Abstract: A refillable therapeutic pack is disclosed that is comprised of an outer bag having a generally rectangular shape having two sides, a closed end and an open end. Tie straps are secured on the outer bag near the closed end and the open end and extend from the ends. An inner bag is provided internally within the outer bag. The inner bag has two sides, a closed end attached to the closed end of the outer bag and an open end. The open end of the inner bag is of a smaller diameter than the closed end of the inner bag such that the open end of the inner bag contains a neck section. Ice or cooling material may be filled into the inner bag of the cold pack through the neck section of the open end of the inner bag. The cold pack additionally includes flexible opening aids contained within the neck section of the open end to aid in opening and holding open the open end of the inner bag during filling and emptying.

Abstract: A hot alkaline liquid soluble or dispersable composition made from a first polymer of an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer having an acrylic acid portion, an ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer having a methacrylic acid portion, or a mixture thereof, where the acrylic acid portion and the methacrylic acid portion each, independently, comprise from 10 to 30 wt. % of the total copolymer weight and also including an Ionomer-type copolymer having an acrylic acid portion, a methacrylic acid portion, or a combination thereof, comprising from 10 to 30 wt. % of the total Ionomer copolymer weight. Methods of making articles from such compositions. Methods of disposal of such compositions in hot liquid and alkaline conditions.

Abstract: A hot alkaline liquid soluble or dispersable composition made from a first polymer of an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer having an acrylic acid portion, an ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer having a methacrylic acid portion, or a mixture thereof, where the acrylic acid portion and the methacrylic acid portion each, independently, comprise from 10 to 30 wt. % of the total copolymer weight and also including an Ionomer-type copolymer having an acrylic acid portion, a methacrylic acid portion, or a combination thereof, comprising from 10 to 30 wt. % of the total Ionomer copolymer weight. Methods of making articles from such compositions. Methods of disposal of such compositions in hot liquid and alkaline conditions.

Abstract: A method for containing potentially infectious devices. The potentially infectious devices are deposited in a container which contains a monomer, a reducing agent and water. An oxidizing agent is later added to cause polymerization of the monomer to immobilize the devices, and to act as a disinfecting agent due in large part to the exothermic nature of the reaction. In an alternate embodiment, the composition contains a monomer, a thickener and water. Before use, this solution is admixed with an oxidizing and reducing agent and the thickened solution is poured into a container having disposed therein potentially infectious devices. Related methods, kits, devices, and compositions are also disclosed.