Heat application method

• US 5,500,010 A
• Filed: 10/14/1993
• Issued: 03/19/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 02/26/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Phase Change Energy Solutions INC
• Original Assignee: Thermastor Technologies, Ltd.
• Inventors: Owens, Byron C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Millin, V.
• Assistant Examiner(s): ANDERSON, CHARLES WENDELL
• Application Number:
  US08/136,021
• Time in Patent Office: 887 Days
• Field of Search: 607/114, 607/172, 607/96, 607/108-111, 5/348
• US Class Current: 607/114
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0003 Face
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0095 with a temperature indicator
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0201 shaped as a doll
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0207 Plants, dried plants, seeds or fruits
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0231 hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0242 heated by microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/026 with a fluid absorbing layer
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/02 Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/10 Cooling bags, e.g. ice-bags
• 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 2201/025 by direct air flow on the patient's body
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0257 by a heat accumulator, e.g. a sand or liquid reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0292 with microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/165 Wearable interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/02 with electric or magnetic drive

Abstract

A therapeutic pad for heating or cooling has a liquid absorbent to prevent liquid leakage in the event the sealed envelope of the pad is ruptured. The method of forming the pad includes vacuuming the thermoplastic envelope prior to sealing. The pad can be used alone or with a comforter to provide warmth or to remove heat from the body of the user.

Claims

1. A method of applying heat to a selected object comprising the steps of:

(a) forming a microwavable pad having a liquid and a liquid absorbing means sealed within an envelope in which the absorbing means is compressed within the envelope to less than its non-compressed size;

(b) subjecting the pad to microwave radiation; and

(c) placing the irradiated pad against the object to heat the same.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of subjecting the pad to microwave radiation comprises the step of placing the pad in a microwave oven.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of subjecting the pad to microwave radiation comprises subjecting the pad to microwave radiation for approximately five minutes.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of forming a microwavable pad comprises the steps of:

(a) applying pressure to said envelope to compress the contents thereof; and

(b) closing and sealing said envelope while said liquid absorbing means remains compressed.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the step of applying a vacuum pressure to said filled envelope comprises applying a vacuum pressure of twenty-four inches of mercury as measured on a vacuum gauge to said envelope.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of allowing said vacuum pressure to compress said liquid absorbing means comprises allowing said vacuum pressure to compress said liquid absorbing means to 50% of its original size.

7. A method of heat application comprising the steps of:

(a) forming a microwavable pad having a liquid and a liquid absorbing means sealed within an envelope in which the absorbing means is compressed within the envelope to less than its non-compressed size;

(b) subjecting the pad to microwave radiation;

(c) applying the irradiated pad in contact with an object to be heated; and

(d) allowing the irradiated pad to heat the object.