A New or Improved Device for Applying Heat to Different Parts of the Human Body.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Oct., 1896-Accepted, 14th Nov., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Device for Applying Heat to Different Parts
of the Human Body.
I, CHARLES GEORGE CROSS, of 24, Upper West Grove, Plymouth Grove,
Manchester, Marine Surveyor, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to a new or improved device for applying heat to different
parts of the human body, such as the chest, back, arms or legs, and is applicable
for use in cases of disease or to alleviate pain and other ailments.
According to my invention the improved device consists of a small metal case
preferably of thin sheet copper, suitably formed for conveniently applying it to
different parts of the body.
I prefer to form the said case of rectangular shape, its length being about
4 or 5 inches, its depth from 2 to 3 inches and its width about 1 inch, and I form
its two sides with a slight curve, its concave side resting upon the part or object
to be heated. I provide the top of the case with a sliding cover fitting into a
groove around the top edge, and I provide the said cover and the sides of the case
with a series of small holes or perforations. To the outside of the case I fix a
piece of plush velvet or other soft porous material surrounding the sides and
bottom, and in order to create the necessary amount of heat I place within the case
a suitable quantity of powdered charcoal enclosed in a paper case which I ignite so
as to cause the same to smoulder and give up its heat. The fumes and powder are
prevented from escaping by the outer plush covering, a strip of coarse canvas or
calico being fixed in the cover underneath its perforations for the same purpose.
And in order to clearly understand my said invention and its method of application
I will describe the same with reference to the accompanying sheet of drawings in
which Fig. 1 is a central longitudinal section of my improved device, Fig. 2 is a
plan and Fig. 3 an end elevation thereof.
a a are the two sides of the case the former being slightly curved or concaved
and the latter formed with a convex curve parallel to a. These sides are provided
with the perforations and are covered exteriorly with the plush or other porous
or textile material e stitched or otherwise secured in position. d is the sliding cover
provided with a thumb-piece or projecting part d' for pulling the cover out of the
grooved rim e of the case, and fare the perforations in the cover beneath which is
fixed the strip of canvas or calico f¹.
In applying my invention the concave side a of the case is laid down flat upon or
against the part of the body to be heated and the heat from the smouldering charcoal
inside passes through the perforations and outer covering to the said part which is
thus maintained at a constant and regular heat for a considerable period of time. The
case may be held in position by hand or by suitable straps or bandages as required,
or by the dress of the person using it. It may also be applied to the outside of
poultices or other similar devices to enable them to maintain their heat.
I do not limit myself to the size or dimensions of my improved device for
applying heat, nor to the particular kind of metal of which the case may be made.
If found desirable I may put a thin lining of asbestos cloth or fibre or such like
material between the outside of the metal casing and the inner side of the velvet or
other soft covering which is to be brought in contact with the skin of the wearer.
Such lining will have the effect of safe guarding any possible accident from the

page_text: burning charcoal and at the same time it will be constructed of a porous nature to
allow the heat to pass through.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
(1) In a device for applying heat to the human body the use of a metal case
containing smouldering charcoal, and provided with perforations, a porous outer
covering and a perforated sliding cover substantially as described and for the
purposes specified.
(2) In a device as above claimed the metal case formed or provided with curved
sides a, a perforations b, outer covering c, sliding cover d, grooved rim e, perforations f
and strip, combined and arranged substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(3) An improved device for applying heat to the human body provided with an
asbestos or other fireproof lining, substantially as described in this specification.
(4) The improved device for applying heat to the human body, substantially as
described and shown in the drawings.
Dated this 8th day of October 1806
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.