Body conforming textile holder and thermal article

• US 20070106350A1
• Filed: 11/08/2005
• Published: 05/10/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: RUSL LLC
• Original Assignee: RUSL LLC
• Inventors: Carstens, Jerry
• Application Number:
  US11/269,269
• Publication Number:
  US 20070106350A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/108
• CPC Class Codes: A41B 2300/32 using hook and loop-type fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/005 with controlled temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/1161 Means for fastening to the user's head
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0001 Body part
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0226 adhesive, self-sticking
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0228 with belt or strap, e.g. with buckle
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/023 with pockets for receiving packs or pouches
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0231 hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0261 medicated
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/03 thermophore, i.e. self-heating, e.g. using a chemical reaction
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/032 using oxygen from the air, e.g. pocket-stoves
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 23/00 Filters for breathing-protection purposes gas-filters in general B01D
• CPC Class Codes: D04B 1/22 specially adapted for knitting goods of particular configuration
• CPC Class Codes: D10B 2501/041 Gloves
• CPC Class Codes: D10B 2501/061 Piped openings (pockets)
• CPC Class Codes: D10B 2509/028 Elastic support stockings or elastic bandages

Abstract

A body conforming, reusable, washable, textile holder for removably holding at least one article in close bodily contact. The holder may be a wrap or tube constructed to enclose a portion of the body where the article is to be held. The article may be a therapeutic article, such as a heat generating thermal pack, a cooling pack, or other article comprising a therapeutic agent; an absorbent article; a sensing article; or a filter article. The invention also relates to a system comprising the body conforming holder and an article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder.

Claims

1. A heat delivery system comprising:

a) a body conforming, reusable, washable, textile holder for removably holding at least one thermal pack in close bodily contact, said holder being a wrap or tube constructed to enclose a portion of the body in need of heat treatment, and comprising an elastic region having a Holding Force (HF-4.0) of greater than about 0.1 kgf and a Holding Force (HF-2.5) of less than about 1.0 kgf; and

b) at least one thermal pack capable of being removably held in close bodily contact by said holder, said thermal pack comprising one or more heat cells comprising an exothermic composition fixedly attached to said thermal pack.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein both the thermal pack and the holder are vapor permeable.

3. A system according to claim 1 wherein the thermal pack is disposable.

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein the holder comprises knit material and elastomeric fiber material.

5. A system according to claim 1 wherein the elastic region of the holder has a Holding Force (HF-3.0) of less than about 1.0 kgf.

6. A system according to claim 1 wherein the elastic region of the holder has a Holding Force (HF-5.0) of less than about 1.0 kgf.

7. A system according to claim 1 wherein the holder is constructed to hold the thermal pack in a selected location.

8. A system according to claim 7 wherein the holder comprises at least one pocket for receiving and supporting the thermal pack.

9. A system according to claim 1 wherein the holder comprises a first fastening material and the thermal pack comprises a second fastening material that cooperatively engages the first fastening material and enables the thermal pack to be removably affixed to the holder.

10. A system according to claim 9 wherein the first and second fastening materials comprise mechanical fastening material.

11. A system according to claim 1 wherein the thermal pack is removably affixed to the holder using adhesive material.

12. A system according to claim 1 wherein the holder comprises at least two cooperating fastening materials affixed to opposed surfaces of the holder that can be positioned to removably enclose the portion of the body in need of heat treatment.

13. A system according to claim 12 wherein the fastening materials comprise mechanical fastening material.

14. A system according to claim 1 wherein the thermal pack has a unified structure comprising at least one continuous layer and a plurality of individual heat cells spaced apart and fixedly attached to or within said at least one continuous layer.

15. A system according to claim 1 wherein the one or more heat cells comprise an exothermic composition in the form of dry agglomerated granules, direct compaction articles, or mixtures thereof, said compaction articles being granules, pellets, tablets, slugs, or mixtures thereof.

16. A system according to claim 1 wherein the one or more heat cells have a disk or ellipsoid shape.

17. A system according to claim 1 wherein the one or more heat cells comprise a densely packed particulate composition comprising iron powder, carbon, metal salt and water, and said composition substantially fills the available cell volume within the one or more heat cells.

18. A system according to claim 17 wherein the holder comprises knit material and elastomeric fiber material.

19. A system according to claim 18 wherein the holder comprises at least one pocket for receiving and supporting the thermal pack.

20. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a therapeutic agent comprising an aromatic compound, a pharmaceutical active, a lotion, an emollient, a moisturizing agent, or mixtures thereof.

21. A heat delivery system comprising:

a) a body conforming, reusable, washable, textile holder for removably holding at least one thermal pack in close bodily contact, wherein the holder is a wrap comprising at least two cooperating fastening materials affixed to opposed surfaces of the holder that can be positioned to removably enclose a portion of the body in need of heat treatment, and comprises an elastic region having a Holding Force (HF-4.0) of greater than about 0.1 kgf and a Holding Force (HF-2.5) of less than about 1.0 kgf; and

b) at least one thermal pack capable of being removably held in close bodily contact by said holder, said thermal pack comprising one or more heat cells comprising an exothermic composition fixedly attached to said thermal pack.

22. A system according to claim 21 wherein the elastic region of the holder has a Holding Force (HF-3.0) of less than about 1.0 kgf.

23. A system according to claim 21 wherein the holder comprises at least one pocket for receiving and supporting the thermal pack.

24. A system according to claim 21 wherein the fastening materials comprise mechanical fastening material.

25. A system according to claim 21 wherein the one or more heat cells comprise a densely packed particulate composition comprising iron powder, carbon, metal salt and water, and said composition substantially fills the available cell volume within the heat cells.

26. A heat delivery system comprising:

a) a body conforming, reusable, washable, textile holder for removably holding at least one thermal pack in close bodily contact, wherein the holder is a tube that can be positioned to enclose a portion of the body in need of heat treatment, and comprises an elastic region having a Holding Force (HF-4.0) of greater than about 0.1 kgf and a Holding Force (HF-2.5) of less than about 1.0 kgf; and

b) at least one thermal pack capable of being removably held in close bodily contact by said holder, said thermal pack comprising one or more heat cells comprising an exothermic composition fixedly attached to said thermal pack.

27. A system according to claim 26 wherein the elastic region of the holder has a Holding Force (HF-3.0) of less than about 1.0 kgf.

28. A system according to claim 26 wherein the holder comprises at least one pocket for receiving and supporting the thermal pack.

29. A system according to claim 26 wherein the one or more heat cells comprise a densely packed particulate composition comprising iron powder, carbon, metal salt and water, and said composition substantially fills the available cell volume within the heat cells.

30. A system according to claim 26 wherein the holder is a glove, headgear, or a sock.