Conformable heating pad

• US 20090032523A1
• Filed: 07/31/2007
• Published: 02/05/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc. d/b/a Jarden Consumer Solutions (Newell Brands Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc. d/b/a Jarden Consumer Solutions (Newell Brands Inc.)
• Inventors: Youngblood, Jill
• Application Number:
  US11/888,117
• Publication Number:
  US 20090032523A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 219/528
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2203/003 using serpentine layout
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2203/014 Heaters using resistive wires or cables not provided for in H05B3/54
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 3/342 heaters used in textiles
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 3/36 heating conductor embedded in insulating material

Abstract

A conforming heating pad having a curvilinear Y-shaped recess has a pair of opposed curved wing sections surrounding a centralized opening occupied by a central flap portion created by the Y-shaped recess. A pair-of opposed multi-layer constructions housing a resistive NTC sensing wire and a plurality of individual weights serve to enhance the conformity of the heating pad. The heating pad is operable in at least two modes, including a constant heating level mode at various user-selectable temperature levels and a timed mode that offers user-selectable temperature levels over a user-selectable period of time. The heating pad can be wetted to offer a moist heat therapy.

Claims

1. ) An electrically heated pad, comprising:

a pair of opposed multi-layer constructions;

a serpentine heating element, wherein the opposed constructions surround the heating element; and

a plurality of individual weights encased between the opposed constructions.

2. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 1, wherein each of the opposed multi-layer constructions comprises:

an outer layer;

an inner batting layer; and

a scrim, wherein all of the layers are secured together about their outer periphery.

3. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 2, wherein the outer layer is comprised of one of a material from the group consisting of polyester, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene.

4. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 2 wherein the scrim is comprised of one of a material from the group consisting of polyester, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene.

5. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 2 wherein the batting layer comprises a non-woven material.

6. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 1, wherein the plurality of individual weights comprises individual ceramic pellets.

7. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 6, wherein weight of the plurality of individual weights total from one to three pounds.

8. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 1 wherein said heating element is comprised of a negative temperature coefficient sensing wire.

9. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of securing means suitable for releasably altering the configuration of the pad.

10. ) An electrically heated pad comprising:

a generally circular main body having a curvilinear recess dividing the main body into a pair of opposed curved wing sections and a central flap portion;

wherein the heated pad further includes a plurality of individual weights secured within the pad.

11. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 10, further comprising an encased serpentine heating element.

12. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 11, wherein the plurality of individual weights are secured between the curved portions of the serpentine heating element and wherein the curvilinear recess is “

Y”

-shaped.

13. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 10, wherein the pad is operable both wet and dry.

14. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 13, wherein the pad is operable in at least two different modes, a first consistent heat level mode in which a user can select a heating level at which the pad will operate and a second timed operation mode in which a user can select a period of time over which the pad will provide heat at a user-selected heating level.

15. ) An electrically heated pad, comprising:

a generally circular main body having a configurable shape including a centrally located flap portion that can be secured to the main body to expose a central opening, wherein the opening is suited for passage of a body part there through;

a heating element secured within the main body;

a plurality of individual weights located within the main body; and

wherein the main body is comprised of a material from the group consisting of polyester, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene.

16. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 15, wherein the main body comprises:

a pair of opposed multi-layer constructions including an outer layer, an inner batting layer, and a scrim, wherein all of the layers are secured together about their outer periphery.

17. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 15, wherein the serpentine heating element is a negative temperature coefficient sensing wire.

18. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 15, wherein the plurality of individual weights comprises individual ceramic pellets.

19. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 15, wherein the weight of the plurality of individual weights total from one to three pounds.

20. ) The electrically heated pad of claim 15, wherein the pad is operable both wet and dry.