Hypothermic treatment sack
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12257180-B2
Publication Date
2025-03-25
Expiration Date
2041-11-19
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Abstract
Hypothermic treatment sacks are provided. A hypothermic treatment sack includes a top sheet that defines a first outer perimeter. The hypothermic treatment sack further includes a bottom sheet that defines a second outer perimeter. The first outer perimeter of the top sheet is removably coupled to the second outer perimeter of the bottom sheet such that a patient receiving cavity is defined between the top sheet and the bottom sheet. The top sheet and the bottom sheet include a weather resistant external layer, a heat reflective interior layer, and an insulation layer. The insulation layer is disposed between the external layer and the heat reflective interior layer.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a hypothermic treatment sack designed for the prevention and management of hypothermia, particularly in field settings such as battlefields. The sack comprises a top sheet and a bottom sheet, each defining outer perimeters that are removably coupled together to form a patient receiving cavity. Both the top and bottom sheets incorporate a weather resistant external layer, a heat reflective interior layer made of aluminized polyester, and an insulation layer situated between these two layers.
The main objective addressed is the inadequacy of existing hypothermia prevention devices, particularly for battlefield use. Current practices require multiple fragile and inconvenient components such as heating blankets, reflective blankets, and head coverings, each applied separately. These methods lead to inefficiencies, insufficient heating due to oxygen deprivation, risk of exposure when accessing wounds, and overall difficulty in providing optimal patient care under harsh environmental conditions.
This hypothermic treatment sack improves upon prior solutions by integrating thermal insulation, weather resistance, and heat reflection into a single durable and easily accessible device. The design further includes optional features such as access areas for wound treatment without excessive exposure to the environment and the inclusion of heating elements within the cavity. Collectively, these features offer a more practical and efficient approach to hypothermia management in emergency or combat situations.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims, each highlighting a distinct set of inventive features for the hypothermia treatment sack.
Layered construction of hypothermia treatment sack
The hypothermia treatment sack includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet, each with: - A weather resistant external layer as the outermost layer to prevent wind and water from passing through. - A heat reflective interior layer made of aluminized polyester. - An insulation layer made of continuous filament polyester that is hydrophobic, positioned between the external layer and the heat reflective interior layer. - The insulation layer defines a ratio of R-value to specific weight between about 0.3 and about 0.7. - The first outer perimeter of the top sheet is removably coupled to the second outer perimeter of the bottom sheet, creating a patient receiving cavity.
Access areas for selective access to patient receiving cavity
The hypothermia treatment sack includes: - A top sheet and a bottom sheet removably coupled to define a patient receiving cavity. - One or more access areas that provide selective access to the cavity. - The sheets each comprise a weather resistant external layer, a heat reflective interior layer of aluminized polyester, and an insulation layer of hydrophobic continuous filament polyester with a ratio of R-value to specific weight between about 0.3 and about 0.7.
The inventive features are centered on the integrated, multi-layered construction with weather resistance, heat reflection, and optimized insulation, as well as the provision of access areas for managing patient care without unnecessary exposure.
Stated Advantages
The weather resistant external layer repels wind and water, protecting the patient from inclement conditions.
The heat reflective interior layer prevents heat from escaping the patient receiving cavity.
The insulation layer, especially when formed of hydrophobic continuous filament polyester, maintains thermal efficiency even when wet and allows the sack to be lightweight and easy to package.
Access areas allow wounds or injuries to be treated without excessively exposing the patient to the ambient environment.
The integrated design provides a durable, lightweight solution suitable for extreme field conditions.
Documented Applications
Prevention and management of hypothermia in wounded patients in the field, specifically intended for use by first responders or medics, such as on the battlefield.
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