WO2005020635A1 - Heating apparatus - Google Patents

Heating apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005020635A1
WO2005020635A1 PCT/GB2004/003579 GB2004003579W WO2005020635A1 WO 2005020635 A1 WO2005020635 A1 WO 2005020635A1 GB 2004003579 W GB2004003579 W GB 2004003579W WO 2005020635 A1 WO2005020635 A1 WO 2005020635A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heating apparatus
heat generating
generating element
electrical power
power delivery
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2004/003579
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert Caird
William Carrigan
Original Assignee
Exo2 Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Exo2 Limited filed Critical Exo2 Limited
Priority to GB0605363A priority Critical patent/GB2422083A/en
Publication of WO2005020635A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005020635A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
    • H05B3/34—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
    • H05B3/34—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs
    • H05B3/342—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs heaters used in textiles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
    • H05B3/34—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs
    • H05B3/36—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs heating conductor embedded in insulating material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/002—Heaters using a particular layout for the resistive material or resistive elements
    • H05B2203/007—Heaters using a particular layout for the resistive material or resistive elements using multiple electrically connected resistive elements or resistive zones
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/011—Heaters using laterally extending conductive material as connecting means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/013—Heaters using resistive films or coatings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/029—Heaters specially adapted for seat warmers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/036—Heaters specially adapted for garment heating

Definitions

  • This invention relates to heating apparatus and in particular, but not exclusively, to heating apparatus relating to articles to be heated, particularly, but not exclusively, to articles of clothing which provides heat to a wearer.
  • wire based systems having a power supply coupled to a network of conductive wires embedded into a garment.
  • the conductive wires have to be malleable to allow dextruous movement of the garment in which the conductive wires are embedded; particularly when the garment is of the form of gloves and socks. This makes the conductive wires susceptible to wire breakage and failure of the system when fatigued due to constant flexing.
  • Wire based systems also require complex control to ensure fail-safe operation, where failure of such a system may burn the garment or the wearer. Furthermore, wire based systems require thick insulation for safety, and extra padding for comfort .
  • Newer systems comprise hybrid carbon/polymer materials and conductive fibres .
  • Carbon/polymer materials are manufactured in solid sheets and are therefore not breathable which compromises the comfort and performance of many garments .
  • Conductive fibres are commonly found in car seats and other suitable products. However, because of their dependence on bulky power supplies, this makes them burdensome when applied to garments .
  • heating apparatus comprising: - a heat generating element in the form of an open structure; and an electrical power delivery element located relative to the heat generating element.
  • the heat generating element is in the form of a cross-linked structure or mesh.
  • the heating apparatus may further comprise a support substrate carrying said electrical power delivery element and said heat generating element.
  • the electrical power delivery element is embedded in, or integral with, the heat generating element .
  • the heat generating element is formed of a heat generating material such as a heat generating elastomer. More preferably the material is an elastomeric polymer.
  • the electrical power delivery element is a wire wire braid conductor, or metallic or non-metallic conductive strip.
  • the electrical power delivery element is an electrical super conductive elastomer material. More preferably the material is an electrical super conductive elastomeric polymer.
  • a method of manufacturing heating apparatus comprising the steps of: adding a heat generating element to an open structure mould; applying an electrical power delivery element to the heat generating element in the mould; and curing said heat generating element.
  • the method may include the step of applying a support substrate to the heat generating element and electrical power delivery element .
  • the heat generating element is a heat generating elastomer material . More preferably the material is an elastomeric polymer.
  • the electrical power delivery element is a wire, wire braid conductor, or metallic or non-metallic conductive strip.
  • the electrical power delivery element is an electrical super conductive elastomer material . More preferably the material is an electrical super conductive elastomeric polymer.
  • the method includes the step of selecting the land to sea ratio of the heat generating element so that the apparatus delivers a predetermined amount of electrical energy per unit area.
  • the method includes the step of selecting a maximum temperature for the apparatus using the positive temperature coefficient properties of the elastomeric polymer.
  • a heating apparatus including a heating apparatus according to the first aspect, a power circuit comprising at least one power supply and a switch to selectively operate the heating apparatus.
  • Fig.l is a partial schematic side view of aheating apparatus made in accordance with the present invention
  • Fig.2 is an exploded perspective view of the heating apparatus
  • Fig.3 is a section view of a fabricated heating apparatus taken along the line A-A of Fig.2
  • Fig. is an exploded perspective view of an alternative heating apparatus
  • Fig.5 is a section view of an alternative fabricated heating apparatus taken along the line B-B of Fig.4.
  • a heating apparatus 12 which can be adhered to or mechanically fastened to an article to be heated by suitable attachment means to provide heat to the article .
  • the article to be heated can be an article of clothing, for example, a jacket, gloves, socks, boots or, upholstery, seat covers, car seats, hospital drapes or other suitable application.
  • the heating apparatus 12 may be applied to building heating systems and pipe repair resin curing systems or the like.
  • the heating apparatus 12 can be applied to any arrangement where protection is needed against cold conditions.
  • Fig.l schematically shows the heating apparatus 12 which forms part of a heating system 10, which includes an electrical power circuit 14.
  • the heating apparatus 12 primarily comprises two parts, a heat generating element 16 and electrical power delivery elements 18.
  • a support substrate 20 is also included, as shown in Fig.2.
  • the heat generating element 16 comprises heat generating material in the form of a silicon rubber elastomer, which generates heat when an electrical current is passed therethrough. It will be appreciated that a selection of suitable materials could be used, however elastomeric polymers have been found to be appropriate.
  • the heat generating element 16 is fabricated in the form of an open structure such as a cross-linked structure or mesh 22.
  • the mesh 22 allows the heat generating element 16 and power circuit 14 to be tailored to deliver the required amount of electrical energy per unit area by adjusting the land to sea ratio of the heat generating element 16. That is the surface area of the material of the mesh 22 against the surface area of the gaps or spaces in the mesh 22. This is the principal advantage of the present invention. Thus, use of a mesh or open structure allows the electrical energy required to be lower than that required for the prior art continuous surface arrangements.
  • the mesh 22 can be of any open structure of suitable shape and size. This serves to allow desirable flexing of the heating apparatus 12, providing a further advantage to the present invention.
  • the patterns used may be of any suitable open mesh type structure, these include but are not limited to patterns such as diamonds, squares, circles, ovoids and other regular or irregular type shapes .
  • the electrical power delivery elements 18 are in the form of a wire, wire braid conductors, or metallic or non- metallic conductive strips, which serve to conduct electrical energy from the power circuit 14 to the heat generating element 16. In this way, the electrical power delivery elements provide a distributed network over the heating generating element.
  • the support substrate 20 is a backing member in the form of a fabric or glass fibre backing material, which provides further stability to the heating apparatus 12.
  • the support substrate also provides a further means for adhesively or mechanically fastening the heating apparatus 12 to the article to be heated.
  • the power circuit 14, as shown in Figure 1, comprises at least one power supply 34 and a switch 36 to selectively operate the heating apparatus 12.
  • a thermostat 38 can be provided, if desired, to variably control the temperature.
  • pulse width modulation of the power source can be used to vary the temperature.
  • Power can be supplied from a battery located on the article being heated.
  • a pocket in a jacket is an example of one location.
  • the battery could be rechargeable.
  • the power supply could be provided from a power source .
  • An example would be a car battery providing power to a heating apparatus on the car seats.
  • a further example could be a motorcycle engine providing power to a heating apparatus on the jacket of a rider.
  • the heat generating element 16 is added to a mould (not shown) for curing.
  • the electrical power delivery elements 18 are added to ⁇ rib' portions 24,26,28 of the heat generating element 16.
  • the support substrate 20 is then applied to the electrical power delivery elements 18 and the heat generating element 16.
  • the heat generating element 16, the electrical power delivery elements 18 and the support substrate 20, are combined to produce the heating apparatus 12, as shown in Figure 3.
  • the heating member 12 and the electrically coupled power circuit 14, are then attached to the article to be a heated by means of adhesive or mechanical fastening.
  • electrical energy from the power circuit 14 is passed to the electrical power delivery elements 18.
  • the electrical power delivery elements 18 distribute the electrical energy to the heat generating element 16, resulting in the generation of heat.
  • the heat is then dispersed to the surrounding article to be heated.
  • Figs.4 and 5 show an alternative heating apparatus 112 which comprises a heat generating element 116, ⁇ rib' portions 124,126,128 which are adapted in fabrication to provide electrical power delivery elements 118, and a support substrate 120.
  • the heat generating element 116 is generally the same as the heat generating element 16 of the first embodiment in the form of a similar mesh 122.
  • the electrical power delivery elements 118 are in the form of a highly conductive elastometer or super conductive elastomeric polymer, filled with conductive particulates, and form the ⁇ rib' portions 124, 126, 128 of the heat generating element 116, during fabrication.
  • the ⁇ rib' portions 124, 126, 128 behave as electrical power delivery elements 118.
  • the support substrate 120 is generally of the form of the support substrate 20 of the first embodiment.
  • the heat generating element 116 is added to a mould (not shown) for curing.
  • conductive particulate filler Prior to curing, conductive particulate filler is applied to the rib' portions 124, 126, 128 of the heat generating element 116 to form the electrical power delivery elements 118. It will be appreciated that the filler could be bonded to the portions, rather than being cured into them.
  • the amount of conductive particulate filler added will vary the conductance of the electrical power delivery elements 118.
  • the support substrate 120 is then applied to the electrical power delivery elements 118 and the heat generating element 116.
  • the heat generating element 116, the electrical power delivery elements 118 and the support substrate 120 are combined to produce the heating apparatus 112, as shown in Figure 5.
  • the heating apparatus 112 and the electrically coupled power circuit 14, are then attached to the article to be heated by means of adhesive or mechanical fastening.
  • the heating apparatus 112 operates generally in the same way as the heating apparatus 12 of the first embodiment .
  • the heating apparatus 12, 112 will be intrinsically safe due to the heat generating material 16,116 being chemically inert and having a positive temperature coefficient.
  • the positive temperature coefficient sets the maximum temperature the material, preferably the elastomeric polymer, can have. Power consumption is reduced as the desired power required is calculated from the land to sea ratio of the heat generating element.
  • the heating apparatus 12, 112 will also be fail safe as the electrical power delivery members 18,118 are completely embedded within the heat generating apparatus 12,112.
  • the apparatus 12,112 can be applied in close proximity to the skin of a wearer of an article to be heated in the form of an article of clothing.
  • the heating apparatus 12, 112 of the present invention offers flexibility and freedom of the article to be heated, if so desired, by virtue of the open structure of the mesh 22, 122.
  • the open structure of the mesh 22, 122 also renders the apparatus 12, 112 breathable.

Abstract

A heating apparatus comprising a flexible heat generating element in the form of an open mesh with an embedded or integral electrical power delivery element arranged thereon. Power supplied to the electrical power delivery element activates the heat generating element and warms an article to which the apparatus is attached. By selecting the land to sea ratio of the mesh, the apparatus delivers a predetermined amount of electrical energy per unit area. The elements can be mounted on a substrate for attachment to the article. Elastomeric polymers are described for use as the elements and the maximum temperature can be set using the positive temperature coefficient properties of these materials. The invention is suitable for use with articles clothing, for example, a jacket, gloves, socks, boots or, upholstery, seat covers, car seats, hospital drapes or other similar application.

Description

Heating Apparatus
This invention relates to heating apparatus and in particular, but not exclusively, to heating apparatus relating to articles to be heated, particularly, but not exclusively, to articles of clothing which provides heat to a wearer.
Conventionally, wire based systems are used having a power supply coupled to a network of conductive wires embedded into a garment.
Unfortunately, the conductive wires have to be malleable to allow dextruous movement of the garment in which the conductive wires are embedded; particularly when the garment is of the form of gloves and socks. This makes the conductive wires susceptible to wire breakage and failure of the system when fatigued due to constant flexing.
Wire based systems also require complex control to ensure fail-safe operation, where failure of such a system may burn the garment or the wearer. Furthermore, wire based systems require thick insulation for safety, and extra padding for comfort .
Newer systems comprise hybrid carbon/polymer materials and conductive fibres .
Carbon/polymer materials are manufactured in solid sheets and are therefore not breathable which compromises the comfort and performance of many garments .
Conductive fibres are commonly found in car seats and other suitable products. However, because of their dependence on bulky power supplies, this makes them burdensome when applied to garments .
According to the present invention there is provided heating apparatus comprising: - a heat generating element in the form of an open structure; and an electrical power delivery element located relative to the heat generating element.
Preferably the heat generating element is in the form of a cross-linked structure or mesh.
The heating apparatus may further comprise a support substrate carrying said electrical power delivery element and said heat generating element. Preferably the electrical power delivery element is embedded in, or integral with, the heat generating element .
Preferably, the heat generating element is formed of a heat generating material such as a heat generating elastomer. More preferably the material is an elastomeric polymer.
Preferably, the electrical power delivery element is a wire wire braid conductor, or metallic or non-metallic conductive strip.
Alternatively, the electrical power delivery element is an electrical super conductive elastomer material. More preferably the material is an electrical super conductive elastomeric polymer.
Further, according to the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing heating apparatus comprising the steps of: adding a heat generating element to an open structure mould; applying an electrical power delivery element to the heat generating element in the mould; and curing said heat generating element. The method may include the step of applying a support substrate to the heat generating element and electrical power delivery element .
Preferably, the heat generating element is a heat generating elastomer material . More preferably the material is an elastomeric polymer.
Preferably, the electrical power delivery element is a wire, wire braid conductor, or metallic or non-metallic conductive strip.
Alternatively, the electrical power delivery element is an electrical super conductive elastomer material . More preferably the material is an electrical super conductive elastomeric polymer.
Preferably, the method includes the step of selecting the land to sea ratio of the heat generating element so that the apparatus delivers a predetermined amount of electrical energy per unit area.
Preferably also, the method includes the step of selecting a maximum temperature for the apparatus using the positive temperature coefficient properties of the elastomeric polymer.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an article including a heating apparatus according to the first aspect, a power circuit comprising at least one power supply and a switch to selectively operate the heating apparatus. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by the way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Fig.l is a partial schematic side view of aheating apparatus made in accordance with the present invention; Fig.2 is an exploded perspective view of the heating apparatus; Fig.3 is a section view of a fabricated heating apparatus taken along the line A-A of Fig.2; Fig. is an exploded perspective view of an alternative heating apparatus; and Fig.5 is a section view of an alternative fabricated heating apparatus taken along the line B-B of Fig.4.
Referring to Figs .1 to 3, there is shown a heating apparatus 12 which can be adhered to or mechanically fastened to an article to be heated by suitable attachment means to provide heat to the article .
Typically, the article to be heated can be an article of clothing, for example, a jacket, gloves, socks, boots or, upholstery, seat covers, car seats, hospital drapes or other suitable application.
It is realised that there are many more applications of the present invention, for example, the heating apparatus 12 may be applied to building heating systems and pipe repair resin curing systems or the like.
Furthermore, the heating apparatus 12 can be applied to any arrangement where protection is needed against cold conditions.
Fig.l schematically shows the heating apparatus 12 which forms part of a heating system 10, which includes an electrical power circuit 14.
The heating apparatus 12 primarily comprises two parts, a heat generating element 16 and electrical power delivery elements 18. In an embodiment a support substrate 20 is also included, as shown in Fig.2.
The heat generating element 16 comprises heat generating material in the form of a silicon rubber elastomer, which generates heat when an electrical current is passed therethrough. It will be appreciated that a selection of suitable materials could be used, however elastomeric polymers have been found to be appropriate.
The heat generating element 16 is fabricated in the form of an open structure such as a cross-linked structure or mesh 22.
The mesh 22 allows the heat generating element 16 and power circuit 14 to be tailored to deliver the required amount of electrical energy per unit area by adjusting the land to sea ratio of the heat generating element 16. That is the surface area of the material of the mesh 22 against the surface area of the gaps or spaces in the mesh 22. This is the principal advantage of the present invention. Thus, use of a mesh or open structure allows the electrical energy required to be lower than that required for the prior art continuous surface arrangements.
The mesh 22 can be of any open structure of suitable shape and size. This serves to allow desirable flexing of the heating apparatus 12, providing a further advantage to the present invention. The patterns used may be of any suitable open mesh type structure, these include but are not limited to patterns such as diamonds, squares, circles, ovoids and other regular or irregular type shapes .
The electrical power delivery elements 18 are in the form of a wire, wire braid conductors, or metallic or non- metallic conductive strips, which serve to conduct electrical energy from the power circuit 14 to the heat generating element 16. In this way, the electrical power delivery elements provide a distributed network over the heating generating element.
The support substrate 20 is a backing member in the form of a fabric or glass fibre backing material, which provides further stability to the heating apparatus 12. The support substrate also provides a further means for adhesively or mechanically fastening the heating apparatus 12 to the article to be heated.
The power circuit 14, as shown in Figure 1, comprises at least one power supply 34 and a switch 36 to selectively operate the heating apparatus 12. A thermostat 38 can be provided, if desired, to variably control the temperature. Alternatively, pulse width modulation of the power source can be used to vary the temperature. Power can be supplied from a battery located on the article being heated. A pocket in a jacket is an example of one location. The battery could be rechargeable. Alternatively, the power supply could be provided from a power source . An example would be a car battery providing power to a heating apparatus on the car seats. A further example could be a motorcycle engine providing power to a heating apparatus on the jacket of a rider.
In fabrication, the heat generating element 16 is added to a mould (not shown) for curing.
With the heat generating element 16 in the mould, and prior to curing, the electrical power delivery elements 18 are added to λrib' portions 24,26,28 of the heat generating element 16. In the embodiment shown, there are two edge Λrib' portions 24,26 and a central rib' portion 28.
The support substrate 20 is then applied to the electrical power delivery elements 18 and the heat generating element 16.
Under pressure, and by the application of heat and a catalyst, the heat generating element 16, the electrical power delivery elements 18 and the support substrate 20, are combined to produce the heating apparatus 12, as shown in Figure 3. The heating member 12 and the electrically coupled power circuit 14, are then attached to the article to be a heated by means of adhesive or mechanical fastening.
In use, electrical energy from the power circuit 14 is passed to the electrical power delivery elements 18.
The electrical power delivery elements 18 distribute the electrical energy to the heat generating element 16, resulting in the generation of heat.
The heat is then dispersed to the surrounding article to be heated.
Figs.4 and 5 show an alternative heating apparatus 112 which comprises a heat generating element 116, λrib' portions 124,126,128 which are adapted in fabrication to provide electrical power delivery elements 118, and a support substrate 120.
In this alternative embodiment shown, there are two edge Λrib' portions 124, 126 and a central rib' portion 128.
The heat generating element 116 is generally the same as the heat generating element 16 of the first embodiment in the form of a similar mesh 122.
However, unlike the electrical power delivery elements 18 of the first embodiment, the electrical power delivery elements 118 are in the form of a highly conductive elastometer or super conductive elastomeric polymer, filled with conductive particulates, and form the Λrib' portions 124, 126, 128 of the heat generating element 116, during fabrication.
Accordingly, the Λrib' portions 124, 126, 128 behave as electrical power delivery elements 118.
The support substrate 120 is generally of the form of the support substrate 20 of the first embodiment.
In fabrication, the heat generating element 116 is added to a mould (not shown) for curing.
Prior to curing, conductive particulate filler is applied to the rib' portions 124, 126, 128 of the heat generating element 116 to form the electrical power delivery elements 118. It will be appreciated that the filler could be bonded to the portions, rather than being cured into them.
The amount of conductive particulate filler added will vary the conductance of the electrical power delivery elements 118.
The support substrate 120 is then applied to the electrical power delivery elements 118 and the heat generating element 116.
Under pressure, and by the application of heat and a catalyst, the heat generating element 116, the electrical power delivery elements 118 and the support substrate 120, are combined to produce the heating apparatus 112, as shown in Figure 5. The heating apparatus 112 and the electrically coupled power circuit 14, are then attached to the article to be heated by means of adhesive or mechanical fastening.
In use, the heating apparatus 112 operates generally in the same way as the heating apparatus 12 of the first embodiment .
The heating apparatus 12, 112 will be intrinsically safe due to the heat generating material 16,116 being chemically inert and having a positive temperature coefficient. The positive temperature coefficient sets the maximum temperature the material, preferably the elastomeric polymer, can have. Power consumption is reduced as the desired power required is calculated from the land to sea ratio of the heat generating element.
The heating apparatus 12, 112 will also be fail safe as the electrical power delivery members 18,118 are completely embedded within the heat generating apparatus 12,112. The apparatus 12,112 can be applied in close proximity to the skin of a wearer of an article to be heated in the form of an article of clothing.
The heating apparatus 12, 112 of the present invention offers flexibility and freedom of the article to be heated, if so desired, by virtue of the open structure of the mesh 22, 122. The open structure of the mesh 22, 122 also renders the apparatus 12, 112 breathable.
Modifications and improvements may be made to the above without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heating apparatus comprising a heat generating element in the form of an open structure and an electrical power delivery element located relative to the heat generating element .
2. A heating apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the heat generating element is in the form of a cross-linked structure or mesh.
3. A heating apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 further comprising a support substrate carrying said electrical power delivery element and said heat generating element.
4. A heating apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the electrical power delivery element is embedded in, or integral with, the heat generating element.
5. A heating apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the heat generating element is formed of a heat generating elastomeric polymer.
6. A heating apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the electrical power delivery element is a wire, wire braid conductor, metallic or non-metallic conductive strip.
7. A heating apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein, the electrical power delivery element is an electrical super conductive elastomeric polymer .
8. A method of manufacturing heating apparatus comprising the steps of : adding a heat generating element to an open structure mould; applying an electrical power delivery element to the heat generating element in the mould; and curing said heat generating element.
9. A method of manufacturing heating apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 including the step of applying a support substrate to the heat generating element and electrical power delivery element.
10. A method of manufacturing heating apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9 wherein the heat generating element is a heat generating elastomeric polymer.
11. A method of manufacturing heating apparatus as claimed in any one of the Claims 8 to 10 wherein the electrical power delivery element is a wire, wire braid conductor, metallic or non-metallic conductive strip.
12. A method of manufacturing heating apparatus as claimed in any one of the Claims 8 to 10 wherein the electrical power delivery element is an electrical super conductive elastomeric polymer.
13. A method of manufacturing heating apparatus as claimed in any one of the Claims 8 to 12 including the step of selecting the land to sea ratio of the heat generating element so that the apparatus delivers a predetermined amount of electrical energy per unit area.
14. A method of manufacturing heating apparatus as claimed in any one of the Claims 8 to 13 including the step of setting the maximum temperature of the heating apparatus using the positive temperature coefficient of the elastomeric polymer.
15. An article including a heating apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7, and a power circuit comprising at least one power supply and a switch to selectively operate the heating apparatus.
PCT/GB2004/003579 2003-08-19 2004-08-19 Heating apparatus WO2005020635A1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0605363A GB2422083A (en) 2003-08-19 2004-08-19 Heating apparatus

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GB0319397A GB0319397D0 (en) 2003-08-19 2003-08-19 Heating apparatus
GB0319397.6 2003-08-19

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EP1809073A1 (en) * 2006-01-13 2007-07-18 Goodrich Corporation Patterned electrical foil heater element having regions with different ribbon widths
FR2899055A1 (en) * 2006-03-23 2007-09-28 Nexans Sa Floor or wall or ceiling heating device for e.g. garment, has deformation adjustment element permitting to control support element and end of supply electrodes for amplifying deformation of heating structure to modify its heating power
US7763833B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2010-07-27 Goodrich Corp. Foil heating element for an electrothermal deicer
US7923668B2 (en) 2006-02-24 2011-04-12 Rohr, Inc. Acoustic nacelle inlet lip having composite construction and an integral electric ice protection heater disposed therein
WO2012150440A2 (en) 2011-05-05 2012-11-08 Milton Felicity Ibberson Far infrared ray (fir) emitting therapeutic compression garment with added cooling
GB2498090A (en) * 2011-12-23 2013-07-03 Exo Technologies Ltd Building panel comprising at least one sheet of electrically-conductive polymer
CN103720088A (en) * 2012-10-16 2014-04-16 沙嫣 Cold-proof electric heating glove
US8962130B2 (en) 2006-03-10 2015-02-24 Rohr, Inc. Low density lightning strike protection for use in airplanes
WO2021170232A1 (en) * 2020-02-26 2021-09-02 E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH Heating device

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US7763833B2 (en) 2004-03-12 2010-07-27 Goodrich Corp. Foil heating element for an electrothermal deicer
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US7923668B2 (en) 2006-02-24 2011-04-12 Rohr, Inc. Acoustic nacelle inlet lip having composite construction and an integral electric ice protection heater disposed therein
US8962130B2 (en) 2006-03-10 2015-02-24 Rohr, Inc. Low density lightning strike protection for use in airplanes
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WO2012150440A2 (en) 2011-05-05 2012-11-08 Milton Felicity Ibberson Far infrared ray (fir) emitting therapeutic compression garment with added cooling
GB2498090A (en) * 2011-12-23 2013-07-03 Exo Technologies Ltd Building panel comprising at least one sheet of electrically-conductive polymer
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