Thermal pack having a plurality of individual heat cells
US6146732A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/23
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to disposable thermal packs comprising a unified structure having at least one continuous layer of a semirigid material which softens when heated. The thermal packs also comprise a plurality of individual heat cells, which typically comprise an exothermic composition, spaced apart and fixed throughout the unified structure. The material of the continuous layer or layers provide sufficient rigidity to maintain structural support of the heat cells, to prevent unacceptable stretching of structures of the continuous layer or layers during processing or use of the thermal packs, and to deter easy access to heat cell contents, while also providing good overall drape characteristics when heated. The thermal packs, when incorporated into body wraps, pads, and the like, provide efficient and effective heat coverage by having excellent conformity with various body forms.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.