ICE BATH

Abstract

An ice bath having a receptacle section and a temperature control element adjacent thereto and arranged to adjust the temperature of the receptable section. The temperature control element is connected to a refrigeration module that reduces the temperature of the receptacle. The temperature control element is further connected to a heating module that increases the temperature of the receptacle.

Claims

1. An immersion therapy ice bath for a human having: a receptacle section with an internal surface and a temperature control element adjacent thereto and arranged to adjust the temperature of the internal surface of the receptacle section, wherein, the temperature control element is connected to: a refrigeration module that reduces the temperature of the internal surface of the receptacle; and a heating module that increases the temperature of the internal surface of the receptacle.

2. An ice bath according to claim 1, wherein a valve is connected to the temperature control element and the valve is further connected to both: the refrigeration module; and the heating module, wherein the heating module is a heat storage unit; and wherein, in a first state, the valve allows the movement of heat away from the temperature control element to decrease the temperature of the receptacle section; and, in a second state, the valve allows the movement of heat from the heat storage unit into the temperature control element to increase the temperature of the receptacle section.

3. An ice bath according to claim 1, wherein the valve is a solenoid valve.

4. An ice bath according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control element comprises a conduit through which fluid passes.

5. An ice bath according to claim 1, wherein a central processing unit is provided to control the ice bath and the state thereof.

6. An ice bath according to claim 5, wherein sensors are provided, and those sensors provide feedback to the central processing unit.

7. An ice bath according to claim 6, wherein the sensors monitor at least one parameter from a group comprising: ambient air temperature; water temperature; and ambient humidity.

8. An ice bath according to claim 1, wherein a timing module is provided.

9. An ice bath according to claim 1, wherein, when the ice bath is in its first state, heat passes from the temperature control module to the heat storage.

10. An ice bath according to claim 1, wherein a wireless transmitter and wireless receiver is provided that can send and receive information relating to the control of the ice bath.

11. A method of operating an immersion therapy ice bath for a human according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) having liquid within the receptacle of the ice bath; b) placing the ice bath into the first state and chilling the receptacle for a predetermined chilling time to create a layer of ice on an internal surface of the receptacle; and c) placing the ice bath into the second state and heating the receptable for a predetermined heating time to release the layer of ice from the internal surface of the receptacle.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein, when the ice is released, the ice is created with a waveform profile on at least one surface and wherein the thickness of the ice of the waveform is a maximum of 30 mm.

13. A method according to claim 11, wherein a central processing unit is provided, and sensors are provided, wherein the sensors monitor at least one variable parameter and the processor adjusts at least one of the predetermined chilling time and the predetermined heating time.

14. An ice bath according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control element is configured to control: the refrigeration module, such that ice forms on the inner wall of the receptacle; and the heating module, such that the formed ice is released from the internal surface of the receptacle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an ice bath accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0035] FIG. 1 shows an ice bath 10, in which a receptacle 12 is provided with a temperature control element in the form of copper pipework 14, which is in physical contact with the receptacle. This may be undertaken by applying a layer of thermal mastic around the pipework 14 and the receptacle 12 to ensure a good contact. No gaps should be present in and around the pipework 14 in order to reduce the risk of the condensation formation; instead, the pipework 14 should be sealed adjacent the receptacle 12.

[0036] The copper pipework 14 is connected to a refrigeration system, including a suction line header 16, which is in fluid communication with a compressor 18 and, in turn to a condenser 20. The condenser 20 in fluid communication with the pipework 14 via a filter dryer 22, which reduces the risk of water and solids entering into the system.

[0037] The condenser 20 has a secondary connection to the pipework 14 via a solenoid valve 24. This bypass conduit 26 allows fluid within the condenser 20 to be directed into the pipework 14 without passing through the filter dryer 22. The system is primed with a coolant. Thus, coolant fluid can pass from the condenser 20 to the pipework 14 via the filter dyer 22 or via the solenoid valve 24.

[0038] A central processing unit (not shown) is employed to control the ice bath. The central processing unit can be connected to a timing module and sensors may be provided to give feedback to the central processing unit.

[0039] In operation, the ice bath is placed into a first, chilling, state in which the compressor 18 is used to draw heat from the pipework 14, thereby reducing the temperature of the water in the receptacle. As per a refrigeration arrangement, coolant passes from the pipework 14 into the compressor 16 and is compressed to elevate its temperature. The compressed coolant passes from the compressor 18 to the condenser 20; however, whilst some of the heat from the condenser 20 may be dispersed into the atmosphere, at least part of the heat is stored in the condenser 20, or elsewhere, which operates as a heat storage unit.

[0040] When the first state has been maintained for a pre-determined period, which may be a set period of time or it may be based upon a temperature threshold of the water, a layer of ice is formed on the internal surface of the receptacle 12. When the ice is of a desired thickness, the first state is ended, and the ice bath is placed into either a dormant state or a second state.

[0041] In the second state, the solenoid valve 24 is opened, which allows the flow of heat to pass from the condenser 20 into the pipework 14. As a result, the pipework 14 increases in temperature and the surface of the receptable 12 adjacent the pipework 14 is warmed. Where coolant fluid passes from the condenser 20 to the pipework 14 via the solenoid vale 24, the coolant fluid will have an elevated temperature, which is to say that it will have a temperature that is higher than that of the ice and, preferably, the temperature will be considerably higher in order to rapidly release the ice layer from the receptacle surface without heating the water significantly. This fluid effectively defrosts the surface of the receptacle 12 and the ice layer that has been created within the receptacle 12 is released from the surface and it floats to the top of the water contained within the receptacle 12. The ice bath 10 is kept in the second state for a pre-determined period, which may be time dependent, or it may be based upon information received from the sensors, for example, the temperature of the water within the receptacle 12, or the temperature of the receptacle surface that is adjacent the pipework 14. When the second state ends, the ice bath 10 may be placed into a dormant state or it may enter back into the first state.

[0042] In the dormant state, the compressor 18 is dormant and the solenoid valve 24 remains closed. Thus, no heating or cooling of the pipework 14 is undertaken by the system, although it will be appreciated that natural heating of the system may occur due to conduction of atmospheric heat.

[0043] Due to the shape of the pipework 14, the ice layer may have a corrugated shape and, where this is the case, the ice can readily break up within the water, either due to turbulence within the water or as the narrower part of the ice melt quicker than the thicker parts. Thus, shards of ice are created that assist with keeping the water in the receptacle cold and suitable for cold water immersion.

[0044] Heat from the compressor is stored, rather than being dispersed. Thus, when the ice bath goes into the second, warming state to defrost the ice layer from the receptacle, the heat from the compressor is used. To this end, in a preferred embodiment, the condenser 20 receives superheated vapour from the compressor 18, which is fluid at high temperature and high pressure. The condenser 20 retains at least some of the heat from the superheated vapour so that it can be dispersed back into the pipework 14 to run the second state, which may be considered the defrost state. A fan can be provided to reduce the risk of the condenser 20 overheating and to disperse excess heat that may be accumulated.

[0045] It will be appreciated that a lid may be provided to the ice bath to assist with insulating the receptacle.

[0046] The receptacle is, preferably, a thermally conductive material, such as metal, to ensure that the temperature control element is able to readily affect the water temperature, either drawing heat therefrom or passing heat therein.