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WO1998017213A1 - Dispositif pour rechauffer une partie du corps - Google Patents

Dispositif pour rechauffer une partie du corps Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998017213A1
WO1998017213A1 PCT/AU1997/000703 AU9700703W WO9817213A1 WO 1998017213 A1 WO1998017213 A1 WO 1998017213A1 AU 9700703 W AU9700703 W AU 9700703W WO 9817213 A1 WO9817213 A1 WO 9817213A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heating
body part
container
phase change
change substance
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/AU1997/000703
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Peter Lawrence Murphy
Terry Howard Solomon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Thermal Energy Accumulator Products Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Thermal Energy Accumulator Products Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thermal Energy Accumulator Products Pty Ltd filed Critical Thermal Energy Accumulator Products Pty Ltd
Priority to AU45453/97A priority Critical patent/AU4545397A/en
Publication of WO1998017213A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998017213A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
    • A61F7/02—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
    • A61F7/02—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling
    • A61F2007/0292—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling using latent heat produced or absorbed during phase change of materials, e.g. of super-cooled solutions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
    • A61F7/007—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body characterised by electric heating

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a device for heating a body part and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a device adapted for remedial or therapeutic heating by manually applying the device to a person's skin.
  • a rubber bottle having a screw cap for sealably containing hot water is used to heat a person's feet while they are in bed. Heating is effected by the specific or sensible heat of the hot water being absorbed by the feet via the rubber bottle. Specific heat for water is relatively low, approximately four (4) kiloJoules/kg (kJ/kg) , and thus effective heating is provided for a relatively short period. Furthermore, hot water has the potential to burn or scald a person if the bottle is not adequately insulated or sealed to safeguard against this problem.
  • An intention of the present invention is to provide a device for heating a body part that is effective in use for a relatively long period.
  • a device for heating a body part comprising: a container being designed to sealably contain a phase change substance having a relatively high latent heat of fusion; and heating means operatively coupled to the container so as to provide heating for the phase change substance whereby, in use, at least a portion of said phase change substance can be substantially fused using the heating means, and thereafter the container placed directly or indirectly in heat conductive communication with a body part so that latent heat is released from the phase change substance as the substance crystallises and thus the body part is heated.
  • the phase change substance is hermetically sealed within the container.
  • the container comprises one or more sheets arranged so as to define a chamber in which the phase change substance is contained.
  • the volume of the chamber is less than approximately one (1) litre.
  • the chamber is substantially full of said phase change substance.
  • the container includes an opening designed to retractably receive the heating means.
  • the device further comprises a closure element configured to be removably received within the opening so as to sealably contain the phase change substance in the chamber of the container.
  • the heating means sealably connects to the closure element so that the heating means is immersed in the phase change substance whilst the closure element is received within the opening so as to seal the container .
  • the container is constructed of a resilient material so that, in use, when a portion of the container is contacted with a body part, said portion is resiliently deformed to substantially contour to the body part for effective heat transfer therewith.
  • the container is constructed of a material having relatively low thermal conductivity so that, in use, the period during which the phase change substance remains in the liquid phase is substantially maximised thereby providing effective heating for a relatively long period.
  • the material is a synthetic rubber material.
  • at least a portion of an external surface of the container is ribbed or textured to provide an increased surface area for heat transfer to the body part via the container. Furthermore, the ribbed or textured external surface insulates the phase change substance from ambient temperature conditions and thus maximises the period during which the phase change substance remains in the liquid phase.
  • the phase change substance is a hydrate salt or a derivative thereof having a relatively high latent heat of fusion.
  • the hydrate salt has a melting point of between approximately 30°C to 70°C.
  • the hydrate salt has a melting point of approximately 58°C and a latent heat of fusion of approximately 226 kiloJouies/kg
  • the heating means is adapted to couple to an electrical power supply.
  • the heating means includes a heating element, at least part of said element being immersed in the phase change substance.
  • the heating means includes a resistance heating element, said element being coupled to the electrical power supply.
  • the heating means also includes a thermostat operatively coupled to the heating element, the thermostat being configured to control the temperature of the phase change substance within the container.
  • the thermostat when the temperature reaches a predetermined set point the thermostat acts to stop further heating of the phase substance.
  • the predetermined set point for heating of the phase change substance may be approximately 65°C.
  • the device is adapted for direct heating of the skin of a human body.
  • the device is adapted to be used on the human body part such as in physiotherapy treatment.
  • the device is designed for remedial heating of the human body part such as for warming a person's feet.
  • the device is configured to be removably received within a body of a cuddly toy or the like, such as a teddy bear.
  • the device is retractably received within a cavity formed in the body of the cuddly toy.
  • the device can be used for indirectly warming a child cuddling a toy, via the layers from which the toy is made.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a device for heating a body part
  • Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken both in elevation and plan of the container of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is an elevational view of the heating means taken from Figure 1.
  • FIG. 1 there is a device 10 for heating a body part (not shown) , the device 10 comprising a container 12 sealably containing a phase change substance, in this example a hydrate salt 14.
  • the hydrate salt 14 has a relatively high latent heat of fusion.
  • the hydrate salt 14 of this example is sodium acetate trihydrate or a derivative thereof.
  • phase change substances may be used depending on the heating requirements .
  • the choice of phase change substance will depend on what temperature heating is required at which is dictated largely by the melting point of the phase change substance.
  • Sodium acetate trihydrate has a melting point of approximately 58°C and a latent heat of fusion of approximately 226 kJ/kg. Hydrate salts having a melting point and latent heat of fusion similar to sodium acetate trihydrate may also be used.
  • the container 12 comprises a first and a second mutually opposing sheet 16, 18, respectively, of substantially the same shape and size.
  • the first and second sheets 16, 18 are joined around opposing peripheral edges 20 of each sheet 16, 18.
  • the container 12, and the first and second sheets 16, 18 are substantially rectangular in shape.
  • the opposing sheets 16, 18 are joined together by heat sealing adjacent the peripheral edge 20.
  • a chamber 22 is thus formed between the first and second sheets 16, 18.
  • the container 12 may be injection moulded in a single piece without any perimeter joints.
  • the chamber 22 is thus formed between the first and second sheets 16, 18.
  • the container 12 may be injection moulded in a single piece without any perimeter joints.
  • the chamber is thus formed between the first and second sheets 16, 18.
  • the first and second sheets 16, 18, and thus the container 12 are constructed of a synthetic rubber material.
  • the synthetic rubber material is resilient and has relatively low thermal conductivity.
  • an upper surface of the first sheet 16 may have a series of parallel ribs extending longitudinally thereon. The ribs would be formed integral with the first sheet 16.
  • An opening 24 is formed within a neck portion 26 of the container 12.
  • the opening 24 is cylindrical-shaped and is formed within a plastic cork 28 of the neck portion 26.
  • the opening 24 is provided for filling of the container 12 with the phase change substance 14.
  • the device 10 also includes heating means shown generally as 30 being operatively coupled to the container 12 so as to provide heating for the phase change substance 14.
  • the heating means includes a resistance heating element 32 adapted to couple to an electrical power supply (not illustrated) .
  • a closure element or heating element housing 34 is connected to the heating element 32, the element housing 34 designed to be removably received within the opening 24 of the container 12.
  • the opening 24 and element housing 34 are dimensioned so that the plastic cork 28 is resiliently biased against and thus grips the element housing 34 within the opening 24. Accordingly, the phase change substance 14 is sealably contained within the container 12.
  • a thermostat 36 is located inside the element housing 34, the thermostat 36 being operatively coupled to both a single phase mains power supply and the heating element 32 so as to control heating of the phase change substance 14.
  • the element housing 34 incorporates a standard 3 -pin connection 38 for connection to mains power.
  • the heating element 32 is of a standard construction having a metal element or heat resistive wire and is rated at between 300 to 400 Watts (W) .
  • a LED 40 is also provided on the housing 34, the LED 40 designed to light when the heating element 32 is heating.
  • the heating element 32 is electrically connected to mains power via the 3 -pin connection 38 of the element housing 34.
  • the phase change substance in this example sodium acetate trihydrate 14
  • the LED 40 illuminates whilst the heating element 32 is heating.
  • the thermostat 36 having a bi-metal disc actuating a switching mechanism opens the electrical circuit and stops further heating of the phase change substance 14. In this condition, the LED 40 is not lit.
  • the device 10 can then be unplugged from the mains power supply and contacted with the skin of a person.
  • an external surface of the first or second sheets 16, 18 is contacted with the person's skin.
  • latent heat is released from the hydrate salt 14 and the person's skin is heated via the first or second sheets 16, 18.
  • the device 10 containing approximately 750 mL of sodium acetate trihydrate will effect warming of the skin for between eight (8) to twelve (12) hours.
  • the surface temperature of the container 12 should be maintained at between approximately 40 to 60°C over this period.
  • the container 12 is constructed of a synthetic rubber material having relatively low thermal conductivity
  • the period during which the hydrate salt 14 remains in the liquid phase is substantially maximised. Effective heating of the skin is thus provided for a relatively long period.
  • the container 12 is constructed of a resilient material the device 10 can be wrapped or contoured around a body part to be treated which provides increased heat transfer between the hydrate salt 14 and the skin. Reheating or recharging of the hydrate salt 14 may be effected by plugging the heating element 32 back into mains power via the 3-pin connection 38. The LED 40 will, once again, illuminate until the thermostat 36 cuts power to the heating element 32.
  • the device 10 may be used for a variety of applications where heating of a body part is required.
  • the device 10 may be used for heating of a person's feet in bed as a substitute for a known hot water bottle.
  • the device 10 is believed to provide heating for a period of up to approximately twelve (12) hours.
  • the device (not illustrated) is configured so as to be removably received within a cuddly toy or the like, such as a teddy bear.
  • the device is of similar construction to that described above except that the container is formed in a cylindrical shape and is of suitable length to be accommodated within the body of the cuddly toy. In one example, the outside diameter of the cylindrical container will be from between 25 to 50 mm.
  • the device is designed to be retractably received within the cuddly toy. Otherwise operation of this device is similar to operation of the device 10 described above. That is, the phase change substance is electrically heated via a resistance heating element immersed in said substance.
  • the device is detached from the electrical power supply and inserted within the cavity formed in the cuddly toy.
  • the device indirectly warms the child via the layers from which the toy is made.
  • the device provides heating which is effective over a relatively long period of time; (ii) the device provides an effective means for heating safely using latent heat without the risk of being burnt or scalded by sensible heat; and (iii) the device can be recharged safely and with relative ease using the heating means.
  • the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and that numerous variations and modifications can be made to the device for heating a body part which are considered to be within the ambit of the present invention.
  • the container is not restricted to the shape and configuration described herein but may be of practically any shape so long as the container sealably contains a phase change substance, and the substance can be heated by heating means operatively coupled to the container.
  • the container need not be resilient as described herein.
  • the container may also be constructed of a material having relatively high thermal conductivity where rapid heat transfer over a somewhat shorter period of time is required.
  • the present invention is not limited to any of the applications described herein but may extend to any application for heating a body part.
  • the device is not restricted to application on humans but may also be used on animals. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Thermotherapy And Cooling Therapy Devices (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif (10) destiné à réchauffer une partie du corps et comprenant un récipient (12) qui renferme de manière étanche une substance à changement de phase telle qu'un sel hydraté (14). Le dispositif (10) inclut également un dispositif de chauffage, raccordé (30) de manière fonctionnelle au récipient (12) et conçu pour réchauffer la substance à changement de phase (14). Selon l'un des modes de réalisation, le dispositif de chauffage (30) comprend un élément chauffant à résistance (32), conçu pour être raccordé à une alimentation électrique. Une ouverture (24) est pratiquée dans le goulot (26) du récipient (12). Un élément de fermeture ou un boîtier de l'élément chauffant (34) est raccordé à l'élément chauffant (32). Ce boîtier d'élément chauffant (34) est conçu de façon à pouvoir être introduit de manière amovible dans l'ouverture (24) du récipient (12). Lors du fonctionnement, l'élément chauffant (32) provoque la fusion de la substance à changement de phase (14); on met alors le dispositif (10) en contact avec la peau d'une personne; au fur et à mesure que la substance à changement de phase ou le sel hydraté (14) se cristallise à température ambiante, le sel hydraté (14) dégage une chaleur latente et réchauffe la peau de la personne.
PCT/AU1997/000703 1996-10-17 1997-10-17 Dispositif pour rechauffer une partie du corps Ceased WO1998017213A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU45453/97A AU4545397A (en) 1996-10-17 1997-10-17 A heating device

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPO3070A AUPO307096A0 (en) 1996-10-17 1996-10-17 A heating device
AUPO3070 1996-10-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998017213A1 true WO1998017213A1 (fr) 1998-04-30

Family

ID=3797379

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU1997/000703 Ceased WO1998017213A1 (fr) 1996-10-17 1997-10-17 Dispositif pour rechauffer une partie du corps

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AUPO307096A0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1998017213A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19940715A1 (de) * 1999-08-26 2001-03-22 Volker Barkey Temperiervorrichtung für Wärmflaschen und andere flüssigkeitsgefüllte Formartikel
WO2007117159A1 (fr) * 2006-04-08 2007-10-18 Carl Ernest Alexander CHAUFFE-litS économeS en énergie

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2158936A (en) * 1984-05-15 1985-11-20 Edeco Holdings Ltd Latent heat storage device
US4894931A (en) * 1986-08-19 1990-01-23 Salomon S. A. Heating device
US5366491A (en) * 1993-06-10 1994-11-22 Bruder Healthcare Company Moist heat apparatus
WO1996026694A2 (fr) * 1995-02-27 1996-09-06 Vesture Corporation Dispositif d'accumulation de chaleur
WO1997000055A1 (fr) * 1995-06-15 1997-01-03 Thermal Energy Accumulator Products Pty. Ltd. Dispositif pour rechauffer ou refroidir une partie du corps

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2158936A (en) * 1984-05-15 1985-11-20 Edeco Holdings Ltd Latent heat storage device
US4894931A (en) * 1986-08-19 1990-01-23 Salomon S. A. Heating device
US5366491A (en) * 1993-06-10 1994-11-22 Bruder Healthcare Company Moist heat apparatus
WO1996026694A2 (fr) * 1995-02-27 1996-09-06 Vesture Corporation Dispositif d'accumulation de chaleur
WO1997000055A1 (fr) * 1995-06-15 1997-01-03 Thermal Energy Accumulator Products Pty. Ltd. Dispositif pour rechauffer ou refroidir une partie du corps

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19940715A1 (de) * 1999-08-26 2001-03-22 Volker Barkey Temperiervorrichtung für Wärmflaschen und andere flüssigkeitsgefüllte Formartikel
DE19940715C2 (de) * 1999-08-26 2001-12-06 Volker Barkey Temperiervorrichtung für Wärmflaschen und andere flüssigkeitsgefüllte Formartikel
WO2007117159A1 (fr) * 2006-04-08 2007-10-18 Carl Ernest Alexander CHAUFFE-litS économeS en énergie

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AUPO307096A0 (en) 1996-11-14

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