THERMAL DEVICE

• US 20120022621A1
• Filed: 08/04/2011
• Published: 01/26/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Wyeth LLC (Pfizer Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Wyeth LLC (Pfizer Inc.)
• Inventors: Wong, Vincent York-Leung, Freeland, Mary Elaine, Ebel, James Patrick
• Application Number:
  US13/197,874
• Publication Number:
  US 20120022621A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/96
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0228 with belt or strap, e.g. with buckle
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0249 with a layer having low heat transfer capability
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/034 Flameless

Abstract

A method of delivering safe therapeutic heat to an unconscious or inert subject is described, wherein a disposable device is applied to the user that provides a consistent skin side temperature, wherein said device comprises a thermal source comprising a particulate exothermic composition; and a primary insulative material disposed on a skin side of the thermal source that delivers heat while protecting the subject from burns; wherein said device provides a rate of temperature change of less than about 0.8.

Claims

1. A method of delivering safe therapeutic heat to an unconscious or inert subject comprising:

applying a disposable device that provides a consistent skin side temperature to the unconscious or inert subject, wherein said device comprises;

a thermal source comprising a particulate exothermic composition; and

a primary insulative material disposed on a skin side of the thermal source that delivers heat while protecting the subject from burns;

wherein said device provides a rate of temperature change of less than about 0.8.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said primary insulative material has a thermal conductivity of about 0.045 to 0.055 W/m−

k.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said device provides a rate of temperature change of less than about 0.7.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein said device provides a rate of temperature change of less than about 0.5.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said device provides and maintains a skin side temperature below about 43°

C.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said device provides and maintains a skin side temperature between about 39°

C. and about 42°

C.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said device provides and maintains a skin side temperature between about 39°

C. and about 42°

C. for at least 5 hours.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said primary insulative material is selected from the group consisting of:

polyethylene or polypropylene foam.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein said primary insulative material has a thickness of from about 1/32 inch to about ⅜

inch.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein said thermal source comprises a plurality of heat cells comprising the particulate exothermic composition.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein said plurality of heat cells are formed in a unified structure comprising at least two opposed surfaces, wherein at least one surface is air permeable, and wherein said particulate exothermic composition is disposed between said two opposing surfaces.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprising a top layer disposed on a top side of said thermal source.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein said top layer is a non-woven material.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said top layer is a material chosen from the group consisting of:

nylon, rayon, cellulose ester, polyvinyl derivatives, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polypropylene, celluloses, wool, silk, jute, hemp, cotton, linen, sisal, ramie, and combinations thereof.

15. The method of claim 1 further comprising a skin side layer.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said skin side layer is a non-woven material selected from the group consisting of:

nylon, rayon, cellulose ester, polyvinyl derivatives, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polypropylene, celluloses, wool, silk, jute, hemp, cotton, linen, sisal, ramie, and combinations thereof.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein said primary insulative material is disposed between said thermal source and said skin side layer.

18. The method of claim 1 further comprising a second insulative material disposed on a top side of said thermal source.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising a top layer disposed on a top side of said second insulative material.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the device provides safe heat therapy to the subject while sleeping.