Abstract: Garments may include: (a) one garment portion having an air permeability of less than 550 ft3/min per ft2; and (b) another garment portion including one or more vented zones, wherein a material forming the vented zones has an air permeability of at least 550 ft3/min per ft2. The vented zones may extend along a center back portion and/or along at least one side portion of the garment. Methods for forming such garments may include: (a) providing one garment portion having an air permeability of less than 550 ft3/min per ft2; (b) providing another garment portion including at least one vented zone, wherein a material forming the vented zone has an air permeability of at least 550 ft3/min per ft2; and (c) forming a garment structure including these garment portions. The vented zones may extend along a center back portion and/or along at least one side portion of the garment structure.

Abstract: The breast-lifting and cooling accessory is a therapeutic garment. The breast-lifting and cooling accessory is configured for use with a woman. The woman is further defined with a left breast, a right breast, an intermammary cleft, and a sternum. The breast-lifting and cooling accessory is a supporting garment that elevates the breasts with or without a brassiere. The breast-lifting and cooling accessory is a self-attaching garment. The breast-lifting and cooling accessory is a thermal structure that can further be used to cool the left breast and the right breast of the woman. The breast-lifting and cooling accessory comprises a left support, a right support, and a sternum structure. The left support and the right support are joined at the sternum structure.

Abstract: Provided is an athletic headband with removable cooling elements. The athletic headband includes a body and cooling elements. The body has a first opening and a second opening substantially opposed to the first opening. Further, the body includes pockets disposed about the body and extending from the first opening to the second opening. The pockets have respective openings about the second opening. The first cooling elements are configured to be received into the pockets through the respective openings to provide cooling to the head of the user. The cooling elements are disposed adjacently to one another about the body to provide continuous cooling about the head.

Abstract: A wrap apparatus with 3 equal length radially extending arms with 3 pockets or “sleeves” extending the entire length of the arms to house either ice or heat packs. The radially extending arms wrap around the limb contouring and covering the front, sides, and back of the extremity to supply total ice/heat coverage. The 3 pockets are also wide enough to extend the ice above and below the knee to the adjacent tissues. The ice pack surrounding the extremity, such as a knee or hip, is useful to reduce post-operative swelling.

Abstract: A device and method for the sanitary provision of wax to the skin of patrons. Paraffin wax containers shaped to conform to the patrons face, hands, and feet provide individual reservoirs of paraffin which are heated and subsequently applied to the patron's body. Exothermic pouches are provided to heat the individual portions of paraffin wax housed in the body-part-shaped containers.

Abstract: A warming device of sheet form having (1) a heat generating sheet prepared by papermaking and containing an oxidizable metal, a moisture retaining agent, and a fibrous material and (2) an air permeable holder holding the heat generating sheet. The warming device has a thickness of 0.1 to 10 mm and a flexural strength of 0.01 to 0.3 N/cm. The sheet preferably has a thickness of 0.1 to 2.0 mm. The fibrous material preferably has a CSF of 600 ml or less.

Abstract: A water storage unit includes an outer bag with an inlet defined in a top end thereof and an inner bag is received in the outer bag. A coolant bag is received in the inner bag and has coolant received therein. An outlet part is connected to the lower end of the outer bag and connected with a hose so that the user can suck the water in the outer bag. The water is cooled by the coolant in the coolant bag which is located at the lower end of the outer bag. A handle has a clamp slot with which a sealing rod is securely engaged. The inlet of the outer bag can be sealed by the cooperation of the clamp slot of the handle and the sealing rod.

Abstract: A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry.

Abstract: A therapeutic cold pack comprises a sleeve member adapted to accommodate a portion of the leg of an individual. Attached to a surface of the therapeutic cold pack are one or more containment bags each defining an internal volume adapted to hold a therapeutic amount of a cold substance. Each containment bag is positioned to substantially coincide with an intended part of the leg of an individual such that the cold substance provides a therapeutic cooling to that area.

Abstract: A water storage unit includes an outer bag with an inlet defined in a top end thereof and an inner bag is received in the outer bag. A coolant bag is received in the inner bag and has coolant received therein. An outlet part is connected to the lower end of the outer bag and connected with a hose so that the user can suck the water in the outer bag. The water is cooled by the coolant in the coolant bag which is located at the lower end of the outer bag. A handle has a clamp slot with which a sealing rod is securely engaged. The inlet of the outer bag can be sealed by the cooperation of the clamp slot of the handle and the sealing rod.

Abstract: A compound thermal keeping bag comprises an upper cover having outer threads and at least one ear for rotating the cover; a silica gel washer enclosing; a sleeve having inner threads; the sleeve can be locked to the upper cover and lock the washer; a center of the sleeve having an opening; a waterproof sealing ring having double face films at two sides of the waterproof sealing ring; the outer double face film serves to be combined with a water and heat proof cloth; the water and heat proof cloth formed as a bag for receiving ice bricks or hot water so as to provide the function of warm keeping; a buckling ring arranged at an outer surface of the water and heat proof cloth; and a heat endurable rubber ring arranged at an outer surface of the buckling ring.

Abstract: Prior-art rubber hot-water bottles have a screw cap, which is arranged directly on the bottle body and forms a rather hard thickening there, which is felt to be irritating when the user is lying on the bottle. Moreover, a screw cap is difficult to use and must be screwed in with a certain force, which also requires corresponding forces for loosening. To avoid these drawbacks, it is proposed according to the present invention that a clamping means (23, 40), by which the bottle neck can be closed, be provided on the bottle neck (21) of the rubber hot-water bottle. Clamping means are simple to use and require only little force for closing. In addition, they can be opened easily and are very flat, so that they are not irritating. Furthermore, the bottle neck (21) may be designed such that the clamping means (23, 40) can be led away from the body of the user.

Abstract: An article for holding freezable substances includes an individual disposable package for holding the frozen substance and a container therefore. The package is comprised of a bottom portion and a top portion. The frozen substance is placed in the bottom portion and the top portion is placed over the bottom portion to seal the package and prevent spillage of the freezable substance prior to its freezing. The package has a maximum inner width Wm, with Wm being less than or equal to 0.875 inches (22.23 mm). The width Wm is chosen so that a long, cylindrical ice cube is formed by the package. The ice cube so formed fits easily into original containers of beverages, such as soda cans and bottles, so that the beverages are cooled in their original containers.

Abstract: A mailable content carrier device incorporates content therein during its construction. Automated processing need only place content appropriately during construction with subsequent construction steps enclosing the content. The result is a mailable content carrier constructed by high-speed automation including location of content therein.

Abstract: An ice cube bag comprises two sheet-shaped foil layers (12, 14; 12′, 14′) defining an outer periphery. A peripheral joint (20, 21, 21a, 21b) extends along the major part of the outer periphery of the foil layers, with the exception of a peripheral area constituting an inlet aperture of the bag (10). Their peripheral joint joins the foil layers together defining an inner chamber which is divided into several ice cube compartments defined by separate joints (22, 23, 24, 25, 29) of the foil layers. An inlet channel extends from the inlet aperture to the inner chamber of the bag hereby allowing admission from the surroundings to the inner chamber of the bag through the inlet channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a preferred composition for use in preparation of flexible cold packs which are useful for medicinal, research and other uses where cooling to low temperatures is required.

Abstract: A shallow pouch comprises a broad bottom panel, a plurality of narrow side panels, and a closable flap opposite the bottom panel. The flap includes a plurality of fasteners configured to releasably fasten the flap in a closed position over the pouch. The pouch is adapted to receive a cooling pack therein such that the cooling pack rests on the bottom panel between the side panels and such that the flap covers the cooling pack when the flap is in a closed position over the pouch. A strap is attached to the pouch and includes a strap fastening means adapted to releasably fasten the strap about a human wrist such that the bottom panel rests against an inside of the wrist.

Abstract: The invention relates to composition for use in preparation of cold packs which are useful for medicine, research and other uses where cooling to a low temperature is required, said composition comprising 70-85% water, 4-10% salt, 8-15% glycerine and 2-6% polyacrylamide.

Abstract: The present invention is a heating and cooling pad for therapeutically treating the orbital, frontal, nasal, and temporal regions of a patient's head with a non-ambient temperature fluid that circulates through the pad. The pad includes a pair of molded membranes that enclose a central reservoir. Capillaries extend outwardly from opposing sides of the central reservoir into collector channels that extend around the outer periphery of the pad. The reservoir and collector channels are connected to an external source of the fluid. The design of the reservoir and capillaries is optimized to deliver the temperature-adjusting fluid to key anatomical structures. The pad includes a unique integral support structure including a universal joint, that allows adjustment of its shape.

Abstract: A reusable heat or cold chemical therapy pack (10) is provided that has two pairs of compartments (12a and 14a; 12b and 14b). One pair of compartments (12a, 14a) is located on one side of the pack (10) and the other pair (12b, 14b) is located on the opposite side. Each pair of compartments is separated by a rupturable seam (16a, 16b). Each compartment contains a chemical reactant. One compartment in each pair (12a, 12b) is filled with a liquid reactant, and the other compartment in each pair (14a, 14b) is filled with solid beads (15) of reactant material. The compartments proximate those of the opposite pair contain different reactant materials. Therefore, since the solid reactant material (15) will not transfer pressure to the rupturable seam (16a, 16b), only one side of the pack (10) can be activated at a time by pressing on the respective compartment (12a, 12b) containing the liquid reactant.

Abstract: An instant reusable gel compress for applying cold or heat to a human or animal body part. The compress contains crystals of ammonium nitrate or calcium chloride, a water soluble acrylic polymer and an enclosed bag of water within a sealed, durable, flexible, plastic, bag-like container. When the interior water bag is broken, an immediate thermal reaction and simultaneous gel formation results. The resulting gel compress is then applied to the body part for cold or heat treatment. When the cold or heat is dissipated the gel compress itself may be chilled or heated again by an external source and then reused.

Abstract: A freezing mould bag for ices is formed from two plastic foils, and has a segmented inlet channel, two closure valve flaps extending within the interior of the bag, and a constriction which provides a venturi effect closing the bag at the constriction.

Abstract: A flexible abdominal pack for displacing organs during surgery which is nonabrasive, free of foreign bodies and which conforms to the organ being displaced. The pack is sausage shaped and the walls are formed from cured latex having a cured lubricous hydrogel coating on the surface thereof.

Abstract: A method of applying therapeutic heat a patient including forming a heating pad having an outer container having a first side formed by a material non-pervious to water and a second side formed by a material pervious to water. The container substantially encapsulates an outer bag containing and exothermic chemical and an inner bag containing a solvent. Further, the first side is covered by a layer of heat insulating materially and the second side by a layer of sponge-like material. The fist side and sponge-like material are contacted with water, thereby causing the sponge-like material to absorb water. Then the inner bag is fractured, causing the chemical and solvent to mix, producing heat, which is directed at the sponge-like material. The second side of the heating pad is then placed against the body, causing moist heat to be applied to the body. The pad may by tied to the body using straps extending from the ends of the container.

Abstract: A therapeutic moist pack is provided having a water absorbent filler containing polyacrylamide. The therapeutic moist pack has an exterior layer made of a flexible water permeable material. The present invention also provides a method of preparing a therapeutic moist pack having a water absorbent filler containing polyacrylamide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal heat pack for heating the female breast during post partum nursing and, more particularly, to a thermal heat pack which readily conforms to the contours of different sized female breasts to provide therapeutic heat to an adjacent breast to reduce swelling and irritation. The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a bendable thermal heat unit which assumes a cup or cone shape upon application to the breast. The present invention adjusts and conforms to various sizes of the female breasts to which it is to be applied. The present invention provides a layered conformable member with a shape substantially like a disk having selected indentations to permit formation of various sized rounded conical cups.

Abstract: A condensation-free shower mirror includes a housing (11) holding a mirror (10) and a urethane water container (18). The water container, which is substantially the same size and shape as the mirror, is fitted against the back side of the mirror. The water container is fitted with a filling-cap assembly (12) to allow a water-tight seal. Two suction cups (14) extending from the back side of the housing allows the shower mirror to be easily mounted against a shower stall or a wall mirror. When the container is filled with hot water, it heats the mirror above the dew point of water, so that the mirror will remain condensation-free in a steamy environment. Because the shower mirror can be filled with hot tap water, it is portable so that it can be conveniently used in any bathroom.

Abstract: A therapeutic tubular muff containing temperature maintaining material for applying heat or cold to the body extremities including the hands, the wrists, the arms, the ankles and legs of the user. The muff is constructed of flexible material, including fleece material for the internal surface, and denim for the exterior surface. The muff is preheated in a microwave or cooled in a refrigerator before using.

Abstract: This invention relates to moist heat therapy. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved moist heat pack and method of using the same. The present invention has a temperature monitoring means attached to the outer surface of a moist heat pack that is specifically calibrated to measure skin surface temperature at the opposite outer skin contacting surface. The temperature monitoring device of the present invention thereby provides a means for continuously monitoring skin surface temperature during therapy. The moist heat pack of the present invention can also comprise a means for preventing moisture evaporation from the top surface of the pack.

Abstract: A hot or cold pack with a main body portion and four radially extending portions attached thereto and integral therewith. The radially extending portions may have a width greater at their periphery than at the joining to the main body portion. The hot or cold pack is particularly useful for application to a curved contour such as breast, knee, ankle, shoulder or other body area to relieve post operative or post trauma pain and inflammation.

Abstract: A universal ice-pack holder for removably holding an ice-pack or like device against various joints and body parts of a human body. The ice-pack holder includes first and second flexible, elongated strap sections with first and second flexible, transverse strap sections secured between the first and second flexible, elongated strap sections. The first and second elongated strap sections and the first and second transverse strap sections define a central support section which covers an upper surface of an ice-bag or like device. Looped sections of fastener material are further secured to upper portions of the first and second elongated strap sections while a plurality of independent, hooked sections of fastening material are secured to the lower portions of the first and second elongated strap sections.

Abstract: A reusable, fabric-covered heat exchange bag is provided which includes a thermoplastic waterproof liner means having an interior containment area and an opening for receiving a hot or cold medium, such as hot water or ice. Disposed on a significant portion of the exterior surface of the liner is a thermoplastic fabric-like cover which is joined to the liner to define a peripheral region of the reusable heat exchange bag. The heat seal arrangement which forms the peripheral region of the bag also facilitates the severing of the reusable heat exchange bag from a sheet of stock material.

Abstract: A pad for hot or cold therapeutic applications comprises a fluid-tight and flexible covering (13) which may be of a double or triple composite sheet, containing a sheet of polyethylene. Enclosed in the covering are, on the one hand, a mass of heat-exchanging fluid (12) which may be a gel, an emulsion, or another stable fluid, having a high specific heat, and, on the other hand, a set of cells (10). Each cell comprises, in a likewise fluid-tight and flexible covering (14), a mass of thermally active material (11) which presents a change of state with latent heat of transformation as high as possible, in a range of temperature adapted to the application aimed at. For a cold application, the temperature of transformation of the material will have a value between -15.degree. C. and +15.degree.C., for example. For a hot application, the temperature will be between +35.degree. C. and +70.degree. C., for example.

Abstract: A hot or cold body pack utilizing a heat transferring element which includes a bag having a first heat insulative portion and a second heat porous portion. The heat porous portion also mechanically retains a heat transfer element within the bag. The bag includes an opening to retain the heat transfer element. First and second loop members extend along separate dimensions on the outer surface of the bag to permit the straps to hold the bag to a body. Fastener material along an edge of the bag allows it be fastened to another pack.

Abstract: A novel ice or other temperature-imposing bag holder or retainer that is securely, adjustably, compressively and releasably placed around an injured joint. The presently preferred holders or retainers comprise stretchable material with good elastic memory comprising a pocket or pouch. During use, for example, a bag of ice or some other contained subambient cooling substance is placed within the pocket or pouch and against an injured joint and the entire retainer is stretch-wrapped around an injured joint under tension counter to the memory of the holder or retainer such that the cooled substance is gently and securely applied to the injury for prevention or minimization of swelling. Velcro fastening strips hold the retainer in its stretched wrapped condition upon the injured joint.

Abstract: An electrically heated soft toy for transmitting warmth to a person hugging the toy includes an outer casing filled with a soft stuffing material enclosing a battery powered electrically heated heat storage mass disposed in a cavity in the stuffing material and surrounded by a resiliently flexible mass of fibrous heat transfer material, such as a mass of tangled copper wires, having a greater thermal conductivity than the stuffing material. The stuffing material surrounds the fibrous heat transfer material except for a portion of the fibrous material which is in direct engagement with a selected portion of the outer casing so that heat is concentrated at a specific region on the exterior surface of the soft toy, which region may be reinforced by a flexible panel of durable wear resistant material, thereby making the transfer of heat to the person using the toy more effective.

Abstract: A Thermal Pack is shown for use in treating a localized injury. The pack includes a porous outer bag and a non-porous inner bag which is foldable between a retracted position within the outer bag and an extended position in which the inner bag protrudes from the outer bag for filling. A flap extends from the open mouth of the inner bag for creating a funnel to facilitate filling the inner bag when the inner bag is in the extended position.

Abstract: A cooling device for cooling parts in the proximity thereof consisting of a single pouch or a plurality of continuous pouches, wherein each pouch has at least one face thereof being made of water-permeable material and has sealed therein a hygroscopically swelling material. Due to such construction, the sealed material of the cooling device in an unemployed state, i.e., before being chilled in a freezer or freezing compartment, is not hygroscopically swelled and is not voluminous so that it can be decreased in weight by reducing the quantity of the sealed material which can improve the transportation efficiency, resulting in lowered transportation costs. Furthermore, the device can be easily and securely attached to any body part or object such as the shoulder of a man or a beer bottle.

Abstract: A thermal vascular dilating device including a cylindrical shaped water tight container with the center opening sufficient to allow the arm to fit through preferably with a lengthwise cut held together with VELCRO straps and a length long enough to interfit over the hand with a VELCRO strap closure to fold the device over the hand with a threaded spout and cap opening for filling the container with warm water.

Abstract: A stuffed toy animal including an enclosed flexible fluid container and a soft furry exterior having a head portion and a plurality of extremities stuffed with a non-flammable material and a body portion accessible via a zipper for accommodating the flexible fluid container which is secured in place by a plurality of elastic securing straps. The flexible container is filled with a hot fluid if heat is to be radiated or filled with a cold fluid if heat is to be absorbed. The flexible container is then fitted with a leakproof stopper and inserted into the stuffed toy animal beneath the securing straps of the body portion. The stuffed toy animal may now be held by a human or be utilized as a pillow for a small pet for providing a warming or cooling effect.In a second embodiment, the fluid container is permanently formed within the body portion and access to the container is provided by removing the head portion.

Abstract: An ice applicator in the form of an elongated scarf for wearing around the neck of a person subjected to high ambient heat conditions employing a cavity which is filled with a frozen water medium. The ends of the scarf are provided with a pair of fastening means, one for securing the ends of the scarf together in a juxtapositioned arrangement when worn, and a second one for securing the ice applicator to the chest of the wearer.

Abstract: A liquid or gel filled pillow utilized for therapeutic purposes is formed from a pair of flexible casing of plastic or the like, one within the other, and being separated by a compressible electrically conductive foam material having a high resistance in its uncompressed slate and a low resistance when compressed. The facing surfaces of the casings are coated with a layer of highly conductive material in electrical contact with the foam. The inner casing is provided with a thermostatically controlled heating element for heating the liquid or gel contained therein. One terminal of the heating element is connected to the power supply through the conductive layers foam so that upon compression of the foam, as would be occasioned by a patient laying his head upon the pillow, there will result an electric current flow to the heating element due to the lowered electrical resistance of the foam.

Abstract: A cryokenetic headband having a closable pocket for retaining a cold pack material is disclosed. The headband is intended to be worn during exercise or work to keep the head cool and perspiration from running into the wearers eyes.

Abstract: A therapeutic stuffed toy according to the present invention comprises an outer stuffed fabric member, such as a "teddy bear," having an interior pocket containing a hermetically sealed container of a non-toxic liquid whose freezing point is below that of water and boiling point is above that of water. The container is removable from the pocket through an opening in the outer fabric member for the purpose of first preparing it for use by heating when the toy is to be used as a hot "compress", and cooling when the toy is to be used as a cold "compress". In another embodiment, the thermal material is in the form of salt dampened with propylene glycol or water.

Abstract: A thermal pack having a first pocket (12) and a second pocket (28) connected together by a stretchable material section (22), and therapeutic material holding bladders (14, 30) insertable into respective pockets. A pair of stretchable and Velcro-equipped straps (16, 18) attached to one pocket (28) are engagable with a brushed pile surface (20) of the other pocket (12). The pockets (12, 28) are constructed having a liner (34) for wicking to the outer surface moisture condensed on the bladders (14, 30), and constructed having a durable nonstretchable outer layer (32, 42).

Abstract: A cooling wrap is designed for tying around the neck of a person while performing vigorous activity in hot weather. A closable bag for containing a frozen water medium is stitched in a pouch formed in a strip of water pervious fabric. The strip of fabric is further stitched to form tying straps on both ends of the pouch. A pad of open-pored foam is secured in the bag to insulate the neck from severe cold while still permitting the controlled dispensing of water to the neck. The frozen water medium may be ice, but is preferably open-pored foam which has been saturated with water and frozen.

Abstract: A knee ice pack for cooling the affected area of a knee including a body member having left, center and right compartments open along the top portions thereof and adapted to receive ice therein, the center compartment having a through opening intended to be aligned with the patella to preclude the patella from being subjected to the cooling effects of the ice, a closure fastener for permitting opening and closing of the top portions of the compartments to provide access thereto, and a fastener for securing the ice pack to the knee.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus (10) includes a first sheet (12) and a second sheet (14) both formed from chamois. The sheets are sewn together along a circular line (28) to define an enclosure adapted to receive a quantity of ice (30). The enclosure is provided with an access port (16) which is normally closed either by means of a zipper (20) or by means of a VELCRO closure. In use, the cooling apparatus (10) is placed on the head (32) of a user and is concealed and retained by a cap (34).