Warming tool

Abstract

This warming tool (1) comprises an accommodation part (2) and a heat-generating material (7). The accommodation part (2) has a first region (21) for covering the left ear, a second region (22) for covering both eyes and the periphery thereof, and a third region (23) for covering the right ear, and has formed therein a first space (S1) corresponding to the first region (21), a second space (S2) corresponding to the second region (22), and a third space (S3) corresponding to the third region (23). The heat-generating material (7) is filled in each of the first space (S1), the second space (S2), and the third space (S3).

Description

heating equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating device that is worn on a part of the body.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an eye mask-type heating device that is worn on the user's face. This heating device includes a heat-generating material, a main body that contains the heat-generating material and covers the left and right eyes and the areas surrounding each eye when worn, and a pair of ear loops that are worn over the ears when worn. This heating device is intended for use as an eye mask while sleeping. Patent Document 2 discloses a sleep-promoting device that can be worn on the ears to promote sleep. This sleep-promoting device includes an ear-worn device with an insert that can be inserted into the concha, and a heating element that heats the inner surface of the concha through the insert.

[0003] JP 2021-074431 A JP 2022-075388 A

[0004] The heating devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are limited to areas that can be heated around the eyes or the inner surface of the concha of the ear due to the way they are attached to the body, and do not take into consideration the ability to warm the areas around the eyes and ears simultaneously.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a heating device that can warm the areas around the eyes and the ears at the same time.

[0006] The heating device according to a first aspect comprises a storage section and a heat-generating material. The storage section has a first region covering the left ear, a second region covering both eyes and their surroundings, and a third region covering the right ear, and is internally formed with a first space corresponding to the first region, a second space corresponding to the second region, and a third space corresponding to the third region. The heat-generating material is filled into each of the first space, the second space, and the third space.

[0007] The heating device according to the second aspect is the heating device according to the first aspect, wherein the storage section restricts the movement of the heat-generating material between the first space and the second space, and between the second space and the third space.

[0008] The heating device according to the third aspect is a heating device according to the first or second aspect, wherein a fourth space that separates the first space from the second space, and a fifth space that separates the second space from the third space are further formed inside the storage section, and the fourth space is filled with a smaller amount of heat-generating material than the first space, and the fifth space is filled with a smaller amount of heat-generating material than the third space.

[0009] A heating implement according to a fourth aspect is the heating implement according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the fourth space and the fifth space are not filled with the heat-generating material.

[0010] The heating device of the fifth aspect is a heating device of any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which if the mass of the heat-generating material filled in the first space or the third space is 1, the mass of the heat-generating material filled in the second space is greater than 1.3 and less than 2.45.

[0011] According to the present invention, a heating device is provided that can simultaneously warm the areas around the eyes and the ears.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a top view of a heating device according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a bottom view of a heating device according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 1 taken along III-III. Fig. 4 is a view showing the heating device according to one embodiment in use.

[0013] Hereinafter, a heating device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings do not necessarily reflect actual dimensions. Also, for the sake of convenience, some elements may be omitted from the drawings.

[0014] <1. Overall Structure> Fig. 1 is a top view of a heating device 1 according to one embodiment, Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the heating device 1, and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of Fig. 1. The heating device 1 is formed in a generally band-like shape having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction as a whole, and is used by wrapping it around the head of a user U, covering both eyes and both ears (see Fig. 4). Here, the top surface of the heating device 1 is the surface that faces outward when viewed from the user U during use, and the bottom surface of the heating device 1 is the surface that faces the user U during use. The heating device 1 comprises an outer fabric 5 that forms the top surface, and linings 6a and 6b that form the bottom surface. The lining 6a is sewn in a bag-like shape to the center of the longitudinal direction of the outer fabric 5, forming the storage section 2 of the heating device 1. The two linings 6b are sewn to both longitudinal ends of the outer fabric 5, forming the fixing sections 3 and 4. The storage section 2, the fixing section 3 and the fixing section 4 are each partitioned by a seam 10 formed in the short direction.

[0015] [Storage section] When the heating implement 1 is worn, the storage section 2 covers the eyes and ears of the user U and stores the heat-generating material 7, which will be described later. The storage section 2 is divided into a first region 21, a second region 22, a third region 23, a fourth region 24, and a fifth region 25 by seams 11 formed along the short side of the heating implement 1. Each of the regions 21 to 25 forms a bag-shaped internal space with the outer fabric 5 and the lining 6a (see Figure 3).

[0016] The first region 21 is an area that covers the user U's left ear and its surroundings when worn. A first space S1 is formed within the first region 21. A predetermined amount of heat-generating material 7 is filled in the first space S1. However, a substantially circular seam 13 is formed in the center of the first region 21, and the heat-generating material 7 is not filled in the inner area surrounded by the seam 13. In other words, the heat-generating material 7 is filled in the first space S1 excluding the area inside the seam 13. This prevents the heat-generating material 7 from becoming unevenly distributed within the first space S1, allowing the entire left ear of the user U and its surroundings to be evenly heated via the lining 6a. The longitudinal length of the first region 21 is not particularly limited as long as it is long enough to adequately cover the user U's left ear, but may be, for example, 10 cm to 12 cm. Similarly, the lateral length of the first region 21 may be, for example, 8 cm to 10 cm. The length in the short side direction is common to the entire accommodation portion 2 , the fixed portion 3 , and the fixed portion 4 , excluding the cutout portion 220 described later.

[0017] The seam 11 between the first region 21 and the fourth region 24 restricts the movement of the heat-generating material 7 from the first region 21 to the fourth region 24. Here, "restricting movement" means preventing or restricting movement, and includes not only completely stopping the movement of the heat-generating material 7, but also reducing the amount of movement of the heat-generating material 7 compared to the amount that would normally be possible in the absence of the seam 11. The seam 11 according to this embodiment restricts the movement of the heat-generating material 7 from the first region 21 to the fourth region 24.

[0018] The second region 22 is an area that covers the user U's eyes and the surrounding areas when worn. A second space S2 is formed within the second region 22. A predetermined amount of heat-generating material 7 is filled in the second space S2. However, two oblong seams 12 are formed in the second region 22 at positions corresponding to the user U's eyes (eyeballs), and the heat-generating material 7 is not filled in the inner area surrounded by each seam 12. In other words, the heat-generating material 7 is filled in the second space S2 excluding the areas inside each seam 12, so the thickness of this inner area is thinner than the surrounding area. The heat-generating material 7 heats the surrounding areas excluding the user U's eyes through the lining 6a. The longitudinal length of the second region 22 is not particularly limited as long as it is long enough to sufficiently cover the user U's left eye to right eye, but it can be, for example, 18 cm to 22 cm, taking into account the thickness of the heat-generating material 7.

[0019] A cutout 220 that is roughly triangular in top view is formed in the middle of the two seams 12 in the longitudinal direction of the second region 22. The cutout 220 is formed on one side in the short direction of the heating device 1, so that the second region 22 does not completely cover the nose of the user U when worn. The cutout 220 also indicates to the user U the correct orientation for wearing the device.

[0020] The seam 11 between the second region 22 and the fourth region 24 restricts the movement of the heat-generating material 7 from the second region 22 to the fourth region 24. The seam 11 between the second region 22 and the fifth region 25 restricts the movement of the heat-generating material 7 from the second region 22 to the fifth region 25. The seams 11 according to this embodiment respectively prevent the movement of the heat-generating material 7 from the second region 22 to the fourth region 24 and from the second region 22 to the fifth region 25.

[0021] The third region 23 is an area that covers the user U's right ear and its surroundings when worn. A third space S3 is formed within the third region 23. A predetermined amount of heat-generating material 7 is filled in the third space S3. This amount is the same as the amount filled in the first space S1, as described below. A substantially circular seam 14 is formed in the center of the third region 23, and the heat-generating material 7 is not filled in the inner area surrounded by the seam 14. In other words, the heat-generating material 7 is filled in the third space S3 excluding the area inside the seam 14. This prevents the heat-generating material 7 from becoming unevenly distributed within the third space S3, allowing the entire right ear of the user U and its surroundings to be evenly heated via the lining 6a. The longitudinal length of the third region 23 is not particularly limited as long as it is long enough to adequately cover the user U's right ear, but it can be, for example, 10 cm to 12 cm, similar to the first region 21.

[0022] The fourth region 24 is a region formed between the first region 21 and the second region 22, and is partitioned by two seams 11. A fourth space S4 is formed inside the fourth region 24. In this embodiment, the fourth space S4 is not filled with the heat-generating material 7. Therefore, the thickness of the fourth region 24 is thinner than the thicknesses of the first region 21 and the second region 22. This allows the fourth region 24 to easily follow the curves of the user U's head or face. The longitudinal length of the fourth region 24 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 1 cm to 3 cm.

[0023] The fifth region 25 is a region formed between the second region 22 and the third region 23, and is partitioned by two seams 11. A fifth space S5 is formed inside the fifth region 25. In this embodiment, the fifth space S5 is not filled with the heat-generating material 7. Therefore, the thickness of the fifth region 25 is thinner than the thicknesses of the second region 22 and the third region 23. This allows the fifth region 25 to easily follow the curves of the user U's head or face. The longitudinal length of the fifth region 25 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 1 cm to 3 cm, similar to the fourth region 24.

[0024] [Fixing part] The fixing part 3 and the fixing part 4 are formed on both ends in the longitudinal direction, and are connected to each other at the back of the user U's head, thereby fixing the heating device 1 to the head of the user U. The fixing part 3 has a hook-and-loop fastener 30 fixed to the surface of the outer fabric 5. The hook-and-loop fastener 30 according to this embodiment is fixed to the surface of the outer fabric 5 so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the heating device 1. The fixing part 4 has a hook-and-loop fastener 40 fixed to the surface of the lining 6b. The hook-and-loop fastener 40 according to this embodiment is fixed to the surface of the lining 6b so that its width direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the heating device 1. The fixing part 3 and the fixing part 4 are connected by arranging the hook-and-loop fastener 30 and the hook-and-loop fastener 40 facing each other and connecting them. By adjusting the position where the hook-and-loop fastener 40 is connected relative to the longitudinal direction of the hook-and-loop fastener 30, the wearing length of the heating device 1 can be adjusted to fit the user U's head circumference.

[0025] The length of the fixing part 3 in the longitudinal direction is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 11 cm to 15 cm. Furthermore, the length of the hook-and-loop fastener 30 in the longitudinal direction is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 9 cm to 11 cm. The length of the fixing part 4 in the longitudinal direction is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 9 cm to 13 cm. Furthermore, the length of the hook-and-loop fastener 40 in the lateral direction (of the heating device 1) is not particularly limited, but can be 4 cm to 6 cm. The widths of the hook-and-loop fasteners 30 and 40 can each be about 2 cm.

[0026] [Outer Fabric and Lining Fabric] The outer fabric 5 and the linings 6a, 6b are not particularly limited as long as they are flexible and can accommodate the heat-generating material 7, and can be made of, for example, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, knitted fabric, etc. The outer fabric 5 and the linings 6a, 6b may each be formed by laminating a plurality of the above-mentioned woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, knitted fabrics, etc., and the above-mentioned woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, knitted fabrics, etc. may be laminated in any combination. The fiber material constituting the woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, knitted fabric, etc. is also not particularly limited, and examples thereof include natural fibers such as cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, etc.; and fibers made by mixing various fibers.

[0027] From the viewpoint of enhancing the feel, heat retention, and light-blocking properties, the outer fabric 5 is preferably thicker than the linings 6a and 6b, and more preferably brushed. The lining 6a is preferably made of a material that does not block the thermal effect generated by the heat-generating material 7 (described later) or the transmission of water vapor to the user U. The combination of the outer fabric 5 and the lining 6a is preferably such that the light-blocking rate in the inner area surrounded by each seam 12 is 99% or higher. Furthermore, hook-and-loop fasteners 30 and 40 are sewn to the lining 6b along with the outer fabric 5. Therefore, the lining 6b is preferably made of a woven fabric that is easy to sew and does not stretch under the weight of the heat-generating material 7. Furthermore, the lining 6b comes into contact with the back of the user U's head when sleeping. For this reason, a thin fabric is preferable so as not to cause discomfort to the user U, such as a stiff feeling.

[0028] [Heat-Generating Material] The heat-generating material 7 is not particularly limited as long as it can generate heat by some means. Examples include heat-generating compositions containing iron and moisture that generate heat upon contact with air, sodium acetate aqueous solutions, and materials that generate heat upon exposure to microwaves in a microwave oven. Among these, materials that generate heat upon exposure to microwaves in a microwave oven are preferred because they can be used repeatedly without being removed from the storage section 2. Examples of such materials include natural ingredients such as adzuki beans, soybeans, and brown rice. Adzuki beans, in particular, contain relatively high amounts of sugar and moisture. When heated in a microwave oven, not only does the sugar generate heat, but the moisture also evaporates, generating steam. This steam heat is moist heat, which is more likely to reach deeper into the body than dry heat without moisture, and is expected to have a greater thermal effect. Furthermore, even if adzuki beans lose moisture through evaporation, they can absorb and retain moisture from the air. For this reason, adzuki beans are suitable as a heat-generating material 7 that can be heated and reused in a microwave oven. In this embodiment, adzuki beans as the heat-generating material are directly filled into the first space S1, the second space S2, and the third space S3.

[0029] The amount (mass) of the heat-generating material 7 filled is preferably an amount that can reliably warm the areas around the user U's eyes and ears while not causing a feeling of pressure on the user U. From the perspective of promoting sleep, it is known that heating the area around the eyes (excluding the eyeballs) at a temperature of around 40°C for approximately 20 minutes is preferable. From this perspective, the mass of the heat-generating material 7 filled in the second space S2 is preferably 110 g or more. However, even if the second space S2 is filled with 110 g or more of heat-generating material 7, if the overall filling amount of the heat-generating material 7 is too large, the user U will feel a sense of pressure and the usability of the heating device 1 will deteriorate. On the other hand, if the filling amount of the heat-generating material 7 in the first space S1 and the third space S3 is too small, the heating duration of the ears will be shortened and comfort will decrease. From the above perspectives, the total mass of the heat-generating material 7 is preferably 220 g or more and 290 g or less, more preferably 230 g or more and 270 g or less, and even more preferably 240 g or more and 260 g or less.

[0030] The exothermic material 7 filled in the first space S1 or the third space S3 preferably heats the left ear or the right ear, respectively, at around 40° C. for as long as possible. Furthermore, the exothermic material 7 preferably imparts appropriate weight to the first region 21 and the third region 23 to improve the fit around the ear. From this perspective, assuming that the mass of the exothermic material 7 filled in the first space S1 or the third space S3 is 1, the mass of the exothermic material 7 filled in the second space S2 is preferably greater than 1.3 and less than 2.45, and more preferably 1.4 or greater and 2.1 or less.

[0031] <2. How to Use> The following describes how to use the heating device 1. The heating device 1 is intended to be used particularly while sleeping. By using the heating device 1 to warm the areas around both eyes and both ears at the same time, the user U feels comfortable and can be encouraged to fall asleep.

[0032] First, the heating implement 1 is placed in the microwave oven and heated at a predetermined wattage for a predetermined time.

[0033] Next, the heating device 1 is removed from the microwave oven, and the seams 12 are aligned with the positions of both eyes, and the notches 220 are aligned with the position of the nose.

[0034] Next, wrap the heating implement 1 around the user U's head with the outer fabric 5 facing outwards and the linings 6a and 6b facing inwards, overlap the fixing parts 3 and 4 at the back of the head so that the fixing part 4 is on the outer side, and connect the hook-and-loop fasteners 30 and 40. This completes the wearing of the heating implement 1 as shown in Figure 4.

[0035] The heating device 1 can be heated in a microwave oven and reused after a predetermined period of time, and can be reused in the same manner approximately 250 times.

[0036] <3. Features> The heating device 1 according to the above embodiment can provide the following effects: (1) It can heat the area around both eyes and both ears at the same time. In other words, it can provide a heating effect that has not been available with previous heating devices, and is expected to provide greater comfort and promote sleep.

[0037] (2) The movement of the heat-generating material 7 between the first space S1 and the second space S2, and between the second space S2 and the third space S3 is prevented. This prevents the heat-generating material 7 from being concentrated in one area, which can cause a localized feeling of pressure when using the heating device 1, or uneven heating.

[0038] (3) A fourth space S4 and a fifth space S5 are formed that are not filled with the heat-generating material 7. This allows the heating device 1 to fit the curves of the user U's head or face when worn, improving the fit of the heating device 1. Furthermore, the heat-generating material 7 is concentrated in the first to third regions 21 to 23, where the comfort of heating is more easily felt, preventing an unnecessary increase in the mass of the heat-generating material 7. Furthermore, the presence of the fourth region 24 and the fifth region 25 ensures that the overall length of the heating device 1 is long enough to wrap around the heads of more users U.

[0039] (4) The seams 12 prevent direct heating of the eyeballs. Furthermore, the presence of the seams 12 somewhat restricts the movement of the heat-generating material 7 within the second space S2, preventing extreme unevenness of the heat-generating material 7. Similarly, the seams 13 prevent extreme unevenness of the heat-generating material 7 within the first space S1, and the seams 14 prevent extreme unevenness of the heat-generating material 7 within the third space S3. Furthermore, because the area inside the seams 12 is blocked by the outer fabric 5 and the lining 6a, the user U is less likely to sense light when sleeping, allowing them to fall asleep in a more relaxed state.

[0040] (5) By using red beans as the heat-generating material 7, the heating device 1 can be used easily and economically. Furthermore, moist heat can be utilized to transfer heat deeper into the body. The amount of heat-generating material 7 filled into the second space S2 is sufficient to maintain a temperature of approximately 40°C for approximately 20 minutes, effectively promoting sleep. Furthermore, the mass of the heat-generating material 7 filled into the first space S1 and the third space S3 is adjusted to provide a comfortable fit and sustained heating, while also preventing a feeling of pressure on the user overall.

[0041] (6) Hook-and-loop fasteners 30 and 40 are used as the connecting mechanism for the fixing parts 3 and 4. This makes it easy to attach the heating device 1 to the back of the head, which the user U cannot see, and allows the wearing length of the heating device 1 to be easily adjusted to a length that the user U finds comfortable. Furthermore, in the heating device 1 according to the above embodiment, the hook-and-loop fasteners 30 and 40 are oriented so that the longitudinal direction of the hook-and-loop fasteners 30 facing outward when worn coincides with the longitudinal direction of the heating device 1, and the width direction of the hook-and-loop fasteners 40 facing inward (toward the user U) when worn coincides with the longitudinal direction of the heating device 1. Conversely, the hook-and-loop fasteners 30 and 40 can also be oriented so that the width direction of the hook-and-loop fasteners 30 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the heating device 1, and the longitudinal direction of the hook-and-loop fasteners 40 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the heating device 1; however, this would make the hook-and-loop fasteners 40 more likely to come into contact with the user U's hair, which could result in a worsening user experience. From this perspective, the above embodiment is more advantageous. Furthermore, the heating implement 1 according to the above embodiment is configured so that, when worn, the hook-and-loop fastener 30 wraps around the back of the head of the user U from the left side, and the hook-and-loop fastener 40 wraps around the back of the head of the user U from the right side. Conversely, the heating implement 1 can also be configured so that, when worn, the hook-and-loop fastener 30 wraps around the right side of the user U, and the hook-and-loop fastener 40 wraps around the left side of the user U. However, for a right-handed user U, it is easier to hold the fixing part 3 with the left hand to position the hook-and-loop fastener 30, and then hold the fixing part 4 with the right hand to adjust the relative position of the hook-and-loop fastener 40. From this perspective, the above embodiment is more advantageous.

[0042] 4. Modifications Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are possible. Furthermore, the gist of the following modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0043] (1) The fourth region 24 and the fifth region 25 may be omitted. In other words, the first region 21 and the second region 22, and the second region 22 and the third region 23 may be formed adjacent to each other and separated only by the seam 11. Furthermore, the seam 11 may be omitted, and the first region 21 to the third region 23 may be formed integrally. Note that at least one of the seams 11 may be curved rather than straight.

[0044] (2) In both cases where the fourth region 24 and the fifth region 25 are formed and where they are omitted, at least one of the seams 11 does not have to be formed continuously across the entire short-side direction of the heating device 1; for example, it may be partially interrupted. Even in this case, movement of the heat-generating material 7 across adjacent spaces (between the first space S1 and the second space S2, the second space S2 and the third space S3, or the first space S1 and the fourth space S4, the second space S2 and the fourth space S4, the second space S2 and the fifth space S5, or the third space S3 and the fifth space S5) is restricted to some extent. The heat-generating material 7 may also be filled in the fourth region 24 and the fifth region 25. In this case, in order to maintain the ease of folding of the heating device 1, it is preferable that the amount of heat-generating material 7 filled in the fourth space S4 be smaller than the amount of heat-generating material 7 filled in the first space S1. Similarly, the amount of heat generating material 7 filled in the fifth space S5 is preferably smaller than the amount of heat generating material 7 filled in the third space S3.

[0045] (3) At least one of the seams 12, 13, and 14 may be omitted. Furthermore, the shape of at least one of the seams 12, 13, and 14 may be changed as appropriate. For example, at least one of the seams 12, 13, and 14 may be one or more linear seams rather than a circular seam as in the above embodiment. Furthermore, the cutout portion 220 may be omitted.

[0046] (4) The configurations of the hook-and-loop fasteners 30 and 40 are not limited to those in the above embodiment, and the number, shape, etc. may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the connecting mechanism of the fixing parts 3 and 4 is not limited to hook-and-loop fasteners. For example, in addition to or instead of hook-and-loop fasteners, the connecting mechanism may be a snap button, a button and a buttonhole, a tie, a rubber band and a rubber stopper, etc.

[0047] (5) The width of the fixing parts 3 and 4 in the short direction does not have to be the same as the width of the storage part 2. Furthermore, instead of the fixing parts 3 and 4, a rubber band may be provided connecting the first region 21 and the third region 23, and this may serve as the fixing part of the heating device 1. In other words, the configuration of the fixing part is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the heating device 1 to the head of the user U. Furthermore, even if the fixing part itself is omitted and the heating device 1 is used by placing it on the head of the user U who is lying on their back, it is possible to simultaneously warm the area around the eyes and ears. However, from the perspective of preventing slippage during use, it is preferable that the heating device 1 has a fixing part.

[0048] (6) The portion of the storage section 2 filled with the heat-generating material 7 may be easily openable and closable using a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, button, snap fastener, or the like. In particular, when the heat-generating composition described above is used as the heat-generating material 7, it is preferable to store the heat-generating material 7 in a breathable packaging material and configure it as a disposable warmer before filling the storage section 2, rather than filling the heat-generating material 7 directly into the storage section 2. For this reason, when a single-use material is used as the heat-generating material 7, the storage section 2 may be configured to be openable and closable to facilitate replacement of the heat-generating material 7.

[0049] (7) The heating device 1 is not limited to one having an outer fabric 5 and linings 6a and 6b, and the configuration of the storage section 2, etc. can be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of linings that make up the heating device 1 may be reduced, or conversely, the heating device 1 may be configured using more outer fabrics and linings. When the outer fabric 5 and linings 6a and 6b are nonwoven fabrics, they may be secured by heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc., rather than sewing. Furthermore, at least one of the seams 12, 13, and 14 may be replaced with heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing as appropriate, or may be used in combination with these.

[0050] Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the following examples are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0051] <Experimental Method> Examples 1 to 11 were produced, each using a heating device with the same configuration as the above embodiment, but with different total masses of the heat-generating material, masses of the heat-generating material housed in the first and third spaces, and masses of the heat-generating material housed in the second space. Azuki beans were used as the heat-generating material in Examples 1 to 11, and the same amount of azuki beans was filled in the first and third spaces. The total mass of the azuki beans, mass A of the azuki beans filled in the second space, mass B of the azuki beans filled in the first or third space, and ratio A:B (where B = 1) for Examples 1 to 11 were as shown in Table 1 below.

[0052] Four subjects (women in their 20s and 30s) actually wore Examples 1 to 11 and evaluated the feel (weight, fit, and temperature retention) when they were in a sleeping position using the following criteria: Weight g: Moderate weight, n: Slight pressure, p: Strong pressure Fit g: Moderate fit, n: Poor balance between eyes and ears, resulting in a poor fit Temperature retention g: The temperatures in the first, second, and third regions were appropriate, and the appropriate temperature was sufficiently maintained in each region, n: The appropriate temperature was sufficiently maintained in the second region, but the appropriate temperature was not sufficiently maintained in the first and third regions (the temperature dropped in a shorter time than in the second region), p: The appropriate temperature was not sufficiently maintained in the second region The evaluations of each item for weight, fit, and temperature retention were derived as follows based on the evaluations of the same items by the four subjects. G: Three or more out of four people rated "g" and no one rated "p" N: Two or more out of four people rated "n" and no one rated "p" P: One or more out of four people rated "p" Based on the evaluation of each item above, the overall evaluation for Examples 1 to 11 was derived as follows: Overall evaluation G: Each item was rated "G", N: Some items were rated "N", but no items were rated "P", P: At least one item was rated "P".

[0053] The evaluation results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0054] As shown in Table 2, it was found that when the total mass of the heat-generating material is 290 g or less, the user does not feel any pressure. Furthermore, it was found that when the total mass of the heat-generating material is 290 g or less and A is greater than 1.3 and less than 2.45 when B is 1, a moderate warming effect around the eyes and both ears is maintained for a moderate period of time, and a good fit is also obtained.

[0055] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Heating implement 2 Storage section 3 Fixing section 4 Fixing section 7 Heat-generating material 21 First region 22 Second region 23 Third region S1 First space S2 Second space S3 Third space S4 Fourth space S5 Fifth space U User

Claims

1. A heating device having a first area covering the left ear, a second area covering both eyes and their surroundings, and a third area covering the right ear, with a container section formed therein with a first space corresponding to the first area, a second space corresponding to the second area, and a third space corresponding to the third area, and heat-generating material filled into each of the first space, the second space, and the third space.

2. The heating implement according to claim 1, wherein the storage section restricts movement of the heat-generating material between the first space and the second space, and between the second space and the third space.

3. A heating device as described in claim 2, wherein a fourth space that separates the first space from the second space and a fifth space that separates the second space from the third space are further formed inside the storage section, and the fourth space is filled with a smaller amount of heat-generating material than the first space, and the fifth space is filled with a smaller amount of heat-generating material than the third space.

4. The heating implement according to claim 3, wherein the fourth space and the fifth space are not filled with the heat-generating material.

5. A heating device as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the mass of the heat-generating material filled in the first space or the third space is 1, and the mass of the heat-generating material filled in the second space is greater than 1.3 and less than 2.45.

Images