HEAT WICK FOR SKIN COOLING

• US 20080015665A1
• Filed: 09/24/2007
• Published: 01/17/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/10/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Charles Lachenbruch
• Original Assignee: Charles Lachenbruch
• Inventors: LACHENBRUCH, CHARLES
• Application Number:
  US11/860,292
• Publication Number:
  US 20080015665A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/104
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0001 Body part
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0057 of gas, e.g. air or carbon dioxide
• 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

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 a first set of thermally conductive fibers; and

(b) a thermal diffuser comprising thermally conductive material that thermally communicates with said first set of thermally conductive fibers, wherein said thermal diffuser extends beyond said generally planar surface,

wherein thermal conductivity of said cushion is greater than eight (8) watts per meter-degree Kelvin.

2. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein said first set of thermally conductive fibers comprise metal.

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

5. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 3, wherein said diffuser comprises carbon fiber.

6. The 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.

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

8. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein said cushion 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. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein said thermally conductive fibers comprise metal.

19. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein said cushion comprises a cushioning material and said first set of thermally conductive fibers is positioned over said cushioning material.

20. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein said cushion comprises a cushioning material and said first set of thermally conductive fibers is positioned under said cushioning material.

21. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein said cushion comprises a cushioning material and ticking, and said ticking is positioned over said cushioning material and said first set of thermally conductive fibers is positioned over said ticking.

22. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein said cushion comprises cushioning material and ticking, and said ticking is position over said cushioning material and said first set of thermally conductive fibers is positioned under said ticking.

23. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 1, wherein said first set of thermally conductive fibers comprise wire.

9. A thermally conductive support surface, comprising:

(a) a cushion having a generally planar surface, said generally planar surface comprising a first set of thermally conductive fibers;

(b) a thermal diffuser comprising thermally conductive material that thermally communicates with said first set of 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;

wherein thermal conductivity of said cushion is greater than eight (8) watts per meter-degree Kelvin.

11. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 9, 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.

12. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 9, wherein said thermally conductive fibers comprise carbon fiber.

13. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 9, wherein said diffuser comprises carbon fiber.

14. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 12, wherein said diffuser comprises carbon fiber.

15. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 9, wherein a fluid is forced past said diffuser, and said fluid removes heat from said diffuser.

16. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 9, wherein said diffuser extends beyond an edge of said cushion.

17. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 9, wherein said cushion 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.

18. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 9, wherein said powered cooling device is thermoelectric.

24. The thermally conductive support surface as described in claim 9, wherein said first set of thermally conductive fibers comprise wire.