Thermal exchange composition-containing packs with color signaling covers
The present invention relates to thermal exchange products having color change properties. More particularly, the invention relates to thermal-exchange compositions in pack form suitable for heating in a microwave oven and/or cooling in a freezer and having covers that provide a notification by color change signal that the pack is at a temperature or in a temperature range suitable to provide a desired level of hot and/or cold treatment.
1 ) A product for applying a desired temperature to a user comprising:
a. a thermal exchange composition contained in an encapsulation material; and
b. a cover having a baseline color at a non-use temperature range and at least one first signal color at a first use temperature range,
wherein the cover consists essentially of components that are substantially transparent to microwave radiation,
wherein the cover changes to the first signal color when the thermal exchange composition reaches the first use temperature range,
and wherein the cover substantially reverts to the baseline color when the thermal exchange composition returns substantially to the non-use temperature range.
2 ) The product of claim 1 wherein the thermal exchange composition comprises microwave activatable clay compositions, ceramic beads or a gel.
3 ) The product of claim 1 , wherein a lower limit of the first use temperature range is about 130 degrees F.
4 ) The product of claim 1 , wherein an upper limit of the first use temperature is about 35 degrees F.
5 ) The product of claim 1 , further comprising a second use temperature range of from about 0 to about 35 degrees F., wherein the cover provides a second signal color when the thermal exchange composition reaches the second use temperature range.
6 ) The product of claim 1 , wherein the first use temperature range is from about 130 degrees F. to about 170 degrees F., wherein the cover remains a substantially the first signal color while the thermal exchange composition remains at the first use temperature range.
7 ) The product of claim 1 , further comprising a first high temperature signal color, wherein the cover changes to the first high temperature signal color when the thermal exchange composition exceeds about 170 degrees F.
8 ) The product of claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises a film comprising thermochromic pigments, wherein the film is laminated or glued to a fabric material.
9 ) The product of claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises a patch comprising thermochromic pigments, wherein the patch is glued to an outer surface of the pack.