APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A HEATING OR COOLING EFFECT

Abstract

A device configured to treat a human or animal body part or limb by providing a heating and/or cooling effect in addition to a compressive force. A metallic conductive material is positioned in thermal contact with at least one Peltier cell whereby the heating and cooling effect generated at an active face of the Peltier cell is conducted and distributed over the surface area of the conductive material. The conductive material comprises a significantly greater surface area than the active face of the Peltier cell. A compressive force may be applied to the human or animal body part or limb by the control of a fluid into an expandable sack secured with the conductive material to the body part

Claims

1-35. (canceled)

36. A method of treating a human or animal by providing a heating and a cooling effect to a region of the human or animal, said method comprising: (a) generating heat and providing a cooling effect using at least one thermoelectric module (b) positioning at least one solid conductive material, in contact with said thermoelectric module, in contact with said region of said human or animal thereby transferring said heat and said cooling effect generated by said thermoelectric module to said human or animal; (c) generating a compressive force to said region of said human or animal using at least one expandable material; (d) securing said conductive material and said expandable material in contact with said region of said human or animal using a securing element; (e) wherein flow of fluid into and out of the expandable material is controlled to achieve a therapeutic effect from a combination of heating, cooling, and compression, and wherein a timer is presettable for a desired operative time interval to provide a cooling or heating effect or a compressive force or a combination thereof.

37. The method as claimed in claim 36 further comprising controlling said heating and cooling effect provided by said thermoelectric module and an expansion of said expandable material.

38. The method as claimed in claim 37 wherein said control is effected from a position remote from said thermoelectric module.

39. The method as claimed in claims 37 further comprising positioning a bladder about said conductive material, said bladder capable of housing a conductive liquid.

40. The method as claimed in claim 39 wherein said bladder is an expandable bladder, and the method includes controlling an amount of said liquid in said bladder wherein said bladder is capable of generating a compressive force to said region of said human or animal.

41. The method as claimed in claim 39 wherein said liquid is a gel.

42. The method as claimed in claim 39, wherein said bladder is divided into a plurality of channels, said channels being in a fluid communication with one another.

43. The method as claimed in claim 39, wherein said bladder is divided into a network of compartments, said compartments being in fluid communication with one another.

44. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said expandable material is an expandable sack that is divided into a plurality of channels, said channels being in fluid communication with one another.

45. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said expandable material is an expandable sack that is divided into a network of compartments, said compartments being in fluid communication with one another.

46. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said expandable material is an expandable sack and the method includes inflating the sack by introduction of air as the fluid into said expandable sack.

47. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said conductive material is a metal.

48. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said conductive material comprises at least two separate pieces of conductive material joined together and movable relative to one another.

49. The method as claimed in claim 48, wherein said pieces of conductive material are pivotally mounted to one another.

50. The method as claimed in claim 48, wherein said pieces of conductive material are slidably mounted to one another.

51. The method as claimed in claim 48, wherein said pieces of conductive material are detachably joined together.

52. The method as claimed in claim 48, wherein said conductive material is curved.

53. The method as claimed in claim 48, wherein said conductive material comprises at least one bent or curved region.

54. The method as claimed in claim 48, wherein said conductive material comprises a plurality of bent or curved regions.

55. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein a portion of said conductive material is enclosed by a fabric material.

56. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein a portion of said conductive material is covered by a foam material.

57. The e as claimed in claim 36, wherein a portion of said conductive material is covered by a polymer material.

58. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said conductive material is a metallic mesh.

59. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said conductive material comprises a non-uniform thickness.

60. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said conductive material is copper.

61. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said step of securing said conductive material comprises positioning a wrap around a body part or limb of said human or animal.

62. The method as claimed in claim 61, wherein said wrap is elasticated.

63. The method as claimed in claim 36, further comprising positioning heat dissipation means at said thermoelectric module, thereby to dissipate heat from said thermoelectric module.

64. The method as claimed in claim 36, further comprising positioning an insulating material at said conductive material.

65. The device as claimed in claim 36, further comprising positioning a temperature sensor at said thermoelectric module or said conductive material.

66. The method as claimed in claim 65, further comprising temperature display being connected to said temperature sensor.

67. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein adjustably regulating an amount of fluid introduced into said expandable sack using said control means so as to provide a therapeutic action to said human or animal when said device is secured to said region of said human or animal.

68. The method as claimed in claim 67, wherein said regulation of said amount of fluid introduced into said expandable sack is provided by a solenoid valve.

69. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said thermoelectric module is a Peltier module.

70. The method as claimed in claim 36 further comprising releasing fluid from said expandable material using a release valve.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 herein illustrates the heating and cooling device according to a specific implementation of the present invention wrapped around an arm of a person;

[0034] FIG. 2 herein illustrates a cross sectional side elevation view of the thermoelectric module and associated additional components of the heating and cooling device;

[0035] FIG. 3 herein illustrates an exploded perspective view of the heating and cooling device in which a conductive material is divided into two pieces joined together by a movable joint;

[0036] FIG. 4 herein illustrates a perspective view of the heating and cooling device further comprising an expandable sack positioned about the conductive material;

[0037] FIG. 5 herein is cross sectional side elevation view of selected layers of the heating and cooling device;

[0038] FIG. 6 herein is a cross sectional plan view of the expandable sack comprising a network of internal channels;

[0039] FIG. 7 herein illustrates the heating and cooling device connected to suitable control means according to a specific implementation of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 8 herein illustrates schematically selected components of the heating and cooling device according to a specific implementation of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

[0042] A device is provided configured for generating heat or providing a cooling effect to a region or body part of a human or animal. The inventors utilise at least one conventional, known thermoelectric module operating according to the Peltier principle. The present invention is particularly adapted for the treatment of sprains, strains or impact injuries to joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles where the recommended treatment involves topical application of heating and cooling and/or alternate heating and cooling cycles. The effectiveness of the device, utilising at least one Peltier cell is significantly enhanced by the use of at least one thermally conductive material positioned intermediate and in thermal contact with the at least one thermoelectric module and the skin of a patient. Accordingly, the heating or cooling effect generated by the thermoelectric module is conducted or translated by the conductive material to an area of skin in contact with the material.

[0043] Additionally, the present invention comprises at least one expandable sack for positioning about the conductive material such that by introduction of a fluid into the sack, a compressive force may be applied to the body part or region to be treated.

[0044] FIG. 1 herein illustrates a perspective view of the device 100 wrapped around the arm of a person 101. The device comprises a component 103 configured to generate heat or provide a cooling effect to a contact region of the patient.

[0045] According to the specific implementation of the present invention, component 103 comprises at least one known Peltier cell incorporating regions of an n-type semiconductor and regions of a p-type semiconductor. On the application of current to the Peltier cell, the cell is configured to provide a heating effect or a cooling effect at an active surface according to the Peltier principle. Typical Peltier cells comprise an active surface area of approximately 6 to 6.5 cm.sup.2. In order to increase this active surface area a conductive material is positioned in contact with the active face.

[0046] The device further comprises means to provide a compressive force to the region to be treated to enhance the therapeutic effect. As illustrated in FIG. 1 herein, a portion of the thermoelectric module, the conductive material and the means for providing a compressive force may be housed within strap 102 configured to be secured about the injured joint or region.

[0047] FIG. 2 herein illustrates a cross sectional side elevation view of a portion of the present invention and FIG. 3 herein illustrates an exploded perspective view of selected components of the present invention. A main body portion 204 designed to operate as a heat sink is sandwiched between a heat dissipation fan 200 and the thermoelectric Peltier cell 206. The heat sink may comprise a suitable metallic material and has a plurality of channels 205 extending through an upper region to assist in heat dissipation from the Peltier cell 206. The heat dissipation means 200 comprises a casing comprising a plurality of vents or heat transfer fins 203. A rotatably mounted fan is housed within means 200 in which a plurality of fan blades 201 extend radially from a central spindle 202. A material 207 is located around the periphery of the Peltier cell configured to assist in maintaining the thermal gradient between the active surface of the Peltier cell 211 and an adjacent face 212. A conductive material 209 is positioned in thermal contact with the active face 211 of the Peltier cell. A non-conductive material 210 is positioned in thermal contact with the conductive material 209 in a region opposed to the active face 211 of the Peltier cell.

[0048] The Peltier cell is connected to a electrical power source using conventional wiring. In operation, heat may be omitted or absorbed at the active face 211 depending upon the direction of current flow. For example, and in a cooling mode of operation the DC current passes from the n-type to p-type semiconductive material causing a decrease in temperature at the cold junction, resulting in absorption of heat from the environment in contact with active face 211. Heat is carried through the Peltier cell by electron transport and released on the adjacent face 212. The amount of heat is proportional to the applied current and the number of p-n junctions connected electronically in series. The heat transferred to face 212 is absorbed by heat sink 204 and subsequently dissipated by the action of the rotating fan blades 201.

[0049] By reversing the current flow, electron transport across the p-n junctions is reversed such that the active face 211 becomes hot, whereby this heat is transferred to the environment in thermal contact with this active face.

[0050] The present invention utilises at least one piece of conductive material 209 in thermal contact with the active face 211 of the Peltier cell 206. Accordingly, when operating in a heating mode, heat energy is transferred to the conductive material and subsequently the skin of a patient in contact with the material. When operating in a cooling mode, heat energy is drawn from the conductive material by the Peltier cell 206 via active face 211.

[0051] The present invention utilises a conductive material comprising a significantly larger surface area than active face 211 of the Peltier cell. The conductive material may be formed from a sheet material of uniform or non-uniform thickness, the sheet material being in particular metallic copper.

[0052] According to further specific implementations of the present invention, the conductive material may comprise a metallic mesh, webbing or the like configured to allow thermal conduction.

[0053] Therapeutic treatment of the injured joint or region is most effective when substantially the entire region is subjected to the topical heating and cooling. Accordingly, the conductive material may comprise one or a plurality of bent or curved regions 300, 303, 304 configured to match the curvature and contours of the body part.

[0054] The conductive material is divided into two pieces 209, 305 joined together to form a movable joint 301 by suitable pivot means 302. For example, when secured to an arm region of a human, joint 301 is capable of synchronised movement with the elbow joint of the arm.

[0055] According to further specific implementations of the present invention the conductive sheet material may comprise a plurality of movable joints in which the pieces of conductive material are slidably and/or detachably mounted.

[0056] According to specific implementations of the present invention the conductive material 209 may be permanently or releasably positioned in contact with the Peltier cell whereby when the conductive material is releasably attached, the device is configurable for independent use with any one of a plurality of different pieces of conductive material configured and shaped specifically for positioning in contact with different regions of a human or animal body, for example an elbow joint, a neck, an ankle, a knee or lower back. Additionally, a suitable sleeve or locating/receiving means may be provided adjacent the active face of the Peltier cell configured to receive and releasably secure the conductive material in position, at the Peltier cell.

[0057] Conductive material 209, 305 may be pre-formed with a plurality of bent and curved regions and/or may be of an appropriate thickness to allow a user to manipulate the sheet material into the desired shape to more accurately correspond to the contours of an injured joint or region. In particular, where the conductive material is of non-uniform thickness, certain thinner regions of the material may allow manipulation by a user whilst thicker regions may be configured to retain a pre-formed shape and configuration.

[0058] FIG. 4 herein illustrates a perspective view of the device of FIG. 3 herein further comprising an expandable sack 400 positioned over and about the conductive material 209, 305. A suitable strap or support 401 connected to or positioned over and about the expandable sack is configured to secure the device in position. A valve 403 allows communication between the expandable sack 400 and tubing 402 enabling an expansion fluid to be introduced and expelled from the sack 400. Expandable sack 400 is configured for the temporal storage of an expansion fluid, in particular air.

[0059] When the expandable sack 400 is secured in position around the treatment region of the patient as illustrated in FIG. 1 herein any expansion of the sack 400 will result in a corresponding tightening of the strap 102 and/or 401 thereby providing a compressive force to the injured region. Additionally, by controlling the flow of fluid into and out of the expandable sack, a massaging effect may be achieved so as to enhance the therapeutic effect of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 5 herein illustrates a cross sectional side elevation view through the device according to a slightly modified specific implementation of the present invention. The device comprises an outermost layer 500 corresponding to the outermost layer of strap 102 configured to substantially encase the thermoelectric cell, the conductive material and the expandable sack. The expandable sack 400 housed by the exterior layer 500 comprises a single internal chamber 501 configured for the temporal storage of the expansion fluid. A thermally insulating layer 502 is sandwiched between the expandable sack and the conductive material 209. The insulating material 502 is provided at one or more exterior faces of the conductive material, these exterior faces being in non-contact with the skin of the patient. The thermally insulating material may be provided over a portion or the entire exterior surface of the conductive material 209, 305. The thermally insulating material 502 comprises known insulating materials including ceramics, foams, polymer based materials and any organic and inorganic insulating composite. Accordingly, improved thermal stability of the conductive material is achieved in addition to a respective increase and decrease in the highest and lowest temperatures obtainable by the coating of selected regions of the conductive material with the insulating material 502. A bladder 503 is positioned adjacent the conductive material 209. Bladder 503 contains a thermally conducting fluid, in particular a gel, positioned intermediate between the skin of a patient and the conducting material 209. The presence of the conducting fluid within the bladder serves to increase thermal contact between the skin and the conductive material 209 particularly where the treatment region comprises significant surface contouring and undulations, selected regions of which may not otherwise come into contact with the conductive plate 209, 305.

[0061] The various components of the heating and cooling device are insulated by an inner most layer 504, optionally being a fabric layer similar to outermost layer 500. Layers 500, 504 provide structural support and a means for housing and retaining the various internal components in position.

[0062] FIG. 6 herein is a cross sectional plan view of a slightly modified version of the expandable sack 400 comprising a network of internal passageways being defined by a plurality of internal walls 600, 601. A substantially uniform expansion of sack 400 may be achieved using a network of internal passageways whereby non-uniform or bulging of the sack is avoided as the fluid is distributed evenly between internal walls 600, 601.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 7 herein there is illustrated a perspective view of the heating and cooling device of FIG. 1 herein wherein a portion of outer sleeve 102 is shown cut away to reveal conductive material 700. A region of the conductive material is interfaced with the thermoelectric module 103. Conductive material 700 is formed by a plurality of fingers 713 extending from a central portion 713. Fingers 713 are configured to wrap around a portion of arm 101 in the region of the elbow joint. A cutout section is provided 701 to allow the elbow joint to move freely whilst allowing contact to be maintained between the conductive material and the skin of the arm.

[0064] Control means 703 is positioned remote from the thermoelectric module 103 and/or strap 102. According to further specific implementations of the present invention, control means 703 may be mounted at the thermoelectric module 103 and/or strap 102.

[0065] FIG. 8 herein illustrates schematically selected components of the present invention. Means 702 allow communication between the control means 703 and the various components of the present invention including thermoelectric module 206, power source 800, temperature sensor 801, flow control valve 802, release valve 803, timer 804 and fan 200. Means 702 may comprise conventional electric wiring and/or fluid supply tubing connected to expandable sack 400.

[0066] According to further specific implementations of the present invention a fluid reservoir (not shown) may be positioned at strap 102 and/or layer 500, the reservoir providing a source of fluid for introduction into the expandable sack 400. Optionally, the fluid reservoir may be located remote from expandable sack 400 at the control means 703.

[0067] According to the specific implementation of the present invention fluid control valve 802 comprises a suitable solenoid valve configured to control the passage of air from an air intake (not shown) to the expandable sack 400. A release valve 803 is also provided to allow air to be released from sack 400.

[0068] One or a plurality of temperature sensors 801 are positioned at Peltier cell 206 and/or selected regions of the conductive material 209, 305. A temperature display 704 is configured to display a pre-set temperature of the Peltier cell and/or conductive material in addition to displaying the operative temperature of the Peltier cell and/or conductive material. Interface means are provided 705, 706 to allow a user to decrease or increase, respectively, a pre-set temperature of the Peltier cell.

[0069] Expansion display 708 is configured to display a relative magnitude of expansion of expandable sack 400. Additionally, means are provided 709, 710 to enable a user to set the desired amount of expansion of sack 400 and the corresponding degree of compressive force.

[0070] Additional means 707 is provided at control means 703 enabling the device to be turned on and off. Further means may also be provided 711, 712 allowing a user to activate the massaging effect provided by sack 400 via regulation of the fluid flow into and out of sack 400 using flow control valve 802. Means 711, 712 may be used to control timer 804 whereby the device may be pre-set for a desired operative time interval providing a cooling, heating effect and/or compressive force. Timer 804, in conjunction with release valve 803 provides a safety mechanism for regulating a predetermined volume of fluid introduced into sack 400 so as to prevent sack 400 over expanding and being damaged.

[0071] Control means 703 and the selected operative components of the present invention are powered by power source 800. Power source 800 may comprise at least one battery and/or means for interfacing with the mains electricity supply.