Body conforming shirt-like holder and therapeutic article

Abstract

A body conforming, reusable, washable, textile holder for removably holding at least one article in close bodily contact. The holder may be a wrap or tube constructed to enclose a portion of the body where the article is to be held. The article may be a therapeutic article, such as a heat generating thermal pack, a cooling pack, or other article comprising a therapeutic agent; an absorbent article; a sensing article; or a filter article. The invention also relates to a system comprising the body conforming holder and an article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a body conforming, reusable, washable, textile holder for removably holding at least one article in close bodily contact. More particularly, the invention relates to a reusable wrap or tube holder constructed to enclose a portion of the body where the article is to be held. The article may be a therapeutic article, such as a heat generating thermal pack, a cooling pack, or other article comprising a therapeutic agent; an absorbent article; a sensing article; or a filter article. The invention also relates to a system comprising the body conforming holder and an article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A common method of treating acute, recurrent, and chronic pain is by the topical application of heat to the afflicted area. Such heat treatments are used as therapy for aches, stiffness in muscles and joints, nerve p...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Many such heating devices that require the thermal source to be replenished are inconvenient to use on a regular or extended basis.

Further, the heat energy may not be immediately available when needed or released in a controllable manner.

Such thermal devices may not provide long lasting heat or maintain a consistent temperature over long periods of time.

Proper positioning of the thermal source also may not be maintainable during use.

However, many of these devices are bulky, cannot maintain a consistent and controlled temperature, have difficulty staying in place during use, and / or have unsatisfactory physical dimensions that hinder their effectiveness.

Such devices cannot be easily incorporated into wrap or tube holders that comfortably conform to various body contours.

The devices may thus not deliver consistent, convenient and / or comfortable heat application to the body.

While such disposable elastic thermal wraps can be efficacious, they are designed for single use and can be relatively expensive.

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