HUE035668T2 - Hõvezetõ burkolat - Google Patents

Description

Description 5,735,889; 6,102,937; 6,123,717; 5,925,072; 6,074,413; 5,741,318; 5,980,562; 5,674,270; 5,837,005; 6,096,067; FIELD OF THE INVENTION 6,019,782; 5,906,637; 6,024,761; 5,904,710; and 6,336,935; WO 98/29064; WO 97/01312; WO 97/01310; [0001] The present invention is directed to devices 5 WO 97/49361; WO 98/29063; WO 99/09917; WO used to deliver heat to a painful joint or other body part. 99/09918; and WO 01/19302. These documents disclose

Particularly the invention is directed to a covering for the disposable body wraps comprising a plurality of heat hand and wrist areas. Most particularly the invention is cells, wherein the body wraps deliver consistent, long- directed to a thermal covering to deliver heat or cold to lasting thermal treatment to the afflicted area of the body, the hand and/or wrist. 10 The wraps described in these documents, and the tech nology incorporated therein, have provided important ad- BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION vances in the art.

[0005] US2004/0147990 discloses a wrap for the and [0002] A common method of treating temporary or with a removable thermic element and a thumb pocket, chronicpainisbyapplicationofheatorcoldtotheafflicted 15 Recently, wraps such as HEAT ZONE®, commercially area. Such heat treatments are used as a means of ther- available from AccuFitness, Englewood, CO, have been apy for conditions which include aches, stiffness in mus- provided that contain a "semi-durable" (i.e. partly reusa- cles and joints, nerve pain, rheumatism, arthritis, and the ble, or reusable for a limited number of uses) body wrap like. Typically, the method for relieving pain using heat having a pocket for the placement of a single "heat pad" treatments has been topical application of relatively high 20 containing an exothermic composition. While these prod-heat, e.g., greater than about 40 °C for a short period of ucts diminish the disposable nature of the overall product, time, e.g., from about twenty minutes to about one hour. and thus may be more economical than full disposable [0003] Elastic compression wrap bandages have been devices, the heat pads are subject to movement and disused to help stabilize afflicted areas during injury healing. placement when contained in the pocket. This results in

Heating pads, whirlpools, hot towels, hot water bottles, 25 decreased efficacy and utility of the overall wrap because hot packs, cold packs and the like have been commonly it fails to consistently deliver efficacious heat therapy to used to apply heat or cold to an area to relieve the pain the area in need of treatment. Thus, with many known of aches, stiffness in muscles and joints, nerve pain, rheu- disposable, reusable and partially reusable wraps, it is matism, arthritis, and the like. However, many of these particularly difficult to get consistent heat applied to the devices are inconvenient for use on a regular and ex- 30 hand and wrist area. Such wraps are particularly disad-tended basis because for example the heat energy may vantageousforthose having arthritis in the hand and wrist not be immediately available when needed or may not area, and particularly the thumb. The thumb is a crucial be released in a controllable manner. That is, many of digit necessary for most daily functions, and is often par- the thermal units or devices do not provide long lasting ticularly painful when injured or arthritic. Yet it is difficult heat and also do not maintain a consistent temperature 35 to effectively apply and retain heat to the thumb with many overlong periods of time. Proper positioning of the ther- of the known therapeutic thermic devices. In addition, mal energy also may not be maintainable during joint many known thermic devices are particularly difficult for flexure or other body movement. In general, the benefi- a user with injured or arthritic hands to apply to their own cial therapeutic effects from the administration of heat bodies. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide eco- diminish after the heat source is removed - thus move- 40 nomical disposable, reusable, and/or partly reusable ment or flexion of a joint or body part may remove the thermal devices that provide secure, consistent, long- heat source from contact with the joint or body part and lasting application of heat to the hand-wrist area, while thereby reduce the effectiveness of the device. particularly providing heat to the thumb area and being [0004] Various thermal devices are known, such as easy for a user with injured or arthritic hands to apply, heat packs based on iron oxidation. However, such de- 45

vices have not proven satisfactory because many of SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION these devices are bulky, cannot maintain a consistent and controlled temperature, present difficulty staying in [0006] The present invention is defined in appended place during use, and/or have unsatisfactory physical di- independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are de- mensions that hinder their efficacy, and they must be so scribed in the dependent claims. The disclosure is direct-thrown away after one use. Specifically, such devices ed to a thermal covering that delivers consistent therapy cannot be easily incorporated into wraps that comfortably to a portion of a user’s body, is easy to use and apply to and reliably conform to various body contours. Hence the body, and is securely positionable on the body. The they deliver inconsistent, inconvenient and/or uncomfort- thermal covering of the present invention can be entirely able heat application to the body. 55 disposable. Alternatively, the thermal covering can also

Recently, improved disposable body wraps have been have a disposable or reusable thermic component and described in such documents as U.S. Patent Nos. a reusable chassis component. The device of the present 5,728,057; 5,728,058; 5,860,945; 6,048,326; 5,728,146; invention is particularly useful for the hand-wrist area, including the thumb.The presentdisclosurealso includes a thermal covering of the present invention; methods of using the thermal covering(s), and kits con- Fig.4isafrontplanviewofan additional embodiment taining the covering(s). An embodiment of the invention of a thermal covering of the present invention; is a thermal covering for use on the hand-wrist area of a Fig. 5 is a front plan view of an embodiment of the user comprising: 5 present invention;

Fig. 6 is a front plan view of an alternative embodi- (a) a chassis having a longitudinal axis and a trans- ment of the present invention; verse axis and comprising a flexible body portion Fig. 7 is a front plan view of an embodiment of a having at least one thermal region; disposable heat pack usablewith a reusable chassis; (b) a thermic component attachable to the body por- 10 Fig. 8 is a front plan view of an embodiment of a tion at the thermal region; and reusable chassis having a pouch therein; and (c) a digit-receiving aperture through the body por- Fig. 9 is a front plan view of an embodiment of a tion and adjacent to the thermal region. sleeve of the present invention.

Further disclosed are methods of treating pain selected « DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION from acute muscular, acute skeletal, acute referred, recurrent muscular, recurrent skeletal, recurrent referred, [0011] All percentages and ratios are calculated by chronic muscular, chronic skeletal, chronic referred pain, weight unless otherwise indicated, and combinations thereof, comprising applying the fore- [0012] Referenced herein may be trade names for going thermal covering to the area in need of treatment. 20 components including various ingredients utilized in the [0007] The present invention is directed to kits com- present invention. The inventors herein do not intend to prising a reusable chassis and at least one reusable or be limited by materials undera certain trade name. Equiv- disposable thermic component. The thermic component aient materials (e.g., those obtained from a different of the present invention can comprise at least one sep- source under a different name or reference number) to arately disposable heat pack containing an exothermic 25 those referenced by trade name may be substituted and composition; reusable heatable and reheatable thermic utilized in the descriptions herein, components; battery powered thermic components; [0013] In the description of the invention various em- electric powered thermic components; electromechani- bodiments and/or individual features are disclosed. As cal thermic components; moisture-generating thermic will be apparent to the ordinarily skilled practitioner, all components; and combinations thereof. 30 combinations of such embodiments and features are [0008] With embodiments having a reusable chassis possible and can result in preferred executions of the and a disposable or reusable thermic component, con- present invention. tinued use of the reusable chassis is possible, with inter- [0014] As used herein, the term "mammal" means ver- change of various disposable and/or reusable thermic tebrate mammals. Non-limiting examples of mammals components. 35 arehumansandcompanionanimals(e.g.,domesticcats, [0009] Thus, the presently devices, methods, and kits dogs, horses, cows, orothersimilar animals). Exemplary provide advantages relative to those provided in the art. mammals are humans.

Indeed, the present devices, methods, and kits provide [0015] As used herein, the term "plurality" with refer- thermal coverings which consistently deliver heat or cold ence to a given noun means more than one, alternatively to the area in need of treatment, particularly the hand- 40 more than two, alternatively more than three, and alter-wrist area, including the thumb. These and other aspects natively more than four units of the given noun, of the present invention are described in further detail [0016] As used herein "attachable" means that a com- herein. ponent is releasably attachable as defined herein, per manently attachable as defined herein, and/or formed BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 45 integrally and irreversibly into a component.

[0017] The devices, methods, and kits herein may [0010] While the specification concludes with claims comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any of the that particularly point out and distinctly claim the present elements as described herein. invention, it is believed that the present invention is fur- [0018] While various embodiments and individual feather understood from the following description of alter- so tures of the present invention have been illustrated and native embodiments, taken in conjunction with the ac- described herein, various other changes and modifica- companying drawings, wherein: tions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As will also be apparent to the

Fig. 1 is a front plan view of an embodiment of a ordinarily skilled practitioner, all combinations of the em-thermal covering of the present invention; 55 bodiments and features taught in the foregoing disclo-

Fig. 2 is a front plan view of an alternative embodi- sure are possible and can result in preferred executions mentof a thermal covering of the present invention; of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a front plan view of another embodiment of [0019] Each of the individual elements of the invention, as well as alternative, optional embodiments, is de- from the group consisting of bendable stripes of glue, scribed further below. polyethylene, polypropylene, rigid plastic, rigid metal, and combinations thereof.

The Chassis The digit-receiving aperture(s) can be located on the 5 body portion distal to a flexible retaining element. Alter- [0020] The thermal covering of the present invention natively, the digit-receiving aperture can be located prox- comprises a chassis. The chassis of the present inven- imal to the flexible retaining element. Alternatively there tion comprises a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis; can be more than one digit-receiving aperture. The digit- a flexible body portion having at least one thermal region; receiving aperture(s) can be oriented in a transverse axis wherein the body portion comprises a digit-receiving ap- 10 of the chassis, a longitudinal axis, and combinations erture through the body portion and adjacent to the ther- thereof. The digit-receiving aperture(s) can be of varying mal region. shape and size, non-limiting examples of which include [0021] Additionally, the thermal covering can comprise a slit and a slot, and combinations thereof, arcuate and at least one flexible retaining element, such as a strap. non-arcuate shapes, and combinations thereof. The dig-

Additionally, at least one of the body portion and the flex- 15 it-receiving aperture(s) can be thumb-receiving aper- ible retaining element comprises an elastomeric material; tures such that the thumb anchors the thermal covering and wherein at least one of the body portion and the in place during installation and use. flexible retaining element is stretchable along the longi- [0025] The chassis also comprises a flexible retaining tudinal axis of the chassis. element. Non-limiting examples of a flexible retaining el- [0022] Because some alternative embodiments herein 20 ement include a single strap portion, two strap portions, comprise thermic components comprising at least about and a plurality of strap portions. The flexible retaining one heat cell comprising exothermicorendothermiccom- element, when in the form of a strap or straps can be positions, the material of the chassis can be permeable formed from an elastomeric material. Non-limiting exam-to air. The chassis material can be permeable to air in pies ofsuitable elastomeric materials include elastomeric order that it does not inhibit any exothermic or endother- 25 net (SCRIM), vacuum formed elastomers, and the like, mic reaction within the thermic component.

[0023] The chassis can comprise materials including Attachment Element but not limited to ACE® bandage or wrap materials (com mercially available from Becton Dickenson of Franklin [0026] The thermal covering of the present invention

Lakes, NJ), or another like bandage or wrap. Alternative- 30 also includes at least one attachment element to releas-ly, the chassis can include combinations or layers of ma- ably attach the thermal covering about a user’s hand- terial including but not limited to, films or films laminated wrist area, for example, using at least one strap portion to non-woven fabrics. Films, if used, are those having and/or adhesive. heat sealability and which are capable of being easily As used herein, the term "releasably attach" refers to that thermally fused. Non-wovens, if used, provide support 35 property which provides for initial permanent attachment and integrity to film layer substrates. Non-limiting exam- of the strap portion(s) to the body portion of the chassis pies of suitable films include polyethylene, polypropyl- to secure the thermal covering around a user’s hand- ene, nylon, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidiene wrist area, and subsequent detachment of the strap por-chloride, polyurethane, polystyrene, saponified ethyl- tion(s) to allow removal of the thermal covering, ene-vinyl aceate copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate co- 40 [0027] "Releasably attaching" also refers to the prop- polymer, natural rubber, reclaimed rubber, synthetic rub- erty which provides for initial securing of either a dispos- berand combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of able or reusable thermic component to the chassis at the suitable non-wovens include nylon, rayon, cellulose es- thermal region, and subsequent detachment of the ther- ter, polyvinyl derivatives, polyolefins, polyamides, or pol- mic component from the chassis. The user may desire yesters, cuproammonium cellulose (Bemberg), natural 45 to release the thermal covering or thermic component materials such as wool, silk, jute, hemp, cotton, linen, and replace or reposition the thermal covering or thermic sisal, ramie and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the component as often as desired for optimal thermic deliv- chassis can comprise a variety of layers of various ma- ery. terials, and can be designed in specific shapes and ori- [0028] As used herein, the term "permanent attach- entations. so ment" refers to joining and securing the thermal covering [0024] In order to impart added structure and further about the hand-wrist area in such a manner that the ther-durability to the chassis, one or more optional stays can mal covering remains physically joined and secured be included. The stays can serve as resilient stiffeners. about the hand-wrist area during ordinary use.

For example, such stays may be embedded internally in [0029] Such attachment element for securing the ther- the material of the chassis. Alternatively, the stays may 55 mal covering about the hand-wrist area of a user can be be positioned on an outer surface of the chassis, away integrated into the chassis and/or strap portion(s), or can from the surface of the chassis that contacts a user’s be a separate component of a kit. The attachment ele- skin. Such stays can be formed from materials selected ment can be any of a variety of means for attaching, pro- videdthattheattachmentisreleasable. Accordingly, non- porated into the chassis or removably attachable, to the limiting examples of such attachment elements include: chassis at the thermal region. In embodiments of the hook and loop systems, for example wherein such sys- presentinvention.thethermiccomponentoftheinvention terns are integrated into the chassis and/or the flexible can include at least about one heat cell formed integrally retaining element; or adhesives such as skin contact ad- 5 into the chassis, thereby creating a single use thermal hesives incorporated into the chassis and/or the flexible covering. Alternatively the thermic component can be a retaining element. separate component that itself can be disposable or re- [0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment usable. Ifthethermiccomponentisreusable, non-limiting element can include hook and loop fastening systems, examples include reusable heatable and reheatable ther- for example VELCRO®. For example, the chassis can 10 mic components, battery powered thermic components, comprise a plurality of loop members which are formed electric powered thermic components, electromechani- from fibers of material. This plurality of loop members cal thermic components, moisture-generating thermic serves as one-half of a releasable hook and loop fasten- components, and the like. ing system. The strap portion(s) can comprise a plurality [0035] The thermic component utilized herein is suita- of hook members which are releasably attachable to the 15 ble for providing heat or cold, as desired or needed, to loop members of the chassis. As such, the plurality of the user’s body when secured in place. In an embodiment hook members serve as the second half of the attach- of the present invention, a separate disposable thermic ment means. component comprises a heat pack comprising at least [0031] The loop members can be formed from a variety about one, including a plurality, of thermic cells, for ex- of known materials. Particularly preferred loop members 20 ample heat cells. may comprise any warp or weft knit fabric having loops [0036] For example, a disposable thermic component, knitted therein, or nonwovens or nonwoven laminates whetherseparate or integrated into the chassis, can corn- capable of supporting hook attachment. An example ma- prise one or more heat cells comprising a thermorespon- terial for the loop members includes an Aplix knitted loop sive material, for example water, such as described in available from Aplix, Charlotte, NC. 25 U.S. Patent No. 2,602,302. Wherein the disposable ther- [0032] Hook members can be any of a variety of styles, mic component comprises a thermoresponsive material, shapes, and/or densities depending upon the use. The the disposable thermic component can be externally hooks of hook members can be bent shafts, mushroom heated or cooled prior to use, as desired. capped, harpoon-shaped, or any other suitable shape. [0037] In one particular embodiment herein, the ther-

The hooks of hook members can be unidirectional, bi- 30 mic component comprises at least about one thermic directional, or omni-directional depending upon the ap- cells comprising an exothermic or endothermic compo- plication and companion loops of the loop members. The sition, as applicable. In an embodiment of the invention hooks can compriseanyofavarietyofdifferentmaterials, having a disposable thermic component that is exother- including polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, mic, and oxygen-activated, the disposable thermic com- styrene block copolymers, and the like. An example hook 35 ponent comprises a heat pack having a heat pack body for use herein includes 960 polypropylene hooks, com- and at least about one heat cell fixed integrally within or mercially available from Aplix, Charlotte, NC. The hooks to the structure of the heat pack body. Wherein the heat of hook members are chosen in conjunction with the com- cells(s) is fixed within the structure of the heat pack body, panion loops of the loop members such as to provide at least a portion of the heat pack body can be oxygen peel and shear forces that are required for different ap- 40 permeable. plications. The ordinarily skilled artisan will recognizethat [0038] In a particularembodimentofthe present inven- a variety of other attachment means not explicitly de- tion, disposable thermic components readily adaptable scribed herein may be utilized. for use with the present invention are described in, for [0033] In addition, optionally an adhesive, such as a example, U.S. PatentNos. 6,020,040and6,146,732;and skin contact adhesive, can be included, for example at 45 WO 98/29066. In a particular embodiment, the heat pack at least one adhesive region, to further help anchor the of the disposable thermic component comprises at least thermal covering on the hand-wrist area, particularly dur- one continuous layer of a material, which preferably ex- ing installation or application of the thermal covering. A hibits specific thermophysical properties, and a plurality non-limiting example of an adhesive suitable for use on of individual heat cells which comprise an exothermic skin with the present invention is adhesive number so composition, wherein the heat cells are spaced apart and 34-539B available from National Starch & Chemical Co., fixed within or to the structure of the heat pack body, as

Bridewater, N.J. described in the above patents and patent applications.

Such heat cells can also be spaced apart and fixed within The Thermic Component or to the structure of the chassis, at the thermal region if 55 the entire thermal covering is to be disposable. Thus, the [0034] The thermal covering of the present invention thermic component can be an integral part of chassis of also comprises a thermic component. The thermic com- thethermal covering such thattheentiredeviceisasingle ponent is attachable, meaning either irreversibly incor- use, disposable device. Alternatively, the thermic com- ponent can be releaseably attachable to the chassis such from about 0.4 grams of brine solution per cell to about that the chassis can be reused whether or not the thermic 1.5 grams of brine solution per cell. Thus, an exothermic component is reusable. composition of the present invention can comprise a total [0039] Non-limiting examples of material suitable for cell weight, per cell, of from about 0.8 grams to about 4 the heat pack body include those listed above as suitable 5 grams, alternatively from about 1.5 grams to about 3.5 for the chassis body. grams, and alternatively from about 2.5 grams to about [0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the 3 grams. disposable thermic component comprises a plurality of [0044] The exothermic compositions comprise at least individual heat cells fixed within or to the material of the about one iron powder component at concentrations of chassis body or the heat pack body. The heat cells are 10 from about 10% to about 90%, alternatively from about spaced apart from each other and each heat cell func- 30% to about 90% and alternatively from about 50% to tions independently of the rest of the heat cells with re- about 87%, by weight of the composition. spect to heat generation. While the heat cells can com- [0045] Non-limiting suitable sources for iron powder in- prise any suitable composition for providing heat, such elude cast iron powder, reduced iron powder, electrolytic as exothermic compositions, microwavable composi- 15 iron powder, scrap iron powder, sponge iron, pig iron, tions, heat of crystallization compositions and the like, wrought iron, various steels, iron alloys, treated varieties an exemplary heat cell contains a densely packed, par- of the iron sources, and the like. There is no particular ticulate exothermic composition that can shift only mini- limitation to their purity, kind, and other properties, so mally within the heat cell. Alternatively, the exothermic long as the iron powder can be used to produce heat- composition can be compressed into a hard tablet or slug 20 generation with electrically conducting water and air. before being placed into each heat cell. The heat cells [0046] The exothermic compositions also comprise at of the present invention can be present in any number, least about one carbon component at concentrations of and can have any geometric shape, e.g., disk, triangle, from about 1% to about 25%, alternatively from about square, cube, rectangle, cylinder, ellipsoid and the like, 3% to about 20%, and alternatively from about 3.5% to all or none of which may contain a hole or other reservoir 25 about 10%, by weight of the composition. through the middle of the cell. An example shape of the [0047] Carbonaceous materials and mixtures thereof cell comprises an ellipsoid geometry. Alternatively, cells can be used in the exothermic compositions. Non-limiting having geometric shapes other than an ellipsoid shape, examples of carbon suitable for use in the compositions for example, a disk shape can be used. of the present invention include activated carbon, non- [0041] The heat cells can be integrally formed into the 30 activated carbon, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting exchassis or can be formed into a heat pack used sepa- amples of activated carbon include activated carbon pre- rately and which is releasably attachable to the chassis pared from coconut shell, wood, charcoal, coal, bone of the present invention. meal, but those prepared from other raw materials such as animal products, natural gas, fats, oils and resins are

Composition 35 also useful in the particulate exothermic compositions of the present invention. There is no limitation to the kinds [0042] An embodiment of an exothermic composition, of activated carbon used. However, activated carbon has suitable for use with the thermal covering of the present superior oxygen-adsorption capability. Different carbons invention, comprises a mix of chemical compounds that also can be blended to reduce cost. Therefore, mixtures undergo an oxidation reaction during use. The composi- 40 of the above carbons are useful in the present invention tions of the heat cells comprise a particulate premix and as well. a brine solution. The particulate premix comprises iron [0048] The exothermic compositions of the present in powder, carbon, an absorbent gelling material, and wa- vention also comprise an absorbent gelling material at ter. The brine solution comprises a metal salt, water and concentrations of from about 1 % to about 25%, alterna- optionally a hydrogen gas inhibitor such as sodium thio- 45 fively from about 1 % to about 15% and from about 1 % sulfate. Mixtures of this type react when exposed to ox- to about 10%, by weight of the exothermic composition, ygen, providing heat for several hours. Preferably, the The absorbent gelling material enables the retention of exothermic composition comprises a particulate mix of water physically or chemically within the particulate exchemical compounds that undergo an oxidation reaction othermic compositions, to gradually supply water to the during use. Alternatively, the exothermic composition so iron powder component and a controlled rate, may also be formed into agglomerated granules, direct Non-limiting examples of suitable absorbent gelling ma- compacted into compaction articles such as granules, terials include those materials that have fluid-absorbing pellets, tablets, and/or slugs, and mixtures thereof. properties and can form hydrogels upon contact with wa- [0043] The exothermic compositions defined herein ter, such as that based on a polyacid such as polyacrylic can be prepared by constructing the premix composition 55 acid. Examples of commercially available polyacrylate and rapidly dosing the premix with the brine solution. An include those polyacrylates available from Nippon example heat cell can comprise from about 0.4 grams of Shokubai located in Chatanooga, TN, USA. premix per cell to about 2.5 grams of premix per cell, and The compositions of the present invention can also com- prise water holding materials at concentrations of from one surface is oxygen permeable. about 0.1 % to about 25%, alternatively from about 0.5% to about 20%, and alternatively from about 1% to about Optional Components 15%, by weight of the composition. Useful additional wa ter-holding materials include vermiculite, porous sili- 5 [0051] The thermal covering and thermic component cates, wood powder, wood flour, cotton cloth having a of the present invention can optionally incorporate a corn- large amount of fluffs, short fibers of cotton, paper scrap, ponent, such as a separate substrate layer or a compo- vegetable matter, super absorbent water-swellable or nent incorporated into the material of the chassis body watersoluble polymers and resins, carboxymethylcellu- or heat pack body, comprising active aromatic com- lose salts. Other porous materials having a large capillary 10 pounds, non-active aromatic compounds, pharmaceuti- function and hydrophilic property can also be used. Ex- cal actives or other therapeutic agents, and mixtures amples of absorbent gelling materials and water holding thereof, to be delivered through the skin. Such active materials can be found in US patents 5,918,590 and aromatic compounds include, but are not limited to, men- 5,984,995 as well as US Patent Application No. thol, camphor, and eucalyptus, vanilla, lavender, andvar- 11/233,91 6, published as US2007068508. The exother- 15 ious essential oils that can be used for aromatherapy, mic compositions of the present invention also comprise Such non-active aromatic compounds include, but are at least about one metal salt at concentrations of from not limited to, benzaldehyde, citral, decanal, and alde- about 0.5% to about 10%, alternatively from about 0.5% hyde. Such pharmaceutical actives/therapeutic agents to about 7%, and alternatively from about 1% to about include, but are not limited to antibiotics, vitamins, anti- 5% by weight of the composition. 20 viral agents, analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-

Non-limiting examples of metal salts useful in the partie- pruritics, antipyretics, anesthetic agents, antifungals, an- ulate exothermic compositions include sulfates such as timicrobials, and mixtures thereof. The thermic compo- ferric sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium sulfate, manga- nent can also comprise a sweat-absorbing component, nese sulfate, magnesium sulfate and mixtures thereof; [0052] The above-mentioned components of the com- and chlorides such as cupric chloride, potassium chlo- 25 position are blended using conventional blending tech-ride, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, manganese chlo- niques. Example suitable methods of blending these ride, magnesium chloride, cuprous chloride, and mix- components are described in detail in U.S. Patent tures thereof. Also, carbonate salts, acetate salts, ni- 4,649,895. trates, nitrites and other salts can be used. In general, [0053] The finished thermic components, if using oxy- several suitable alkali, alkaline earth, and transition metal 30 gen-activated compositions, whether separate disposa-salts exist which can also be used, alone or in combina- ble thermic components, orwhether formed integrally in- tion, to sustain the corrosive reaction of iron. The pre- to the chassis, can be packaged in a secondary air-im- ferred metal salts are sodium chloride, cupric chloride, permeable package to prevent an oxidation reaction from and mixtures thereof. occurring until desired, such as described in U.S. Patent [0049] The particulate exothermic compositions of the 35 No. 4,649,895. Alternatively, other means can also be present invention also comprise water at concentrations used to prevent an oxidation reaction from occurring be- of from about 1% to about 35%, and alternatively from fore desired, such as air impermeable removable adhe- about 5% to about 33%, by weight of the composition. sive strips can be placed over the heat cells such that,

Thewaterused in the particulate exothermic composition when the strips are removed, air is allowed to enter the may beírom any appropriate source including, for exam- 40 heat cell, thus activating the oxidation reaction of the iron pie, tap water, distilled water, deionized water, and mix- powder. tures thereof. There is no particular limitation to its purity, kind, and the like. Securing Element for Attaching a Thermic Component [0050] Therefore, in a particular embodiment, a heat cell of the present invention can comprise a particulate 45 [0054] The present invention can also include an ele- exothermic composition wherein the particulate exother- ment for securing a thermic component to the chassis, if mic composition comprises (a) from about 10% to about the thermic component is releasably attachable to the 90% by weight of iron powder; (b)from about 1 % to about chassis. The securing element can be any of a variety of 25% by weight of a carbon selected from the group con- means for attaching, provided that the thermal covering sisting of activated carbon, non-activated carbon, and so and/or thermic component can be subsequently remixtures thereof; (c) from about 1% to about 25% by leased. Accordingly, non-limiting examples of such weight of an absorbent gelling material having a median means include: hook and look systems, for example particle size of from about 300 μπι to about 800 μπι; and wherein such systems are integrated into the chassis and (d) from about 1% to about 35% by weight of water; the thermic component; or adhesives such as pressure wherein the particles of the particulate exothermic com- 55 sensitive adhesives. position are combined in a pocket, formed in a unified [0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment structure of a chassis body or a heat pack body, com- means can include hook and loop fastening systems, for prising at least two opposed surfaces, wherein at least example VELCRO®. For example, the chassis can com- prise a plurality of loop members which are formed from etrate into the outer surface of the thermic component fibers of material. This plurality of loop members serves such that the adhesive preferentially adheres to the outer as one-half of a releasable hook and loop fastening sys- surface of the thermic component upon removal of the tern. The thermic component, whether reusable or dis- device from the body compress subsequent to use. The posable, can comprise a pluralityof hook members which 5 pattern of adhesive produced by this method may be are releasably attachable to the loop members of the straight parallel stripes extending from the edges of the chassis. As such, the plurality of hook members serve thermic component. The release paper then utilized is as the second half of the attachment means. preferably a silione treated paper, such as 24 KSD re- [0056] The loop members can be formed from a variety lease paper, commercially available from Tekkote of Leo- of known materials. Particularly preferred loop members 10 nia, NJ. can comprise any warp or weft knit fabric having loops knitted therein, or nonwovens or nonwoven laminates Kits capable of supporting hook attachment. An example ma terial suitable for the loop members includes an Aplix [0060] The present kits include those comprising: knitted loop commercially available from Aplix, Charlotte, 15 NC. (a) a reusable chassis having a longitudinal axis and [0057] Hook members can be any of a variety of styles, a transverse axis and comprising aflexible body por- shapes, and/or densities depending upon the use. The tion having a single thermal region, wherein said hooks of hook members may be bent shafts, mushroom body portion comprises a digit-receiving aperture capped, harpoon-shaped, or any other suitable shape. 20 through said body portion and adjacent to said ther-

The hooks of hook members can be unidirectional, bi- mal region; and directional, or omni-directional depending upon the ap- (b) a thermic component attachable to said body por- plication and companion loops of the loop members. The tion at said thermal region, hooks can compriseany of a variety of different materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, 25 [0061] The kits can comprise any number of reusable styrene block copolymers, and the like. An example hook chassis components and any number of disposable or for use herein includes 960 polypropylene hooks, com- reusable thermic components, as desired. Since the mercially available from Aplix, Charlotte, NC. The hooks chasses are intended to be reused, typical kits can com- of hook members are chosen in conjunction with thecom- prise, for example, one reusable chassis and at least panion loops of the loop members such as to provide 30 about one, or a plurality, of disposable or reusable ther-peel and shear forces that are required for different ap- mic components. This is convenient for the user, who plications. The ordinarily skilled artisan will recognize that can choose to use the reusable chassis on multiple oc- a variety of other attachment means not explicitly de- casions, but dispose of a given disposable thermic corn- scribed herein may be utilized. ponent subsequent to expenditure of that component.

[0058] Alternatively, the meansforreleasably securing 35 [0062] In various embodiments described below, each the thermiccomponentto the chassis can include narrow reusable chassis and each thermic component can be pressure sensitive adhesive strands orfibrils attached to separately contained each in a secondary package, and an outersurface ofthe thermic component. For example, then packaged together as a single kit. In embodiments the thermic component can comprise release paper at- ofthe present invention wherein the disposable thermic tached to adhesive strands on the outer layer of the ther- 40 component includes an oxygen-activated exothermic mic component in order to protect the adhesive strands composition, each disposable thermic component can from prematurely adhering to a target other than the in- be packaged separately in oxygen-impermeable pack- tended chassis. Such means preferably has a stronger aging until use. bond to the outer surface of the thermic component than [0063] The kits ofthe present invention can also in to either the release paper or, upon use, to the target 45 dude a flexible sleeve to secure the thermal covering on chassis surface. This may optionally be achieved by melt- the user’s hand-wrist area. The sleeve can have a digit- ing the adhesive into the material ofthe outer surface of receiving aperture formed therein. The sleeve comprises the thermic component such that mechanical entangle- an interior, a first end and a second end, both of which ment occurs. are open. To use the sleeve, a user slides the sleeve [0059] In a particular embodiment, a preferred cloth- so over the hand and wrist, inserting a thumb, if desired, fastening adhesive is product number 70-4595 pressure through the digit-receiving aperture to help hold the sensitive hot melt adhesive, commercially available from sleeve in position. The sleeve can be comprised of any

National Starch and Chemical Company of Bridgewater, stretch material including, but not limited to, natural, re- N.J. As an example, this adhesive may be applied to the claimed and synthetic rubbers; styrene block copolyouter surface of the thermic component at about 25 55 mers; polyurethane; metallocene-catalyzed polyethyl- grams per square meter (gsm) by spraying; alternatively ene; and the like. These materials can optionally include the adhesive can also be applied by printing or slot coat- foams; nonwoven materials; knits; films; elastomeric ing. In either case it is desirable that the adhesive pen- scrims, films, strands, ribbons, tapes; laminates of non- wovens and the aforementioned materials; and the like. and adjacent to the thermal region 14. The present in-

Packaging for the kit may be any of a variety of types, vention can also comprise a flexible retaining element for example, a carton or box containing the members of 18; wherein at least one of the body portion 12 and the the kit. The kit can also include usage instructions se- flexible retaining element comprises 18 an elastomeric lected from the group consisting of: written instructions, 5 material, and wherein at least one of the body portion 12 pictorial instructions, and combinations thereof, in one or and the flexible retaining element 18 is stretchable along more languages. the longitudinal axis Aof the chassis 10. A digit-receiving [0064] Methods of use A method of use comprises the aperture 16 is shown distal to the retaining element. The mammalian user removing the thermal covering from its present invention also comprises a thermic component packaging and applying thethermal covering to the hand- 10 20 attachable and integrally formed into the body portion wrist area and securing the thermal covering around the 12 at said thermal region 14, and comprising a plurality hand-wrist area using the attachment element of the flex- of heat cells 22 formed integrally into the chassis 10. Also ible retaining element, wherein the front of the thermic shown is a single strap portion 18a as the flexible retain- device is proximal to the surface of the user’s skin such ing element, which is stretchable. Single strap portion thatthe user can perform ordinary daily activities. Various 15 18a comprises an attachment means 24 comprising in embodiments of the thermal covering can be applied with this example, a hook and loop fastening system, the hook one hand. If desired, a reusable sleeve can be applied. portion of which is shown at reference numeral 26. The

If heat cells are used, over about a twenty minute period, chassis 10, as noted above, can include loop material to the heat cells present in the disposable thermic compo- which the hook portion 26 can attach to secure the ther-nent, whether a separate component orformed integrally 20 mal covering to a user’s hand-wrist area. intothechassis, warm the disposable thermic component [0067] Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention to result in a soothing skin temperature of about 34°C to having two strap portions 18b eachofwhich is stretchable 43°C, alternatively from about 39°C to 41 °C. After up to and each of which has an attachment means 24 hook about 8 to about 24 hours, the exothermic composition portion 26 thereon. Also shown is a plurality of heat cells of the heat cells is substantially expended. 25 22 integrally formed into chassis 10, and an arcuate digit-

After the thermic device, which can be disposable or re- receiving aperture 16 distal to the strap portions 18b. usable, is expended or has cooled, the mammalian user [0068] Fig. 3 illustrates yet another embodiment of the removes the sleeve, if used, and the chassis from the present invention having two strap portions 18b, a plu- hand-wrist area. If the user is using a thermal covering rality of heat cells 22 integrally formed into chassis 10, of the present invention with the heat cells formed inte- 30 and a non-arcuate digit-receiving aperture 16 proximal grally into the chassis, the entire chassis including the to the strap portions 18b. Also included in this embodi- integrally formed thermic component are disposed of. If ment are two areas of skin attachable adhesive 28, used the user is using a reusable chassis and releasable ther- to aid in the application or installation of the thermal cov- mic component, the mammalian user removes the ther- ering. mal covering from the hand-wrist area and disposes of 35 [0069] Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment having a single the expended thermic device, or stores, reheats, or re- strap portion 18a and two arcuate digit-receiving aper- charges the thermic device if the thermic device is reus- tures 16. able. The reusable chassis portion of the thermal cover- [0070] Fig. 5 illustrates a thermal covering of the ing can be washed and used again with new disposable present invention in use wrapped about a user’s hand- thermic devices or reheated reusable thermic devices, 40 wrist area. The heat cells are not shown as they are lo-or can be stored for future use. cated on the front or skin side of the thermal covering.

[0071] Fig. 6 illustrates a reusable chassis 10 of the Non-limiting Embodiments of the Thermal Covering present invention. Flexible body portion 12 includes ther mal region 14 wherein a releaseably attachable thermic [0065] The following provides non-limiting examples 45 component is attachable. A single strap portion 18a is of embodiments of the present invention. For example, shown with hook portion 26 of an attachment means 24. a kit comprising one reusable chassis and four releasably The chassis of this particular embodiment has a single disposable thermic components is provided to a mam- arcuate digit-receiving aperture 16. malian user. Each of the four disposable thermic com- [0072] Fig. 7 illustrates a disposable heat pack 30 for ponents is separately packaged in a secondary package so use with a reusable chassis 10 such as that shown in to inhibit initiation of the exothermic reaction until desired Fig. 6. The heat pack 30 comprises a heat pack body 32, use. and is releasably attachable to the flexible body portion [0066] Fig. 1 shows a fully disposable embodiment of 12 ofthe chassis 10 atthermal region 14, and comprises the invention comprising a chassis 10 having a longitu- a plurality of heat cells 22. dinal axis A and a transverse axis B and comprising a 55 [0073] Fig. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of a flexible body portion 12havingatleastonethermalregion reusable chassis 10 ofthe present invention. In this ex- 14, wherein the body portion 12 comprises an arcuate ample, chassis 10, has a pocket 34 formed therein, in digit-receiving aperture 16 through the body portion 12, which a heat pack such as that shown in Fig. 7 could be inserted, and thus be releasably attached to the chassis nent to an adhesive region(s) of the chassis, distal 10. to the strap portion. The skin contact adhesive can [0074] Fig. 9 illustrates an optional flexible sleeve 36. be slot coated to the designated non-woven part of

Sleeve 36 has a digit-receiving aperture 38 formed there- the chassis, and covered with a peel paper (for exin. Sleeve 36 comprises an interior 40, a first end 42 and 5 ample Tekkote paper number SAG24KSB) which a second end 44, both of which are open. To use the the user removes when attaching the thermal cov- sleeve 36, a user slides sleeve 36 over the hand and ering to the user’s skin. wrist, inserting a thumb, if desired, through aperture 38 9. Ultrasonically bond all overlapping portions of the to help hold sleeve 36 in position. materials to form a complete thermal covering com- 10 prising an integrated heat pack.

Examples 10. Cut overall thermal covering to desired shape. 11 .Package the finished thermal covering with inte- [0075] The following examples further describe and grated thermic component in an oxygen-impermea- demonstrate embodiments within the scope of the ble present invention. The examples are given solely for the 15 package to prevent initiation of the exothermic reac-purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as tion. limitations of the present invention, as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the scope of [0077] An example heat pack, whether integrated into the invention. a thermal covering or left separate and removably attach- [0076] The following is an example of an embodiment 20 able to a chassis of the thermal covering, is made as of the thermal covering of the present invention: follows: 1. To begin forming the chassis, start with a base 1. Start with a base layer of non-apertured 1 mil

layer of a polypropylene carded non-woven, (for ex- (1/1000th inch) thick 60% polypropylene / 40% EVA ample material number 6780 available from PGI, 25 (ethylene vinyl acetate) film number DH245 availa-

Inc.) at 22 grams per square meter (gsm). ble from Clopay Plastics Products.

2. Apply a hot melt construction adhesive for exam- 2. Place the film over a forming plate, with the EVA pie spirally applied at 15 grams per square meter, side of the base layer facing up, the plate having (availableasadhesive number70-4589from Nation- openings therein shaped and sized as desired for al Starch & Chemical Company) to one entire surface 30 each heat cell. of the non-woven. 3. Draw a vacuum on the film such that the film is 3. Apply a thermic component, in this example a heat drawn down into the openings to form pockets, pack, made as described in the example below, to 4. Add about 2.2 grams of the particulate exothermic the adhesive on the non-woven part of the chassis. composition described above into each pocket.

The heat pack is applied at the thermal region of the 35 5. Add 0.9 grams of the brine solution described chassis as described in the Fig.’s above. above to each pocket containing the particulate ex- 4. Apply a flexible, elastomeric laminate material to othermic composition. the non-woven part of the chassis, adjacent to the 6. Apply a top layer of apertured 1 mil thick 60% thermal region to form a strap portion attached at polypropylene/40% EVA film with the EVA side one end and free at the other. The flexible, elasto- 40 down, facing the heat cells. The apertures of this meric laminate can be Conwed product number layer are formed by hot needles, and provide oxygen X500 20-002 bonded between two layers of a non- permeability. woven such as the PTI 6780 used in #1 above. 7. Heat seal the heat pack together. 5. Apply 15 gsm construction adhesive (same as #2 above) to the top surface of the heat pack. 45 [0078] While particularembodimentsofthe presentin- 6. Apply as a top layer of the chassis of the thermal vention have been illustrated and described, it would be covering, a laminate over the heat pack and thermal obvious to those skilled in the art that various other region and overlapping about one inch onto the flex- changes and modifications can be made without depart- ible elastomeric material of the strap. The laminate ingfromthescopeoftheinvention. Itisthereforeintended can be from Aplix, for example product number AN- so to cover in the appended claims all such modifications 35WH. that are within the scope of this invention. 7. Apply an attachment element such as the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener to the free end of the elastomeric laminate material strap portion. Claims

The hook material can be Aplix 13mm wide hook 55 material number 960 that is pre-coated with adhe- 1. A thermal covering kit comprising: sive. 8. Optionally apply a skin contact adhesive compo- (a) a reusable chassis (10) having a longitudinal axis (A) and a transverse axis (B) and compris- wherein said sleeve (36) comprises material selecting a flexible body portion (12) having at least ed from the group consisting of: bandage wrap ma- one thermal region (14), wherein said body por- terials, natural rubbers; reclaimed rubbers; synthetic tion (12) comprises a thumb-receiving aperture rubbers; styrene block corpolymers; polyurethane; (16) through said body portion (12) and adjacent 5 metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene; foams, knits; to said thermal region (14), such that the thumb films; elastomeric scrims, strands, ribbons, tapes; anchors the thermal covering in place during in- non-woven materials; laminates of non-wovens and stallation and use; and the preceding materials; and combinations thereof, (b) a thermic component (20) attachable to said body portion (12) at said thermal region (14); 10

Patentansprüche wherein the kit further comprises aflexible retaining element 1. Thermisches Abdeckungskit, umfassend: (18), wherein at least one of said body portion (12) and said flexible retaining element (18) comprises 15 (a) ein wiederverwendbares Chassis (10) mit ei- an elastomeric material, and wherein at least one of ner Längsachse (A) und einer Querachse (B) said body portion (12) and said flexible retaining el- und umfassend einen flexiblen Körperabschnitt ement (18) is stretchable along said longitudinal axis (12) mit mindestens einem thermischen Bereich (A) of said reusable chassis (10); and (14), wobei der Körperabschnitt (12) eine Dau- said thumb-receiving aperture (16) is oriented in a 20 men-Aufnahmeöffnung (16) durch den Körper- transverse axis (B) of said chassis (10) and oriented abschnitt (12) und benachbart zu dem thermi- distally from said retaining element (18). sehen Bereich (14) umfasst, so dass der Dau men die thermale Abdeckung an einer Stelle 2. The kit of claim 1 wherein said thermic component verankert, während Installation und Verwen- (20) comprises a disposable heat pack (30) compris- 25 dung; und ing a heat pack body (32) comprising at least about (b) eine thermische Komponente (20) anbring- one heat cell (22) fixedly attached to said heat pack bar an den Körperabschnitt (12) bei dem ther- body (32); wherein each said disposable heat pack mischen Bereich (14); (30) is separately packagable in an oxygen-impermeable package. 30 wobei das Kit ferner ein flexibles Halteelement (18) um- 3. The kit of claim 1 comprising a plurality of separately fasst, wobei mindestens einer von dem Körperab- packagable thermic components (20) selected from schnitt (12) und dem flexiblen Halteelement (18) ein the group consisting of: disposable heat packs (30) elastomeres Material umfasst und wobei mindes- containing exothermic compositions, reusable heat- 35 tens einer von dem Körperabschnitt (12) und dem able and reheatable thermic components, battery flexiblen Halteelement (18) entlang der Längsachse powered thermic components, electric powered (A) des wiederverwendbaren Chassis (10) dehnbar thermic components, electromechanical thermic ist; und components, moisture-generating thermic compo- die Daumen-Aufnahmeöffnung (16) in einer Quer- nents, and combinations thereof. 40 achse (B) des genannten Chassis (10) orientiert ist und distal von dem Halteelement (18) orientiert ist. 4. The kit of claim 1 further comprising a securing element to attach said thermic component (20) to said 2. Kit gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die thermische Kom- reusable chassis (10), and wherein said securing el- ponente (20) eine Einweg-Wärmepackung (30) um- ement is selected from the group consisting of: a 45 fasst,welcheeinenWärmepackungskörper(32)um-hook and loop fastening system, adhesive, reclosa- fasst, welcher mindestens etwa eine Wärmezelle ble pouch, and combinations thereof. (22), die fest an dem Wärmepackungskörper (32) angebracht ist, umfasst; wobei jede Einweg-Wärme- 5. The kit of claim 1 further comprising usage instruc- packung (30) separat in einer sauerstoffundurchläs- tions selected from the group consisting of: written so sigen Packung verpackbar ist. instructions, pictorial instructions, and combinations thereof. 3. Kit gemäß Anspruch 1, umfassend eine Vielzahl von separat verpackbaren thermischen Komponenten 6. The kit of claim 1 further comprising a sleeve (36) (20), ausgewählt aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus: having an interior (40), an open first end (42) and an 55 Einweg-Wärmepackungen (30), welche exotherme open second end (44), wherein said sleeve (36) fur- Zusammensetzungen, wiederverwendbare er- ther comprises a digit-receiving aperture (38) wärmbare und wiedererwärmbare thermische Kom- through which a user’s thumb is insertable, and ponenten, batteriebetriebene thermische Kompo- nenten, elektrisch betriebene thermische Kompo- de corps (12) et ledit élément de retenue souple (18) nenten, elektromechanische thermische Kompo- comprend une matière élastomère, et dans lequel nenten, feuchtigkeitsgenerierende thermische Kom- au moins l’un parmi ladite partie de corps (12) et ledit ponenten und Kombinationen davon enthalten. élément de retenue souple (18) est étirable le long 5 dudit axe longitudinal (A) dudit châssis réutilisable 4. Kit gemäß Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend ein Befes- (10) ; et tigungselement, um die thermische Komponente laditeouverturederéceptiondepouce(16)estorien- (20) an das wiederverwendbare Chassis (10) zu be- tée dans un axe transversal (B) dudit châssis (10) festigen und wobei das Befestigungselement aus- et orientée distalement par rapport audit élément de gewählt ist aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus: einem 10 retenue (18).

Haken- und Schlaufenbefestigungssystem, einem

Klebstoff, einer wiederverschließbaren Tasche und 2. Kit selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit com-

Kombinationen davon. posant thermique (20) comprend un ensemble chauffant jetable (30) comprenant un corps d’en- 5. Kit gemäß Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend Ge- 15 semble chauffant (32) comprenant au moins autour brauchsanweisungen, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe, une cellule chauffante (22) fixement attachée audit bestehend aus: schriftlichen Anweisungen, bildli- corps d’ensemble chauffant (32) ; dans lequel cha- chen Anweisungen und Kombinationen davon. que dit ensemble chauffant jetable (30) peut être sé parément emballé dans un emballage imperméable 6. Kit gemäß Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend eine Hülse 20 à l’oxygène. (36) mit einem Innenraum (40), einem offenen ersten

Ende (42) und einem offenen zweiten Ende (44), wo- 3. Kitselon la revendication 1, comprenant une pluralité bei die Hülse (36) ferner eine Digit-Aufnahmeöff- de composants thermiques (20) pouvant être em- nung (38), durchweichen ein Daumen eines Benut- ballésséparément, choisis parmile groupe constitué zers einführbar ist, umfasst und wobei die Hülse (36) 25 de : emballages chauffants jetables (30) contenant

Material, ausgewählt aus der Gruppe, bestehend des compositions exothermes, composants thermi- aus: Verbandsumschlagsmaterialien, Naturkaut- ques réutilisables pouvant être chauffés et réchauf- schuken; regenerierten Gummis; synthetischen fés, composants thermiques alimentés par batterie,

Kautschuken; Styrol-Block-Copolymeren; Polyure- composants thermiques à alimentation électrique, than; Metallocen-katalysiertem Polyethylen; 30 composants thermiques électromécaniques, com-Schaumstoffen; Strickwaren; Filmen; elastomeren posants thermiques générateurs d’humidité et com-

Mull, Strängen, Bändern, Klebebändern; Vliesmate- binaisons de ceux-ci. rialien; Laminaten aus Vliesstoffen und den vorangegangenen Materialien und Kombinationen davon, 4. Kitselon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un umfasst. 35 élément de fixation pour attacher ledit composant thermique (20) audit châssis réutilisable (10), et dans lequel ledit élément de fixation est choisi parmi le

Revendications groupe constitué de : système de fixation de type velours et crochet, adhésif, poche refermable et 1. Kit de couverture thermique comprenant : 40 combinaisons de ceux-ci. (a) un châssis réutilisable (10) ayant un axe Ion- 5. Kit selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre gitudinal (A) et un axe transversal (B) et corn- des instructions d’utilisation choisies parmi le groupe prenant une partie de corps souple (12) ayant constitué de : instructions écrites, instructions illus- aumoinsunerégionthermique(14), dans lequel 45 trées et combinaisons de celles-ci. ladite partie de corps (12) comprend une ouverture de réception de pouce (16) à travers ladite 6. Kit selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre partie de corps (12) et au voisinage de ladite une manche (36) ayant un intérieur (40), une pre- région thermique (14), de telle sorte que le pou- miére extrémité ouverte (42) et une seconde extré- ce ancre la couverture thermique en place pen- so mité ouverte (44), dans lequel ladite manche (36) dant une installation et une utilisation ; et comprend en outre une ouverture de réception de (b) un composant thermique (20) pouvant être doigt (38) à travers laquelle le pouce d’un utilisateur attaché à ladite partie de corps (12) sur ladite peut être inséré, et dans lequel ladite manche (36) région thermique (14) ; comprend une matière choisie parmi le groupe cons- 55 titué de : matières d’enveloppe de bandage, caout-dans lequel choucs naturels ; caoutchoucs régénérés ; caout- le kit comprend en outre un élément de retenue sou- choucs synthétiques ; copolymères séquencés de pie (18), dans lequel au moins l’un parmi ladite partie styrène; polyuréthane; polyéthylène catalysé par un métallocène ; mousses, tricots ; films ; gazes élastomères, torons, rubans, bandes ; matières non tissées ; laminés de non-tissés et les matières précédentes ; et combinaisons de ceux-ci. 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

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Claims (5)

1. Hővezető bwrfc«Ssít àaeévAsliei r>>s?í?jy?<.>?;í<.'Á

   1. Hővezető btztke Ibiét asrislbtezé Részlet, atziatztOiz: (a) egy óieblelbaszoáltttbb alagletiseal (19), smdysek egy hessAabgálya (A) és egy kes-észtidátyb íezsgetye (13) vtoy és ótrSakztbz agy Isgllákaby tésblbitéxb (13), atbélyoek IsgÄfeb egy hé vezető ibrtateabyb (Ή) vtbh bitéi a tesblhtáb (12) oly ittédöft ibszaitztba agy hsiveiyktgj'Zbgsbtàoyilèst (Iá) a taatéas-aéett (12) betesztél ás a bbveaatá wsoméosyat· (14) szoszisxááesatz, hagy a h8vefyk<i helybeti tarsja. á hévéeetá éeikotaoó s telt» lyeaés és hasábé lai sodas; és (b.s agy hővezető kaotpizsteasi (211), seedy s iestzko-abbaz (13) éssilstkoálbthaiő s hővezető SbdooBeytpt! m>; ahel s kásáiét tovhőbé isaZalbotZ egy hígléköay laztőeiasztái (!§)< tétel a (astőazbb < 32) ás b hayáhossy kozOeteat (12) kőaíil legalább se egyik agy ébsístóösés anyagai taáPtíbiáZ, és abat a. testslabily (12) ás s hattékosyy laitőéleto (1 k) közOt legelőbb aa egyik ea tZbaléltsaszeásbSíé blaplateaz (10) hösszzeagelyb (Ä) atezbőn stegttyálihálő; ős ahöl s hitvalyktgi-'lbgaéőtzyilbs ( 1 á) tzz tzlbpleibez (I 8) 'tees^Wyö SézigelyáztáR itőtlysbáZt (B) vázi tálolvb és a tazlőeleöOől (1 2) Sévtzl w elzébóexva,
2. 2- Aa 1, igéttypebt: sasribt! készlet, ttbel a abbztkas kesngebeszs-(28} tsAblsszaz ágy, hőásőioagtestei (32) tsiZbltztbső, agysxes haszaálaiös hőesetzatgso (38), atzteiy hbesoasagtest (32) legbláhb köeblheliU agy bhltez. äZtesäveO eséilákaziatőSí: höeeltái: (22) ízatakhaA ahol tOZttőegyik ágysset iibSZbélbios hőáSbthag (30) kőlöaállőáb Iseesoteagelhbib egy --»égést át bébi aeesztő éstzatágöláshb-
3. 3, Az 1. sgásypasst szezztztl készlet, stately tsbelstez több elválásaivá. beesésbageihaső tászizskbs kesZigőeeesi (20), Asialyek tsz stlábhl esöpödhét vaaaslk ki választ vsa itŐietzbelő'-ősszatőSőlO, agyszat' hászöbbteS hőásaotbgak (30); giztZlélhaszbbibaiő, inslegltháZő ás áptb-stálsgsthető ietsalkss ketzspebeziseki akketsisiléiétzal zetikikheieti tértté,« ' katrpv te íx k, el kexncx« aakcOaJzt tereée^ kasig '>te r<x s ehköae e^'»'Ai-s k teke kőbtpiOiesiSab, totővességei előállttá iéeeikte koospanswk év szak keiZtbs estilei,
4. 4, Aa !.. igábypbib szaelzbl kásáiéi, ábsely tibislbiisz teváhbá égy í-őgzkőeSéhies a ietbókas kőbipíbieséhék (20) év sgtsbelhaszaiilhsie álapletbezhez ( 10) dkiőeő esetlákbAatáséib, és eltel s zögzibialeto az alábbi esepédbéé sebt kiválasztva; sőgőzőzas zőgztiösebstszef, sagssatő, vtssaazárhsíő iasak és ezek kestelaééléh
5. 5, Az !.. igéaypaei szádtól kásái«!, aotály levőbbá aa alább) esőpáeibé! kÁálMztöiz hasattálbti OttzttoasORtO: ist-satősazzá; iiásas ótbioláSék, képes óibtbiáiOR ás eaek kóbiplbéelők &amp; Az L IgéeypsstO saesliOl kásáiéi, atoély iévábhá iattáboaz egy Ibtvelyi (30), bioetysak egy belső tősze (Ots), egy eyhöb else vége (42) és egy nyitási tsáshillk végé (44) van., ahtzl a Itővety (3ő) tavábbá agy atyait ζι|ρ· SegstOábyOást (30) tadbhpaz, sasalyeo kesesztOl egy Zélhasználő hOvetykogé bahályáziláíó., ás bitéi é tiövely (30) olyan anyagól jariaboaz, sok-sy az alábbi ísopooböl van kiválasztva: kctszotcsoínagoiáannz használt anyagok, tennészeies gnnok; togonotálí gumik; szhneiiko:; gunuft; sziirol blokk-kopoihnerok; pohoretán; metaHoeén Monzáit poiiet-aen, ;nnJ-, kotcnatuk fókák; d-te.-nno« vftwiA, fonalak. kotokk. s/dagnE nems>on anyagok'. neraszöU anyagokból -ás az alázó anyagokból kéazíffi többrétegű anyagok; ás ezeknek a kombinációi.