FR2747304A1 - METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING EXOTHERMIC DEVICE FOR HEATING FEET AND EXOTHERMIC DEVICE FOR HEATING FEET - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet is proposed, which consists in placing an exothermic composition in a viscous form analogous to a paste (2) by printing or coating on a surface of a base material (1 ) in the form of a film or in the form of a sheet and at least in a predetermined part of said surface in a configuration such that it covers a desired site with a human foot, then in placing a covering material (3) in the form of film or sheet-like on said exothermic composition similar to a paste so as to cover the exothermic composition, at least one of said base material and said covering material, or a part of them, being permeable to gases.

Description

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AN EXOTHERMIC DEVICE

  FOR HEATING FEET AND DEVICE

  EXOTHERMIC FOR HEATING THE FEET

  The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet, as well as the exothermic device for warming the feet. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet which can easily produce at low cost an exothermic device for warming the ultra-thin feet, by placing an exothermic composition similar to a paste on a package. at high speed, capable of securely fixing all or part of the exothermic composition in the packaging and preventing its displacement, and capable of conforming well to the configuration of the user's foot while effectively heating a desired site of the foot when it is applied on this site, and it also concerns

  the exothermic device to warm the feet.

  In recent years, exothermic devices of the known disposable body warmer type have been widely used, in which the exothermic device comprises an exothermic composition enclosed in a flat sachet made of a sheet-shaped or film-tight base material. gas or gas permeable and a cover material in the form of

  gas permeable sheet or film.

  It is also common to use an exothermic device in which an adhesive layer is attached to one side of a sachet of the type indicated above so that the exothermic device can be stuck directly on the skin of a human body or on an underwear. Furthermore, it has been proposed to use such an adhesive layer as a hot compress with a medicament for wet application incorporated or disposed therein, or as a layer containing a medicament with a medicament absorbable through the skin incorporated or disposed therein (see Japanese patent application released for public inspection

N 2-149272).

  As an old saying goes, "head cold and feet warm", it is believed that having feet warm is a key to good health. Consequently, with the widespread use of such exothermic devices, exothermic devices for warming the feet, intended to warm the soles of the feet, have now become commercially available. Various exothermic devices for warming feet of this type have been proposed, including, for example, those described in Japanese patent applications released for public inspection No. 2-154762, 2- 172460, 5-115310, applications for Japanese utility models released for public inspection N 6-21616 and 5-84317, and patent application

  Japanese inspected N 5-165951.

  When manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet, it is common practice to place an exothermic composition in the form of a powder with a certain proportion of water on a predetermined site in a base material, then to cover with a gas permeable covering material. Then, the base material and a peripheral edge part of the covering material are hermetically joined by heat sealing or with a hot-melt adhesive, on and along the entire part.

peripheral edge.

  Such an exothermic device for warming the feet of the prior art comprises an exothermic composition containing, in traditionally appropriate proportions, a metallic powder such as an iron powder, and water, and moreover an activated carbon to accelerate the generation. heat, a metal chloride to break an oxide film on the surface of the metal powder and continuously generate an exothermic reaction, and a water retention agent to prevent a tacky effect from the composition. The thermal composition has the form of a powder containing water and

  is placed on a base material.

  In the case where the exothermic composition, with all of its ingredients mixed together in an appropriate mixing ratio as indicated above, is placed on the base material, the problem is that after mixing the ingredients to form the exothermic composition and before the exothermic device for warming the feet is enclosed in an external bag, an exothermic reaction occurs which leads to a loss of exothermic energy and to a degradation of quality of the exothermic composition. In addition, a reaction product resulting from the exothermic reaction generates various harmful effects, such as a reduction in yield, inconvenience during handling, complicated maintenance problems, limitations affecting the operating time of the machines as well as the hours. operator, and

  difficulties in processing coagulated matter.

  Although the exothermic composition has, because of its water content, a wetting characteristic, the proportion of water is so small, to be suitable for an exothermic reaction, that the exothermic composition must be in powder form and only has 'Poor fluidity. This poses the problem that it is extremely difficult to allow uniform distribution of the composition within a predetermined area on the base material by simply arranging it in position. In view of this fact, it is common practice to equalize the distribution of the exothermic composition to some extent by means of a roller or the like during the process of covering the composition with a covering and sealing material. this one. However, with such a method, the distribution of the exothermic composition tends to tilt towards the source of sachet material. In order to increase the proportion of the exothermic composition distributed in the direction of the load of sachet material, it is necessary to increase the height of a defined chamber inside the sachet, so as to make possible the elimination of any shift in the distribution of the exothermic composition, for example by shaking

manual during use.

  When the exothermic device for warming the feet becomes thicker in its entirety, the device has a rough feel and is not pleasant. In addition, the device has poorer flexibility, which means that it cannot properly conform to any complex surface irregularity at an application site and / or to any curved surface of small radius of curvature. The increase in thickness also leads to a degradation of the extensibility or stretching characteristic of the device, which, in turn, can lead to deformation due to the movements of the user and to a poorer ability to comply

to such movements.

  Furthermore, as already mentioned, the exothermic devices for warming the feet of the prior art are such that, although the exothermic composition is present with a water content offering humidifying characteristics, the proportion of water is very low so as to suitable for an exothermic reaction, which means that the exothermic composition must be in the form of a powder and has only a poor fluidity. Therefore, it is very difficult to obtain a uniform distribution of the exothermic composition within a predetermined area on the base material, which makes the thickness of the exothermic device for warming the feet is vague. Therefore, when the device is used in a condition such that it is fixed at an application site, the continuous use of the device fixed at the same application site

  may cause first degree burns.

  With exothermic devices for warming the feet of the prior art, it is impossible, according to the current state of the art, to completely prevent any possible movement during

  during the manufacturing process or during transport.

  This exothermic device for warming the feet, before use, is transported in order to be delivered in a condition such that it is packaged inside an outside sachet (storage sachet). In this transport step, the exothermic composition can move inside the exothermic device and, from the point of view of maintaining safety, it has been found to be an important requirement that the device maintains a uniform thickness so that the entire device has a constant temperature profile. Consequently, in current practice, any such device in which the exothermic composition is not uniformly distributed is returned as an outsized product in the distribution step, or else is replaced at the request of the user. Therefore, it is very important to ensure a uniform thickness of the exothermic composition during the transport step. Japanese patent application released for public inspection N 62-347 provides a method for securely fixing

  adhesive an exothermic composition in position.

  However, in current manufacturing operations, it is practically impossible to adhesively fix an exothermic composition in powder form inside a sachet. Even if such adhesion could be obtained, the adhesion would be too weak to allow good fixing in position of the composition and, consequently, the composition, during use, can be peeled off or can become a mass in form of plate having a small flexibility, thus causing an uncomfortable sensation to the user. In addition, the presence of the adhesive prevents contact of the composition with air, leading to a non-uniform temperature distribution and / or temperature variations. As such, this process is not

  satisfactory for practical use.

  Until now, the inventors have carried out intensive research in order to solve the technical problems mentioned above, so as to develop a method for manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet which can inhibit any exothermic reaction of a composition. exothermic and prevent any possible heat loss due to the generation of heat during a manufacturing operation, as well as various detrimental effects of quality degradation and solidification of the thermal composition, and which can manufacture ultra thin exothermic devices with a yield high, while allowing a uniform distribution of the exothermic composition and its fixing inside a sachet so that any movement and / or displacement of the exothermic composition is prevented and that an excessive exothermic reaction is suppressed

of composition.

  As a result, it has been found that the heating principle of an exothermic device of this type is based on a generation of heat occurring with the oxidation of a metal powder, and the speed of this oxidation, or exothermic reaction, is strongly influenced by the

amount of water in particular.

  Namely, to promote this oxidation, the key characteristic is an appropriate moisture level, and the reaction is significantly delayed if the amount of moisture is too large or too small. It is said that a good balance between the humidity required and the air (oxygen) available maximizes the speed of oxidation, or exothermic reaction. Too little moisture leads to a lack of the moisture needed for the reaction, although there is enough air. Too much humidity leads to the formation of moisture barrier layers which reduce the availability of air,

thus delaying the reaction.

  The inventors have found that the use of an exothermic composition similar to a paste, that is to say of an exothermic composition made viscous like a paste, makes it possible to manufacture an ultra thin exothermic device with a yield. high production, because the composition can easily be transferred by printing, for example printing to the frame, or coating, and since any excess humidity forms moisture barrier layers decreasing the air availability, so as to practically stop any exothermic reaction in progress, it is possible to avoid any degradation of quality of the exothermic composition in use and various harmful effects of

solidification of the composition.

  The inventors have also found that by putting the exothermic composition in a viscous configuration similar to a paste, the exothermic composition can be distributed uniformly inside the sachet by printing, for example printing on the frame, or coating, and that when the exothermic composition similar to a paste is transferred or laminated onto a sheet of expanded film capable of absorbing water, a paper,

  corrugated cardboard, cardboard core paper, non-woven fabric

  woven, woven fabric, or porous film sheet, or on a water absorbing layer formed on this material, the paste-like exothermic composition can be fixed in position on this expanded film sheet material, non-woven fabric -woven, woven fabric, or sheet of porous film, or else on the water-absorbing layer formed thereon, so as to prevent it from moving. In addition, the inventors have found that the use of a printing technique, such as frame printing, or a lamination technique, such as a coating, allows the exothermic device to be formed in a configuration very thin, which leads to a decrease in the speed of the exothermic reaction per unit of time, whereby an excessive exothermic reaction of the exothermic composition can be suppressed. In addition, the inventors have found that when laminating a paste-like exothermic composition on a packaging material, for example paper, cardboard, a cardboard core article, or a nonwoven fabric such as rayon , using a printing technique, such as frame printing, or a coating technique, the powder filling step can be eliminated in the manufacturing process of an exothermic device, which simplifies the process of management of the factory which must be carried out to meet GMP standards in the manufacture of tools and medical devices and packaging of drugs in the future. Furthermore, the inventors have found that when part of the moisture content of a dough-like exothermic composition in which the proportion of water is relatively large is absorbed into a packaging material, such as a base material and / or a covering material, the barrier layers disappear, whereby any possible harmful effect

  due to excessive humidity can be eliminated.

  In addition, the inventors have found that a paste-like exothermic composition acts to bond the base material and the covering material together, and clings to the rough surfaces of the base material and the coating material. covering and that, consequently, by such an anchoring effect of the exothermic composition, any possible displacement of the composition inside the exothermic device can be prevented not only in the manufacturing process, but also during the step of distribution and during use by the consumer. Exothermic devices for warming conventional feet have the disadvantage that the generation of heat cannot be completely controlled. In some cases, the temperature may rise rapidly (up to around 90 C) when the user takes off his shoes, with the result that the heating time becomes extremely short. Depending on the type of shoes and / or the individual physical constitution, these devices often present problems of heat generation

  insufficient and burning due to excessive heating.

  Many people suffer from cold feet and there is a great need for an exothermic device for

warm feet safely.

  The temperature of the soles of the feet is associated with blood circulation and is influenced by changes in the ambient temperature, such as atmospheric temperature, to slightly variable degrees, depending on the changes in the temperature of the soles of the feet in the morning. , day and night, changes in physical condition, meals and the amount of exercise. Of course, this is not the same in all people, and there are

  considerable differences between individuals.

  In addition, many factors affect heat generation, including the type of shoes, the type of socks, whether the shoe is fitted or wide, and the condition of the thermal insulation. Even if the conditions for heat generation are kept constant, when the conditions are favorable for heat generation, there may be a danger of excessive heating, which means a danger of burns. However, when the conditions are not favorable for the generation of heat, there may be an unsatisfactory generation of heat, the device being

thus rendered useless.

  Unlike exothermic devices for warming the feet, in the case of an exothermic device for warming the feet in which an exothermic composition has been incorporated by transfer, it has been found that even if the proportion of iron powder, which is a material heat generator, increases up to 60% by weight compared to the total of all the ingredients, the barrier layers (layers containing moisture) in the form of paste which cover the iron powder or the material generating heat can become breathable when they no longer contain moisture as a result of a reaction

  exothermic iron powder, because the transfer of the -

  exothermic composition is carried out by means of a thickener. In addition, the supply of air can be gradually obtained through the surface of the device. We can thus obtain a stable heat generation, and if the conditions for heat generation are modified, we can always obtain a

favorable heat generation.

  The present invention has been developed on the basis of the above findings, and therefore an object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet and the exothermic device for warming the feet , which inhibit an exothermic reaction of the exothermic composition and prevent any possible heat loss due to the generation of heat during a manufacturing operation and various adverse effects of quality degradation and solidification of the exothermic composition; which allow a uniform distribution of the exothermic composition by the use of a transfer / lamination technique, such as printing, for example a frame printing, or a coating, and can improve the reliability of the lamination so as to stabilize the quality of the product, thus making it possible to manufacture ultra-thin exothermic devices in a simple manner and with a high yield; which allow a uniform distribution of the exothermic composition similar to a paste and its immobilization inside a sachet by lamination of the exothermic composition on a sheet of expanded film capable of absorbing water, a paper, a corrugated cardboard, a cardboard core paper, nonwoven fabric or rayon, such as woven fabric, or a sheet of porous film, or on a water absorbent layer formed on such material, so as to prevent movement and displacement of the exothermic composition; and which make it possible as far as possible to prevent any excessive exothermic reaction of the exothermic composition similar to a paste, by reducing the thickness of the composition. Another object of the invention is to provide a method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet, and the exothermic device for warming the feet, in which an exothermic composition similar to a paste is transferred to a material d packaging, for example paper, cardboard, a cardboard core article, or a nonwoven fabric such as rayon, using a frame printing technique, so that the transfer step powder can be disposed of, which simplifies the factory management requirements necessary to meet GMP standards in the manufacture of medical tools and devices and drug packaging

in the future.

  The inventors have found that by placing a paste-like exothermic composition on a film-like or sheet-like base material, and then placing a film-like or sheet-like covering material thereon, the material base and the covering material being joined together by the use of the viscosity of the paste-like exothermic composition, and then cutting the resulting laminate in a form such that it covers a desired application site, it is also possible to produce an exothermic device for warming ultra thin feet such that the exothermic composition similar to a paste is uniformly distributed and immobilized inside a sachet and that any excessive exothermic reaction of the composition

  Exothermic is prevented as much as possible.

  The present invention has been developed on the basis of the above discovery, and therefore another object of the invention is to provide a method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet and the exothermic device. for warming the feet, in which the exothermic device is produced by placing a paste-like exothermic composition on a film-shaped or sheet-like base material, then placing a film-like covering material thereon or thereon sheet form, at least one of the base material and the water-absorbent covering material or having undergone some treatment to absorb water, the base material and the covering material being joined together by use viscosity of the paste-like exothermic composition, then cutting the resulting laminate into a form such that it covers a desired foot site, gr what an exothermic reaction of the exothermic dough-like composition is suppressed, and any possible heat loss due to the generation of heat during a manufacturing operation, quality degradation of the exothermic dough-like composition, and the like detrimental effects of solidification of the exothermic composition, are prevented, and in which the device can be produced in the form of an exothermic device for warming ultra thin feet such that movement and displacement of the exothermic composition are prevented and that any excessive exothermic reaction of the exothermic composition is prevented as much as possible. In order to achieve the above objects, a first method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet according to the present invention (hereinafter called "first method of the invention") consists in: placing an exothermic composition having a viscous form similar to a paste, by printing or coating on a surface of a base material in the form of a film or in the form of a sheet and in at least a predetermined part of said surface in a configuration such that it covers a site arbitrarily of a human foot, then placing a film-like or sheet-like covering material over said paste-like exothermic composition so as to cover the exothermic composition, at least one of said base material and said cover material, or part

  of them, being permeable to gases.

  We will now describe in detail the first process

of the invention.

  The first process of the invention is characterized in that the exothermic composition to be used is an exothermic composition analogous to a paste, and not under

  the form of a powder as in the prior art.

  The paste-like exothermic composition is not particularly limited, as long as it includes a component which reacts with oxygen in the ambient air to produce an exothermic reaction which is capable of flowing when an external force is applied. Namely, there is no particular limitation of the composition as long as the composition can be transferred and / or laminated by printing, as by printing on the frame, or by coating. Such a paste-like exothermic composition can be obtained by regulating the mixing ratio of the necessary components, i.e., the ratio of water, a water-absorbing polymer and / or a

  thickener to other components.

  In the first process of the invention, the use of such an exothermic composition similar to a paste as an exothermic composition gives in particular

  various benefits, as shown below.

  Namely, in the first process of the invention, the use of the paste-like exothermic composition greatly simplifies the laminating process by printing, such as printing in a frame, or by coating, and allows high speed production of '' an exothermic device to warm ultra thin feet. In addition, the method allows a uniform distribution of the exothermic composition inside a sachet. In addition, when the pulp-like exothermic composition is laminated on an expanded film / sheet, paper, rayon nonwoven fabric or the like, woven fabric, or on a porous film / sheet, the exothermic composition similar to a paste has a better anchoring characteristic because it clings to the pores of the film or of the sheet, which prevents movement and / or displacement of the composition. In this case, when such a film or sheet has an ability to absorb water and the paste-like exothermic composition is laminated on the film or sheet, or when a water-absorbing layer is formed on the film or sheet and the exothermic composition similar to a paste is laminated on the water absorbing layer, all or part of the exothermic composition can be more easily

  attached to foil / foil, paper, non-woven fabric

  woven, woven fabric, or porous film / sheet, or water absorbent layer formed thereon, with the result that movement or displacement of the

  composition can be further prevented. The use of a layering technique by means of printing,

  such as a frame print, or a coating, allows the production of a very thin exothermic device. Unlike the exothermic compositions of the prior art in powder form, the paste-like exothermic composition has a limited air contact area, so that the amount of its generation of heat per unit of time is limited. Thus, an excessive exothermic reaction of the exothermic composition is suppressed. Furthermore, due to the fact that the exothermic composition is in the form of a paste and has a small layer thickness, any movement and / or displacement of the exothermic composition

itself can be inhibited.

  Furthermore, according to the first method of the invention, when the exothermic composition similar to a paste is laminated by transfer by means of a print, such as a frame print, or by means of a coating on a material water absorbent packaging, such as foil / foil, paper, cardboard, cardboard core article, non-woven rayon fabric or the like, woven fabric, or porous film / sheet, the powder insertion step is eliminated, and this simplifies the factory management process to meet GMP standards in the manufacture of medical tools and devices and drug packaging in the future. In the first method of the invention, the use of the exothermic composition analogous to a paste provides various advantages, as mentioned above. In particular, in the preparation of an exothermic composition similar to a paste, when the proportion of water in the exothermic composition is adjusted so as to be greater and, moreover, a water-absorbing polymer and / or a thickener is mixed into the composition for adjustment to allow the composition to form into a viscous paste-like exothermic composition, the transfer / lamination process by printing or coating can be carried out very easily and a high output can be obtained performance of an ultra thin exothermic device. In addition, free or excess water forms barrier vents in order to reduce the delivery of air, with the result that the exothermic reaction is practically stopped. This is desirable because various adverse effects that might otherwise occur due to exothermic loss during the manufacturing process, quality degradation of the exothermic composition, and coagulation of the

  exothermic composition, can be prevented.

  In the exothermic compositions of the prior art, the proportion of water is only suitable to allow an exothermic reaction and there is no moisture-based barrier layer formed on the surface of the metal powder, more particularly on the surface. surface of the iron powder, and therefore an exothermic reaction takes place regularly and continuously in contact with the composition with air. Therefore, an exothermic reaction occurs after the composition has been introduced and, before an exothermic device produced as such is enclosed in an outer bag, there is a loss due to the exothermic reaction which leads to a quality degradation of the exothermic composition. In addition, the masses produced by the exothermic reaction coagulate and cause several problems, such as reduced yield, difficult handling, additional boring work affecting plant maintenance operations, inconvenience in terms of operating time of operator's factory and / or hours of work, and labor-related disadvantages

  necessary to treat the coagulated mass.

  In the first process of the invention, there is no particular limitation with regard to the process for depositing a viscous exothermic composition similar to a paste on the base material. However, the composition is preferably deposited by means of known printing techniques, for example thick film printing, engraving printing, offset printing, frame printing, or spraying, or else by means of a coating or transfer with a coating head, roller and / or applicator. Any conventional exothermic composition has a wetting characteristic due to its water content, but the proportion of water therein is only suitable for allowing thermal reactions. Consequently, the composition has only a poor fluidity, which makes it extremely difficult the possibility of uniform distribution of the composition within a predetermined area on the base material by a simple

layout down.

  On the contrary, according to the first process of the invention, a thickener is added to the exothermic composition during the preparation of the exothermic composition analogous to a paste, so that the composition has a viscosity characteristic analogous to that of a dough. The paste-like exothermic composition can easily be transferred by printing, such as a frame print, or by coating, and allows high-speed production of the ultra thin exothermic device. In addition, any free moisture and excess water forms barrier vents which decrease the amount of air available, making it almost impossible for a reaction to occur.

exotherm may occur.

  When the proportion of water is relatively large in the paste-like exothermic composition, so that the free moisture and excess water present therein form barrier layers, part of the proportion of the paste-like exothermic composition can be absorbed by the base material and / or a packaging material, such as a covering material, or by a water-absorbent layer formed on

  the base material and / or the covering material.

  Then the barrier layers disappear and everything

  inconvenience due to excess water can be eliminated.

  In the first process of the invention, the exothermic composition which constitutes the exothermic paste-like composition comprises, as essential ingredients, water, a water-absorbing polymer, a thickener, and other materials. , namely materials other than those essential for the exothermic reaction, including a carbon component such as carbon or activated carbon, to promote heat generation, and a metal chloride to fracture an oxide film on the surface d 'a metal powder and continuously generate an exothermic reaction. When desired, an agent retaining organic or mineral water, a pH adjusting agent, a surfactant to enhance dispersibility, and / or an anti-foaming agent can be added to the composition. Thus, the entire exothermic composition is in the form of a paste. The proportions of the various ingredients of the exothermic composition may vary depending on the type of the water-absorbent polymer, the types of the exothermic materials and the carbon component, and the type of the metal chloride, but it is generally desirable that the amount of the absorbent polymer the water is between 0.05 and 7.5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the exothermic materials, that of the thickener between 0.05 and 10 parts by weight, that of the carbon component between 1.5 and 20 parts by weight, and that of the metal chloride between 1 and 10 parts by weight. In the first process of the invention, water is added to a mixture of the above ingredients so as to make the whole mixture pasty. In this case, a predetermined amount of the metal chloride can be dissolved or dispersed in water, the resulting solution or dispersion being added to a mixture of the water-absorbing polymer, the thickener and the carbon component to give a composition under the

forms a whole dough.

  In the first process of the invention, the exothermic composition, prepared in the form of a paste as indicated above, generally has a viscosity (at 20 ° C.) preferably between 50,000 and

  6,500,000 cP as measured by a method described above

  after. If the viscosity of the paste-like exothermic composition is too low, or less than 50,000 cP, the exothermic composition has poor transferability by printing or coating, an excessive water content which leads to insufficient transfer of other ingredients and reduced heat generation time. In addition, the low viscosity leads to a separation of the metal powder, such as an iron powder, which makes it difficult to maintain the uniformity of the ingredients, and the oozing of a part of the exothermic composition similar to a dough outside the predetermined site on the base material. In addition, such a low viscosity may require the absorption of a large amount of moisture by the base material and / or the covering material after the process of the transfer operation, the use of a base and / or a special construction covering material, and a complex structural design for the exothermic composition. If the viscosity is greater than 6,500,000 cP, the transferability of the composition is negatively affected, which leads to variable amounts of transfer and of reaction generation.

exothermic on the surface.

  As used herein, the term "viscosity" means a value measured at a temperature of 20 C using a viscometer (model BH) manufactured by TOKIMEC Inc. with an N 7 rotor rotating at a rotation speed of 2 rpm, with which a beaker having a diameter is used

85 mm interior.

  In the first process of the invention, when the paste-like exothermic composition, as described above, comprises water, a water-absorbing polymer, a thickener, and other materials, including a material Exothermic, a carbon component and a metal chloride, the composition has the desired characteristic of heat generation. However, when it is desired to further improve the temperature stability and further improve the duration of the generation of heat, it is advantageous to introduce into the composition an agent retaining mineral or organic water, a pH adjusting agent, a surfactant for enhance dispersibility, and / or an anti-foaming agent so as to produce a useful exothermic composition in the form of a

whole dough.

  That is, it is preferable to use the water absorbing polymer in an amount between 0.05 and 7.5 parts by weight, thickening it in an amount between 0.05 and 10 parts by weight, the component carbonaceous in an amount between 1.5 and 20 parts by weight, the metal chloride in an amount between 1 and 10 parts by weight, the agent retaining organic or mineral water in an amount between 0.5 and 10 parts by weight, the pH adjusting agent in an amount between 0.1 and 5 parts by weight, the surfactant to enhance the dispersibility in an amount between 0.1 and 5 parts by weight, and the anti foaming in an amount between 0.1 and 5 parts by weight, for

  parts by weight of heat generating materials.

  In the first process of the invention, in particular water is added to the mixture so that the resulting composition is in the form of a paste in its entirety. In this case, the metal chloride can be dissolved or dispersed in a predetermined quantity of water, the resulting solution or dispersion being added in a mixture consisting of the water-absorbing polymer, the thickener, the carbon component, the mineral or organic water retaining agent, pH adjusting agent, surfactant and anti-foaming agent, whereby the

  whole mixture takes a pasty form.

  Also in this case, as mentioned above, the viscosity at 20 ° C. of the paste-like exothermic composition is generally preferably between 000 and 6,500,500 cP, as measured according to the method.

described above.

  The water-absorbing polymers useful in the first process of the invention are typically polymeric materials which can absorb water and / or an aqueous solution of a metal chloride, regularly and in large quantities. Specifically, for the water-absorbing polymer, one type of material or a mixture of two or more types of material is used, for example, in the group comprising the starch and polyacrylonitrile copolymers described in the application. published Japanese patent N 49-43395, the crosslinked poly (alkylene oxides) described in the published Japanese patent application N 51-39672, the saponification products of copolymers of vinyl ester and ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, self-crosslinked polyacrylates produced by a phase inversion suspension polymerization process described in the published Japanese patent application N 54-30710, the reaction products of a polyvinyl alcohol polymer and an anhydride cyclic described in the Japanese patent application released for public inspection N 54-20093, the crosslinked polyacrylates described in the patent application

  Japanese inspected N 59-84305, and an N-

  crosslinked vinylacetamide (water absorbing agent) (manufactured by Showa Denko K.K .; registered trademark: Na-010). These materials can be treated with a surfactant or used in combination with it to improve their hydrophilic characteristic. Some of these water-absorbing polymers can absorb water and / or an aqueous chloride solution to give a thickening effect, but their main function is to absorb water and / or a liquid aqueous metal chloride solution,

  regularly and in large quantities.

  As regards the water-absorbent polymer, commercially available polymers can be used.

  including, for example, products from Sanyo Kasei K.K.

  such as the Sanwet IM-300, Sanwet IM-300MPS, Sanwet IM-1000, Sanwet IM-300MS, and Sanwet IM-100lMPS; Seitetsu Kagaku K.K. products such as Aquakeep 4S and Aquakeep 4SH; Sumitomo Kagaku K.K. products such as Sumikagel NP-1020, Sumikagel NP-1040, Sumikagel SP-520 and Sumikagel N-1040; Kurare K.K. products such as KI GEL 201-K and KI GEL 201K-F2; and Arakawa Kagaku K.K. products such as Arasoap

800 and the Arasoap 800F.

  Among these commercially available water-absorbing polymers, particular preference is given to Sanwet IM-300MPS and Sanwet IM-100lMPS manufactured by Sanyo Kasei K.K .; Sumrnikagel NP-1020 and Sumikagel NP-1040 manufactured by Sumitomo Kagaku K.K .; KI Gel 201-K and KI Gel 201-F2 manufactured by Kurare K.K .; and the Arasoap 800F manufactured by Arakawa Kagaku K.K., all of which are capable of rapidly and in large quantities absorbing water and a solution

  aqueous metallic chloride liquid.

  Thickeners useful in the first process of the invention are typically materials which can absorb water and / or an aqueous solution of metal chloride so as to promote penetrability or impart a thixotropic characteristic to the composition . Specifically, one uses for the thickener a type of material or a mixture of two or more types of material chosen, for example, from polyacrylates such as bentonite, stearates and poly (sodium acrylate); alginates such as gelatin, poly (ethylene oxide), poly (vinyl alcohols), polyvinylpyrrolidone, tragacanth, locust bean, guar gum, gum arabic and sodium alginate; starch-based water-absorbing agents such as pectin, carboxyvinyl polymers, dextrin, α-starch and modified starch; thickeners based on polysaccharides such as carrageenan and agar; thickeners based on a cellulose derivative such as CMC, ethylcellulose acetate, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose and hydroxypropylcellulose; polymer materials based on acrylosulfonic acid (for example "CS-6HS, manufactured by Nippon Shokubai K.K.); and cellulose esters

  soluble in water, as well as poly (N-

  vinylacetamides). These materials can be treated with a surfactant or used in combination with it to improve their hydrophilic characteristic. These water-absorbing polymers can absorb water and / or an aqueous solution of metal chloride to promote the

  penetrability and impart a thixotropic effect.

  Mention may be made, as examples of the water-soluble water-soluble cellulose ethers mentioned above, of various methylcelluloses produced by etherification of a cellulose with a methoxy group (Metolose SM15, Metolose SM25, Metolose SM400 and Metolose SM4000, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Kagaku Kogyo KK); various hydroxypropyl methylcelluloses produced by etherification of cellulose with a hydroxypropoxy group (Metolose 60SH-50, Metolose 60SH- 4000, Metolose 90SH-4000, Metolose 90SH-3000 and Metolose 90SH-100000) and various hydroxymethylcelluloses produced by etherification of cellulose with a hydroxyethoxy group ( manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. under the trademarks Metolose SH-50, Metolose 60SH- 4000, Metolose 90SH-4000, Metolose 90SH-3000 and Metolose 90SH-100000, manufactured by Shin-Etsu

Kagaku Kogyo K.K.).

  When an aqueous solution of such a water-soluble cellulose ether is heated to, for example, a predetermined temperature (start temperature

  thickening), the viscosity of the solution decreases.

  When it is further heated to a higher temperature, the adsorbed moisture is released, which causes the solution to increase its viscosity until it becomes a gel (this phenomenon is hereinafter called "gelation") . The released moisture forms mouths

  barriers to reduce the exothermic reaction.

  However, when the gel is cooled, it adsorbs

  humidity to return to its original state.

  The temperature at which thickening of a water-soluble cellulose ether begins is influenced by the type of etherifying agent, the degree of substitution, the molecular weight of the cellulose, and in the case where the cellulose ether is added in the form of a solution, by its concentration, and in the case where another additive is added, by the type of additive and the amount of addition (concentration), as well as by the rate of

  temperature rise and cooling rate.

  Therefore, when using a water-soluble cellulose ether as a thickener, the type of etherifying agent, the degree of substitution, the molecular weight of the cellulose, the concentration of the solution, and the type of the other additive and its amount of addition (concentration), as well as the consistency of the exothermic composition and the amount of use envisaged, so as to control the rate of temperature rise and the rate cooling, in order to select appropriately

  maximum heat generation temperature.

  In the case of an aqueous solution at 2% by weight of a water-soluble cellulose ether (for example Metolose SM4000, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Kagaku Kogyo KK), for example, when no additive enters clearance, the temperature at the start of thickening is 55 ° C., but when 5% by weight of sodium chloride (NaCl) or 5% by weight of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3.10H20) is added, the temperature at the start of thickening is 40 C. When the device is applied directly to a human body, the Metolose SM4000 releases moisture adsorbed at a temperature not exceeding a safe temperature (43 C) so as to inhibit a reaction

exothermic.

  When 5% by weight of A12 (S04) .18H20 is added, the temperature at which the Metolose SM4000 begins to thicken is always 45 ° C., and at this temperature the Metolose SM4000 releases moisture adsorbed around the metal powder in order to inhibit the exothermic reaction. In the case of an aqueous solution at 2% by weight of water-soluble cellulose ether (for example Metolose 60SH-4000), for example, if there is no additive present, the temperature at the start of thickening is 75 ° C., but when 5% by weight of sodium chloride (NaCl) is added, the temperature at the start of thickening is 70 ° C., and when 5% by weight of sodium carbonate is added , the thickening start temperature is C. At these temperatures, the Metolose 60SH-4000 releases moisture adsorbed around the metal powder in order to

  to inhibit the exothermic reaction.

  When 5% by weight of A12 (S04) .18H20 is added, the

  Metolose 60SH- start thickening temperature

  4000 is 50 C, and at this temperature the Metolose 60SH-

  4000 releases adsorbed moisture to increase the amount of free water around the metal powder,

  so as to inhibit the exothermic reaction.

  By way of examples of the additives useful for adjusting the temperature at which thickening begins of the thickener mentioned above, mention may be made of the above-mentioned sodium chloride and sodium carbonate, mineral materials such as sulphate aluminum, hydrates, lower alcohols such as methanol, polyvalent alcohols such as polyethylene glycol and glycerol, and water-absorbing polymers and

  thickeners mentioned above.

  Poly (N-vinylacetamide) is a material obtained by radical polymerization of N-vinylacetamide. There are two types, one having a straight chain structure which is soluble in water, and the other having a crosslinked structure which is insoluble in water. An example of the water-insoluble poly (N-vinylacetamide) is a microgel which acts as a gelling agent by means of the difference in the crosslinking density. Specifically, for poly (N-vinylacetamide), one type of material is used or a mixture of two or more types of material chosen from, for example, the copolymer of N-vinylacetamide and sodium acrylate (GE- 167, manufactured by Showa Denko KK), the homopolymer of N-vinylacetamide (GE-191, manufactured by Showa Denko KK) and the crosslinked material (microgel) of N-vinylacetamide (GX-205, manufactured by Showa Denko KK). These materials can be processed

  with a surfactant or used in combination with it

  to improve their hydrophilic characteristic. These water-absorbing polymers can absorb water and / or an aqueous solution of metal chloride to promote the

  penetrability and impart a thixotropic effect.

  Of course, the water-absorbing polymer and the thickener cannot be clearly distinguished from each other. The water-absorbing polymer and the thickener are preferably such that they repeat the absorption and release of water as a function of temperature variations, so as to allow

temperature control.

  Although it is possible to use an organic material as an exothermic material in the first process of the invention, metallic powders are used which do not generate an aggressive odor during the course of the reaction, including the powder iron, zinc powder, aluminum powder and magnesium powder, or an alloy powder comprising two or more of these types of metals, or alternatively a mixed powder of these metal powders. Among these metallic powders, preferably uses iron powder in particular when considering all the factors such as safety, ease of handling, cost, quality

constant and stability.

  By way of examples of the carbon component, mention may be made of carbon black, graphite and activated carbon and, as examples of metallic chloride, mention may be made of alkali metal chlorides such as sodium chloride and chloride. potassium, and alkaline earth metal chlorides such as calcium chloride and

magnesium chloride.

  The organic or mineral water-retaining agent is a water-retaining agent which not only serves to release water when the exothermic reaction slows down, but also serves to increase the amount of voids in the composition. exothermic so as to allow favorable contact between the ambient air and the exothermic composition. As specific examples of such a water-retaining agent, mention may be made of perlite, cristobalite, vermiculite, porous silicon substances, silicates such as calcium silicate, earth silicon substances such as silica , diatomaceous earth, and alumina, mica powder, clay, magnesium oxide, such as talc, etc.,

  silica, wood powder, and cellulose powder.

  Regarding the pH adjusting agent, the surfactant and the defoamer, a conventional pH adjusting agent such as polyphosphate is used.

  sodium and other materials used in the art.

  In the paste-like exothermic composition, when an excess of water is present, part of the water can be absorbed by the base material and / or the base material.

recovery.

  It is desirable that the base material and / or the cover material have a water absorption characteristic. However, materials having a water absorption characteristic are not particularly limited so long as the material can absorb water and has a film-like or sheet-like configuration. As specific examples of this material, mention may be made of expanded sheets / films, paper, cardboard, cardboard core materials, non-woven fabrics of rayon or the like, woven fabrics, and sheets / porous films. In the first method of the invention, the base material and the covering material can be basically of the same type, but since the exothermic composition which generates heat when it is in contact with air is the thermal source of the device , it is necessary that at least one of the base material and the covering material, or a part of them, either

permeable to gases.

  In the formation of such an ultra thin exothermic device, if one seeks to obtain an additional reduction in thickness (up to a thickness of about 1 mm or less) and an additional reduction in weight, there will be a decrease the amount of exothermic reaction per unit of time (hour). Therefore, with only a pressure reduction based on the oxygen consumption of the air by the exothermic composition inside the sachet, it is not necessarily possible to maintain such a reduced pressure condition, sufficient to prevent a any movement and / or displacement of the exothermic composition. In such a case, it is desirable that all or part of the exothermic composition is fixed to the base material and / or to the covering material so as to prevent movement and / or displacement of the

exothermic composition.

  Specifically, when the base material and / or the covering material have a smooth surface, for example, it is desirable that a concave-convex portion be physically formed on the surface of at least one site of contact with the exothermic composition, or else to deposit a water-absorbing agent having a water-absorbing capacity on one side or on both sides of the base material and / or of the covering material so as to form a concave part. convex on a site of contact of the base material and / or the covering material with the exothermic composition. Thus, the bond of the base material and / or the cover material with the exothermic composition can be increased to prevent movement and / or displacement of the exothermic composition due to the adhesion resulting from the absorption of water from the exothermic composition and the concave / convex part formed as

indicated above.

  The water absorbing agent is not particularly limited as long as the water absorbing agent, whether or not its material has a water absorption characteristic, has a real effect of absorbing the water. water. As specific examples of the water-absorbing agent, mention may be made of such an agent composed of an expanded film / sheet, of paper, of cardboard, of a cardboard core material, of non-woven fabric. rayon or the like formed from water absorbing fibers, woven fabric, or a porous film / sheet; an agent composed of an expanded film / sheet, of paper, of nonwoven fabric, of woven fabric, or of a porous film / sheet which is produced so as to contain or carry a water-absorbing agent by impregnation, filler or transfer, so as to give it a water absorption characteristic, and an agent comprising a combination of an expanded film / sheet, paper, nonwoven fabric, woven fabric or porous film / sheet and an expanded film / sheet, paper, nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, or porous water-absorbing film / sheet, cut into a planar configuration of the exothermic composition, the combination being placed on the exothermic composition to obtain a characteristic

water absorption.

  In the first method of the invention, as the base material and / or the covering material are formed at least at a contact site with the exothermic composition or with water-absorbing agents, with an absorbent layer 1 water which is produced so as to contain or carry a water-absorbing agent by impregnation, filler or transfer, it is desirable to drown all or part of the exothermic composition in the concave / convex part and / or the layer absorbing the water to prevent movement or displacement of the

exothermic composition.

  In the first method of the invention, in order to further prevent any movement or displacement of the exothermic composition, it is desirable that at the contact sites with the exothermic composition in the base material and the covering material, are formed concave / convex parts and / or water absorbing layers, so that part of the water in the exothermic composition, namely excess water, can be absorbed through concave / convex parts in the base material and / or the

covering material.

  Since the movement of the exothermic composition inside the bag is prevented in this way, it is possible to prevent the displacement of the exothermic composition towards one side, with the result that variations in the heating temperature and the generation of 'a

  abnormally high heat are inhibited.

  In the case where the surface of the base material and / or the covering material is smooth, the method to be used for roughening (forming concavities and convexities) the surface of the base material and / or the covering material is not is not particularly limited. Specifically, however, it is desirable to roughen the surface (to form concavities and convexities there) by physical treatment, for example corona treatment, so that the surface can have a wetting index of at least 38 dynes or

  more, preferably 40 dynes or more.

  In the first method of the invention, when at least the contact site with the exothermic composition in the base material and / or the covering material is formed with a rough surface or a concavity and a convexity and / or with a layer water absorbent, base material and / or cover material, if formed of water absorbent material, the rough surface or the concavity / convexity serves to prevent movement or movement of the composition exothermic, and the water absorbing layer also serves to prevent movement or displacement of the exothermic composition, so that a synergistic effect can be obtained further preventing movement or displacement of the exothermic composition. In addition, part of the water in the exothermic composition, i.e. excess water, can be absorbed by the base material.

and / or the covering material.

  When a water absorbing layer is formed in the base material and / or the covering material at a site intended to contact the exothermic composition, ingredients other than water of the paste-like exothermic composition are attracted by the water absorbing force of the water absorbent layer towards the base material and / or the cover material, and some of these ingredients moisten on the water absorbent layer to produce a powerful anchoring effect. Therefore, in this case, any particular surface roughness treatment

is not necessary.

  As examples of the water-absorbing agent, mention may be made of the water-absorbing polymers and thickeners mentioned above. Therefore, the water absorbing layer is a layer formed of any

  which of these polymers or thickeners.

  As already indicated, the base material and / or the covering material used in the first method of the invention include a material for a monolayer construction and a material consisting of several layers laminated one on the other in the direction of

the thickness of the layer.

  In connection with the above, the term "laminate" means that individual layers are completely or partially joined together by lamination or in some other way, and also that individual layers are simply placed on top of each other and, in one local site, such as a peripheral edge part or a central part, they are linked together by heat setting, bonding, adhesion, bonding by

thermofusion, or stratification.

  When the base material and / or the covering material have a single-layer construction (film or single sheet), as described above, in order to prevent their movement and / or displacement, it is desirable that the surface of the film or leaf, if flat

  and smooth, or made rough (concave surfacing-

  convex), or used as a film or

  foil foil / foil, paper, non-woven fabric

  woven, woven fabric or porous film / sheet. When it comes to water-absorbing materials such that the material consists of water-absorbing fibers, for example, this material can contain or incorporate them, by means of impregnation, transfer, lamination or a filler, so as to exhibit a water absorption behavior. In this case, the use of a

  expanded film / sheet such as sponge, non-woven fabric

  woven or woven fabric will give good adhesion with an adhesive layer which will be described below. When the base material comprises several layers, namely two or more than two layers of film or sheet laminated together, typical examples are those

indicated above.

  Both the base material and the covering material should have the necessary mechanical strength characteristics, such as tensile strength, and preferably they are flexible in their entirety so as to have a better ability to

conform to the surface of the foot.

  Therefore, the base material and the covering material can have a thickness which varies considerably depending on the desired use, and their thickness is not particularly limited. Specifically, the thickness is generally between 5 and 5000 pn approximately, and when the device is applied directly to the foot of the user, the thickness is preferably between 10 and 1500 μm, better still between 20 and 1000 pm. For general use, the thickness is preferably between 5 and

  2500 pm, better still between 10 and 2000 gm.

  A thickness of the base material and of the covering material of less than 5 min is not desirable because it does not provide the necessary mechanical strength and can make it difficult to equalize the thickness of

layer.

  When the thickness of the base material and the covering material exceeds 5000 µm, these materials are inflexible even if they are made of an expanded material such as a sponge, and their ability to conform to the surface of the foot of the user is exceptionally low. In addition, they have a rough feel and are unpleasant. Another disadvantage of such a layer thickness is that the exothermic device for heating

  the feet as a whole become excessively thick.

  Therefore, it is particularly preferable that the base material and the covering material both have a thickness of between 15 and 1000 µm, since this thickness range provides a

  mechanical resistance required and good flexibility.

  The base material and the covering material may consist of an expanded or unexpanded sheet or film formed of a polymeric material. When using an expanded film or sheet, the exothermic composition can become entangled in the film or sheet, thereby preventing its movement and

displacement.

  As examples of the polymer material constituting this film or this sheet, mention may be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides, polyesters, poly (vinyl chloride), poly (vinylidene chloride), polyurethane , polystyrene, the copolymer of ethylene and saponified vinyl acetate, and

  the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate.

  In order for the unexpanded film or sheet formed of a polymeric material to be permeable to gases, a number of methods can be used, including a method in which openings are formed during a stretching operation during the process of forming the sheet or film, another process in which apertures are formed by extracting a particular ingredient from the film or sheet, and yet another process in which, after forming the film as it is, openings are formed mechanically by a drilling operation such as punching and needling. You can get a film or a sheet

  porous by any of these methods.

  There are different types of expanded films or sheets made of polymeric material, including expanded films or sheets of the type having closed cells or open cells formed by expansion and which are open on opposite surfaces; those of the type in which, after the expansion process, the film or sheet is compressed, so that closed cells or open cells formed therein are fractured to allow communication with the opposite surfaces, the film or sheet thus being made permeable to gases; and those of the type which are not gas permeable and which remain waterproof

even after expansion.

  Paper and fabrics such as woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, and non-woven fabrics are gas permeable because their construction is such that they have ventilation pores and / or ventilation paths formed therein , which communicate with opposite surfaces. As examples of fibers which can be used as constituent fibers of these fabrics, mention may be made of natural fibers, regenerated fibers using natural fiber materials such as viscose fibers, semi-synthetic fibers, synthetic fibers, and mixtures of two of these

or more types of fiber.

  Natural fibers include vegetable fibers such as cotton and hemp, and animal fibers such as silk and hair. As examples of polymeric materials serving as components of synthetic fibers, mention may be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides, polyesters, poly (vinyl chloride), poly (vinylidene chloride), polyurethane, polyester, the copolymer of ethylene and saponified vinyl acetate, and the copolymer

  ethylene and vinyl acetate.

  In the first method of the invention, in order to allow the exothermic device for heating the feet to be applied more suitably on the user's foot at the level of a curved part, a

  extendable part and / or a bending part thereof

  ci, and to more easily conform to the movement of the expandable part as well as the bending part, it is desirable that the base material and the covering material, namely the packaging of the device, be formed of a material especially expandable

of stretchable material.

  In other words, when the base material and the covering material, i.e. the packaging, are formed of an extensible material, more particularly of a stretchable material, the packaging has good stretch / shrink characteristics, which makes it easier to conform to the movement of various parts of the wearer's foot, such as a curved part, a stretchable part, and a flexing part, while keeping good contact with them. In addition, the packaging does not give a feeling of stiffness or feel non-harmonious, thus allowing the

  device to be comfortable to wear when used.

* In addition, separation during use of the device can be positively prevented, which leads to

to a better heating effect.

  As examples of such extensible materials which can be used as base material and covering material, mention may be made of materials formed from highly extensible synthetic resins, such as

  polyethylene and polypropylene.

  The stretch materials for the base material and the covering material, i.e. stretch films or sheets, are not particularly limited as long as the films or sheets are formed of materials having stretch characteristics / narrowing. Typically, however, typical examples of such materials are expanded films / sheets, nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, or porous films / sheets having stretch and shrink characteristics and great adaptability to bind with the exothermic composition. These materials are preferred as long as they have an ability to absorb water, or if they are offered with an ability to absorb water or an improved ability to absorb water that they have been forced to contain, incorporate or wear by impregnation, deposition, charge or transfer, whether or not they have an ability to absorb water. The reason is that this material has the power to absorb an excess of water in the exothermic composition to remove any barrier layers so as to maintain the exothermic composition.

in a favorable condition.

  Examples of suitable materials for stretch films and / or sheets include natural rubber, synthetic rubber and thermoplastic elastomers. Thermoplastic elastomers are preferred among other things because they have high stretch / shrink characteristics, are easy to handle and have bonding properties by hot melt, which can greatly facilitate the manufacture of the exothermic device. In the first method of the invention, of course, whether or not the base material and the covering material have adhesion, thermofusion or heat-sealing properties, it is desirable that the base material and the covering material are tightly fixed around the exothermic composition by

  adhesion, bonding by thermofusion, or heat bonding.

  As specific examples of synthetic rubber, mention may be made of butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, isobutylene rubber. isoprene, poly (alkylene sulfides), silicone rubber, polychlorofluoroethylene, copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and 6-propylene fluoride, urethane rubber, propylene oxide rubber, rubber epichlorohydrin, copolymers of acrylate and acylonitrile, and copolymers of acrylate and

  2-chloroethyl vinyl ether.

  As specific examples of the thermoplastic elastomer, there may be mentioned olefinic elastomers, polyurethane elastomers and

polyester elastomers.

  As specific examples of olefinic elastomers, mention may be made of the copolymer of ethylene and propylene, the ethylene / propylene / diene terpolymers, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, and

  copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate.

  In addition to the case where an exothermic device for warming the feet is applied directly in contact with the user's foot, there can sometimes be cases where such a device is used when applied to the outside of a sock or applied to the sole of a shoe. Therefore, unlike another type of exothermic device that is applied to another site, such as the size, of a human body, the exothermic device for warming the feet is subject to considerable variations in delivery conditions. air to the device depending on the conditions under which the device is applied and the conditions of use, for example use during walking or while the shoes are being removed. In other words, the exothermic device for warming the feet is subjected to variations in the pressure force applied thereto by the step and the like, so that when the package is formed from an expanded material such as 'a sponge, the space inside the package itself increases or decreases accordingly. As a result, a type of pumping action occurs such that the amount of air available for the exothermic composition tends to become greater than that in the case of exothermic devices intended for

  be applied to other sites on a human body.

  Consequently, the moisture permeability of the packaging can be limited to a lower value than for a packaging intended for another type of device.

  Exothermic to apply on sites other than a foot.

  Thus, the package may consist of a film or sheet with a gas permeable face, or may be constructed so as to be gas permeable only on

  part of both sides or one side of it.

  Then, if it is feared that the internal temperature of the exothermic device itself may rise to a too high value causing a first degree burn, it is desirable that the water-absorbing polymer and / or the thickener release the humidity which they contain so as to form barrier layers or the like to suppress an exothermic reaction, in order to lower the temperature. Conversely, if the internal temperature of the exothermic device itself drops to such an extent that the desired heating effect cannot be obtained, it is desirable that the water-absorbing and / or thickening polymer can absorb free moisture to remove barrier layers so that

provide good contact with air.

  In the first method of the invention, it is necessary that at least one of the base material and the covering material, or a part of them, be permeable to gases. The gas permeability has a great influence on the control of the reaction rate of the exothermic composition and / or the exothermic temperature and, therefore, it is desirable to control the gas permeability in order to obtain an effective heating effect and prevent first degree burns to ensure safety. To very precisely control the gas permeability, it is desirable to control the gas permeability of the film based on the moisture permeability. Specifically, the moisture permeability should be between 50 and 10,000 g / m2 per 24 hours, more particularly between and 5,000 g / m2 per 24 hours, in accordance with the ASTM method (method E-96-90D ). A moisture permeability of less than 50 g / m2 per 24 hours is undesirable because the amount of heat generation that can be obtained is too low to provide a sufficient heating effect. Moisture permeability greater than 10,000 g / m2 per 24 hours is also not desirable because it will cause an excessive rise in exothermic temperature, which can lead to first degree burns. Therefore, it is particularly preferred that the moisture permeability of the gas permeable film is between 100 and 5000 g / m per 24 hours, because this interval of moisture permeability allows generation of heat at Precise optimum temperatures providing a sufficient heating effect and at which there is no danger of first degree burns. The method of constructing the base material or the covering material so that part of the material is gas permeable is not limited to any particular method. However, in this regard, in the case where the base material or the covering material which is permeable to gas consists of a single layer, for example, the base material or the covering material may be partially sealed with a adhesive above its surface, or, in the case where the base material or the gas permeable covering material is of the laminated type, pieces of partial film or sheet arranged separately can be laminated over the material

  to partially cover the pores.

  In the first method of the invention, the use of an exothermic composition similar to a paste allows the stratification of a layer by transfer, printing, spraying, coating or the like, up to a thin film thickness of the order of, for example, 0.02 to 1.5 mmn, preferably 0.1 to 1.00 mm, which further allows the stratification of individual layers with a uniform thickness. This allows high-speed processing, very precise control of the areas on which a film is deposited, oriented production of thin film, and equalization of

film thickness.

  In this case, a paste-like exothermic composition performs a function similar to that of an adhesive by joining the base material and the covering material together, and therefore the materials need not necessarily be bonded. tightly around the exothermic composition. However, in order to further improve the quality and reliability of the exothermic device for warming the feet, it is desirable that the base material and the covering material be sealingly bonded by heat bonding, adhesion or bonding by hot melt.

  around the exothermic composition similar to a paste.

  In the first method of the invention, the predetermined area in which the paste-like exothermic composition is placed by lamination can be configured to cover a desired site with one foot. As examples of such a site, one can cite a part of the sole; the entire sole of the foot; part of the instep; the entire instep; all or part of the sole or instep and all or part of a lateral part of the foot; and all or part of the sole, all or part of a part

  lateral, and all or part of the instep.

  Examples of the sole of the foot include the toes, the base of the toes, the forefoot, the arch, and the heel. The configuration of an exothermic device for heating the feet covering the sole is for example semi-circular or semi-elliptical. The configuration of the base material and of the covering material for covering the base of the toes, the forefoot, the arch and the heel is for example rectangular,

  square, trapezoidal, oval, elliptical, circular, semi

  elliptical, and horseshoe-shaped.

  To cover the entire sole of the foot, the device can be configured as a shoe insole. Another example of an overlay configuration may be such that a bulge corresponding to the arch portion of the insole protrudes from a compressed portion of the insole which corresponds to the arch of the foot. In this case, for example, we can understand that the arch of the foot has a certain height when viewed from one side. Consequently, it can be considered that the configuration of an exothermic device which covers the entire sole of the foot is a configuration which covers the sole of the foot which will be described below, more particularly the entire plantar part of the sole.

  foot and part of the sides of the foot.

  An example of the configuration of an exothermic device which covers all or part of the sole and part of the lateral part of the foot can be a configuration such that the device covers all of the sole and part of it. extending from the sole of the foot around the heel and up to the ankle, more particularly a part extending towards the rear of the ankle. In this case, the device can be formed so as to have a configuration such that the part corresponding to the sole of the foot has the shape of an insole and that the part covering the part of the foot which extends around the heel towards the ankle, that is to say the part extending towards the rear of the ankle, comprises a bulge formed in continuation of the part having the shape of an insole. The base material and the covering material easily deform to conform to the curved outline of the

  heel in response to bulging heel.

  When the base material and the cover material have stretch and / or stretch / shrink characteristics, the base material and the cover material easily deform to conform well to the bulge of the heel, for example, partially extending in corresponding relation to the bulge. In this way, the base material and the covering material can deform well so as to conform to the complex concave / convex configuration of the foot, having a better ability to conform

  configuration changes.

  To cover all or part of the sole and all or part of the lateral parts of the foot, the device can have a configuration such that it covers all of the sole or the back of the toe part and a part of the foot that extends from and around the toe part and up to the lateral part of the toe tarsi. In addition, the device can take a configuration similar to a "tabi" or a

  configuration similar to a sock.

  The device configuration in which the device covers the entire sole or the back of the toe part and a part extending from and around the toe part and up to the lateral part of the toe tarsi is, for example, such that the device has a convex part formed in continuation of the part similar to an insole which covers the entire sole of the foot, the convex part covering the toe part and the lateral part of the tarsi of the toes. In this case, the convex part extends conforming to the hollows and bumps of the toes and whatever the difference in size of these hollows and bumps, which means that the convex part deforms to closely follow the complex irregularities

  toes and toes.

  The configuration in "tabi" or configuration in sock can be a configuration such that a sock divided symmetrically into two parts following along a central axis from the bottom is divided in the center of the bottom after lamination and the parts extending from the tips of the toes to the ankle through the instep are joined at their edges with the edges of parts extending from the heel to the ankles. Another example of configuration may be such that a part of the sock extending from the ankle towards the toes is divided into two parts which are connected to each other at the center of the bottom, and a bulge is formed in continuation in the center with a rear end part of the bottom to cover the heel up to the ankle. After laminating, the lateral edges of the bulge are joined with the rear edges of the parts extending from the ankle to the toe part, and the lateral edges of the part extending from the ankle

  until the toe part are joined together.

  Of course, the configuration and the size of the base material and of the covering material are not particularly limited as long as their configuration and their size are larger than those of the exothermic composition laminated on the base material. Specifically, however, it is desirable that the base material and the covering material have a configuration similar or substantially similar to that of the exothermic dough-like composition placed in position and that they are formed by being larger than the exothermic composition so that they protrude on the order of a few mm to 20 mm beyond the circumference

  of the exothermic composition in all directions.

  When masses of the paste-like exothermic composition are laminated to the base material at more than one site, the base material and the cover material can be bonded together to the

  using the exothermic composition analogous to a paste.

  Of course, in order to ensure a better quality and a better reliability of the exothermic device for heating the feet, it is desirable that the base material and the covering material are joined in a leaktight manner by heat bonding, adhesion, or gluing by heat fusion around of the exothermic composition

dough-like.

  The method of forming the base material and the covering material according to the predetermined configuration is not particularly limited, but this formation can be carried out when the base material, the covering material and the exothermic paste-like composition are laminated together, or it can be carried out subsequently, for example by

stamping or fusion.

  In any of these methods, in order to reduce the number of manufacturing steps and the duration of manufacturing so as to achieve cost reduction, it is considered that the circumferential edges of the base material and the covering material are joined together by heat setting or heat sealing, and therefore it is desirable that the stamping or melting can be carried out by means of heat setting rollers or by means of heat setting rollers used in conjunction with the

bonding process.

  With the exothermic device for warming the feet of the invention, in which a bulge is arranged in continuation of the device, the exothermic composition is placed in a similar manner to a thin film between the base material and the covering material, both having bending characteristics, and therefore the entire device is formed thin. This allows an easy deformation of the bulge in relation corresponding to the hollow of the arch of the foot, which means that the bulge can well conform to the hollow of the arch of the arch in order to effectively heat the entire

sole.

  As described above, in the first method of the invention, the exothermic paste-like composition is laminated by printing or coating on the surface of the base material, and this allows the exothermic paste-like composition to be laminated under the forms a thin film and uniformly. However, the paste-like exothermic composition can also be formed by being partially thick to provide an effect analogous to a finger pressure treatment,

in addition to the heating effect.

  Namely, it is possible to laminate at least once on a part of the surface of the exothermic composition similar to a paste another layer of the exothermic composition similar to a paste in order to form a partially thick part, or to place at least a metallic powder chosen from metallic powder, a water-absorbing agent, and a carbon component, by transfer or spraying on a part of the surface of the exothermic composition similar to a paste laminated on the base material, so as to render

  the partially thick exothermic composition.

  In this way, by making the exothermic composition similar to a thick paste in part, it is possible to control the distribution of heat generation, or by making the exothermic composition similar to a thick paste in a site such as the toe tips which is sensitive to cold, it is possible to reinforce the heating effect. In addition, it is possible to ensure that at least one metal powder chosen from metal powder, a water-absorbing agent and a carbon component is transferred or sprayed onto the exothermic composition to form barrier layers so that the metallic powder absorbs the moisture forming the barrier layers, so that an initial temperature rise of the device for warming the feet can be accelerated when the device is removed from an external gas-tight bag. In this case, the exothermic composition analogous to a paste placed on the surface of the base material can be locally thick formed in a position corresponding to a vital thermotherapeutic point of the foot and / or in its vicinity so as to obtain a favorable effect analogous to finger pressure treatment

  and / or analogous to thermotherapy.

  Of course, the number of sites at which the exothermic dough-like composition is formed thick is not limited to one, and the composition can be

  placed thick on two or more sites.

  Furthermore, in the first method of the invention, it is desirable that at any suitable time before the finished exothermic device for warming the feet is enclosed in an airtight outer bag, an adhesive layer has was formed on an exposed surface of one of the base material and the covering material, the other material being partially permeable to gases, because such an arrangement allows the exothermic device for heating the feet to be fixed by adhesion securely on the surface of the foot or

a sock or shoe.

  The adhesive layer is not particularly limited as long as it can be fixed by adhesion to a surface of the foot, a sock or a shoe. Specifically, there may be mentioned by way of example a layer with a medicament for wet application or a

  layer formed of adhesives, which will be described below.

  As examples of adhesives which can be used to form such a layer, mention may be made of adhesives of the solvent type, adhesives of the emulsion type, and adhesives

of the hot-melt type.

  As specific examples of these adhesives, mention may be made of rubber-based adhesives, vinyl acetate-based adhesives, ethylene / vinyl acetate-based adhesives, poly (alcohol-based adhesives) vinyl), poly (vinyl acetal) adhesives, vinyl chloride based adhesives, acrylic adhesives, polyamide based adhesives, polyethylene adhesives, cellulose based adhesives, type adhesives polysulfide, and

  adhesives containing a hot-melt polymer.

  As specific examples of adhesives of the hot-melt type, there may be mentioned block copolymers of the ABA type, high saturated polyester polymers, high polyamide polymers, high acrylic polymers, high urethane polymers, high polymers polyolefin, and polyolefin copolymers, variants of these materials, and

  mixtures of two or more of two types of these materials.

  Variants include the above hot melt polymers, part of which is replaced by another component to improve their properties

  such as tackiness or stability.

  In a block copolymer of type ABA, the block A is a monovinyl aromatic compound A such as styrene or methylstyrene which is a block of non-elastic polymer, and the block B is a block of elastic polymer of conjugated diene such as butadiene or isoprene. As specific examples,

  mention may be made of styrene-butadiene block copolymers

  styrene, styrene-isoprene block copolymers

  styrene, and mixtures thereof. Commercially available ABA-type block copolymers include Califlex FR-1101, Califlex TR-1107, Califlex TR-III (manufactured by Shell Chemicals) and Solprene 418 manufactured by Phillip

Petroleum.

  Among the above adhesives, rubber adhesives, acrylic adhesives and adhesives containing a high polymer material of the hot-melt type are preferred, because an adhesive layer made of such an adhesive can adhere well to such a surface. as, for example, a foot surface, a sock or a shoe. More particularly, an adhesive layer containing a high polymer material of the hot-melt type is preferred because this material has a good initial tackiness, and also has a very high

  adhesion during heat application.

  The thickness of the adhesive layer is not particularly limited, but it is preferred that the thickness is between 5 and 1000 μm, in particular between 10 and 500 μm, better still between 15 and 250 μm. If the thickness of the adhesive layer is less than 5 pn, it is difficult to obtain the necessary adhesive force. A layer thickness greater than 1000 pn is not only

  not applicable, but moreover is not economical.

  In the first method of the invention, when an adhesive layer is formed on an exposed surface of the exothermic device for warming the feet, it is desirable that the exposed surface of the base material or the covering material is roughened or is made of paper, cardboard, cardboard core material, woven fabric, rayon nonwoven fabric or the like, or a film or sheet having a rough surface such as film or sheet expanded in order to obtain a better resistance of the bond between the adhesive layer and the base material or the covering material. In the first method of the invention, when an adhesive layer is formed on a surface of the exothermic device as indicated above, the adhesive layer contains or carries at least one compress, a far infrared emitter, a magnetic material and a drug that can be absorbed through the skin, as desired. Thus, in addition to the heat-generating heating effect of the exothermic device to improve overall physical functions, including blood circulation, various other effects can be obtained, including a compress medication effect, a radiation effect from far infrared, a magnetic treatment effect, an endermic effect, and all these effects can take place in synergy to reinforce

  the global or local therapeutic effect.

  The medicine that can be absorbed through the skin is not

  not limited, as long as it can be absorbed through the skin.

  As specific examples thereof, mention may be made of a stimulant for the skin, an analgesic / antiphlogistic, agents acting on the central nervous system (soporific / sedative, psychoneurotic agent, etc.), a diuretic, a hypotensive agent, a coronary vasodilator, a cough suppressant / expectorant, an antihistamine, an antiarrhythmic, a tonicardiac, an adrenocortical hormonal drug, a local anesthetic, and an organic acid such as acetic acid which is a drug for athletes' feet. Of course, one can use, depending on what is necessary, a type of these drugs or a mixture of two or more

types of these.

  The amount of drug that can be absorbed through the skin is not limited as long as a medical effect can be expected, but from the point of view of pharmacological effect and for economic reasons, as well as from the point of view of adhesion, the amount of medicament can be suitably determined between 0.01 and 25% by weight, more particularly between 0.5 and 15% by weight, per 100% by weight.

adhesive weight.

  The configuration of the far infrared transmitter is not limited to a particular configuration. Specifically, for example, the transmitter may be in the form of a mass which can serve as a finger pressure agent to provide a finger pressure effect. However, in order to improve the flexibility of the exothermic device for warming the feet and its ability to conform to the surface of the foot, it is preferable that the far infrared transmitter is

in powder form.

  As described above, the first method of the invention uses an exothermic composition made viscous in the form of a paste which has an exceptionally high fluidity, in contrast to the exothermic composition of the prior art which has a humidifying characteristic and is under powdery form. This makes it possible to laminate the exothermic composition by printing or coating on the base material which is delivered at high speed, the stratification taking place successively and precisely, uniformly and very thinly inside a

predetermined space.

  Therefore, the exothermic paste-like composition can be laminated very thin on the base material. This makes it possible to obtain an exothermic device for heating ultra-thin feet such that its thickness does not pose a problem when the device is placed in a shoe. As the exothermic device for warming the feet can be produced with such an extra thin dimension, the invention provides exceptionally good advantages in that the device has good flexibility and does not offer a non-harmonious feeling during use. , and the device can conform well to any complex concave and convex configuration, such as curves and folds, on the

desired foot site.

  The paste-like exothermic composition can be precisely laminated within the predetermined space on the base material, and this allows uniform distribution of the paste-like exothermic composition in a space corresponding to the desired site of the foot, without loss. Since the heating heat can be effectively applied in this way to the desired site of the foot which requires heating, a good heating effect can be obtained and the overall physical functions, including blood circulation, can be effectively improved. In addition, the exothermic composition similar to a paste does not suffer from a dissipation of powder from the exothermic composition as was the case until now, and authorizes a management of the factory which will meet the GMP standards in manufacturing. of medical tools and drugs in the future. Furthermore, as already indicated, the paste-like exothermic composition can be uniformly layered on the base material, and this prevents the development of any abnormal point at high temperature or abnormal site at high temperature due to an unbalanced distribution. of the exothermic composition, as well as the generation of first degree burns, thereby improving safety during

of use.

  The first method of the invention uses an exothermic composition analogous to a paste which can easily be transferred by printing, coating or the like, and allows the manufacture of an exothermic device for warming ultra-thin feet with a high yield. In addition, unlike the case of the exothermic compositions of the prior art, when the exothermic composition contains any excess of water, the excess water forms water barriers to reduce the delivery of air and practically stop the exothermic reaction. , with the result that various adverse problems due to cases such as loss of heat generation in the manufacturing process, and quality degradation and coagulation of the

  exothermic device, can be easily prevented.

  In the first process of the invention, the exothermic composition similar to a paste is laminated by printing or coating on the surface of the base material in at least one predetermined region and according to a configuration pattern such that the desired site of the foot is covered. , and then the film-like or sheet-like covering material is placed thereon so as to cover the exothermic composition. In this case, for example, by guiding the covering material with rollers on the base material and the exothermic composition similar to a paste delivered at high speed, the covering material can be placed on the base material and the exothermic composition analogous to a paste without interrupting the travel of these materials. In the first method of the invention, as is the case in the prior art, after the covering material has been placed in position, the exothermic device is formed according to the predetermined configuration, and the exothermic device thus formed is enclosed in a gas-tight bag, but the formation of the exothermic device and its confinement in a gas-tight bag can be carried out at the same time as the disposal

covering material.

  Consequently, according to the first method of the invention, the exothermic device for heating the feet can be manufactured and conditioned by actuating, at the same time as the supply of base material, a laminating unit of exothermic composition similar to a paste. for laminating the paste-like exothermic composition, an exothermic device forming unit for forming the exothermic device for warming the feet, and a conditioning unit for enclosing the exothermic device for warming the feet in a gas-tight bag, for example , while delivering the base material continuously and at high speed, of the order of 160 m / min or more, which is several times faster than in the prior art. This allows the manufacture of the exothermic device for warming the feet on the basis of a large volume production and

low cost.

  In addition, the processing steps, including placing the paste-like exothermic composition and covering material on the base material to form the exothermic device for warming the feet, shaping the exothermic device for warming the feet. feet, and its conditioning, can be carried out in solidarity, for example in a short time of the order of 0.1 to less than 1 second. Therefore, the manufacturing process makes it impossible to create any conditions allowing the generation of heat from the exothermic composition, and therefore the generation of heat from the exothermic paste-like composition in the manufacturing process can be completely prevented. Therefore, it is possible to completely eliminate the possibilities of appearances of exothermic loss, quality degradation and coagulation of the exothermic composition, which could otherwise be due to the generation of heat in the manufacturing process. Thus, various harmful effects can be avoided, such as a drop in yield, handling difficulties, maintenance problems with the manufacturing equipment, limitations imposed on the hours of operation of the manufacturing equipment and / or on operators' working hours, and difficulties related to the processing of coagulated materials. It is thus possible to produce devices at a lower cost.

  very reliable and high quality exothermic.

  Furthermore, in such a high speed manufacturing operation, the base material supply unit, the paste-like exothermic composition laminating unit, the covering material laminating unit, the Forming such as the master unit for the exothermic device for warming the feet, and the conditioning unit for enclosing the exothermic device for warming the feet in a gas-tight bag, can operate continuously in the manufacturing operation. Therefore, unlike the prior art method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet in which all these machines must operate intermittently when disposing an exothermic composition similar to a paste on a base material, it it is only necessary that an adjustment be made to synchronize the operating speed of these units. Any adjustment of the timing is no longer necessary with regard to the operation of the different units. Only a very simple control adjustment is necessary. Thus, we have the means to control the timing of the operations of the individual units, and the construction of

each unit is simplified.

  In the first method of the invention, when the base material and the covering material have characteristics of extensibility and / or stretching and shrinking, the exothermic device can more easily conform to the complex concave and convex configuration foot on the desired site. The adaptability of the device to variations in the concave and convex configuration due to movement of the foot can be improved. Separation or floating of the exothermic device for warming the feet and the application site is positively prevented. Thus, it is possible to prevent any reduction, due to such a separation or such a floating, of the heating effect of the device and of the effect promoting overall physical functions,

including blood circulation.

  In the first process of the invention, when the base material and / or the covering material can absorb water, the excess water in the paste-like exothermic composition is absorbed by the base material and / or the covering material before use, whereby the proportion of water in the paste-like exothermic composition can be adjusted to a proportion suitable for generating heat. Therefore, by breaking the gas-tight bag before use, it is possible to start the generation of heat right away, whereby the necessary exothermic temperature can be quickly obtained. In addition, the water evaporated from the exothermic composition during the course of the exothermic reaction can be recovered by the release of moisture from the base material or the covering material, whereby the necessary exothermic temperature can be maintained for a long time. In the first method of the invention, when the base material and / or the covering material can absorb water, as the material absorbs excess water in the paste-like exothermic composition, the exothermic composition is attracted towards the base material and / or the covering material, so that a part of the exothermic composition similar to a paste sticks in the base material and / or the covering material so as to produce an effect of anchorage thanks to which the exothermic composition similar to a paste can be fixed to the base material and / or to the covering material. Therefore, unlike the prior art method in which the exothermic composition is fixed inside the package by use of reduced pressure due to an exothermic reaction, the exothermic paste-like composition can be positively immobilized. This, coupled with the fact that the exothermic device for warming the feet is formed ultra thin, positively prevents the movement or displacement of the exothermic composition similar to a paste inside the packaging. As a result, for example, it is no longer necessary to manually shake the exothermic device to warm the feet when used to eliminate uneven distribution of the exothermic composition. The method of use is thus simplified, and the development of any point or part of abnormally high temperature originating from poor distribution of the exothermic dough-like composition can be safely prevented. Therefore, the occurrence of a first degree burn can be prevented and safety

  can be further enhanced.

  In the first process of the invention, for example, when the exothermic composition similar to a paste is formed partially thick due to a separate layer of exothermic composition similar to a paste laminated thereon, or else when at least one metallic powder, selected from the metal powder, a water absorbing agent and a carbon component, is laminated on a part of the surface of the exothermic composition similar to a paste, so that the exothermic composition is made partially thick, it is possible to '' increase the amount of heat generation at the thicker part, develop therapeutic finger pressure, and / or achieve

  rise in initial temperature.

  In such a case, therefore, the thickness of the layer is locally large, in particular at a vital thermotherapeutic point of the foot and in the vicinity thereof, in order to provide a thermotherapeutic effect, and to reinforce the heating effect on a site sensitive to cold, such as the toe part. In addition, by controlling the exothermic temperatures, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of burns at the

  first degree, and enhance safety in use.

  In the first method of the invention, when an adhesive layer is formed on the exposed surface of one of the base material and the covering material and at least part of the other is gas permeable, the layer adhesive can be applied directly to the skin of the foot, or on the sock or sole of a shoe. Thus, the exothermic device for heating the feet can be easily attached to the foot

at the desired location.

  In this case, when at least one of a far infrared emitter, a magnetic material, and a drug which can be absorbed by the skin, and contained in the adhesive layer or supported by it, it is can obtain the heating effect of the far infrared emitter, the therapeutic effect of the magnetic material, and the therapeutic effect of the drug. These effects, coupled with the effect promoting overall physical functions, such as an improvement in blood circulation, act in synergy to give results.

even better.

  In order to achieve the object mentioned above, a second method of manufacturing an exothermic device for heating the feet of the invention (hereinafter called "second method of the invention") consists in: placing a composition exothermic analogous to a paste on a base material in the form of a film or in the form of a sheet, then placing on top of a covering material similar to a film or similar to a sheet, to bond together said basic material and said material covering using the viscous characteristic of said paste-like exothermic composition and then stamping the resulting laminate in a form such that it covers a desired site of the foot, one of said base material and said covering material, or part of one of them, being permeable to

gas.

  We will now describe in detail the second

method of the invention.

  In the second process of the invention, a paste-like exothermic composition is first placed on a film-like or sheet-like base material, and then a film-like or film-like covering material sheet is placed thereon, the base material and the covering material being connected together by virtue of the viscosity of the exothermic composition similar to a paste, thanks to which one obtains

a laminate.

  The exothermic compositions analogous to a paste which can be used in this second process of the invention are similar to those indicated in the first process of

  the invention. Therefore, a detailed description of

  these compositions are not repeated here for the purpose of brevity. In the second process of the invention, as is the case in the first process of the invention, unless an excess of moisture present in the paste-like exothermic composition is absorbed by a film or sheet absorbing water, any oxidation reaction, that is to say exothermic reaction, of the exothermic composition is inhibited, even when the exothermic composition comes into contact with air. Therefore, various adverse effects of any thermal loss due to thermal reaction during the manufacturing step, and quality degradation and coagulation of the exothermic composition, can be positively prevented. The paste-like exothermic composition can be laminated to a uniform thickness. This, coupled with the bonding of the exothermic composition with the packaging, prevents movement and displacement of the exothermic composition. Any excessive thermal reaction of the

  exothermic composition can also be avoided.

  In the second method of the invention, the method of laminating the exothermic composition similar to a paste on the base material is not particularly limited. By way of specific examples, mention may however be made of a coating by a coating device such as a coating head, a roller, a

applicator or the like.

  In the second method of the invention, it is essential that at least one of the base material and the covering material, in whole or in part, can absorb water. From other points of view, the base material and the covering material are not particularly limited as long as they are in the form of a film or in the form of a sheet. As specific examples, we can mention the materials

  listed in the description of the first method of

  the invention. For the sake of brevity, however, their

detailed description is omitted.

  In the second method of the invention, the laminate obtained in the manner described above is stamped in a form covering a desired site of the foot to give an exothermic device for heating the feet in which at least one of the base material and covering material, or part of it, is permeable to

gas.

  The step of stamping the laminate in a predetermined form can be carried out with the laminate kept at rest. In this case, several laminates arranged in the direction of laminate supply and in a transverse direction perpendicular to the direction of laminate supply are dies simultaneously, so that a large number of exothermic devices for heating the feet can be trained at the same time. The use of this

  process can lead to cost reduction.

  This process, as already indicated, is such that, for example, an exothermic composition similar to a paste is laminated on a base material in roll form or in sheet form which is delivered, then a covering material in rolled film or rolled up sheet is guided by rollers on the laminate. When the covering material is placed over the paste-like exothermic composition to give a laminated exothermic sheet, the stamping operation is

  performed during the stamping stage.

  In this case, the laminates are arranged in a transverse direction perpendicular to the direction of the laminate feed, or else arranged in a staggered fashion both in the feed direction and in the transverse direction, and are simultaneously continuous dies , which makes it possible to complete a large number of exothermic devices for warming the feet, which means a greater reduction in costs. The laminate is stamped in a certain configuration so as to cover a desired site of the foot. In the second method of the invention, each laminate obtained is stamped in a certain configuration so as to cover a desired site of the foot. The configuration of the exothermic device for warming the stamped feet is not particularly limited, but can be determined as desired. Specific examples of such a configuration are identical to those indicated in connection with the first method. For the sake of brevity, an explanation

  detailed of these configurations is omitted.

  In the second method of the invention, the base material and the covering material are joined together in an adhesive manner due to the viscosity of the paste-like exothermic composition, and then the excess water is absorbed into the base material and cover material. The resulting exothermic foot warmer is enclosed in a gas-tight outer package, and in this state the device can be dispensed as an article

  of trade in the distribution system.

  However, it is desirable that the exothermic device for heating the punched feet be interposed between two films or sheets and, simultaneously with or after this interposition, the two films or sheets be matrices with a size larger than the exothermic device to warm the feet, and that before ,. during or after this stamping operation, the two films or sheets are joined together in a sealed manner along the peripheral edge of the

  exothermic device to warm the feet.

  In this case, at least one or part of the two films or sheets is gas permeable. In this way, an exothermic device is obtained to heat the

weaker feet.

  With the process described above, an exothermic device is obtained for heating the feet having a desired configuration. The amount of air delivered to the exothermic composition in the device is controlled by the gas permeability of the two films. Therefore, the gas permeability control for the exothermic composition is performed on the basis of the moisture permeability in the same way as in the case of the gas permeability control for the base material and / or the covering material in the first method of this invention. With regard to this moisture permeability, it is noted that the moisture permeability of the laminated film or sheet comprising one of the two films and the base material or the

  recovery is similar to the description given at

  About the first method of the invention. Therefore,

  for the sake of brevity, a detailed description is

  omitted. The two films or sheets may include one of them gas impermeable and the other gas permeable. They can be sticky, have a characteristic of adhesion to heat, or be hot-melt. A film or sheet having a certain tack may include a base film or a base sheet and a gas permeable adhesive layer formed over its entire surface, the adhesive layer being formed of a hot-melt type adhesive, or alternatively may be a partially gas permeable or gas impermeable adhesive layer formed over the entire surface. Whether or not the base film or the base sheet itself exhibits heat adhesion or character

hot melt is not important.

  In the second method of the invention, an exothermic device for warming the feet is interposed between the two films or sheets and, simultaneously with this interposition or after it, the two films or sheets are matrices with a size larger than that of the exothermic device for warming the feet, and before, during or after this stamping operation, the two films or sheets are joined in a sealed manner along the peripheral edge of the

  exothermic device to warm the feet.

  The stamping operation can be carried out with an exothermic device to heat the feet continuously interposed between two films or sheets maintained in a static condition. In this case, the stamping is carried out with several continuous exothermic devices arranged in the direction of feeding and others arranged in a transverse direction perpendicular to the direction

  feed, by stamping them simultaneously.

  This allows a large number of exothermic devices to be stamped at the same time, which leads to a reduction

costs.

  In the second method of the invention, after the continuous exothermic device has been produced, two lengths of films or sheets are joined together in a sealed manner along the peripheral edge of the exothermic device to warm the feet before the continuous exothermic device is stamped or simultaneously with the stamping of the continuous exothermic device, or

  after stamping the continuous exothermic device.

  Regarding the stamping operation in a size larger than that of the exothermic device for warming the feet, the largest size is not particularly limited as long as the size is larger than the size of the exothermic device for warming the feet. However, it is desirable that the patterned configuration is similar to the configuration of the exothermic device for warming the feet and is larger than the outline of the device, extending outward from the peripheral edge of the device a distance of the order of a few mm to 20 mmn. In the second method of the invention, the extended part is tightly fixed. In other words, the two films or sheets are joined in a sealed manner by adhesion, heat-bonding or thermofusion around the peripheral edge of the exothermic device for

warm feet.

  In the second method of the invention, an adhesive layer can be formed over all or part of the exposed surface of one of the laminated components, and at least part of the other component is gas permeable. In this case, when at least one of a compress medication, a far infrared emitter, a magnetic material, and a medication that can be absorbed through the skin, is contained in the adhesive layer or supported by it, one can obtain effects similar to those indicated in the first method of the invention. A repetition of the details concerning this

  subject is avoided for the sake of brevity.

  In the second process of the invention, the paste-like exothermic composition is laminated to the film-shaped or sheet-like base material, and then the film-shaped or sheet-like covering material is placed on the laminate, whereby the base material and the covering material are joined together thanks to the viscosity

  of a paste-like exothermic composition.

  Then, the resulting laminate is stamped in some form so as to cover a desired site of the foot. At least one or part of the base material and

  covering material is gas permeable.

  Therefore, the manufacture of an exothermic device for warming ultra thin feet is possible, and the use of the exothermic composition similar to a paste allows the formation of barrier layers by excess water, which inhibits an exothermic reaction. . Thus, the method prevents various disorders which may otherwise occur due to loss of heat generation, quality degradation of the dough-like exothermic composition, and coagulation of the composition during the manufacturing step. In addition, the exothermic composition similar to a paste is uniformly distributed inside the sachet and immobilized therein, whereby the movement and displacement of the composition

  Exothermic paste-like can be prevented.

  Thus, the possibility of an excessive exothermic reaction of the exothermic composition is minimized, so that the problem of first degree burn is

  avoided and that the safety of use is reinforced.

  The exothermic device for warming the feet of the invention is characterized in that it is manufactured according to the first method or the second method of the invention in order to achieve the above object. The configuration of the exothermic device for warming the feet is not limited. However, specifically, the device can also be configured so as to cover a desired site of the foot and, more particularly, to cover for example the plant of the

  foot, or all or part of the instep.

  The exothermic device for warming the feet of the invention is manufactured by means of the first method or the second method of the invention, and it is a

  high quality device of a very reliable type.

  The present invention will be better understood on reading the following embodiments, considered in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a development of a sixth embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is a schematic sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a plan view of the seventh embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 is a plan view of an eighth embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 is a plan view of a ninth embodiment of the invention; Figure 13 is a plan view of a tenth embodiment of the invention; and Figure 14 is a plan view of the tenth mode of

realization during use.

  We will now describe in detail embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. It should however be understood that the invention is not

  limited to these embodiments.

  A first embodiment of the invention is an example of a method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet intended to heat the rear of the toes of the foot according to the first method of the invention, and of a exothermic device for warming the feet made by this process. Figure 1 shows a plan view of the exothermic device

to warm the feet.

  This exothermic device for warming the feet is produced according to the following procedure. On a base material 1 having a water absorption capacity, as already said, an exothermic composition analogous to

  a paste 2 is printed on the frame in a desired pattern.

  Then an adhesive is spread on an exposed surface surrounding the paste-like exothermic composition 2, and a covering material 3, guided by a roller, is placed on the above composition. The base material 1 and the covering material 3 are connected together, the exothermic composition similar to a paste 2 being sandwiched between them. Then an adhesive layer 5 having a thickness of 50 pinm is formed on an exposed surface of the base material 1. The continuous exothermic sheet thus obtained is elongated by about 7 mm by a roller press with respect to the exothermic composition similar to a dough 2 and is stamped in a trapezoidal shape intended for

  cover the back of the toes.

  As shown in the schematic sectional view of Figure 2, the base material 1 is a laminate made of a nonwoven rayon fabric absorbing water la of about 80 g / m and a sheet of polyethylene waterproof and impermeable to gases lb about 50 Jm wide, the exothermic composition similar to a paste 2 being printed on the non-woven rayon fabric la of the base material 1 to come into direct contact with it this. The covering material 3 is a laminate made of a water-permeable rayon nonwoven fabric of approximately 80 g / m2 and of a gas-permeable polyethylene sheet 3b having a width of approximately 50 μm, the laminate having a moisture permeability of 1000 g / m2. The covering material 3 is laminated so as to allow the exothermic composition similar to

  a paste 2 to come into direct contact with the non-

  woven in rayon 3a of the covering material 3.

  For the adhesive layer 5, an acrylic adhesive is used. In order to strengthen the adhesion of the adhesive layer 5 to the base material 1, the exposed surface of the polyethylene sheet 1b of the base material 1 has been roughened beforehand by corona treatment to a

  wetting index of the order of 40 dynes or more.

  The exothermic composition similar to a paste 2 is prepared by mixing 100 parts by weight of iron powder, a heat-generating material (DKP, manufactured by Dowa Teppun KK), 0.5 part by weight of water-absorbing polymer (5000 MPS, manufactured by Sanyo Kasei KK), 1.4 parts by weight of thickener (Celogen EP, manufactured by Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku KK), 8.6 parts by weight of activated carbon (SA-SUPER, manufactured by Norit), 4 , 3 parts by weight of sodium chloride serving as metal chloride, and 0.3 parts by weight of sodium polyphosphate serving as a pH adjusting agent, and by adding excess water to the mixture to obtain a viscosity of

  around 5,000,000 cP at a temperature of 20 C.

  As used herein, the term "viscosity" means a value measured at a temperature of 20 C using a viscometer of type BH manufactured by TOKIMEC Inc. with an N 7 rotor rotating at a rotation speed of 2 rpm,

  and a beaker with an internal diameter of 85 mmn.

  Therefore, the paste-like exothermic composition contains an excess of water which serves as a barrier layer to prevent contact between the iron powder and the air. As a result, we find that little or no

  no, if any, exothermic reaction.

  When the paste-like exothermic composition 2 is printed in the frame on the base material 1 to a thickness of 20 µm, the excess water in the paste-like exothermic composition begins to be absorbed by the fabric. nonwoven rayon absorbing water la and, after the covering material 3 has been placed, the excess water is absorbed by the nonwoven rayon fabric 3a of covering material 3 until the proportion of water in the exothermic composition 2 reaches the optimal condition for the generation of the

  preselected exothermic temperature.

  However, although it will take some time before the excess water is absorbed by the base material 1 and the cover material 3 until the predetermined water content is reached, the time required after the paste-like exothermic composition 2 has been printed on the base material 1 and until the resulting exothermic foot warmer is enclosed in the gas-impermeable sachet is a few tenths of a second at most, and it it is therefore not possible that the proportion of water in the exothermic composition similar to a paste 2 reaches the optimum proportion for the generation of heat before the device is enclosed in the

gas-tight bag.

  Thus, it is not possible for the exothermic composition similar to a paste 2 to generate heat before the exothermic device for warming the feet is enclosed in the gas-impermeable sachet, and it is also not possible for the products intended for the thermal reaction coagulate before this moment, leading to various inconveniences including, for example, a drop in yield, handling difficulties, complex maintenance work of the manufacturing equipment, limitations imposed on the hours of operation manufacturing equipment and / or operators' working hours, and difficulties

  related to the treatment of coagulated matter.

  The excess water in the paste-like exothermic composition 2 is absorbed by the nonwoven rayon fabric absorbing water 1a of the base material 1 and the nonwoven rayon fabric absorbing water 3a from the material covering 3 so that the proportion of water reaches a value suitable for obtaining a proportion of water suitable for obtaining the predetermined exothermic temperature after the exothermic device for heating the feet has been enclosed in the gas-tight pouch and before it is delivered to the user through a distribution channel. Consequently, the quality of the exothermic composition 2 is not liable to deteriorate before the gas-impermeable sachet is broken in order to allow the contents to be exposed to the air, which means that the quality of the composition exothermic 2 can be maintained at a high level. In addition, an exothermic reaction starts immediately when the sachet is ruptured to release the exothermic device to warm the feet, and the exothermic temperature

  predetermined is quickly reached.

  In addition, the paste-like exothermic composition 2 is very fluid and can be laminated to the base material 1 by printing or coating. Therefore, unlike the case of the prior art in which an exothermic composition in powder form is simply placed in the base material 1, the exothermic paste-like composition can be laminated precisely and at high speed inside '' a predetermined interval and in one

uniform thickness.

  The exothermic device for warming the feet is left standing for 10 days, enclosed in a gas-impermeable sachet. Then, the bag is broken to remove the exothermic device to warm the feet, then the device is applied using an adhesive layer 5 directly on the back of a part of the foot extending from the toes to the end anterior from the base of the toes. We get a good effect

exothermic over 6 hours.

  During this application of the exothermic device for warming the feet, it is found that due to its ultra thin formation, the exothermic device is flexible in its entirety, which makes it soft for the foot, easily deforms along a curved part of the foot, conforms to the concave and convex configuration of the rear of the toes, follows very well the movement of the sole of the foot due to its deformation, and has a good ability to contact the site of the foot. 'application. No separation is observed between the exothermic device and the application site and a good heating effect is obtained. The device is found to effectively warm the toes

from the back.

  In such an application, the adhesive layer 5 of the exothermic device for heating the feet can be applied directly to the rear of the foot. Therefore, it is possible to effectively warm from the sole of the foot over an area extending from the toes to the anterior part of the base of the feet.

toes.

  In addition, during this application, the exothermic composition 2 is not liable to move, and the distribution of the exothermic temperature of the exothermic device for warming the feet is uniform, which means that a first degree burn is not possible, meaning greater safety in use. The configuration of the exothermic device for warming the feet of the invention is not limited to that of the above embodiment. For example, in the exothermic device for warming the feet representing the second embodiment of the invention indicated in plan in Figure 3, the exothermic composition similar to a paste 2 (2a, 2b) is printed on a package consisting of a similar base material in the form of an insole 1 and a covering material 3 such that a semi-elliptical part extending from the toes to the root of the toes and a part of the arch of the foot are printed separately, and parts other than those for the exothermic composition analogous to a

* dough are joined by adhesion.

  In this case, although it is not shown, the device can, in another way, be an exothermic device for warming the feet intended for

  toes, so that on the semi- base material

  elliptical, an exothermic composition similar to a dough smaller than the base material is printed, but similar thereto, and a covering material having the same shape as the base material is placed thereon and is tightly connected thereto. Another alternative form can be an exothermic device for warming the feet intended for the arch of the foot, so that a basic material having a crescent shape receives an impression of an exothermic composition similar to a dough smaller than the basic material. but of similar shape, and a covering material having the same shape as that of the material

  base is placed on it and tightly connected to it.

  In place of the above form, although not shown, in a package consisting of a base material in the form of an insole and a covering material 3, the exothermic composition similar to a paste may be printed over almost the entire surface of the base material except the peripheral sealing edge portion, so that the sole can be

  heated over practically its entire surface.

  The exothermic device for warming the feet representing a third embodiment of the invention indicated in plan in Figure 4 is such that, in a package made of a base material in the form of insole 1 and a material of covering 3, the exothermic composition similar to a paste 2 is printed in the form of a belt over the entire surface of the part of the sole of the foot except a lateral part of the sole of the foot adjacent to the arch which comes into contact with the ground . The part other than the exothermic composition analogous to a paste 2 can be sealed by adhesion. The exothermic device for warming the feet representing a fourth embodiment of the invention is such that the exothermic composition similar to a paste 2 is printed on a front part of the sole 2 (2a), a part of the arch of the foot s 'extending from it 2 (2b), and a heel part 2 (2c). The parts other than the paste-like exothermic composition may be

  tightly closed by adhesion.

  According to the first method of the invention, the exothermic device for warming the feet can be configured so as to cover any desired site. For example, the exothermic device for heating the foot can be put in the form of an insole-type configuration, as shown in FIG. 3 or 4, or can be put in the form of a configuration such as a part of the peripheral edge part of an insole pattern A, for example a part corresponding to the arch of the foot, extends as shown in Figures 5 and 6

  describing the fourth embodiment.

  When the exothermic device for warming the feet extends from a part corresponding to the arch of the foot in this way, the exothermic composition similar to a paste 2 is also placed in the extended part in continuation of the arch of the foot, when the exothermic device for warming the feet is placed in a shoe, or when applied to the sole of the foot, the foot pattern A and the part B extending in continuation thereof can be deformed along one side d a part of the foot comprising the arch of the foot and a part extending therefrom, so that the arch and a part extending from the latter towards one side of the foot can be covered with the exothermic composition. Thus, a part of the arch of the foot on which a large number of vital thermotherapeutic points are concentrated can be effectively heated by supplying heating heat to this part from the side and below, thanks to which a good thermotherapeutic effect can be obtained. In a fifth embodiment shown in perspective in FIG. 7, the device comprises, in addition to the above configuration, a front part of the instep 7 covering the end of the toes and the upper side of the root part of the toes, a convex part 8 continuing from the rear edge of a part corresponding to the heel and extending to a position above the ankle part, and adhesive parts 9, 10 arranged in continuation of the two

  sides of the end of the convex part 8.

  The exothermic composition similar to a paste 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) comprises a horseshoe-shaped part (2a) corresponding to the forefoot to the tips of the toes, a part (2b) corresponding to the arch of the foot comprising the part in the foot pattern A and the bulge B, a part (2c) corresponding to the heel, a part (2d) corresponding to an upper rear part of the ankle, and a part (2e) au- above the toes, these parts being arranged separately. This exothermic device for warming the feet can be properly applied to sandals and can be used simply by being inserted in a sandal, the toes being inserted between the front part of the shoes.

  instep 7 and the part in toe pattern A, that is to say

  say that the tip of the toes is inserted between the horseshoe-shaped part (2a) corresponding to the forefoot to the end of the toes and the part (2e) above the toes, the adhesive parts 9 and 10 being applied from

upper side of the ankle.

  The exothermic composition (2a) arranged at the level of the horseshoe-shaped part corresponding to the forefoot to the tips of the toes and the composition

  exothermic (2e) arranged at the level of the part

  above the toes warm from above and below a site going from the tips of the toes to the forefoot at the level of the root of the toes, and the exothermic composition (2b) arranged at the level of the part corresponding to the arch of the foot comprising the patterned part of the foot A and the bulge B conforms well to the concave and convex configuration of the arch to effectively heat the arch. The exothermic composition (2c) placed at the level of the site corresponding to the heel heats the heel from below, and the exothermic composition (2c) placed at the level of the part corresponding to the upper rear side of the

  ankle warms the Achilles tendon and its vicinity.

  The exothermic composition (2c) disposed at a site corresponding to the upper rear side of the ankle contains a compress medication in order to provide a therapeutic compress effect for the

treatment of achillodynia.

  In a sixth embodiment of the invention shown in the developed view of FIG. 8, a package made up of the base material 1 and the covering material 3 divides a sock into symmetrical right and left parts, these parts being held in continuation from the center of the sole of the sock. Namely, on a raw fabric for the base material 1 consisting of a stretchable nonwoven fabric, absorbing water and permeable to gases 40 g / m2 thick, a porous film of 10 µm thickness, and a polyester nonwoven fabric of 60 g / m2 thickness and impregnated with 10 g / m2 of CMC, the exothermic composition analogous to a paste 2 is printed by dividing it according to a predetermined pattern. A raw fabric is placed over it for the covering material 3 consisting of a stretchable nonwoven fabric, absorbing water and permeable to gases of 40 g / m2.

  thick, a porous film of 40 No, and a non-woven fabric

  woven in polyester 60 g / m2 thick and impregnated with g / m2 CMC. The peripheral edge parts of the base material 1 and of the

recovery 3.

  In this case, the peripheral edges of the base material 1 and the covering material 3 are joined in a sealed manner, and the base material 1 and the covering material 3 are connected together with the exothermic composition similar to a paste 2. Thus , any leakage to the outside of the exothermic composition or any movement of the exothermic composition between the base material 1 and the covering material 3 during use of the device are prevented. Any abrasive contact on the part corresponding to the ankle can cause an unpleasant sensation and, consequently, the exothermic composition similar to a paste 2 is

  disposed on parts other than the ankle part.

  Then, an exothermic device for warming the feet obtained by fusion cutting is folded in the center of a sock, which can be used so as to enclose the edge 11 extending from the tips of the toes to the ankle in passing through the instep and the edge 12 extending from the heel to the ankle,

for example, in a boot.

  With the exothermic device for warming the feet of this embodiment, the underside, the instep side, and the lateral parts extending from the upper side of the ankle to the tips of the toes are completely warmed, except the ankle joint part. As the sheet of expanded polyethylene of the covering material 3 comes into contact with the foot, the flexibility of the device is reinforced, which gives a comfortable feeling on the skin. In the exothermic device for warming the feet representing a seventh embodiment of the invention indicated in fragmentary section in Figure 9 and in plan in Figure 10, a cardboard intended to be inserted between the base material 1 and the material of overlay 3 is omitted. The exothermic composition similar to a paste is printed on the frame on the base material 1, then the covering material 3 is placed on the base material and the exothermic composition similar to a paste obtained above, at which time the bonding is carried out. by adhesion to join all the parts around the exothermic composition similar to a paste 2. Simultaneously, the joined parts are

  stamped in the predetermined form.

  In this embodiment, the covering material 3 comprises an upper layer consisting of a polypropylene nonwoven fabric (type 2030, manufactured by Idemitsu; grammage 30 g / m2) 3a and a porous film (Espoire, manufactured by Mitsi Toatsu KK, moisture permeability 4000 g / m2 per hour), and an inner layer formed by an inner coating of cardboard K (inner lining NS, manufactured by Nihon Shigyo, grammage 200

2 2

  g / m2, water absorption 114 g / m2) 3c, these components being laminated by means of an adhesive obtained by

  blowing in the molten state (type 5Q543, manufactured by NSC).

  The amount of this adhesive used is 5 g / m2 between the nonwoven fabric 3a and the porous film 3b; and 30 g / m2 between the porous film 3b and the inner coating in

cardboard K 3c.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a printing pattern of the exothermic composition similar to a paste 2 is formed on the entire part of the sole, except the part of the heel, the part of the sole. being divided into unprinted parts as a network in several regions. In these unprinted parts in the form of a network, the outer edge parts are bonded simultaneously when the base material 1 and the covering material 3 are bonded together. Therefore, in this embodiment, the movement of the exothermic composition 2 beyond the respective region is more positively prevented and the flexibility of the

  device as a whole is very much improved.

  In this embodiment, the entire device has an insole configuration. Consequently, there is no adhesive layer 5, and from this point of view this embodiment differs from that of

Example 1.

  With the exception of the point indicated above for which this embodiment differs from that of Example 1, the other aspects of the construction of this embodiment are identical to those of Example 1, including the composition exothermic analogous to a paste and

its thickness.

  This exothermic device is enclosed to warm the feet in a gas-tight bag and left to stand for 30 days. Then, the gas-tight bag is broken to remove the exothermic device to warm the feet. The device is placed in a shoe during use. We get a good effect

  heating over a period of 7.5 hours.

  The exothermic device for heating the feet representing an eighth embodiment of the invention indicated in plan in FIG. 11, the exothermic device for heating the feet representing a ninth embodiment of the invention indicated in plan in FIG. 12, and the exothermic device for warming the feet representing a tenth embodiment of the invention indicated in FIG. 13 comprise, in addition to a domed part B (B1l) following a part of the arch of a part in the form of a foot A, a convex part B (B2) covering the front end of the toe tip from the toe end end, and a convex part B (B3) covering the instep from the toe end to the convex part B (B2), and have the exothermic composition similar to a paste 2 which is placed everywhere inside, with the exception of a part between the tips of the toes and the convex part B (B2) which is d designed to be slightly folded during use and a connection part between the two curved parts

B (B2, B3) from the tips of the toes.

  In the exothermic device for warming the feet representing a ninth embodiment of the invention indicated in FIG. 12, and in the exothermic device for heating the feet representing a tenth embodiment indicated in FIG. 13, the convex part B ( B2, B3) on the side of the toe which corresponds to a site at which the movement of the toes is particularly active comprises the exothermic composition analogous to a paste 2 arranged therein in divided batches, so that the movement of the exothermic composition in this part is prevented

  in a more positive and refined way.

  With any of these exothermic devices to warm the feet, during use, by simply folding the bulging part B (B2, B3) from the tips of the toes onto the instep, the toe part can be warmed toes from three directions, i.e. from the sole of the foot, to the toe side

  toes, and on the instep side.

  In the case of the exothermic device for heating the feet representing the ninth embodiment indicated in FIG. 12, as well as in the case of the exothermic device for heating the feet representing the tenth embodiment of the invention indicated in FIG. 13, the exothermic composition similar to a paste 2 is printed part by part in several regions, so that the exothermic composition and / or the reaction products

  exothermic can be more positively protected.

  In the case of the exothermic device for heating the feet representing the tenth embodiment of the invention indicated in FIG. 13, stop belts 13 extend from the two ends of the front part of the foot, an adhesive part 14 being laminated at the front end of the strap

stop 13.

  In use, as shown in the plan in FIG. 14, the two stop belts 13 and 14 are placed above the convex part B (B3) connected to the instep, and the adhesive layer 14 is placed on the convex part B (B3) to adhere to it, thanks to which the device

  is put in a form analogous to a slipper.

  The exothermic devices for heating the feet of complex configuration of the above embodiments use an exothermic composition similar to a paste, in particular as a necessary exothermic composition, and due to this fact it is possible to laminate the analogous exothermic composition to a paste by printing or the like on the base material in a desired pattern, which was

  impossible in the prior art.

  Although not shown, over the entire surface of an article of cardboard core of 180 g / m2 serving as base material, an exothermic composition similar to a paste similar to that used in Example 1 is printed up to '' at a thickness of 820 pmn, and a cardboard core article of g / m2 of a similar type, serving as covering material, is placed on top, passing everything between rolls of web so that the base material and cover material are joined together due to the viscosity of the exothermic composition similar to a

  dough. A continuous exothermic sheet is thus produced.

  Then, using a roller press, the continuous exothermic sheet is continuously matrixed in the form of a sole. Then the exothermic device is interposed to warm the feet resulting between a laminated film formed from a polyethylene film of 40 μm and a polyester film of 12 μm and a laminated film (moisture permeability 850 g / m) formed from a porous polyethylene film of 40 µm and a polypropylene nonwoven fabric of 30 g / m2. The laminate is matrixed to a dimension approximately 7 mm larger, over its entire outer periphery, than that of the exothermic device for heating the feet, and it is heat sealed at the same time, so as to obtain a device

  exothermic to warm the feet.

  Then enclose the exothermic device to warm the feet in a gas-impermeable sachet and leave it to rest for a day. The waterproof bag is then broken in order to use the device. A good exothermic effect is obtained. In this case, the base material and the covering material are inexpensive and the two films can be sealed together by heat sealing. This allows a continuous production of the device

  exothermic to warm the feet.

  Furthermore, since the base material and the covering material are bonded together by means of the viscosity of the paste-like exothermic composition, the exothermic sheet can be easily produced at a

low cost.

  In addition, since the exothermic device is packaged in a state such that it is sandwiched between cardboard cores permeable to gases without adhesion, the air can easily flow towards the surface and the rear sides during the operation of the user, and therefore a contact zone between the exothermic device and the water is present on both the surface and the rear sides. Therefore, the efficiency of the reaction is improved even in the case of a

  air permeation on one side.

  Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described and shown above, from which other modes and other embodiments can be provided, without however departing from the

part of the invention.

Claims (16)

  1. A method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet, characterized in that it consists in placing an exothermic composition in a viscous form analogous to a paste (2) by printing or coating on a surface of a material of base (1) in film or sheet form and at least in a predetermined part of said surface in a configuration such that it covers a desired site with a human foot, then placing a covering material (3) in the form of a film or in the form of a sheet on said exothermic composition similar to a paste so as to cover the exothermic composition, at least one of said base material and of said covering material, or a   part of them, being permeable to gases.   2. A method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet according to claim 1, characterized in that said base material and said covering material are fixed in position in a sealed manner by adhesion or heat bonding or gluing by thermofusion along d '' a peripheral edge part of said exothermic composition similar to a paste.   3. Method of manufacturing an exothermic device for heating the feet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said base material and said covering material are extensible and / or stretchable.   4. Method of manufacturing an exothermic device for heating the feet according to one   any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that   said base material and / or said base material   overlay can absorb water.   5. Method of manufacturing an exothermic device for heating the feet according to one   any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that   said exothermic composition is formed so as to have a partially greater thickness. 6. A method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet according to claim 5, characterized in that a layer of exothermic composition similar to a paste is laminated on a part of the surface of said exothermic composition similar to a paste for form a site of greater thickness.   7. A method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one metallic powder chosen from metallic powders, water-absorbing agents and / or carbonaceous components is transferred or sprayed on all or part of the surface of the exothermic composition similar to a paste, so as to increase the thickness of all or part of said exothermic composition.   8. Method of manufacturing an exothermic device for heating the feet according to one   any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that   the layer of said exothermic composition is locally thicker formed at a site corresponding to a thermotherapeutic vital point of the foot or in its vicinity. 9. Method of manufacturing an exothermic device for heating the feet according to one   any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that   an adhesive layer (5) is laminated on at least part of an exposed surface of one of the base material and the cover material, the other of the base material and the cover material being at least partially permeable to gases.   10. Method of manufacturing an exothermic device for heating the feet according to one   any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that   the adhesive layer contains or supports at least one article from a wet compress medication, a far infrared emitter, a magnetic material   and a drug that can be absorbed through the skin.   11. A method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet, characterized in that it consists in placing an exothermic composition similar to a paste on a base material in the form of a film or in the form of a sheet, then in placing on the top of a film-shaped or sheet-like covering material, joining together said base material and said covering material by using the viscous characteristic of said paste-like exothermic composition, and then forging the resulting laminate under a shape such that it covers a site of the desired foot, one of said base material and said covering material, or part of one   of them, being permeable to gases.   12. A method of manufacturing an exothermic device for warming the feet according to claim 11, characterized in that the sealing of the exothermic device in a portion of the peripheral edge thereof is carried out by adhesion or   heat bonding or gluing by thermofusion.   13. A method of manufacturing an exothermic device for heating the feet according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that an adhesive layer is formed on an exposed surface of the laminate, at least part of the other surface of the laminate being permeable to gases.   14. Method for manufacturing an exothermic device for heating the feet according to one   any of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that   the adhesive layer contains or supports at least one article from a wet compress medication, a far infrared emitter, a magnetic material   and a drug that can be absorbed through the skin.   15. Exothermic device for warming the feet, characterized in that it is produced according to the manufacturing process of the exothermic device for warming the feet according to any one of the claims 1 to 14.   16. Exothermic device for warming the feet according to claim 15, characterized in that the entire device is configured so as to cover all or part of the sole, the toes or the neck from foot to foot.