Claims:We claim,
1. A portable device comprising
a) a thermal element that raise the skin surface temperature in between about 38 degrees Celsius to about 50 degrees Celsius;
b) a vibrational means for the transmission of vibrational energy;
c) microprocessor to control the device temperature and/or vibration; and
d) a power source having capacity to power the thermal and vibratory element from at least about 20 minutes to a maximum duration of about 24 hours;
wherein a thermal element comprises thermoelectric heat pump and a vibratory element comprises an electric-powered motor.
2. A portable device of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric heat pump comprises a Peltier heater or Peltier device.
3. A portable device of claim 1, wherein the thermal and vibrational element are simultaneous and/or separately powered by a power source.
4. A portable device of claim 1, wherein the vibrational device transmits a vibrational energy at a frequency of from about 5 Hz to about 1000 Hz.
5. A portable device of claim 1, wherein the vibrational element generates interferential current.
6. A portable device of claim 1, wherein a power source is a battery.
7. A portable device of claim 1 or 6, wherein a power source is rechargeable or disposable battery.
8. A portable device of claim 1 or 6, wherein a battery is selected from lithium metal battery, lithium-ion battery, lithium-sulfur battery, lithium-air battery.
9. A portable device of claim 1, comprises an outer covering that is made of cloth, silicon, metal or combination thereof.
10. A method of treating pain in a human patient, comprising providing the patient a device according to claim 1, wherein said device delivers both heat sufficient to raise the skin surface temperature to between about 38 degrees Celsius to about 50 degrees Celsius for at least about 20 minutes, and vibration sufficient to be sensed by the patient for at least about 7 minutes.
11. A method of treating pain in a human patient, comprising providing the patient a device according to claim 1, wherein said device is worn in a close contact with human skin.
12. A portable device for treating a muscle pain in human patient, comprising
a) a thermal element that raise the skin surface temperature in between about 38 degrees Celsius to about 50 degrees Celsius;
b) a vibrational means for the transmission of vibrational energy;
c) microprocessor to control the device temperature and/or vibration; and
d) a power source having capacity to power the thermal and vibratory element from at least about 20 minutes to a maximum duration of about 24 hours;
wherein a thermal element comprises thermoelectric heat pump and a vibratory element comprises an electric-powered motor.
13. A portable device for treating a dysmenorrhea in human patient, comprising
e) a thermal element that raise the skin surface temperature in between about 38 degrees Celsius to about 50 degrees Celsius;
f) a vibrational means for the transmission of vibrational energy;
g) microprocessor to control the device temperature and/or vibration; and
h) a power source having capacity to power the thermal and vibratory element from at least about 20 minutes to a maximum duration of about 24 hours;
wherein a thermal element comprises thermoelectric heat pump and a vibratory element comprises an electric-powered motor.
, Description:Title of the invention:
Combined Portable Thermal and Vibratory Treatment Device
Technical field of the invention:
The present invention relates to a thermal and vibrational treatment portable device to reduce and alleviate muscle pain, more particularly, for relief from dysmenorrhea.
Background of the invention:
The latest, generation of healthcare devices are increasing an ability of humans to treat physical conditions in an instant moment. Nowadays, the merging of electronic devices with and around the human body is growing simple with most modern technologies. Many of the emerging devices to treat health problems are in the form of wearable or implantable technologies. In the current era, the tailoring of wearable devices can monitor as well as alleviate multiple health problems of humans.
Generally, muscle pain is the symptom of many diseases, disorders or injuries. The most common causes of muscle pain are due to injury, strain, using a muscle too much, too hard, a genetic disorder or a chronic tension. Various treatments are available to treat muscular disorders. Most significantly, combination of heat therapy and vibrations in to muscles are very effective and act as an eminent tool for recovery and rehabilitation from such disorders. The intensities and frequencies of heat and vibrations can be chosen based on the effects & types of the disorder.
Superficial heat that ranges from 40–45?°C treats the application site to a depth of about 1?cm. Traditionally, superficial heat has been used in different forms (e.g., hot water bags, towels, or bottles) to ease pain. Although deep heat, such as shortwave diathermy and microwave diathermy, treats deeper structures at depths of 2–5?cm, deep heat also causes vascular and metabolic changes in deeper tissues and organs. The application of local heat can reduce muscle tension and relax abdominal muscles to reduce pain caused by muscle spasms. Heat can also increase pelvic blood circulation to eliminate local blood and body fluid retention and diminish congestion and swelling, thereby enabling a reduction in pain caused by nerve compression.
Vibrations used on or into muscles works on the principle of frequency and amplitude. Furthermore, these vibrations can be adjusted to a specific body location and the energy can be transmitted to that location. Among a variety of effects, the vibrations can induce nuclei inside the cells to trigger the release of osteoblasts, which are needed to build bone.
US patent no. 8,702,775 is directed to a portable thermal device to reduce accommodation of thermal nerve receptors, for example, a user-controllable variable-heat cycle thermal device. It describes devices, systems, and methods for using heat to relieve pain and to render existing devices, for example, TENS, more effective. The heating device may include a TENS system for providing a patient relief from pain through electrical stimulation. US patent no. 9,421,123 is directed to a portable combined stimulation device for alleviating menstrual pain which is characterized in that abdomen and back portions are provided with TENS by using a detachable stimulation electrode pad, while providing a thermal stimulation at an abdomen with the aid of a planar heater installed in the stimulation electrode pad, thus alleviating menstrual pains, and a temperature senor is installed at a planar heater, so when the temperature of the planar heater is higher than a set level, the operation is stopped, thus enhancing safety.
US patent no. 5,484,366 exemplify elements that are not disposable, such as using a belt which particularly provides a lumbar support and offers the feature of having inserting either hot or cold gel packs into the back of the belt in order to supply warmth or chill to the user’s lower back. US patent no. 6,409,748 is directed to a heating pad with removable gel insert that provides rapid initial warming. US patent no. 5,605,144 is directed to a heating garment with a pouch for accommodating inserted chemical heating inserts that are air activated.
US patent no. 8,956,314 is directed to a portable massage device designed to alleviate pain or stiffness of the joints. The device comprising a motor adapted to produce vibrations; a cage having an interior sized to contain the motor, the cage including a plurality of ventilation apertures; and a carrying device adapted to be worn by a user, the carrying device being configured to fasten the cage to the user.
EP patent application no. 2,361,074 is directed to a thermal device for topical application on humans that includes a thermal insert containing a thermal composition; a vibrational means that transmits vibrational energy to and through the thermal insert; and a power source having capacity to power the vibratory element from at least about 10 minutes to a maximum duration of about 12 hours; wherein thermal insert can be an air-activated exothermic powder mixture.
The devices available in the market can produce either of the energy and have their own limitations. Prolonged exposure of high temperatures causes skin burns. The traditional devices are bulky; hence it was not easy to carry them. Moreover, the components used in traditional devices has low efficiency to transmit the heat and/or vibration to human skin.
In this disclosure we take advantage of these limitations and have developed a portable device which are easy to use, easy to carry and has a low utility cost. Moreover, it uses thermoelectric heat pump for the generation of heat and an electric-powered motor for the generation of vibrations. The combination of both elements ultimately leads to the improvement of its efficiency for the treatment of muscle pain, more particularly, for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. This device is 89% more effective than heat therapy alone. It cures cramps in less than 5-8 minutes in 73% of the candidates.
Summary of the invention:
The present invention relates to a portable device to be worn in a close contact with human skin, and includes a method of providing heating and vibration sensation to human skin, and methods for treating muscle ache and pains in a human, more particularly, dysmenorrhea. The thermal and vibratory components of a device, and methods of the present invention are useful in managing muscle and joint pain.
The present invention relates to a portable device comprising a thermal element that generates a temperature in between about 38 degrees Celsius and about 50 degrees Celsius; a vibrational means for the transmission of vibrational energy; microprocessor to control the device temperature and/or vibration; and a power source having capacity to power the thermal and vibratory element from at least about 20 minutes to a maximum duration of about 24 hours; wherein a thermal element comprises thermoelectric heat pump; a vibratory element comprises a electric-powered motor.
The present invention further relates to a portable device comprises a thermal element which is a thermoelectric heat pump. The thermoelectric heat pump comprises Peltier heater. The thermal and vibrational element are simultaneous and/or separately powered by a power source. The vibrational device transmits a vibrational energy at a frequency of from about 5 Hz to about 1000 Hz. The power source is a battery, more particularly, battery is selected from lithium metal battery, lithium-ion battery, lithium-sulfur battery, lithium-air battery. The methods of the present invention are useful in managing muscle and joint pain.
The present invention further relates to a portable device for treating a muscle pain comprising a thermal element that generates a temperature in between about 38 degrees Celsius and about 50 degrees Celsius; a vibrational means for the transmission of vibrational energy; microprocessor to control the device temperature and/or vibration; and a power source having capacity to power the thermal and vibratory element from at least about 20 minutes to a maximum duration of about 24 hours; wherein a thermal element comprises thermoelectric heat pump; a vibratory element comprises a electric-powered motor.
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a portable device for treating dysmenorrhea comprising a thermal element that generates a temperature in between about 38 degrees Celsius and about 50 degrees Celsius; a vibrational means for the transmission of vibrational energy; microprocessor to control the device temperature and/or vibration; and a power source having capacity to power the thermal and vibratory element from at least about 20 minutes to a maximum duration of about 24 hours; wherein a thermal element comprises thermoelectric heat pump; a vibratory element comprises a electric-powered motor.
The present invention is also directed to a system for providing wearable pain relief therapy to a consumer by providing the consumer with a device as described that has been integrally incorporated into a disposable garment that comprises a non-woven fabric.
The present invention is also directed to a method for treating muscle aches and pains in a human by wearing the device described above for a period of time of about 1 hour to about 24 hours.
Brief description of the drawings:
The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments contemplated for carrying out the invention. Various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Fig. 1a – Mechanism of the Peltier device
Fig. 1b – Circuit diagram of the Peltier device
Fig. 2 – Block diagram describing working of the portable device
Detailed description of the invention:
For the purpose of facilitating understanding of the invention, the accompanying drawings and description illustrate preferred embodiments thereof, from which the invention, various embodiments of its structures, construction and method of operation, and many advantages may be understood and appreciated.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a portable device to be worn in a close contact with human skin, and includes a method of providing heating and vibration sensation to human skin, and methods for treating muscle ache and pains in a human, more particularly, dysmenorrhea. The thermal and vibratory components of a device, and methods of the present invention are useful in managing muscle and joint pain.
A portable device of the present invention is typically be worn in a garment. Suitable garments include belts, back belts, back wraps, sleeves, knee sleeves, elbow sleeves, knee or elbow wraps or supports, neck wraps, neck sleeves, shoulder vest, shoulder Support, wrist sleeve, wrist Support, ankle sleeve, ankle wrap, foot Support, Sock, glove, hand Support, or other braces and Supports typically used to stabilize a joint. Suitable garments also include articles designed to adhere to the skin, such as a patch. The garment can be re-usable, e.g. constructed from washable fabric, such as a nylon-spandex fabric. Alternately, the garment can be disposable, e.g. constructed from non-woven materials.
The present invention describes a unitary system. As used herein “unitary' defines a device with an integrated thermal and a vibratory element.
The present invention relates to a portable device comprising a thermal element that generates a temperature in between about 38 degrees Celsius. and about 50 degrees Celsius; a vibrational means for the transmission of vibrational energy; microprocessor to control the device temperature and/or vibration; and a power source having capacity to power the thermal and vibratory element from at least about 20 minutes to a maximum duration of about 24 hours; wherein a thermal element comprises thermoelectric heat pump; a vibratory element comprises a electric-powered motor.
The present invention further relates to a portable device comprises a thermal element which is a thermoelectric heat pump. The thermoelectric heat pump comprises Peltier heater. The thermal and vibrational element are simultaneous and/or separately powered by a power source. The vibrational device transmits a vibrational energy at a frequency of from about 5 Hz to about 1000 Hz. The power source is a battery, more particularly, battery is selected from lithium metal battery, lithium-ion battery, lithium-sulfur battery, lithium-air battery. The methods of the present invention are useful in managing muscle and joint pain.
The present invention is directed to a method of treating pain in a human patient by providing a device described above, wherein said device delivers both heat sufficient to raise the skin surface temperature to between about 38 degrees Celsius and about 50 degrees Celsius for at least about 20 minutes, and vibration with the interferential therapy (IFT) sufficient to be sensed by the patient for at least about 7 minutes.
The thermal element of the present invention is thermoelectric heat pump. The thermoelectric heat pump comprises Peltier heater or Peltier device. The said device is a solid-state active heat pump which transfers heat from one side of the device to the other, with consumption of electrical energy, depending on the direction of the current. The device has two sides, and when a DC electric current flows through the device, it brings heat from one side to the other, so that one side gets cooler while the other gets hotter. The hot side is attached to a heat sink so that it remains at ambient temperature, while the cool side goes below room temperature. It is used as a temperature controller that either heats or cools. The maximum operation temperature of Peltier heater is around 200 degree Celsius. The Peltier effect generates heat or cold for purposes of this invention, preferably including therapeutic purposes. The Peltier effect improves the efficiency of delivery of said heat or cold, and thereby, improving the experience of the user. The main advantage of Peltier technology is that only the energy that is really needed to keep the temperature constant is used – so for working temperatures close to the ambient temperature, the energy requirements are very low. The said technology is especially precise, environmentally-friendly, energy-saving heating and cooling system.
In the one embodiment, the thermal element of the present invention helps to raise the skin surface temperature to between about 38 degrees Celsius and about 43 degrees Celsius, preferably about 38 degrees Celsius and about 45 degrees Celsius, more preferably 38 degrees Celsius and about 47 degrees Celsius, most preferably 38 degrees Celsius and about 50 degrees Celsius, for at least about 20 minutes, which has therapeutic purpose.
In the alternate embodiment, the thermal element of the present invention helps to raise the skin surface temperature to between about 39.5 degrees Celsius and about 43 degrees Celsius, preferably about 39.5 degrees Celsius and about 45 degrees Celsius, more preferably 39.5 degrees Celsius and about 47 degrees Celsius, most preferably 39.5 degrees Celsius and about 50 degrees Celsius, for at least about 20 minutes, which has therapeutic purpose.
In another embodiment, the thermal element of the present invention helps to raise the skin surface temperature to between 38.0 degrees Celsius to about 43 degrees Celsius or 47 degrees Celsius or up to 50 degrees Celsius. In another alternate embodiment, the thermal element of the present invention helps to raise the skin surface temperature to between 39.5 degrees Celsius to about 43 degrees Celsius or 47 degrees Celsius or up to 50 degrees Celsius. In another embodiment, the device emits heat from about 1 to about 13 degrees Celsius above the skin surface temperature of a human. The batteries provide the DC electric current to flows through the device.
Fig. 1a describes the heat exchange mechanism of the Peltier heater. Fig. 1b describes the circuit diagram for a Peltier device when connected to an electrical load. In addition to the internal resistance of the Peltier device, R1, the setup includes a variable load resistance, Rload, and the resistance of the ammeter Ra. The temperature gradient generates the internal thermo voltage, Vth. Voltages V1, Va, and Vload are created across resistances, R1, Ra, and Rload, respectively. An ammeter is used to measure the current, I. A voltmeter is used to measure the voltage drop, V, across the total effective load resistance, Ra + Rload.
The vibrational element of the present invention is any vibrating mechanism, including an electric motor with offset weight located on the rotor, electric-powered motor, stop-and-go electric motor, linear motors operated in a back and forth fashion, piezo-electric vibrator, electric solenoid vibrator, air or water pump based vibrator, inflatable flexible pulsating bulb, or other vibrator type known in the art. The vibrational element of the present invention, preferably is electric-powered motor.
The term vibration as used herein refers to mechanical oscillations about or from an equilibrium point or starting point. The oscillations can be periodic such as the motion of a pendulum, random, or pulsatile with variable dwell and pulse periods and variable amplitudes.
Vibration, as used herein, is intended to be desirable. For example, the motion of a tuning fork, the reed in a wood wind instrument, or the cone of a loudspeaker is desirable vibration, necessary for the correct functioning of the various devices. In certain types of devices, vibration is undesirable, can waste energy and can create unwanted sound noise. For example, the vibrational motions of electric motors, and engines or any mechanical device in operation are typically unwanted. Such vibrations can be caused by imbalances in the rotating parts, uneven friction, the meshing of gear teeth, etc. Careful design in these types of devices usually minimizes unwanted vibrations.
The science of sound and vibration are closely related. Sound and pressure waves are generated by vibrating structures (e.g. vocal cords) and pressure waves can generate vibration of structures (e.g. ear drum). Hence, a reduction in noise emanating from a device is most often achieved by reducing the associated vibration. In the case of this invention, it is desirable to increase vibration without increasing audible undesirable sounds.
The traditional definitions of vibration are categorized as either Free Vibration, or Forced Vibration. "Free vibration", as used herein, occurs when a mechanical system is set off with an initial input and then allowed to vibrate freely. Examples of this type of vibration are pulling a child back on a swing and then letting go or hitting a tuning fork and letting it ring. The mechanical system will then vibrate at one or more of its natural frequencies and damp down to zero. Forced vibration as used herein is defined as an alternating force or motion that is applied to a mechanical system. Examples of this type of vibration include shaking washing machine due to an imbalance, transportation vibration (caused by truck engine, springs, road, etc), or the vibration of a building during an earthquake. In forced vibration, the frequency of the vibration is the frequency of the force or motion applied, but the magnitude of the vibration is strongly dependent on the mechanical system itself.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the vibratory element can function as a free vibration system. In one embodiment, the vibratory element can function as a forced vibration system. In another embodiment, the vibratory element can function as a combination of forced and free vibration.
The vibrational element transmits a vibrational energy at a frequency from about 5 Hz to about 4000 Hz. The vibrational element capable of generating interferential current. The patient with severe pain can be treated with interferential currents generated through vibrational element.
The principle behind the concept is known as the interferential therapy (IFT). Interferential Therapy or (IFT) is a type of electrotherapy treatments that use electric currents to stimulate tissue which provides pain relief, reduction of swelling and many other health benefits. IFT achieves the deep penetration by using a 4000 Hz carrier wave to overcome the skin impedance.
Vibrational element lead to the interferential therapy which sufficient to be sensed by the patient for at least about 7 minutes, more preferably for at least 15 minutes, most preferably for at least about 30 minutes.
The microprocessor control unit is operably connected to the heat delivery element and the vibrational element. For the controlled delivery of heat and vibrations to the skin, the microprocessor plays an importance role.
A device and method for controlled delivery of heating and vibrations to the skin may include a microprocessor controller unit, a power source and a vibrational element, and a heating element. The microprocessor control unit may be a programmable component that controls the device and allows the user adjustability of a variety of parameters such as the duration of heating cycle and pattern, temperature of the heating element, soak temperature and duration, shape and duration of heating wave, the rate of the temperature rise and fall, frequency of vibrations, intensity of vibrations and/or power of vibrational energy. The predetermined or preset heating and/or vibrational algorithms that may be contained in the microprocessor control unit are designed to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the device. According to additional aspects, the microprocessor control unit may further include a safety mechanism to control maximum temperature, for example, the device may use a mechanical temperature fuse as a safety backup. Additionally, the heat delivery device may be configured to be a wearable portable device. Furthermore, the heat delivery device may be designed to use rechargeable or disposable batteries or may be used multiple times.
The power consumption of inventive portable device is less due to use of Peltier heater as thermal element and electric-powered motor as vibrational element. Reduced power consumption results in a more efficient device with a longer life cycle and provides cost savings. Suitable power Sources can include secondary (rechargeable) batteries, fuel cells, hydrocarbon fuel cells, and plug-in power sources. The power source may be batteries. The power source may include rechargeable or disposable batteries. The power source is selected from the lithium metal battery, lithium-ion battery, lithium-sulfur battery, lithium-air battery. The power source having capacity to power the thermal and vibratory element from at least about 20 minutes to a maximum duration of about 24 hours, more preferably 20 minutes to a maximum duration of about 12 hours.
Voltage of the battery can range from 1 volt to 3 volts to 12 volts depending on the electric-motor employed. The battery capacity is selected to provide for sufficient time of operation of the vibrating element and heating element as described above.
One aspect of the invention is directed toward a portable heating and vibrational device that uses combination of heat and vibrations to relieve pain and allows users to program and customize settings and output of the device. The device portably delivers a therapeutic dose of heat and vibrations which produce interferential currents to the skin to reduce accommodation of nerve receptors and includes a heating element, a vibrational element, a power source and a microprocessor control unit. Additionally, the heat delivery element may be contained within a housing and the housing may be adaptable to be worn proximate to the skin of a user. The power source is electrically coupled to the heat delivery element and the vibrational element to provide a power supply to the heat delivery element and vibrational element. The microprocessor control unit is operably connected to the heat delivery element and the vibrational element. The working of portable device can be described by the Fig. 2.
Another aspect of the invention is directed toward a heat delivery element that uses a variety of heating cycles and algorithms to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the device. The same way, the vibrational element uses algorithms to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the device. Accordingly, the control unit has an activation element moveable between a first on-position and a second off-position to allow a user to control activation of the control unit. Thus, the heat delivery element may be designed so a user has the option of requesting a heating cycle by simply pressing an activation device such as a button, pressure sensor or lever on the controller. The benefits of user control are supported by experience gained over the last 15 years with patient-controlled analgesia devices (PCA). PCAs are computer-controlled pumps that deliver intravenous pain medications and studies indicate that a patient's ability to request analgesia only when he or she needs it is a highly rated feature (Etches, 1999 and Rawal, 1999). The patient is able to tailor the amount of drug delivered over time according to his or her own needs. The device described herein can apply heat and vibrations as requested by the user. According to another aspect, the control unit also includes at least one of a predetermined variable heat cycle, the variable heat cycle having at least a ramp-up phase, a steady heat phase, a ramp-down phase and a soak heat phase, wherein the temperature differential between the steady heat phase and the soak heat phase is less than 5° C., and wherein the soak heat phase is greater than basal body temperature.
The present invention further relates to a portable device for treating a muscle pain comprising a thermal element that generates a temperature in between about 38 degrees Celsius to about 50 degrees Celsius; a vibrational means for the transmission of vibrational energy; microprocessor to control the device temperature and/or vibration; and a power source having capacity to power the thermal and vibratory element from at least about 20 minutes to a maximum duration of about 24 hours; wherein a thermal element comprises thermoelectric heat pump; a vibratory element comprises a electric-powered motor.
Furthermore, the present invention relates to a portable device for treating dysmenorrhea comprising a thermal element that generates a temperature in between about 38 degrees Celsius to about 50 degrees Celsius; a vibrational means for the transmission of vibrational energy; microprocessor to control the device temperature and/or vibration; and a power source having capacity to power the thermal and vibratory element from at least about 20 minutes to a maximum duration of about 24 hours; wherein a thermal element comprises thermoelectric heat pump; a vibratory element comprises a electric-powered motor.
The present invention further relates to a portable device for treating a muscle pain or dysmenorrhea comprises a thermal element which is a thermoelectric heat pump. The thermoelectric heat pump comprises Peltier heater. The thermal and vibrational element are simultaneous and/or separately powered by a power source. The vibrational device transmits a vibrational energy at a frequency of from about 5 Hz to about 1000 Hz. The microprocessor control unit is operably connected to the heat delivery element and the vibrational element. For the controlled delivery of heat and vibrations to the skin, the microprocessor plays an importance role. The power source is a battery, more particularly, battery is selected from lithium metal battery, lithium-ion battery, lithium-sulfur battery, lithium-air battery.
The present invention is directed to a method of treating pain, particularly for treating a muscle pain or dysmenorrhea in a human patient by providing a device described above, wherein said device delivers both heat sufficient to raise the skin surface temperature to between about 38 degrees Celsius and about 50 degrees Celsius for at least about 20 minutes, and vibration with the interferential therapy (IFT) sufficient to be sensed by the patient for at least about 7 minutes.
The present invention is also directed to a system for providing wearable pain relief therapy to a consumer by providing the consumer with a device as described that has been integrally incorporated into a disposable garment.
A portable device of the present invention is typically be worn in a garment. Suitable garments include belts, back belts, back wraps, sleeves, knee sleeves, elbow sleeves, knee or elbow wraps or supports, neck wraps, neck sleeves, shoulder vest, shoulder Support, wrist sleeve, wrist Support, ankle sleeve, ankle wrap, foot Support, Sock, glove, hand Support, or other braces and Supports typically used to stabilize a joint. Suitable garments also include articles designed to adhere to the skin, such as a patch. The garment can be re-usable, e.g. constructed from washable fabric, such as a nylon-spandex fabric. Alternately, the garment can be disposable, e.g. constructed from non-woven materials.
The present invention is also directed to a method for treating muscle aches and pains in a human by wearing the device described above for a period of time of about 1 hour to about 24 hours.
The portable device comprises an outer covering/enclosure. The outer covering/enclosure of the device protects the device from environment and/or the damages. The outer covering/enclosure of the device imparts the aesthetic appearance to the device.
Suitable materials for forming the thermally conductive component for the outer covering/enclosure of the device include cloth, fabric, cotton, silicon, metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and metal alloys of aluminum, copper, steel, and thermally conductive plastics, polymers, rubber, or other thermal conductive materials like composites, ceramics, and mixtures thereof or combination of either materials. Preferably, the thermally conductive component is non-reactive with the thermal composition, or with air and moisture.
The portable device can be of various shapes, including round, semi spherical, elongated, ellipsoidal, or similar shapes. The present invention, the shapes of the thermally conductive component at the interfaces to the individual’s body can be flat or non-flat, including semi-spherical, pyramidal, conical, concave, convex, bumped, or can contain an array of smaller shapes, e.g. semi spherical protrusions. In certain models, the device can form a single, continuous layer on the Surface of the thermally active component.
The portable device is 89% more effective than heat therapy alone. It helps in curing cramps in less than 5-8 minutes in 73% of the candidates.