Radiant therapeutic heating apparatus

• US 8,170,685 B2
• Filed: 09/01/2005
• Issued: 05/01/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CT Investments Ltd.
• Original Assignee: CT Investments Ltd.
• Inventors: Docherty, Francis G., Docherty, Wendy, Crerar, John
• Primary Examiner(s): GIBSON, ROY DEAN
• Application Number:
  US11/574,723
• Publication Number:
  US 20080262393A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,434 Days
• Field of Search: 607 88- 91, 607 96-100, 219/527, 219/528
• US Class Current: 607/100
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0071 using a resistor, e.g. near the spot to be heated
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0086 with a thermostat
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0088 Radiating heat
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0094 using a remote control
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/023 with pockets for receiving packs or pouches
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0249 with a layer having low heat transfer capability
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/007 characterised by electric heating

Abstract

A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus may include a radiant heat generating layer having a plane surface including an infrared radiator adapted to radiate heat evenly from its surface, a pair of flexible electrically insulating and radiation-permeable layers located adjacent and covering opposite sides of the layer, a thermal insulation layer disposed against and covering one of the electrically insulating layers, and a sealed radiation permeable envelope enclosing the heating apparatus. The flexible heat generating layer may include a fiberglass material impregnated with a resistive material, which material may provide a surface temperature, when current is conducted therethrough, of no greater than about 54 degrees Celsius. Current limiting thermostats may be provided to prevent energy and temperature spikes. A stiffening element may help protect the components, and may orient portions of a user'"'"'s body (such as, e.g., but not limited to, the wrist for repetitive strain injuries) in a therapeutic position. The heating apparatus may be used on animals such as, e.g., but not limited to, mammals, including pets, humans, horses and/or other living beings and/or creatures. The apparatus may be oriented as a blanket, and may incorporate, e.g., a rheostat, high-low, analog, digital, or other power control switch. It may be used for warming kennels, for treating hypothermia, for relieving neck, shoulder and/or back pain. It may be used for pre- post- and during, operative care. It may be combined with other therapy such as, e.g., massage and/or vibration.

Claims

1. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus comprising:

at least one radiant heating element electrically coupled to a source of electrical energy adapted to radiate energy at a wavelength which penetrates into a body;

a stiffening member adapted to prevent creasing of said radiant heating element;

a control switch adapted to vary the level of radiant energy, said control switch comprising at least one of a high/low switch or a multiple level switch; and

a cover having a pocket for housing said at least one radiant heating element, wherein the apparatus is adapted to conform to a portion of a user'"'"'s body in a therapeutic position.

2. A method of using the apparatus of claim 1 for treating repetitive strain injuries of a user, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a radiant heating apparatus;

(b) fitting the radiant heating apparatus about an affected area of the user;

(c) energizing the radiant heating apparatus for a predetermined period of time;

(d) de-energizing the radiant heating apparatus; and

(e) repeating the step of energizing the radiant heating apparatus.

3. The method of treating repetitive strain injuries of a user of claim 2, wherein the predetermined time period is about 30-45 minutes.

4. The method of treating repetitive strain injuries of a user as recited in claim 2, further comprising the step of orienting the affected area of the user in a therapeutic position.

5. The method of treating repetitive strain injuries of a user as recited in claim 4, wherein the predetermined time period is about 30-45 minutes.

6. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a thermal insulation layer disposed adjacent to said stiffening member.

7. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said thermal insulation layer comprises foam insulation.

8. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said thermal insulation layer comprises a foam insulation of approximately 1 inch in thickness.

9. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 6, comprising a sealed radiant energy permeable envelope adapted to enclose said at least one radiant heating element and said stiffening member.

10. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 9, comprising a plurality of heating elements and wherein the cover comprises one or more individual pockets into which each of said at least one heating elements is inserted.

11. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the cover comprises two halves, and each half of the cover is segmented so as to create one or more individual pockets into which each heating element is inserted.

12. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the cover comprises two halves, and each half of the cover is stitched together with stitches so as to create one or more individual pockets into which each heating element is inserted.

13. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the cover comprises at least one of a cloth cover, a cotton cover, a man-made fiber cover, or a natural fiber cover;

and wherein said cover comprises a fastener comprising at least one of a fastening means, an adhesive, a magnet, a zipper, Velcro, a loop and hook fastener, a button, or a snap.

14. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising an enclosure adapted to at least one of enclose or integrate with said sealed radiant energy permeable envelope, said enclosure comprising at least one of:

a pad;

a blanket;

a treatment blanket;

an operative blanket adapted for use at least one of before, during or after an operation;

a pillow;

a bed;

an animal blanket;

an equine blanket;

a kennel liner;

a kennel;

clothing;

footwear;

a hat;

a pet bed;

a warming blanket;

a therapeutic support;

a massaging device;

a vibration device or a pad adapted to heat a portion of a body comprising at least one of a heel, ankle, planter fascia, hamstring, knee, calf, thigh, elbow, collarbone, shoulder, head, neck, temporomandibular joint, poll, wrist, back, hip, leg, foot, wither, back, spine loin, barrel, lung, sinus, respiratory system, kidney, abdomen, a muscle, limb, or joint.

15. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a user of the apparatus comprises at least one of:

a mammal;

a living being;

a human;

an animal;

a pet;

a horse;

a cow;

a dog;

a single hump camel;

a two hump camel;

or a cat.

16. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the user'"'"'s body comprises at least one of:

a heel, a hamstring, an ankle, a planter fascia, a foot, a knee, a calf, a thigh, an elbow, a collarbone, temporomandibular joint, poll, a head, a neck, a shoulder, a wrist, a back, a spine, an abdomen, a hip, a leg, a wither, a loin, a barrel, a lung, a sinus, a respiratory system, a kidney, a muscle, a limb, or a joint.

17. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said stiffening member is shaped so as to position the portion of the user'"'"'s body in a therapeutic position.

18. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the stiffening member is curved.

19. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said radiant heating element comprises a fiberglass material impregnated with resistive material.

20. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the resistive material provides radiant energy at wavelengths between 5 and 25 microns.

21. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising resistive material adapted to provide radiant energy at wavelengths between 5 and 25 microns.

22. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a resistivity of said radiant heating element provides a surface temperature adjacent the body to be heated which is less than or equal to about 54 degrees Celsius.

23. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said stiffening member is a resilient stiffener comprises a warp-resistant material.

24. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said resilient stiffener comprises polypropylene.

25. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first current limiting thermostat.

26. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said radiant heating element further comprises a second current limiting thermostat as a safety backup to said first current limiting thermostat.

27. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said heating element comprises a resistive material and at least two current limiting thermostats electrically coupled between the source of electrical energy and the resistive material such that said radiant heating element is adapted to provide radiant energy at wavelengths between 5 and 25 microns wherein a surface temperature is less than or equal to 54 degrees Celsius.

28. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said radiant heating elements further comprises:

a first current limiting thermostat electrically coupled to said wire adapted to apply electrical current to said conductive tapes; and

a second current limiting thermostat electrically coupled to said wire, wherein said first and said second current limiting thermostats act as redundant backups to one another, ensuring cut-off of said radiant heating element in the event of excessive heat and malfunction of either of said first and second thermostats.

30. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a power source adapted to provide power to said radiant heating element comprising at least one of a battery, a rechargeable battery, an electrical outlet, a solar cell, or an alternative energy source.

31. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a pad;

a blanket;

a treatment blanket;

an operative blanket adapted for use at least one of before, during or after an operation;

a pillow;

abed;

an animal blanket;

an equine blanket;

a kennel liner;

a kennel;

clothing;

footwear;

a hat;

a pet bed;

or a warming blanket.

32. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a vibrating device.

33. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 32, wherein said vibrating device includes an electrical switch for separately activating said vibrating device.

34. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a vibrator;

a power cord adapted to supply electrical energy to said radiant heating element and said vibrator from the source of electrical energy;

a first switch for activating said radiant heating element such that a surface temperature of the heating apparatus is about equal to or less than 54 degrees Celsius;

a second switch for activating said vibrator; and

a bag for removably enclosing each of said radiant heating element and said vibrator in at least one pocket.

35. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said at least one radiant heating elements further comprises:

a layer of radiant heat generating material homogeneously impregnated with an electrically resistive material;

electrically conductive tape fixed in electrical contact with the resistive material along the side;

a wire adapted to apply electrical current to said conductive tapes; and

a sealed flexible envelope of radiation permeable material enclosing said radiant heating element such that an electrical wire extends from the envelope to said wire.

36. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 35, further comprising a bag for removably enclosing said radiant heating element in a pocket.

37. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the bag is flexible and made of cloth.

38. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 35, further comprising:

a cover having a plurality of pockets for housing each of said radiant heating elements such that each electrical wire projects from its respective pocket;

a power cord adapted to supply electrical energy to each of said plurality of radiant heating elements; and

a fastener adapted to close the cover wherein said power cord extends therefrom for connection to the source of electrical energy.

39. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 38, further comprising an enclosure adapted to at least one of enclose or integrate with said sealed radiant energy permeable envelope, said enclosure comprising at least one of:

a pad;

a blanket;

a treatment blanket;

an operative blanket adapted for use at least one of before, during or after an operation;

a pillow;

a bed;

an animal blanket;

an equine blanket;

a kennel liner;

a kennel;

clothing;

footwear;

a hat;

a pet bed;

a warming blanket;

a therapeutic support;

a massaging device;

a vibration device or a pad adapted to heat a portion of a body comprising at least one of a heel, ankle, planter fascia, hamstring, knee, calf, thigh, elbow, collarbone, shoulder, head, neck, temporomandibular joint, poll, wrist, back, hip, leg, foot, wither, back, spine loin, barrel, lung, sinus, respiratory system, kidney, abdomen, a muscle, limb, or joint.

40. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 35, further comprising a pair of electrically conductive tapes fixed in electrical contact with the resistive material along opposite sides of the radiant heat generating material.

41. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 35, further comprising a quick connector which connects each radiant heating element to a main power cord.

42. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 35, wherein a resistivity of said radiant heat generating fiberglass material provides a surface temperature for the heating apparatus, which is less than or equal to 54 degrees Celsius.

43. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the radiant heat generating material comprises fiberglass.

44. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 43, wherein a resistivity of said radiant heat generating fiberglass material provides a surface temperature for the heating apparatus, which is within a range of between about 44-54 degrees Celsius.

45. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 35, further comprising a switch for energizing the heating apparatus when electrically coupled to the source of electrical energy.

46. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 35, further comprising a switch adapted to activate said radiant heating element such that a surface temperature of the heating apparatus is about equal to or less than 54 degrees Celsius.

47. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a sealed radiant energy permeable envelope adapted to enclose said at least one radiant heating element, said stiffening member and said thermal insulation layer.

29. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus comprising:

a plurality of radiant heating elements electrically coupled to a source of electrical energy adapted to radiate energy at a wavelength which penetrates into a body;

a stiffening member adapted to prevent creasing of said radiant heating elements; and

a cover segmented into two or more individual pockets each containing at least one of the plurality of heating elements thus allowing the heating apparatus to be bent along the segmented area to conform to a portion of a user'"'"'s body in a therapeutic position, wherein the heating apparatus is segmented with stitched pockets allowing the heating apparatus to be bent along the area of the stitching to conform to a body part of a user.

48. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising a switch selected from at least one of:

a toggle switch;

an on/off switch;

a high/low switch;

a rheostat;

an analog switch;

a digital switch;

or a multiple level switch.

49. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising a switch selected from at least one of:

a toggle switch;

an on/off switch;

a high/low switch;

a rheostat;

an analog switch;

a digital switch;

or a multiple level switch.

50. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus of claim 29, further comprising a thermal insulation layer disposed adjacent to said stiffening member.

51. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 50, wherein said thermal insulation layer comprises foam insulation.

52. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 50, comprising a cover of a sealed radiant energy permeable envelope adapted to enclose said at least one radiant heating element, said resilient stiffener and said thermal insulation layer.

53. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 50, comprising a cover of a sealed radiant energy permeable envelope adapted to enclose said radiant heating elements, said stiffening member and said thermal insulation layer.

54. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising an enclosure adapted to at least one of enclose or integrate with said sealed radiant energy permeable envelope, said enclosure comprising at least one of:

a pad;

a blanket;

a treatment blanket;

an operative blanket adapted for use at least one of before, during or after an operation;

a pillow;

a bed;

an animal blanket;

an equine blanket;

a kennel liner;

a kennel;

clothing;

footwear;

a hat;

a pet bed;

a warming blanket;

a therapeutic support;

a massaging device;

a vibration device or a pad adapted to heat a portion of a body comprising at least one of a heel, ankle, planter fascia, hamstring, knee, calf, thigh, elbow, collarbone, shoulder, head, neck, temporomandibular joint, poll, wrist, back, hip, leg, foot, wither, back, spine loin, barrel, lung, sinus, respiratory system, kidney, abdomen, a muscle, limb, or joint.

55. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 29, wherein a user of the apparatus comprises at least one of:

a mammal;

a living being;

a human;

an animal;

a pet;

a horse;

a cow;

a dog;

a single hump camel;

a two hump camel;

or a cat.

56. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said radiant heating element comprises a fiberglass material impregnated with resistive material.

57. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising resistive material adapted to provide radiant energy at wavelengths between 5 and 25 microns.

58. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 29, wherein a resistivity of said radiant heating element provides a surface temperature adjacent the body to be heated which is less than or equal to about 54 degrees Celsius.

59. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said radiant heating elements further comprises at least one current limiting thermostat.

60. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus comprising:

at least one radiant heating element electrically coupled to a source of electrical energy adapted to radiate energy at a wavelength which penetrates into a body;

a stiffening member adapted to prevent creasing of said radiant heating element; and

a covering having a pocket for housing said radiant heating element, wherein the apparatus is adapted to conform to a portion of a user'"'"'s body in a therapeutic position, and wherein the portion of a user'"'"'s body is a wrist and the stiffening member is curved so as to put the user'"'"'s wrist in a position therapeutic position.

61. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said stiffening member is curved at about +/−

5 degrees.

62. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 60, comprising at least one of:

a control switch adapted to vary the level of radiant energy, said control switch comprising at least one of;

a toggle switch;

an on/off switch;

a high/low switch;

a rheostat;

an analog switch;

a digital switch;

or a multiple level switch.

63. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus comprising:

at least one radiant heating element electrically coupled to a source of electrical energy adapted to radiate energy at a wavelength which penetrates into a body;

a control switch adapted to vary the level of radiant energy, said control switch comprising at least one of a high/low switch or a multiple level switch; and

a covering comprising two halves, each half of the cover is stitched together with stitches so as to create one or more individual pockets into which at least one heating element is inserted, wherein the apparatus is adapted to conform to a portion of a user'"'"'s body in a therapeutic position.

64. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 63, further comprising a quick connector which connects the radiant heating element to a main power cord.

65. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 63, comprising a cover of a sealed radiant energy permeable envelope adapted to enclose said radiant heating element.

66. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 63, wherein the portion of the user'"'"'s body comprises at least one of:

a heel, a hamstring, an ankle, a planter fascia, a foot, a knee, a calf, a thigh, an elbow, a collarbone, temporomandibular joint, poll, a head, a neck, a shoulder, a wrist, a back, a spine, an abdomen, a hip, a leg, a wither, a loin, a barrel, a lung, a sinus, a respiratory system, a kidney, a muscle, a limb, or a joint.

67. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 63, further comprising resistive material adapted to provide radiant energy at wavelengths between 5 and 25 microns.

68. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 63, wherein a resistivity of said radiant heating element provides a surface temperature adjacent the body to be heated which is less than or equal to about 54 degrees Celsius.

69. A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus according to claim 63, wherein said radiant heating elements further comprises one or more current limiting thermostat.