The invention relates to an assembly comprising of a number of cushions having a flexible cover defining a chamber, in which a filling material is placed, the filling material being adapted for heat or cool treatment of the human body, wherein the cushion along at least one side is provided with coupling means, which allow coupling of two or more cushions along a substantially common plane.

Heat cushions or hot water bottles are traditionally made from a thick rubber material constituting a chamber and with an outwardly protruding feeding nozzle, so that heated water may be poured into the chamber. After filling in water, the feeding nozzle can be sealed, for instance by means of a screw plug. Such a similar heat cushion is e.g. known from GB 2.290.705 relating to a cushion for the back of the head which may be filled with a heating fluid through a neck. The neck is adapted to receive a sealing body, so that the liquid does not run out of the cushion. Said sealing body may, for instance, be inserted by a screw threat. In an alternative embodiment the liquid is permanently located in the cushion for the back of the head. The cushion may be heated in a microwave oven.

US 4.743.726 describes a heating element which can be heated by means of microwaves. The heating element has a flexible cellular core which can absorb water, so that the whole core is saturated by water and subsequently can be heated by microwaves. The core is encased in a heat and flame resistant rubber element, which can also be heated by microwaves. This rubber element ensures that the element can be heated to an even higher temperature.

WO 2007/025543 discloses a cushion, which contains a water absorbing material, which by absorption is suitable for heating with the help of microwaves. The cushion is made from a flexible cover defining a chamber in which a water absorbing material is placed. By making the flexible cover from e.g. a polymeric film and providing the water absorbing material as a water absorbent powder material, such as a super absorbent polymer, the cushion may be kept compact and low weight until filling the chamber with water. Such a cushion is suitable for treatment of sore areas on especially the human body. Such sore areas may be caused by injuries or fibrositis in the musculature. However, in some situations it may be necessary to use a heating cushion, a heating pad or a heating blanket, which has a size, where it is not possible to fit the cushion, pad or blanket in a microwave oven. Furthermore, it may be desired to be able to shape the heating cushion in various ways in order to accommodate different areas of application.

From WO 88/10074 is known a thermal support suit for providing support and heat to a person's body. The thermal suit comprises a plurality of heat retaining members which are separately applied to a specific part of the body. The members can be attached to each other. However, the individual members are designed for a specific part of the body, and the members can only be attached to each other in a specific way.

Other traditional cushions for therapy are of the type with an active chemical contained in a bag, where a capsule of another chemical, typical water, is enclosed in the bag. These types of cushions function by breaking the capsule so that the chemical inside the capsule mixes with the active chemical in the bag and dependent on the active chemical, either an exothermic or endothermic reaction is initiated, whereby energy is either consumed or generated whereby the cushion is either heated or cooled.

However, these traditional cushions have several drawbacks. The rubber cushions require that the water poured into the bag immediately before use is either hot or cold, or alternatively, that the cushion is placed in a cool or hot place before use. This makes it difficult to use these types of cushions at places without either hot or cold water or cooling means or heating means. The other traditional types of cushions have the disad- vantage, that the cushion is filled with filling material from the manufacturing day, thus the cushion is not easy to bring along, since the cushion fills up space.

It is an object of the invention to obtain a new heat cushion, which overcomes or ameliorates at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or which provides a useful al- ternative.

According to a first aspect of the invention, this is achieved by the cushions along at least one side have coupling means allowing coupling of two or more cushions in a substantially common plane, wherein the coupling means are formed so that the two or more cushions may be assembled along the substantially common plane in at least a first configuration providing a first overall shape for the assembly and a second configu- ration providing a second overall shape for the assembly. The coupling means may be flexible coupling means. As a result, the cushions can easily be coupled and used on a larger area of the body, as the coupling of the cushions facilitates the handling, and flexibility of the coupling means allow that the assembly may be shaped to adapt to the respective area of the body. By suitable flexibility, the cushions may be folded and placed as a stack in a microwave oven or a freezer. Alternatively, the cushions may be heated individually. Thus, it is seen that the inventive concept provides a modular heat cushion, which can be assembled from individual heat cushions to a desired overall shape. The meaning of the wording heating cushion also corresponds to a heating pad, heating pillows, heating bags, or heating compresses, i.e. a bag-like element, which is suited for heat treatment or cryotherapy. The filling material is, as mentioned, adapted for heat or cool treatment of the human body, which means that the filling material is capable of storing heat or cold.

It is stated that the chamber of the individual cushions or the assembly are provided with a filling material, which is adapted for heat or cool treatment of the human body. However, the filling material (or the entire filling material) need not be part of a package or a kit of parts comprising individual cushions. The filling material may, for instance, comprise water, which is to be poured into the chamber of the cushions before heating in a microwave oven, an oven, a pot with boiling or hot water, a heating cupboard or the like, or before insertion in a freezer. Accordingly, the filling material may be part of the finished assembly only.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the cushions are substantially planaly shaped, i.e. substantially flat. Thereby, the cushions comprise a first surface for application to the user and a second surface, which during use faces away from the user. The distance between the first surface and the second surface is smaller than the distance between the sides of the cushion. According to another advantageous embodiment, the assembly is substantially planarly shaped. Thus, the assembly comprising two or more cushions is also susbtantially flat.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the cushions are rectangularly shaped with a first side and a second side as well as a first end and a second end. The sides and end are preferably all provided with coupling means. Thereby, individual cushions may be assembled in a multitude of shapes. In an alternative embodiment, the cushions are trapezium shaped, thereby facilitating assembly in other advanta- geous overall shapes. The cushion may for instance have two parallel sides and non- parallel ends.

According to the invention, the coupling means along the one side of the cushion may comprise one or more protruding flaps, which have fixed or releasable coupling elements for collaboration with corresponding coupling elements on another cushion, whereby the number of cushions may easily be adjusted and the cushions' flexibility may be adjusted by coupling of the desired number of flaps.

According to the invention, the coupling means may be integrally formed with the cushions' exterior cover, whereby they become especially simple to manufacture. If the flexible cover is made from a polymeric film, the coupling means may be provided in flanges of the flexible cover, e.g. welding flanges.

According to the invention, the coupling elements may appropriately be of hook-and- loop fasteners, whereby the coupling is carried out in an especially simple manner.

The coupling elements may, according to the invention, also appropriately be in form of snap fasteners. Moreover, according to the invention, the coupling elements may be in form of zipper locks.

The coupling means on the individual side of a cushion may, according to the invention, extend only along a part of a first side and preferably only over a length, which is less than half the length of the first side, such that the assembly of cushions obtains an especially significant flexibility, particularly along the part where no coupling means are provided.

The assembly of coupled cushions may, according to the invention, appropriately form a belt for fitting it around the body or placing it on an especially large area hereof. Ac- cording to the invention, the cushion of the respective belt may appropriately be of different sizes and shapes. This also provides an extra degree of modularity.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the coupling means are provided equidis- tantly along the at least one side of the heat cushions. Thereby, the individual position of adjacent heat cushions of the assembly may be shifted or displaced in relation to each other along the at least one side of the heat cushions. This provides even more degrees of modularity making it possible to form, for instance, a neck pillow from three rectangular shaped heat cushions.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the assembly of coupled cushions may have the shape of a blanket, wherein there are cushions connected with other cushions, both along two, three or four sides. Thus, the cushions may be provided with coupling means along both longitudinal and transverse sides of the cushion. The assembly hereby becomes suitable for placement on an especially large area of the body.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a kit of parts comprising at least a first cushion and a second cushion, each of the cushions having a flexible cover defining a chamber, in which a filling material is placed or is to be placed, the filling material being adapted for heat or cool treatment of the human body, wherein the first cushion is provided with first coupling means along a first side of the first cushion, and the sec- ond cushion is provided with second coupling means along a second side of the first cushion, the first and the second coupling means being arranged in a manner, which allows the first and the second cushion to be coupled in a substantially common plane. The kit of parts may comprise additional coupling means not being part of the first cushion or the second cushion. Thus, the coupling means of the heat cushions may, for instance, be provided as holes along the sides of the cushion and the additional coupling means be provided as snap fasteners to be coupled through holes in both the first heat cushion and the second heat cushion.

The individual cushions of the assembly according to the invention, or the kit of parts according to the invention, may comprise any of the characteristic features of the heat cushion described in WO 2007/025543. Such a cushion may of course also be used as a cooling cushion.

Thus, the cushion may include a flexible cover defining a chamber in which a water ab- sorbing material is placed, said water absorbing material upon absorption of water being suitable for heating by means of microwaves, wherein the cover has a sealable feeding mouth and sealing means for sealing the feeding mouth, so that water may be poured into the chamber. Hereby, a heat cushion is obtained, which is very compact and light-weight prior to appliance as the water absorbing core can be kept dry. This is an advantage as far as transport and distribution are concerned. Furthermore, a sterile transfer of heat is achieved as the core and the water are sheathed by a cover after fill- ing up. Furthermore, the cushions can be manufactured from cheap material making the cushion suitable for disposable use, whereby the individual cushion does not have any of the unhygienic disadvantages of heat cushions for multiple appliances. In addition, the cushion needs not to be wiped off prior to use. In some cases, however, it can be necessary to dab the cushion dry. Of course, the heat cushions may also be used to cool down a body part, for instance by filling the cushion with water and putting it in the freezer prior to use.

In an advantageous embodiment, the water absorbing material with the absorbed water substantially fills the entire chamber. Hereby, the heat cushion does not have a tendency to form water gatherings when the cushions is used as a heat compression, thus ensuring an evenly distributed heat transfer from the heat cushion.

Preferably, the cover of the cushions is made from a polymeric film or sheets resistant to heating by means of microwaves. The cover may, for instance, be formed by means of two polymeric layers welded together along their circumference. Alternatively, the cover may be formed by means of one polymeric layer which is folded and subsequently welded together at the sides. In another embodiment the cover is made from a rubber material.

The individual bags or cushions may be produced with arbitrary suitable materials, in particular polymer materials and especially polyethylene, such as LDPE, MDPE or HDPE, or another glueable or weldable foil material, preferably plastic or polymer foil material or aluminium foil material or combinations of such foil materials, including laminated co-extruded polymer materials.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cover is coated with an outer textile layer or sheathed by a textile cushion. The cover may, for instance, be put in a textile bag. Hereby, a contact face is obtained, which may feel more comfortable for a user using the heat cushion. The outer textile is preferably a thin non-woven material. The non-woven material can be welded together with the polymeric film or sheet. The total weight of the flexible cover can thereby be kept low.

In a particular embodiment, the water absorbing material is a sponge-like material. Hereby, a particularly simple design is obtained of the core of the cushion as the sponge-like material often may absorb a lot of water and swallow up on taking in water, whereby the material may fill the chamber of the whole cushion. The sponge-like material may be coated with a semi-permeable membrane to ensure that the water stays in the sponge-like material although said material is exposed to a pressure.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the water absorbing material is a powder material. Preferably said powder lies dry in the cushion prior to usage, and on absorbing water it gains a gel-like viscosity thus achieving an even distribution of the material in the cover of the cushion. It is, for instance, sufficient to use only 5-10 grams of a super absorbent polymer (SAP) as the powder material in order to achieve an evenly distributed gel-like viscosity after filling water into the chamber. If the flexible cover is made from a polymeric film, optionally covered with a non-woven material, the overall weight of a cushion can be kept under 20 grams. This also means that the cushion is very compact in size, making it suitable for sale in multiple packets. Thus, the coupling means makes it possible to assemble the individual cushions to a larger assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, a one-way valve, such as a check valve, is provided in connection with the feeding mouth. Hereby, a particularly simple sealing mechanism is obtained as the feeding mouth is self-sealing after filling in water.

In another embodiment, the feeding mouth is provided in an outwardly protruding feeding nozzle which preferably is sealable by means of a closing body. Said closing body is preferably shaped as a plug or cap adapted to cooperate sealingly with the nozzle, and which preferably has a thread. Hereby, an alternative simple sealing mechanism is obtained.

The feeding mouth or feeding nozzle may advantageously be foldable, such that it by folding closes the feeding mouth. The feeding mouth may for instance be provided with an adhesive so that it after folding adheres to an outer surface of the chusion. In an alternative embodiment, the feeding is adapted to be folded within the cushion itself after filling water into the chamber. In one embodiment, a first textile layer on one side of the cushion extends beyond a second textile layer on a second side of the cushion, e.g. providing a closing flap. The textile may be a non-woven textile. The part of the first textile layer extending beyond the second textile may for instance be provided in connection with the feeding mouth, the feeding mouth optionally being provided with a one- way valve. Thereby, the textile may be folded across the opening thus ensuring a strong closing of the opening. As previously mentioned, the part extending beyond the second textile layer may be provided with an adhesive or for instance locking means in forms of micro hooks. The second layer may for instance be detached from the flexible chamber near the feeding mouth, for instance by not welding the textile to the polymer foil. Thereby, the closing flap can be folded in between the second textile layer and the polymer foil. Alternatively, the second textile layer may be peel welded to the polymer foil in vicinity of the feeding mouth. Thereby, the textile layer may be loosened from the foil before inserting the closing flap. In another embodiment a slit or slot is provided in the second textile layer. Thereby, the closing flap may be inserted into the slit, thus closing the opening. In yet another embodiment, a strip of material, e.g. made of a tex- tile, such as a non-woven textile, is provided on the second textile layer, the strip providing an opening between the second textile layer and the strip. Thus, the closing flap can be inserted into said opening thus closing the feeding mouth.

In a preferred embodiment of the cushion, the cushion has a safety valve body opening at a predetermined differential pressure between the pressure inside the cushion and the ambient pressure. Hereby, it is ensured that the cover of the cushion does not burst during or immediately after heating the cushion due to an inner excess pressure with the risk of the user being scalded by the hot water.

The cushions may be provided with a temperature indicator, for instance by the cover having an area, which changes colour depending on the temperature of the cushion. Thus, it can be ensured that, e.g. on therapeutic treatment, the cushion is used when it has the optimum temperature for the therapeutic treatment. At the same time, it can also be ensured that the cushion is not used at such a high temperature that the user feels it to be unpleasant.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cushion has a first side and an opposite second side, the two sides having different heat transfer characteristics. Thus, it can be ensured that one side of the cushion keeps the heat better than the other, whereby, af- ter heating the cushion, first one side of the cushion may be used for the therapeutic treatment until it has fallen to a certain temperature, whereafter the heat cushion is turned and the opposite side is used during the rest of the treatment. The different heat transmission characteristics can, for instance, be achieved by making the thickness of the cover different at the two sides.

In a preferred embodiment, the cushion has perforations allowing the passage of va- pour but not water through the cover. Hereby, the perforations may be used in the same way as the above excess pressure protection. In a particular embodiment, the cushion only has perforations at one side of the cushion. Hereby, one may chose between using one side of the heat cushion for "dry" heat treatment or the other side of the heat cushion for humid heat treatment.

The cushion may be assembled to a shape of a seat or a seat pillow being able to be used at e.g. sidewalk cafes or stadium seats, where seats may often be cold. A normal seat pillow cannot fit in a microwave oven, thus not being able to be heated by this method. The assembly according to the invention solves this, since the individual parts, i.e. separate cushions, may be heated individually or stacked in the microwave oven. The assembly also has the advantage that the filling material does not easily get pressed towards the sides of the seat pillow due to the modular design of the assembly. Accordingly, a more even distribution of heat transfer is achieved.

The nursing sector is an area in which the heat cushion is particularly applicable. Here, cheap disposable heat cushions are particularly applicable as sterile, hygienic usage can be ensured and the risk of dissemination can be reduced. The assembly may also be used as an underlay for e.g. babies at a neonatal ward.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a cooling cushion having a flexible cover defining a chamber with a plurality of separate compartments, which communicate with each other and in turn with a liquid inlet, wherein the flexible cover is made of a polymer material or rubber, and wherein the flexible cover is sheathed by a textile, such as a non-woven textile. Hereby, a cooling cushion is obtained, which is very compact and light-weight prior to appliance as the chamber can be kept empty. Before applying the cooling cushion, water or another suitable liquid can be poured into the chamber, thus filling all the separate compartments. Afterwards, the cushion can be stored in a freezer before using the cushion for cooling treatment. Alternatively, cold liquid can be poured into the chamber before use. The textile sheath provides a comfortable feel for the user of the cooling cushion and ensures that the user does not obtain frostbites. The cooling cushion may be provided with any of the previously mentioned features relating to the various embodiments of the assembly or the kit-of-parts, such as be provided with a water absorbent material in the chamber, a plug for filling the feeding mouth or the liquid inlet, etc. Further, the cushion may be provided with coupling means according to the first aspect of the invention. The cooling cushion may of course also be used as a heat cushion. In this case, it is advantageous if the cushion is made of a material, which is suitable for heating in a microwave oven.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the cooling cushion, the flexible cover defining the chamber is made from polymeric sheets, for instance by welding two separate sheets or by folding and welding one sheet. The liquid inlet and the plurality of separate compartments may be defined by a pattern of joints and/or sealings and/or weldings between two opposed cushion sheets constituting the flexible cover. Due to the design of the cooling cushion, where the chamber is divided into separate com- partments, the cushion can be folded along the pattern of joints, so that the cooling cushion may fit to the part of the body needing cooling treatment, even if the liquid in the chamber is frozen. The textile sheath may, for instance, be welded to the polymeric sheets.

The cover of the cooling cushion can be peel welded at the sides of the cover, so that the sheets after use can be pulled apart in order to empty the ice or liquid from the chamber of the cushion into, for instance, a sink. Furthermore, the flexible cover may be made of a naturally degradable material. Thus, the cooling cushion, according to the invention, has a number of environmental advantages over conventional cooling cush- ions comprising glucol or the like in the filling material.

Furthermore, the cushion may be provided with a moisture permeable membrane, e.g. made of a polyurethane based resin, so that the refrigerant, i.e. the water, may vaporise through the moisture permeable membrane and be used to cool the human body.

The cooling cushion may be provided with a one way valve, such as a check valve, at or near the liquid inlet.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the polymeric sheets have a thickness of between 0.2 mm and 10 mm, or between 0.3 mm and 8 mm, or between 0.5 and 5 mm. The cooling cushion may be provided with a material, such as a powder material, which lowers the freezing point of the water, so that water poured into the chamber may stay fluidised at lower temperatures, thereby making it easier to fit the cushion to the desired part of the body, even if the water has a temperature below 0 degrees CeI- sius. This may also be achieved by using alcohol in the liquid filling the chamber. Materials for lowering the freezing point or keeping the liquid fluidised are well-known to a person skilled in the art.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides a cooling cushion having a flexible cover defining a chamber with a plurality of separate compartments, which individually are provided with an opening having a one-way valve. This embodiment need not be sheathed by a textile, but according to an advantageous embodiment, the flexible cover is sheathed by a textile, such as a non-woven textile, e.g. welded to the flexible cover, which may be made of a polymeric film. According to an advantageous embodiment the separate compartments communicate with a distribution channel. The distribution channel may advantageously be emptied of liquid into the separate compartments. According to a particular advantageous embodiment, adjacent compartments are separated by a fluid-impermeable or at least liquid-impermeable wall so that the individual compartments cannot communicate directly with each other. In other words, no direct opening is provided between the separate compartments. Adjacent compartments may for instance be separated by a welding along which the cooling cushion may be folded. A water absorbing material, advantageously a super absorbent polymer (SAP), may be provided in each of the separate compartments. Thereby, the cooling cushion is flexible or bendable between the individual compartments, e.g. along the separating weldings and the distribution channel. Further, the one-way valve ensures that the water or other liquid is kept within the separate compartments. This makes the bag easier to handle. Further, in case of leakage, it is ensured that only a single compartment is emptied of liquid and not the entire cushion. After filling the chamber with liquid, the distribution channel may be emptied of water by for instance pressing a finger along the channel in order to force the liquid into the separate compartments. By arranging SAP in each de- partment it is ensured that gel is formed within each department after filling in of water, which provides a comfortable feel for the user. Alternatively or in addition thereto a material, which acts endothermicly or exothermicly with water poured into the chamber may be arranged within the separate compartments. Such materials are described later under the fourth aspect.

The cooling cushion according to the second aspect or the third aspect need as previously mentioned not be provided with coupling means. However, according to a preferred embodiment, the cushion is provided with coupling means so as to be able to obtain a cooling cushion assembly according to any of the afore-mentioned embodi- ments. Thus, the cooling cushion may, for instance, be provided with hook-and-loop fasteners and/or holes and/or snap fasteners and/or zipper lock means. According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a cushion for cryotherapy or heat therapy including a flexible cover defining a chamber, the cover having a sealable feeding mouth allowing water to be poured into the chamber, the flexible cover is made from a polymeric film and a check valve being provided in connection with the feeding mouth, wherein a first material is placed in the chamber, the first material reacts endo- thermicly or exothermicly with the water poured into the chamber, when the first material and the water are brought into contact. Hereby, a cushion is provided that can either be used for cryotherapy or heat therapy dependent on the type of reaction, exothermic or endothermic, the first material exhibits when brought into contact with the water poured into the chamber. The reaction between the first material and the water is preferably irreversible. The cushion is light weight and easy to transport, since water first needs to be added when the cushion has to be used and applied. This is an advantage as far as transport and distribution are concerned. Furthermore, since water is accessible in most places, it is not necessary to bring water with the cushion. The level of cooling can be adjusted by pouring water with a certain temperature level into the cushion, as the endothermic reaction extracts the same amount of energy from the water. The same principle applies for regulating the level of heating. The cushion can be used for cooling sports injuries or for any other purpose, where a cold or hot cushion is applicable. The cushion can be manufactured from a cheap material making the cush- ion suitable for disposable use, whereby the cushion does not have any of the unhygienic disadvantages of cushions for multiple appliances. Furthermore, by using a check valve, a particularly simple sealing mechanism is obtained as the feeding mouth is self-sealing after water is poured into the chamber.

The cushion according to the fourth aspect may advantageously be provided with coupling means in accordance with the first aspect.

According to a first embodiment, the first material placed in the chamber is in contact with the flexible cover, such that the first material is brought into contact with the water, when the water is poured into the chamber. Hereby, the exothermic or endothermic reaction is initiated instantly, when the water is poured into the cushion and the water is brought into contact with the first material. Thus, there is no need for breaking a capsule or the like before the endothermic or exothermic reaction is initiated. Hereby a more simple and robust system is provided than conventional systems, where unin- tended breaking of capsule may occur during transport. In another embodiment, the first material is selected from a group comprising anhydrous salts, magnesium sulphate, calcium chloride, sodium acetate, copper(ll) sulfate, calcium oxide or strong acids such as sodium hydroxide or sulphuric acid, so that the first material reacts exothermicly with the water. The amount of the first material is preferably selected such that the water does not become unpleasantly hot, e.g. beyond 70 degrees Celsius. Any other chemical, which is known to react exothermicly with water, may be used.

In another embodiment, the first material is selected from a group comprising ammo- nium chloride, ammonium nitrate, ammonium bromide, ammonium thiocyanate, potassium chloride and carbamide. Thus ammonium chloride (NH ₄ CI), ammonium nitrate (NH ₄ NO ₃ ), ammonium bromide (NH ₄ Br), ammonium thiocyanate (NH ₄ SCN), poly- ethyiengiycoi, potassium chloride (KCI) or carbamide ((NH ₂ ^CO), also known as UREA can be used. The amount of the first material is preferably selected such that the water does not change phase to solid phase, e.g. freezes. Any other chemical, which is known to react endothermicly with water, may be used.

In another embodiment, the first material is in powder form.

In another embodiment, a second material is placed in the chamber, whereby a mixture of the water poured into the chamber and the second material is formed, the mixture having a lower freezing-point than the water being poured into the chamber. Hereby, a lower temperature of the water, and thereby the cushion, can be obtained by lowering the freezing-point of the water without freezing the water, which would otherwise make the cushion rigid and uncomfortable for the user.

In another embodiment, the second material placed in the chamber is in contact with the flexible cover, such that the second material is brought into contact with the water, when the water is poured into the chamber. Hereby, the lowering of the freezing-point is initiated instantly when the water is poured into the cushion and the water is brought into contact with the second material. Thus, there is no need for breaking a capsule or the like before the lowering of the freezing-point is initiated, and thus it is secured that the water does not change phase to solid state, before the freezing-point is lowered. Hereby, a more simple and robust system is provided than with conventional systems.

In another embodiment, the second material is selected from a group comprising so- dium chloride, potassium salt, ammonium salt or organoamine salt. Thus, conventional types of ammonium salts such as ammonium chloride (NH ₄ CI), ammonium nitrate (NH ₄ NO ₃ ), ammonium bromide (NH ₄ Br), ammonium thiocyanate (NH ₄ SCN), can be applied for lowering the freezing-point. However, any other chemical which is known to lower the freezing-point of water when mixed can also be used.

In another embodiment, the second material is in powder form.

In another embodiment, the first material and the second material are the same. Hereby, only one type of powder is needed in the cushion, as the powder possesses both functionalities, e.g. lowering the freezing-point of the water and reacting endo- thermicly with the water. Examples of powders are ammonium chloride (NH ₄ CI), ammonium nitrate (NH ₄ NO ₃ ), ammonium bromide (NH ₄ Br) and ammonium thiocyanate (NH ₄ SCN).

In another embodiment, a water thickening material is placed in the chamber. Hereby, the waters viscosity can be increased when the water and the water thickening material are mixed, so that the cushion is so lively and respondent, e.g. more absorbent, when external forces are applied to the cushion.

In another embodiment, the water thickening material is a powder material of super absorbent polymer (SAP). Said powder lies preferably dry in the cushion prior to usage, and on absorbing water it gains a gel-like viscosity thus achieving an even distribution of the material in the cover of the cushion. It is for instance sufficient to use only 5-10 grams of a super absorbent polymer (SAP) as the powder material in order to achieve an evenly distributed gel-like viscosity after filling in water. If the flexible cover is made from a polymeric film, optionally covered with a non-woven material, the overall weight of a cushion can be kept low. This also means that the cushion is very compact in size, making it suitable for sale in multiple packets and easy transport and distribution.

In another embodiment, the water thickening material is a thickening agent that can be selected from a group comprising pectin, polysaccharides starches, vegetable gums, proteins, fecula, arrowroot, cornstarch, katakuri starch, potato starch, sago, tapioca, alginin, guar gum, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, agar, carrageenan, collagen, furcellaran, gelatin and sodium pyrophosphate. Hereby, the cushion is more absorbent, when external forces are applied to the cushion. In another embodiment, the water thickening material with the absorbed water substantially fills the whole chamber. Hereby, the cushion has uniform properties ensuring evenly distributed cooling or heating.

In another embodiment, the flexible cover comprises two polymeric sheets, each sheet having a perimeter and an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the two polymeric sheets are arranged with the inner surfaces facing each other and are joined along a first seam arranged along at least one of the sheets perimeter. Alternatively the cover may be formed by means of one polymeric layer which is folded and subsequently welded together at the sides. In another embodiment the cover is made from a rubber material.

In another embodiment, the two polymeric sheets furthermore are joined along a sec- ond seam, so that at least two water communicating compartments are formed inside the chamber. Thus by constraining the two sheets, the volume of the chamber is reduced and secures that the amount of water poured into the chamber is limited, so an intended mixture is formed between the first material and/or second material and/or the water thickening material.

In another embodiment, the cushion comprises at least two flaps or strings for attaching the cushion to a leg, arm or any other limb. The cushion may be formed with a number of strings or flaps adapted to be tied around a body. Hereby the strings may for instance be tied around the thigh of a person, whereby the cushion is kept in its place and there is no need to hold on to the cushion.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the cover is coated with an outer textile layer or sheathed by a textile cushion. Hereby a contact face is obtained which may feel more comfortable for a user using the cushion. The outer textile is preferably a thin non-woven material. The non-woven material can be welded together with the polymeric film. The total weight of the flexible cover can thereby be kept low.

In a particular embodiment the water thickening material is a sponge-like material.

Hereby a particularly simple design is obtained of the core of the cushion as the sponge-like material often may absorb a lot of water and swallow up on taking in water, whereby the material may fill the chamber of the whole cushion. The sponge-like mate- rial may be coated with a semi-permeable membrane to ensure that the water stays in the sponge-like material although said material is exposed to a pressure.

In another embodiment the feeding mouth is provided in an outwardly protruding feed- ing nozzle which preferably is sealable by means of a closing body. Said closing body is preferably shaped as a plug or cap adapted to cooperate sealingly with the nozzle, and which preferably has a thread. Hereby an alternative simple sealing mechanism is obtained. Yet again, it may be a closing flap as previously described.

In an alternative embodiment at least two flaps or strings are placed in connection with the feeding mouth on the outside of the cushion. Hereby the feeding mouth can be sealed by tying said flaps or strings together after filling in water. It is also possible to use hook and loop fasteners or some sort of adhesive tape, for instance the type known from diapers. It is also possible to use hooks which will stick to the non-woven material.

Preferably the cushion is provided with a temperature indicator, for instance by the cover having an area which changes colour depending on the temperature of the cushion. Thus it can be ensured that, e.g. on therapeutic treatment, the cushion is used when it has the optimum temperature for the therapeutic treatment. At the same time it can also be ensured that the cushion is not used at such a low temperature that the user feels it to be unpleasant or gets frost-bites or alternatively at such high temperatures that the user is scalded.

The nursing sector is an area in which the cushion is particularly applicable. Here many cushions are used. Here cheap disposable cushions are particularly applicable as sterile, hygienic usage can be ensured and the risk of dissemination can be reduced.

It is seen that four aspects are described in this invention, viz. modular cushions with coupling means as described in the first aspect, cooling cushions according to the second and third aspect and a cushion provided with a material which reacts endothermi- cly or exothermicly with water as described in the fourth aspect. The four aspect may of course be combined.

The invention is described in more details below, with reference to the drawing, where Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of an assembly consisting of three cushions with coupling means, which extends along a small part of a longitudinal side of the cushions,

Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of an assembly consisting of three cushions with coupling means in form of separate flaps,

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention with coupling means, which are integrally formed with the individual cushions,

Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of an assembly, according to the invention, where cushions are coupled together next to each other along longitudinal and transverse sides of the cushions,

Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of an assembly according to the invention,

Fig. 6 shows yet another embodiment of an assembly according to the invention,

Fig. 7 shows a cooling cushion according to another aspect of the invention,

Figs. 8a-d show different assembly configurations providing different overall shapes,

Fig. 9 shows a second cooling cushion according to the invention,

Fig. 10 shows a cushion with a closing flap according to the invention,

Fig. 11 a-c show embodiments of cushions provided with attachment means for engaging a closing flap,

Fig. 12 shows a sectional view through a cushion according to the invention with a check valve for filling in water,

Fig. 13 shows the cushion according to the invention shown in Fig. 12 with a check valve after filling in water,

Fig. 14 is a sectional view through a cushion according to the invention filled with water with an outwardly protruding feeding nozzle and a cap,

Fig. 15 is a sectional view through a cushion according to the invention filled with water with strings adapted to be tied around a body part,

Fig. 16 is a schematic presentation of an alternative embodiment of the cushion with a first seam and a second seam defining two water communicating compartments inside the chamber, seen from above,

Fig. 17 is a schematic presentation of an alternative embodiment of the cushion with a first seam, a second seam, a third seam, a fourth seam and a fifth seam defining a number of water communicating compartments inside the chamber, seen from above,

Fig. 18 is a sectional view along A-A of a cushion according to the invention filled with water and having a first seam and a second seam defining two water communicating compartments inside the chamber,

Fig. 19 shows a cushion for use in an assembly,

Fig. 20 shows a first configuration of an assembly using the cushion of Fig. 19,

Fig. 21 shows a second configuration of an assembly using the cushion of Fig. 19, and

Fig. 22 shows a third configuration of an assembly using the cushion of Fig. 19. In fig. 1 , an assembly is shown consisting of three cushions 1 , 2 and 3. Each cushion can be of the type known from WO 2007/025543 by the same applicant and which is included by reference in the present invention and therefore contains a water absorbing material, which by adding water via an opening 4, 5 and 6 respectively turns into a gel, which is suitable for absorption of heat when influenced by microwaves. Alternatively, the heat cushions can be pre-filled with a gel or another filling material, which is suited for heating in a microwave oven. According to another embodiment, the assembly is used as a cooling cushion, in which case the material need not be suitable for absorption of heat. In this case, it may be sufficient to fill the chamber of the cushions with water and freezing the cushions in a freezer or cooling it in a refrigerator. In this case, the chamber need not be provided with the water absorbing material. However, it may, for instance, be provided with a material, such as a powder material, which lowers the freezing point of the water, so that the water may stay fluidised at lower temperatures, thereby making it easier to fit the cushion to the desired part of the body.

The cushions are normally formed with a peripherical marginal area 7, 8 and 9, along which the two sides of the individual cushions are connected mainly by welding. The cushion shown on the left 1 has along its right side a coupling means 10 consisting of a strip, which is fastened to the respective marginal area 7, e.g. by welding or gluing and the next cushion 2 has similar coupling means 11 , 12 along each of its longitudinal side and the final cushion 3 has a coupling means 13 along its left side. The coupling means are connected to each other by way of snap fasteners 14-21 , which may be of a releasable type, which are inserted through fitting openings in adjacent coupling means

10-13.

The coupling means 7-10 may be of such size that they cover approximately half the longitudinal side of the individual cushions, whereby it is possible for the cushions 1 , 2 and 3 to move freely relatively to each other outside the area of the coupling means 10, 13 to a greater extent than in the area where the coupling means 10, 13 are in connection with each other by way of the snap fasteners 14-21. This flexibility may of course be increased by refraining from using all of the snap fasteners 14-21.

Instead of the coupling means 10-13 consisting of strips, separate flaps 22-41 may be used (see Fig. 2). These flaps 22-41 are also adapted to be connected by way of snap fasteners. For sake of clarity, the snap fasteners are not provided with reference numerals. The flaps 22-41 are also fastened on the respective cushions by way of weld- ing, gluing or the like. Alternatively, the flaps may be part of a polymeric film used for the cover of the cushions.

As is evident by Fig. 3, an assembly of cushions 51-54 may also be coupled by way of coupling means 55-60, which is integrally formed with the cushions 51-54. Therefore, they may be integrally formed with the front of the cushions or the back of the cushions or both. The cushions 51-54 are, as is evident, different in length, as the two cushions in the middle 52 and 53 are longer than the two outermost cushions 51 and 54. Here, the coupling means have a size, which cover the majority of the length of the smaller cushions 51 and 54 and they are connected with each other by way of hook-and-loop fasteners or coupling elements of the zipper lock type. Hereby, they may easily be loosened to a greater or lesser degree, so that the cushions may be moved relative to each other both in direction away from each other in their common plane and in direction parallel with each other away from this plane.

As is evident by Fig. 4, an assembly of cushions 61-66 may also be made by connect- ing six cushions to each other, whereof four of the cushions are connected to each other next to each other and the final two 65-66 are connected partly with each other and partly with the two cushions in the middle 62 and 63. Hereby, an assembly of cushions 61-66 is established, which cover a larger area. The coupling means, which are here shown by reference numerals 67-100, may also be equipped with hook-and-loop fasteners. As shown in connection with the cushions 61 and 64, these outermost cushions may be equipped with coupling means 67-69 and 92-94 respectively, through which additional cushions may be coupled to the assembly.

As is evident by Figs. 1-4, the assembly of cushions 1-3, 51-54 and 61-66 may consist of varying numbers of cushions, as well as the cushions may vary in size and shape and comprise different coupling means 10-13, 55-60 and 67-100. It is possible to have enough cushions next to each other to form a belt to be placed around a body part or they may be connected such that they cover a larger area or be assembled by larger or smaller cushions such that they are fitted to be placed, e.g. around the neck or across the shoulders. The coupling means may be connected to each other by way of coupling elements, such as snap fasteners, which may be of a type that may be disconnected or be adapted to be inserted through fitting openings, such that the coupling means may again be opened. Such coupling elements may be formed so that the coupling elements for two or more openings are integrally connected. The coupling means may also be connected with each other by way of other means, such as strings or the like.

As shown in Fig. 5, the coupling means 103, 104, 105 in this embodiment are integrally formed with the marginal areas of the cushions 106, 107, 108, so that the openings 109, 1 10, 1 11 are provided in the marginal areas or flanges. The mutual distances be- tween the openings 109, 110, 11 1 in the longitudinal and transversal directional in each cushion are the same - that is the coupling means are arranged equidistantly along the sides of the cushions - whereby they may be mutual displaced in the said directions and connected by releasable coupling elements.

Because of the flexible coupling means, the assemblies of cushions may easily be folded and placed in a stack, such that they may easily be placed in a microwave oven or a pot of boiling or hot water with the purpose of heating. Alternatively, for large size assemblies, different parts of the assembly can be heated separately.

The nursing and hospital sectors are areas in which the heat cushion is particularly ap- plicable. Here, due to the low cost price, the cushion may be disposed of after use. Thus, high hygiene can be ensured so that patients with bedsore or infectious disease can be given heat treatment without the risk of spreading infection. Almost all wards have access to a microwave oven now just as there is a microwave oven in almost every ward / apartment at residential homes. Hereby, the cushion can easily be heated. At present, most often gel holding heat cushions are the alternative. Such gel holding heat cushions need to be warmed up in boiling water prior to use resulting in much time consumption for nurses and inconveniences due to having to handle wet cushions in large pots with subsequent wiping off etc. The risk of spreading infection from, for instance, wounds is greatly increased as well, as the heat cushions need to be trans- ported from the wards to, for instance, the wash room after use, where they have to be sterilised and re-heated. An advantage of the heat cushion 1 , according to the invention, is that it only needs to be handled prior to use when everything is sterile and without the risk of infection as only water from the tap is used.

The heat cushion can also be used in cribs or similar where an assembly, according to the invention, may be placed prior to putting down the baby, so that the bed is warm.

The assembly can be disassembled after used, so that the individual heat cushions can be reheated in a microwave oven or a cooking pot.

As mentioned, the heat cushion is cheap and its compact size makes it suitable for sale in multiple packets. This may, for instance, be interesting for long-distance truckers or in connection with car holidays. Thus, if the body aches in different places after a long drive, it is possible to, for instance, stop at a filling station, take a heat cushion from the multiple packet and then fill it with water and finally heat it in the microwave oven of the filling station. The heat cushions may be assembled in any configuration needed, for instance, as a neck pillow similar to the shape shown in Fig. 5. Hereafter, the cushion can be used to soothe the aching muscles.

The compact heat cushions may also be interesting for sidewalk cafes or other public houses. Here, the assembled cushion may be shaped like a seat or a seat cushion, and then the public house may offer its customers a heated cushion to sit on in order to keep warm. Here, the sitting cushions can be sold cheaply or given away free to attract customers or printed with sponsor logos, commercials etc. The heated sitting cushions are also interesting in connection with soccer games or similar stadium events, where spectators often sit down for hours and as the stadiums often are made of concrete this may be a cold experience, particularly during the winter months. Fig. 6 shows an example of such a seat assembled from four individual heat cushions 1 16-119 assembled along common planes and put together to form a circular seat. The individual heat cushion can of course have any desired shape. Such a seat also has the advantage over seats having only a single chamber in that the filling material, e.g. the gel-like substance, is not moved to the sides of the seat due to the modular design of the assembly having smaller separate compartments or chambers.

The invention has been described in connection with cushions provided with means that are suitable for heating. It is also possible to use cushions provided with means suitable for cooling by placing it in a refrigerator or a freezer.

Fig. 7 shows a cooling cushion 150, which is particularly suited for cryotherapy. The cooling cushion 150 has a flexible cover defining a chamber 152 with a plurality of chambers 153. There are openings between the chambers 153, so that they can communicate with each other. The chamber 152 can be filled with water through a liquid inlet 151. The flexible cover is made of a polymer material or rubber and is sheathed by a textile, such as a non-woven textile. Hereby, a cooling cushion is obtained, which is very compact and light-weight prior to appliance as the chamber can be kept empty. Before applying the cooling cushion, water or another suitable liquid can be poured into the chamber 152, thus filling all the separate compartments 153. Afterwards, the cushion 150 can be stored in a freezer before using the cushion for cryotherapy. Alternatively, cold liquid can be poured into the chamber 152 before use. The textile sheath provides a comfortable feel for the user of the cooling cushion and ensures that the user does not obtain frostbites.

The chambers 153 are formed by a number of joints 154 or weldings between the two opposed cushion sheets constituting the flexible cover. Due to the design of the cooling cushion, where the chamber is divided into separate compartments, the cushion can be folded along a line of joints, so that the cooling cushion may fit to the part of the body needing cooling treatment, even if the liquid in the chamber is frozen. The textile sheath may, for instance, be welded to the polymeric sheets. It is recognised that the chambers can be achieved in a number of ways. It is, for instance, sufficient to join the two polymeric sheets with point welding in order to obtain the joints defining the chambers.

The cooling cushion is here depicted without coupling means. However, according to an advantageous embodiment, the cooling cushion is provided with coupling means corresponding to any of the previously described embodiments, so that it is possible to assemble an assembled cooling cushion comprising a number of individual cooling cushions.

It is recognised that a cushion assembly may be connected in different ways due to use of coupling means along the sides and ends of the individual cushions. Figs. 8a-d show four examples of how to make a cushion assembly comprising a first and a second rec- tangularly shaped cushion. Fig. 8a shows a first configuration providing a first overall shape of the assembly, in this case a rectangular overall shape. In this configuration one side of the first cushion is connected to one side of the second cushion, said sides thus forming the common plane along which the cushions are coupled. Fig. 8b shows a second configuration providing a second overall shape of the assembly. Similar to the embodiment of Fig. 8a one side of the first cushion is connected to one side of the second cushion, said sides thus forming the common plane along which the cushions are coupled. However, in this embodiment the two cushions are mutually displaced along the common plane.

Fig. 8c shows a third configuration providing a third overall shape of the assembly, in this case a rectangular overall shape. In this configuration one end of the first cushion is connected to one end of the second cushion, said ends thus forming the common plane along which the cushions are coupled.

Fig. 8d shows a fourth configuration providing a fourth overall shape of the assembly. In this configuration one end of the first cushion is connected to one side of the second cushion, said connected end and side thus forming the common plane along which the cushions are coupled.

Fig. 9 shows a second embodiment of a cooling cushion 250, which is particularly suited for cryotherapy. The cooling cushion 250 has a flexible cover defining a chamber 252 with a plurality of compartments 253. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, there are no openings between the compartments 253. Therefore, the individual compartments 253 cannot communicate directly with each other. The chamber 252 can be filled with water through a liquid inlet 251 , which is connected to a distribution chan- nel 256 from which the liquid can pour into the individual compartments 253. Adjacent compartments are separated by weldings 258. The individual compartmens are provided with one-way valves 257 that ensure that the liquid stays within the compartments 253 after filling. After filling water or another liquid into the chamber 252, the distribution channel 256 may be emptied by leading a finger along the channel, whereby excess liquid is poured into the separate compartment 253. Thus, the cooling bag may bend or fold along the distribution channel 256 and along the weldings 258, even if the liquid is frozen. Thereby, the cooling cushion may readily fit to the body part to which the cooling cushion is applied.

The flexible cover is made of a polymer material or rubber and is optionally sheathed by a textile, such as a non-woven textile. Hereby, a cooling cushion is obtained, which is very compact and light-weight prior to appliance as the chamber can be kept empty. Before applying the cooling cushion, water or another suitable liquid can be poured into the chamber 252, thus filling all the separate compartments 253. Afterwards, the cush- ion 250 can be stored in a freezer before using the cushion for cryotherapy. Alternatively, cold liquid can be poured into the chamber 252 before use. The textile sheath provides a comfortable feel for the user of the cooling cushion and ensures that the user does not obtain frostbites.

The cooling cushion 250 is here depicted without coupling means. However, according to an advantageous embodiment, the cooling cushion is provided with coupling means corresponding to any of the previously described embodiments, so that it is possible to assemble an assembled cooling cushion comprising a number of individual cooling cushions. In the embodiment shown, the chamber only comprises a single distribution channel 256 and two columns of individual compartments 253. However, it is clear that the chamber may comprise two or more distribution channels as well as any number of columns and rows of individual compartments.

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment cooling cushion or a heating cushion 350 provided with an extra closing means. The cooling cushion comprises a flexible cover defining a chamber, in which a filling material is placed, the filling material being adapted for heat or cool treatment of the human body. The flexible cover is made of a polymeric film and is sheathed with a textile layer, such as a non-woven textile. The textile layer is preferably welded to the polymeric film. The chamber has a feeding mouth into which water can be poured. On a first side of the cushion 350, the textile layer extends beyond the feeding mouth, thus providing a closing flap 360. The closing flap 360 may be provided with an adhesive or a hook fastener. Thus, the closing flap may be folded and connected to the textile second side of the cushion 350. Thereby, the feeding mouth is closed.

In a second embodiment of a heating cushion 450, the second side of the cushion 450 is provided with an attachment means 470. In this embodiment, the textile layer is not welded to the polymeric film in the area of the attachment means 470. Alternatively, the textile layer is peel welded to the polymeric film and may be released from the film. Thereby, a closing flap may be folded and arranged between the textile layer and the polymeric film.

In a third embodiment of a heating cushion 550, the second side of the cushion 550 is provided with an attachment means 570 in form of a slot or a slit in the textile layer. Thereby, a closing flap may be folded and inserted into said slit of the textile layer.

In a fourth embodiment of a heating cushion 450, the second side of the cushion 450 is provided with an attachment means 470 in form of a slot or a slit in the textile layer. Thereby, a closing flap may be folded and inserted into said slit of the textile layer.

Fig. 12 shows a sectional view of a cushion 701 according to the invention. The cushion 701 has a cover 702 defining a chamber 715, and which cover is formed from a polymeric thin film. The cushion 701 has an outwardly protruding feeding nozzle 704, which preferably is funnel-shaped so that it easily can be placed on a water tap with a view to filling water into the cushion. Inside the cushion 701 a first material is placed that either reacts endothermicly or exothermicly when brought into contact with the water poured into the chamber. A check valve with two side walls 705, 706 opposite each other is provided in connection with the feeding mouth 704. In Fig. 12, some water has been poured into chamber 715, such that a mixture 703 of water and first material is formed. The cushion 701 can also be provided with a second material lowering the freezing-point and/or and a water thickening agent. Prior to being filled with water, the cushion 701 is totally flat as shown in Fig. 12 and may be folded so that it does not take up much space. The low-cost material makes the cushion 701 particularly suitable for disposable usage and not taking up much space makes the cushions 701 suitable for sale in multiple packets of for instance ten dispos- able cushions.

Upon filling in water a plastic pipe may for example be inserted into the feeding mouth 704 ensuring that the side walls 705, 706 placed opposite each other and thus the check valve are kept open during the fill-up. The cushions may for instance be sold with inserted plastic pipes. Alternatively the water pressure from filling in water will be sufficient to keep the check valve open.

In Fig. 13 more water has been poured into the chamber 715, such that the mixture 703 of water and first material substantially fills the entire chamber 715, such that the check valve 705, 706 closes.

An alternative embodiment of the cushion 701 is shown in Fig. 14. Here the cushion is provided with an outwardly protruding feeding nozzle 709 with an outer thread. After filling in water, the feeding nozzle is closed by sealingly screwing on a cap 710.

In Fig. 15, another embodiment of the cushion 701 is shown, where the cushion 701 is provided with a number of strings or laces 711 , 712, 713, 714 by means of which the cushion 701 for instance may be tied around the thigh of a person needing heat or cool treatment. In this way the cushion 701 stays in the place in which the cool treatment is required and the cushion 701 need not be held on to. It is also possible to use hook and loop fasteners or some sort of adhesive tape, for instance the type known from diapers. It is also possible to use hooks which will stick to the non-woven material.

In Fig. 16 an alternative embodiment, seen from above, of the cushion is shown, where the cushion has a second seam 718 defining two water communicating compartments

722, 723. The second seam 718 reduces the volume of the chamber as compared to a cushion without the second seam. Thus the second seam 718 can be used to control the volume of the chamber, so that the volume of the chamber is balanced with the amount of first material and/or second material and/or water thickening agent, such that an intended mixture with the water is formed. In Fig. 17 yet an alternative embodiment of the cushion is shown, seen from above, this embodiment of the cushion has a second seam 718, a third seam 719, a fourth seam 720 and a fifth seam 721 so that a number of water communicating compartments are formed inside the chamber. As in Fig. 16, these seams 718, 719, 720, 721 can be used to control the volume of the chamber, so that the volume of the chamber is balanced with the amount of first material and/or second material and/or water thickening agent, such that an intended mixture with the water is formed. Furthermore, the seams 718, 719, 720, 721 also provide that the water is more evenly distributed inside the chamber.

In Fig. 18 a cross sectional view along A-A is shown, where two water communicating compartments 722, 723 are formed by the second seam 718.

The first material and/or the second material and/or the thickening agent are preferably placed in the chamber having contact with the cover 702, whereby the first material and/or the second material and/or the thickening agent are brought directly in contact with the water poured into the chamber 715.

Concurrently with the cushion 701 being filled up, the water thickening material 703 ab- sorbs water and swallows up finally substantially filling up the chamber 715 of the entire cushion 701. Subsequently the plastic pipe, if used, is pulled out of the feeding mouth 704 whereupon the side walls 705, 706 of the check valve are pressed together by the interior water pressure of the cushion 701 or by the sponge-like material 703 abutting the check valve as shown in Fig. 13.

The cushion 701 may be formed with two sides with different thicknesses so that these sides have different heat transmission characteristics. Thus first one side of the cushion 701 may advantageously be used for cool or heat treatment and then the second side of the cushion 701 may be used when the temperature of the first side has dropped to a certain value. The two sides of the cushion 701 may have different colours to show which side to start with during the cool treatment. Alternative the two sides may have an area with for instance a medium depending on temperature, such as ink, changing colour depending on the temperature or another way of indicating the temperature.

The nursing and hospital sectors are areas in which the cushion 701 is particularly ap- plicable. Here, due to the low cost price the cushion 701 may be disposed of after use. Thus high hygiene can be ensured so that patients with bedsore or infectious disease can be given cool and hot treatment without the risk of spreading infection. With non- disposable heat or cool cushions the risk of spreading infection from for instance wounds is greatly increased as well, as the cushions need to be transported from the wards to for instance the wash room after use where they have to be sterilised. An advantage of the cushion 701 according to the invention is that it only needs to be handled prior to use when everything is sterile and without the risk of infection as only water from the tap is used.

As mentioned the cushion 701 is low-cost and its compact size makes it suitable for sale in multiple packets. This may for instance be interesting for long-distance truckers or in connection with car holidays.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the water thickening material 703 is a super absorbent polymer (SAP) in powder form. After filling in water, the SAP powder absorbs the water and generates a gel like viscosity. 5-10 grams of SAP powder is sufficient to generate an even distribution of gel in the chamber 715. In order to ensure that the SAP powder is evenly distributed in the chamber 715, the SAP powder can be distrib- uted in lines on a thin sheet of paper, said paper dissolving after the filling in of water. If using a cushion 701 made from a polymeric film and optionally covered with a non- woven material, the overall weight of a cushion can be kept low. This means that the cushion 701 is very compact in size and the material costs are low, making the cushion 701 suitable for sale in multiple packets.

The cushion is preferably used for instant cyrotherapy or instant heat therapy, as the cushion cools or heats instantly after water is poured into the chamber.

Fig. 19 shows another embodiment of a cushion according to the invention and pro- vided with coupling means in form of holes. The cushion of this embodiment has a trapezium shape with two parallel sides and non-parallel ends. A feeding mouth is provided at one end. The trapezium shaped cushion makes it possible to vary the shape of a cushion assembly in different ways.

Fig. 20 shows a first example of a cushion assembly comprising a first and a second trapezium shaped cushion. The two cushions are assembled in such a way that the cushion assembly forms an elongated assembly comprising a bend. This configuration is particular useful as a neck pillow. Fig. 21 shows a second example of a cushion assembly comprising a first and a second trapezium shaped cushion. In this configuration the two cushions are connected along sides thereof thereby providing a broad assem- bly. This configuration is particular useful for application on large parts of the body, such as the loin. Fig. 22 shows a third example of a cushion assembly comprising a first and a second trapezium shaped cushion. In this configuration the two cushions are connected so as to provide an elongated belt. This configuration is particular useful for wrapping around part of the body.

The invention is described with reference to preferred embodiments. Many changes may be made, without departing from the idea of the invention. For example, solutions other than the ones mentioned may be used as coupling elements, such as releasable adhesive means. Also, it is clear that the individual cushions may be pre-filled with a filling material, such as a gel or a grainy substance. It is also clear that the individual heat cushions or cooling cushions can be used alone, i.e. in a non-assembled form.