters, the formulation of the heat exchange material and the material and dimensions of the heat exchange material container, thus meeting the needs of a wide range of injuries and demographics. The therapy device contains a temperature indicator indicating the temperature of the heat exchange material in real time. The therapy device further provides visibility to the therapy skin surface during the course of the therapy to allow visual inspection of the therapy area as means to improve therapeutic outcomes. The therapy device is flexible and conforms to the anatomy of the therapy area.
Abstract:
This invention provides a thin and discreet coolant device, and single and multiple unit dispenser containers containing the same. The coolant device comprises a first packet being comprised of a waterproof or water-resistant material containing water therewithin and further comprising a fold and further adapted to have a selectively permanent connection between external and internal layers of said fold, such that upon applying a force to laterally extend the ends of said packet, a rupture of said first packet occurs allowing for the leakage of the water contained therewithin. The coolant device further comprises a second packet which encases said first packet, comprising an exterior and interior layer, wherein said interior layer is comprised of an absorbant material and said exterior layer is comprised of a waterproof or water-resistant material and wherein an amount of powdered urea is located within an interior of said second packet. Upon lateral extension of the sides of the second packet, a rupture of said first packet occurs allowing for the leakage of the water contained therewithin and its exposure to said urea located within said second packet, which exposure results in an endothermic reaction resulting in an outer surface of said second packet becoming cooler to the touch than an outer surface temperature prior to said rupture. Use of the coolant devices to provide cooling to a skin surface on demand is described, as well.