FR2779352A1 - ELECTRICAL DEVICE FOR ENSURING A REDUCTION OF ADIPOSE OVERLOADS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns an electrical device for reducing excess fat, characterised in that it comprises an electrically insulated belt (1) designed to cover at least part of the body, wherein is embedded a conductor (2) powered in low frequency and low voltage by a transformer or converter (5) connected to the power system. The device generates an alternating electrostatic field at the belt surface and an electromagnetic field caused by the conductor current variations and the current induced in the person's skin.

Description

ELECTRIC DEVICE FOR ENSURING REDUCTION OF

FATTY OVERLOADS

  The invention relates to an electrical device for ensuring a reduction of fat overloads which are part of the body fat mass. Body fat is made up of all of the adipose tissue and statistically represents 15 to 20% of body weight for an individual. Adipose tissue is distributed predominantly above the belt in men and below the belt in women. This localization suggested the idea of an action limited to the body area concerned when, for the sake of comfort or aesthetics, it appeared desirable to reduce body fat without resorting to a

diet.

  The object of the invention is to provide an electrical device ensuring a reduction of adipose overloads, and not requiring a

diet.

  The invention relates to an electrical device for ensuring a reduction of adipose overloads, characterized in that it comprises at least one electrically insulating strap intended to cover at least one part of the body and in which at least one conductor is embedded

  supplied with low voltage and low frequency.

  According to other characteristics: - the device creates, during its use, an alternating electrostatic field on the surface of the strap and an electromagnetic field due to the variations of the current in the conductor and the currents induced in the skin of the body; - The conductor is folded in successive strands arranged longitudinally relative to the strap, alternately in one direction then in the other;

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  the mean plane of the strands arranged in one direction and the mean plane of the strands arranged in the other direction are distinct; - the supply frequency of the conductor is between 10 and Hz and preferably between 50 and 60 Hz; - the supply voltage of the conductor is between 10 and V and preferably of the order of 40V; - The conductor has a resistance between 0.5 and 5 Ohm / meter and preferably between 1.5 and 2 Ohm / meter; - The strap comprises, on each side of the mean plane of the conductor, a layer of thermal insulator, and preferably of silicone foam; - the strap has an outer casing; - the successive strands of the conductor are spaced about 0.5 to 5 cm, and preferably 1 cm; the strands of the conductor preferably extend over most of the length of the strap; - the strands of the conductor are preferably distributed over the major

part of the width of the strap.

  Other characteristics appear from the following description, made

  with reference to the appended drawing in which: FIG. 1 schematically represents an electrical device for ensuring a reduction in body fat mass according to a method of

realization of the invention.

  The electrical device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention essentially consists of a strap 1 substantially rectangular in the mean plane of which is embedded a conductor 2 folded in successive strands arranged longitudinally relative to the strap 1, so that the strands successive extend over most of the length of the strap, alternately in one direction then in the other. In this example, the strands are spaced from each other and are distributed over the

  most of the width of the strap.

  The two ends 3, 4 of the conductor 2 are connected to a device 5, for example a transformer or a converter, the circuit of which

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  primary is supplied by the network by means of a socket 6 for example, and which delivers to the conductor 2 an electric current under a low voltage

and a low frequency.

  For certain applications, it is possible to arrange several conductors, supplied in parallel or in series by the device 5, each conductor corresponding to a part of the surface of the strap, these parts being juxtaposed in the length or in the width of the strap,

  or else the conductors are tangled.

  The device 5 receives for example from the network an alternating voltage of 230 V at 50 Hz and it delivers to the conductor 2 a low alternating voltage of at 80 V and preferably about 40 V at a frequency of 10 to 100 Hz and preferably 50 to 60 Hz. The conductor 2 is preferably a multi-wire conductor, mechanically more flexible than a single-wire conductor, with an electrical resistance of, for example, between 0.5 and 5 Ohm / meter, and preferably between 1.5 and 2 Ohm / meter. In a particular embodiment, the resistance is 1.74 Ohm / meter. The number of strands arranged longitudinally in the strap is for example between 4 and several tens, in particular between 12 and 28, and preferably equal to 18. The length of each strand is of the order of lm and two neighboring strands are separated from each other from a distance of the order of lcm. On each side of the mean plane of the conductor 2, the strap 1 comprises a layer of thermal insulator and preferably of silicone foam, for example, the assembly being covered with a

  thermo-welded plastic material, for example polyethylene.

  The strap 1 has for example a length of 1.4 m and a width of

  0.4 m, approximately, the strands of the conductor having a length of approximately 1 m.

  For the use of the device according to the invention, the strap 1 is wound, in the manner of a belt, for example around the hips of a person. The flexibility of the strap and its mass ensure that it is held in position on an elongated person. The device is connected to the network for a session whose duration can range from 15 to 90 minutes, and

preferably 30 to 60 mins.

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  When an alternating current flows through conductor 2, it creates a

  normal alternating electrostatic field on the surface of the strap, i.e.

  say practically normal to the surface of the body covered with the strap, and an electromagnetic field due to the variations of the current in the conductor and to the currents induced in the skin of the body by the

current variations.

  After ten sessions, the specific reduction in fat overload is noted. This reduction can be evaluated by weight, from bio-impedancemetry measurements, and by volume, for example by measurement of the hip measurement in the example described. This reduction is not limited to the areas covered by the strap, for example the hips, but it is also observed in areas remote from the strap, for example the

knees, calves or arms.

  The device according to the invention has several advantages and in particular: great simplicity of implementation, great security resulting from the low voltage used (40V for example) and from the insulating structure of the strap (silicone foam and plastic envelope) efficient from both an electrical and a thermal point of view, because this

  is not a thermal effect which is sought.

  In the example described of a reversible strap, the conductor 2 is

  in the middle plane of the strap, but this arrangement is only optional.

  In particular, the strands of odd rank may be located in the same

  plane, and the strands of even rank in the same plane distinct from the previous one.

  Furthermore, the strap can be provided with hooking means,

  grippers for example, to ensure its maintenance in position.

  The device according to the invention can comprise several straps, placed on different parts of the body. Each strap can completely or partially surround a part of the body. It can also be

  arranged longitudinally or obliquely relative to the body.

Claims (11)

  1.Electrical device to ensure a reduction of adipose overloads, characterized in that it comprises at least one strap (1) electrically insulating intended to cover at least a part of the body, and in which is embedded at least one conductor (2) powered at low voltage and low frequency 2. Electrical device according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductor (2) is folded in successive strands arranged longitudinally   relative to the strap (1), alternately in one direction then in the other.   3. Electrical device according to claim 2, characterized in that the mean plane of the strands arranged in one direction and the mean plane of the strands   arranged in the other direction are distinct.   4. Electrical device according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply frequency of the conductor is between 10 and 100 Hz   and preferably between 50 and 60 Hz.   5. Electrical device according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply voltage of the conductor is between 10 and 80 V and preferably of the order of 40 V. 6. Electrical device according to claim 1, characterized in that the conductor has a resistance between 0.5 and 5 Ohm / meter   and preferably between 1.5 and 2 Ohm / meter.   7. An electrical device according to claim 1, characterized in that the strap (1) comprises, on each side of the mean plane of the conductor (2),   a layer of thermal insulation, and preferably of silicone foam.   8. Electrical device according to claim 7, characterized in that   the strap (1) has an outer casing.   9. An electrical device according to claim 2, characterized in that the successive strands of the conductor (2) are spaced about 0.5 to 5 cm apart, and preferably lcm.   10. Electrical device according to claim 2, characterized in that the strands of the conductor preferably extend over the major part the length of the strap.   11. Electrical device according to claim 2, characterized in that the strands of the conductor are preferably distributed over the major part of the width of the strap.