Abstract: The invention relates to extended life thermal packs. In one embodiment, the thermal pack comprises a container having a first thermally reactive chemical solute therein, a rupturable solvent packet containing a solvent, and a rupturable solute packet containing a second thermally reactive chemical solute in the solute packet. The solutes are chemically separated until time of use and are different from one another. The chemical separation of solutes until time of use in combination with the structure of the thermal pack structure afford both extended duration of thermal effect by the pack and afford the user with increased control by permitting optional sequential combination of the reactants. The thermal reaction produced by the combination of solute and solvent can be either endothermic or exothermic and therefore can be used to apply cold or hot therapy, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to extended life thermal packs. In one embodiment, the thermal pack comprises a container having a first thermally reactive chemical solute therein, a rupturable solvent packet containing a solvent, and a rupturable solute packet containing a second thermally reactive chemical solute in the solute packet. The solutes are chemically separated until time of use and are different from one another. The chemical separation of solutes until time of use in combination with the structure of the thermal pack structure afford both extended duration of thermal effect by the pack and afford the user with increased control by permitting optional sequential combination of the reactants. The thermal reaction produced by the combination of solute and solvent can be either endothermic or exothermic and therefore can be used to apply cold or hot therapy, respectively.

Abstract: An absorbent ice bag (10) made in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes an absorbent pad (12) operatively associated with an ice bag (15). The junction of the absorbent pad (12) and the ice bag (15) defines an unobstructed perimeter area that is an area of the absorbent pad (12) that extends beyond the ice bag (15). The unobstructed perimeter area provides an area of improved absorption and allows the side-by-side simultaneous placement of the ice bag (15) and the absorbent pad (12) on wound site. The ice bag (15) may contain ice (14), or other suitable phase change material.

Abstract: A cold pack 10 made in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes a container 18. Disposed within the container 18 is a first endotherm-producing chemical 15. Also disposed within the container 18 is a solvent packet 13 and a chemical packet 11. Second endotherm-producing chemical 43 is disposed in the chemical packet 11. First endotherm-producing chemical 15, the solvent packet 13 and the chemical packet 11 are collectively components of the cold pack. Preferably the container 18 is sealed so as to surround and encase the components of the cold pack 10. The first endotherm-producing chemical 15 and the second endotherm-producing chemical 43 are selected to be different. Both the first endotherm-producing chemical 15 and the second endotherm-producing chemical 43 may be selected from among those compounds with a positive enthalpy of solution (&Dgr;sol/H°, kJ/mol) and which produce a reduced temperature of solution that is greater than 10° F.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for the thermal treatment of the body. A first container adapted to receive water is provided. A second container having a substance adapted to react with water and produce a thermal reaction is also provided. The second container is placed inside the first container. At least a portion of the second container is made of a material that at least partially dissolves in water, so as to allow the substance to mix with water and produce the thermal reaction.