Band provided with a heating panel separable from the band itself adapted to be worn by a user or to be fixed to a part of the user body

Abstract

The present invention relates to a band adapted to be worn by a user or to be fixed to a part of the user body, wherein the band is provided with a heating panel including: a) a blanket made up of at least two textile elements fixed to each other; b) a heating element interposed between the two textile elements, wherein the heating panel is separable from the band. Furthermore, at least one metal layer is interposed between the heating element and one of the two textile elements. In this way, by interposing at least one metal layer between the textile elements, the wire temperature is significantly lowered, without affecting the expected result, i.e. a surface temperature of approximately 40°C. Furthermore, it is possible to water wash the band without compromising the electrical connections present in the heating panel.

Description

[0001] “Band provided with a heating panel separable from the band itself adapted to be worn by a user or to be fixed to a part of the user body”

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a band adapted to be worn by a user or to be fixed to a part of the user body, provided with a heating panel. In particular, the present invention relates to such a band provided with a heating panel separable from the band itself.

[0005] State of the art.

[0006] Various types of elastic bands exist on the market suitable for being applied to corresponding parts of the user body so as to be able to embrace such body parts and to contain the muscles present therein.

[0007] For example, the lumbar elastic band is often used for back pain. Its use is usually recommended to provide support in the instabilities of the lumbar spine, helping to maintain the proper posture, especially in the most serious cases of pain in the lower part of the back.

[0008] The cervical elastic band is typically made up of a corset designed following the body surface, so as to adhere perfectly to the shoulders. Once worn, it improves posture allowing at the same time the full movement freedom.

[0009] The elastic knee band adheres anatomically to the knee, ensuring joint mobility without compressing and remaining in place without slipping down; it can also be worn under normal clothing during daily activities or during rehabilitation or sports activities. It allows to stabilize the joint and limit pain resulting from falls, sprains, tendonitis and osteoarticular pain affecting the ligaments.

[0010] The band elasticity allows the bands to adhere to the body in an optimal way.

[0011] Furthermore, the known in the art elastic bands are typically provided with belts, Velcro elements or other similar fastening devices to be able to tightly fix the band to the body part it adheres onto.

[0012] A type of elastic bands is also provided with heating elements so that the heat source can increase the benefit from a physiotherapeutic point of view.

[0013] Typically, the heating elements are made up of electric wires integrated into the band itself in an indissoluble way so as to come into contact as much as possible with the involved user body parts.

[0014] However, the fact that the heating elements are made of electrical wires integrated into the elastic band itself does not allow the band to be accurately washed. In fact, the water used to wash the elastic band would damage the electrical components integrated therein.

[0015] Furthermore, the fact that the heating elements are made of electrical wires integrated into the elastic band itself does not even allow for the size and quantity of the heating elements to be adapted to the size of the elastic band, which varies depending on the size of the user or the size of the parts of the user body around which the elastic band is applied.

[0016] Therefore, the Applicant of this patent application has found the need to create a band provided with a heating panel that will not be damaged during the washing phases of the band on which the heating panel is applied and / or that can be calibrated based on the user size. Another technical problem encountered by the Applicant is the possibility of having the chance to change the band size, using the same separable heating panel.

[0017] The US Patent Application published under no. US 2007 / 016271 AA refers to an electrically heated pad for applying heat to the user skin. US 2007 / 016271 AA solves the technical problem of controlling localized overheating by means of a heating element, on the distal side of which a thermally insulating layer is arranged to prevent the thermal energy loss from that distal side. An optional heat-reflecting layer may also be placed between the heating element and the insulating layer to increase the insulation provided by the latter. Therefore, the technical problem addressed by US 2007 / 016271 AA is the insulation increasing in a device to be placed in contact with the user body, to prevent an excessive heat amount from contacting the user skin.

[0018] Conversely, the technical problem addressed by the present invention is to minimize the temperature difference between the heating element and the external surface of the heating panel blanket, and to also reduce the time required to reach the requested surface temperature of approximately 40°C.

[0019] Summary of the Invention

[0020] The present invention relates to a band such as that one indicated in claim 1.

[0021] The Applicant of the present application has in fact surprisingly found that the technical problem identified above can be solved in an effective and reliable manner by means of a band adapted to be worn by a user or to be fixed to a part of the user body, wherein said band is provided with a heating panel including: a) a blanket consisting of at least two textile elements fixed to one another; b) a heating element interposed between said two textile elements, wherein said heating panel is separable from said band, characterized in that at least one metal layer is interposed between said heating element and one of said two textile elements.

[0022] In this way, since the heating panel is separable from the band, once the panel has been removed from the band, it is possible to subject the band to water washing without compromising the electrical connections present in the heating panel.

[0023] Furthermore, since the heating panel is separable from the band, it is possible, from time to time, to apply to the band a specific heating panel, having a specific number of heating elements or having heating elements of specific dimensions, chosen based on the dimensions of the band and / or the dimensions of the surface of the part of the user body to be wrapped by the band.

[0024] Furthermore, in another form, since the heating panel is separable from the band, it is possible, from time to time, to apply a specific heating panel, having a specific number of heating elements or having heating elements of specific dimensions, to different dimensions of the band which can vary depending on the surface dimensions of the part of the user body to be wrapped by the band.

[0025] Finally, by interposing at least one metal layer between the textile elements, the wire temperature is significantly lowered, without affecting the expected result, i.e. a surface temperature of approximately 40°C. In fact, from a thermal point of view, the interposed metal layer acts as a conductive material, minimizing the difference between the temperature of the heating element and the external surface of the heating panel blanket, also reducing the time needed to reach the surface temperature, of about 40°C.

[0026] The present invention therefore differs from that one described in US 2007 / 016271 AA, as in the present invention a metal layer is added that acts as a conductive layer interposed between said heating element and one of said two textile elements. Conversely, in US 2007 / 016271 no metal layer is described, but only an optional heat-reflecting layer having the purpose of increasing the insulation provided by the latter. Consequently, the metal layer inserted in the present invention and the optional heat-reflecting layer to increase the insulation described in US 2007 / 016271 AA have two opposite purposes, respectively of conductive layer and insulating layer.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, said band also comprises a pocket suitable for housing said heating panel inside it.

[0028] In this way, the heating panel can be conveniently inserted into the pocket to be activated and, at the same time, can be easily removed from the pocket whenever the heating panel is desired to be replaced by another heating panel more suitable to the present needs.

[0029] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, said band also comprises a fastening system suitable for fixing said heating panel to the band itself. Preferably, said fastening system includes Velcro elements fixed to the band and suitable for wrapping and fixing the heating panel to it.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, said at least one metal layer is provided with a plurality of holes.

[0031] In this way, the presence of holes on the at least one metal layer allows the air to pass through the holes themselves; consequently, the problem relating to the skin transpiration of the user using or wearing the band is mitigated.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, said plurality of holes present in said at least one metal layer are arranged along a plurality of lines, parallel to each other, and wherein there is a channel free of said holes between each of said lines and another of said lines adjacent to it. In this way, an alternation of areas provided with holes and areas free of holes is created in the at least one metal layer.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, said heating element is constituted by an electric wire arranged in a serpentine with an alternation of linear portions and of curvilinear connecting elements between two adjacent linear portions, and wherein at least one of said linear portions of said heating element is arranged in correspondence with one of said channels free of said holes.

[0034] In this way, the heating element is positioned in the heating panel with its linear portions placed in correspondence with the channels free of holes of the metal element, thus avoiding interference with the lines of holes and allowing the air passage through the holes themselves to ensure good transpiration.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, each of said plurality of holes has a section in the range from 1.0 mm2to 50.0 mm2.

[0036] In this way, adequate air passage through the holes themselves is obtained.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, said holes have a substantially round shape; however, in other alternative embodiments, said holes have an elliptical, rectangular, square, or similar shape.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the metal of said at least one metal layer has a thermal conductivity coefficient of at least 100 W / mk, preferably at least 200 W / mk.

[0039] In this way, the at least one metal layer is highly conductive, as it has a high thermal conductivity.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the metal of said at least one metal layer is selected from the group comprising brass, zinc, aluminium, copper, silver, or their alloys; preferably it is made of aluminium. According to a preferred embodiment, said heating panel comprises a first metal layer interposed between said heating element and one of said two textile elements and a second metal layer interposed between said heating element and the other one of said two textile elements.

[0041] In this way, both the blanket external surfaces are properly heated, without raising the heating panel temperature.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, said band is selected from the group consisting of a lumbar band, cervical band, kneepad, and other types of bands capable of wrapping a part of the body.

[0043] In this way, the bands can be worn by the user or applied so to embrace the parts of the body and contain the muscles present therein.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, said band comprises at least one elastic portion.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, said elastic band is provided with a central portion, a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion arranged symmetrically with respect to said central portion.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of said first and said second terminal portion is made of elastic material.

[0047] In this way, the elastic band can be fixed to a part of the user body, using the elasticity of said terminal portion(s), so that the band adheres to the body whatever the size of that part of the body, for example, the knee, the waist, the neck, etc.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, said first terminal portion and / or said second terminal portion are provided with fastening devices, such as, for example, belts, straps, Velcro or the like. In this way, said first terminal portion and said second terminal portion can be fixed to each other to allow the band to close in a ring around the body part to be treated.

[0049] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, said bands are devoid of elastic portions but are equivalent to bands provided with elastic portions, as they are adjustable thanks to the presence of said fastening devices, such as, for example, belts, straps, Velcro or the like.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the band of the present invention also comprises a battery or other power source, such as, for example, a power supply, capable of providing a voltage not exceeding 24 Volts in direct current (DC), preferably not exceeding 12 Volts DC, suitable for activating said heating element.

[0051] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the band of the present invention further comprises a power source, such as a power supply, capable of providing a voltage not exceeding 24 Volts in alternating current (AC), preferably not exceeding 12 Volts AC, suitable for activating said heating element.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, said battery or other power source is integrated into said heating panel or is electrically connectable to it.

[0053] In this way, it is possible to connect the heating panel, for example, to a computer or other device via a USB socket.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, said battery or other power source is connected to said heating panel via an interconnection cable.

[0055] In this way, the battery can be separated from the heating panel to be recharged after its use.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, said battery or other power source is of such a shape and size that it can be housed in said pocket suitable for housing said heating panel inside it. According to an alternative preferred embodiment, said band comprises a second pocket suitable for housing said battery or other power source inside it, wherein said second pocket is distinct from said pocket suitable for housing said heating panel inside it.

[0057] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be better highlighted by examining the following detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, illustrated for indicative and non-limitative purposes, with the support of the attached drawings, wherein:

[0058] - Figure 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a heating panel according to the present invention, wherein a single metal layer provided with holes is shown;

[0059] - Figure 2 shows a detail of the heating panel of Figure 1, with the heating elements positioned in the channels between the holes of the metal element;

[0060] - Figure 3 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a heating panel according to the present invention, wherein a single free of holes metal layer is shown;

[0061] - Figure 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the inner side of a lumbar elastic band of the present invention, in contact with the user body, provided with a heating panel of Figure 1 and 2;

[0062] - Figure 5 is a schematic view of the outer side, not in contact with the user body, of the lumbar elastic band of Figure 4;

[0063] - Figure 6 is a schematic view of the front side of the lumbar elastic band of Figure 4, wrapped around the user body;

[0064] - Figure 7 is a schematic view of the rear side of the lumbar elastic band of Figure 4, wrapped around the user body; - Figure 8 is a schematic view of the front side of a first embodiment of a cervical band of the present invention worn by a user and provided with a heating panel of Figure 1 and 2;

[0065] - Figure 9 is a schematic view of the rear side of the lumbar band of Figure 8 also including in this area a pocket to house the battery;

[0066] - Figure 10 is a schematic view of the front side of a second embodiment of a cervical band of the present invention also including in this area a pocket to house the battery;

[0067] - Figure 11 is a schematic view of the rear side of the cervical band of Figure 10.

[0068] Detailed Description

[0069] The following detailed description refers to particular embodiments of the band of the present invention, without limiting its content.

[0070] Figure 1 describes a heating panel 1 according to the present invention, intended to be inserted into a band 10 shown in the various embodiments of Figures 4-11, so that the heat released by the heating panel can reach the user body, with consequent benefit for the user.

[0071] The heating panel 1 comprises a blanket made by joining together two textile elements 2a, 2b between which a heating element 3 is placed, consisting of an electric wire arranged in a serpentine shape, i.e. with an alternation of linear portions 3a and curvilinear elements (or "loops") 3b connecting two adjacent linear portions 3a.

[0072] The heating panel 1 also comprises a metal layer 4 placed between the heating element 3 and the textile element 2a; the metal included in the metal layer 4 is a highly conductive metal, with a conductivity coefficient of about 200 W / mk, such as aluminium. The metal layer 4 is provided with holes 6 having a diameter of about 3 mm allowing the air passage. The holes 6 are arranged along a plurality of lines 7a, 7b, 7c, . . . (shown in detail in Figure 2) parallel to each other; in the metal layer 4, between each line 7a, 7b, 7c and a line 7a, 7b, 7c adjacent to it, spaces of channels 8a, 8b free of holes 6 useful for superimposing the heating elements 3 are thus formed.

[0073] In at least some of these channels 8a, 8b free of holes 6 at least one of the linear portions 3a of the heating element 3 is positioned.

[0074] Consequently, the presence of holes 6 on the metal layer 4 allows the air passage through the holes 6 themselves; consequently, the problem related to the skin transpiration of the user using or wearing the band 10 is mitigated.

[0075] Furthermore, by positioning the heating element 3 (in particular the linear portions 3a of the heating element) in correspondence with the channels 8a, 8b free of holes 6 in the metal layer 4 between the textile elements 2a, 2b, the advantage of not obstructing the holes 6 is obtained (thereby leaving free the air passage through the holes 6). At the same time, the advantage of significantly lowering the wire temperature is obtained, without affecting the expected result, i.e. a surface temperature of approximately 40°C. In fact, from a thermal point of view, the interposed metal layer 4 acts as a conductive material, reducing to a minimum the temperature difference between the heating element 3 and the external surface of the blanket of the heating panel 1, also reducing the time necessary to reach the surface temperature of approximately 40°C.

[0076] The hole sizes, the hole numbers for each line 7a, 7b, 7c and the number of lines 7 a, 7b, 7c are determined from time to time depending on the size of the metal layer 4, the size of the heating element 3 and the number of linear portions 3a of the heating element 3 itself. Figure 3 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a heating panel 1’ according to the present invention, which differs from the embodiment of the panel 1 shown in Figure 1 in that it has a metal layer 4’ free of holes.

[0077] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the internal side of an embodiment of an elastic band 10 of the present invention, which contacts the user body. In this embodiment, the elastic band 10 is a lumbar elastic band 10 to be applied to the lower part of the back of a user (as shown in more detail in Figures 6 and 7).

[0078] In the embodiment of the lumbar elastic band 10 of Figure 4, a central portion 13, a first terminal portion 14 and a second terminal portion 15 are shown, arranged symmetrically with respect to the central portion 13. The first terminal portion 14 and the second terminal portion 15 are made of elastic material, while the central portion 13 is made of non-elastic material. Furthermore, the first terminal portion 14 and the second terminal portion 15 are provided with corresponding Velcro fastening devices 16,17 allowing the terminal portions 14 and 15 to be fastened to each other to close the elastic band 10 in a loop, once it is fastened to the user body (Figures 6 and 7).

[0079] Figure 4 also shows the heating panel 1, housed in a first pocket 20 positioned in the central portion 13 of the elastic band 10; a connection cable 5 is connected to the heating panel 1, allowing the heating panel 1 to be connected to the battery 11. The battery 11 is housed in a second pocket 12 shown in Figure 5 (illustrating the external side of the lumbar elastic band 10, the one that does not contact the user body).

[0080] Figure 6 and Figure 7 respectively show the front side and the back side of the lumbar elastic band 10 of Figures 4 and 5, wrapped around the user body. In detail, Figure 6 shows the Velcro fastening devices 16 and 17 that are attached to each other to close the lumbar elastic band 10 in a loop around the user body waist. Figure 7 instead shows the battery 11 and the heating panel 1, the latter is dashed because it is positioned inside the elastic band 10, in contact with the user body.

[0081] The heating panel 1 can be separated from the elastic band 10, thus facilitating the washing of the elastic band 10 itself since, once the two elements are separated, it is not necessary to worry about avoiding damaging the electrical contacts of the heating panel 1 due to the use of washing water.

[0082] The battery 11 can also be separated from the elastic band 10 to be recharged after its use.

[0083] The battery 11 can provide a power supply to the heating panel 1 at a very low safety voltage not exceeding 24 Volts ac (or alternatively de), preferably not exceeding 12 Volts ac (or alternatively de), through the interconnection cable 5.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment (not shown in the Figures), the heating panel 1 is activated by a power supply at a very low safety voltage not exceeding 24 Volts ac (or alternatively de), preferably not exceeding 12 Volts ac (or alternatively de), directly integrated into the heating panel 1 itself.

[0085] Figures 8 and 9 show a schematic view, respectively, of the front side and the rear side of an embodiment of a cervical band 10 of the present invention, worn by a user via the shoulder straps 18,19. The end portions of the band are fixed to each other via the Velcro fastening devices 16,17 on the front side. On the back side, the battery 11 and the heating panel 1 are visible, the latter is shaded as it is positioned inside the band 10, in contact with the user body, in the upper part of the back, near the neck.

[0086] Figures 10 and 11 show a schematic view, respectively, of the front side and the rear side of another embodiment of a cervical band 10 of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the one seen above with reference to Figures 8 and 9 in that the battery 11 is here positioned on the front side next to the Velcro fastening devices 16,17 (while in Figures 8 and 9 the battery 11 is positioned on the back of the lumbar band 10 next to the heating panel 1).

[0087] As seen above with reference to Figures 4-7 (wherein the elastic band 10 is a lumbar elastic band), also in the case of the cervical bands 10 shown with reference to Figures 8-11, both the heating panel 1 and the battery 11 are separable from the band 10.

[0088] Furthermore, also in the case of the cervical bands 10 shown with reference to Figures 8-11, the presence of a heating panel 1 provided with at least one metal layer 4, interposed between the heating element 3 and one of the two textile elements 2a, 2b, and provided with a plurality of holes 6 (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) allows the air passage through the holes 6 themselves. Consequently, the problem relating to the skin transpiration of the user using or wearing the band 10 is mitigated.

[0089] Naturally, many modifications and variations of the preferred embodiments described will be evident to those skilled in the art, still remaining within the scope of the invention.

[0090] For example, in the embodiments described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the structure of the heating panel 1 provides for the presence of two textile elements 2a, 2b forming the blanket, a heating element 3 and a battery 11, but other alternative embodiments always belonging to the scope of the present invention may present a greater number of textile elements forming the blanket, as well as a greater number of heating elements or a greater number of batteries, or interconnection cables intended to be powered by a safety extra-low voltage source not exceeding 24 Volts ac (or alternatively de), or combinations of such alternative embodiments.

[0091] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the structure of the heating panel 1 provides for the presence of a single metal layer 4. However, in other alternative embodiments, the heating panel 1 according to the present invention may comprise a first metal layer interposed between the heating element 3 and one of the two textile elements 2a, 2b and a second metal layer interposed between the heating element 3 and the other one of the two textile elements 2b, 2a. Furthermore, in the case wherein both the first and second metal layers are provided with holes 6, each hole 6 in the first metal layer and a corresponding hole in the second metal layer are arranged along the same vertical line to allow a proper air passage.

[0092] In this way, both external surfaces of the blanket are properly heated, without raising the temperature of the heating panel 1.

[0093] Similarly, in the embodiments shown with reference to Figures 4-11, the bands are provided with a panel 1 provided with a metal layer 4 with holes 6 (shown in Figures 1 and 2), but in other embodiments not shown in the figures, the bands may be provided with a heating panel 1' provided with a metal layer 4' free of holes (shown in Figure 3).

[0094] Furthermore, in the embodiments shown with reference to Figures 4-11, the panel 1 and the battery 11 are housed, respectively, in a first pocket 20 and in a second pocket 12. However, in other embodiments not shown in the figures, the panel 1 and the battery 11 may be housed in the same pocket. In still other embodiments not shown in the figures, the panel 1 and the battery 11 can both be fixed to the band 10 by means of fastening devices, such as for example a Velcro, or again one of the panel 1 and the battery 11 can be housed in a pocket and the other one of the panel 1 and the battery 11 can be fixed to the band 10 by means of a fastening device, such as for example a Velcro.

[0095] In other embodiments the elastic part of the band can be replaced by equivalent means allowing the band to be fixed to the part of the body to be heated. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described, illustrated only for the purpose of example and not of limitation, but is defined by the following claims.

Claims

Claims1. Band (10) adapted to be worn by a user or to be fixed to a part of the user body, wherein said band (10) is provided with a heating panel (1,1') including: a) a blanket made up of at least two textile elements (2a, 2b) fixed to each other; b) a heating element (3) interposed between said at least two textile elements (2a, 2b), wherein said heating panel (1,1') is separable from said band (10), characterized in that at least one metal layer (4,4') is interposed between said heating element (3) and one of said two textile elements (2a ,2b).

2. Band (10) according to claim 1, also including a pocket (20) suitable for housing said heating panel (1,1') inside it.

3. Band (10) according to claim 1, further including a fastening system suitable for fixing said heating panel (1,1') to said band (10).

4. Band (10) according to any of the previous claims wherein said at least one metal layer (4) is provided with a plurality of holes (6).

5. Band (10) according to claim 4, wherein said holes (6) are arranged along a plurality of lines (7a, 7b, 7c) parallel to each other and wherein there is a channel (8a, 8b) free of said holes (6) placed between each of said lines (7a, 7b, 7c) and another line (7a, 7b, 7c) adjacent to it.

6. Band (10) according to claim 5, wherein said heating element (3) is constituted by an electric wire arranged in a serpentine with an alternation of linear portions (3a) and curvilinear elements (3b) connecting two adjacent linear portions (3a), and wherein at least one of said linear portions (3a) of said heating element (3) is arranged in correspondence with one of said channels (8a, 8b) free of said holes (6).

7. Band (10) according to any of the previous claims also including a power source (11) capable of providing a voltage not exceeding 24 Volts in direct current (DC) or in alternating current (AC) suitable for activating said heating panel (1,1').

8. Band (10) according to claim 7, wherein said power source (11) is a battery (11), wherein said battery (11) is integrated into said heating panel (1,1') or is electrically connectable thereto (1,1') through an interconnection cable (5).

9. Band (10) according to any of the previous claims wherein said band (10) comprises at least one elastic portion.

10. Band (10) according to any of the previous claims wherein said band (10) is provided with a central portion (13), a first terminal portion (14) and a second terminal portion (15) arranged symmetrically with respect to said portion central portion (13), wherein at least one of said first terminal portion (14) and said second terminal portion (15) is made of elastic material and wherein said first terminal portion (14) and said second terminal portion (15) are provided of corresponding fastening devices (16,17) to secure together said first terminal portion (14) and said second terminal portion (15), and wherein said heating panel (1) is placed in correspondence with said central portion (13) of the band (10).

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