U.S. patent application number 14/611308 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-09 for emergency head covering cold pack for head trauma, concussions, wounds or migraines.
The applicant listed for this patent is STANLEY A. SANSONE. Invention is credited to STANLEY A. SANSONE.
Application Number | 20170065020 14/611308 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56553596 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170065020 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
SANSONE; STANLEY A. |
March 9, 2017 |
Emergency Head Covering Cold Pack for Head Trauma, Concussions,
Wounds or Migraines
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the treatment of injuries or pain
associated with the head or central nervous system. The present
embodiment utilizes a head covering that is activated to produce an
endothermic reaction to draw heat from, or apply cold to, the head
and central nervous system. Layers are used to accomplish different
applications and colors are used to associate with selected sport
teams colors or camouflaged as may be required in a battlefield
environment.
Inventors: |
SANSONE; STANLEY A.;
(HOUSTON, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SANSONE; STANLEY A. |
HOUSTON |
TX |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160219965 A1 |
August 4, 2016 |
|
|
Family ID: |
56553596 |
Appl. No.: |
14/611308 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62022391 |
Jul 9, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 1/008 20130101;
A42B 3/00 20130101; A42B 3/285 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/28 20060101
A42B003/28; A42B 3/00 20060101 A42B003/00 |
Claims
1) A method of deploying emergency cold treatment to the head
comprising: Activating at least one instant cold pack, placing said
instant cold packs in a configuration covering a substantial
portion of the head, Securing said helmet to the head.
2) A method of deploying emergency cold treatment to the head of
claim 1 wherein said activating is the squeezing of instant cold
pack.
3) A method of deploying emergency cold treatment to the head of
claim 1 wherein the securing is wrapping head covering around the
head.
4) A method of deploying emergency cold treatment to the head of
claim 1 wherein configuration is predetermined shapes and positions
of instant cold packs to cover at least one component of brain
including but not limited to the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, two
temporal lobes, occipital lobe and cerebellum.
5) A method of deploying emergency cold treatment to the head of
claim 1 wherein said emergency cold treatment absorbs fluids around
the head.
6) A method of deploying emergency cold treatment to the head of
claim 1 wherein said emergency cold treatment consists of loading
predetermined pockets with instant cold packs.
7) A method of deploying emergency cold treatment to the head of
claim 1 wherein said emergency cold treatment is color selected
based on a team affiliation.
8) A method of deploying emergency cold treatment to the head of
claim 1 wherein said emergency cold treatment is color selected
based on environment of deployment.
9) An emergency therapeutic head covering, comprising: at least one
outer layer and at least one inner layer, said outer layer and
inner layer cover a substantial portion of the head, outer layer is
sealed to inner layer to create at least one internal volume, said
internal volume contains materials capable to activate an
endothermic reaction.
10) An Emergency therapeutic head covering of claim 9 wherein each
internal volume has a predetermined shape and position to cover at
least one component of brain including but not limited to the
frontal lobe, parietal lobe, two temporal lobes, occipital lobe and
cerebellum.
11) An Emergency therapeutic head covering of claim 9 wherein has
more than one port.
12) An Emergency therapeutic head covering of claim 9, wherein at
least one strap is used to secure to the head.
13) An Emergency Head Covering of claim 9 wherein said sealed outer
layer and inner layer form at least one deployment seam.
14) An Emergency Head Covering of claim 9 wherein an inner layer is
absorbent.
15) An Emergency Head Covering of claim 9 wherein inner most layer
is permeable to liquids to perform function to prevent sticking to
the head.
16) An Emergency Head Covering of claim 9 said one outer layer is
insulation.
17) An Emergency Therapeutic Head Covering, comprising: at least
one outer layer and at least one inner layer, one outer layer has
more than one pocket attached to outer most layer, each pocket has
opening for at least one containment packet, each containment
packet contains materials to activate an endothermic reaction.
18) An Emergency Head Covering of claim 17 wherein each pocket has
a predetermined shape and position to cover at least one component
of brain including but not limited to the frontal lobe, parietal
lobe, two temporal lobes, occipital lobe and cerebellum.
19) An emergency head covering of claim 17 wherein said outer most
layer is color selected based on a team affiliation.
20) An emergency head covering of claim 17 wherein said outer most
layer is color selected based on environment of deployment.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus
for the treatment of injuries or ailments of the head area
including but not limited to head injury, bleeding, concussion,
migraine, seizures or heat stroke through the application of
accessible cold therapy. It is the intention of the current
invention to be used or deployed immediately after sports injuries,
injuries on the battlefield, injuries resulting from automobile
accidents or other events that result in injury or pain to the head
or central nervous system. It is well known that the quick
application of cold treatments reduces swelling or reduces pain
after events such as injuries to the head. The timely deployment of
form fitting cold therapy compress device reduces the effects of an
injury and in many instances arrest the injury from worsening. In
addition, reoccurring medical conditions such as migraines,
seizures or heat prostration will also benefit from a timely
application or deployment of a cold head compress.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Cryotherapeutic or cold therapy helps reduces pain, arrests
swelling, decreases the hyperactivity of the central nervous system
and decreases vasodilation during bleeding. Advantages of emergency
application of cold therapy are well known but not often used
because it is difficult to carry ice around and/or the time needed
to freeze water or materials for emergency use is time prohibitive.
As an example, Cumming et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,262,601 calls for
ice to be inserted into a helmet.
[0003] Cryotherapeutic application during emergency situations
often times may be an instant ice pack. An instant ice pack is a
containment pack consisting of a small bag of water and other
materials, such as ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate,
urea, or others. An endothermic reaction is commenced when the
water bag in the pack is broken which facilitates the mixing with
or dissolving of these other materials in the pack. Such instant
cold packs are square or rectangular or some other flat shape.
These flat shapes are difficult to attach to the head area and are
difficult to put on and remove, often times requiring long bandages
to wrap around the head.
[0004] Pressure helps arrests swelling, decreases the hyperactivity
of the central nervous system and decreases vasodilation during
bleeding. The application of pressure is often times difficult for
injuries or ailments of the head. Form fitting devices for the head
are often times not available during emergency situations.
[0005] Immediately after an injury to the head, especially with a
laceration, an absorbent layer or gauze pad may be placed on the
head to arrest the bleeding. This requires holding it in place
which is problematic for attending emergency personnel. Wrapping a
bandage around the head to secure the gauze pad is also problematic
since the head is a partial globe in form and wrapping requires
significant movement of the head.
[0006] Oftentimes a patient's head is exposed to the elements and
application of any cold treatment absorbs heat from the environment
instead of the patients head.
[0007] Placing of a helmet type device that cover a substantial
portion of the head often times requires the helmet to be pulled
onto the head from above or slightly from the back of the head.
This may cause further injury.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 shows the emergency head covering that covers a
substantial portion of the head.
[0009] FIG. 2A shows an emergency head covering with a deployment
seam.
[0010] FIG. 2B shows a disposable emergency head covering with a
deployment seam using tape fasteners.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of a basic emergency
head covering.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of emergency head
covering where there are 2 outer layers and 2 inner layers.
[0013] FIG. 5A shows a cross sectional view of emergency head
covering where there are 3 inner layers.
[0014] FIG. 5B show an expanded view of a section of FIG. 5A a
cross section of emergency head covering depicting 3 inner
layers.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0015] The present invention addresses the timely deployment, as in
an emergency application, of cryotherapeutic or cold therapy
treatment for the head. An emergency head covering cold pack helmet
reduces pain, arrest swelling, decreases the hyperactivity of the
central nervous system, decreases vasodilation during bleeding and
other injuries to the head. For example, emergency application of a
cryotherapeutic cooling helmet is useful in simply arresting
vasodilation during internal bleeding of the head, like a severe
contusion.
[0016] It is the intention of the present invention to supply a
form fitting head covering secured to the head to aid in the timely
application of pressure. The timely application of pressure also
helps arrests swelling, decreases the hyperactivity of the central
nervous system and decreases vasodilation during bleeding. A form
fitting head covering also aids in holding the cryotherapeutic
treatment to the head.
[0017] In addition it is the intention of the present invention to
provide an absorbent and non-stick layer fitted to the head to
absorb bleeding or other liquids appearing around the head.
[0018] In addition it is the intention of the present invention to
provide an insulating layer. Said insulating layer provides some
physical and thermal protection for the head. Said insulating layer
limits the heat from the environment thus increasing the efficiency
of the instant cold pack. Instead of the instant cold pack
absorbing heat from the environment the insulating layer only
allows heat into the instant cold pack from the head, thus
providing greater cooling therapy for the patient's head. In
addition, pockets may be attached to said insulating layer so that
instant cold packs could be inserted making the emergency head
covering reusable, further providing a positive environmental
impact.
[0019] In addition it is the intention of the present invention to
provide ports positioned on the helmet and around the head. Said
ports provide for the transfer of sound, adding additional cold
treatments and observation of the head. For example said ports can
be used to observe bleeding or other liquids appearing around the
head. Also prepositioned ports around the ears can aid the
transmission of sound energy or communication with the injured
party.
[0020] In addition it is the intention of the present invention to
provide seams in the helmet such that by using a connecting
material such as a hook and loop fastening components system the
emergency head covering may be formed during the deployment event
where the said head covering wraps around the head minimizing head
movement after the injury.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, emergency head cover 11 covers
substantially a significant portion of the head. This includes the
top of head, sides of head, forehead and back of the head to at
least the base of the skull. Corresponding brain tissue to be
covered includes: Frontal lobe, Parietal lobe, Temporal lobe (2
sides), Occipital lobe and Cerebellum. FIG. 1 shows a view of the
helmet with seams 27 and enclosed measured volumes 36. Enclosed
measured volume 36 is a containment pack filled with material or
materials capable of producing an endothermic reaction upon
activation as in an instant cold pack. Said enclosed measured
volume 36 outlines are shown as dashed lines. Outer most layer 14
is the layer seen by others or when the patient looks in a mirror.
Said outer most layer 14 may be of a particular color that is used
to associate with sports team colors or camouflaged as may be
required in a battlefield environment. Transmission port 12 is
meant to undercover the ear to allow for control transmissions of
sound energy. Transmission port 12 may consist of a simple hole to
allow communications to the injured. Transmission port 12 may also
consist of material or a device to block or cancel harmful sound
energy. An example of harmful sound is, in a war zone or emergency
helicopter transport where loud or menacing sound energy could
cause additional harm or cumulative damage. Another example of
controlled transmission of sound energy through transmission ports
12 is to use ear phones for communication in an emergency
helicopter transport where EMS personnel can more effectively
communicate to patient being transported. Other ports 112 may allow
for visual observation of the head including but not limited to,
type of fluids, blood and are different from transmission ports 12
used to uncover the ears. Said other ports 112 may also be used to
recharge instant cold pack, insertion of medical devices or
materials. Strap 13 is attached to emergency head cover 11 for
securing the apparatus to the head. Two straps 13 may be tied
together to secure the apparatus to the head. One strap 13 may also
be used with a hook and loop fastening system. Said single strap 13
fastening system may consist of stretchable material with one
component of hook and loop fastening system attached to the end of
said single strap 13. Said single strap 13 is then stretched and
connected to the other side of the emergency head covering where
there is the opposite component of the hook and loop fastening
system is attached and serves as a landing zone for said single
strap 13. This aids to gently secure emergency head covering 11 to
patients head and applies some pressure. Said outer most layer 14
may be of a particular color that is used to associate with sports
team colors or camouflaged as may be required in a battlefield
environment.
[0022] FIG. 2A shows said seams 27 which may serve to separate
enclosed measured volumes 36. Deployment seam 28 is a component of
a fastening system that aids in positioning the emergency head
covering 11 around the head and is used to merge portions of
apparatus during a deployment event. Said deployment event means
when an emergency head covering is activated to start an
endothermic reaction and placed on the head of a patient. Said
deployment seam 28 provides an opening such that the emergency head
covering 11 could be wrapped around the head in the form of a
helmet thus minimizing the movement of the head. Normally a helmet
type device is put on or deployed by sliding the helmet over the
head. This action of sliding a helmet may cause additional trauma
to a patient with a head injury or any other injury to the central
nervous system. There may be more than one deployment seam 28 to
further aid in wrapping the emergency head covering around the
head. One embodiment is said deployment seam 28 may consist of hook
and loop closing components construction to close and finally form
the emergency head covering (FIG. 4A). In a preferred embodiment of
a disposable apparatus shown in FIG. 2B, said deployment seam 28 is
a simple seam 27 that opens like a flap where at least one tape
fastener 113 is used to close or complete the deployment of the
emergency head covering 11. Tape fasteners 113 are attached to the
one side of the head covering and transversely attached to a
landing zone 213 (FIG. 4B) to close and finally form the head
covering around the head.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 3 showing a cross sectional view of
emergency head cover 11 (FIG. 1). All layers between the patients
head and said enclosed measured volume 36 are called inner layers.
All layers from out away from the patients head and out and away
from the enclosed measured volume 36 are outer layers. Outer layer
24 is joined with inner layer 25 to form said enclosed measured
volume 36 much like a containment packet (FIG. 1). Outer layer 24
and inner layer 25 may consist of plastic, nylon, other or some
combination of materials forming a containment packet capable of
holding endothermic materials. Said enclosed measured volume 36
contains endothermic materials 26 capable of causing an endothermic
reaction upon activation. Endothermic materials 26 for example may
be ammonium nitrate and a bag of water. Other materials may be
calcium ammonium nitrate, urea, or others. Activation of the
reaction is a simple squeezing and bursting of the water bag. When
said endothermic materials 26, ammonium nitrate and a bag of water,
mixes an endothermic reaction results as in an instant or
disposable cold pack, thus providing emergency cold treatment to a
substantial portion of the head. Seam 27 is the sealed or joined
part of outer layer 24 and inner layer 25. Inner layer 25, outer
layer 24, seam 27 and endothermic materials 26 may form an instant
cold pack. Multiple instant cold packs may be pre-combined with
seams 27 to form the emergency head cover 11. The above description
represents the simplest and unique embodiment of the emergency head
covering. Deployment seam 28 is one embodiment that aids in forming
the emergency head covering 11. It is recognized that FIG. 3 shows
outer layer 24 is also the outer most layer 14 (FIG. 1) in this
preferred embodiment or configuration of said emergency head
covering 11.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows cross sectional view of emergency head cover 11
(FIG. 1) a particular embodiment where outer most layer 14 consists
of a shell made of different material such as neoprene. Outer most
layer 14 may have pockets or inner most layer 225 attached to it to
facilitate insertion of separate instant cold packs. Said instant
cold packs are composed of outer layer 24 is joined with inner
layer 25 to form said enclosed measured volume. Said enclosed
measured volume is filled with endothermic materials 26. Pockets or
inner most layer 225 is the layer closest to the patients head and
has openings 226 such that instant cold packs may be inserted and
removed. Pockets or inner most layer 225 represents an inner most
layer and is different from inner layer 25. Deployment seam 128
shows hook and loop closing components construction to close and
finally form the emergency head covering 11
[0025] FIG. 5A shows cross sectional view of a disposable
embodiment of emergency head cover 11 (FIG. 1) with 3 inner layers,
inner layer 25, inner absorbent layer 325 and inner most film layer
425. Said inner layer 25 is sealed with outer layer 24 to create
said enclosed measured volumes filled with endothermic materials
26. Said inner absorbent layer 325 is an absorbent layer that may
consist of cotton, absorbent polymer fibers or absorbent particles
meant to collect blood or other fluids that are on or around the
patients head. Said inner most film layer 425 is a porous sheet to
allow blood or other fluids to pass through from the head and into
the inner absorbent layer 325. Ideally inner most film layer 425 is
non-stick so as the emergency head covering is removed from the
patient at a location where emergency medical staff need access to
the patients' head, as in a hospital, hair or skin of the patients
head will not be fused to the emergency head covering. FIG. 5B
shows an expanded view of a section of FIG. 5A a cross section of
emergency head covering depicting the 3 inner layers. Said layers,
inner layer 25, inner absorbent layer 325 and inner most film layer
425 are meant to attached to form a single shell for the disposable
emergency head cover 11.
* * * * *