Thermal coverings

• US 20060142828A1
• Filed: 12/23/2004
• Published: 06/29/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Incorporated (Kimberly-Clark Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Incorporated (Kimberly-Clark Corporation)
• Inventors: Schorr, Phillip A., Stern, Patricia A., Walton, Glynis Allicia, Fenwick, Christopher D., Quincy, Roger Bradshaw III
• Granted Patent: US 7,763,061 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/108
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0062 the gas being steam or water vapour
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/034 Flameless

Abstract

A thermal covering that comprises a thermoregulatory substrate is provided. The thermoregulatory substrate contains an exothermic coating formed from an oxidizable metal. The exothermic coating is generally free of moisture prior to activation. Exposure of the exothermic coating to oxygen and moisture activates an exothermic reaction to generate heat, such heat being transferable to a patient or user through an outer surface defined by the thermal covering.

Claims

1. A thermal covering that comprises an exothermic coating formed from an oxidizable metal, wherein said exothermic coating is generally free of moisture prior to activation, and wherein exposure of said exothermic coating to oxygen and moisture activates an exothermic reaction to generate heat, such heat being transferable to a patient or user through an outer surface defined by the thermal covering.

2. The thermal covering of claim 1, wherein the solids add-on level of said exothermic coating is from about 100% to about 5000%.

3. The thermal covering of claim 1, wherein the solids add-on level of said exothermic coating is from about 200% to about 2400%.

4. The thermal covering of claim 1, wherein said metal is iron, zinc, aluminum, magnesium, or combinations thereof.

5. The thermal covering of claim 1, wherein said metal is in the form of a powder that constitutes from about 40 wt. % to about 95 wt. % of said exothermic coating.

6. The thermal covering of claim 1, wherein said metal is in the form of a powder that constitutes from about 50 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of said exothermic coating.

7. The thermal covering of claim 1, wherein said exothermic coating further comprises a carbon component, binder, and electrolytic salt.

8. The thermal covering of claim 1, wherein the thermal covering further comprises a breathable layer that is capable of regulating the amount of moisture and oxygen contacting said exothermic coating.

9. The thermal covering of claim 8, wherein said breathable layer comprises a breathable film.

10. The thermal covering of claim 9, wherein said breathable film is laminated to a nonwoven web.

11. The thermal covering of claim 8, wherein said breathable layer has a water vapor transmission rate of at least about 100 grams per square meter per 24 hours.

12. The thermal covering of claim 1, wherein the thermal covering further comprises an absorbent layer for absorbing and retaining moisture.

13. The thermal covering of claim 12, wherein said absorbent layer comprises cellulosic fibers.

14. The thermal covering of claim 13, wherein said absorbent layer further comprises a superabsorbent material.

15. The thermal covering of claim 1, further comprising a thermally conductive layer.

16. The thermal covering of claim 15, wherein said thermally conductive layer comprises a film, a fibrous material, or combinations thereof.

17. The thermal covering of claim 15, wherein said thermally conductive layer comprises a metallic coating.

18. The thermal covering of claim 15, wherein an additive is incorporated into said thermally conductive layer for enhancing thermal conductivity.

19. The thermal covering of claim 1, further comprising an insulation layer.

20. The thermal covering of claim 19, wherein said insulation layer comprises a nonwoven web.

21. The thermal covering of claim 1, wherein said outer surface is defined by a bodyside layer of the thermal covering.

22. The thermal covering of claim 21, further comprising an environment-side layer that defines a second outer surface of the thermal covering.

23. The thermal covering of claim 1, wherein the thermal covering comprises multiple substrates containing an exothermic coating.

24. The thermal covering of claim 1, further comprising a layer that contains moisture-retaining particles.

25. A thermal covering comprising:

i) first and second substrates, each of which contains an exothermic coating formed from an oxidizable metal powder, wherein said exothermic coating is generally free of moisture prior to activation, and wherein exposure of said exothermic coating to oxygen and moisture activates an exothermic reaction to generate heat;

ii) first and second breathable layers for regulating the amount of moisture and oxygen contacting said exothermic coating; and

iii) an absorbent layer for absorbing and retaining moisture, said absorbent layer being positioned between said first and second substrates, said first substrate being positioned between said absorbent layer and said first breathable layer, and said second substrate being positioned between said absorbent layer and said second breathable layer.

26. The thermal covering of claim 25, further comprising a thermally conductive layer, an insulation layer, or combinations thereof.

27. The thermal covering of claim 26, wherein said thermally conductive layer is located adjacent to said first breathable layer.

28. The thermal covering of claim 27, wherein said insulation layer is located adjacent to said second breathable layer.

29. The thermal covering of claim 28, further comprising a bodyside layer that is located adjacent to said thermally conductive layer.

30. The thermal covering of claim 29, further comprising an environment-side layer that is located adjacent to said insulation layer.

31. A method for forming a thermal covering, said method comprising:

providing a substrate containing an exothermic coating formed from an oxidizable metal;

supplying moisture to an absorbent layer;

positioning said absorbent layer relative to said substrate so that moisture is capable of transferring from said absorbent layer to said exothermic coating;

sealing said absorbent layer and substrate within an enclosure that inhibits the passage of oxygen to said exothermic coating.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein said moisture is present in an amount from about 20 wt. % to about 500 wt. % of the weight of said oxidizable metal in said coating.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein said moisture is present in an amount from about 50 wt. % to about 200 wt. % of the weight of said oxidizable metal in said coating.

34. A method for warming a patient, said method comprising:

removing the enclosure from the thermal covering formed according to claim 31 to expose said exothermic coating to oxygen and generate heat, such heat causing one or more surfaces of the thermal covering to have an elevated temperature; and

contacting the patient with the thermal covering having said elevated temperature.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the elevated temperature ranges from about 30°

C. to about 60°

C.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the elevated temperature ranges from about 35°

C. to about 50°

C.

37. The method of claim 34, wherein the elevated temperature ranges from about 37°

C. to about 43°

C.

38. The method of claim 34, wherein the elevated temperature is maintained for at least about 1 hour.

39. The method of claim 34, wherein the elevated temperature is maintained for at least about 2 hours.

40. The method of claim 34, wherein the elevated temperature is maintained for at least about 4 hours.