Heat wick for skin cooling

• US 20050288749A1
• Filed: 06/08/2005
• Published: 12/29/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Charles Arthur Lachenbruch
• Original Assignee: Charles Arthur Lachenbruch
• Inventors: Lachenbruch, Charles Arthur
• Granted Patent: US 7,273,490 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/108
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0001 Body part
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0075 using a Peltier element, e.g. near the spot to be heated or cooled
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0246 with a layer having high heat transfer capability
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/0097 Blankets with active heating or cooling sources warming mats A61F7/08
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/10 Cooling bags, e.g. ice-bags
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/05715 with modular blocks, or inserts, with layers of different material
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/05784 with ventilating means, e.g. mattress or cushion with ventilating holes or ventilators

Abstract

Steady-state cooling of the skin is achieved by a support surface without requiring external power or circulation of air. Heat is transferred from via a thermally conductive layer or layers of material(s) that are soft, pliable, and comfortable to sit or lie on. The layer is connected to conductive materials that transport heat and diffuse the heat to a cooler environment.

Claims

1. A thermally conductive support surface, comprising:

a) a cushion having a generally planar surface, said generally planar surface comprising thermally conductive fibers; and

b) a thermal diffuser comprised of thermally conductive fibers that thermally communicates with said thermally conductive fibers, wherein said thermal diffuser extends beyond said generally planar surface.

2. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein thermal conductivity of said cushion is greater than eight (8) watts per meter- degree Kelvin.

3. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein said cushion is centrally disposed within said thermally conductive support surface, and said diffuser is present on a periphery of said thermally conductive support surface.

4. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein said thermally conductive fibers of said cushion comprises carbon fiber.

5. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein said diffuser comprises carbon fiber.

6. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 4, wherein said diffuser comprises carbon fiber.

7. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein a fluid is forced past said diffuser, and said fluid removes heat from said diffuser.

8. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein said diffuser extends beyond an edge of said cushion.

9. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein said has a surface that is opposite said generally planar surface, and wherein said diffuser extends beyond an edge of said surface that is opposite said generally planar surface.

10. A thermally conductive support surface, comprising:

a) a cushion having a generally planar surface, said generally planar surface comprising thermally conductive fibers;

b) a thermal diffuser comprised of thermally conductive fibers that thermally communicates with said thermally conductive fibers, wherein said thermal diffuser extends beyond said generally planar surface; and

c) a powered cooling device that thermally communicates with said thermal diffuser.

11. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 10, wherein thermal conductivity of said cushion is greater than eight (8) watts per meter-degree Kelvin.

12. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 10, wherein said cushion is centrally disposed within said thermally conductive support surface, and said diffuser is present on a periphery of said thermally conductive support surface.

13. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 10, wherein said thermally conductive fibers of said cushion comprises carbon fiber.

14. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 10, wherein said diffuser comprises carbon fiber.

15. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 10, wherein said diffuser comprises carbon fiber.

16. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 10, wherein a fluid is forced past said diffuser, and said fluid removes heat from said diffuser.

17. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 10, wherein said diffuser extends beyond an edge of said cushion.

18. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 10, wherein said has a surface that is opposite said generally planar surface, and wherein said diffuser extends beyond an edge of said surface that is opposite said generally planar surface.

19. A thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 10, wherein said powered cooling device is thermo-electric.