WO2006036063A2

WO2006036063A2 - Cooling element for cooling haemorrhoids

Info

Publication number: WO2006036063A2
Application number: PCT/NL2005/050005
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Philip Herweijer; Erika Balzarelli
Original assignee: Pm Consumer Products Ag
Priority date: 2004-09-03
Filing date: 2005-09-05
Publication date: 2006-04-06
Also published as: NL1026963C2; WO2006036063A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling element for cooling haemorrhoids, comprising a casing of flexible material and a cold source placed in the casing, wherein the cooling element is adapted for placing in contact with haemorrhoids, wherein the cooling element comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the compartments are separated by a wall which is breakable from outside, wherein a first substance is present in the first compartment and a second substance in the second compartment, and wherein the first and the second substances together produce an endothermic reaction. Cold can also be generated autonomously by allowing an endothermic reaction to take place, so that the dependency on an external cooling device is obviated.

Description

Cooling element for cooling haemorrhoids

The invention relates to a cooling element for cooling haemorrhoids, comprising a casing of flexible material and a cold source placed in Hie casing, wherein the cooling element is adapted for placing in contact with the haemorrhoids.

Such a cooling element is known from DE-U-200 19 116. It is known that the cooling of haemorrhoids has a curing effect or at least the effect of easing pain and discomfort. In the cooling elements described in this document the cold is generated by a 'cold accumulator', i.e. a reservoir for thermal energy. This cold accumulator is kept in a cool place, such as a freezer compartment of a refrigerator, for a time by the user, whereby it cools off and absorbs a quantity of cold, or in fact relinquishes a quantity of heat. The thus cooled cold accumulators can then be placed against the haemorrhoids in order to achieve the pain-relieving effect.

A drawback of this configuration is that the cold accumulators only generate their cooling effect for a limited period of time, so that they must be replaced regularly. If the user remains in the vicinity of his/her refrigerator this is not such a problem, but when the user leaves the house this is much more difficult. The object of the invention is to provide such a cooling element which can also generate cold autonomously so that it can also be applied without a refrigerator being available.

This object is achieved in that the cooling element comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, that the compartments are separated by a wall which is breakable from outside and that a first substance is present in the first compartment and a second substance in the second compartment, and wherein the first and the second substances together produce an endothermic reaction.

Cold can also be generated autonomously by allowing an endothermic reaction to take place, so that the dependency on an external cooling device is obviated.

Another advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the temperature reached does not generally attain extremely low values which could lead to discomfort or burning symptoms. This is caused by the fact that the cold is generated by a process, the speed of which depends on the temperature, so that a self-regulating effect results.

According to a first embodiment, the second compartment is placed in its entirety in the first compartment, the first compartment is manufactured from flexible material, the first substance is formed by a granulate and the second substance is formed by a liquid. These measures result in a controllable generation of cold with, a moderate temperature decrease so that an excessively low temperature, which could result in burning symptoms, is avoided. The water furthermore has a certain heat capacity so that Hie generated cold is maintained for some time and relinquished in phases.

A further embodiment provides the measure that the cooling element substantially takes the form of a flat cushion. This form increases the user comfort. This somewhat flat shape moreover makes it possible for the cooling element to be placed in contact with the haemorrhoids.

The second compartment is preferably adapted so that an opening is created in the wall of the second compartment when a pressure to be exerted by the fingers of the user is applied to the cooling element in the direction transversely of the main plane of the cushion. It hereby becomes easy, even for unpractised users, to create an opening in the wall of the second compartment through which the water present in the second compartment comes into contact with the granulate and the endothermic reaction begins.

The above stated property is preferably achieved in that the second compartment is provided with at least one melting or sealing seam, and that at least one of these seams is weaker than the material. When the fingers press on the cooling element the hydrostatic pressure in the second compartment increases. By dimensioning the relevant seam as the weakest element in the second compartment, the force at which an opening is formed in the second compartment becomes more readily controllable and less dependent on variations during production. The opening is furthermore created at a predetermined position. The weak sealing seam is preferably situated on the short side of the second compartment. When sufficient pressure is applied the water will hereby exit directly downward, i.e. at the position where most of the granule material will be situated. The endothermic solution reaction will hereby commence immediately after the second compartment is pressed.

In order that the opening process of the second compartment takes place as efficiently as possible, there is arranged on the outside of the first compartment an indication of the location which must be pressed so as to open the second compartment.

In the dimensioning provided here of the cooling element a cooling effect is achieved for about 20 - 30 minutes. In order to enable generation of longer cooling periods, the second compartment is preferably provided with two chambers which can each be opened separately. This provides the option of initially opening only a first chamber, which results in a quantity of cold for a time determined by the dimensioning. When the user then notices that the cooling effect begins to decrease, he has the option of then opening the second chamber of the second compartment and thereby increasing the cooling time.

Yet another preferred embodiment provides the measure that the granulate is formed by ammonium salt and that the liquid is formed by water. These are a pair of substances which, when brought together, cause an endoihermic reaction due to the ammonium salt dissolving in the water. These substances have the advantage of being inexpensive and environmentally friendly.

The ammonium salt is preferably formed by ammonium nitrate. This salt has the advantage that the obtained solution can even be used as fertilizer. Likewise for reasons resulting from environmental requirements and cost saving, it is recommended that the casing of the first or the second compartment is manufactured from polyethylene foil. This formulation otherwise includes the option of both compartments being manufactured from polyethylene foil.

In order to increase the wearer comfort, and moreover create a certain degree of thermal insulation between the skin and the haemorrhoids, it is recommended that the cooling element is placed in a casing of a moisture-absorbing material. Large temperature gradients are hereby avoided and the effective duration of the cold source is furthermore prolonged.

The casing is preferably provided with a closable opening through which the cooling element can be inserted into the casing. This measure makes it possible to activate the cooling element by pressing the compartments and to then place the cooling element in the casing. The operation of the cooling element is hereby facilitated. Damage to the casing by compression of the compartments is moreover prevented.

Yet another preferred embodiment provides the measure that the casing in the form of a moisture-absorbing layer is provided with pharmaceutical products such as anaesthetics, astringents, corticosteroids, antimicrobial agents or disinfectants. It hereby becomes possible to apply the stated pharmaceutical products at the relevant position without additional operations.

In order to prevent shifting of the cooling element it is recommended that the casing is provided with releasable adhesive means for adhering the cooling element to the skin or for adhering the cooling element to the inside of clothing.

The form of the cooling element is preferably adapted to the anatomy of the human body. It hereby becomes possible to place the cooling element into contact with the haemorrhoids while the wearer comfort of the cooling element is still maintained as far as possible.

The adaptation to the anatomy of the human body can for instance take place by embodying an edge of the cooling element with the shape of a flat cushion in curved form. This edge can then easily be placed into contact with the haemorrhoids without annoying pressure on other adjoining body parts. It is even possible to give the cooling element the form of a banana.

Yet another preferred embodiment provides the measure that the colour of the cold source changes depending on the temperature of the cold source. The user is hereby given a good indication of the temperature of the cooling element. A specific preferred embodiment provides the measure that the first compartment is partly enclosed by a thermal insulation layer. This embodiment largely blocks flow of heat to the cooling element. More specifically, this embodiment largely contains a large part of the cold flow from the cooling element The thermal flow then flows only along the thermally uninsulated wall parts of the cooling element. The thermal flow is hereby reduced so that the cooling element can maintain its temperature for a longer period under the same conditions. Another effect is to be found in the protection of other body parts from contact with a body having too low a temperature, which could result in burning symptoms, or at least in discomfort.

The invention will be elucidated hereinbelow on the basis of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a cooling element according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a view in longitudinal section of the cooling element shown in figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cooling element shown in figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view corresponding with figure 3, wherein the cooling element is enclosed by a casing of moisture-absorbing material;

Figure 5 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 6 is a view corresponding with figure 2 of a third embodiment of the invention.

The cooling element show in figure 1 and designated as a whole with 1 comprises a first compartment 2 manufactured for instance from flexible material such as polyethylene. Arranged in this first compartment 2 and detached therefrom is a second compartment 3 which is also manufactured from flexible polyethylene. Second compartment 3 is filled with water 4. A granulate 5 is arranged in first compartment 2 in addition to the second compartment 3. This granulate is preferably formed by ammonium nitrate. In figure 1 the cooling element 1 is enclosed by a casing 6 of moisture-absorbing material.

The first compartment 2 is manufactured from sheets of polyethylene, wherein a longitudinal seam 7 is created which can be seen in figure 1. Two transverse seams 8 are also created as can be seen in figures 2 and 3. As shown in figure 3, a panel of first compartment 2 is printed with an indication 9 of where the fingers must press to open the second compartment 3.

The second compartment 3 is likewise formed from sheets of polyethylene, wherein a longitudinal seam 10 is formed as shown in figure 1. Two transverse seams 11 are also formed here as shown in figure 2. At least one of these transverse seams 11 takes a weaker form than longitudinal seam 10, and in any case a weaker form than the sheet of material from which the second compartment 3 is formed. When sufficient force, in particular transverse force, is exerted on the second compartment, one of the seams, preferably the lower seam, will burst open.

Figures 1 and 4 show that a casing 12 of moisture-absorbing material is arranged around the actual cooling element. This casing is also manufactured from a sheet material, wherein two longitudinal seams 13 are created as can be seen in figure 4. At one end is arranged a flap 14 which can be opened in order to arrange cooling element 1 hi casing 12. After the cooling element is arranged, flap 14 is closed again and fixed by means of a self-adhesive layer (not shown in the drawings) arranged on the inner side of the flap. It is otherwise possible for the cooling element to be supplied in the casing. The cooling element is then removed from the casing, the second compartment is opened by pressing with the fingers at the indicated position, whereafter the cooling element is replaced in the casing.

It is pointed out here that the moisture-absorbing material is soft so that the longitudinal seams of this material can be folded. This does after all make it possible to place cooling element 1 close to the body part for cooling, i.e. the haemorrhoids, without causing discomfort

For the purpose of fixing the casing 12 and the cooling element present therein, the casing is provided with an adhesive strip which is covered in figure 4 by a covering strip 15. After removal of the covering strip the adhesive strip serves to adhere the cooling element to the inside of underwear.

The use of the above described embodiment is as follows: the user presses with the fingers at the position on the first compartment designated by indication 9. As a result hereof the pressure in second compartment 3 will increase until one of the transverse seams 8 opens and water from second compartment 3 comes into contact with the ammonium nitrate granules 5 present in the first compartment. These granules dissolve in the water, whereby heat is adsorbed. This is a process continuing over a period of time, in the order of magnitude of several tens of minutes. The user then places cooling element 1 in casing 12 and closes the flap 14 of the casing. The thus obtained whole is fastened in the underwear of the wearer, this such that the cooling element is in contact with the haemorrhoids. The cooling element has a cooling effect on the haemorrhoids, whereby pain caused by the haemorrhoids is eased.

Figure 5 shows a view of a second embodiment of a cooling element 21. This cooling element has approximately the form of a banana to facilitate placing against the haemorrhoids without causing discomfort. Only a part of the actual cooling element 21 is visible since the main part is covered by a thermally insulating layer 22. This thermally insulating layer 22 wholly encloses the cooling element, wherein only a segment 21 is left free. This is the part which is placed in contact with the haemorrhoids. The thermally insulating layer 22 preferably also serves as moisture- absorbing layer. The two functions are hereby combined. This layer can also be formed by a layer of the same material as that of absorbing layer 12 in the first embodiment, albeit with a greatly increased thickness.

Finally, figure 6 shows a third embodiment in the form of a view corresponding with figure 2. In this embodiment the second compartment 4 is provided with two separated chambers 25 which can each be individually opened. For this purpose three transverse seams 26, 27 and 28 are arranged. Transverse seam 26 situated between chambers 24 and 25 is stronger than each of the transverse seams 27 and 28, so that seam 27, 28 will open when pressure is exerted on one of the chambers 25, 26. The first compartment is preferably provided with a relevant indication. This embodiment will of course require some adjustment in the dimensioning. As already stated in the introduction, the time during which cold is developed can hereby be prolonged. This embodiment further differs due to the presence of rounded corners 29. The seams are modified accordingly for this purpose.

Claims

1. Cooling element for cooling haemorrhoids, comprising a casing of flexible material and a cold source placed in the casing, wherein the cooling element is adapted for placing in contact with haemorrhoids, characterized in that the cooling element comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, that the compartments are separated by a wall which is breakable from outside and that a first substance is present in the first compartment and a second substance in the second compartment, and wherein the first and the second substances together produce an endothermic reaction.

2. Cooling element as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the second compartment is placed in its entirety in the first compartment, that the second compartment is manufactured from flexible material, that the first substance is formed by a granulate and that the second substance is formed by a liquid.

3. Cooling element as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cooling element substantially takes the form of a flat cushion.

4. Cooling element as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the second compartment is adapted so that an opening is created in the wall of the second compartment when a pressure to be exerted by the fingers of the user is applied to the cooling element in the direction transversely of the main plane of the cushion.

5. Cooling element as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the second compartment is provided with at least one sealing seam, and that at least one of the sealing seams is weaker than the material.

6. Cooling element as claimed hi claim 5, characterized in that the weak sealing seam is situated on a short side of the second compartment.

7. Cooling element as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the wall of the first compartment is provided with an indication of the location which must be pressed so as to open the second compartment.

8. Cooling element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the second compartment comprises at least two chambers which can each be opened separately.

9. Cooling element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the granulate is formed by ammonium salt and that the liquid is formed by water.

10. Cooling element as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the ammonium salt is formed by ammonium nitrate.

11. Cooling element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the casing of the first or the second compartment is manufactured from polyethylene foil.

12. Cooling element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the cooling element is placed in a casing of a moisture-absorbing material.

13. Cooling element as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the casing is provided with a closable opening through which the cooling element can be inserted into the casing.

14. Cooling element as claimed in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the moisture-absorbing layer is provided with pharmaceutical products such as anaesthetics, astringents, corticosteroids, antimicrobial agents or disinfectants.

15. Cooling element as claimed in claim 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that the layer of moisture-absorbing material is provided with releasable adhesive means for adhering the cooling element to the skin or for adhering the cooling element to the inside of clothing.

16. Cooling element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the form of the cooling element is adapted to the anatomy of the human body.

17. Cooling element as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that at least one of the edges has a curved contour.

18. Cooling element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the colour of the cold source changes depending on the temperature of the cold source.

19. Cooling element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the first compartment is partly enclosed by a thermal insulation layer.