Abstract:
A vapor therapy treatment device and method for generating a therapeutic vapor is disclosed. The vapor therapy treatment device includes a cushion having an inner space with water-absorbing material therein. The cushion includes a cover having an outer surface and a vapor permeable pouch associated with or connected to the cushion. The pouch is adapted for receiving, retaining, and subsequently releasing vapor therapy materials or compositions. Upon heating of the water-absorbing material, water vapor is released. Released water vapor may combine with vapor therapy materials and compositions to form a gaseous therapeutic vapor. The heated cushion can be applied to the face and/or nose of a user, facilitating inhalation by a user of therapeutic vapors released from the device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    Many people suffer from sinus headaches, lung congestion, asthma, or related respiratory problems. Various methods and apparatus have been developed to provide relief from symptoms associated with such conditions.  
           [0002]    Steam-generating devices, for example, vaporize water into the air for inhalation. Unfortunately, existing steam-generating devices may have significant drawbacks. Steam-generating devices for the home usually are relatively expensive. Furthermore, maintaining a steam-generating device in the home requires frequent maintenance, including periodic re-filling of the device with water. Electrical steam generating apparatus requires costly electrical power to operate. Many steam-generating devices are limited with regard to portability. Such devices typically must produce much more total water vapor than is actually ingested by the patient. It is sometimes necessary to fill an entire room with water vapor before achieving an ambient vapor concentration sufficient to provide desirable effects upon a user.  
           [0003]    Some inhalation devices have been designed for placement directly into the mouth, thereby facilitating respiratory treatment by direct inhalation of therapeutic agents. However, direct methods for administering therapeutic agents also have disadvantages. Many such inhalation devices are not adapted for use with moist heat or steam. For many users, however, application of heated water vapor assists in relieving symptoms relating to such illnesses.  
           [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,961 to Salee is directed to a thermal storage composition activated by exposure to microwave energy. The composition comprises a mixture of at least two impregnated powders wherein a first powder is calcium silicate, and a second powder is calcium silicate impregnated with a phase-change material. Another patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,491 pertains to a microwave-activated moist heat apparatus for the body. U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,278 is directed to a therapeutic pillow having a removable washable outer sleeve. The pillow has a bag-like cover filled with granular material having a water content in the range of 5% to 25% by weight. U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,086 is related to the patent described above (i.e. the U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,278) and further describes a therapeutic pillow having a bag-like cover filled with natural granular material.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,848,281 is directed to a foam rubber cushion suitable for use as an infant headrest or the like. U.S. Pat. No. 2,973,762 describes a steam cloth that is useful during facial treatments in a barber shop or a beauty salon.  
           [0006]    What is needed is a device and method for generating and radiating heated water vapor to the facial area of a person. An apparatus that is capable of retaining and subsequently releasing heated water vapor in combination with therapeutic agents for contact with the facial area of a user, and for inhalation by a user, would be very desirable.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The vapor therapy treatment device provides a cushion having an inner space containing water-absorbing material. A vapor permeable cover encloses the water absorbing material. A vapor permeable pouch is associated with the cushion. The pouch is adapted for receipt, retention and subsequent release of vapor therapy materials. When water is absorbed within the water absorbing material, subsequent application of energy to the cushion results in release of vapor therapy materials from the vapor permeable pouch.  
           [0008]    In one embodiment of the invention a fastener is provided for attaching the pouch to the cover of the cushion. The fastener may be of various types, including for example hook and loop materials, snap-type, buttons, zippers, and the like. In one embodiment of the invention the fastener includes a first component configured for attachment to the vapor permeable pouch and a second component adapted for attachment to the outer surface of the cover. The first and second components are adapted to interconnect the vapor permeable pouch to the cover, while also facilitating selective disengagement of the pouch from the cover.  
           [0009]    A method for producing therapeutic vapors is provided. In the method, the water absorbing material takes in water, and subsequently water is released upon heating of the water absorbing material. In the method, a pouch is positioned adjacent the outer surface of the vapor permeable cover. The pouch is adapted to hold a vapor therapy material or composition. The vapor therapy materials within the pouch are contacted by heated water vapor to generate therapeutic vapors. The therapeutic vapors may be applied to the facial area of a user. In one method, the therapeutic vapor is provided for inhalation by a user. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    A full and enabling disclosure of this invention, including the best mode shown to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification. The following Figures illustrate the invention:  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary present vapor therapy treatment device including a pouch attached to a larger cushion;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 shows a further perspective view of an exemplary present vapor therapy treatment device in which the pouch is disengaged from the cushion;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 illustrates one step in the method of the invention whereby an exemplary cushion having a water absorbing material therein is placed within a microwave oven and subjected to microwaves for a period of time, in accordance with present subject matter;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 displays one method of application of a vapor therapy material or composition to a vapor permeable pouch;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 shows a cross-section taken along line  5 - 5  of FIG. 1 revealing the transmission of heated water vapor through the vapor permeable cover and into the pouch, causing release of therapeutic vapors from the pouch; and  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing one method of practicing the invention to produce a therapeutic vapor for application to the facial area of a user.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017]    Reference now will be made to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not as a limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in this invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.  
         [0018]    A vapor therapy treatment device includes a cushion  20  of cotton flannel material forming vapor permeable cover  21 . A vapor permeable pouch  23  having an opening  30  is releasably attached to the outer surface  22  of the vapor permeable cover  21 .  
         [0019]    In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.  1 - 2 , the vapor permeable pouch  23  is selectively detachable from the outer surface  22  of the vapor permeable cover  21 . FIG. 2 employs a fastener which includes a first component  24  and a second component  25  which mate to each other. In the particular embodiment of FIG. 2, the respective first and second components  24 - 25  comprise a hook and loop type fastening system. The hook portion of the fastener is the second component  25 , while the loop portion of the fastener is the first component  24 . In other applications of the invention, however, the loop portion of the fastener could be provided as second component  25  upon the outer surface  22  of the vapor permeable cover  21 . In such an embodiment, the hook portion of the fastener could reside upon the vapor permeable pouch  23 . Thus, in either embodiment, it is possible to disengage and re-attach the pouch  23  to the vapor permeable cover  21 , as needed.  
         [0020]    Other embodiments of the invention may employ other types of fasteners. For example, snap-type fasteners, buttons, zippers, or other mechanical means can be used to releaseably engage the vapor permeable pouch  23  to the vapor permeable cover  21 . The invention is not limited to any particular means of engaging or disengaging the vapor permeable pouch  23  to the vapor permeable cover  21 .  
         [0021]    The cushion  20  includes vapor permeable cover  21  enclosing water absorbing material  41  (see cross-sectional view along line  5 - 5  in FIG. 5). In the use of the invention, the water absorbing material  41  is capable of uptake or adsorption of water at ambient temperatures. Thus, water is retained within the water absorbing material  41  at ambient temperatures.  
         [0022]    In FIG. 5, the top panel  48  and bottom panel  49  are joined by stitching at seam  38  to form the vapor permeable cover  21 . The vapor permeable cover  21  encloses water absorbing material  41  which upon being heated by an energy source, such as microwave energy, causes water vapor  39 ,  40  to permeate through top panel  48 .  
         [0023]    The vapor permeable pouch  23  comprises a first panel  46  attached to a second panel  47  along seam  43 . The vapor permeable pouch  23  includes an outside surface  29  and an inside surface  28  (see FIG. 4).  
         [0024]    The cushion  20  contains water-absorbing material  41  which, when heated, releases water vapor  39  through the top panel  48  and through the second panel  47  of the vapor permeable pouch  23 . This causes vapor therapy materials  35  residing within absorption area  45  of the vapor permeable pouch  23  to become airborne as therapeutic vapor  40 .  
         [0025]    Method of Use  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing one method of practicing the invention. Step  50  includes removing the vapor permeable pouch  23  from the cushion  20 . Step  50  is unnecessary if the pouch  23  is already disengaged, as for example as shown in FIG. 2. It is usually undesirable to allow the vapor permeable pouch  23  to be subjected to microwave energy.  
         [0027]    In one embodiment of the invention, in step  51 , microwave energy is applied to the cushion  20  by placing the cushion  20  within a microwave oven  33  (FIG. 3). In other embodiments of the method, alternative sources of energy can be applied to the water absorbing material, as further discussed herein. However, a desirable and preferred method of generating water vapor release is to apply microwaves to the water absorbing material  41 . The cushion  20  (without a pouch  23 ) is placed within the microwave oven  33 , and the door  32  is closed. The cushion  20  is subjected to microwave heating for a period of time which varies between about 45 seconds and about 2 minutes, depending upon the amount of heat the user desires to apply in the particular application, and the power output of the microwave oven  33 . Additional time variations may be practiced within the present subject matter, as determined by the user for their individual comfort level. Once the cushion  20  has been heated, the cushion  20  is removed from the microwave oven  33 .  
         [0028]    Alternatively, the cushion  20  may be heated while in an automobile by applying the cushion  20  to car seats which have automatic heat control or have received a significant amount of sunlight upon their surface. In other applications, the cushion  20  may be heated by placing it near a source of radiant heat, such as a fireplace, stove, heater, or furnace. In some applications, the cushion  20  may be placed in a clothing dryer and circulated within the dryer to heat the cushion  20 . In yet another embodiment of the invention, liquid water may be wiped upon the outer surface  22  of the vapor permeable cover  21  prior to heating the cushion  20  to supplement or boost water vapor release.  
         [0029]    In a next step  52 , the vapor permeable pouch  23  is prepared by applying vapor therapy materials  35  (also described herein as compositions) into or upon the vapor permeable pouch  23 . In some embodiments of the invention, step  52  involves applying a vapor therapy material  35  which is a liquid upon an inside surface  28  of the vapor permeable pouch  23  (see FIG. 4). In the embodiment of the vapor permeable pouch  23  shown in FIG. 4, a dropper  36  is used to apply vapor therapy material  35  which is a liquid upon the inside surface  28  of the vapor permeable pouch  23 . The vapor therapy material  35  may be absorbed upon the inside surface  28 . Typically, the vapor therapy material  35  is applied to the vapor permeable pouch  23  while the pouch  23  is disengaged from the vapor permeable cover  21 , as shown in FIG. 4.  
         [0030]    Other applications of the invention may employ vapor therapy materials  35  which are solid, semi-solid, or flowable. In such applications, the materials  35  could be applied with a cotton swab or other wiping device upon outside surface  29  or inside surface  28  of the vapor permeable pouch  23 .  
         [0031]    Some applications of the invention employ more than one variety of vapor therapy materials  35 . That is, two or more types of vapor therapy materials  35  may be used at one time in the course of one treatment. Some applications of the invention may employ non-flowable solid particles such as potpourri or aromatherapy materials, for example.  
         [0032]    In step  53 , the vapor permeable pouch  23  which has been prepared according to step  52  is applied to the warmed cushion  20 . This may occur after the cushion  20  has received microwave energy, thereby allowing the water absorbing material  41  within the cushion  20  to absorb heat.  
         [0033]    Once the vapor permeable pouch  23  has been applied to the warm cushion  20  as in step  53 , the cushion  20  may be applied to the facial area of a user as in step  54  of FIG. 6. Vapor therapy materials  35  are released from the vapor permeable pouch  23  with water vapor as gaseous therapeutic vapors  40  (see FIG. 5). When a person places the heated cushion  20  upon or near his or her face, the gaseous therapeutic vapor  40  becomes available for contact with the user. The user then may breathe the therapeutic vapor  40  through his or her mouth or nose. In other applications, the vapor  40  may provide benefits by opening pores and soothing the user&#39;s skin in the facial/neck area.  
         [0034]    After a period of time, a user may renew the treatment by re-heating the cushion  20 . This involves removing the pouch  23  from the cover  21 , heating again the water absorbing material  41 , and re-applying the pouch  23  to the cover  21 . The pouch  23  also may receive once more vapor therapy materials  35  if needed or desired.  
         [0035]    The therapeutic vapor  40  which contains heated water vapor may open up sinus cavities and supply needed respiratory relief to a user. In other applications of the invention, the cushion  20  may be applied to other body parts for pain relief or heat therapy.  
         [0036]    Additional Detailed Description  
         [0037]    The vapor therapy treatment device of the invention may be used for relief of sinus pressure headaches, nasal itch, allergies, tension headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, backaches and the like. The cushion  20  is particularly useful in the relief of sinus headaches and related respiratory illnesses. The generation of heated water vapor without the necessity of adding liquid water to the device is a significant advantage in the practice of the invention.  
         [0038]    In one embodiment of the invention, the vapor permeable cover  21  is comprised of cotton flannel, which is particularly well adapted for skin comfort. The fiber of the flannel may be non-toxic and unscented. One flannel that is particularly useful in the application of the invention is “clothing grade” flannel, including for example middleweight flannel. Such flannel may be obtained from various U.S. manufacturers, including Marcus Brothers Fabric Company, Benatex Fabric Company, and Timeless Treasures Company. In one particular embodiment, a one-layer exterior flannel sheet is used. The flannel sheet may be seamed or stitched by commercial sewing machines in the manufacture of the cushion.  
         [0039]    The water absorbing material  41  employed in the invention may include essentially any material capable of uptake of liquid or gaseous water, including material that adsorbs water from the air. Hygroscopic materials which seek moisture equilibrium with the atmosphere are particularly useful. Cellulose, for example, may be used as a water absorbing material  41  in the application of the invention. The exposure of cellulose to relative humidity causes cellulose to either swell or shrink, depending upon the relative humidity.  
         [0040]    One material which has proved particularly useful in the application of the invention is a water absorbing material  41  is a cellulosic material manufactured and marketed by the Pig Corporation known as PIG® Lite-Dri® Absorbent. This absorbent is available in eight-gallon bags and is light gray in color. This product (item number PLP201) is distributed by the PIG Corporation, 1 Pork Avenue, Tipton, Pa. 16684-0304 (online products catalog at http:newpig.com). This product is a non-selective loose absorbent cellulose which is said to be capable of absorbing and containing oils and other fluids. The Lite-Dri® product is comprised of recycled newsprint (cellulose). Furthermore, a small amount of mineral oil, typically less than about 1%, is provided in the product. The mineral oil fraction functions primarily to control dust. The mineral oil acts as a binding agent with the cellulose. The Lite-Dri® product typically is provided in granular or pellet form, and tends to be highly absorptive of various types of materials. The Lite-Dri® product absorbs water vapor from the air at ambient temperatures.  
         [0041]    Various vapor therapy materials  35  may be applied in the practice of the invention. In some applications, the materials  35  include inhalation agents such as mentholated vapor products. In other applications, aromatherapy products and herbs, leaves, or floral potpourri may be used. In some applications, the vapor therapy compositions are scented, while in other applications they are unscented.  
         [0042]    Various “over-the-counter” mentholatum products such as Vicks® Vapo-Rub®, for example, may be quite useful as vapor therapy materials for application in the invention. Asthma or headache relief agents may be employed as well, including both “over-the-counter” and prescription vapor therapy compositions, each of which should be used only under the supervision of a physician. Essentially any composition that is effectively absorbed in the lining of the nasal passages, or is soothing when applied to the face or skin in combination with warm water vapor, can be employed in the practice of the invention.  
         [0043]    The cushion  20  may be provided in a variety of sizes or shapes. For example, the cushion  20  may be square, rectangular, triangular, or octagonal. It may be configured in fancy or whimsical shapes. In one useful embodiment, the cushion  20  is round in shape, and is about 11 inches in diameter. The cushion could range from about 5 inches up to as much as 15 inches or greater in diameter or length.  
         [0044]    The amount of water absorbing material  41  within the inner space of the vapor permeable cover is typically between about 0.5 lbs. and 1 lb. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the amount of water absorbing material used is 0.75 lbs. of Pig®) Lite-Dri® absorbent material.  
         [0045]    It is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions. The invention is shown by example in the appended claims.