THERMAL TREATMENT DEVICE

• US 20090163984A1
• Filed: 12/19/2008
• Published: 06/25/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Sowden, Harry S., Robinson, Ronni L., Kriksunov, Leo B.
• Granted Patent: US 9,962,284 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/114
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0071 using a resistor, e.g. near the spot to be heated
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0075 using a Peltier element, e.g. near the spot to be heated or cooled
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0078 with a battery
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0086 with a thermostat
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0228 with belt or strap, e.g. with buckle
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0296 Intervals of heating alternated with intervals of cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/02 Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/034 Flameless
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2015/0042 Balls or spheres
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0173 Means for preventing injuries
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0207 heated
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0214 cooled
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0242 by a fluid circulating in the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0257 by a heat accumulator, e.g. a sand or liquid reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0278 by chemical reaction
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/102 with aromatherapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1626 Holding means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/165 Wearable interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1688 disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2205/081 Back
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/02 : with electric or magnetic drive
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/0254 : with rotary motor
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 7/00 : Devices for suction-kneading massage; Devices for massaging the skin by rubbing or brushing not otherwise provided for electro-medical massage devices applying electric current by contact A61N1/18

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a reusable pain relieving treatment device, such as a belt, that comprises one or more conductive members that extend from an inner surface of the device and are capable of transferring heat, cold or vibrations from disposable or reusable packs.

Claims

1. A therapeutic device comprising

a) a conformable and reusable portion having an inside surface and an outside surface;

b) at least one pocket on the conformable and reusable portion for receiving at least one retainer that generates either a positive or negative temperature differential relative to a surrounding environment; and

c) at least one conductive member that protrudes from the inside surface of the conformable and reusable portion, wherein the at least one conductive member is in contact with at least one retainer and transmits the positive or negative temperature differential therefrom.

2. The therapeutic device of claim 1 wherein the retainer radiates heat and generates a positive temperature gradient through the at least one conductive member.

3. The therapeutic device of claim 2 wherein the at least one conductive member protrudes from the inside surface the conformable and reusable portion by more than 1 millimeter but less than 25 millimeters.

4. The therapeutic device of claim 1 wherein the at least one conductive member is made, at least in part, from a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, copper, silver, steel and metal alloys of aluminum, copper, silver and steel and combinations thereof.

5. The therapeutic device of claim 1 wherein the at least one conductive member comprises is made, at least in part, from conductive fabrics, composites, plastics, polymers, rubber, ceramics and mixtures thereof.

6. The therapeutic device of claim 1 wherein the shape the pockets are substantially the same shape as the retainer.

7. The therapeutic device of claim 1 wherein the reusable portion is conformable to fit over the shoulder, back, knee, or elbow of a human.

8. The therapeutic device of claim 1 wherein the color of the pockets is substantially the same as the color of the retainer.

9. The therapeutic device of claim 8 wherein the color for retainers and pockets which deliver a positive temperature differential is different than the color for retainers and pockets which deliver a negative temperature differential.

10. The therapeutic device of claim 1 wherein at least one conductive member comprises round edges which rotate within a supporting element or socket.

11. The therapeutic device of claim 1 wherein at least one conductive member is a sealed liquid filled pouch.

12. The therapeutic device of claim 1 wherein at least one conductive member and retainer delivers a positive temperature differential for 4 to 6 hours and at least one conductive member delivers a positive temperature differential for 8 to 12 hours.