Hypothermia treatment sack
Inventors
Castellani, Robert A. • Miller, Robert
Assignees
Publication Number
US-7766950-B2
Publication Date
2010-08-03
Expiration Date
2026-07-21
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Abstract
A hypothermia treatment sack comprising a top sheet and a bottom sheet releasably connecting along their perimeters to form a patient receiving cavity between the top and bottom sheets while allowing for patient access from any location around the perimeter. The top and bottom sheets include a weatherproof exterior side for repelling wind and water, and a heat reflective interior side for preventing heat from escaping. A plurality of self-activating heating pads are carried in the top sheet for producing heat when exposed to air. The heating pads have a first side exposed on the weatherproof exterior side of the top sheet to provide for a generally unrestricted airflow to the heating pads, and a second side exposed on the heat reflective interior side of the top sheet for radiating heat directly into the patient receiving cavity.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a hypothermia treatment sack designed for use in field conditions to temporarily prevent and manage hypothermia. The sack comprises a top sheet and a bottom sheet, both with a weatherproof exterior to repel wind and water, and a heat reflective interior to prevent heat loss. These sheets connect releasably around their perimeter to form a patient receiving cavity, allowing access to the patient from any location around the perimeter.
A distinctive aspect of the invention is the inclusion of a plurality of self-activating heating pads carried in the top sheet of the sack. These heating pads produce heat when exposed to air, with one side directly exposed on the exterior weatherproof side for unrestricted airflow and the other side exposed on the interior heat reflective side to radiate heat into the patient receiving cavity. The design also optionally features heating pads spatially arranged for the torso and lower extremities, a hood with additional heating pad(s), and specialized closures for the patient's neck to further enhance thermal protection.
The problem addressed by this invention is the inadequacy of prior art solutions for treating hypothermia, particularly on the battlefield. Existing systems such as heating blankets and space blankets are fragile, non-weatherproof, cumbersome to apply, and limit access to patients during treatment. Furthermore, prior solutions restrict oxygen flow to heating elements and complicate patient monitoring or intervention, often necessitating partial or complete patient exposure. The present invention offers a robust, single-use, rapidly deployable device that combines heating, weather protection, and patient accessibility in a single integrated system.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims, each describing key inventive features that constitute the scope of the invention.
Hypothermia treatment sack with weatherproof and heat reflective sheets and self-activating heating pads
The sack consists of a top and bottom sheet, each having a weatherproof exterior side to repel wind and water and a heat reflective interior side to prevent heat from escaping the patient receiving cavity. A plurality of self-activating heating pads are carried in the top sheet, featuring: - A first side exposed on the weatherproof exterior side for direct communication with air, ensuring generally unrestricted airflow to the pads. - A second side exposed on the heat reflective interior side to radiate heat directly into the cavity to warm the patient. - The top and bottom sheets are shaped to cover and enclose the patient, connecting releasably to form the cavity.
Packaged single use hypothermia treatment sack with vacuum sealed container
A treatment sack is provided with both top and bottom sheets, self-activating heating pads carried by the top sheet, and is packaged within a vacuum sealed pliable container that maintains a high gas barrier. The key features include: - The treatment sack is packaged substantially free of air to prevent activation of the self-activating heating pads until the vacuum sealed container is opened. - The construction allows for patient access from any point around the perimeter when the sack is connected.
Hypothermia treatment sack with perimeter-sealing connectors and hood
A sack comprising a top sheet with self-activating heating pads, a bottom sheet that releasably connects along the perimeter to form a patient receiving cavity, and connectors (such as hook and loop fasteners) that extend continuously along the left, right, and bottom perimeter sides while being discontinuous along the top perimeter side to provide a neck opening. Additional inventive aspects include: - A hood carried by the bottom sheet adjacent to the neck opening, which includes at least one self-activating heating pad. - The arrangement provides complete sealing except for the neck area and incorporates integrated heating for the head.
In summary, the inventive features cover the integration of weatherproof and heat reflective materials, self-activating heating pads positioned for optimal airflow and direct patient warming, a packaged configuration that prevents premature heat pad activation, specialized perimeter sealing and patient access, and optional components such as a hood and neck closure for comprehensive temperature management.
Stated Advantages
Provides a single, lightweight, durable hypothermia treatment device that totally encapsulates the patient minus the face.
Enables direct exposure of self-activating heating pads to air on the sack's exterior, allowing optimal activation and sustained heating capacity.
Allows quick access to patient extremities and core from any location around the perimeter, minimizing exposure and maintaining protection.
Reduces the number of steps and items needed compared to prior solutions, offering faster and more effective treatment application.
Protects the patient from inclement weather while reflecting heat and providing field durability.
The device can be packaged in a vacuum-sealed rugged container to survive battlefield deployment and prevent premature activation of heating pads.
Documented Applications
Temporarily preventing and managing hypothermia in the field, especially for battlefield casualties and first responders treating conditions associated with hypothermia.
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