THERAPEUTIC HEATED POCKET

• US 20120046719A1
• Filed: 04/09/2011
• Published: 02/23/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 08/20/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gene Stuffel
• Original Assignee: Gene Stuffel
• Inventors: Stuffel, Gene
• Granted Patent: US 8,721,700 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/111
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2218/007 Aspiration
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0032 Elbow
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0036 Hand
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0042 Knee
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0045 Foot
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0071 using a resistor, e.g. near the spot to be heated
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0078 with a battery
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0093 programmed
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0249 with a layer having low heat transfer capability
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0257 with a fluid impermeable layer
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0282 for particular medical treatments or effects
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0295 for heating or cooling or use at more than one temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/007 characterised by electric heating

Abstract

A therapeutic heated pocket and method of use in accordance with the present disclosure generally comprises an outer covering, edge trim, baby-dry material, insulation material, headliner material, heating coil, heating element, power cord and power adjustment controller. The pocket allows an arthritis sufferer to quickly and evenly warm an affected area in order to increase blood flow to the area. This has been shown to increase mobility and decrease pain for several hours after use.

Claims

1. A therapeutic pocket for alleviating the pain and symptoms of arthritis and related injuries comprising:

an outer waterproof covering;

said covering folded over on itself and sealed on at least three sides by an edge trim;

an insulation layer within the covering;

a heating element within the insulation layer, said heating element encircling the perimeter of the pocket;

a heating coil within the insulation layer, said heating coil forming a winding pattern across the pocket;

a headboard material within the insulation material;

a baby-dry material within the baby-dry material; and

a power cord extending from the heating element to a power controller.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a battery pack electronically coupled to the power controller.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said outer cover is composed of 65% polyester and 35% cotton.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said outer cover is lined by a completely waterproof material.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said insulation material is further comprised of four distinct layers, with the outermost layer being comprised of aluminum.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said insulation material is comprised of at least three materials of the group consisting of wool, polyester, cotton and aluminum.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said insulation material produces a heat loss of less than 19%.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said heating coil is spaced apart by at least half an inch.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said heating element and said heating coil each produce a power of 50 Watts.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said headliner material is composed of foam nylon.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein said headliner material is at least half an inch in width.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein said baby-dry material is further comprised of at least two distinct layers.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein said baby-dry material is composed of 35% cotton and 65% nylon.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein said power controller has four individual temperature settings.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein said power controller has a continuum of temperature settings.

16. A method of using the device of claim 1 in order to reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis comprising the steps of:

selecting a desired temperature;

inserting or adjacently positioning an affected anatomical area;

leaving the area in place for fifteen to forty minutes.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of inflating the pocket after inserting an affected anatomical area in order to increase pressure.