Patent ID: 8317849
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A convective blanket for supporting a patient, comprising: a top layer for supporting the body of the patient; a bottom layer joined to the top layer at its periphery, said top and bottom layers selectively bonded at different sections away from the periphery to form an inflatable structure where portions of said top and bottom layers not bonded form pocketed portions that are inflatable; at least one input port provided at said inflatable structure whereby temperature treated air is feedable into said structure; wherein said structure is configured to have a head portion including a non-inflatable head section whereon the head of the patient rests when the patient is positioned on said top layer of the structure; wherein said non-inflatable head section is surrounded on its three sides that are respectively adjacent to the top, left and right sides of the head of the patient, when the patient is positioned on said top layer, by a substantially U-shaped channel having at least one continuous row of apertures being in close proximity to the top, left and right sides of the non-inflatable head section whereon the head of the patient rests; and wherein when said structure is inflated, the apertures of said at least one row are positioned relative to the head of the patient such that the temperature treated air input to said structure is output from the apertures substantially towards the head of the patient.