GB2395664A

GB2395664A - Thermal compress

Info

Publication number: GB2395664A
Application number: GB0327077A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alison Gurr
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-11-30
Filing date: 2003-11-21
Publication date: 2004-06-02
Anticipated expiration: 2023-11-21
Also published as: GB0227997D0; GB2395664B; GB0327077D0

Abstract

There is disclosed a thermal pack comprising a compress having at least one pocket therein for removably retaining a polymer pad or the like which can be heated or cooled for use. Also disclosed is a method of making a hot or cold thermal pack comprising the steps of providing a compress having at least one pocket therein, heating or cooling a polymer pad or the like, and inserting the pad in the at least one pocket such that it is removably retained thereby. There is further disclosed a thermal pack comprising a compress having at least one pocket therein, and a polymer pad or the like removably retained in the at least one pocket, the polymer pad or the like being hot or cold as required for use. The thermal pack is typically strapped onto an afflicted area of a human or animal for minimising swelling, pain and bruising to tendons, muscles and joints after an injury.

Description

- 1 - Thermal Compress This invention relates to a thermal compress, and

in particular but not exclusively, to a thermal compress for applying heat or cold to, for example, a human or animal injury to 5 relieve pain and aid in the treatment thereof.

It is well known to apply a hot or cold compress to the site of an injury in an animal or human, such as a muscle or tendon strain, an injury caused by a fall, etc. in order to provide relief from the pain caused by said injury, to minimise or prevent swelling and/or 10 bleeding, or otherwise aid in the treatment of the injury.

US patent no. US-5,534,020 comprising a sealed, bag-like container within which is held a plurality of crystals of ammonium nitrate or calcium chloride and an enclosed bag of water. When the bag of water is broken, and the contents spill out into the sealed container and thus come into contact with the crystals, there is an immediate thermal reaction and the crystals are simultaneously transformed to a gel-like consistency, and the gel compress can then be applied to a body part for cold or heat treatment thereof.

US patent no. 4,865,012 describes a thermal pack for heating or cooling parts ofthe body, 2 0 the pack comprising a creamy paste formed of a mixture of water, salt, cellulose and flour, the paste being sealed within apliable bag. The described mixture forming the paste is said to exhibit extremely high heat or cold retention, such that, when the pack is heated or cooled, it can be used to apply heat or cold to an afflicted body part for a relatively long period of time before requiring re- heating or cooling.

US patent no. US-5,031,418 describes a cooling pack comprising a container holding a liquid absorbent substrate and liquid absorbent polymer particles. When liquid is introduced into the container, the liquid absorbent particles absorb several tens to several hundred times their own weight thereof. Following the introduction of liquid into the

3 0 container, and the absorption thereof by the particles, the pack is cooled and applied to the afflicted body part.

-2 US patent no. 5,709,089 describes a cooling pack comprising a waterproofbag with an opening for receiving a liquid. Connected to the inside of the bag is a pouch containing a superabsorbent polymer and the pouch has a liquid permeable portion to permit liquid to enter the pouch and reach the polymer. The polymer, when dry, is in powder form, but 5 it can absorb at least ten times its own weight in liquid, in which case it is transformed to a gel-like substance. The pack is then placed in a freezer or the like to cool for use as a compress.

US patent no. 4,404,820 describes a cold compress comprising a flexible pouch holding 10 a gel-like pad, the pouch being sealed around the pad. The compress can be cooled to very low temperatures without losing the gel-like properties of the pad.

US patent no. 5,035,241 describes a microwaveable hot compress comprising a layer of gel sealed within a pad.

However, none of the above references describe any means for retaining the various compresses in the required position, and I have now devised an arrangement which overcomes this problem.

20 Thus, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a thermal pack comprising a compress having at least one pocket therein for removably retaining a polymer pad or the like which can be heated or cooled for use.

Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of making a 2 5 hot or cold thermal pack comprising the steps of providing a compress having at least one pocket therein, heating or cooling a polymer pad or the like, and inserting said pad in said at least one pocket such that it is removably retained thereby.

Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a thermal pack 3 0 comprising a compress having at least one pocket therein, and a polymer pad or the like removably retained in said at least one pocket, said polymer pad or the like being hot or cold as required for use.

The compress is beneficially of a durable, flexible, thermally insulating mater) al, with the one or more pockets being of a thermally conducting and/or waterproof material.

The pack may comprise a sleeve or the like for wearing, the sleeve including said at least 5 one pocket. The outer layer ofthe pack is typically ofthermally insulating material. The inner layer of the pack may be of water resistant/waterproof material for certain applications. For other applications the inner layer of the pack (contacting the wearers skin) may be of water absorbent/transmissible/permeable material and be able to wet the wearers skin.

Preferably, the one or more pockets is of a multi-layered fabric, preferably comprising two layers of fabric with a plurality of fibres therebetween.

Thus in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a thermal pack 15 comprising a compress having at least one pocket therein for removably retaining a polymer pad or the like which can be heated or cooled for use, wherein the one or more pockets comprises two layers of fabric with a plurality of fibres therebetween.

The plurality of fibres are preferably orientated substantially perpendicularly to the two 20 layers of fabric. The multi-layered fabric comprising the pocket is advantageously resiliently compressible providing a cushioning effect. The wearer is therefore cushioned from the polymer pad when positioned in the pocket, giving a high level of comfort for the wearer. Furthermore, the multi-layered fabric beneficially reduces the chance of the user being burnt or frost bitten by the application of polymer pads heated or cooled to 2 5 reasonably high or low temperatures respectively.

One or both of the two layers of fabric of the pocket may be air permeable and the plurality of fibres typically allow circulation of air within the multi-layered fabric. This provides that heat or cold can be safely transferred from the polymer pad to the wearers 3 0 skin without scolding the wearers skin. One or both of the two layers of fabric may be substantially liquid impermeable to prevent any leaked hot or cold liquid from the polymer pad from scolding the wearers skin.

-4 The two layers of fabric and plurality of fibres therebetween are suitably interwoven comprising a one-piece structure. This typically prevents de-lamination of the multi-layered fabric, no matter how adverse or testing the conditions.

5 In one preferred embodiment, the thermal pack comprises a hot or cold compress (preferably a flexible sleeve) comprising a sheet or sleeve or the like, the sheet or sleeve including said at least one pocket. The sheet or sleeve is provided with means, such as one or more straps or the like, to removably secure the pack in place over an afflicted animal or human body part.

Thus, this embodiment of the present invention is intended to provide a lightweight multi 10 purpose injury compress ideal for minimising swelling, pain and bruising to tendons, muscles and joints after an injury in either an animal or human. The pack is portable and applicable at any location or time. The means for removably securing the pack is preferably at least one strap rotationally connected to the sheet or sleeve.

15 In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a thermal pack comprising a sheet or sleeve having at least one pocket therein for removably retaining a polymer pad or the like which can be heated or cooled for use, and at least one strap rotationally connected to the sheet or sleeve.

2 0 By providing a rotational connection, the wearer is, for example, free to move a limb, on which the pack is secured, allowing the user to move around whilst receiving the benefits of the hot or cold compress. The strap is preferably adjustable so the thermal pack can be secured in place over body parts of different sized animals and humans.

25 The rotational connection of the strap to the sheet or sleeve preferably comprises a female/male connector at one end of the strap which removably rotationally mates with a corresponding female/male connector on the sheet or sleeve. Preferably the strap has a female/male connector at both ends thereof and two corresponding female/male connectors positioned near or adjacent opposed edges ofthe sheet or sleeve. The female/male connector 3 0 is suitably attached to the outer surface ofthe sheet or sleeve, the inner surface intended to be placed next to the wearers skin. In use in this embodiment, either end of the strap can be connected to the sheet or sleeve so the user can position the sheet or sleeve in place, and secure

-5 the sheet or sleeve in place over the afflicted area. Thi s provides easy placement of the sheet or sleeve on either the right or left hand side of a human or animal body and facilitates self placement by a human user.

5 If the polymer pad is cooled for use, the compress can be used in the treatment of cuts and bleeding (by enhancing blood clotting, controlling bacteria and giving an anaesthetic effect), burns (by preventing the penetration of heat to the deep tissue, controlling bacteria and giving an anaesthetic effect), and the relief of pain swelling and discomfort caused by injuries which can lead to one or more of swelling, strains, sprains, bumps and bruises to the back, tendons, 10 stifle, fetlock, knee, hock, muscles, etc. of both humans and animals. If the polymer pad is heated for use, the compress can be used to provide relief from muscle and joint strain and as a treatment for injured or painful backs.

In general, the substantially immediate application of a compress according to this exemplary 15 embodiment ofthe present invention is thought to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.

It is preferred that the polymer pad remains flexible even when frozen at temperatures of 20 C or less. The polymer pad therefore conforms to the shape of the body part to which it 2 o is secured beneficially giving even distribution of heat or cold across its whole surface area.

In one embodiment ofthe invention, the compress could be used for hot or cold aromatherapy or similar treatments, by adding aromatherapy oils, essential oils, vitamins, antiseptic medicine or other products directly to the one or more pocket. Providing a liquid absorbent layer to 2 5 contact the skin permits such oils, medicaments or other products to be transmitted to the skin.

Thus, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a thermal pack comprising a compress having at least one pocket therein for removably retaining a polymer pad or the like which can be heated or cooled for use, wherein the one or 3 0 more pockets comprise a liquid permeable layer, for transmittal of a liquid to the users skin in use.

-6- Particularly in the case where said thermal pack comprises a hot or cold compress, the sheet or sleeve is preferably made of an elastic material to provide additional support to the afflicted body part. In an alternative embodiment, the compress may comprise one or more sections, connected together by one or more pieces of elastic material.

In the case of all embodiments of the present invention, at least the outer layer ofthe sheet or sleeve is beneficially of a thermally insulating material so as to maintain the temperature of the polymer pad(s) contained therein for as long as possible. It may be beneficial for the pocket to be of a waterproof material.

The compress is typically designed to fit the anatomical area to which it is to be applied, for example, different parts of the human and animal body, as shown in the Figures and hereinafter described in more detail. The one or more pockets are typically located in a particular orientation on the pack to correspond to a muscle, tendon or the like, which is 5 most likely to benefit from the application of the hot or cold compress. By providing different shaped and designed compresses for different anatomical areas ofthe human or animal body, the compress will beneficially remain in place even during strenuous/ vigorous movement or exercise. Furthermore, a user, without any medical help or training, can apply the compress to the correct bodypart and the benefit ofthe hot or cold 2 0 compress will be provided in the right location.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 2 5 Figure l is a schematic illustration of a compress according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention, for use on an animal's chest; Figure la showing the underside of the compress and Figure lb showing the upperside of the compress; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a compress according to an exemplary embodiment 3 0 ofthe present invention, for use on an animal's tendon; Figure 2a showing the upperside of the compress and Figure 2b showing the underside of the compress;

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a compress according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for use on an animal's neck; Figure 3a showing the upperside of the compress and Figure 3b showing the underside of the compress; 5 Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a rotational connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the thermal pack of the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a compress according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for use on an animal's hock; Figure 5a showing the 10 upperside of the compress and Figure 5b showing the underside of the compress; Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a compress according to a second exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention, for use on an animal's hock; Figure 6a showing the upperside of the compress and Figure 6b showing the underside of the compress; Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a compress according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for use on an animal's fetlock; Figure 7a showing the upperside of the compress and Figure 7b showing the underside of the compress; 2 0 Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a compress according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for use on an animal's knee; Figure 8a showing the upperside of the compress and Figure 8b showing the underside of the compress; Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a compress according to an exemplary embodiment 2 5 of the present invention in the form of a blanket, for use on an animals back; Figure 9a showing the upperside ofthe compress, Figure 9b showing the underside ofthe compress and Figure 9c showing an plan view of the compress folded in half along its central axis; Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a compress according to an exemplary 3 0 embodiment of the present invention, for use on a human head; Figure I Oa showing the upperside of the compress and Figure I Ob showing the underside of the compress;

Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a compress according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for use on human wrist andlor ankle; Figure 1 1 a showing the upperside of the compress and Figure I l b showing the underside of the compress; Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of a compress according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for use on a human knee; Figure 1 2a showing the upperside of the compress and Figure 1 2b showing the underside of the compress; 10 Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a compress according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for use on a human calf, biceps, forearm or shin; Figure 13a showing the upperside ofthe compress and Figure 1 3b showing the underside of the compress; 5 Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of a compress according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for use on a human back; Figure 14a showing the underside of the compress and Figure 14b showing the upperside of the compress; Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of a compress according to an exemplary 2 0 embodiment of the present invention, for use on a human elbow; Figure 1 5a showing the underside of the compress and Figure 1 5b showing the upperside of the compress; Figure 16 is a schematic illustration of a compress according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for use on a human shoulder; Figure 1 6a showing 2 5 the upperside ofthe compress and Figure 1 6b showing the underside ofthe compress; and Figure 17 is a schematic illustration of the multi-layered fabric comprising the one or more pockets according to an exemplary embodiment of the thermal pack of the present invention.

- 9 - Referring to Figures 1 a and lb of the drawings, a compress suitable for use on the chest of, for example, a racing horse or camel in the event of strain or injury thereof, comprise a piece of material 10 with a generally square section 11 and an elongated strip 9, the square section 11 having four, elongate pockets 12 provided thereon. Two pockets 12 are 5 parallel and adjacent each other and the other two pockets 12 are generally parallel and adjacent each other on the opposed side of the square section from the first two pockets.

Each pocket l 2 is made of a generally rectangular sheet of fabric, typically of the type substantially as hereinafter disclosed in connection with Figure 17. The fabric is attached 0 to the square section of material 11, typically by seams which define the pockets. In use, four substantially rectangular polymer pads 14 are heated or cooled as required and each inserted into a respective pocket 12. The compress can then be secured across the animal's chest by means of straps 18 and adjusted to size through loops 2.

1 5 As is shown more clearly in Figure 4, a male connector 20 is attached at its proximal end to the outer surface of the piece of material 10 and a female connector 21 is attached at its proximal end to the strap 18. The male connector 20 has a flat body 22 and a raised circular disc 23 near its distal end. The disc 23 is connected to the flat body 22 by a rod (not shown), the rod having a smaller diameter than the circular disc 23. The female 2 0 connector 21 has a flat body 24 with a large circular hole 25 connected to a small circular hole (not shown), the small circular hole being near the distal end ofthe female connector 21. The large hole 25 has a greater diameter than the diameter of the circular disc 23 and the small hole has a diameter less than the circular disc 23 but greater than the rod.

2 5 In use, circular disc 23 is slotted through the large hole 25 and moved towards the small hole. The strap is then adjusted through use of loop 2 to fit snugly against the animal's body. This allows the strap 18 to move relative to the compress and provides that the polymer pads 14 are held in the correct position against the animal's body whilst allowing the animal to move freely. To release the strap 18, the strap 18 is loosened using loop 2 3 0 and the circular disc 23 moved towards and through the large hole 25 to release the male connector 20 from the female connector 21.

-10 Referring to Figures 2a and 2b of the drawings, a compress suitable for use on an animal's tendon once again comprises a generally square piece of material 10 having three, generally rectangular pockets 12 which open at their upper edges, provided on the inner surface thereof. A number of straps 16 are provided extending from one edge ofthe 5 square piece of material 10 and adjusted to size through loop 15 so that the compress can be wrapped around an animal's leg at the appropriate position and secured by for example, hook and elastic loop type fastenings. Once again, the three polymer pads 14 can be heated or cooled, as required, and inserted into the pockets 12 prior to application of the compress to the afflicted body part.

Refernng to Figures 3a and 3b of the drawings, a compress suitable for use on, for example, a race horse's or camel's neck has four sets of two adjacent (i.e. eight) pockets l 2, each for receiving a heated or cooled polymer pad 14. Once again, two straps 18 are provided to secure it in the appropriate position for use, adjusted to size through loops 2.

15 The straps 18 each have a female connectors 21 at each end and two male connectors 20 are attached near opposed edges of the outer surface of material 10 to provide a removable rotational connection at both ends of the straps 18.

Referring to Figures 5a and 5b ofthe drawings, there is shown a first exemplary compress 20 suitable for use on an animal's hock comprising a layer of material 10 having two elongate pockets 12 each for receiving a polymer pad 14. Once again, the compress can be secured in position by means of complimentary straps 16 and adjusting loops 15.

Referring to Figures 6a and 6b of the drawings, there is shown a second exemplary 2 5 compress suitable for use on an animal's hock comprising a layer of material 10 having two elongate pockets 12 each for receiving a polymer pad 14. Once again, the compress can be secured in position by means of complimentary straps 16 and adj usting loops 15.

Referring to Figures 7a and 7b, there is shown a fetlock compress comprises a generally 3 0 square shaped layer of material 10 having two pockets 12 each for receiving a polymer pad 14 in use. As before, the compress may be secured in position by means of a complimentary straps 16 and adjusting loops 15.

-11 Referring to Figures 8a and 8b, there is shown a knee compress comprising a layer of material 10 having two pockets 12 which each receive a polymer pad 14 in use. The compress is secured in position by strap 16 and adjusting loop 1 S. as before.

5 The blanket of Figures 9a, 9b and 9c comprises of material 10 and is essentially a larger version of the compress of Figure 3 in that it has four sets of two adjacent, pockets 12 each receiving a polymer pad 14 in use. Three straps 18 with female connectors 21 attached at both ends (which mate with three male connectors 20 attached to one edge of the outer surface of material 10 and three male connectors attached to the opposed edge of the 10 material 10) are provided to secure the blanket in position, when in use and adjusted to size through loops 2. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the polymer pads 14 are heated and placed in the blanket to provide a warming blanket for use in back treatment in animals such as horses or camels, and to warm muscles prior to exercise. Of course, the blanket could alternatively be used as a cooling blanket if required, by cooling the polymer 15 pads 14 instead of heating them.

Referring to Figures 1 Oa and 1 Ob of the drawings, there is shown a compress suitable for use on a human forehead or neck comprises an elongate strip of material 30 having a single sleeve or pocket 32 provided on its inner surface. The sleeve or pocket 32 is made of a 2 0 generally rectangular sheet of fabric, typically of the type substantially as hereinafter disclosed in connection with Figure 18. The fabric is attached to the strip of material 30, typically by seams which define the pockets. The sleeve 32 has an open edge for receiving a cooled or heated polymer pad 34 for use. The compress can be secured around a user's head or neck by means of a hook and loop type fastening, with a strip 36 of hooked material 2 5 being provided at one edge of the compress on one side thereof, and a corresponding strip 38 of looped (or eye) material being provided on the opposite edge on the other side of the compress. Referring to Figures 11a and 1 lb ofthe drawings, there is shown a compress suitable for use 3 o on a human's wrist, ankle or small bleep comprises an elongate strip 30 of material, having a single pocket 32 open at one end for receiving a heated or cooled polymer pad 34 for use.

A section 36 of hook and elastic loop type fastening material is provided, with part of the

-12 section being secured to the outer side ofthe strip 30, and is adjusted through loop 44 which is attached, in part by a strip of webbing material 46, so that the compress can be secured in the desired position.

5 Referring to Figures 12a and 12b of the drawings, there is shown a compress suitable for use on a human's knee comprising a generally rectangular sheet of material 30, having a two pockets 32 on the inner surface of the material. The pockets 32 are open at one end for receiving a heated or cooled polymer pad 34 for use. Two parallel sections 36 of hook and elastic loop type fastening material are provided, with part of the section being secured to o the outer side of the material 30, and adjusted through loops 44 which are attached, in part by a strip of webbing material 46, so that the compress can be secured in the desired position. Referring to Figures 13a and 13b ofthe drawings, there is shown a compress suitable for use 1 5 on ahuman calf, bleep or small thigh comprises agenerallyrectangularpiece of material 30 having two generallyrectangularpockets 32 which open at their upper edges to each receive a polymer pad 34 in use. Two straps 36 comprising hook and elastic loop type fastening material are provided extending from one edge of material 30 and adjusted to size through loops 44 which are attached in part by a strip of webbing material 46 so that the compress 2 o can be secured in the desired position on the user's body.

Referring to Figures 14a and 14b ofthe drawings, there is shown a compress suitable for use on a human back similar in many respects to the compress described with reference to Figures lea and lOb, except that are two pockets 32 and material 30 is larger.

Referring to Figures 15a and 1 Sb ofthe drawings, there is shown a compress suitable for use on a human elbow similar in many respects to compress described with reference to Figures 13a and l 3b, except in this case, a section of opposed sides of the material 30 is cut away so that the compress fits snugly around the elbow.

Referring to Figures 16a and 16b of the drawings, a compress suitable for use on a human shoulder is shown comprising material 30 having two pockets 32 for each receiving a heated

-13 or cooled polymer pad 34. To secure the compress in position on the human, there is provided a first strap 36 of hook/elastic loop type fastening material which is adjusted through loop 44 and a second strap 18 with two female connectors 21 at either end which removably rotationally mate with two male connectors 20 positioned near opposed edges 5 ofthe outer surface of material 30. This provides that compress can be used on either the left or right shoulder and strap 18 can still be self connected and self adjusted using loop 2.

Referring to Figure 17, there is shown a schematic representation of a multi-layered fabric 100 comprising two layers of fabric 102 of a cross weave constructions, between which 10 there is a plurality of fibres 104 orientated substantially perpendicularly to the two layers of fabric 102. The two layers of fabric 102 and plurality of fibres 102 therebetween are interwoven comprising a one-piece structure. This typically prevents delamination ofthe multi-layered fabric, no matter how adverse or testing the conditions. The multi-layered fabric 100 is advantageously resiliently compressible providing a cushioning effect. The top 15 layer of fabric 102 is typically air permeable and the plurality of fibres 104 allow circulation of air within the multi-layered fabric 100. The bottom layer of fabric 102 is typically liquid impermeable. The multi-layered fabric 100 can be of variable thickness or compression with the layers of 2 o fabric 102 being of varying degrees of open or closed knit. The multilayer fabric 100 can be used as the outer layer of the compress to substantially prevent loss of heat or cold and also to provide a cushioning effect. The multi-layered fabric 100 is also preferably used to line the one or more pockets of the compress. This fabric is in contact with the users skin and is typicallyofadifferent thickness and compression than the fabric comprising the outer 2 5 layerofcompress, allowing a controlled slow release of heat or cola at a rate most beneficial in thetreatment of injuries whilst preventing scolding from burning or frost-bite.

Claims

-14 Claims:

1. A thermal pack comprising a compress having at least one pocket therein for removably retaining a polymer pad or the like which can be heated or cooled for 5 use. 2. A pack according to claim 1, wherein the compress is of a durable, flexible, thermally insulating material.

10 3. A pack according to claim I or 2, wherein the one or more pockets are of a thermally conducting and/or waterproof material.

4. A pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the pack comprises a sleeve or the like for wearing, the sleeve including said at least one pocket.

5. A pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer layer of the pack is of thermally insulating material.

6. A pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner layer of the pack is 2 0 of water resistant/waterproof material.

7. A pack according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inner layer of the pack (contacting the wearers skin) is of water absorbent/transmissible/permeable material and able to wet the wearers skin.

8. A pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more pockets is of a multi-layered fabric.

9. A pack according to claim 8, wherein the multi-layered fabric comprises two 3 0 layers of fabric with a plurality of fibres therebetween.

-15 10. A thermal pack comprising a compress having at least one pocket therein for removably retaining a polymer pad or the like which can be heated or cooled for use, wherein the one or more pockets comprises two layers of fabric with a plurality of fibres therebetween.

11. A pack according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the plurality of fibres are orientated substantially perpendicular to the two layers of fabric.

12. A pack according any of claims 9 to 11, wherein one or both of the two layers of 10 fabric comprise an air permeable material.

13. A pack according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein one or both of the two layers of fabric is of a substantially liquid impermeable material.

15 14. A pack according to any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the two layers of fabric and plurality of fibres therebetween are substantially interwoven comprising a one-piece structure. 15. A pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the thermal pack comprises a hot 2 0 or cold compress comprises a sheet or sleeve or the like (preferably a flexible sleeve), the sheet or sleeve including said at least one pocket.

16. A pack according to claim 15, wherein the sheet or sleeve or the like is provided with means, such as one or more straps or the like, to removably secure the pack in place 2 5 over an afflicted animal or human body part.

17. A pack according to claim 16, wherein the means for removably securing the pack is at least one strap rotationally connected to the sheet or sleeve.

3 0 18. A thermal pack comprising a sheet or sleeve having at least one pocket therein for removably retaining a polymer pad or the like which can be heated or cooled for use, and at least one strap rotationally connected to the sheet or sleeve.

-16 19. A pack according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the strap is adjustable so that it can be used by different sized users.

20. A pack according to claim 18, wherein the rotational connection of the strap to the 5 sheet or sleeve comprises a female/male connector at one end of the strap which removably rotationally mates with a corresponding female/male connector on the sheet or sleeve.

21. A pack according to claim 20, wherein the strap has a female/male connector at both 10 ends thereof and two corresponding female/male connectors positioned near or adjacent opposed edges ofthe sheet or sleeve, so that the strap is adjustable from both sides and accommodates any angle of orientation.

22. A pack according to claim 21, wherein the female/male connector is attached to the 15 outer surface ofthe sheet or sleeve, the inner surface intended to be placed next to the wearers skin.

23. A pack according to any of claims 15 to 22, wherein the sheet or sleeve is made of an elastic material.

24. A pack according to any of claims 15 to 23, wherein at least the outer layer of the sheet or sleeve is of a thermally insulating material.

25. A pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the polymer pad is flexible 2 5 even when frozen at temperatures of -20 C or less.

26. A pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the insulation of the pockets substantially prevents burning or frostbite of a user when a hot or cold polymer pad is retained in the pockets.

27. A thermal pack comprising a compress having at least one pocket therein for removably retaining a polymer pad or the like which can be heated or cooled for

-17 use, wherein the one or more pockets comprise a liquid permeable layer, for transmittal of a liquid to the users skin in use.

28. A pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the compress comprises one 5 or more sections, connected together by one or more pieces of elastic material.

29. A pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the compress is specifically design for a particular animal or human body part and the pockets are positioned to be retained in place over specific muscles and/or tendons for optimum 10 treatment of the muscle and/or tendon.

30. A pack according to claim 29, wherein the pack remains in place even during strenuous/vigorous movement of the user.

5 31. A pack according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the shape of each compress provides that a novice can place the correct compress on the injured part of the human or animal body without medical help and be sure that the treatment is delivered to the correct area.

2 0 32. A pack according to claim 27, wherein the design ofthe pocket enables treatment with liquids or creams such as antiseptics, medicine or aromatherapy oil, the liquid or cream being delivered to the user by applying the liquid to the pocket and the liquid being transferred to the user through the liquid permeable layer or being applied directly to the users skin and enhancing its action by the heated or cooled 2 5 polymer pad or the like.

33. A pack according to any of claims 8 to 14, wherein the multi-layered fabric can be of variable thickness, variable compression and variable open and closed knit.

30 34. A pack according to any of claims 8 to 14, wherein the multilayered fabric provides a cushioning effect for the user.

l -18 35. A method of making a hot or cold thermal pack comprising the steps of providing a pack according to any of claims I to 34, heating or cooling a polymer pad or the like, and inserting said pad in said at least one pocket such that it is removably retained thereby.

36. A thermal pack comprising a pack according to any of claims I to 34, and a polymer pad or the like removably retained in said at least one pocket, said polymer pad or the like being hot or cold as required for use.