Patent attributes
The present invention provides a thermal treatment pack that includes a tubular body having a first opening, a second opening, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first opening, the inner surface and the second opening cooperate to define a passage through the tubular body for the limb. The inner surface and the outer surface of the tubular body are defined by a continuous film of flexible material such as a copolymer of polyester and polyurethane. A temperature-retaining fluid such as a water-based gel is received between the inner surface and the outer surface. Optionally, a thermal pack according to the invention can be covered with a fabric layer to provide insulation between the continuous film of flexible material and a user's skin. The diameter of the passage through the thermal treatment pack is preferably smaller than or equal to the diameter of the injured limb, which causes the inner surface of the thermal treatment pack to make contact the limb or an insulating wrap placed over the limb. The thermal treatment pack can thus be positioned at the desired location on the limb by rolling the thermal treatment pack onto the limb. During rolling, the continuous film of flexible material frictionally engages the limb and does not move relative to the limb as the thermal treatment pack is rolled onto the limb. The continuous film of flexible material stretches and conforms to the shape of the limb, providing compressive force and circumferential thermal treatment at the desired location.
