The present disclosure is related to convective devices and components to be used in a convective system for warming or cooling.
At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a convective system, comprising: an inflatable convective device and a hose configured to connect to the inflatable convective device to an inflation medium source. The convective device has a pneumatic structure and an opening into the pneumatic structure, where at least part of the convective device is air permeable. The hose includes a nozzle configured to insert into the opening and having a nozzle body and a hindrance device disposed on the nozzle body. The hindrance device is protruded from the main body and generally parallel to a cross-section of the nozzle body. The hindrance device is disposed on a portion of a circumference of the nozzle.
At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a convective system, comprising: an inflatable convective device and a hose configured to connect to the inflatable convective device to an inflation medium source. The inflatable convective device has a pneumatic structure and an opening into the pneumatic structure, where at least part of the convective device is air permeable. The hose includes a nozzle configured to insert into the opening with a first nozzle end, where the nozzle is generally in J-shape.
At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a convective system, comprising: an inflatable convective device and a hose configured to connect to the inflatable convective device to an inflation medium source. The inflatable convective device has a pneumatic structure and an opening into the pneumatic structure, where at least part of the convective device is air permeable. The hose includes a nozzle configured to insert into the opening and having a nozzle body and a piercing device disposed on the nozzle body. The piercing device comprises one or more piercing elements. Each of the one or more piercing elements is raised from the nozzle body and has a lower protrusion closer to the end of the nozzle and a higher protrusion farther from the end of the nozzle.
The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification and, together with the description, explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings,
In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like elements. While the above-identified drawing, which may not be drawn to scale, sets forth various embodiments of the present disclosure, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the Detailed Description. In all cases, this disclosure describes the presently disclosed disclosure by way of representation of exemplary embodiments and not by express limitations. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein. The use of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
Convective devices generally refer to a device distributing matter in gas state. For example, convective devices can receive a stream of pressurized, warmed air, inflate in response to the pressurized air, distribute the warmed air within a pneumatic structure, and emit the warmed air onto a body to accomplish such objectives as increasing comfort, reducing shivering, and treating or preventing hypothermia. In some embodiments, a convective device is a tubular convective device made from blown film. In such embodiments, the convective device does not use seals to form the pneumatic structure. In some cases, the convective device includes a homogeneous material to form the pneumatic structure. In some cases, at least part of the convective device has apertures of various shapes allowing pressured fluid to go through. In some embodiments, multiple tubular convective devices with or without tear perforations are formed in a roll.
In some embodiments, a convective device has a pneumatic structure that is formed by two layers, each layer including one or more sheets, and at least one of the layers is air permeable that allows air distribution. As used herein, “inflatable” refers to a structure which increases in volume when air or other gas is supplied at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure to the interior of the structure.
Typically these structures inflate at relatively low pressures such as pressures less than 100 mmHg, preferably at pressures less than 50 mmHg, more preferably at pressures less than 25 mmHg. In some cases, the volume of the inflatable section can increase by greater than 100%. Typically, the pneumatic structure is kinked or pinched off proximate to the bending area when the two portions are bent. In some cases, the convective device further includes an air-guide device in the pneumatic structure adapted to direct inflating medium to reduce pressure drop of the inflating medium at the bending area. As used herein, “in” is used to describe a spatial relationship of generally in the structure including at the edge of the structure. For example, the convective device can include the air-guide device to help form one or more crease(s) when it is inflated, proximate to the air-guide device.
At least some embodiments of the present disclosure direct to a convective system including a convective device and a fixation element that can be used to facilitate placement of the convective device and/or facilitate form management of the convective device. For example, a fixation element having two ring elements can be used to hold two parts of a tubular convective device next to each other forming a blanket. As another example, a fixation element having an attachment device can be used to attach a convective device to a fixture, such as an operating (OR) bed, a hospital bed, an arm rest, or the like.
At least some embodiments of the present disclosure direct to a convective system including a convective device and a hose manifold to connect one hose end to more than one openings of the convective device. In some cases, the hose manifold can be used to connect two ends of a tubular convective device and thereby facilitate shape management. In some cases, the hose manifold provides more than one inputs of pressured inflating medium to allow uniform distribution of the inflating medium.
In some cases of distributing heated air, a convective device with two openings connecting with a hose manifold can have a generally uniformed heat distribution.
At least some embodiments of the present disclosure direct to a hose clamp designed to be used with a convective device and a hose to improve air-tight connection and prevent slipping. In some embodiments, the hose clamp includes an encircling element matching the diameter of the hose and a grabbing component to facilitate user operation. In some cases, the hose clamp includes an engaging component disposed on the inner surface of the encircling element to improve gripping power of the hose clamp. The engaging component can include, for example, a plurality of engaging elements, bumps, raise-ups, or the like. In some implementations, the engaging elements are disposed in a pattern on the inner surface of the encircling element. In some cases, at least some of the engaging elements are disposed proximate to one end or both ends of the encircling element.
At least some embodiments of the present disclosure direct to a nozzle configuration designed to be used with a convective device to prevent slip and/or facilitate insertion into the convective device and a hose connecting to an inflation medium source. In some cases, the nozzle includes a hindrance device configured to prevent over insertion. In some cases, the nozzle has a piercing device configured to allow ease of use of the nozzle with the convective device.
Figure IA illustrates a close-up view of one embodiment of a tubular convective device 100A. The tubular convective device 100A includes a blown film 110 forming a tube 115 when the blown film is inflated. The blown film 110 has a first portion 112 and a second portion 114, where the two portions are separated longitudinally. In some cases, a plurality of apertures 130 are disposed only on the first portion 112 of the blown film 110. In some other cases, a plurality of apertures 130 are disposed both on the first portion 112 and the second portion 114. The blown film 110 can be made from suitable flexible polymer materials, for example, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), or the like. The blown film 110 is typically made from a homogeneous material.
In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 130 cover at least 10% of surface area of the blow film 110. In some cases, the plurality of apertures 130 cover at least 20% of surface area of the blow film 110. In some cases, the plurality of apertures 130 cover at least 30% of surface area of the blow film 110. Aperture density can vary depending on the size of the aperture and the pressure of inflating medium going into the tubular convective device 100A. It is possible to have the film micro perforated or have large holes. The density of apertures can be associated with the diameter of the tubular convective device 100A. In some cases, the apertures are disposed in a way such that a defused stream of air are provided to allow convective heat to transfer while minimizing impingement of the air stream on the body. The rate of heat transfer is determined by the air velocity and area of contact with the apertures. In some configurations, the diameter of the tubular conductive device increases, the percent of perforated surface area of the blown film decreases. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of apertures 130 has a same size and same geometry shape. In some cases, the plurality of apertures 130 can include apertures of different sizes. For example, the plurality of apertures 130 can have apertures of smaller sizes in the first portion of the tubular convective device and apertures of bigger sizes in the second portion of the tubular convective device. In some cases, the plurality of apertures 130 can have various shapes, for example, round, rectangular, oval, triangle, or the like.
In some embodiments, the first portion 112 and the second portion 114 are each a half portion. In some cases, the plurality of apertures 130 are only disposed on the first portion 112 of the blown film 110. In some other cases, the plurality of apertures 130 are disposed on both the first portion 112 and the second portion 114 of the blown film 110. In yet some other cases, the plurality of apertures are disposed on the second portion 114 of the blown film. In some implementations, the tubular convective device 100A can have apertures of different densities at different parts, for examples, lower density apertures closer to the opening and higher density apertures farther from the opening.
In some embodiments, the convective device 400D includes at least one opening 430D into the pneumatic structure 440D. The opening 430D can be in any form that allows an inflating medium source (not illustrated) to connect and provide inflating medium to inflate the pneumatic structure 440D, for example, a sleeve opening at the edge as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the convective device 400D includes an air-guide device 420D. In some cases, the air-guide device 420D is disposed proximate to the second edge 442D of the pneumatic structure 440D and between the first portion 443D and the second portion 444D, which is adapted to direct flow of inflating medium between the two portions, especially when the first portion 443D and/or the second portion 444D are bent. In some cases, the air-guide device 420D is disposed between the first portion 443D and the second portion 444D. In some cases, the air-guide device 420D is configured to facilitate forming creases at the edge of the air-guide device when the configurable convective device 400D is inflated and at least one of the first portion and the second portion are rearranged such that the inflatable channel 445D is bent.
In some cases, the air-guide device 420D is disposed at a center portion of the pneumatic structure that has a starting point at a distance of 1/4 of the width from one end and an ending point at a distance of ¼ of the width from the other end. In some cases, the air-guide device 420D is disposed at a center portion of the pneumatic structure that has a starting point at a distance of ⅖ of the width from the one end and an ending point at a distance of ⅖ of the width from the other end. In some cases, the air-guide device 420D is disposed at the portion of the inflatable channel 445D that is closer to the second edge 442D and farther from the first edge 441D. In some embodiments, the air-guide device 420D comprises a guiding seal extending from the second edge 442D and toward the pneumatic structure 440D, In the embodiment as illustrated, the air-guide device 420D comprises two guiding seals 421D and 422D, each guiding seal extending from the second edge 442D and toward the pneumatic structure 440D. In some cases, the two guiding seals (421D, 422D) are directed to a different portion (the first portion 443D or the second portion 444D) of the pneumatic structure 440D. In some cases, the two guiding seals (421D, 422D) are generally perpendicular with each other.
In some embodiments, each layer of a convective device may include one or more sheets of materials. In some implementations, a layer of a convective device may include an underside sheet formed from a flexible, fibrous, preferably non-woven structure composed of polymeric materials capable of bonding to an upper side sheet of a heat-sealable polymeric material. For example, the underside sheet may be a non-woven, hydroentangled polyester material and the upper side layer may include a polyolefin such as a polypropylene film which is extrusion-coated, thermally laminated, or adhesively laminated onto the polyester layer. Alternatively, the underside sheet may comprise a non-woven, paper-based material to which the upper side layer, including either a polyethylene, polyester, or polypropylene film, has been glue laminated. In one embodiment, the upper side and underside sheets can be made with a stratum of absorbent tissue paper prelaminated with a layer of heat-sealable plastic. In some cases, both the first layer and the second layer can include a same polymer material.
In some embodiments, a first layer includes the upper side sheet and the underside sheet, and a second layer comprises the same material as the upper side sheet of the first layer. The second layer thus may include a sheet of plastic bonded to the plastic upper side of the second layer. It is preferably attached by a continuously-running web process including stations that provide an interruptible heat-sealing process. This interruptible heat sealing process can be controlled to form elongated heat seals (e.g., 408D in
In some embodiments, the convective device is enabled to bathe a patient in the thermally controlled inflating medium introduced into the convective device 100, when inflated, via an air permeable layer. A layer can be air permeable using various materials or mechanical structures, for example, air-permeable materials, apertures, interstices, slits, or the like. In some implementations of an air permeable sheet with apertures, the density of apertures can vary among areas and/or inflatable sections.
In some embodiments, one or two layers of a convective device are made from a polyolefin non-woven extrusion coated, each with a coating of polypropylene on one side. In some other embodiments, the one or more layers can be poly lactic acid spunbond with polyolefin based extrusion coat. One of the layers may have holes formed by punching, slitting, or cutting to permit the flow of pressurized inflating medium from the inflated section through the layer. In some cases, the holes can be opened through both layers. In some cases, when the convective device is assembled, the polypropylene-coated side of the first layer is sealed to the polypropylene-coated side of the second layer at the periphery, and at the one or more locations to form the construction. The sealing process can use various techniques, for example, ultrasonic welding, radio frequency welding, heat sealing, or the like. Alternatively, the first layer and second layer may each include a laminate of polypropylene and polyolefin web with holes formed in at least one of the layers to support passage of pressurized air. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the layers can use air permeable material, for example, spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) nonwoven material, or the like.
In some embodiments, a convective system may include one or more fixation elements and/or hose manifold, as illustrated in
For example, the convective device can be formed into a generally rectangular shape. As another example, the convective device can be formed into a “U” shape to be disposed alongside the person 606. In some cases, the fixation element 620 includes a first ring, where the first ring is configured to secure a first part of the tubular convective device 610. In the embodiment illustrated in
In some cases, the convective device 610 can have two openings 612. In some cases, the hose manifold 630 is rigid. The hose manifold 630 includes a hose connector 633 configured to connect to a hose and two outlet connectors 632 configured to connect to the two openings 612 of the convective device 610 respectively, where the hose connector 633 and the two output connectors 632 are in fluid connection.
In some cases of using a convective device, a hose clamp may be used to maintain adequate air-tight connection between the hose and the convective device.
In some embodiments, the engaging component 930 includes a plurality of engaging elements 935. In some implementations, the engaging component 930 includes a pattern of engaging elements 935, for example, a pattern of a line, a pattern of a wave, a pattern of higher density proximate to the end, or the like. The encircling element 910 has a first end 941, a second end 942, and a middle portion 945. In some cases, the encircling element 910 can be semi-rigid or rigid. The encircling element 910 can include materials, for example, polycarbonate, polyester, polyethylene, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and/or the like. In some cases, the grabbing component 920 and the engaging component 930 can include the same materials as the encircling element 910. In some other cases, the grabbing component 920 and the engaging component 930 can include different materials as the encircling element 910. In some cases, the engaging components can have a material the same as or different from the material used for the encircling element 910. In some cases, the engaging component 930 can use soft materials, for example, urethane, thermoplastic materials, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), or the like. The engaging elements 935 can have any shapes, for example, cylinder, half sphere, prism, hexagonal prism, trapezoidal prism, cube, cuboid, cone, pyramid, or the like.
In some embodiments, a convective system includes an inflation medium source, a convective device, and a hose connecting the inflation medium source and the convective device. The convective device includes a pneumatic structure and an opening into the pneumatic structure. The hose includes a nozzle to insert to the opening of the convective device. The convective device can use any embodiments of convective device described herein.
In some embodiments, the hindrance device 1330C comprises a softer material than the material of the nozzle. In some cases, the hindrance device 1330C may include soft or rigid thermoplastic elastomers such as polyesters, polyurethanes, polyamides, or polyolefin blends; or thermoset elastomers such as natural and synthetic rubbers such as latex, nitrile, millable polyurethane, silicone, butyl and neoprene. In the example illustrated, the hindrance device 1330C is disposed along the circumference of the nozzle 1300C. In some embodiments, the nozzle 1300C includes a piercing device 1340C disposed on the nozzle 1300C. In this example, the piercing device 1340C comprises a plurality of piercing elements 1345C, where each piercing element 1345C is a protruded from the nozzle body 1305C. In some cases, the piercing element 1345C has a slope in cross-sectional view with a lower protrusion closer to the first end 1310C and a higher protrusion farther from the first end 1310C. In some cases, the piercing device 1340C is configured to facilitate insertion and/or prevent the hose from slipping from the opening of the convective device. In some cases, the piercing device 1340C is disposed closer to the first end 1310C than the hindrance device 1330C. In some cases, at least one of the piercing elements 1345C is in the shape of trapezoidal prism. In some cases, at least one of the piercing elements 1345C is in the shape of triangular prism. In some configurations, the nozzle 1300C includes a protrusion portion 1315C at the first end 1310C.
In some embodiments, the nozzle 13001 includes a piercing device 13401 disposed on the nozzle 13001. In this example, the piercing device 13401 comprises a plurality of piercing elements 13451, where the piercing element 13451 is a protruded from the nozzle body 13051. In some cases, the piercing element 13451 has a slope in cross-sectional view with a lower protrusion closer to the first end 13101 and a higher protrusion farther from the first end 13101. In some cases, the piercing device 13401, maybe together with the recess portion 13351, is configured to facilitate insertion and/or prevent the hose from slipping from the opening of the convective device. In some cases, the piercing device 13401 is disposed closer to the, first end 13101 than the hindrance device 13301. In some cases, a piercing element 13451 is in the shape of trapezoidal prism. In some cases, a piercing element 13451 is in the shape of triangular prism.
In some embodiments, the hindrance device 1330L comprises a softer material than the material of the nozzle. In some cases, the hindrance device 1330L may include soft or rigid thermoplastic elastomers such as polyesters, polyurethanes, polyamides, or polyolefin blends; or thermoset elastomers such as natural and synthetic rubbers such as latex, nitrile, millable polyurethane, silicone, butyl and neoprene. In the example illustrated, the hindrance device 1330L is disposed along the circumference of the nozzle body 1305L. In some embodiments, the nozzle 1300L includes a piercing device 1340L disposed on the nozzle 1300L. In this example, the piercing device 1340L comprises one or more piercing elements 1345L, where the piercing element 1345L is a protruded from the nozzle body 1305L. In some cases, the piercing element 1345L has a slope in cross-sectional view with a lower protrusion closer to the first end 1310L and a higher protrusion farther from the first end 1310L. In some cases, the piercing device 1340L is configured to facilitate insertion and/or prevent the hose from slipping from the opening of the convective device. In some cases, the piercing device 1340L is disposed closer to the first end 1310L than the hindrance device 1330L. In some cases, a piercing element 1345L is in the shape of trapezoidal prism. In some cases, a piercing element 1345L is in the shape of triangular prism.
Item A1. A tubular convective system, comprising:
Item A2. The tubular convective system of Item Al, wherein the fixation element further comprises a second ring connected to the first ring, and wherein the second ring is configured to secure a second part of the tubular convective device.
Item A3. The tubular convective system of Item A1 or A2, wherein the first ring has an opening.
Item A4. The tubular convective system of Item A3, wherein a width of the opening is less than a diameter of the first ring.
Item A5. The tubular convective system of any one of Item A1-A4, wherein the fixation element further comprises a generally flat element.
Item A6. The tubular convective system of any one of Item A1-A5, wherein the fixation element further comprises an attachment element configured to attach to a fixture.
Item A7. The tubular convective system of Item A6, wherein the attachment element comprises a generally “L” shape part.
Item A8. The tubular convective system of any one of Item A1-A7, wherein the tubular convective device further comprises an air-guide device configured to direct flow of inflating medium when the tubular convective device is bent.
Item A9. The tubular convective system of Item A8, wherein the air-guide device comprises a guiding seal extending from an edge of the tubular convective device toward the tube structure.
Item A10. The tubular convective system of Item A8, wherein the air-guide device is disposed within the tube structure.
Item A11. The tubular convective system of Item A8, wherein the air-guide device is configured to facilitate forming creases at the edge of the air-guide device when the tubular convective device is inflated and bent.
Item A12. The tubular convective system of any one of Item A1-A11, wherein the tubular structure comprises a blown film.
Item A13. The tubular convective system of Item A12, wherein the tubular structure further comprises a plurality of apertures disposed on the blown film.
Item A14. The tubular convective system of Item A13, wherein the tubular structure comprises a first portion and a second portion separated from the first portion longitudinally, and wherein the plurality of apertures are only disposed on the first portion of the tubular structure.
Item A15. A tubular convective system, comprising:
Item A16. The tubular convective system of Item A15, wherein the flat element is configured to releasably attach to the flexible element proximate to a second end of the flexible element.
Item A17. The tubular convective system of Item A16, wherein the flat element comprises a slit allowing the flexible element to slide in.
Item A18. The tubular convective system of any one of Item A15-A17, wherein the flexible element comprises a heavy component proximate to a second end.
Item A19. The tubular convective system of any one of Item A15-A18, wherein the flat element is configured to be secure to a fixture.
Item A20. The tubular convective system of any one of Item A15-A19, wherein the flexible element comprises at least one of a tube, a string, and a strap.
Item A21. The tubular convective system of any one of Item A15-A20, wherein the tubular convective device further comprises an air-guide device configured to direct flow of inflating medium when the tubular convective device is bent.
Item A22. The tubular convective system of Item A21, wherein the air-guide device comprises a guiding seal extending from an edge of the tubular convective device toward the tube structure.
Item A23. The tubular convective system of Item A21, wherein the air-guide device is disposed within the tube structure.
Item A24. The tubular convective system of Item A21, wherein the air-guide device is configured to facilitate forming creases at the edge of the air-guide device when the tubular convective device is inflated and bent.
Item A25. The tubular convective system of any one of Item A15-A24, wherein the tubular structure comprises a blown film.
Item A26. The tubular convective system of Item A25, wherein the tubular structure further comprises a plurality of apertures disposed on the blown film.
Item A27. The tubular convective system of Item A26, wherein the tubular structure comprises a first portion and a second portion separated from the first portion longitudinally, and wherein the plurality of apertures are only disposed on the first portion of the tubular structure.
Item B1. A convective system, comprising:
Item B2. The convective system of Item B1, wherein the two outlet connectors open toward generally opposite directions.
Item B3. The convective system of Item B1 or B2, wherein the two outlet connectors are generally parallel and open toward generally same directions.
Item B4. The convective system of any one of Item B1-B3, wherein the hose manifold further comprises an attachment element configured to attach to a fixture.
Item B5. The convective system of Item B1, wherein at least one of the two outlet connectors further comprises a flexible flap configured to prevent slipping.
Item B6. The convective system of any one of Item B1-B5, wherein at least one of the two outlet connectors is slanted.
Item B7. The convective system of any one of Item B1-B6, wherein at least one of the two outlet connectors comprises a generally triangular opening.
Item B8. The convective system of any one of Item B1-B7, wherein at least one of the two outlet connectors comprises a generally round opening.
Item B9. The convective system of any one of Item B1-B8, wherein at least one of the two outlet connectors comprises an expandable element.
Item B10. The convective system of any one of Item B1-B9, wherein the hose manifold is rigid.
Item B11. The convective system of any one of Item B1-B10, wherein the inflatable convective device further comprises an air-guide device configured to direct flow of inflating medium when the inflatable convective device is bent.
Item B12. The convective system of Item B11, wherein the air-guide device comprises a guiding seal extending from an edge of the inflatable convective device toward the pneumatic structure.
Item B13. The convective system of Item B11, wherein the air-guide device is disposed within the pneumatic structure.
Item B14. The convective system of Item B11, wherein the air-guide device is configured to facilitate forming creases at the edge of the air-guide device when the inflatable convective device is inflated and bent.
Item B15. The convective system of any one of Item B1-B14, wherein the inflatable convective device is a tubular convective device.
Item B16. The convective system of Item B15, wherein the tubular convective device comprises a blown film.
Item B17. The convective system of Item B16, wherein the tubular convective device further comprises a plurality of apertures disposed on the blown film.
Item B18. The convective system of Item B17, wherein the tubular convective device comprises a first portion and a second portion separated from the first portion longitudinally, and wherein the plurality of apertures are only disposed on the first portion of the tubular structure.
Item C1. A tubular convective device, comprising:
Item C2. The tubular convective device of Item C1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are each half portion.
Item C3. The tubular convective device of Item C1 or C2, wherein the plurality of apertures are only disposed on the first portion of the blown film.
Item C4. The tubular convective device of any one of Item C1-C3, wherein the plurality of apertures are disposed on the second portion of the blown film.
Item C5. The tubular convective device of any one of Item C1-C4, further comprises: an air-guide device configured to direct flow of inflating medium when the tubular convective device is bent.
Item C6. The tubular convective device of Item C5, wherein the air-guide device comprises a guiding seal extending from an edge of the tubular convective device toward the tube structure.
Item C7. The tubular convective device of Item C5, wherein the air-guide device is disposed within the tube structure.
Item C8. The tubular convective device of Item C5, wherein the air-guide device is configured to facilitate forming creases at the edge of the air-guide device when the tubular convective device is inflated and bent.
Item C9. The tubular convective device of any one of Item C1-C8, wherein the tubular convective device is in a roll.
Item C10. A tubular convective system comprising:
Item C11. The tubular convective system of Item C10, wherein a dispenser comprises a cutting device.
Item C12. A tubular convective system, comprising:
a plurality of tubular convective devices, each tubular convective device comprising: a tubular structure comprising a flexible material, and a plurality of apertures on the tubular structure, wherein the plurality of tubular convective devices are connected.
Item C13. The tubular convective system of Item C12, further comprises: a line of weakness between two adjacent tubular convective devices of the plurality tubular convective devices.
Item C14. The tubular convective system of Item C12 or C13, further comprises: an close seal between two adjacent tubular convective devices of the plurality tubular convective devices.
Item C15. The tubular convective system of Item C13, further comprises: an close seal between two adjacent tubular convective devices of the plurality tubular convective devices, wherein the close seal is disposed proximate to the line of weakness.
Item C16. The tubular convective system of any one of Item C12-C15, wherein two of the plurality of tubular convective devices have different length from each other.
Item C17. The tubular convective system of any one of Item C12-C16, wherein the plurality of tubular convective devices are in a roll.
Item C18. The tubular convective system of any one of Item C12-C17, wherein the tubular structure comprises a blown film.
Item C19. The tubular convective system of any one of Item C12-C18, wherein the tubular structure comprises a layer of flexible materials sealed at a longitudinal edge.
Item C20. The tubular convective system of any one of Item C12-C19, wherein the tubular structure comprises a first flexible layer and a second flexible layer, wherein the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer are sealed at two longitudinal edges.
Item C21. The tubular convective system of Item C20, wherein the plurality of apertures are disposed only on the first flexible layer.
Item C22. The tubular convective system of any one of Item C12-C21, wherein the tubular structure comprises a first portion and a second portion separated from the first portion longitudinally, and wherein the plurality of apertures are disposed only on the first portion.
Item C23. The tubular convective system of any one of Item C12-C22, wherein each tubular convective device comprises an attachment device.
Item C24. The tubular convective system of Item C23, wherein the attachment device comprises an adhesive strip.
Item C25. The tubular convective system of Item C23, wherein the attachment device comprises a plurality of adhesive segments disposed in a pattern.
Item C26. The tubular convective system of Item C25, wherein the plurality of adhesive segments are disposed in a generally equal spacing longitudinally.
Item C27. The tubular convective system of Item C23, wherein the attachment device of a tubular convective device is connected to the attachment device of an adjacent tubular convective device.
Item C28. A tubular convective system, comprising:
Item C29. The tubular convective system of Item C28, wherein the fixation element comprises a ring.
Item C30. The tubular convective system of Item C28 or C29, wherein the fixation element comprises a flat element and a flexible element attached to the flat element.
Item C31. The tubular convective system of any one of Item C28-C30, further comprises:
Item C32. A tubular convective system, comprises:
Item D1. A convective system, comprising:
Item D2. The convective system of Item D1, wherein the hindrance device comprises a softer material than the material of the nozzle.
Item D3. The convective system of Item D1 or D2, wherein the hindrance device comprises a plurality of hindrance elements disposed in a pattern on the nozzle.
Item D4. The convective system of any one of Item D1-D3, wherein the hose further comprises a piercing device disposed on the nozzle.
Item D5. The convective system of Item D4, wherein the piercing device comprises a plurality of piercing elements.
Item D6. The convective system of Item D4, wherein the piercing device is disposed closer to an end of the nozzle than the hindrance device.
Item D7. The convective system of any one of Item D1-D6, wherein the inflatable convective device comprises: a flexible first layer and a flexible second layer joining the flexible first layer by a seal around a common periphery to form the pneumatic structure.
Item D8. The convective system of any one of Item D1-D7, wherein the nozzle comprises a protrusion portion.
Item D9. The convective system of Item D5, wherein at least one of the piercing elements is in a shape of trapezoidal prism.
Item D10. A convective system, comprising:
Item D11. The convective system of Item D10, wherein a cross section of the first nozzle end is elliptical.
Item D12. The convective system of Item D10 or D11, wherein a cross section of a second nozzle end opposing to the first nozzle end has a generally circular cross section.
Item D13. A convective system, comprising:
Item D14. The convective system of Item D13, wherein the piercing device comprises a plurality of piercing elements.
Item D15. The convective system of Item D14, wherein at least one of the piercing elements is in a shape of trapezoidal prism.
Item D16. The convective system of Item D14, wherein each of the piercing elements is generally in a same shape.
Item D17. The convective system of any one of Item D13-D6, wherein the hose further comprises a hindrance device disposed on the nozzle, wherein the hindrance device is configured to prevent the hose from slipping from the opening.
Item D18. The convective system of Item D17, wherein the hindrance device is disposed only on a portion of a circumference of the nozzle.
Item D19. The convective system of Item D17, wherein the hindrance device comprises a softer material than the material of the nozzle.
Item D20. The convective system of Item D17, wherein the hindrance device comprises a plurality of hindrance elements disposed in a pattern on the nozzle.
Item D21. The convective system of Item D20, wherein the piercing device is disposed closer to an end of the nozzle than the hindrance device.
Item D22. The convective system of any one of Item D13-D21, wherein the inflatable convective device comprises: a flexible first layer and a flexible second layer joining the first layer by a seal around a common periphery to form the pneumatic structure.
Item D23. The convective system of any one of Item D13-D22, further comprising: a fixation element attached to the hose and comprising a flat element.
Item D24. The convective system of any one of Item D23, wherein the fixation element comprises a hinge such that the flat element is configured to rotate.
The present invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples and embodiments described above, as such embodiments are described in detail to facilitate explanation of various aspects of the invention. Rather the present invention should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention, including various modifications, equivalent processes, and alternative devices falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US15/00174 | 12/23/2015 | WO | 00 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62213504 | Sep 2015 | US | |
62096133 | Dec 2014 | US |