USH759H - E-Z custom ice packs - Google Patents

E-Z custom ice packs Download PDF

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Publication number
USH759H
USH759H US07/197,330 US19733088A USH759H US H759 H USH759 H US H759H US 19733088 A US19733088 A US 19733088A US H759 H USH759 H US H759H
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
ice pack
ice
wrap
pack
compartments
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US07/197,330
Inventor
Stanley J. Jones
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
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Priority to US07/197,330 priority Critical patent/USH759H/en
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Publication of USH759H publication Critical patent/USH759H/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
    • A61F7/10—Cooling bags, e.g. ice-bags
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
    • A61F2007/0001—Body part
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
    • A61F7/02—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling
    • A61F2007/0225—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling connected to the body or a part thereof
    • A61F2007/0231—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling connected to the body or a part thereof hook and loop-type fastener
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
    • A61F7/02—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling
    • A61F2007/0268—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling having a plurality of compartments being filled with a heat carrier

Definitions

  • This invention is directed to the field of instruments used as cold packs and their application to various areas of the human body.
  • the inventive ice packs are specifically directed to a unique design, and because of that unique design, a more convenient and versatile application of the invention is now permitted.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide an ice pack possessing such a configuration that, when applied to a body area, particularly an extremity of the user, the ice pack remains in its correct position while the user is fully mobile.
  • the new and improved ice packs comprise a generally rectangular or polyganol shaped implement consisting of a unit cooling piece equipped with small elongated compartments containing a hydrophilic cooling material, i.e. propylene glycol.
  • the unit wrap consists of Velor rubber and Ace bandage material, both materials imparting a preferable measure of pliability to the ice packs.
  • This preferred embodiment is directed to the foregoing material combination since such a combination is flexible and exhibits negligible, to no deformation of structure due to exposure to freezing temperatures, such as the freezing portion of a refrigerator. Since, at the time of manufacture, the coolant is hermetically sealed in individualized compartments, it is desirous to select a unit wrap type of material that permits a durable hinge of these plural compartments so that the unit wrap may effectively conform to the contour of various parts of the wearer's anatomy.
  • the ice packs of this invention are secured in place by the commonly used and commercially well-known VELCRO fasteners.
  • FIG. 1 is an outside plan view of one embodiment of the invention showing sundry configurations of the coolant compartments;
  • FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a bottomed cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line 3--3;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of this invention showing the installation of an ice pack mounted on a wearer's foot;
  • FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an ice pack, of this invention, which is of suitable use for the hand-wrist of the wearer.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the major construction of this invention, wherein the numeral 10 generally designates an ice pack embodying principles of the present invention.
  • Small compartments 1a thru 1h are provided throughout and consists of a liquid impermeable substance, preferably Velor rubber, in which a hydrophilic coolant is contained.
  • Multiple hinges 2, 3a, and 3b are variously adjacent to the liquid filled compartments 1a thru 1h, to facilitate and maintain flexibility of the ice pack 10.
  • the ice pack 10 is further shown with adjustable attachment means comprising VELCRO strips 4a, 4b, 4c, 6a, 6b, and 6c cemented at the extremities of the pack.
  • small compartments 1a thru 1h are first filled with a liquid 5, as best shown in cross-sectional view at FIG. 3. Liquid 5 is frozen within compartments 1a thru 1h when subjected to freezing temperatures. Each of compartments 1a thru 1h is first filled with the liquid 5 and then hermetically sealed.
  • the small and varied shaped compartments 1a thru 1h are a significant embodiment of this invention, because it is owe to such configurations that versatility of application for ice pack 10 is imparted to the user. Ice pack 10 is readily and successfully applied, due to the design feature, to a relatively flat body surface. On the other hand, the artisan is able to appreciate that in those instances wherein the body surface area to be attended is rounded or curved, that improved and fully successful contact with that particular surface area is provided by means of ice pack 10.
  • the ice pack 10 of the invention further comprises a polygonal centered region 8 which exhibits enhanced flexibility to the user, particularly when the ice pack must fit over an elbow, knee or body member in addition to covering the surrounding surface area.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, are directed to another embodiment of the present invention, and shows the application of ice pack 10 comfortably secured about the foot and hand-wrist of the wearer.
  • ice pack 10 in its entirety.
  • Preformed or sculptured Velor rubber sheet 11 is placed on a flat surface and each compartment 1a thru 1h, generally, is filled with a coolant 5.
  • Matingly preformed sheet 9, which is also comprised of Velor rubber is then placed over sheet 11. Both sheets 9 and 11 are heat treated to attain a hermetic seal of all compartments therebetween.
  • the VELCRO strips are cemented to eachextremity and on the same side of ice pack 10.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Thermotherapy And Cooling Therapy Devices (AREA)

Abstract

This invention is directed to a flexible and resilient ice pack wrap used in cold therapy to relieve pain, swelling and edema to the user. The appliance comprises a rectangular or polyganol shaped polymer pack filled with a hydrophilic liquid coolant. The ice pack and contained coolant exhibits (a) flexibility, (b) pliability, and (c) complete contouring when applied to one's affected body surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to the field of instruments used as cold packs and their application to various areas of the human body. The inventive ice packs are specifically directed to a unique design, and because of that unique design, a more convenient and versatile application of the invention is now permitted.
In a good deal of post-operative surgery and injuries to the muscles, it remains both a need and conventional practice to apply ice packs for the relief of pain and swelling. Such a long-standing need and use of ice packs seems to have inspired health professionals and laity alike, to develope ice packs that can be applied from one's head to one's toes.
Resultingly, the art is replete with devices constructed to be filled with a cold solution and then positioned on an affected area of the human body. More recently, other ice packs contain a hydrophilic liquid as coolant that is first frozen and then the cold pack is applied to the user.
However, whether refillable with water or permanently filled with an organic liquid or gel, the prior art ice packs are generally bulky, heavy, cumbersome, uncomfortable, and frequently fail to remain properly positioned over the affected area of the wearer.
It is the overall object of this invention to set forth an ice pack that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art instruments and provides an improvement which renders a valued contribution to the advancement of the ice pack art.
It is consequently the primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved ice pack device.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an ice pack that is permanently filled with a hydrophilic coolant that can be refrozen after thawing.
It is an additional object of this invention to provide an ice pack having a plurality of small gel-filled compartments.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an ice pack that is readily contoured to fit the user's foot, ankle, knee, leg, hand, wrist, arm, and other body areas.
Another object of this invention is to provide an ice pack possessing such a configuration that, when applied to a body area, particularly an extremity of the user, the ice pack remains in its correct position while the user is fully mobile.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide an ice pack which is equipped with fastening means commonly marketed under the trade name of VELCRO.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become more fully apparent as this description proceeds, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings and appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention has been developed with a set of views toward providing an advancement in the art of ice packs. The new and improved ice packs comprise a generally rectangular or polyganol shaped implement consisting of a unit cooling piece equipped with small elongated compartments containing a hydrophilic cooling material, i.e. propylene glycol.
The unit wrap consists of Velor rubber and Ace bandage material, both materials imparting a preferable measure of pliability to the ice packs. This preferred embodiment is directed to the foregoing material combination since such a combination is flexible and exhibits negligible, to no deformation of structure due to exposure to freezing temperatures, such as the freezing portion of a refrigerator. Since, at the time of manufacture, the coolant is hermetically sealed in individualized compartments, it is desirous to select a unit wrap type of material that permits a durable hinge of these plural compartments so that the unit wrap may effectively conform to the contour of various parts of the wearer's anatomy.
The ice packs of this invention are secured in place by the commonly used and commercially well-known VELCRO fasteners.
The invention, together with other features and advantages thereof, can be further enabled by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying illustrative drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an outside plan view of one embodiment of the invention showing sundry configurations of the coolant compartments;
FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a bottomed cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line 3--3;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of this invention showing the installation of an ice pack mounted on a wearer's foot; and
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an ice pack, of this invention, which is of suitable use for the hand-wrist of the wearer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrate a simulative composite and preferred embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the major construction of this invention, wherein the numeral 10 generally designates an ice pack embodying principles of the present invention. Small compartments 1a thru 1h are provided throughout and consists of a liquid impermeable substance, preferably Velor rubber, in which a hydrophilic coolant is contained. Multiple hinges 2, 3a, and 3b are variously adjacent to the liquid filled compartments 1a thru 1h, to facilitate and maintain flexibility of the ice pack 10. The ice pack 10 is further shown with adjustable attachment means comprising VELCRO strips 4a, 4b, 4c, 6a, 6b, and 6c cemented at the extremities of the pack.
According to the invention, small compartments 1a thru 1h are first filled with a liquid 5, as best shown in cross-sectional view at FIG. 3. Liquid 5 is frozen within compartments 1a thru 1h when subjected to freezing temperatures. Each of compartments 1a thru 1h is first filled with the liquid 5 and then hermetically sealed. The small and varied shaped compartments 1a thru 1h are a significant embodiment of this invention, because it is owe to such configurations that versatility of application for ice pack 10 is imparted to the user. Ice pack 10 is readily and successfully applied, due to the design feature, to a relatively flat body surface. On the other hand, the artisan is able to appreciate that in those instances wherein the body surface area to be attended is rounded or curved, that improved and fully successful contact with that particular surface area is provided by means of ice pack 10.
The ice pack 10 of the invention further comprises a polygonal centered region 8 which exhibits enhanced flexibility to the user, particularly when the ice pack must fit over an elbow, knee or body member in addition to covering the surrounding surface area.
FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, are directed to another embodiment of the present invention, and shows the application of ice pack 10 comfortably secured about the foot and hand-wrist of the wearer.
Inexpensive manufacturing procedures using present day materials and technology can assemble ice pack 10 in its entirety. Preformed or sculptured Velor rubber sheet 11 is placed on a flat surface and each compartment 1a thru 1h, generally, is filled with a coolant 5. Matingly preformed sheet 9, which is also comprised of Velor rubber is then placed over sheet 11. Both sheets 9 and 11 are heat treated to attain a hermetic seal of all compartments therebetween. Lastly, the VELCRO strips are cemented to eachextremity and on the same side of ice pack 10.
It is to be understood that numerous modifications of the disclosed embodiments of the subject invention will undoubtedly occur to those of skill in the art and the spirit and scope of the invention is to be limited solely in light of the appended claims.

Claims (3)

I claim:
1. An ice pack for cooling the affected body surface of a human being comprising:
a flexible rectangular or polyganol shaped wrap, said wrap consisting of two layers of rubber sheets heat sealed to contain small individualized compartments filled with propylene glycol coolant;
multiple hinge means between said compartments to provide flexibility and versatility to the user; and
detachable fasteners for securing said ice pack comfortably around the user's applied body surface.
2. An ice pack in accordance to claim 1, wherein the wrap is rectangular in donfiguration.
3. An ice pack in accordance to claim 1, wherein the wrap is polyganol in configuration.
US07/197,330 1988-05-23 1988-05-23 E-Z custom ice packs Abandoned USH759H (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/197,330 USH759H (en) 1988-05-23 1988-05-23 E-Z custom ice packs

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/197,330 USH759H (en) 1988-05-23 1988-05-23 E-Z custom ice packs

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
USH759H true USH759H (en) 1990-04-03

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US07/197,330 Abandoned USH759H (en) 1988-05-23 1988-05-23 E-Z custom ice packs

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Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5190033A (en) * 1991-06-10 1993-03-02 Johnson Linda J Ice peas cold/hot therapeutic pack
EP0567724A1 (en) * 1992-04-02 1993-11-03 QUINTA GESELLSCHAFT FÜR PRODUKT-MARKETING mbH Compress
WO1994000087A1 (en) * 1992-06-22 1994-01-06 Ergomed, Inc. Versatile therapeutic cold pack
US5313809A (en) * 1992-02-19 1994-05-24 Isaacson Gary S Insulating wrap
US5352502A (en) * 1993-03-05 1994-10-04 Fuller Sheila P Foldable freeze gel wrap
US5480418A (en) * 1994-03-11 1996-01-02 Zeoli-Jones; Alyce Thermal transfer hair treatment cap
US6419691B1 (en) * 2000-03-23 2002-07-16 Milene H. Hanner Thermal energy therapy
US20060122669A1 (en) * 2004-10-25 2006-06-08 Kansoul Hassan A Method and apparatus for insulating body organs during transplantation
US20080066490A1 (en) * 2006-09-19 2008-03-20 Polar Tech Industries, Inc. Compartmentalized refrigerant wrap
US20110314640A1 (en) * 2010-06-26 2011-12-29 Reynolds Patrick M Attachable Gel Strap Wrap and Method
US20140025145A1 (en) * 2012-07-19 2014-01-23 Christopher Kirkman Segmented ice wrap
US10583978B2 (en) 2015-10-06 2020-03-10 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Pallet cover compromising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the pallet cover
US10604326B2 (en) 2015-10-06 2020-03-31 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc. Pallet cover comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the pallet cover
US11591133B2 (en) 2015-10-06 2023-02-28 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Pallet cover comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the pallet cover
US11964795B2 (en) 2015-10-06 2024-04-23 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Device comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the device
US11999559B2 (en) 2018-08-10 2024-06-04 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Apparatus and method for protectively covering temperature sensitive products

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5190033A (en) * 1991-06-10 1993-03-02 Johnson Linda J Ice peas cold/hot therapeutic pack
US5313809A (en) * 1992-02-19 1994-05-24 Isaacson Gary S Insulating wrap
EP0567724A1 (en) * 1992-04-02 1993-11-03 QUINTA GESELLSCHAFT FÜR PRODUKT-MARKETING mbH Compress
WO1994000087A1 (en) * 1992-06-22 1994-01-06 Ergomed, Inc. Versatile therapeutic cold pack
US5352502A (en) * 1993-03-05 1994-10-04 Fuller Sheila P Foldable freeze gel wrap
US5480418A (en) * 1994-03-11 1996-01-02 Zeoli-Jones; Alyce Thermal transfer hair treatment cap
US6419691B1 (en) * 2000-03-23 2002-07-16 Milene H. Hanner Thermal energy therapy
US20060122669A1 (en) * 2004-10-25 2006-06-08 Kansoul Hassan A Method and apparatus for insulating body organs during transplantation
US20080066490A1 (en) * 2006-09-19 2008-03-20 Polar Tech Industries, Inc. Compartmentalized refrigerant wrap
US20110314640A1 (en) * 2010-06-26 2011-12-29 Reynolds Patrick M Attachable Gel Strap Wrap and Method
US20140025145A1 (en) * 2012-07-19 2014-01-23 Christopher Kirkman Segmented ice wrap
US10583978B2 (en) 2015-10-06 2020-03-10 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Pallet cover compromising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the pallet cover
US10604326B2 (en) 2015-10-06 2020-03-31 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc. Pallet cover comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the pallet cover
US11591133B2 (en) 2015-10-06 2023-02-28 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Pallet cover comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the pallet cover
US11634263B2 (en) 2015-10-06 2023-04-25 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Pallet cover comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the pallet cover
US11634267B2 (en) 2015-10-06 2023-04-25 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Pallet cover comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the pallet cover
US11964795B2 (en) 2015-10-06 2024-04-23 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Device comprising one or more temperature-control members and kit for use in making the device
US11999559B2 (en) 2018-08-10 2024-06-04 Cold Chain Technologies, Llc Apparatus and method for protectively covering temperature sensitive products

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