WO1996031136A1

WO1996031136A1 - Personal temperature control device and a method of using the same

Info

Publication number: WO1996031136A1
Application number: PCT/GB1996/000824
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Allan Richards
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-04-04
Filing date: 1996-04-03
Publication date: 1996-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 1997-10-04
Also published as: GB9506967D0; AU5280796A; GB2299655A

Abstract

A personal temperature control device (1) comprises a liquid based heat exchanger in the form of an item of headgear (2) for performing a heat exchange with a user's head (3) and a temperature modulation source in the form of liquid circulation loop thermally coupling an ice pack (4) and the headgear item.

Description

PERSONAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL DEVICE AND A METHOD OF USING THE SAME

The present invention relates to a personal temperature control device and a method of using the same.

In this regard it is known that subjecting the human body to unusual ambient temperature variations can at least be uncomfortable and at worst highly dangerous. For example, it only requires a relatively small temperature rise for the incidence of headaches and migraines to increase, for people to feel uncomfortable and lethargic and for stress levels to rise. In the workplace, such effects can be highly damaging to the efficiency and accuracy of work being carried out and can, for example, detrimentally affect a person's judgment.

When ambient temperatures go to more extreme values, the physical well being of those experiencing such temperatures can be put at serious risk.

Devices are known for providing personal temperature control, such devices being principally directed to use in extreme and therefore dangerous hot or cold ambient conditions.

One such device is disclosed in EP-A-0 099 885 where a first heat exchanger in the form of a body and head garment is connected to a second heat exchanger, which includes a temperature source. Liquid is circulated between the two heat exchangers to effect a suitable heat exchange between the liquid, the temperature source, and the user of the device.

This prior art device is used to effect a cooling of both the body and head of its user, and thus requires a substantial quantity of liquid, both within the body and head garments and in a reservoir forming part of the second heat exchanger. The quantity of liquid required adds a significant weight to the device. Furthermore, a large quantity of temperature source, namely ice, is necessary for the device to be able to work for any significant time. In view of these requirements, whilst the device of EP-A-0 099 885 is disclosed as being portable, in practice this has not been found to be the case as a result of the size and particularly weight constraints it has.

This is even more apparent where a user of the device is disabled and, for example, has a disability impairing easy mobility. In such a case, the size and weight of this known device renders it useful only on a non-portable basis. Thus in circumstances where a truly portable device is required which can provide a significant duration of effective cooling or warming, the apparatus of EP-A-0099885 has been found not to be suitable.

The applicant of the present invention has considered the above identified problems in the particular context of how cooling certain parts of the body can impart cooling on a particularly effective basis, particularly to relieve the symptoms of certain illnesses. In this respect, the applicant has identified that localised cooling of the head has significant effects in effecting disproportionate cooling and thus alleviating the symptoms of illnesses associated with the central nervous system (CNS) , for example Multiple Sclerosis (MS) . Indeed the applicant has found that in MS and other degenerative diseases of the CNS, reducing the temperature of the head can in certain cases allow virtually normal use of all limbs, where without such a temperature reduction, such use is drastically impaired. Whilst use of a device according to EP-A-0 099 885 could theoretically significantly improve the quality of life of sufferers of, for example, MS, the lack of portability of this known device restricts its beneficial effects.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a truly portable personal temperature control device. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a personal temperature control device for use in alleviating illnesses associated with the central nervous system.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a personal temperature control device comprising a first liquid based heat exchanger for performing a heat exchange with a user and a temperature modulation source thermally coupled thereto; characterized in that the device is arranged solely for heat exchange with the user's head and/or an area directly adjacent the user's central nervous system.

In this way, the size and weight of the device components can be kept relatively small so that the device is truly portable. The restricted body contact area of the first heat exchanger moreover allows the device to be used for longer periods of time, as inefficient heat exchange is minimal.

Conveniently, the user's head comprises specifically the cranial area.

In preferred embodiments, the temperature modulation source is provided as part of a second heat exchanger which is thermally coupled to the first heat exchanger.

In preferred embodiments the first and second heat exchangers are connected in a liquid coolant circulation loop. The temperature modulation source is preferably provided in direct contact with the liquid coolant circulation loop so as to provide an efficient heat exchange and to minimize the complexity and weight of the device.

Conveniently the flow of liquid coolant around the loop is variably adjustable. In this way, the device can accommodate ambient temperature variations and user preference. Preferably a pump is provided to urge the liquid coolant around the loop. Any suitable pump may be used, for example of the electrically driven kind, although alternatives, e.g. clockwork, spring driven examples may be used.

In preferred embodiments, operation of the pump can be automatically controlled so as to be intermittent. In this manner, the available working time of the device can be lengthened.

Conveniently, the pump is powered by a rechargeable battery, thereby providing a low cost, efficient power supply.

Preferably, the modulation temperature source is a freezer pack. Any suitable alternatives may of course be used. Where a heating or warming effect is desired, e.g. in cases of a user suffering from hyperthermia, a suitable exothermic chemical pack may be used. Alternatively, the temperature source can be mains water at ambient temperature, or heated water from a central heating system.

In preferred embodiments, the first and second heat exchangers are adapted to be supported by an item or items of clothing when in situ on the user. Conveniently, the second heat exchanger is adapted to be supported on a waistcoat, belt or shoulder-strap arrangement or a suitable harness. In this way, the second heat exchanger can be supported vertically, whether the user is standing or seated.

Preferably the device as described above is for use in alleviating the symptoms of diseases of the central nervous system. The lightweight arrangement of the device provides mobility for users having such symptoms.

Certain preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein; Figure 1 shows in perspective a view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention in operation;

Figure 2 shows components of the device of Figure l; and

Figure 3 shows in perspective an adapter arrangement for use in connection with the device of Figure 1.

As shown in Figure 1, the personal temperature control device for a user (1) comprises a first heat exchanger in the form of headgear (2) covering at least a portion of the user's head (3) , the first heat exchanger being coupled to a second heat exchanger (4) in the form of an insulated pack. The pack includes a reservoir through which liquid that has circulated around the headgear is passed, and a space for receiving a suitable temperature source (discussed later) past or through which the liquid flows. The liquid is preferably water although any suitable alternative may be used. Pump apparatus (5) receives liquid which has circulated through the reservoir and urges it through insulated tubing (6) around the headgear and back to the pack (4) . The apparatus thus provides a simple and reliable means for influencing the temperature of the head of a user. In the particular embodiment shown, it is desired that the head is cooled although warming of the head may be equally be provided for by using a temperature source which is exothermic such as, for example, by controlled chemical reactions. Heating or warming may be used, for example, to provide rapid relief for persons suffering from hyperthermia.

Because the device is directed to controlling a localised area, i.e particularly the cranial region of the head, only a relatively small amount of coolant liquid is required. Further, since less liquid is in circulation in the device, the second heat exchanger requires a relatively small temperature source to provide the necessary heat transfer. Thus, the components of the device relating to the second heat exchanger and pump can be readily supported on for example, a waistcoat, shoulder-strap or harness arrangement worn by the user. The support can hold the second heat exchanger components vertically in such a manner that they do not get in the way and cause discomfort even when the user is seated or bends over.

The second heat exchanger components and pump apparatus may alternatively be supported in a suitably designed belt arrangement. The weight of the device, including the cooling liquid is such that the device is readily portable. Furthermore the relatively small size of the device means that it is discrete in appearance. The headgear (2) may be readily housed within a hat, for example, a baseball cap. The user of the device does not thus feel conspicuous.

Now referring to Figure 2, the separate components of the device will be described in more detail.

As shown in Figure 2, the second heat exchanger includes a well insulated pack (4) , which itself includes a sealed reservoir (14) having an input (11) and an output (12) . The input receives liquid which has been circulated through the headgear (2) whereas the output supplies cooled liquid to the pump (5) for recirculation to the headgear.

The pack (4) includes a space to receive the temperature source, preferably in the form of a freezer pack (7) , although any alternative suitable cooling or warming pack may be used. The reservoir and freezer pack are arranged as to have a relative large contact surface area to ensure good heat exchange between the two.

Thus, as the liquid flows into the reservoir from input (11) through to output (12) it is subjected to cooling by way of the reservoir's contact with the freezer pack (7). In the arrangement shown the freezer pack (7) is provided adjacent the reservoir (14) although the freezer pack may simply be located in the reservoir itself for optimum heat transfer.

Whilst any suitable temperature source may be used, freezer packs are preferred because of their high latent heat of melting which enables them to provide a sustained cooling effect.

The pump and control apparatus of the device is shown generally at (5) and includes a pump (13) which receives liquid from the insulation pack output (12) , a battery (8) which provides a required power energy to drive the pump, a control circuit (not shown) , operating controls (15) , external power inputs (10) and a liquid output (16) . Thus liquid cooled in the second heat exchanger is pumped via pump (13) through the circulation loop which includes the headgear (2) .

The use of a single circulation loop, which circulates water into a reservoir adjacent a freezer pack or into direct contact with the freezer pack provides for a low weight and efficient arrangement.

Whilst any suitable source of power may be used to drive the pump, a rechargeable battery (8) is generally most convenient. However, where appropriate, the pump may be powered by way of solar powered energy or indeed the rechargeable battery may be recharged by way of solar energy. The external power inputs (10) may also be used to either charge up the battery from, for example mains power or a car battery, or to power the pump directly.

A control circuit is used to control operation of the pump. By way of control switches (15) the pump may be operated so as to automatically function intermittently. In this way the operational life of the device between charging of the battery can be extended without lessening the effectiveness of the cooling device. It has been found that a pump rated at 500 mA to 2A, working at around 10 seconds on and 10 seconds off provides an effective cooling arrangement. Controls (15) can be used to vary the on and off periods of the pump as well as the pump output. For example, as the freezer pack inevitably warms up, the pump can be controlled so as to come on for longer periods and stay off for shorter periods.

The headgear (2) is arranged to provide effective heat transfer between the head (3) of a user and the circulation liquid. In this regard, the headgear may comprise a winding of the tube in a suitable configuration at the contact area with the user's head. Alternatively the headgear may include two overlying sheets of suitable material which are sealed together to define an appropriate circulation path or paths. A similar heat transfer surface may be provided in the pack (4) at the contacting surface with the reservoir (14) .

Those sections of insulating tube between the heat exchangers not being used to act as heat exchangers are provided with insulation to prevent unwanted heat transfer.

In this connection, the tubing running up from the pump to the headgear (2) may be arranged so as to provide a degree of heat transfer directly to the spinal area of the user. In this connection, it has been found that reducing the temperature of the brain where the majority of neural signals are processed and directed, assists in the direct transmission of such signals and reduces the occurrence of "misfiring" of neural synapses. For individuals who suffer from illnesses associated with the central nervous system, it is considered that the lack of control of muscles often associated with such illnesses is as a result of misfiring of certain neural signals. Thus as cooling of the area where such signals are transmitted is beneficial to alleviate the mis-transmission of such signals, the applicant of the present invention has identified that providing a cooling means in a specific area where the majority of such signals are processed or transmitted, i.e. the brain and upper spinal area, provides a substantial alleviation of the symptoms of such illnesses. By understanding that localised cooling has such beneficial advantages and by restricting the device to provide any such cooling in the area of the head, the device can be made such that it is in practice readily portable.

In a preferred arrangement thus the cooling tubing (6) running between the headgear (2) and the pump (13) may be arranged so as to align with the spinal column of the user, the spinal column being another major area of nervous system activity.

In a further preferred embodiment as shown in Figure 3, there is provided an adaptor (17) which allows the end of the insulated tubing normally connected to the pump outlet to be connected to a standard tap (18) . In this way, the mains water supply can be used to supply the cooling liquid to, for example, the head gear (2) . The adaptor may alternatively be connected to a hot water tap to provide a warming effect or to a tank of suitably heated or cooled liquid. The end of the tubing normally connected to the second heat exchanger input (11) may in this regard may be linked to a drain or a water storage facility (19) . In this arrangement, cooling or warming is provided by the natural temperature of the water and can be circulated via the natural pressure of the main supply or that of the hot water supply. The ends of the tube may be provided with double, snap-in non-return valves (20) as may be the adaptor. This allows for extensions to the tube to be added by simply snapping in the further sections of double-tube. The adaptor may have a regulator to control the pressure of the liquid coolant through the system.

In a further embodiment, the pump may include a clockwork mechanism, whereby a power source in the form of a battery is not required. The mechanism may be self winding or may be manually wound, for example by a user. In this way the duration that the personal temperature control device can be - lo ¬ used is not limited by the effective working lifespan of the power source.

In the above preferred embodiments, the purpose of cooling has many effects amongst which are (a) to relieve the symptoms of illnesses associated with the central nervous system such as Multiple Sclerosis; (b) to relieve head aches and migraine; (c) to improve efficiency in working conditions; (d) to relieve the symptoms of myalgic encephalitis; (e) to relieve stress; and (f) to provide a sense of well being in high- ambient temperatures.

Claims

CLAIMS ;

1. A personal temperature control device comprising a first liquid based heat exchanger for performing a heat exchange with a user and a temperature modulation source thermally coupled thereto; characterized in that the device is arranged solely for heat exchange with the user's head and/or an area adjacent the user's central nervous system.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the head comprises specifically the cranial area.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature modulation source is provided as part of a second heat exchanger which is thermally coupled to the first heat exchanger.

. A device according to claim 3, wherein the first and second heat exchangers are connected in a liquid coolant circulation loop.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the flow of liquid coolant around the loop is variably adjustable.

6. A device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a pump is provided to urge the liquid coolant around the loop.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein operation of the pump can be automatically controlled by a control means so as to be intermittent.

8. A device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the pump is powered by a rechargeable battery.

9. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the liquid coolant is circulated directly into contact with the temperature modulation source.

10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the temperature modulation source is a freezer pack.

11. A device according to any of claim 1, wherein the temperature modulation source is mains water at ambient temperature.

12. A device according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the first and second heat exchangers are adapted to be supported by an item or items of clothing when in situ on the user.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the second heat exchanger is adapted to be supported by way of a shoulder- strap arrangement.

14. A device according to any preceding claim for use in alleviating the symptoms of diseases of the central nervous system.