Patent Application
20100241200
The present invention relates generally to the field of healthcare and therapeutic devices, and more particularly to covers for thermal treatment products.
Heating pads, ice-packs and other thermal treatment devices are used in a variety of ways to provide hot or cold therapy to human and animal patients, for example to relieve inflammation and pain, to promote circulation and healing, and the like. These products are often used in conjunction with a cover. The cover protects the user from overheating or overcooling that might result from direct contact with the thermal therapy product. The cover also protects the heating pad from contamination by bodily fluids or other substances, and allows for more convenient reuse. The traditional heating pad cover is a single structure that functions similarly to a bag or pillowcase. The traditional heating pad covers are sometimes awkward and difficult to change when use is complete.
In one aspect, the present invention is a two piece heating pad cover. It is designed so that one piece remains on the unit between patient use and the second piece, which is optionally made of materials that can wick and store water, is easily removable for rapid changeover between patients. Either piece can be independently laundered. Traditional covers are one piece and are more awkward to change.
In another aspect, the invention is a thermal therapy device. The thermal therapy device has a first component with an outer panel and an inner panel, and forming a chamber therebetween for receiving a thermal therapy pad. The outer panel is insulative, and the inner panel is highly heat transmissive relative to the outer panel. The thermal therapy device also has a second component with an inner face and an outer face. The inner face has at least one detachable coupling for removable attachment of the second component to the first component.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” 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.
In an example embodiment, the invention comprises a multi-body or multi-piece cover for a heating pad, ice-pack or other thermal therapy product. The cover will be described herein primarily with regard to use in connection with a heating pad, but will be understood to be adaptable for use with other therapy products for providing heating, cooling, moisture, medication-delivery, antibiotic, and/or other forms of contact therapy to a human or animal subject. Example embodiments include a first body or component, and a second body or component that is releasably attachable to the first body. The first body contains, or secures to, the heating pad, and the second body contacts the subject during treatment, and is easily detached and removed for cleaning or changing for use with a different user.
With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,
As shown, a cavity 16 is formed between the inner layer 14 and outer layer 11 of the first body 12. Preferably, the cavity 16 is formed by securing the outer edges of the inner layer 14 to the outer edges of the outer layer 11 along three sides, as for example by stitching, adhesive, integral formation, hook and loop, zipper, buttons, snap fastener or other connection means; and leaving a section along a fourth side unsecured to allow insertion and removal of the heating pad into the cavity 16. The unsecured section is optionally semi-permanently closed by a securing means such as a snap fastener, button, hook and loop fastener system, or other separable connection means. As described below, a heating pad is inserted into the cavity 16 between the first body 12 and second body 18. In alternate forms, the first body comprises an integral portion of a heating pad or other contact therapy item.
The outer layer 11 of the first body 12 includes a panel of fabric or other flexible material having drapability so that it may conform to the body part or other surface on which it is placed. The material for the outer layer 11 preferably has a relatively low heat capacity so as to insulate against the transfer of heat away from a user. The material for the outer layer 11 can alternatively have heat reflective properties on its inner face to reflect heat toward a user. The inner layer 14 of the first body 12 is preferably a material thin enough to allow the free transfer of heat toward a user. A suitable material for the inner layer 14 is for example an open mesh fabric.
The first body 12 is preferably weighted with a dense material for maintaining contact of the therapeutic device against the subject's body during treatment. The first body 12 can be weighted with a panel that is inserted between the inner 14 and outer layers 11. The first body 12 can alternatively be weighted with an integrated layer that is secured within or that forms the first body 12. The weighting panel is optionally a silicone sheet or a particulate or granular material. The weighting panel is preferably highly flexible and drapable to conform to the shape of the contact surface of a user. The weighting panel can provide a low heat capacity, insulation or heat-reflective property.
The second body 18 is preferably fabricated of a material that has a relatively high heat transfer property. The second body 18 is optionally fabricated of a material that has wicking and moisture storage properties so as to collect humidity from the ambient surroundings and deliver moisture to a user during heat therapy. The second body 18 may, for example, be formed of a wettable or high-loft polyester so as to provide moisture therapy. The material of the second body 18 can alternatively be selected to deliver topical medicine or antibiotic, such as through infusion therapy. The first body 12 and the second body 18 can preferably both be washed, either separately or independently.
In use, the second body 18 contacts the treated body surface of a human or animal subject. The first body remains on the heating pad, and is protected from contact with the subject by the second body. As a result, the second body may become contaminated. The second body can be easily detached from the first body, removed for disposal or washing, and replaced with a new or clean second body allowing rapid changeover between patients for reuse of the overall device. In example forms, the second body 18 can be fabricated from a woven or non-woven material, such as for example, polyester, cotton, nylon, polypropylene, and may be breathable or non-breathable. The second body 18 can optionally include such an outer layer for contact with the subject, and an inner layer of a thin, heat-transmissive material such as mesh. This inner layer contacts and attaches to the inner layer 14 of the first body 12. In alternative forms of the invention, the second body 18 can be either disposable or reusable. The second body 18 can be for single patient use, while the first body 12 is reusable. For example, after use, the second body 18 is detached and disposed of, and a new second body is replaced back onto the first body 12 for subsequent use.
As shown in
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/162,439, filed Mar. 23, 2009, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61162439 | Mar 2009 | US |
