A DEVICE FOR HEATING OR COOLING A BODY PART

摘要

The present invention relates generally to a device (10) comprising a container (12) sealably containing a phase change substance (14) having a relatively high latent heat of fusion. The device (10) can be used for either heating or cooling a body part. The container (12) comprises a first and a second mutually opposing sheet (16, 18) joined around their peripheral edges (20). A chamber (22) is thus formed between the first and second sheets (16, 18). The chamber (22) of the container (12) is filled with the phase change substance (14) during manufacture of the device (10). When the device (10) is used for heating the hydrate salt sodium acetate trihydrate may be used, having a melting point of approximately 58 DEG C. On the other hand, when the device (10) is used for cooling a phase change substance such as a stoichiometric mixture of ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium chloride, and demineralised water having a melting point of approximately -4 DEG C may be used. The device is then either heated or cooled so the phase change substance either melts or crystallises. The device (10) is then manually applied to a persons skin and the phase change substance as it either chrystallises or melts, releases or absorbs heat thus heating or cooling the body part. The device (10) provides either heating or cooling which is effective over a relatively long period of time. Furthermore, the device (10) provides an effective means for heating or cooling safely using latent heat without the risk of being burnt or scalded by sensible heat.