阅读说明：本技术 带有温度保持部件的便携式发热设备 (Portable heat generating apparatus with temperature maintaining member ) 是由 阿曼达·贝克莱尔 尚塔·约翰斯 马克·斯特雷特 雷·莫伦西 于 2020-02-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种便携式发热设备包括顶层和底层,底层连接到顶层,以形成空腔。电发热元件设置在空腔内,并且诸如凝胶层的温度保持部件被固定在空腔内,邻近电发热元件并且邻近顶层。电源线与电发热元件电连通,并且可连接到电源以向电发热元件提供电力,电源线可从便携式发热设备拆卸。温度保持部件能够保持由电发热元件产生的热量,并产生横跨顶层大致均匀的热量分布。(A portable heat-generating device includes a top layer and a bottom layer, the bottom layer being connected to the top layer to form a cavity. An electric heating element is disposed within the cavity, and a temperature maintaining component, such as a gel layer, is secured within the cavity, adjacent the electric heating element and adjacent the top layer. A power cord is in electrical communication with the electric heating element and is connectable to a power source to provide power to the electric heating element, the power cord being detachable from the portable heat-generating device. The temperature retention means is capable of retaining heat generated by the electric heating element and producing a substantially uniform heat distribution across the top layer.)

1. A portable heat-generating device comprising:

a top layer;

a bottom layer connected to the top layer to form a cavity;

an electrical heating element disposed within the cavity;

a temperature-maintaining member secured within the cavity adjacent the electric heating element and adjacent the top layer; and

a power cord in electrical communication with the electric heating element and connectable to a power source to provide power to the electric heating element, the power cord being detachable from the portable heat-generating device;

wherein the temperature retention component is capable of retaining heat generated by the electric heating element and producing a substantially uniform heat distribution across the top layer.

2. A portable heat-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature-maintaining component comprises a heat-maintaining gel material.

3. A portable heat-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature-maintaining component is divided into a plurality of separate sections.

4. A portable heat-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical heat-generating element comprises a heat-generating wire composed of a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) material with Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) insulation.

5. A portable heat-generating device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a gasket material disposed within the cavity between the electric heat-generating element and the base layer.

6. A portable heat-generating device according to claim 5, wherein the padding material comprises a layer of non-woven scrim material and a layer of batting material.

7. The portable heat-generating device of claim 1, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer are comprised of mink velvet material.

8. A portable heat-generating device according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the top layer is removable to expose the temperature-maintaining component to an exterior of the portable heat-generating device.

9. A portable heat-generating device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a controller in electrical communication with the electrical heat-generating element for regulating the power of the electrical heat-generating element.

10. A portable heat-generating device according to claim 9, wherein the controller includes an audible indicator that emits different tones depending on the heat level of the electric heating element.

11. A portable heat-generating device comprising:

a top layer;

a bottom layer connected to the top layer to form a cavity;

an electrical heating element disposed within the cavity;

a gasket material disposed within the cavity between the electric heating element and the bottom layer;

a gel layer secured within the cavity between the electric heating element and the top layer; and

a power cord in electrical communication with the electric heating element and connectable to a power source to provide power to the electric heating element, the power cord being detachable from the portable heat-generating device;

wherein the gel layer is capable of retaining heat generated by the electric heating element and producing a substantially uniform heat distribution across the top layer.

12. A portable heat-generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the gel layer is divided into a plurality of separate sections.

13. A portable heat-generating device according to claim 11, wherein a portion of the top layer is removable to expose the gel layer to an exterior of the portable heat-generating device.

14. A portable heat-generating device comprising:

a body comprising an outer top layer and a bottom layer connected to an inner portion of the top layer, the top layer and the bottom layer forming a cavity therebetween;

a first strap and a second strap extending from the body;

an electrical heating element disposed within the cavity;

a temperature-maintaining member secured within the cavity adjacent the electric heating element and adjacent the bottom layer; and

a power cord in electrical communication with the electric heating element and connectable to a power source to provide power to the electric heating element, the power cord being detachable from the portable heat-generating device;

wherein the temperature-maintaining component is capable of maintaining heat generated by the electric heating element and producing a substantially uniform heat distribution across the bottom layer.

15. A portable heat-generating device according to claim 14, wherein the temperature-maintaining component comprises a heat-maintaining gel material.

16. A portable heat-generating device according to claim 14, wherein the body has an elongate configuration with two eye portions, each eye portion sized to cover an eye of a user, and a notch between the two eye portions sized to receive a nose of a user.

17. A portable heat-generating device according to claim 16, wherein the temperature-maintaining component is divided into separate sections disposed in each eye portion.

18. A portable heat-generating device as recited in claim 14, wherein at least one of the first strap and the second strap is constructed of an elastic material, and wherein the first strap and the second strap each have a releasable closure.

19. A portable heat-generating device as recited in claim 14, further comprising a power adapter port disposed on the bottom layer of the body.

20. A portable heat-generating device according to claim 14, further comprising a controller in electrical communication with the electric heating element for regulating the power supplied to the electric heating element, wherein the controller includes an audible indicator that emits different tones depending on the heat level of the electric heating element.

Technical Field

Embodiments relate to a portable heat generating device, such as a heat generating mat or cover, having a temperature maintaining component, such as a gel layer.

Background

The heat generating pads or covers are designed to provide heat to various parts of the body, such as the back, arms and legs. Electric heating pads have a constant power supply to maintain the highest heat level, but their use is limited to locations within the range of the power outlet. While many heat generating pads provide comfort and convenience to the user, typically heat generating pads are not configured to provide efficient and effective thermal treatment to the body while providing portability. There is a continuing need for heat generating pads and covers that can meet the user's requirements for thermal therapy while still being easy and cost effective to manufacture.

SUMMARY

In one or more embodiments, a portable heat-generating device includes a top layer and a bottom layer, the bottom layer being connected to the top layer to form a cavity. An electric heating element is disposed within the cavity, and a temperature maintaining component, such as a gel layer, is secured within the cavity, adjacent the electric heating element and adjacent the top layer. A power cord is in electrical communication with the electric heating element and is connectable to a power source to provide power to the electric heating element, the power cord being detachable from the portable heat-generating device. The temperature retention means is capable of retaining heat generated by the electric heating element and producing a substantially uniform heat distribution across the top layer.

In one or more embodiments, a portable heat-generating device includes a top layer and a bottom layer, the bottom layer being connected to the top layer to form a cavity. The electric heating element is disposed within the cavity, the cushion material is disposed within the cavity between the electric heating element and the bottom layer, and the gel layer is secured within the cavity between the electric heating element and the top layer. A power cord is in electrical communication with the electric heating element and is connectable to a power source to provide power to the electric heating element, the power cord being detachable from the portable heat-generating device. The gel layer is capable of retaining heat generated by the electric heating element and producing a substantially uniform heat distribution across the top layer.

In one or more embodiments, a portable heat-generating device includes a body including an outer top layer and an inner bottom layer connected to the top layer, the top layer and the bottom layer forming a cavity therebetween, a first strap and a second strap extending from the body. An electric heating element is disposed within the cavity, and a temperature maintenance component is secured within the cavity adjacent the electric heating element and adjacent the bottom layer. A power cord is in electrical communication with the electric heating element and is connectable to a power source to provide power to the electric heating element, the power cord being detachable from the portable heat-generating device. The temperature-maintaining component is capable of maintaining heat generated by the electric heating element and producing a substantially uniform heat distribution across the substrate.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat generating pad according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heat generating pad according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the heat generating mat of FIG. 1, schematically illustrating internal heat generating components;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the heat generating pad of FIG. 1, schematically illustrating an internal temperature maintaining member;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the heat generating pad of FIG. 2, schematically illustrating an internal temperature maintaining member;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a heat generating pad according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a controller for a heat-generating device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the controller and associated components of the heat-generating device;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a heat generating pillow according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a heat-generating tape cover according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the heat generating tape cover;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the inside of the heat generating tape cover, schematically illustrating the internal heating elements;

fig. 13 is a perspective view of the heat generation belt cover, the outside of which is removed to schematically show the internal temperature maintenance member;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a heat generating neck and shoulder shield according to one embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the heat generating neck and shoulder shield;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the inside of the heat generating neck and shoulder shield, schematically illustrating the internal heat generating components;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the outside of the heat generating neck and shoulder shield, schematically illustrating the internal temperature retention components;

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view showing a heat generating neck and shoulder shield according to another embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the outside of the heat generating neck and shoulder shield of FIG. 18, schematically illustrating internal temperature retention components;

FIG. 20 is an elevation view of the outside of a heat-generating eye shield according to one embodiment;

FIG. 21 is an inside elevational view of the heat-generating eye shield of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the heat generating eye shield;

FIG. 23 is a cut-away view of the connector of the heat generating eye shield;

FIG. 24 is a rear elevational view of the heat generating eye shield, schematically illustrating the internal heating elements;

FIG. 25 is a rear elevational view of the heat generating eye shield showing the internal temperature maintaining components;

FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the internal heating element and internal temperature maintaining components in the heating eye shield and their positioning relative to the user's face; and

FIG. 27 is a controller for a heat-generating eye shield, according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Referring first to fig. 1-6, a heat generating pad 10 having a temperature maintaining member is shown. In one or more embodiments, the heat generating pad 10 may be substantially rectangular and have, for example, about 12 inches by 15 inches (fig. 1), or about 12 inches by 24 inches (fig. 2), or any other suitable dimensions. Of course, other shapes and sizes are fully contemplated, as described further below.

Fig. 3 is a top view of the heat generating pad 10 of fig. 1, schematically illustrating the internal electric heating element 12. Fig. 4 and 5 schematically illustrate the internal temperature retention component 14 secured in the heat generating pad embodiments of fig. 1 and 2, respectively, generally adjacent to the heat generating element 12. The temperature maintaining member 14 serves to effectively maintain the heat generated by the heating element 12 if the heating element 12 is no longer energized, so that the heating pad 10 is continuously used for a period of time. This configuration provides thermal therapy while allowing portability of the heat generating device and mobility of the user. The temperature keeping member 14 may alternatively be used to keep a cooler temperature if the heat generating pad 10 is cooled for cryotherapeutic use.

As shown in fig. 3, the heating element 12 may have a sinusoidal or serpentine configuration. The electric heating element 12 may be formed of a thermally conductive wire coated with any heat-resistant substance (e.g., a heat-resistant polymer). In one embodiment, the electric heating element 12 includes a heating wire made of a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) material with Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) insulation.

The temperature maintenance component 14 can include any fluid or solid heat maintenance material, which in one or more embodiments includes a gel material or layer of gel. Gel materials may also be used as cold retention materials. The temperature maintaining member 14 allows heat to be more effectively maintained within the heat generating pad 10 so that the heat generating pad 10 can be continuously used after power is off. In one non-limiting embodiment, the thermal storage capacity of the temperature maintenance component 14 allows heat to be transferred within two to three hours after the power source is disconnected from the heat generating pad 10. The temperature maintenance component 14 also serves to further facilitate and equalize the distribution of heat to the user's body. In addition, the temperature maintenance member 14 provides an additional comfortable cushioning interface for the user of the heat generating pad 10.

Referring to fig. 5, the temperature maintaining member 14 may be divided into a plurality of independent sections 16 according to the size of the heat generating device. These sections 16 may enhance the flexibility of the temperature retention component 14 and help to more evenly distribute the material (e.g., gel) contained therein within the volume of the heat-generating device, preventing disproportionate gathering in some areas and voids in other areas, particularly when under pressure against the user's body.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the heat generating pad 10 according to one or more embodiments; the heat generating pad 10 has a multi-layer structure, and may include a top layer 18 and a temperature maintaining member 14 positioned adjacent to the top layer 18. The electric heating element 12 may be positioned adjacent the temperature maintenance component 14, followed by a layer of non-woven scrim material 20, a layer of batting material 22, and a backsheet 24. Further, if necessary, an outer cover (not shown) of cloth surrounding the entire heat generating pad 10 may be provided.

The top layer 18 and the bottom layer 24 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, polyester. In one embodiment, the top and bottom layers 18, 24 are constructed of ultra fine mink pile (micromink) material and each may have a thickness of about 1mm, although other thicknesses are contemplated. The top layer 18 and the bottom layer 24 are secured together (e.g., along their edges) to form an interior cavity for receiving the various inner layers of the heat-generating pad 10.

In one embodiment, the temperature maintenance component 14 is positioned adjacent the inner surface of the top layer 18. In an alternative embodiment, the temperature maintenance component 14 may form an exterior portion of the heat generating pad 10 without the top layer 18, such that the temperature maintenance component 14 would be in direct contact with the user's body. In one non-limiting example, the temperature retention component 14 may be approximately 8mm thick. The temperature maintenance component 14 may be constructed of spaced apart sheets of flexible, liquid impermeable, plastic material that are secured together to contain the gel material therein. The heat generating elements 12 are substantially evenly distributed within the heat generating pad 10 and are arranged to effectively and efficiently distribute heat to the temperature maintaining component 14 and the top layer 18 of the heat generating pad 10.

The padding material is located between the electric heating element 12 and the bottom layer 24 and may include a layer of non-woven scrim material 20 and a layer of batting material 22, as shown in fig. 6. The electric heating element 12 may be attached to the scrim layer 20, wherein the scrim layer 20 may be comprised of polyester having a thickness of about 0.1mm, although this dimension is not intended to be limiting. The batt material layer 22 provides an insulating layer between the electric heating element 12 and the bottom layer 24 of the heating mat 10. The batt material layer 22 may be composed of any suitable insulating material, such as polyester, and may have a thickness of about 1.5mm in one non-limiting example. In addition to insulation, the padding material provides additional cushioning and comfort to the user.

The respective layers of the heat generating pad 10 may be separately manufactured and then assembled. After manufacture, the layers of the heat generating pad 10 are secured together, for example by sewing their edges together. In an alternative embodiment, the top layer 18 and the bottom layer 24 can be constructed from a continuous sheet that can be folded around the inner layer and then secured to assemble the heat generating pad 10. The edge-wrapping tape 26 may be sewn or otherwise secured around the edges of the assembled heat generating mat 10, wherein the edge-wrapping tape 26 may be made of a polyester material. The multi-layer design of the heat generating pad 10 provides manufacturing efficiency and flexibility because the multiple layers of the heat generating pad 10 can be manufactured at separate times and separate locations before being assembled into a finished product.

Referring to fig. 7 and 8, the controller 28 is in electrical communication with the electric heating element 12. The controller 28 includes a printed circuit board 30 and a housing 32, and a user can select from various settings through the housing 32 to adjust the power supplied to the electric heating element 12 (to adjust the temperature of the electric heating element 12) to adjust the temperature of the temperature-maintaining component 14 and the heat output of the heating pad 10. In one or more embodiments, the controller 28 includes various user interface features, including an LED indicator 34, such as a 2 hour auto-off indicator. The controller 28 also includes a digital display 36, a power button 38, and + and-buttons 40, the digital display 36 indicating the current heating setting, and the buttons 40 for toggling the heating setting up and down. The electric heating element 12 and the controller 28 are in electrical communication with a power source, such as a power cord 42 that may receive power from a wall outlet. In one embodiment, the power cord 42 may be detachable from the thermal pad 10 to allow greater portability. Alternatively, the heat generating pad 10 may include a detachable battery pack (not shown).

The description of the heat-generating pad 10 embodiments provided herein may also be applicable to other heat-generating devices, such as, but not limited to, heat-generating blankets, covers, sheets, cushions, and pillows, as further described below.

As a first example, fig. 9 shows a heat generating pillow 44 according to an embodiment. As shown, the heat generating pillow 44 can have a relatively smaller, more rounded appearance than the heat generating mat 10, and can also include an increased thickness of cushioning material, if desired. The structure and features of the heating pad 10 are also applicable to the heating pillow 44.

Turning to fig. 10-13, a heat-generating tape cover 46 is shown. In addition to the structure and features of the heat generating mat 10 described above, the heat generating belt cover 46 includes an elongated body 48 with an adjustable strap 50 extending from the body 48. The length of the strap 50 may be adjusted to fit the size of the body treatment area desired by the user and, in one non-limiting embodiment, may be constructed of an elastic material. A releasable closure 52 is provided on the strap 50 to secure the strap to the body 48 in a desired position, wherein the releasable closure 52 may include a fastener, such as a hook and loop material (e.g., hook and loop material))。

The heating element 12 and the temperature retention component 14 may be sized to substantially fill the area of the body 48. As with the heat generating pad 10, the temperature maintenance component 14 can be adjacent the top layer 18. In one embodiment, the heat-generating tape cover 46 may be reversible such that the top layer 18 may be placed in contact with a body part of a user. This arrangement may be particularly beneficial if the temperature maintenance member 14 is cooled and used for cryotherapy. As shown in fig. 13, optionally, a portion of the top layer may be removable to allow the temperature maintenance component 14 to be in direct contact with the skin of the user.

Fig. 14-17 illustrate a first embodiment of a heat generating neck and shoulder shield 54 having a back 56. Fig. 18 and 19 show a heat generating neck and shoulder shield 54 according to another embodiment, in which a larger back 56 is used and which incorporates a temperature maintaining component 14 having multiple sections 16. In one non-limiting embodiment, the heat-generating element 12 may span substantially the entire area of the neck and shoulder shields 54, while the temperature maintenance component 14 may be disposed only in the back 56. In one embodiment, the heat generating neck and shoulder cover 54 may be reversible such that the top layer 18 may be placed in contact with a body part of a user. This arrangement may be particularly beneficial if the temperature maintenance member 14 is cooled and used for cryotherapy. Also, the structure and features of the heat generating mat 10 are equally applicable to heating the neck and shoulder shields 54.

Turning to fig. 20-25, a heat-generating eye shield 58 is shown according to one embodiment. In addition to the structure and features of the heat generating pad 10 described above, the heat generating eye shield 58 includes a main body 60, the main body 60 having a first strap 62 and a second strap 64 extending from the main body 60. The body 60 may have an elongated configuration generally similar to goggles, with two eye portions 66 sized to cover each eye of the user and a notch 68 therebetween sized to receive the nose of the user. According to one embodiment, at least one of first strap 62 and second strap 64 may be constructed of an elastic material (i.e., shown as first strap 62 in fig. 20-22) to provide universal adjustability around the head of a user. The first and second straps 62, 64 each have a releasable closure 70 that may include a fastener, such as a hook and loop material (e.g., hook and loop material)). When secured to the user's head, the first and second straps 62, 64 may be sized to be disposed over the top of the user's ears, preventing uncomfortable rubbing and dampening of sound.

As shown in fig. 22 and 23, the power adapter port 72 may be disposed on the bottom layer 24 of the main body 60 and may be covered with fabric (e.g., mink velvet) for comfort. The port 72 may be configured to removably receive a connector 74 for a power cord or controller 76, as shown in fig. 27. The controller 76 may include a translucent power icon 78 indicating the heat level, and an audible indicator that emits different tones depending on the heat level, allowing for eye-shielding use.

As shown in fig. 24 and 25, the heating element 12 and the temperature retention component 14 may be sized to substantially fill the area of the body 60. Although not shown, it should be understood that the temperature maintenance component 14 may be configured with multiple sections 16, such as one section 16 in each eye portion 66 of the body 60. Referring to fig. 26, the heat-generating eye shield 58 may have a configuration in which the temperature-maintaining component 14 is adjacent the inner or bottom layer 24, closer to the user's eyes and face than the heat-generating element 12. In operation, the heating element 12 heats the temperature maintenance member 14, providing a uniform, diffuse, soothing heat to the eye region of the user, which can be maintained for a longer period of time. When eye shield 58 is cooled prior to use, the temperature maintenance component functions to cool the substrate 24 against the user's skin. Alternatively, the temperature maintenance component 14 can be adjacent the outer or top layer 18 and the eye flap 58 can also be reversible.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of different implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.