Textile storage and heating / cooling system for adults

Abstract

Textile, tubular storage and heating / cold system for adults, characterized by a softly padded filled textile tube in which two dimensionally stable, yet elastically yielding support zones are integrated, wherein one support zone is arranged in the back section and one support zone in the front section, and wherein each support zone has a concealed, slot-shaped opening for receiving at least one thermal unit.

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a textile, flexible storage and heating / cold system for adults, which is used for ergonomic positioning, pressure relief and thermoregulation in clinical, rehabilitative, nursing and domestic settings.

[0002] The system combines stabilizing and conforming support elements with targeted heat or cold delivery, which can be passive or active, to support muscle relaxation, pain relief and improved blood circulation.

[0003] The main body consists of a soft, supple, padded textile tube that flexibly surrounds the body and distributes pressure evenly. Integrated into this tube are two firmer, yet elastically flexible roller sections – one at the back and one at the front.

[0004] These rollers serve to stabilize positioning by enabling a physiologically favorable side, half-side or back position.

[0005] The combination of a soft main body and two more dimensionally stable support zones achieves an even distribution of pressure while simultaneously providing noticeable guidance and support - especially in rehabilitation, nursing and clinical settings for decubitus prophylaxis, muscle relaxation and improved body awareness.

[0006] Each of the two rolls has a concealed, slit-shaped opening through which a thermal insert can be inserted. The opening is preferably secured by a concealed zipper, accessible only from the side facing away from the body.

[0007] The thermal insert can be removable or permanently integrated and can passively release stored heat or cold, or actively generate heat or cold. This provides targeted thermal support to the surrounding body parts without compromising stability or comfort.

[0008] This allows the system to be used both for heat therapy - for example to promote muscle relaxation and blood circulation - and for relieving inflammation or pain.

[0009] The positioning system can be used in either an open or closed position, depending on the user's preference and therapeutic goal. In the open version, it allows for free, flexible positioning of the back, extremities, or torso. In the closed version, it can be placed around the body or individual body parts and secured with knots, snap fasteners, or Velcro to achieve a restrictive, calming, or stabilizing effect.

[0010] The invention can be implemented as a single- or double-hose system.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment, the inner tube contains the filling and support elements as well as the thermal units, while the outer tube forms a removable, washable cover that maintains contact with the body and allows for hygienic reprocessing. After removing the thermal units, the inner tube can also be washed or disinfected, provided the material used permits this. If the support elements or rollers are made of washable material, they too can be cleaned after removing the thermal inserts. This separation and material selection make the system suitable for repeated reprocessing in both clinical and home settings, thus meeting high standards of hygiene and sustainability.

[0012] This separation makes the system particularly suitable for use in clinics, rehabilitation facilities and nursing homes, but also for private use for relaxation and regeneration in the home environment. 2. Background of the invention

[0013] In adult care, rehabilitation, physiotherapy and in home use, there is a significant need for ergonomically adjustable positioning systems that can both support a stable posture and deliver targeted heat or cold.

[0014] Many patients – especially after surgery, in cases of neurological diseases, muscle tension or chronic pain – benefit from combined positioning and thermotherapy.

[0015] Familiar heating pads, heating pads, or cold compresses are separate products that are simply placed on the body and do not provide any structural support. Classic positioning rolls or side sleeper pillows, on the other hand, do not have integrated thermal units and are often neither hygienically separable nor fully washable.

[0016] In everyday clinical and nursing practice, this leads to limited reusability, increased material consumption, and insufficient thermal effect on the desired body regions.

[0017] The system according to the invention therefore combines heat, cold, and support in a modular design that is washable, safe, and versatile. The combination of a soft, supple base and two dimensionally stable yet elastic rollers in the abdominal and back areas enables stabilizing and soothing support without creating pressure points.

[0018] This supports both physiological and psychological relaxation processes. Especially in private settings, the application of heat plays a significant role in stress and pain management. The system can be used for targeted heat therapy to alleviate menstrual cramps, pelvic pain, back tension, or autonomic nervous system restlessness by simultaneously warming and stabilizing the abdominal, back, and sacral regions.

[0019] The surrounding, close-fitting confinement creates a feeling of security and calm, which can also be supportive in cases of psychological tension, anxiety, or difficulty falling asleep. This psychophysiological effect is based on the same principles that have already proven effective in infant care. Containment, warmth, pressure equalization, and a constant, even temperature promote relaxation and self-regulation—here adapted to adult body shapes and therapeutic applications.

[0020] Thus, the invention fulfills a dual role in medical, nursing, and private contexts. It serves both therapeutic positioning and the regulation of well-being through targeted applications of heat or cold. 3. Solution to the task

[0021] The task is solved by a textile, tubular, thermally activatable support system, the basic structure of which consists of a softly padded filled textile tube, into which two dimensionally stable but elastically yielding support zones are integrated - one in the back and one in the front section.

[0022] The soft base provides a comfortable, pressure-equalizing surface, while the two reinforced roller areas guide the body stably, thus enabling ergonomically favorable side, half-side or back positioning.

[0023] This combination of a soft outer layer and firmer support zones ensures stability, comfort and physiological posture without creating pressure points.

[0024] Each of the two rolls has a concealed, slit-shaped opening on the side facing away from the body, secured by concealed zippers or flat safety closures. Thermal inserts can be inserted or removed through these openings.

[0025] For maintenance and hygienic separation, the outer textile cover of the entire hose system is additionally equipped with at least one concealed zipper, through which the inner rollers or inserts can be removed, replaced or cleaned.

[0026] The thermal units are removable or permanently integrated and can be operated either passively or actively: - passively through external heat or cold sources (e.g. microwave, water bath, oven, refrigerator, PCM materials), - actively powered via electrical or chemical energy sources (e.g. battery, USB or mains connection).

[0027] Active components are fully insulated, temperature-limited and moisture-protected, so they can be safely used even in medical environments.

[0028] The thermal units can consist of any materials suitable for storing, transferring or actively generating heat or cold, including but not limited to gel-, liquid-, fiber-, foam-, micro-bead- or phase-change-based substances, as well as future functionally equivalent materials.

[0029] The system can be used in an open or closed mode.

[0030] In its open version, it serves for the free, flexible positioning of individual body regions, such as the back, hips, shoulders or legs.

[0031] In the closed version, the tube is placed around the body or individual body sections and can be fixed via flexible connecting elements, creating an individually adjustable limitation and stabilization that supports a calm, safe positioning.

[0032] The invention can be implemented as a single-hose or double-hose system.

[0033] In a single-hose system, all functional areas are located within a continuous textile hose body.

[0034] In the two-tube system, the inner tube consists of a moisture-proof, heat-resistant, but breathable material, e.g. PU-coated cotton or medical composite fabric, as used in incontinence pads.

[0035] This protects the inner hose against liquids, while the outer hose is made of skin-friendly, textile material - for example cotton, jersey, terry cloth or 3D spacer fabric - and is easy to wash or sterilize.

[0036] This separation ensures high hygiene, rapid drying and long reusability of the system - particularly relevant in hospital and nursing care settings.

[0037] The filling of the tube body can consist of soft, padded fibers or spherical fillers, for example organic corn fiber, kapok, cotton nubs, synthetic microbeads or mixed fibers.

[0038] The support zones contain molded cores made of foam, cold foam, viscoelastic foam, EVA or TPE material that conform to the respective body shape without losing stability.

[0039] This combination of variable structure, integrated thermomodule, and hygienically separable design allows the system to meet the requirements of both medical and private use. It supports pressure relief, muscle relaxation, heat or cold therapy, promotes well-being and sleep quality, and, thanks to its ergonomic shape, contributes to a physiologically favorable posture, making it suitable for both therapeutic and preventative use. 4. Embodiment of the invention

[0040] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment, without being limited thereto. All described features can be implemented individually or in any combination.

[0041] The support system consists of a textile, elongated tube that can be shaped into a U, C, oval, or similar form. The tube has a softly padded base and at least two more dimensionally stable, yet elastically flexible support zones, preferably located in the ventral and posterior sections. These support zones provide targeted guidance and stabilization of the body, while the softer areas between them ensure pressure equalization and a high degree of conformity.

[0042] The soft base adapts to the individual body shape and distributes pressure evenly, while the reinforced support zones enable ergonomically favorable side, half-side, or back sleeping positions without creating pressure points. This results in a stable, comfortable, and physiologically beneficial sleeping position.

[0043] Each support zone has at least one concealed, slit-shaped opening on the side facing away from the body, accessible via concealed zippers or flat safety closures. Thermal inserts can be inserted, removed, or replaced through these openings. The openings are positioned to avoid direct contact with the body and to ensure user comfort.

[0044] The support system can be used in either an open or closed position. In the open version, it rests loosely against the body or is partially placed underneath to provide targeted support to specific body regions such as the back, hips, shoulders, or legs. In the closed version, the tubular body is wrapped around the body or individual body sections and secured using knots, snap fasteners, Velcro, or similar connection systems, creating a circumferential, limiting, and stabilizing effect.

[0045] In another embodiment, the support system has at least one or more narrow, flexible connecting elements on its underside, such as textile bands, straps, or strips with hook-and-loop fasteners, snap fasteners, magnetic fasteners, or similar systems. These connecting elements allow the longitudinal sections of the tube body to be variably connected to one another. This enables the contact angle, the distance between the support zones, and the overall width of the support system to be individually adjusted to adapt body contact and support stability to different body shapes and support needs.

[0046] The invention can be implemented as a single-hose or a double-hose system. In the single-hose system, all functional areas are arranged within a continuous textile hose body. In the double-hose system, an inner hose is provided, which houses the support zones and, if applicable, the thermal units, as well as an outer hose that provides direct contact with the body. The outer hose is removable and washable, while the inner hose can be made of moisture-proof, heat-resistant, and breathable materials.

[0047] In another embodiment, the storage system can consist of several combinable modules. Individual support elements, hose sections, or thermal modules can be detachably connected to one another, for example, using hook-and-loop fasteners, straps, plug-in connectors, or similar connection systems. In this way, the system can be attached to existing storage elements or assembled from several individual components to form a customized storage unit.

[0048] The thermal units can be removable or permanently integrated and operated passively or actively. Passive thermal units can store heat or cold and release it with a time delay, while active thermal units can be electrically or chemically operated. Active components are fully insulated, temperature-limited, and moisture-protected, making them safe for use in medical environments.

[0049] The described embodiments allow for a high degree of variability in terms of shape, size, width, cross-section, and functionality of the support system. The system is suitable for adults of different heights, body shapes, and applications, and can be used in clinical and care settings as well as in private homes. 4.1 General Structure

[0050] The positioning system is designed as a flexible, textile support element for adults and serves to provide stable, ergonomic positioning of the body in various positions. It is particularly suitable for side, half-side, or supine positioning, as well as for relieving rest and therapeutic positions.

[0051] The system's basic structure comprises an elongated, softly padded tube that can be used open or closed. The tube is designed to adapt to the individual body shape and ensure even pressure distribution. To this end, the tube features a softly padded base that provides a high level of comfort and pressure relief.

[0052] The tube incorporates at least two dimensionally stable, yet elastically flexible support zones. These support zones are primarily intended for contact with the body on the front and back and serve to guide and stabilize the body. The support zones are designed to gently define and support the body without creating harsh transitions or point pressure points.

[0053] Softer transition areas are located between the support zones, allowing for flexible adaptation to different body contours. This combination of soft and more rigid areas achieves an ergonomically favorable positioning that offers both stability and comfort.

[0054] The hose body can be manufactured in various basic geometric shapes, such as U-shaped, C-shaped, oval, or in comparable open or closed forms. The choice of shape depends on the specific application and the desired storage effect.

[0055] The support system can be designed as a single-tube or double-tube system. In the single-tube system, all functional areas are located within a continuous textile tube. The double-tube system features an inner tube that houses the support zones and, if applicable, the thermal units, and an outer tube that provides direct contact with the body. The outer tube is removable and washable, while the inner tube can be made of moisture-proof, heat-resistant, and breathable materials.

[0056] To allow for individual adjustment of the bearing width and contact angle, the bearing system can have at least one or more flexible connecting elements on its underside. These connecting elements enable variable coupling of the longitudinal sections of the hose body and serve to adjust the body's contact with the bearing and ensure the stability of the bearing position.

[0057] The described basic structure forms the basis for different designs and extensions of the storage system, especially with regard to thermal functions, modular additions and various areas of application. 4.2 Thermounits

[0058] The support system is designed to accommodate thermal units that serve to deliver targeted heat or cold. The thermal units are preferably arranged in the more dimensionally stable support zones, thus enabling targeted thermal application to the abdominal and posterior body regions.

[0059] Each support zone has at least one concealed opening located on the side of the support system facing away from the body. These openings allow the thermal units to be inserted, removed, or replaced. The openings are designed to prevent direct contact between the thermal units and the skin, thus ensuring user comfort.

[0060] The thermal units can be removable or permanently integrated. They can be passively operated, by storing heat or cold and releasing it later, or actively operated, for example, via electrical or chemical energy sources. Passive thermal units can be activated by external heat or cold sources, such as a microwave, water bath, oven, refrigerator, or similar methods.

[0061] Active thermal units can be electrically powered and supplied with energy, for example, via battery, USB, or mains connection. These active components are preferably fully insulated, temperature-limited, and moisture-protected to ensure safe use even in medical and nursing environments.

[0062] The thermal units can consist of various materials suitable for storing, transferring, or actively generating heat or cold. These include, in particular, gel-based, liquid-based, fiber-based, foam-based, microbead-based, or phase-change-based materials, as well as functionally equivalent materials.

[0063] The arrangement of the thermal units can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. It is possible to use heating and cooling units separately to target different body regions and regulate their temperature independently. 4.3 Materials and structure of the textile components

[0064] The tubular body of the support system is made of textile materials that are skin-friendly, flexible, and dimensionally stable. The softly padded base can be made of natural, synthetic, or blended fibers, ensuring excellent conformability and pressure distribution.

[0065] Soft, padded fibers or spherical fillers can be used as filling materials for the tube body. These include, for example, organic corn fiber, kapok, cotton nubs, synthetic microbeads or similar materials, as well as combinations thereof.

[0066] The more dimensionally stable support zones can have molded cores made of foam, cold foam, viscoelastic foam, EVA, TPE, or similar materials. These materials are chosen to conform to the body shape without losing their supportive function.

[0067] In a two-tube system configuration, the inner tube is preferably made of moisture-proof, heat-resistant, and breathable materials, such as PU-coated cotton or medical-grade composite fabrics like those used in incontinence pads. The outer tube is made of skin-friendly textile materials such as cotton, jersey, terry cloth, or 3D spacer fabrics and is removable and washable.

[0068] The choice of materials and the multi-layered construction ensure a high level of hygiene, easy cleaning, and long-term reusability of the storage system. This is particularly important for use in clinical, nursing, and rehabilitation settings. 4.4 Safety and Hygiene

[0069] The storage system is designed to meet high safety and hygiene standards. All materials that come into contact with the body are skin-friendly, low in pollutants, and suitable for medical, nursing, and home use.

[0070] The thermal units are integrated into the storage system in such a way that direct skin contact is avoided. Openings for the thermal units are located on the side facing away from the body and are protected by concealed zippers or flat, secure closure systems. This prevents accidental removal or shifting of the thermal units during use.

[0071] Actively operated thermal units are preferably electrically insulated, temperature-limited, and protected against moisture. The maximum temperature of the thermal units is limited to ensure safe operation without risk of burns or overcooling. Electrical components are positioned and designed so that they are not subjected to direct pressure loads.

[0072] The storage system is designed for easy cleaning and hygienic preparation. In a version with an inner and outer tube, the outer tube can be removed for cleaning or replacement. The inner tube and support zones can be cleaned, disinfected, or wiped with a damp cloth, depending on the material used. Removable thermal units can be cleaned or disinfected separately.

[0073] The separable design of the individual components prevents cross-contamination and enables safe reuse in clinical and care settings. At the same time, the system's hygienic design also makes it suitable for private use. 4.5 Areas of application

[0074] The positioning system is designed for use with adult users in various application areas. It is particularly suitable for therapeutic, nursing, and rehabilitative positioning, as well as for use in the home environment.

[0075] In clinical and nursing settings, the system can be used to position patients, for example, after surgical procedures, in cases of limited mobility, neurological disorders, or chronic pain. The stable yet adjustable positioning supports pressure relief, muscle relaxation, and a physiologically favorable body position.

[0076] In rehabilitation and physiotherapy, the positioning system can be used to support treatment and rest phases. The targeted combination of positioning and heat or cold application allows for individual adaptation to different therapeutic goals, such as promoting blood circulation, relaxing tense muscles, or alleviating inflammatory processes.

[0077] In the home, the system can be used for relaxation, regeneration, and improved well-being. It is suitable for rest and sleep, as well as for supportive use in cases of back tension, pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, or autonomic restlessness.

[0078] Thanks to its versatile applications, modular design and hygienic processing options, the storage system is flexible and suitable for both professional and private use. State of the art research - Europe (Germany / EU)

[0079] Various medical and nursing positioning aids are available on the European market. These include, in particular, semi-circular positioning rolls, bolsters, wedge cushions, and body-contouring positioning cushions, which are used for the lateral or semi-inclined positioning of patients. These products are generally designed to provide structure and often have washable or disinfectable outer covers.

[0080] Separately, there are heat and cold packs, such as gel- or PCM-based insoles and microwave- or freezer-activated packs. These products primarily serve thermal applications but do not provide structural support and are not integrated into a tubular, body-guiding support system.

[0081] In the field of medical positioning aids, a functional separation between positioning elements and thermoactive elements is standard practice. Commercially available positioning cushions do not have integrated, separate thermoactive channels for different sides of the body. Likewise, systems with two longitudinally running, independent thermochannels within a single textile tube are not known.

[0082] Hygienic solutions are mostly limited to removable or wipeable outer covers. A two-stage hygienic separation with an external maintenance zipper and additional concealed, body-away inner openings for thermoactive inserts is not demonstrable in the known state of the art. State of the art research - USA

[0083] In the US market, ergonomic support systems such as wedges, body pillows, or shoulder and reflux support systems are well-known. These products are designed for stable positioning or tilting of the body, but do not feature an integrated thermoactive structure with separate temperature zones.

[0084] Furthermore, numerous patents and products exist in the field of electrically heated or cooled cushions. These include, among others, mains- or battery-powered heating cushions and PCM-based cooling pillows. These systems primarily serve temperature treatment and are not combined with a structural, tubular support system.

[0085] Known thermoactive products generally have homogeneous heating or cooling surfaces and not longitudinally separated channels for differentiated temperature control of the front and back. Likewise, no combination is known in which structural support zones simultaneously act as carriers for independent thermal units.

[0086] Open / closed usable systems with a circumferential limiting function and an integrated hygienic separation between the outer shell and inner thermal channels are not described in the researched US state of the art. State-of-the-art research - Asia

[0087] In Asia, numerous comfort, cooling, and heating pads are known, especially PCM-based cooling pillows and heat-retaining pillows with microencapsulated materials. These products are primarily designed for thermal comfort and do not offer any structural support function.

[0088] Furthermore, utility models exist for heat or cooling pads with special material layers or phase-change materials. However, these solutions do not feature a tubular, body-contouring structure with separate thermoactive channels.

[0089] Positioning cushions and aids are predominantly designed as passive, form-giving elements in the Asian market as well. A combination of structuring support, separate longitudinal thermal channels, and a hygienic separation between the outer and inner layers suitable for clinical use is not apparent.

[0090] An integrated system that can be used both openly and completely closed, and at the same time allows for differentiated thermal treatment of different parts of the body, has not been demonstrated in the researched Asian state of the art. Legend of the drawing 1. Textile support element - entire body of the support system, shown in a closed, oval shape 2. Support element rollers - longitudinally arranged support zones for stabilizing the body in a side-lying position 3. Hollow core of the roll - central inner area for receiving a mold core and / or a thermal unit 4. Slit-shaped opening - concealed access to the hollow core in the area of ​​the inner seam 5. Concealed sewn-in closure - in particular a zipper or safety closure for closing the opening, positioned away from the body 6. Thermal unit - removable or integrated heating or cooling insert, passively or actively operable

Claims

[1] Textile, tubular storage and heating / cooling system for adults, characterized by a softly padded filled textile tube in which two dimensionally stable, yet elastically flexible support zones are integrated, wherein one support zone is arranged in the back section and one support zone in the front section, and wherein each support zone has a concealed, slot-shaped opening for receiving at least one thermal unit. [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by that the thermal units are designed to be removable or permanently integrated. [3] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the thermal units can be operated passively or actively. [4] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the thermal units consist of materials suitable for storing, transferring or actively generating heat or cold, including gel, liquid, fiber or foam materials, micropellets, phase-change-based materials or functionally equivalent materials. [5] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that active thermal units are electrically or chemically operated, in particular via battery, USB or mains connection, wherein these are fully insulated, temperature-limited and moisture-protected. [6] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is designed as a single-hose or double-hose system. [7] System according to claim 6, characterized by , that in the two-hose system an inner hose is moisture-proof, heat-resistant and breathable, and an outer hose is skin-friendly and washable or sterilizable. [8] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outer textile cover has at least one concealed sewn-in zipper or safety closure through which inner inserts or thermal units can be removed, replaced or cleaned. [9] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the filling of the soft zones consists of quilted fibers or spherical filling materials, selected from organic corn fiber, kapok, cotton nubs, synthetic micro-pellets or fiber blends. [10] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support zones contain molded cores made of foam, cold foam, viscoelastic foam, EVA or TPE material that elastically conform to the body shape without losing their shape stability. [11] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat all openings are located on the side facing away from the body and are equipped with concealed sewn-in zippers or safety fasteners. [12] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that all textile components are washable, disinfectable or sterilizable. [13] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the basic body is designed in different geometric shapes, in particular round, oval, U-shaped, C-shaped or S-shaped. [14] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it can be manufactured in different sizes, lengths, widths or cross-sectional variations and is suitable for adults of different body sizes. [15] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that it can be used open or closed, whereby in the closed state a circumferential boundary is formed for stabilizing support of the body. [16] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is provided on its underside with at least one flexible connecting element by means of which the longitudinal areas of the system can be variably connected to each other in order to individually adjust shape, width or pressure parameters. [17] System according to claim 16, characterized by that several flexible connecting elements are provided. [18] System according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized by that the connecting elements consist of textile straps with Velcro, hook, snap fastener, magnetic or similar connecting systems. [19] System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat it can be used in clinical, nursing or private settings for positioning, pressure relief, heat or cold therapy, relaxation, stress reduction or to improve sleep quality.

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