Abstract: A thermal body-care element includes a container having at least one thermally conductive surface enclosing an electric heater in thermal contact with a thermal energy storage medium comprising a phase change storage medium and an electrical connection for selective coupling to an external electrical power source. The external electrical power source is external to the thermal body-care element. A method of applying heat to a skin surface of a human or animal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A handheld device for application to a skin surface of a human or animal includes a housing arranged and configured for gripping by a human hand having a mount for a thermal body-care element, a thermal body-care element operatively connected to the mount on the housing, a motion-generating system contained within the housing, and a heat-generating element. The thermal body-care element has a body-care surface. The motion-generating system includes a motor operatively coupled to the body-care surface to impart motion thereto and electrically coupled to an internal electric power source contained within the housing. The heat-generating element is thermally coupled to the body-care surface and has a container enclosing an electric heater in thermal contact with a thermal energy storage medium and an electrical connection for selective coupling to an external electrical power source. The heat-generating element container is disposed within the thermal body-care element.

Abstract: A handheld device for application to a skin surface of a human or animal. The device includes a housing arranged and configured for gripping by a human hand, a body-care surface operatively connected to the housing arranged and configured to transfer heat and motion to the skin surface, a motion-generating system contained within the housing, and a heat-generating element thermally coupled to the body-care surface. The motion-generating system includes a motor operatively coupled to the body-care surface to impart motion thereto and electrically coupled to an internal electric power source contained within the housing. The heat-generating element includes a container having at least one thermally conductive surface enclosing an electric heater in thermal contact with a thermal energy storage medium and an electrical connection for selective coupling to an external electrical power source.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of: a) electrically connecting an electric heater to an external electrical power source, b) disconnecting the electric heater from the external electrical power source, c) energizing a motor contained within the housing to impart motion to a body-care surface, and d) applying the body-care surface to the skin surface while the electric heater is disconnected from the external electrical power source. The electric heater heats a thermal energy storage medium in thermal contact therewith, and the electric heater and thermal energy storage medium are associated with a handheld device having a housing arranged and configured for gripping by a human hand. The motor imparts motion to a body-care surface operatively connected to the housing and in thermal contact with the thermal energy storage medium.