Portable temperature control device

Abstract

A handheld portable temperature control device has a cylindrical housing with an air inlet and an air outlet that are in fluid communication with each other. A blower can be placed inside the cylindrical housing, and a heat sink can be placed adjacent to the blower. The handheld portable temperature control device may also have a controllable temperature element configured to generate heating and cooling. The handheld portable temperature control device may also have a heat disperser positioned adjacent to the controllable temperature element and configured to come into contact with the user's face. The top surface of the heat disperser may be oriented at a non-zero angle with respect to the bottom surface of the heat disperser.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 362,349, filed Jul. 31, 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 425,382, filed Jan. 29, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to temperature control devices, more specifically, handheld portable temperature control devices.

Background Art

[0003] Cooling and heating devices are used for therapeutic purposes or during surgery due to many known benefits of thermotherapy and / or cryotherapy in treatment. Thus, various devices have been devised to achieve the desired heat and / or cold transfer. One problem with current heating and / or cooling devices is the lack of portability and maneuverability. Large devices are often used to heat and cool affected areas to provide rapid and efficient heat transfer. The size of these devices is typically necessary because the components are not optimally arranged or configured to facilitate efficient operation. These heating and cooling devices are often heavy, need to be in a fixed position, and need to be plugged into a continuous power source. A smaller and lighter multi - therapeutic device is desirable. One potential hurdle for a smaller form factor has been managing heat dissipation within a portable device to protect internal components from overheating. Thus, there is a need for a lightweight, portable device that provides heating and cooling therapy comparable to larger devices while also providing efficient heat management. It is further desirable to provide a versatile multi - therapeutic device that can be used on different body parts of a user, whether manually by the user or, if necessary, in a fixed position.

[0004] The background information disclosed anywhere in this patent application includes information that may be useful in understanding this disclosure. It is not acknowledged that any information provided herein is prior art or relating to the currently claimed concept, or that any publication is prior art or expressly cited. [Overview of the project]

[0005] This invention describes a novel portable thermotherapy device that incorporates both cold and heat therapy within a compact, handheld device. In several embodiments, the portable thermotherapy device is assembled with an adjustable strap system to wrap around a part of the patient's body. The thermotherapy device is designed to be ergonomically configured so that it can be comfortably held with one hand while simultaneously positioning the device on a desired area of ​​the body. These areas include the back, knees, elbows, shoulders, ankles, face, and neck. The thermotherapy device can be further assembled with straps to secure it to a part of the body, freeing up the user's hands.

[0006] The temperature control device may have a thermoelectric element for transferring heat and coolness to the user's body. In a typical embodiment, the thermoelectric element is a device that utilizes the Peltier effect, with one side being cooled and the other side being heated. The heating mode and cooling mode can be selected and switched arbitrarily within a predetermined temperature range. The temperature control device may further have a rechargeable battery for long-term use.

[0007] In one embodiment, a handheld portable temperature control device has a housing having a curved, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and configured to be held in one hand. The housing may include a controllable temperature element having a first surface and a second surface and configured to generate cooling and heating; a heat sink disposed on the first surface of the controllable temperature element; a blower disposed on the heat sink and configured to move heat away from the heat sink; a heat disperser having a first side and a second side, the first side of which extends from the housing and contacts a part of the user's body; a support member configured to support the heat sink and the blower; and a temperature controller connected to the controllable temperature element. The housing further includes a first air inlet configured to allow airflow into the housing and an air outlet configured to allow airflow to flow out of the housing, the first air inlet and the air outlet being in fluid communication with each other.

[0008] In another embodiment, the mountable assembly has a temperature control device comprising a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing may include a controllable temperature element having a first surface and a second surface, a heat sink disposed on the first surface of the controllable temperature element, a blower disposed on the heat sink and configured to move heat away from the heat sink, a heat disperser having one side and the other side and configured to receive thermal energy from the controllable temperature element, and a support member configured to support at least one battery, the heat sink and the blower. The mountable assembly has a strap case configured to be mounted to the temperature control device. The strap case has a central opening at the bottom through which the heat disperser extends, and a pair of curved and integrally upward-extending side arms, each of the pair of side arms having a projection projecting toward the central opening.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, a handheld portable temperature control device has a cylindrical housing with an air inlet and an air outlet that are in fluid communication with each other, wherein the air inlet is configured to allow air to flow into the cylindrical housing and the air outlet is configured to allow air to flow out of the cylindrical housing. A blower can be placed inside the cylindrical housing and a heat sink can be placed adjacent to the blower. A first portion of the heat sink can be located inside the cylindrical housing and a second portion of the heat sink can be located outside the cylindrical housing. The handheld portable temperature control device may also have a controllable temperature element having a first surface located opposite a second surface and configured to generate heating and cooling. The second surface of the controllable temperature element can be located adjacent to the second portion of the heat sink. The handheld portable temperature control device may also have a heat disperser having a bottom surface located opposite to the top surface, the bottom surface can be located adjacent to the first surface of the controllable temperature element and the top surface can be configured to contact the user's face. The top surface can be oriented at a non-zero angle with respect to the bottom surface.

[0010] Further features and advantages, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments, are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the specific embodiments described herein are not intended to be limiting. The embodiments described herein are presented here solely for illustrative purposes. Further embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the teachings contained herein.

[0011] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming part of the specification illustrate aspects of the disclosure, and together with their descriptions, they further illustrate the principles of the disclosure and enable those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portable therapeutic temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is another perspective view of a portable therapeutic temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view of a portable therapeutic temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a top view of a portable therapeutic temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a bottom view of a portable therapeutic temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a portable therapeutic temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portable therapeutic temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portable therapeutic temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the interior of the lower housing of a portable therapeutic temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an exploded view of Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a top view of a portable therapeutic temperature control device held in the user's hand. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a side view of a portable therapeutic temperature control device held in the user's hand. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a strap case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the strap case shown in Figure 13 and the portable therapeutic temperature control device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the assembled strap case and portable therapeutic temperature control device. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a side view of the assembled strap case and portable therapeutic temperature control device. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a top view of the assembled strap case and portable therapeutic temperature control device. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the assembled strap case and the portable treatment temperature control device. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 16. [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A is a top view of a primary strap according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a bottom view of a primary strap according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 21A] FIG. 21A is a top view of a portable treatment temperature control device assembled with a primary strap. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B is a side view of a portable treatment temperature control device assembled with a primary strap. [Figure 22A] FIG. 22A is a top view and a bottom view of a secondary strap according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 22B] FIG. 22B is a top view and a bottom view of a secondary strap according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 23A] FIG. 23A is a top view of a portable treatment temperature control device assembled using a primary strap and a secondary strap. [Figure 23B] FIG. 23B is a side view of a portable treatment temperature control device assembled using a primary strap and a secondary strap. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a side view of a portable treatment temperature control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a side view of the diffuser of the portable treatment temperature control device of FIG. 24 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 26A] FIG. 26A is a front view of the display device of the portable treatment temperature control device of FIG. 24 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 26B] FIG. 26B is a front view of the display device of the portable treatment temperature control device of FIG. 24 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] FIG.. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the portable treatment temperature control device of FIG. 24 according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In drawings, similar reference numbers generally indicate identical or similar elements. Furthermore, the leftmost digit of a reference number generally identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.

[0014] The following descriptions and drawings are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are provided for the full understanding of this disclosure. However, in certain examples, well-known or prior art details are omitted to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or more embodiments in this disclosure may, but are not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment; such references mean at least one of several embodiments. Where a component is not shown in the drawings, this supports a negative limitation in a claim stating that the component does not exist. However, the foregoing descriptions are not limiting, and in other embodiments, missing components may be included in the claimed embodiment.

[0015] In this specification, any other phrases referring to “one aspect,” “an aspect,” “a preferred aspect,” or “aspect” mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that aspect is included in at least one aspect of this disclosure, and that any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one aspect may be included in or excluded from any aspect. The phrase “in one aspect” appearing in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same aspect, nor are they aspects that are mutually independent or substitutable with other aspects. Furthermore, various features are described, which are shown in some aspects and not in others, and may be omitted from any aspect. Furthermore, any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein may be optional. Similarly, various requirements are described that may be required in some aspects but not in others. Where appropriate, any of the features discussed herein in relation to one aspect of the Disclosure may be applied to another aspect of the Disclosure. Similarly, where appropriate, any of the features described herein in relation to one aspect of the Disclosure may be optional and / or omitted from that aspect of the Disclosure, or from any other aspect of the Disclosure described herein or any other aspect of the Disclosure.

[0016] The terms used herein generally have their ordinary meanings in the art within the context of this disclosure and in the specific context in which each term is used. Specific terms used to describe this disclosure are described below or elsewhere in the specification to provide practitioners with further guidance on describing this disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be emphasized, for example, using italics and / or quotation marks. The use of emphasis does not affect the technical scope and meaning of any term. Whether emphasized or not, the technical scope and meaning of a term in the same context are the same.

[0017] It will be understood that the same thing can be said in multiple ways. As a result, alternative languages ​​and synonyms can be used for one or more of the terms described herein. There is no special significance as to whether a term is refined or described herein. Synonyms for specific terms are provided. The rewriting of one or more synonyms does not preclude the use of other synonyms. In this specification, the use of examples anywhere, including examples of any term described herein, is merely illustrative and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or any illustrated term. Similarly, this disclosure is not limited to the various aspects described herein.

[0018] Without intending to further limit the scope of this disclosure, examples of apparatus, devices, methods, and their associated results that conform to aspects of this disclosure are given below. For the convenience of the reader, names or subtitles may be used in these examples, and it should be noted that these should not limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In case of conflict, this document, including definitions, will take precedence.

[0019] Terms such as "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "side," "short," "long," "up," "down," "aft," "forward," "inboard," "outboard," and "below" are used in this specification simply for the sake of clarity and should be understood to refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. Any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of this disclosure.

[0020] The terms "connected" or "coupled" and related terms are used in an operational sense and are not necessarily limited to direct connection or linkage. "Thermally coupled" means connected in a way that allows heat to be conducted, while "thermally insulated" means separated by a substance that inhibits heat transfer.

[0021] The term "flexible" generally means bendable and conformable under relatively small forces. In the context of various aspects of this disclosure, flexibility is intended to describe the dynamic conforming nature of a personal thermostat to the general shapes of parts of the human body, such as the wrists, ankles, neck, shoulders, back, chest, forehead, rib cage, arches, temporal region, and palms, which directly or indirectly contact or otherwise engage with the surface of the personal thermostat. Furthermore, the term "approximately" is generally used to mean that the numerical values ​​above or below the setpoint are corrected by only + / - 10% variation.

[0022] The following, and shown in Figures 1 to 10, are exemplary temperature control devices capable of providing cooling and heating functions. Figures 11 and 12 show temperature control devices held in the user's hand.

[0023] Figure 1 shows a temperature control device 10 designed to be comfortably held by the user with one hand, while simultaneously providing a therapeutic heating or cooling effect to a desired area on the user's body and promoting airflow to the inside and outside of the temperature control device 10. In some embodiments, the temperature control device 10 has on its exterior a housing 100 having an air inlet or a first air inlet 102 on the top surface of the temperature control device 10, an air outlet 104 on at least one side (e.g., at least one of the first or second sides of the temperature control device 10), a pair of recesses 106 on opposing sides, a plurality of buttons 108 for selectively controlling heating mode and cooling mode of the temperature mode by user operation, a first or control mode light-emitting diode (LED) 110 positioned below the buttons 108 to indicate the temperature mode, a universal serial bus (USB) charging port or simply a charging port 112, a second or battery level LED 114, and an undercut portion 116. In some embodiments, the first LED 110 may have one or more LEDs. In some embodiments, the overall shape of the housing 100 may be curved and sized to be ergonomically held in the user's hand. In further embodiments, each element of the temperature control device 10 is arranged and designed to provide efficient operation of heating and cooling effects and optimal heat dissipation within a compact space, as will be described later. For example, the housing 100 may be rectangular to allow for one-handed holding while maximizing the size of the inlet 102.

[0024] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the temperature control device 10 further has a heat disperser 118 on the bottom side of the housing 100. In some embodiments, the heat disperser 118 can be implemented as a metallic heat disperser and may be made of a highly thermally conductive material such as copper, aluminum, or other metals or metal alloys, or certain ceramics, to help transfer heat or cold air in order to increase the effective area of ​​heating or cooling treatment. As will be described later, the housing 100 has an opening defined on the bottom side of the housing 100 (e.g., reference numeral "146" in Figures 6 and 10) through which the heat disperser 118 extends outside the housing 100. The housing 100 may be formed from, for example, a plastic material, but the bottom of the housing 100 exposes the heat disperser 118, which in some embodiments may be made of a metallic material. Thus, the heat disperser 118 may have one side exposed to the outside, which can directly transfer thermal energy to the user's body part. Furthermore, this configuration ensures that the exposed side of the heat disperser 118 remains in direct contact with the user's skin while enabling engagement with the strap case described later.

[0025] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the temperature control device 10 may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a curved surface and dimensions that allow it to be easily grasped by a user with one hand. For example, the housing 100 may have a length of approximately 110 mm to 115 mm (L), a width of approximately 75 mm to 80 mm (W), and a height of approximately 52 mm to 58 mm (H). These are just one example of dimensions, where each of the length, width, and height may be smaller or larger than those described herein. The housing 100 may be formed from plastic materials, such as polyester resin (polyether), polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, Kevlar®, Nomex, polyacrylonitrile, cellulose, polyurethane, polycarbonate, and one or more binding layers of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer, or similar foams and / or fibers. However, it is not limited to the materials described for the housing 100, and any non-metallic material, metallic material, wood, etc., can be appropriately mounted. Furthermore, the housing 100 is ergonomically shaped and curved to facilitate gripping in the user's hand.

[0026] To facilitate proper one-handed gripping, the upper part of the outer surface has an inwardly curved gripping portion 148 that forms a recess, providing a comfortable grip, especially for the fingers. Such a shape can induce the user to hold the temperature control device 10 in a certain position as shown in Figures 11 and 12. The shape and dimensions of the housing 100 are configured so that the button 108, the first LED 110, the charging port 112, and the second LED 114 are not accidentally gripped or covered when the user is holding the temperature control device 10. Furthermore, the size and dimensions of the air inlet 102 and air outlet 104 are configured so that the air inlet 102 and air outlet 104 are exposed, or partially or entirely exposed, when the user is gripping the temperature control device 10, thereby promoting airflow within the housing 100 even when the temperature control device 10 is being held. However, its shape is not limited to that shown in the drawings or described above. In other words, the temperature control device 10 may have a cylindrical or spherical shape, a hemispherical shape, a prismatic shape (for example, a triangular prism, a hexagonal prism, a pentagonal prism, etc.), a conical shape, a tetrahedron shape, an octahedron shape, etc.

[0027] Various configurations enable miniaturization and weight reduction of the temperature control device 10, as well as efficient and portable power management, thereby allowing users to engage in an active lifestyle while still receiving thermal therapy. Overheating of the temperature control device 10 can also be prevented.

[0028] Referring again to Figure 3, the housing 100 may have individually assembled components, including a convex top cover 120, an upper cover 122, and a lower cover 124. The top cover 120 forms the upper part of the housing 100, the upper cover 122 is fitted to the top cover 120, and then the lower cover 124 is fitted to the upper cover 122. Each cover, the top cover 120, the upper cover 122, and the lower cover 124, may be configured with curved surfaces so that they form the convex outer shape of the housing 100 for ergonomic design. Furthermore, the upper cover 122 and the lower cover 124 are assembled together with the top cover 120 to form a partially enclosed space of the housing 100.

[0029] The top cover 120 may have a first plurality of vents or openings that form an inlet 102 formed on the upper side or top surface of the housing 100. The first plurality of vents may be defined across or partially on the entire surface of the top cover 120. The air inlet 102 may be configured to guide airflow into the housing 100 through the first plurality of vents. For example, a blower (reference number "126" in Figure 4) may be positioned adjacent to the bottom cover 120 to cause airflow to flow into the housing 100 through the first plurality of vents. The bottom cover 124 may have a second plurality of vents or openings formed on the long side (longitudinal direction) of the bottom cover 124 of the housing 100 as an air outlet 104, which can cause airflow to flow out of the housing 100, out to the short side (width) of the bottom cover 124, or a combination of both. Therefore, the first and second sets of ventilation holes are configured to define an airflow path for air to flow in and out of the housing 100. An airflow path can also be formed from the first sets of ventilation holes as air inlets 102 and the undercut portion 116 as a third opening, through the blower 126 and the heat sink 132 to the second sets of openings as air outlets 104.

[0030] Alternatively, the second set of vents or openings may be formed on one side, two sides (e.g., opposite sides), three sides, or all four sides of the lower cover 124. For example, Figure 3 shows a second set of air outlets 104 formed on a first surface, and Figures 9 and 10 show air outlets 104 formed on the first surface and a second surface facing the first surface. In some embodiments, the second set of vents are arranged longitudinally along the corresponding surfaces. The set of vents or openings in the lower cover 124 forms air outlets 104, which can be configured to facilitate airflow from the housing 100. In some embodiments, the air outlets 104 are provided on opposing long sides (longitudinal direction) of the lower cover 124 (e.g., a first side and a second side facing each other) to allow internal air to flow out of the housing 100 in the opposite direction. In some embodiments, the air outlet 104 is formed on the side of the housing 100 so that the air flowing out from the air outlet 104 does not blow onto the user's skin. In some embodiments, the air outlet 104 is positioned on the side of the housing 100 so that the user does not obstruct the airflow while holding the housing 100.

[0031] The housing 100 may further include a blower 126 configured to draw in or draw outside air into the housing 100. Referring to Figure 4, which shows a top view of the temperature control device 10, the blower 126 may be positioned adjacent to the top cover 120 to draw outside air into the housing 100 through the air inlet 102. The blower 126 is configured to circulate the air inside the housing 100 and guide it out of the housing 100 through the air outlet 104.

[0032] Referring again to Figure 3, the pair of surface-treated recesses 106 may be formed on opposing sides of the lower cover 124 (for example, a third surface and a fourth surface positioned facing each other in the width direction). In some embodiments, the recesses 106 are formed on a side where the air outlet 104 is not defined. For example, the air outlet 104 may be formed on the long side (longitudinal direction) or side of the lower cover 124, and the recesses 106 may be formed on the short side (width) or side of the lower cover 124 as shown in Figure 3. In other embodiments, the air outlet 104 and the recesses 106 may be configured on the same side of the lower cover 124. The recesses 106 may be configured to receive a strap case, which will be described later.

[0033] In some embodiments, the upper cover 122 may have an undercut portion 116 configured as a concave surface positioned along the upper edge of the upper cover 122 adjacent to the top cover 120. The undercut portion 116 can form a gap between the top cover 120 and the upper cover 122, and is configured to facilitate further and / or alternative airflow into the housing 100. That is, in some embodiments, the undercut portion 116 can be implemented so that the air inlet 102 is a second air inlet, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 3, allowing air to flow into the housing 100 through the air inlet 102 and further air to flow in through the undercut portion 116. In other embodiments, the housing 100 may have only one of the air inlet 102 and the undercut portion 116 to receive air.

[0034] When the user is holding the temperature control device 10 with one hand, the air inlet 102 may be partially or completely blocked, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, and the airflow into the housing 100 may be partially obstructed by the user's hand. In either case, the undercut portion 116 is configured to provide an additional air passage for further air drawn into the housing 100 to supplement the airflow at the air inlet 102. The air inlet 102, the undercut portion 116, and the blower 126 are configured to facilitate airflow through the central passage within the internal cavity of the temperature control device 10 housing 100. For example, the air inlet 102, together with the blower undercut 116 and the air outlet 104, are in fluid communication with each other through the central passage within the internal cavity (see, for example, the shaded area "A" in Figure 7). The maximum airflow within the housing 100 can be provided by the combination of the air inlet 102, the undercut section 116, and the blower 126, along with the physical arrangement of the components within the housing 100 of the temperature control device 10. The increased airflow resulting from this configuration allows the temperature control device 10 to operate efficiently in heating mode, cooling mode, and contrast mode (e.g., rapid cooling, rapid heating) in a portable, handheld device.

[0035] Referring to Figure 5, the bottom of the housing 100 has an opening (for example, reference numeral "146" in Figures 6 and 10) described later, through which the heat disperser 118 extends outside the housing 100. In some embodiments, the heat disperser 118 is configured to extend beyond the strap case 20 outside the housing 100 when mounted on the housing temperature control device 10 (see Figure 14). The heat disperser 118 can be configured to contact the user's skin surface when the temperature control device 10 is used with or without the strap case 20. The heat disperser 118 may have a convex bottom surface to facilitate contact with the surface of the user's body and to align with the full curved shape of the housing 100. Such a convex configuration can reduce the amount of material used for the heat disperser 118 while maintaining or improving heat transfer performance. Furthermore, the heat disperser 118 can be configured to raise or lower the temperature, for example, by about Δ8°C in about 150 seconds, to quickly and efficiently deliver a desired temperature to the user. As will be discussed later, the heat disperser 118 is designed to reduce material / weight in order to satisfy compactness requirements. In some embodiments, the heat disperser 118 may be made of conductive alloys, metals, or materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, carbon fiber, or carbon-carbon materials and / or composite materials. The dimensions of the disperser 118 can be tailored to specific applications. Dimensions and shapes can be configured to reduce the amount of material used while increasing the contact area with the user. For example, a curved outer surface rather than a flat surface can enhance contact with the user's body, or unnecessary materials can be removed to reduce the overall size and weight.

[0036] The internal components of the temperature control device 10 and their arrangement within the housing 100 will be described in detail using Figures 6 to 10.

[0037] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the temperature control device 10, with each case portion of the housing 100 open, showing the internal components of the temperature control device 10 enclosed within the housing 100. As described above, the temperature control device 10 includes a blower 126 which may consist of a blower blade section 127 and a blower housing 128. The blower 126 may be positioned adjacent to the top cover 120 on the inside of the housing 100 to draw ambient air into the housing 100 through the air inlet 102. In some embodiments, a heat sink 132 may be positioned below the blower 126. The heat sink 132 may be positioned on a first surface of a controllable temperature element 134 which can generate cooling and heating. In some embodiments, the first surface of the controllable temperature element 134 is the top surface. Examples of controllable temperature elements 134 include Peltier elements, Peltier heat pumps, solid refrigerators, thermoelectric coolers (TECs), and the like. The controllable temperature element 134 can adapt the Peltier effect to create a heat flux at the joint of two different types of materials, thereby transferring heat from one side of the device to the other. In some embodiments, the second surface of the controllable temperature element 134 is in contact with the first side (or one of the sides) of the heat disperser 118 to transfer thermal energy to the upper side of the heat disperser 118. In some embodiments, the second surface can face the first surface; for example, if the first surface is implemented as the upper side of the controllable temperature element 134, the second surface can be implemented as the lower side of the controllable temperature element 134. The second side (or another side) of the heat disperser 118 facing the first side of the heat disperser 118 can be located inside the housing 100. The first side of the heat disperser 118 can extend outward from the housing 100.

[0038] The heatsink 132 can draw heat from the upper surface of the controllable temperature element 134, and the blower 126 can help dissipate heat or direct heat away from the heatsink 132 and other components. When the temperature control device 10 is in use, the heat disperser 118 is cooled or heated by the controllable temperature element 134, and the heat or cold air may be transmitted to the user by contact through the heat disperser 118. In some embodiments, the temperature control device 10 further includes a printed circuit board or PCB 140 for telecommunications and data communications. The PCB 140 may have a control unit (e.g., a temperature controller) 142 connected to communicate with the controllable temperature element 134 for various control functions (e.g., turning the temperature control device 10 on or off, heating or cooling, etc.).

[0039] The controllable temperature element 134 can be implemented as a heat pump capable of directly converting electricity into heating and cooling power depending on the mode of the temperature control device 10. When power is supplied to the controllable temperature element 134, the current causes heat to be absorbed on one side of the controllable temperature element 134 (the cooling side). Then, the opposite side of the controllable temperature element 134 can release heat (the high-temperature side). For example, when a user presses one of the buttons 108 to switch to heating mode, one side of the controllable temperature element 134 releases heat where that side is in contact with the user. When a user presses one of the buttons 108 to switch to cooling mode, the same side of the controllable temperature element 134 can absorb heat instead of releasing it, providing a cooling effect to the user. Furthermore, during contrast mode, the controllable temperature element 134 can be controlled to periodically switch between the functions of heat release and heat absorption. That is, the controllable temperature element 134 allows heat to flow from the low-temperature side to the high-temperature side. Reversing the current causes heat to move in the opposite direction, thereby reversing the high-temperature and low-temperature sides. As a result, a heating or cooling effect can be selectively achieved. Based on the disclosures provided herein, those skilled in the art will recognize various possible configurations of the temperature control device 10 that will achieve the heating / cooling effect.

[0040] The controllable temperature element 134 has dimensions of, for example, approximately 40 mm (L) x 40 mm (W) x 4.8 mm (D), and the heat sink 132 has a slightly larger surface area than the controllable temperature element 134. The blower 126 may have overall dimensions of, for example, approximately 60 mm (L) x 60 mm (W) x 10 mm (D). The heat disperser 118 may have dimensions of, for example, approximately 70 mm (L) x 60 mm (W) x 7 mm (D). However, the disclosed dimensions are not limited to these values ​​and may be configured within a range of sizes to maintain the ability to hold the temperature control device 10 in one hand.

[0041] The temperature control device 10 further comprises one or more batteries 130 having at least one battery. In some embodiments, the one or more batteries 130 may be one or more rechargeable batteries and may be arranged on one or more sides around the heat sink 132. Referring to Figure 7, a cross-sectional view of Figure 1, the one or more batteries 130 may have two rechargeable batteries seated on the outside of a support member 137. The support member 137 may be located inside the housing 100, horizontally offset from the center between the blower 126 and the controllable temperature element 134. The support member 137 may have a rectangular bottom side on which the heat sink 132 is seated in the middle of the support member 137. The two side walls 138 of the support member 137 may extend straight upward. Each of the two side walls 138 may have a wing portion 139 having a shape for supporting one or more rechargeable batteries 130, as shown in Figures 6 to 8. In some embodiments, one or more side walls of the support member 137 extend as described above to support a corresponding number of rechargeable batteries. Thus, the support member 137 can support one or more batteries 130, the heat sink 132, and the blower 126 to facilitate airflow between the blower 126 and the heat disperser 118. The support member 137 is configured to hold one or more batteries 130 at horizontally spaced positions so that they do not obstruct airflow within the housing 100. In an alternative embodiment, one or more batteries 130 are located outside the housing 100 and may be connected to the temperature control device 10, for example, by a charging cable.

[0042] Referring again to Figure 6, the bottom side of the support member 137 has an opening 144 in its center through which the controllable temperature element 134 is fitted so as to contact the heat sink 132 below the heat sink 132. Furthermore, a heat disperser 118 can be connected to the bottom side of the support member 137. In some embodiments, the opening 144 may be smaller than the heat sink 132 but larger than the controllable temperature element 134. Furthermore, a padded liner 136 (Figure 10) made of a non-conductive material can be mounted on the second side of the heat disperser 118 inside the housing 100 to protect the controllable temperature element 134 and its surroundings by surrounding the controllable temperature element 134, thereby preventing thermal energy from moving to unwanted areas within the housing 100.

[0043] The above-described configuration and structure of the internal components enable efficient cooling of the internal components of the temperature control device 10 while providing rapid heating and cooling effects to the user through direct contact with the heat disperser 118. For example, when a user grasps the temperature control device 10 for thermotherapy or cryotherapy, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, activating the device allows sufficient outside air to enter the temperature control device 10 through the combination of the air inlet 102 and the undercut section 116. The air flows down to the blower 126 and the heat sink 132, and finally is guided to flow out of the housing 100 through the air outlet 104, enabling rapid cooling.

[0044] In some embodiments, the operation of the temperature control device 10 (e.g., heating and cooling) can be controlled by user operation of buttons 108. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the temperature control device 10 may have two or more buttons 108 connected on the PCB 140, the buttons 108 located on the outer surface of the housing 100 for the user to press. The buttons 108 can control the on / off control of the temperature control device 10, the change of control mode, the change of temperature setpoint, etc. Some of these functions are controlled by pressing the relevant buttons multiple times. In one embodiment, one of these buttons 108 can control the heating mode, and another of these buttons 108 can control the cooling mode.

[0045] More specifically, button 108 may have one button for turning on the temperature control device 10, and the first LED 110 may display, for example, a green light to indicate that the temperature control device 10 is on. Button 108 may also include corresponding buttons for activating different modes of the temperature control device 10, such as a button configured to activate (and deactivate) the heating mode and a button configured to activate (and deactivate) the cooling mode. Buttons 108 may be visually distinguishable from one another by icons or colors, for example, red for the heating mode and blue for the cooling mode. Furthermore, two or more buttons on button 108 may be configured to be pressed simultaneously to activate a contrast mode. In some embodiments, the temperature control device 10 may be configured to detect the length of time a button is pressed on button 108. For example, if a button is pressed for a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds or less), the temperature control device 10 may switch modes. In some embodiments, the predetermined period may differ from the time required to press the button to activate a mode or turn on the temperature control device 10 (e.g., shorter or longer).

[0046] The heating mode and cooling mode can be configured at different temperature levels. The heating mode may implement a range of temperature values ​​that includes a predetermined heating threshold as a first temperature setpoint (e.g., above 30°C but below 50°C, or alternatively, 35°C to 43°C). Examples of discrete values ​​within the range for the heating mode may include, for example, values ​​of 35°C, 39°C, and 43°C. In some other embodiments, the temperature range for each mode may vary such that each range can be larger (e.g., above 20°C but below 60°C) or smaller (e.g., above 38°C but below 40°C).

[0047] Similarly, the cooling mode may implement a range of temperature values ​​that includes a predetermined cooling threshold (e.g., less than 20°C, or alternatively 8°C to 16°C) as a second temperature setpoint. Examples of discrete values ​​within the range for the cooling mode may include, for example, values ​​of 16°C, 12°C, and 8°C. In some embodiments, the heating and cooling temperature values ​​of the temperature control device 10 can be specifically selected to maximize the benefits and safety of direct treatment to the user's skin without concern for skin irritation, burns, etc. In some other embodiments, the temperature range for each mode may vary so that each range can be larger (e.g., above 3°C but less than 30°C) or smaller (e.g., above 10°C but less than 18°C).

[0048] Button 108 may have one or more buttons for configuring temperature setpoints in each mode. In some embodiments, button 108 may be configured to activate a mode based on the duration of button press (e.g., a long press of 5 seconds). For example, after activating a desired mode, pressing the button repeatedly may cycle between different temperature setpoints until the correct temperature setpoint is selected. The first LED 110 may be multicolored (e.g., two-color, three-color) and may indicate the currently selected temperature setpoint (e.g., the current temperature in the corresponding temperature mode) by displaying each temperature setpoint in a different color (e.g., blue, orange, red). In some embodiments, the first LED 110 is configured to display a first temperature setpoint in heating mode in a first color, and the second LED 114 is configured to display a second temperature setpoint in cooling mode in a second color. The first and second colors may be different colors.

[0049] In some embodiments, the contrast mode may alternate between a cooling mode and a heating mode. The contrast mode may have one or more cycles of alternating between the cooling mode and the heating mode over a predetermined period of time. For example, a cooling mode at 8°C may be maintained for a certain period (e.g., 1 minute), and then switched to a heating mode at 43°C for a certain period (e.g., 1 minute). The temperature and period settings may be preset or user-configured settings, and for example, the temperature control device 10 may be configured to communicate with a user device such as a mobile phone or computer. In some embodiments, the combination of heating and cooling treatments provided by the temperature control device 10 in contrast mode may be beneficial in helping the user maximize the recovery of areas of the body that may be fatigued or subjected to strain by activity.

[0050] Once the desired mode (e.g., cooling mode, heating mode, or contrast mode) is selected by the user, a temperature change can be achieved rapidly, for example, taking about 2 seconds to decrease Δ15°C or about 1 second to increase Δ15°C. This is because the structural arrangement of each element formation described above, for example, the air passages from the air inlet 102 and the undercut portion 116, serve as secondary air inlets to the air outlet 104 that pass through the internal components within the housing 100.

[0051] Below the first LED 110, the housing 100 further has a charging port 112 connected to and electrically communicating with the PCB 140 for charging one or more rechargeable batteries 130 (see Figure 1). A second LED 114 is positioned adjacent to the charging port 112 and can indicate the charging level in a different color. In some embodiments, the button 108, the first LED 110, the charging port 112, and the second LED 114 are located on the shorter side (e.g., the width direction) of the housing 100, which has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, while the air outlet 104 is formed on the longer side (e.g., the length direction) of the housing 100. Furthermore, one of a pair of recesses 106, which will be described in more detail later, is formed below the charging port 112 on the same side of the housing 100 without interfering with either the control element or the display element.

[0052] In some embodiments, but not limited to, one or more rechargeable batteries 130 may be lithium-ion batteries and may have a battery life of about 60 minutes. In some embodiments, batteries 130 may be nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), lithium polymer (Li-Po), or other types of rechargeable batteries. In some embodiments, batteries 130 may be implemented as disposable batteries. Batteries 130 can communicate electrically with electronic components, such as a blower 126, a controllable temperature element 134, and a PCB 140, via one or more electrical contacts. Batteries 130 may be positioned on one or more sides around the blower 126, heat sink 132, and controllable temperature element 134 so as not to obstruct airflow and heat transfer through the central passage of the internal cavity of the temperature control device 10 (see arrow in Figure 19). Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the battery 130 is horizontally spaced apart from each other by the blower 126, the heat sink 132, the controllable temperature element 134, and any built-in electronic components, forming passages through which airflow can be directed into the housing 100.

[0053] For example, Figure 7 shows a case where the temperature control device 10 has two batteries 130 supported by a support member 137 adjacent to the third and fourth surfaces of the lower cover 124. That is, each battery 130 is seated on a corresponding wing portion 139 located on the outside of the support member 137. The multiple wing portions 139 are spaced apart from each other so that internal electronic components such as the blower 126 and heat sink 132 can be positioned in the space between the multiple wing portions 139 (or two side walls 138). As described above, this configuration guides airflow through a passage formed in the housing 100 to cool internal components near the passage. This air passage formed between the batteries 130 can facilitate airflow to rapidly cool the internal components, etc.

[0054] Figures 9 and 10 show an internal and exploded view of the lower cover 124, respectively. The lower cover 124 has a first opening 145 through which the button 108, the first LED 110, the charging port 112 and / or the second LED 114 are exposed on the surface of the housing 100 (e.g., the third side). The housing 100 further has a second opening 146 on the bottom surface facing the top surface of the temperature control device 10, through which the heat disperser 118 extends outward. In some embodiments, the first and second sides of the housing 100, which extend in the longitudinal direction, may be longer than the third side, which extends in the width direction. As described above, the heat disperser 118 may have a recess 135 for securely receiving the controllable temperature element 134. The recess 135 can reduce the weight / cost of the temperature control device 10 by reducing or minimizing the use of unnecessary material.

[0055] For example, referring again to Figure 7, rather than having a flat surface in a solid shape, the heat disperser 118 has a recess 135 on its upper surface, such that a central portion 119 protrudes from the recess 135 and contacts the controllable temperature element 134. The controllable temperature element 134 further has a padded liner 136 surrounding the heat disperser 118, which in addition to protecting the heat disperser 118 prevents thermal energy from being transferred to or from the heat disperser 118.

[0056] Figures 11 and 12 show various diagrams of a portable therapeutic temperature control device 10 held in the user's hand. In particular, Figure 12 shows that airflow (e.g., arrows) from the air inlet 102 to the air outlet 104 is ensured.

[0057] Figures 13 and 14 show a strap case 20 designed to receive a temperature control device 10. The strap case 20 is generally made of a plastic material similar to the housing 100 and has a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the strap case 20 has a pair of opposite strap buckle portions 202, each having a buckle opening 204, and a pair of curved side arms 206. Each side arm 206 has a projection 208 that extends toward a central opening 212 to snap into each recess 106 of the housing 100. Furthermore, the pair of strap buckle portions 202 may extend integrally away from the central opening 212 in the width direction. Thus, the strap case 20 can receive the temperature control device 10 by engaging the projections 208 with their respective recesses 106. Each projection 208 on the pair of side arms 206 is provided with a padded layer 210 to protect against friction between the projection 208 and the recess 106. The padded layer 210 can be formed from a silicone material (including thermoplastic silicone, thermosetting silicone, and silicone gel), or from a rubber material to prevent wear and scratching between the protrusions 208 and their respective recesses 106 during assembly and disassembly. In some other embodiments, a plastic material may be used for the padded layer 210, with a rough texture on it.

[0058] Figures 15 to 19 show the assembly of the strap case 20 and the temperature control device 10 in various diagrams. As shown in Figure 15, when the strap case 20 and the temperature control device 10 are assembled, the air inlet 102 and the air outlet 104 are fully exposed. Furthermore, referring to Figures 16 and 14, the heat disperser 118 extends to the bottom side of the strap case 20 through the central opening 212 of the strap case 20, ensuring that the first contact point makes secure contact with the user's body. Figure 17 shows a top view of the assembly of the strap case 20 and the temperature control device 10, and Figure 18 shows a bottom view of this assembly. As shown, the top cover 120 has multiple openings forming the air inlet 102, which allows air to enter with the help of the blower 126.

[0059] Figure 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 16, in which the strap case 20 and the temperature control device 10 are snap-fitted together by their respective protrusions 208 and recesses 106, and the padded layer 210 ensures the connection between the strap case 20 and the temperature control device 10 and protects the contact area. Furthermore, the battery 130 can be horizontally spaced away from any internal electronic and metal components of the temperature control device 10. With this configuration, as also described above, airflow (arrows in Figure 19) can enter and exit the temperature control device 10 without being blocked by the battery 130.

[0060] Figures 20A, 20B, 21A, 21B, 22A, 22B, 23A, and 23B show the strap system for the assembly of the temperature control device 10 and the strap case 20.

[0061] Referring to Figures 20A and 20B, the strap system has a primary strap 30 having a neoprene material 302 on one side or along its length (Figure 20A) and a first hook and loop material 306 (e.g., Velcro®) on the other side or along its length (Figure 20B). A second hook and loop material 304 can be partially provided on one end of the neoprene material 302. The primary strap 30 has a first length, e.g., approximately 100 cm (L1) and a first width, e.g., approximately 6 cm (W1), and can be fitted through the buckle opening 204 of the strap buckle portion 202. For example, each end of the primary strap 30 can be inserted into the buckle opening 204 and folded back so that the first hook and loop material 306 can be fastened together as shown in Figures 21A and 21B. Once the temperature control device 10, strap case 20, and primary strap 30 are assembled together, the assembly is configured to strap onto the user so that the heating and cooling of the controllable temperature element 134 are selectively transferred to the part of the user's body that is in contact with the heat disperser 118.

[0062] Furthermore, referring to Figures 22A and 22B, the strap system has a secondary strap 40 having a shorter length, for example, a second length (L2) of approximately 60 cm and a second width (W2) of approximately 6 cm. The secondary strap 40 is connected to the primary strap 30 to form a single long strap system, as shown in Figures 23A and 23B. Similar to the primary strap 30, the secondary strap 40 has a neoprene material 402 on a first side of the secondary strap 40 and a third hook and loop material 406 along the entire length of the opposite side. A fourth hook and loop material 404 is partially provided at one end on the neoprene material 402. The secondary strap 40 can be fitted into the buckle opening 204 of the strap buckle portion 202. For example, each end of the secondary strap 40 can be folded so that it fits into the buckle opening 204 and the third hook and loop material 406 can be fastened together. The dimensions of the primary strap 30 and secondary strap 40 described herein are merely illustrative values ​​and are therefore not limited thereto.

[0063] Alternatively, the secondary strap 40 can be connected to one end of the primary strap 30 by fastening the second hook and loop material 304 as a first fastening mechanism and the third hook and loop material 406 as a second fastening mechanism. In other words, an adjustable strap system that uses the primary strap 30 or the secondary strap 40 individually or together allows for versatile use. For example, it can be used for larger body types versus smaller body types, or for straps around the shoulders or back versus straps around the wrists or ankles.

[0064] In some cases, users may wish to apply heating and / or cooling effects to small areas of their body. For example, a user may wish to apply heating and / or cooling effects to their face. More specifically, a user may wish to apply heating and / or cooling effects to the forehead, temples, cheeks, eyes, chin, lips, neck, etc., of their face. In such cases, users may prefer to apply the heating and / or cooling effects with a device having a small profile. For example, a user may prefer to use a device similar in size to a lipstick container, lip balm container, gum pack, etc., that can be easily fitted into a pocket, handbag, wallet, etc. In some cases, a user may prefer to use a device with a contoured or angled surface area that can be easily applied to treat specific areas of their face with heating and / or cooling effects. The embodiments described with respect to Figures 24 to 27 refer to devices having a heating and / or cooling device that can satisfy the user's preferences, has a small profile, and can be easily accommodated.

[0065] Figure 24 is a side view of a temperature control device 2400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the temperature control device 2400 may be smaller than the temperature control device 10. For example, the temperature control device 2400 may have at least one dimension smaller than the corresponding dimension of the temperature control device 10. The temperature control device 2400 may have at least one surface area smaller than the corresponding surface area of ​​the temperature control device 10. The temperature control device 2400 may have a volume smaller than the corresponding volume of the temperature control device 10.

[0066] In some embodiments, the temperature control device 2400 may include a housing 2402. In some embodiments, the housing 2402 may be symmetrical. For example, the housing 2402 may be cylindrical, rectangular, or the like. In some embodiments, the housing 2402 may be asymmetrical. The housing 2402 may include a first end 2404 located opposite the second end 2406, and a wall portion 2408 extending between the first end 2404 and the second end 2406. In some embodiments, the housing 2402 may define a longitudinal axis 2414 extending between the first end 2404 and the second end 2406. In some embodiments, the housing 2402 may define an air inlet 2412 located at the second end 2406 and configured to allow air to flow into the housing 2402. In some embodiments, the housing 2402 may define an air outlet 2410 located at the first end 2404 and in fluid communication with an air inlet 2412. The air outlet 2410 may be configured to allow air to flow out of the housing 2402. The housing 2402 may have a display device 2676 located on the wall surface 2408 of the housing 2402, the display device 2676 having a button arrangement 2678 with a first button 2680 and a second button 2682, and a light arrangement 2642. The display device 2676 is further described with reference to Figure 26B.

[0067] In some embodiments, the housing 2402 is configured to at least partially cover the components of the temperature control device 2400. For example, the temperature control device 2400 may have a fan, a heat sink, and a controllable temperature element that can be at least partially covered by the housing 2402. As shown in Figure 24, a portion of the heat sink 2418 may be partially covered by the housing 2402, and a portion of the heat sink 2418 may be located outside the housing 2402. Components of the temperature control device 2400 that can be at least partially covered by the housing 2402 will be further described with reference to Figure 27.

[0068] In some embodiments, the temperature control device 2400 may include a heat disperser 2420. The heat disperser 2420 may be aligned with the longitudinal axis 2414 and located outside the housing 2402. In some embodiments, the heat disperser 2420 may be located closer to the second end 2406 of the housing 2402 than to the first end 2404 of the housing 2402. The heat disperser 2420 may be configured to raise or lower its temperature in response to a temperature change of a controllable temperature element (described as shown in Figure 27). For example, in some embodiments, the heat disperser 2420 may be configured to receive thermal energy from the controllable temperature element. In some embodiments, the heat disperser 2420 may be in physical contact with the controllable temperature element so that heating or cooling from the controllable temperature element is transmitted to the heat disperser 2420 via conduction. In some embodiments, the heat disperser 2420 does not need to be in physical contact with the controllable temperature element, and heating or cooling from the controllable temperature element can be transmitted to the heat disperser 2420 via convection and / or radiation.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first end 2404 may be received within a battery charger 2416 for charging a battery located within the housing 2402. In the above embodiments, the first electrical contacts may extend from the battery to the outer surface of the housing 2402 at the first end 2404 so that power flows to the battery and charges it when the first electrical contacts contact the second electrical contacts of the battery charger 2416. In other embodiments, the first end 2404 may have a charging port (e.g., a USB charging port) for charging a battery located within the housing 2402.

[0070] Figure 25 is a side view of a heat disperser 2420 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the heat disperser 2420 may include a bottom surface 2522 located opposite the top surface 2524. The heat disperser 2420 may include an outer surface 2526 extending between the bottom surface 2522 and the top surface 2524. In some embodiments, the top surface 2524 may be configured to contact the user's face. In such embodiments, the top surface 2524 may be referred to as the contact surface. In some embodiments, the top surface 2524 and the outer surface 2526 may be configured to contact the user's face. In such embodiments, both the top surface 2524 and the outer surface 2526 may be referred to as the contact surface. In some embodiments, the outer surface 2526 may be configured to contact the user's face. In such embodiments, the outer surface 2526 may be referred to as the contact surface.

[0071] In some embodiments, the heat disperser 2420 may have a truncated conical shape. For example, the base surface 2522 may have a circular cross-sectional shape (for example, when viewed along the longitudinal axis 2414), and the outer surface 2526 may extend between the base surface 2522 and the top surface 2524 at an acute angle with respect to the base surface 2522. In some embodiments, the top surface 2524 and the base surface 2522 may be substantially parallel to each other. In embodiments where the base surface 2522 and the top surface 2524 are substantially parallel to each other, the top surface 2524 may have a circular cross-sectional shape, and the circular cross-sectional shape of the base surface 2522 may be larger than the circular cross-sectional shape of the top surface 2524. In other words, the outer surface 2526 may extend from the base surface 2522 to the top surface 2524 along the longitudinal axis 2414 in a direction away from the second end 2406 of the housing 2402 at an acute angle with respect to the base surface 2522.

[0072] In some embodiments, the top surface 2524 and the bottom surface 2522 are oriented at an angle to each other. In other words, in some embodiments, the heat disperser 2420 may have a truncated conical shape with an angled top surface. More specifically, in some embodiments, the top surface 2524 may be oriented at a non-zero angle A with respect to the bottom surface 2522 (for example, the top surface 2524 and the bottom surface 2522 are not substantially parallel). In some embodiments, the top surface 2524 may be oriented at a non-zero angle B with respect to the second end 2406 of the housing 2402. In some embodiments, the top surface 2524 may be oriented at a non-zero angle C with respect to the first end 2404 of the housing 2402. In some embodiments, the non-zero angles A, B, or C may be substantially equal. In some embodiments, at least two of the non-zero angles A, B, or C may be substantially equal. In some embodiments, the non-zero angles A, B, and C may be different from each other. In some embodiments, non-zero angles A, B, and C may be between 5 degrees and 50 degrees. In some embodiments, non-zero angles A, B, and C may be between 10 degrees and 45 degrees. In some embodiments, non-zero angles A, B, and C may be between 15 degrees and 40 degrees.

[0073] In some embodiments, the heat disperser 2420 may have other shapes. For example, the heat disperser 2420 may have a right cylindrical shape. More specifically, the top surface 2524 and the bottom surface 2522 may be substantially parallel to each other, and the outer surface 2526 may extend from the bottom surface 2522 to the top surface 2524 at an angle substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 2522. In yet another example, the heat disperser 2420 may have an oblique cylindrical shape. More specifically, the outer surface 2526 may extend between the bottom surface 2522 and the top surface 2524 at an angle substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 2522, and the top surface 2524 may be oriented at an angle to the bottom surface 2522. In yet another example, the heat disperser 2420 may have a round-top cylindrical shape. More specifically, the outer surface 2526 may extend between the bottom surface 2522 and the top surface 2524 at an angle substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 2522, and the top surface 2524 may have a curved or convex shape. The top surface 2524 may have a vertex at its center, the center being further from the bottom surface 2522 than any other point on the top surface 2524. As another example, the heat disperser 2420 may have an oblique cylindrical shape. More specifically, the top surface 2524 and the bottom surface 2522 may be substantially parallel to each other, and the outer surface may extend between the bottom surface 2522 and the top surface 2524 at an angle such that the top surface 2524 and the bottom surface 2522 are offset with respect to the longitudinal axis 2414.

[0074] In some embodiments, the upper surface 2524 and the outer surface 2526 meet in a transition region 2528. In some embodiments, the transition region 2528 can follow a curved passage between the upper surface 2524 and the outer surface 2526. In some embodiments, the transition region may have a first radius of curvature 2530 where the uppermost part 2532 of the upper surface 2524 meets the outer surface 2526. The uppermost part 2532 of the upper surface 2524 may be the portion of the upper surface 2524 furthest from the second end 2406 of the housing 2402 along the longitudinal axis 2414. In some embodiments, the transition region may have a second radius of curvature 2534 where the remainder of the upper surface 2524 meets the outer surface 2526. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature 2530 and the second radius of curvature 2534 are approximately equal. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature 2534 is greater than the first radius of curvature 2530. In embodiments where the second radius of curvature 2534 is greater than the first radius of curvature 2530, the uppermost part 2532 may converge at the tip 2536.

[0075] In some embodiments, the heat diffuser 2420 can be configured to come into contact with the user's face and heat and / or cool a portion of the user's face. In some embodiments, the user's face may come into contact with the upper surface 2524. In such embodiments, the temperature control device 2400 can be oriented at a certain angle to the user's face based on the angle of the upper surface 2524. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 2414 of the temperature control device 2400 can be oriented at an angle substantially equal to one or more of angles A, B, or C when the upper surface 2524 of the heat diffuser 2420 is in contact with the user's face.

[0076] In some embodiments, various surfaces of the heat distributer 2420 can be configured to come into contact with the user's face to heat and / or cool a portion of the user's face. In some embodiments, the user's face can come into contact with the outer surface 2526 to heat and / or cool the user's face. More specifically, the heat distributer 2420 can be configured to distribute heating and cooling from a controllable temperature element substantially equally across the top surface 2524 and the outer surface 2526. In other words, when the controllable temperature element generates heating and cooling, the temperature of the top surface 2524 can be substantially equal to the temperature of the outer surface 2526.

[0077] In some embodiments, the housing 2402 may have an indicator 2590 located below the heat disperser 2420 at the second end of the housing 2402. In some embodiments, the indicator 2590 may be configured to indicate a mode selected by the user (e.g., heating mode, cooling mode, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, the indicator 2590 may comprise one or more LED lights located below the inlet 2412 and adjacent to the heat sink 2418, and the indicator 2590 may be configured to illuminate based on the mode selected by the user. More specifically, the indicator 2590 may be configured to illuminate with a first color corresponding to the heating mode and a second color corresponding to the cooling mode. In some embodiments, the indicator 2590 may be illuminated with different intensities or power levels corresponding to different settings of heating / cooling temperatures selected by the user. In some embodiments, the indicator 2590 may illuminate with a first intensity level when a first temperature setting value is selected, a second intensity level when a second temperature setting value is selected, and a third intensity level when a third temperature setting value is selected. An increase in intensity level may correspond to an increase in the brightness of the indicator 2590 to indicate a temperature change for controlling the heat sink 2418. In some embodiments, the indicator 2590 may flash or blink a predetermined number of times to indicate when different temperature setpoints for heating / cooling are selected. In some embodiments, the indicator 2590 may flash once for a first temperature setpoint, twice for a second temperature setpoint, or three times for a third temperature setpoint.

[0078] The temperature control device 2400, arranged as described, provides a versatile, small-profile heating and cooling accessory for the user. The user can heat and cool various parts of the user's face using various surfaces of the heat disperser 2420. For example, the user can heat and cool their forehead by positioning the upper surface 2524 in contact with their forehead. In some embodiments, the user can heat and cool the orbital region near the user's eyes by positioning the tip 2536 in contact with the orbital region. In some embodiments, the user can heat and cool their cheeks by positioning the outer surface 2526 in contact with the user's cheeks. The examples provided are not limiting, and various parts of the heat disperser 2420 can be used to heat and cool various parts of the user's face.

[0079] Figure 26A is a front view of a display device 2638 of a temperature control device 2400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the display device 2638 may be configured to indicate the temperature setpoint of the temperature control device 2400. In some embodiments, the display device 2638 may be configured to turn the temperature control device 2400 on and off. In some embodiments, the display device 2638 may be located on the wall portion 2408 of the housing 2402 between the first end 2404 and the second end 2406 of the housing 2402.

[0080] In some embodiments, the display device 2638 may include a button 2640. In some embodiments, the button 2640 can be operated by a user to turn the temperature control device 2400 on and off. In some embodiments, the button 2640 may be illuminated by a light when the temperature control device 2400 is turned on. In some embodiments, once the temperature control device 2400 is turned on, the user can operate the button 2640 to control the temperature setpoint of the temperature control device 2400. For example, the temperature control device 2400 can be turned on by pressing the button 2640 once. After the temperature control device 2400 is turned on, the heating and cooling of the heat disperser 2420 can be controlled by pressing the button 2640 two or more times in succession. The temperature control device 2400 can be turned off by pressing the button 2640 one more time. In some embodiments, a predetermined number of presses of button 2640 can initiate the lock and unlock functions of the temperature control device 2400, preventing accidental activation when the device is not in use or during transport. In some embodiments, a predetermined number of presses of button 2650 may be configured to be detected within a predetermined period (e.g., three button presses within 5 seconds). In some embodiments, button 2640 may be a single button 2640 used to control both heating and cooling of the heat disperser 2420, or alternatively, two buttons 2640 for separate control of heating and cooling of the heat disperser 2420. In some embodiments, the display device 2638 may be a touchscreen display such that the features described above are present on the touchscreen.

[0081] In some embodiments, the display device 2638 includes a light arrangement 2690. In some embodiments, the light arrangement 2690 includes a single light. In some embodiments, the light arrangement 2690 includes two or more lights. In some embodiments, the color of the light arrangement 2690 may correspond to a heating mode. In some embodiments, the color of the light arrangement 2690 may correspond to a cooling mode. In some embodiments, the light arrangement 2690 can be configured to emit light having a first color when the heating mode is selected, and to emit light having a second color different from the first color when the cooling mode is selected. In embodiments where the light arrangement 2690 includes two or more lights, the number of lights that are illuminated may correspond to temperature setpoints. For example, the light arrangement 2690 may have three lights. At a low temperature setpoint, one of the three lights can be illuminated. At an intermediate temperature setpoint, two of the three lights can be illuminated. At a high temperature setpoint, all three lights can be illuminated.

[0082] Figure 26B is a front view of a display device 2676 of a temperature control device 2400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the display device 2676 may be an alternative embodiment of the display device 2638 shown in Figure 26A. In some embodiments, the display device 2676 may be located on the wall surface 2408 of the housing 2402. In some embodiments, the display device 2676 may be configured to indicate the temperature setpoint of the temperature control device 2400. In some embodiments, the display device 2676 may be configured to turn the temperature control device 2400 on and off.

[0083] In some embodiments, the display device 2676 may include a button arrangement 2678. In some embodiments, the button arrangement 2678 may include a first button 2680 and a second button 2682. In some embodiments, the button arrangement 2678 may include more or fewer buttons (e.g., one button, three buttons, four buttons, etc.). In some embodiments, the first button 2680 and the second button 2682 may be configured to turn the temperature control device 2400 on and off and to activate a mode based on the duration of the button press (e.g., a long press of 5 seconds). In some embodiments, the first button 2680 may correspond to a cooling mode. In some embodiments, the first button 2680 may include an icon 2686 corresponding to a cooling mode. For example, the icon 2686 may include an image of a snowflake. In some embodiments, the icon 2686 may be illuminated by a light when the cooling mode is started. In some embodiments, the cooling modes of the temperature control device 2400 can be started, stopped, or changed by activating the first button 2680. For example, a cooling mode can be started by activating the first button 2680 one or more times. As another example, different cooling mode settings can be started by activating the first button 2680 one or more times. More specifically, the temperature control device 2400 may have multiple cooling settings (for example, the temperature control device 2400 can reach a first temperature in a first cooling setting, a second temperature in a second cooling setting, a third temperature in a third cooling setting, etc.), where a cooling setting can be reached by pressing the first button 2680 one or more times.

[0084] In some embodiments, the second button 2682 may correspond to a heating mode. In some embodiments, the second button 2682 may have an icon 2688 corresponding to a heating mode. For example, the icon 2688 may have an image such as a heating wave or a flame. In some embodiments, the icon 2688 may be illuminated by a light when the heating mode is started. In some embodiments, the heating mode of the temperature control device 2400 can be started, stopped, or changed by operating the second button 2682. For example, a heating mode can be started by operating the second button 2682 once or more times. As another example, different heating mode settings can be started by operating the second button 2682 once or more times. More specifically, the temperature control device 2400 can have multiple heating settings (for example, the temperature control device 2400 can reach a first temperature with a first heating setting, the temperature control device 2400 can reach a second temperature with a second heating setting, the temperature control device 2400 can reach a third temperature with a third heating setting, etc.), and here, the heating settings can be reached by pressing the second button 2682 once or more times.

[0085] In some embodiments, the display device 2676 may include a light arrangement 2642, which is similar to the light arrangement 2690 in Figure 26A in that the light arrangement 2642 may indicate the mode and / or setting of the temperature control device 2400. For example, in some embodiments, the light arrangement 2642 may include a light that can emit a first color when the heating mode is selected and a second color when the cooling mode is selected. As another example, in some embodiments, the light arrangement 2642 may include two or more lights, and the number of lights that are illuminated may correspond to the selected temperature setpoint. In some embodiments, the light arrangement 2642 may have a light that indicates the charge status or battery level of the battery located in the housing 2402. In some embodiments, the light arrangement 2642 may have a light that indicates when the temperature control device 2400 is turned on by a first button 2680 or a second button 2682.

[0086] In some embodiments, the display device 2638 or the display device 2676 may be a touchscreen display such that the above-described features may be present on the touchscreen. In some embodiments, the light arrangements 2642 and 2690 may be complemented by one or more lights positioned near the heatsink 2418. For example, the light arrangements 2642 and 2690 may include additional lights positioned around the inner diameter of the housing 2402 near the second end 2406. In some embodiments, the additional lights may include an indicator 2590. In some embodiments, the light arrangements 2642 and 2690 may include additional lights positioned around the inner diameter of the heat disperser 2420 near the bottom surface 2522. In some embodiments, the additional lights may be positioned on or within the housing 2402 on the printed circuit board, and the emission of light from the additional lights may be visible to the user through the fins of the heatsink 2418 and the vents of the inlet 2412. When the lights in light arrangement 2642 are illuminated, the heatsink 2418 may be illuminated in a color corresponding to the mode selected by the user (e.g., heating mode, cooling mode, etc.).

[0087] Figure 27 is an exploded perspective view of a temperature control device 2400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the housing 2402 may be configured to receive a support member 2644 so that the support member 2644 can be located within the housing 2402. The support member 2644 may be configured to support one or more components of the temperature control device 2400. For example, a printed circuit board or PCB 2646 may be placed within and supported by the support member 2644. The PCB 2646 can be used for electrical and data communication between components. In some embodiments, the PCB 2646 may include a control unit (e.g., a temperature controller) that communicates with a controllable temperature element 2648 and controls various functions such as heating, cooling, or turning the temperature control device 2400 on or off. Thus, in some embodiments, the PCB 2646 may be configured to selectively control heating and cooling modes of the controllable temperature element 2648. In some embodiments, the PCB 2646 includes a light arrangement 2642 or a light arrangement 2690. In some embodiments, the light arrangement 2642 or light arrangement 2690 may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In some embodiments, PCB 2646 may comprise one or more LEDs of the indicator 2590. Thus, in some embodiments, the display device 2638 or display device 2676 may be electrically coupled to PCB 2646 so that PCB 2646 can control the display device 2638 or display device 2676.

[0088] In some embodiments, the PCB 2646 may be powered by a battery 2650. The battery 2650 may be mounted on the PCB 2646 and secured to the PCB 2646 by a cover 2652 configured to connect to the PCB 2646. In some embodiments, the battery 2650 may be a disposable battery. In some embodiments, the battery 2650 may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged when a temperature control device 2400 is connected to a charger via a charging port in a housing 2402 or when the temperature control device 2400 is located in a battery charger 2416. In some embodiments, the PCB 2646 may have first electrical contacts extending from the outer surface of the housing 2402 to contact electrical contacts on the battery charger 2416. In some embodiments, the PCB 2646 may have components that enable the battery 2650 to be charged wirelessly, and the battery charger 2416 may be a wireless charger. For example, PCB2646 may include a wire coil electrically connected to battery2650, and when the wire coil is adjacent to the corresponding wire coil of battery charger2416, battery2650 can be charged wirelessly. Such a configuration eliminates the need for electrical contacts on the surface of temperature control device2400, thereby enabling the display device configuration described with reference to Figures 26A and 26B.

[0089] In some embodiments, PCB2646 includes a coating for protecting the components on PCB2646. For example, PCB2646 may include a conformal coating applied to PCB2646 (e.g., by spraying, dipping, potting, etc.) to encapsulate PCB2646 and protect the components. The conformal coating may be acrylic, silicone resin, polyurethane, epoxy, or a combination thereof. In another example, the components of PCB2646 may be encapsulated by an overmolding process. In yet another example, PCB2646 may include a thermal compound configured for thermal management of the components (e.g., heat dissipation).

[0090] In some embodiments, the temperature control device 2400 may include a blower 2654 disposed within a support member 2644. For example, the support member 2644 may have a recess sized to receive and support the blower 2654 so that the blower 2654 can be positioned within the housing 2402. In some embodiments, the PCB 2646 may be positioned along the longitudinal axis 2414 between the blower 2654 and the first end 2404 of the housing 2402. In other words, the blower 2654 may be positioned more adjacent to the second end 2406 of the housing 2402 than to the first end 2404 of the housing 2402. In some embodiments, the blower 2654 may be configured to draw air into an air inlet 2412 and push air out from an air outlet 2410. In some embodiments, the positions of the air inlet 2412 and the air outlet 2410, as well as the direction of the airflow from the air inlet 2412 at the second end 2406 to the air outlet 2410 at the first end 2404, may prevent air from flowing into the user's face area (e.g., inside the user's eyes) while the temperature control device 2400 is in operation.

[0091] In some embodiments, the blower 2654 may be in contact with the shock absorber 2672. In some embodiments, the shock absorber 2672 may at least partially surround the blower 2654. The shock absorber 2672 may be configured to absorb and / or dissipate at least a portion of the vibrations that can be generated by the blower 2654.

[0092] In some embodiments, the temperature control device 2400 may include a heatsink 2418 that is thermally in communication with the blower 2654. In some embodiments, the heatsink 2418 may be positioned adjacent to the blower 2654 and aligned with the blower 2654 along its longitudinal axis 2414. In some embodiments, the blower 2654 may be positioned along its longitudinal axis 2414 between the heatsink 2418 and the first end 2404 of the housing 2402. In other words, the heatsink 2418 may be positioned further from the first end 2404 of the housing 2402 than the blower 2654. In some embodiments, the heatsink 2418 may be in physical contact with the blower 2654. In some embodiments, the heatsink 2418 may be spaced away from the blower 2654. In some embodiments, a portion of the heatsink 2418 may be located inside the housing 2402, and a portion of the heatsink 2418 may be located outside the housing 2402. For example, the heatsink 2418 may comprise a first portion 2658 and a second portion 2660. The first portion 2658 may be located adjacent to the blower 2654 and inside the housing 2402 such that the first portion 2658 is not visible to the user. The first portion 2658 may be located between the blower 2654 and the second portion 2660 such that the second portion 2660 is located further from the blower 2654 than the first portion 2658 along the longitudinal axis 2414. In some embodiments, the second portion 2660 may be located outside the housing 2402 such that the second portion 2660 is visible to the user.

[0093] In some embodiments, the heatsink 2418 may operate in a similar manner to the heatsink 132. For example, the heatsink 2418 may be configured to extract heat from the controllable temperature element 2648, and the fan 2654 may be oriented to move the heat away from the heatsink 2418 and other components. To extract heat from the controllable temperature element 2648, the heatsink 2418 may be provided with fins 2662 that extract heat from the controllable temperature element 2648. The fins 2662 may extend radially outward from the heatsink axis 2664 which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 2414. Thus, in some embodiments, the heatsink 2418 may have a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the air inlet 2412 can circumferentially surround a first portion 2658 of the heatsink 2418 so that air flowing through the fins 2662 (as oriented by the blower 2654) can draw heat away from the heatsink 2418 and out through the vents of the air outlet 2410. In some embodiments, a controllable temperature element 2648 can be in thermal communication with the heatsink 2418 and can be configured to generate heating and cooling.

[0094] In some embodiments, the controllable temperature element 2648 may be similar in function to the controllable temperature element 134, but may have a different size and / or shape from the controllable temperature element 134 to fit within the temperature control device 2400.

[0095] In some embodiments, the controllable temperature element 2648 may be positioned along the longitudinal axis 2414 between the heat disperser 2420 and the heat sink 2418. In some embodiments, the controllable temperature element 2648 may be aligned with the heat sink 2418 along the longitudinal axis 2414 and / or the heat sink axis 2664. In some embodiments, the heat sink 2418 may be positioned along the longitudinal axis 2414 between the controllable temperature element 2648 and the blower 2654. In some embodiments, the controllable temperature element 2648 may be positioned further from the first end 2404 of the housing 2402 than the heat sink 2418. In some embodiments, the controllable temperature element 2648 may be located outside the housing 2402. Thus, the air inlet 2412 may be positioned below the controllable temperature element 2648 and above the air outlet 2410.

[0096] In some embodiments, the controllable temperature element 2648 may have a first surface 2666 located opposite to the second surface 2668, the second surface 2668 may be positioned adjacent to the second portion 2660 of the heat sink 2418. In some embodiments, the second surface 2668 may be in contact with the second portion 2660 of the heat sink 2418. In some embodiments, the second surface 2668 may be spaced away from the second portion 2660 of the heat sink 2418 and may be in thermal communication with the second portion 2660 of the heat sink 2418. The first surface 2666 may be positioned adjacent to the bottom surface 2522 of the heat disperser 2420. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 2522 may be in contact with the first surface 2666. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 2522 may be spaced away from the first surface 2666 and may be in thermal communication with the first surface 2666.

[0097] In some embodiments, the controllable temperature element 2648 can be aligned with the heat disperser 2420 along the longitudinal axis 2414 such that the controllable temperature element 2648 is located between the heat disperser 2420 and the heat sink 2418 along the longitudinal axis 2414. In some embodiments, the disperser holder element 2649 can be configured to hold the controllable temperature element 2648 and the heat disperser 2420 in place. The disperser holder element 2649 can be connected to a second portion 2660 of the heat sink 2418, and the controllable temperature element 2648 and the heat disperser 2420 can be mounted on or positioned within the disperser holder element 2649. In some embodiments, the disperser holder element 2649 may be made of a plastic material.

[0098] In some embodiments, the PCB 2646 can control a controllable temperature element 2648 for heating and cooling. For example, the user can select a heating mode or a cooling mode on the display device 2638 or display device 2676. By selecting a heating mode or a cooling mode, the PCB 2646 can communicate with the controllable temperature element 2648 and change its temperature. In some embodiments, when the heating mode is selected, the controllable temperature element 2648 can reach a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius or higher and 50 degrees Celsius or lower. In some embodiments, when the heating mode is selected, the controllable temperature element 2648 can reach a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius or higher and 43 degrees Celsius or lower. In some embodiments, when the heating mode is selected, the controllable temperature element 2648 can reach a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius or higher and 42 degrees Celsius or lower. In some embodiments, when the cooling mode is selected, the controllable temperature element 2648 can reach a temperature of 6 degrees Celsius or higher and 18 degrees Celsius or lower. In some embodiments, when the cooling mode is selected, the controllable temperature element 2648 can reach a temperature of 8 degrees Celsius or higher and 16 degrees Celsius or lower. In some embodiments, when the cooling mode is selected, the controllable temperature element 2648 can reach a temperature of 10 degrees Celsius or higher and 14 degrees Celsius or lower.

[0099] In some embodiments, the surfaces of the heat diffuser 2420 (e.g., the top surface 2524 and the outer surface 2526) can reach approximately the same temperature as the controllable temperature element 2648 during heating and cooling modes. Thus, the user can operate the temperature control device 2400 in various directions to position the heat diffuser 2420 relative to the user's face for the desired heating and cooling effect.

[0100] In some embodiments, the ring 2674 may be connected to the housing 2402 or the heat disperser 2420. The ring 2674 can serve as a decorative component for aesthetic purposes and can cover parts of the temperature control device 2400 that are not aesthetically pleasing.

[0101] In some embodiments, the temperature control device 2400 may include a cap 2670 configured to interface with the housing 2402 in order to surround the heat disperser 2420 and heat sink 2418 when the temperature control device 2400 is not in use. In some embodiments, the cap 2670 may communicate with the housing 2402 via a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0102] In some embodiments, the arrangement of the components of the temperature control device 2400 may be modified for the purpose of manufacturing efficiency and / or cost control. For example, the relative positions of components such as the PCB 2646, battery 2650, blower 2654, and heat sink 2418 can be changed to reduce assembly time, increase assembly efficiency, increase first-pass yield, and reduce manufacturing scrap. Improving manufacturing efficiency may include reducing the number of soldered connections of electrical components. For example, connections between the PCB 2646 and the blower 2654, battery 2650, etc., can be made using electrical connectors instead of soldered connections, thereby reducing assembly time.

[0103] Unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, words such as “comprise,” “comprising,” etc., should be interpreted not as exclusive or exhaustive, but as “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the words “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, mean a direct or indirect connection or link between two or more elements, and the connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, as used in this application, “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of a similar nature refer to the entire application and do not refer to any particular part of this application. To the extent the context allows, detailed descriptions of the manner in which the singular or plural numbers above are used may each include plural or singular numbers. The word "or" when referring to a list of two or more items encompasses the following interpretations: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0104] The above detailed description of the aspects of this disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the exact forms disclosed above. Specific aspects and embodiments for this disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, but various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of this disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, any specific figures mentioned herein are merely examples, and alternative implementations may use different values, measurements, or ranges.

[0105] Any operation of any one of the methods disclosed or described herein is shown and described in a specific order, either explicitly or implicitly, but the order of operations of each method may be modified so that some operations are performed in reverse order, or so that some operations are performed at least partially concurrently with others. In other embodiments, instructions or suboperations of separate operations may be performed intermittently and / or alternately.

[0106] The teachings of this disclosure provided herein may be applied to systems other than those described above, not necessarily to those described herein. Further embodiments may be provided by combining elements and actions of the various embodiments described herein. Any measurements or dimensions described or used herein are illustrative and not limiting to this disclosure. Other measurements or dimensions are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0107] Any of the above-mentioned patents and applications, including those described in the attached application documents, and other references, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of this disclosure may be modified, if necessary, to provide further aspects of this disclosure by adopting the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above.

[0108] These and other modifications may be made to the Disclosure in light of the detailed descriptions of the embodiments above. While the above descriptions describe specific embodiments of the Disclosure and the best possible embodiments, the teachings can be practiced in many ways, regardless of how the above details appear in text. System details may vary considerably in their implementation details, but are still encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As stated above, any specific terms used when describing specific characteristics or embodiments of the Disclosure should not be interpreted as meaning that the terms are redefined herein to be limited to any specific characteristic, characteristic, or embodiment of the Disclosure to which the terms relate. In general, terms used in the following claims should not be interpreted as limiting the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless such terms are explicitly defined in the detailed descriptions of the embodiments. Thus, the actual scope of the Disclosure includes not only the disclosed embodiments but also all equivalent ways of practicing or practicing the disclosures under the claims.

[0109] Certain aspects of this disclosure are presented below in specific claim formations, but the inventors intend various aspects of this disclosure in any number of claim formations. For example, only one aspect of this disclosure is described as a means-plus-function claim under 112(6) of the U.S. Patent Act, but other aspects may be described as means-plus-function claims or in other forms, such as those embodied in a computer-readable medium. (Claim intended to be treated under 112(6) of the U.S. Patent Act contains the phrase "means for.") Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add further claims after filing and to pursue the formation of such further claims for other aspects of this disclosure.

[0110] Therefore, while exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been shown and described, it should be understood that all terms used herein are descriptive, not restrictive, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. In a portable temperature control device, The aforementioned portable temperature control device is A cylindrical housing having an air inlet and an air outlet that are in fluid communication with each other, wherein the air inlet is configured to allow air to flow into the cylindrical housing, and the air outlet is configured to allow the air to flow out of the cylindrical housing, A blower is placed inside the cylindrical housing, A heat sink positioned adjacent to the blower, wherein a first portion of the heat sink is located inside the cylindrical housing, and a second portion of the heat sink is located outside the cylindrical housing, A controllable temperature element comprising a first surface located opposite a second surface, wherein the controllable temperature element is configured to generate heating and cooling, and the second surface of the controllable temperature element is positioned adjacent to the second portion of the heat sink, A heat disperser having a bottom surface positioned opposite to the top surface, wherein the bottom surface is positioned adjacent to the first surface of the controllable temperature element, and the top surface is configured to contact the user's face, and the top surface is oriented at a non-zero angle with respect to the bottom surface, A portable temperature control device comprising a temperature controller connected to the controllable temperature element.

2. The aforementioned portable temperature control device is The portable temperature control device according to claim 1, further comprising a support member located within the cylindrical housing and configured to support the blower.

3. The portable temperature control device further comprises a printed circuit board located within the cylindrical housing and electrically connected to the temperature controller, The portable temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board is configured to selectively control the heating mode and the cooling mode of the temperature controller.

4. By selecting the aforementioned heating mode, the controllable temperature element is brought to a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius or higher and 43 degrees Celsius or lower. The portable temperature control device according to claim 3, wherein by selecting the cooling mode, the controllable temperature element is brought to a temperature of 8 degrees Celsius or higher and 16 degrees Celsius or lower.

5. The printed circuit board includes a first electrical contact extending from the outer surface of the cylindrical housing, The portable temperature control device according to claim 3, wherein the first electrical contact is configured to contact a second electrical contact of a battery charger in order to charge a battery located in the cylindrical housing.

6. The printed circuit board includes a light-emitting diode configured to emit a first light when the heating mode is selected and a second light when the cooling mode is selected. The portable temperature control device according to claim 3, wherein the color of the first light is different from the color of the second light.

7. The portable temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the air inlet is located below the controllable temperature element and above the air outlet.

8. The portable temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the heat disperser is configured to receive thermal energy from the controllable temperature element.

9. The portable temperature control device according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the heat disperser is oriented at an angle of 10 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less with respect to the bottom surface of the heat disperser.

10. The portable temperature control device according to claim 9, wherein when the upper surface of the heat disperser is in contact with the surface of the user's face, the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing is oriented at an angle of 10 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less with respect to the surface of the user's face.

11. In a portable temperature control device, The aforementioned portable temperature control device is A cylindrical housing positioned opposite to the second end, wherein the cylindrical housing defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, the second end having an air inlet, and the first end having an air outlet and being configured to receive a support member, A blower disposed within the support member, the blower being located closer to the second end of the cylindrical housing than to the first end of the cylindrical housing, A heat sink aligned with the blower along the longitudinal axis, wherein the heat sink is located further from the first end of the cylindrical housing than the blower, A controllable temperature element is positioned with respect to the heat sink along the longitudinal axis, the controllable temperature element is configured to generate heating and cooling, and the heat sink is located between the controllable temperature element and the blower, and A portable temperature control device comprising a heat disperser positioned along the longitudinal axis with respect to the controllable temperature element and located outside the cylindrical housing, wherein the controllable temperature element is located between the heat disperser and the heat sink, and the heat disperser has a contact surface configured to come into contact with the user's face, the contact surface being oriented at a non-zero angle with respect to the first end of the cylindrical housing.

12. The portable temperature control device according to claim 11, wherein the heat sink comprises fins extending radially outward from a heat sink axis that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis, and the heat sink has a circular cross-section.

13. The portable temperature control device according to claim 11, wherein the heat disperser is configured to receive thermal energy from the controllable temperature element.

14. The portable temperature control device according to claim 11, wherein the blower is configured to take in air at the air inlet and push out air from the air outlet.

15. The portable temperature control device according to claim 14, wherein the air inlet surrounds at least a portion of the heat sink in a circumferential direction.

16. The portable temperature control device according to claim 11, wherein the contact surface of the heat disperser is oriented at an angle of 10 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less with respect to the second end of the cylindrical housing.

17. The portable temperature control device according to claim 11, wherein when the contact surface of the heat disperser is in contact with the surface of the user's face, the longitudinal axis is oriented at an angle of 10 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less with respect to the surface of the user's face.

18. The portable temperature control device according to claim 11, further comprising a printed circuit board disposed within the support member, wherein the printed circuit board is located along the longitudinal axis between the blower and the first end of the cylindrical housing, and the printed circuit board is configured to selectively control the heating mode and the cooling mode of the controllable temperature element.

19. The portable temperature control device according to claim 18, wherein by selecting the heating mode, the controllable temperature element is brought to a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius or higher and 43 degrees Celsius or lower, and by selecting the cooling mode, the controllable temperature element is brought to a temperature of 8 degrees Celsius or higher and 16 degrees Celsius or lower.

20. The portable temperature control device according to claim 18, wherein the printed circuit board includes a light-emitting diode configured to emit a first light when the heating mode is selected and a second light when the cooling mode is selected, and the color of the first light is different from the color of the second light.

21. In a portable temperature control device, The aforementioned portable temperature control device is A cylindrical housing and A blower is placed inside the cylindrical housing, A heat sink that is thermally in communication with the aforementioned blower, A controllable temperature element that is thermally in communication with the heat sink and is configured to generate heating and cooling, A heat disperser that is thermally in communication with the controllable temperature element, wherein the heat disperser is configured to increase in temperature when the controllable temperature element generates heating and to decrease in temperature when the controllable temperature element generates cooling, and the heat disperser comprises a bottom surface, a top surface, and an outer surface extending between the bottom surface and the top surface. A portable temperature control device comprising a heat disperser, wherein the temperature of the upper surface is approximately equal to the temperature of the outer surface when the controllable temperature element generates heating and cooling.

22. The portable temperature control device according to claim 21, wherein the heat disperser has a truncated cone shape, the bottom surface has a circular shape, and the outer surface extends between the bottom surface and the top surface at an acute angle to the bottom surface.

23. The portable temperature control device according to claim 22, wherein the upper surface is oriented at a non-zero angle with respect to the bottom surface.

24. The portable temperature control device according to claim 23, wherein the upper surface and the outer surface meet in a transition region, the transition region having a first radius of curvature where the uppermost part of the upper surface meets the outer surface, and the transition region having a second radius of curvature where the remainder of the upper surface meets the outer surface, the second radius of curvature being larger than the first radius of curvature.

Images