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
  • A61F7/08—Warming pads, pans or mats; Hot-water bottles
• • 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
  • A61F2007/0095—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body with a temperature indicator
• • 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
  • A61F2007/0203—Cataplasms, poultices or compresses, characterised by their contents; Bags therefor
  • A61F2007/0206—Cataplasms, poultices or compresses, characterised by their contents; Bags therefor containing organic solids or fibres
  • A61F2007/0209—Synthetics, e.g. plastics
  • A61F2007/0214—Polymers, e.g. water absorbing
• • 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
  • A61F2007/0244—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling with layers
  • A61F2007/0246—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling with layers with a layer having high heat transfer capability
• • 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
  • A61F2007/0244—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling with layers
  • A61F2007/0249—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling with layers with a layer having low heat transfer capability
• • 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
  • A61F2007/0244—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling with layers
  • A61F2007/026—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling with layers with a fluid absorbing layer

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a cushion which can be used for heat treatment or cryotherapy, and which is suitable for being heated in a microwave oven.
• Heat cushions or hot water bottles are traditionally made from a thick rubber material constituting a chamber and with an outwardly protruding feeding nozzle so that heated water may be poured into the chamber. After filling in water, the feeding nozzle can be sealed, for instance by means of a screw plug.
• a similar heat cushion is e.g. known from GB 2.290.705 relating to a cushion for the back of the head which may be filled with a heating fluid through a neck.
• the neck is adapted to receive a sealing body so that the liquid does not run out of the cushion. Said sealing body may for instance be inserted by a screw threat.
• the liquid is permanently located in the cushion for the back of the head which may be heated in a microwave oven.
• US 4.743.726 describes a heating element which can be heated by means of microwaves.
• the heating element has a flexible cellular core which can absorb water so that the whole core is saturated by water and subsequently can be heated by microwaves.
• the core is encased in a heat and flame resistant rubber element, which can also be heated by microwaves. This rubber element ensures that the element can be heated to an even higher temperature.
• US 5.447.531 relates to a therapeutic heat cushion which is filled with a water- absorbing material containing polyacrylamide.
• the cushion has an outer layer of mate- rial which is water permeable, whereby the cushion can be lowered into water so that the water absorbing material takes up water. Subsequently the cushion can be heated in a microwave oven.
• the cushion can be dried after use and can be applied several times.
• WO/0178797 describes a therapeutic heat cushion the interior of which contains pearls of alumina together with a compound of glycerol and absorbed water. This is sheathed by a cloth with two functionally different surfaces. Thus one side of the cushion is water permeable while the other side is impermeable.
• the cushion may be applied either to transfer humid heat or to transfer dry heat.
• GB 2.395.910 relates to a heat cushion containing wheat, barley, rice, grain or foam which may be heated in a microwave oven.
• the cushion has an area adapted to change colour depending on the temperature variations.
• US 5.135.518 describes a compress for humid heat treatment.
• the compress has a water absorbing layer between a liquid impermeable layer and a liquid permeable layer.
• the object of the invention is to provide a new and increased heat cushion rectifying the above disadvantages.
• a cushion including a flexible cover defining a chamber in which a water absorbing material is placed, said water absorbing material upon absorption of water being suitable for heating by means of microwaves, wherein the cover has a sealable feeding mouth so that water may be poured into the chamber.
• a heat cushion is obtained which is very compact and light-weight prior to appliance as the water absorbing core can be kept dry.
• a sterile transfer of heat is achieved as the core and the water are sheathed by a cover after filling up.
• the cushion can be manufactured from cheap material making the cushion suitable for disposable use, whereby the cushion does not have any of the unhygienic disadvantages of heat cushions for multiple appliances.
• the cushion needs not to be wiped off prior to use. In some cases, however, it can be necessary to dab the cushion dry.
• the heat cushion may also be used to cool down a body part, for instance by filling the cushion with water and putting it in the freezer prior to us.
• the water absorbing material with the absorbed water sub- stantially fills the entire chamber.
• the heat cushion does not have a tendency to form water gathering when the cushion is used as a heat compression thus ensuring an evenly distributed heat transfer from the heat cushion.
• the cover of the cushion is made from a polymeric film which is resistant to heating by means of microwaves.
• the cover may for instance be formed by means of two polymeric layers welded together along their circumference.
• the cover may be formed by means of one polymeric layer which is folded and subsequently welded together at the sides.
• the cover is made from a rubber material.
• the cover is coated with an outer textile layer or sheathed by a textile cushion.
• a contact face is obtained which may feel more comfortable for a user using the heat cushion.
• the outer textile is preferably a thin non-woven material.
• the non-woven material can be welded together with the polymeric film. The total weight of the flexible cover can thereby be kept low.
• the water absorbing material is a sponge-like material.
• the sponge-like material may be coated with a semi-permeable membrane to ensure that the water stays in the sponge-like material although said material is exposed to a pressure.
• the water absorbing material is a powder mate- rial.
• said powder lies dry in the cushion prior to usage, and on absorbing water it gains a gel-like viscosity thus achieving an even distribution of the material in the cover of the cushion.
• SAP super absorbent polymer
• the flexible cover is made from a polymeric film, optionally covered with a non-woven material, the overall weight of a cushion can be kept under 20 grams. This also means that the cushion is very compact in size, making it suitable for sale in multiple packets.
• a check valve is provided in connection with the feeding mouth.
• a particularly simple sealing mechanism is obtained as the feeding mouth is self-sealing after filling in water.
• the feeding mouth is provided in an outwardly protruding feeding nozzle which preferably is sealable by means of a closing body.
• Said closing body is preferably shaped as a plug or cap adapted to cooperate sealingly with the nozzle, and which preferably has a thread.
• At least two flaps or strings are placed in connection with the feeding mouth on the outside of the cushion.
• the feeding mouth can be sealed by tying said flaps or strings together after filling in water.
• Velcro or some sort of adhesive tape for instance the type known from diapers.
• hooks which will stick to the non-woven material.
• the cushion has a safety valve body opening at a predetermined differential pressure between the pressure inside the cushion and the ambient pressure.
• the cushion is provided with a temperature indicator, for instance by the cover having an area which changes colour depending on the temperature of the cushion.
• a temperature indicator for instance by the cover having an area which changes colour depending on the temperature of the cushion.
• one side of the cushion keeps the heat better than the other, whereby, after heating the cushion, first one side of the cushion may be used for the therapeutic treatment until it has fallen to a certain temperature, whereafter the heat cushion is turned and the opposite side is used during the rest of the treatment.
• the different heat transmission characteristics can for instance be achieved by making the thickness of the cover different at the two sides.
• the cushion has perforations allowing the passage of vapour but not water through the cover.
• the perforations may be used in the same way as the above excess pressure protection.
• the cushion only has perforations at one side of the cushion.
• the cushion may be formed with a number of strings or flaps adapted to be tied around a body.
• the strings may for instance be tied around the thigh of a person, whereby the cushion is kept in its place and there is no need to hold on to the cushion.
• the cushion may have many different designs. It may for instance be formed like a sole of a shoe so that the cushion may be used as a heat insole in a shoe.
• the cushion may also have the form of a seat or a seat pillow being able to be used at e.g. sidewalk cafes or stadium seats where seats may often be cold.
• the nursing sector is an area in which the heat cushion is particularly applicable.
• heat cushions are used, e.g. for wound treatment.
• cheap disposable heat cushions are particularly applicable as sterile, hygienic usage can be ensured and the risk of dissemination can be reduced.
• Fig. 1 shows a sectional view through a heat cushion according to the invention with a check valve for filling in water
• Fig. 2 shows the heat cushion according to the invention shown in Fig. 1 with a check valve after filling in water
• Fig. 3 is a sectional view through a heat cushion according to the invention filled with water with an outwardly protruding feeding nozzle and a cap,
• Fig. 4 is a sectional view through a heat cushion according to the invention filled with water with flaps placed in connection with the feeding mouth of the cushion
• Fig. 5 is a schematic presentation of an alternative embodiment of the heat cushion with flaps placed in connection with the feeding mouth of the cushion, seen from above, and
• Fig. 6 is a sectional view through a heat cushion according to the invention filled with water with strings adapted to be tied around a body part.
• Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a heat cushion 1 according to the invention.
• the cushion 1 has a cover 2 defining a chamber 15, and which is formed like a thin plastic film.
• the cushion 1 has an outwardly protruding feeding nozzle 4, which preferably is funnel- shaped so that it easily can be placed on a water tap with a view to filling water into the cushion.
• a water absorbing material 3 is placed, preferably in the form of a sponge-like material sheathed with a semi-permeable membrane or in form of a powder material.
• a check valve with two side walls 5, 6 opposite each other is pro- vided in connection with the feeding mouth 4.
• the heat cushion 1 Prior to being filled with water, the heat cushion 1 is totally flat as shown in Fig. 1 and may be folded so that it does not take up much space.
• the cheap material makes the cushion 1 particularly suitable for disposable usage and not taking up much space makes the cushions 1 suitable for sale in multiple packets of for instance ten disposable heat cushions.
• a plastic pipe may for example be inserted into the feeding mouth
• the cushions may for instance be sold with inserted plastic pipes. Alternatively the water pressure from filling in water will be sufficient to keep the check valve open.
• the water absorbing material 3 absorbs water and swallows up finally substantially filling up the chamber 15 of the entire cushion 1. Subsequently the plastic pipe, if used, is pulled out of the feeding mouth 4 whereupon the side walls 5, 6 of the check valve are pressed together by the interior water pressure of the cushion 1 or by the sponge-like material 3 abutting the check valve as shown in Fig. 2.
• the cushion 1 can be put in a microwave oven and the aqueous core consisting of the sponge-like material 3 can be heated.
• the cushion 1 can be put on the place on the body on which the heat treatment is desired.
• the cushion 1 can be put into a freezer until the temperature desired for the cushion 1 has been reached if the cushion 1 is to be used for cooling.
• FIG. 3 An alternative embodiment of the heat cushion 1 is shown in Fig. 3.
• the heat cushion is provided with an outwardly protruding feeding nozzle 9 with an outer thread. After filling in water, the feeding nozzle is closed by sealingly screwing on a cap 10.
• the water absorbing material 3 is a super absorbent polymer (SAP) in powder form.
• SAP powder absorbs the water and generates a gel like viscosity. 5-10 grams of SAP powder are sufficient to generate an even distribution of gel in the chamber 15.
• the SAP powder can be distrib- uted in lines on a thin sheet of paper, said paper dissolving after the filling of water.
• the flexible cover is made from a polymeric film, optionally covered with a non-woven material, the overall weight of a cushion can be kept under 20 grams. This means that the cushion 1 is very compact in size and the material costs are low, making the cushion 1 suitable for sale in multiple packets.
• the heat cushion 1 is provided with two strings or flaps 7, 8 in connection with the feeding mouth 4. After filling in water, said strings or flaps can be tied together so that the feeding mouth 4 is closed.
• FIG. 5 shows the heat cushion 1 from above.
• the strings 7, 8 are formed by weld- ing along the lines 17, 18, the strings 7, 8 being able to be torn off along said lines 17, 18. Subsequently the strings 7, 8 can be tied together to seal the feeding mouth 4.
• the cushion 1 may of course still be provided with a check valve, the strings 7, 8 only serving as an additional protection ensuring that no water runs out of the feeding mouth 4.
• the heat cushion may be provided with a number of strings or laces 11, 12, 13, 14 by means of which the heat cushion 1 for instance may be tied around the thigh of a person needing heat treatment. In this way the heat cushion 1 stays in the place in which the heat treatment is required and the heat cushion 1 need not be held on to. It is also possible to use Velcro or some sort of adhesive tape, for instance the type known from diapers. It is also possible to use hooks which will stick to the non- woven material.
• the heat cushion 1 may be formed with two sides with different thicknesses so that these sides have different heat transmission characteristics. Thus first one side of the heat cushion 1 may advantageously be used for heat treatment and then the second side of the heat cushion 1 may be used when the temperature of the first side has dropped to a certain value.
• the two sides of the heat cushion 1 may have different colours to show which side to start with during the heat treatment.
• Alternative the two sides may have an area with for instance a medium depending on temperature, such as ink, changing colour depending on the temperature or another way of indicating the temperature.
• the nursing and hospital sectors are areas in which the heat cushion 1 is particularly applicable.
• the cushion 1 may be disposed of after use.
• high hygiene can be ensured so that patients with bedsore or infectious disease can be given heat treatment without the risk of spreading infection.
• Almost all wards have access to a microwave oven now just as there is a microwave oven in almost every ward / apartment at residential homes.
• the cushion can easily be heated.
• most often gel holding heat cushions are the alternative.
• Such gel holding heat cushions need to be warmed up in boiling water prior to use resulting in much time consumption for nurses and inconveniences due to having to handle wet cushions in large pots with subsequent wiping off etc.
• the risk of spreading infection from for instance wounds is greatly increased as well, as the heat cushions need to be trans- ported from the wards to for instance the wash room after use where they have to be sterilised and re-heated.
• An advantage of the heat cushion 1 according to the inven- tion is that it only needs to be handled prior to use when everything is sterile and without the risk of infection as only water from the tap is used.
• the heat cushion 1 can also be used in cribs where the heat cushion may be placed prior to putting down the baby so that the bed is warm.
• the heat cushion 1 is cheap and its compact size makes it suitable for sale in multiple packets. This may for instance be interesting for long-distance truckers or in connection with car holidays. Thus if the body aches in different places after a long drive it is possible to for instance stop at a filling station, take a heat cushion 1 from the multiple packet and then fill it with water and finally heat it in the microwave oven of the filling station. Hereafter the cushion 1 can be used to soothe the aching muscles. In that connection the heat cushion 1 may for instance be formed like a cushion for the back of the head.
• the cushion 1 may also have the shape of a sole of a shoe so that it can be used as a disposable insole in shoes.
• the compact heat cushions 1 may also be interesting for sidewalk cafes or other public houses.
• the heat cushion 1 may be shaped like a seat or a seat cushion, and then the public house may offer its customers a heated cushion 1 to sit on in order to keep warm better.
• the sitting cushions can be sold cheaply or given away free to attract customers or printed with sponsor logos, commercials ect.
• the heated sitting cushions are also interesting in connection with soccer games or similar stadium events where spectators often sit down for hours and as the stadiums often are made of concrete this may be a cold experience, particularly during the winter months.

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
• Vascular Medicine (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Thermotherapy And Cooling Therapy Devices (AREA)
• Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
• Resistance Heating (AREA)
• Air-Conditioning For Vehicles (AREA)
• Internal Circuitry In Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Devices (AREA)
• Bedding Items (AREA)
• Constitution Of High-Frequency Heating (AREA)

Priority Applications (15)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=37396013

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (15)

Cited By (1)

Families Citing this family (7)

Citations (11)

Family Cites Families (8)

• 2005
  • 2005-08-30 DK DK200501198A patent/DK176304B1/da not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2006
  • 2006-08-30 WO PCT/DK2006/000466 patent/WO2007025543A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2006-08-30 EP EP06775953A patent/EP1928374B1/en active Active
  • 2006-08-30 JP JP2008528342A patent/JP5059007B2/ja active Active
  • 2006-08-30 AT AT06775953T patent/ATE536843T1/de active
  • 2006-08-30 EA EA200800547A patent/EA012682B1/ru not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2006-08-30 CA CA2620996A patent/CA2620996C/en active Active
  • 2006-08-30 CN CN2006800351143A patent/CN101272751B/zh active Active
  • 2006-08-30 KR KR1020087007712A patent/KR20080040048A/ko not_active Ceased
  • 2006-08-30 DK DK06775953.0T patent/DK1928374T3/da active
  • 2006-08-30 BR BRPI0617060-9A patent/BRPI0617060A2/pt not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2006-08-30 US US12/065,382 patent/US8303638B2/en active Active
  • 2006-08-30 AU AU2006286934A patent/AU2006286934B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2006-08-30 NZ NZ566320A patent/NZ566320A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2008
  • 2008-02-28 IL IL189845A patent/IL189845A0/en unknown
  • 2008-03-17 NO NO20081388A patent/NO339683B1/no unknown

Patent Citations (11)

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