U.S. patent application number 12/956776 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for heat packages and methods of their use.
Invention is credited to Paul S. Madan, Stephanie N. Madan.
Application Number | 20110073099 12/956776 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33544576 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110073099 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Madan; Stephanie N. ; et
al. |
March 31, 2011 |
Heat Packages and Methods of Their Use
Abstract
The present invention provides a heat package wherein a surface
of a generating heat element that generates heat when exposed to
atmosphere is placed against or attached to a heat conductive
member. The heat element is protected from atmosphere until use.
The heat package may include a heat-generating element attached to
an insulating member with one or more air spaced there between. An
outer surface of the heat-generating element can be exposed to
atmosphere to produce heat when desired.
Inventors: |
Madan; Stephanie N.;
(Houston, TX) ; Madan; Paul S.; (Houston,
TX) |
Family ID: |
33544576 |
Appl. No.: |
12/956776 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10877328 |
Jun 25, 2004 |
7841202 |
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12956776 |
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60482726 |
Jun 26, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
126/263.02 ;
53/467 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24V 30/00 20180501;
A47J 36/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/263.02 ;
53/467 |
International
Class: |
F24J 1/00 20060101
F24J001/00 |
Claims
1. A heat package, comprising: a container; a heat-generating
element in the container, wherein the heat-generating element
generates heat when it comes in contact with the outside air; a
seal for protecting the heat-generating element from the outside
air, wherein the heat-generating element is exposed to the outside
air only when the insulating member is removed from the
container.
2. The heat package of claim 1, wherein the container is made using
an insulating material.
3. The heat package of claim 1 further comprising at least one air
space between the heat-generating element and the container.
4. The heat package of claim 3, wherein the at least one air space
includes an air channel between the heat-generating element and the
container.
5. The heat package of claim 1 further comprising a strap coupled
to the container conFIG.d to wrap the container around a member to
be heated.
6. The heat package of claim 1, wherein the member to be heated is
a human body part.
7. The heat package of claim 1 further comprising a member between
the seal and the heat-generating element conFIG.d to come in
contact with the human body part.
8. The heat package of claim 1, wherein the seal is disposable.
9. The heat package of claim 8, wherein the disposable seal is
comprises at least one of (i) a plastic material; (ii) a
polyurethane material; (iii) a metal; (iv) an alloy; and (v) a
non-metallic material.
10. The heat package of claim 1, wherein the heat-generating
element comprises a plurality of spaced apart strips, each strip
generating heat when exposed to the outside air.
11. The heat package of claim 10, wherein the plurality of
heat-generating strips are arranged in a pre-determined
pattern.
12. A method of providing a heat-package, comprising: providing a
container; placing a heat-generating element in the container,
wherein the heat-generating element is conFIG.d to generate heat
when the heat-generating element comes in contact with the outside
air; and sealing the heat-generating element from the outside air
with a seal such that the heat-generating element generates hear
only when the insulating member is removed from the container.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the container is made using an
insulating material.
14. The method of claim 12 further comprising providing at least
one air space between the heat-generating element and the
container.
15. The method of claim 1 further comprising coupling a strap to
the container conFIG.d to place the container around a member.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the member is a human body
part.
17. The method of claim 15 further comprising placing a member
between the seal and the heat-generating element conFIG.d to come
in contact with the member.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the seal is disposable.
19. The method of claim 12, wherein the seal is made from one of
(i) a plastic material; (ii) a polyurethane material; (iii) a
metal; (iv) an alloy; and (v) a non-metallic material.
20. The method of claim 12, wherein the heat-generating element
comprises a plurality of spaced-apart strips, each strip generating
heat when exposed to the outside air.
21. A heat package, comprising: a container with a strap conFIG.d
to place the container about a selected member; a heat-generating
element in the container, wherein the heat-generating element
generates heat when it comes in contact with the outside air; and a
seal for protecting the heat-generating element from the outside
air, wherein the heat-generating element is exposed to the outside
air only when the insulating member is removed from the container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/877,328, which issued Nov. 30, 2010, receiving U.S.
Pat. No. 7,841,202, which takes priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/482,726, filed on Jun. 26, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to heat packages for
heating packaged food, use for therapeutic purposes and for heating
other materials without using conventional heat sources such as
electric energy, gas, oil charcoal etc.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Packaged food is a widely accepted convenient food delivery
system. Consumers' purchase decisions relating to such items are
often driven by product convenience, portability, as well as how
closely the food product parallels a conventionally prepared food
item. Many such conventionally prepared foods are served hot. The
emphasis on convenience is readily illustrated by packaged food
products of interest to students (`SNACKABLES.TM.`), Tuna-to-Go,
etc.) as well as those of interest to hunters, campers and
employees or personnel at remote locations (sandwiches,
freeze-dried foods, dehydrated foods). Packaged food that is
subsequently heated during a flight is often used by airlines. As
highlighted by these examples, pre-packaged food is widely utilized
by (a) persons in remote or inconveniently located sites, (b)
persons in situations not conducive to traditional food storage and
preparation and (c) persons to whom the convenience of pre-packaged
food is of paramount importance. In many such situations it is
often impractical or unsafe to utilize conventional heat sources
such as electric, gas or oil heaters or other traditional heating
methods.
[0006] Much packaged ready-to-eat food is stored and served at room
temperature (ambient temperature) despite the fact that the taste
experience would improve materially were the food warmer when
consumed. Moreover, consumers would prefer the option of purchasing
food both convenient in packaging and easily heated without the
need for conventional heating equipment. Such an option can be
superior to and different from packaged food items presently
available.
[0007] In colder environments increasing food temperature by as few
as ten or twenty degrees Fahrenheit may significantly improve the
quality of the food's taste. Food products packaged with heat
elements designed and placed to heat the food contents to a degree
sufficient to improve the perceived taste quality would be
desirable for various entities or individuals including the
institutional food delivery programs in prisons, hospitals,
etc.
[0008] In many other situations, people need access to heat
packages designed as comfort and therapeutic elements and in
situations requiring responses to pain and/or discomfort due to
bodily injury or environmental extremes. The same is true for
animals, particularly domesticated animals. Self-generating heat
chambers or enclosures can also be used to enclose botanical
elements during cold weather. At present there are few self-heating
conveniently packaged products addressing these needs, at least
some of which lack ergonomic flexibility and are inefficient in
heat delivery.
[0009] Safe materials that generate heat when exposed to atmosphere
(i.e., by exothermic reaction) have been available for some time
and are utilized, for example, in heating pads. The amount and
consistency of heat generated varies depending upon the type of
materials used that generate heat due to exothermic reaction, the
quantity of the material used, the extent of exposure to
atmosphere, etc.
[0010] This invention provides heat packages and heat elements for
heating food and other materials and for use as heat pads. This
invention also provides for self-contained food packages that can
be heated when desired in a safe and efficient manner without the
need for conventional heating sources such as stoves, electric
heaters and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides a heat package that includes
a heat generating element or heat element that generates heat when
exposed to atmosphere. An insulating material may be placed or
juxtaposed to a surface of the heat element to reduce loss of heat
to the environment and direct the generated heat toward the object
that is desired to be heated. In one aspect, one or more air
passages or spaces are provided between the heat element and the
insulating material. A heat-conductive member may be placed on the
heat element surface to absorb and evenly distribute heat to an
object. A fabric or other soft material may be used instead when
such heat packages are used on human or animals. The heat package
may be pre-formed to fit a part of a human or an animal body or any
other desired object. Straps or other devices may be attached to
the heat package to arrange and/or secure the heat package about an
object. The heat element surfaces to be exposed to atmosphere to
generate heat are insulated or protected from atmosphere by a
removable material that prevents exposure of the heat element to
the atmosphere until its use is desired.
[0012] In another embodiment, the heat package may include a number
of heat element strips or heat element members arranged in a
pattern and placed against a heat conductive material. The heat
strips may be partially protected from atmosphere by insulating
material that prevents at least some of the heat from dissipating
to atmosphere during use of the heat package. The heat strips may
be attached on one or more outer surfaces of the container.
[0013] In another embodiment the heat package includes a container
that provides air gaps or passages when placed against a heat
element. In another embodiment, a heat element may be attached to a
heat conductive member and wherein all surfaces that are exposed to
atmosphere are protected from atmosphere until use.
[0014] Examples of the more important features of the invention
have been summarized (albeit rather broadly) in order that the
detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood
and in order that the contributions they represent to the art may
be appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the
invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form
the subject of the claims appended hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] For detailed understanding of the present invention,
reference should be made to the following detailed description of
the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawing:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a heat package that includes a heat element or
a heat generating material and a container that holds the material
to be heated.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a heat package that includes a heat element
wrapped around an outer surface of a container.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a heat package that includes a heat element
enclosed in an insulating material.
[0019] FIG. 4 shows an alternative heat package with the heat
element surface enclosed in an insulating material.
[0020] FIG. 4A shows the heat package of FIG. 4 with a strap.
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a heat package that includes an insulating
member attached to a bottom surface of a heat element.
[0022] FIG. 6 shows a heat package wherein heat element strips are
placed against a bottom side of a conductive container.
[0023] FIG. 6A shows heat package with straps attached to a
relatively flat heat conductive material.
[0024] FIG. 6B shows a heat package with a strap attached to
insulating member protecting heat elements.
[0025] FIG. 7 shows a heat package that includes heat element
strips attached to a cover of a heat-conducted container.
[0026] FIG. 8 shows a pattern of heat strips.
[0027] FIG. 9 shows an alternate pattern of heat strips.
[0028] FIG. 10 shows a heat package in which air gaps are provided
between a heat conducting member and a heat-generating member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a heat package 10 that includes a container 11
that has a bottom 13 and sides 19a-19d. The container 11 is adapted
to hold edible items or other materials 12 (medical instruments,
heat pads etc.) the user desires. A cover or lid 14 may be used to
seal or hold the material 12 in the container 11. The bottom 13 or
the entire container 11 is made from a heat conducting material
such as aluminum or another alloy. A heat element 17 (also referred
to herein as the heat generating material) that will generate heat
when exposed to the atmosphere is placed on the bottom 13. A
sealing material or seal 16 placed on the bottom surface 17a of the
heat element 17 seals the surface 13 and any other exposed surface
of the heat element 17, such as sides 17b from the atmosphere.
Alternatively or in addition to, the heat package 10 may be placed
in a sealed enclosure 18, such as a sealed plastic envelope. The
heat package 10 or multiple such packages can then be placed in a
container suitable for shipping and storage, such as a heavy paper
box or a metal box (not shown). To heat the material 12, the seal
16 and/or enclosure 18 are removed to expose the heat element 17 to
the atmosphere, which initializes heat generation. The heat so
generated heats the bottom 13 of the container 11, which heat is
conducted to the material 12 through the heat conductive bottom 13.
The cover 14 aids in trapping the heat in the container 11, which
further aids in heating the material 12. After a period of time,
which can be from a few to several minutes, the cover 14 can be
removed to access the heated material 12 from the container 11. The
material 12 as noted above may be an edible material or any other
material that is desired to be heated.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows a heat package container 15 that includes the
heat conducting container 11 having a bottom 13a and sides 19a-19d.
A cover 14 encloses the material 12 to be heated in the container
11. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, a heat element 17a is placed
substantially around the entire outer surface of the container 11
(bottom 13a and sides 19a-19d) of the container 11. The heat
element 17a is sealed or protected from the environment by a seal
member 18a. To heat the material 12, the seal member 18a is removed
to expose the heat element 17a to the atmosphere, thereby allowing
the heat element 17a to generate heat, which conducts through the
container 11 to heat the material 12. The heat package 15 may be
further enclosed in an outer sealed envelope 16.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a heat package 30 having a heat element 32. The
heat element 32 is formed or shaped to hold a container of a
desired size. A removable sealing member or element 34, such as a
plastic member, seals the inner surface 33 of the heat element 32
from the atmosphere. The outer surface 37 of the heat element 32 is
enclosed in an insulating material 38 that seals the outer surface
37 of the heat element 32 from the atmosphere. The insulating
material 38 is chosen to partially or fully prevent the heat
generated by the heat element 32 from radiating to the atmosphere
from the outer surface 37. This arrangement can aid in directing a
larger proportion of the generated heat toward the inner surface
33, thereby aiding the heating of the material 12 placed against
the inner surface 33, thereby providing a more efficient heat
transfer system. The insulating seal 38 may be made from a stiff
material that aids in maintaining the shape of the heat element 32
and allows easy handling of the heat package 30 when heat element
32 is generating heat due to exposure to the atmosphere. The
insulating material or member 38 may be a molded member. Any
suitable material, such as Teflon, or another synthetic material
may be used. The member 38 may be fixedly attached to the heat
element 32 or may be placed in close contact with the heat element
32. To heat a material (not shown), the inner seal 34 is removed to
expose the inner surface 33 of the heat element 32 to the
atmosphere. A container, similar to container 11 of FIG. 1 carrying
the material to be heated is placed inside the package 30 against
the heat element 32. The outer dimensions and configuration of the
container carrying the material to be heated are made such that
atmospheric air remains in contact with at least a portion of the
heat element 32 to ensure continued exposure of the heat element 32
to the atmosphere, which will be needed for the heat element 32 to
generate the heat. The heat package 30 may be enclosed in a sealed
enclosure 39 instead of or in addition to using the seal 34. The
heat package 30 may be further placed in a container or an
enclosure (not shown) for shipping purposes.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a heat package 40 that
includes a heat element 42 whose outer surfaces are enclosed by an
insulating material 44. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the top
surface 42 is not enclosed in an insulating material. Air passages
46 are provided between the heat element bottom surface 42b and the
insulating material 44. The heat element 42 along with the
insulating material 44 are placed in a sealed enclosure 48, which
is removed to expose the heat element 42 to the atmosphere when it
is desired to heat a material. A heat-conducting member 49 may be
placed on the top surface 42t of the heat element 42 to provide
even heat distribution to a material placed thereon.
[0033] Still referring to FIG. 4 to activate, the heat element
package 40 is removed from the sealed envelope 48, thereby exposing
the air passages 46 to the atmosphere, which allows the heat
element 42 to react with the air and exothermically generate heat.
The insulating member or material 44 prevents at least a portion of
the generated heat from radiating to the atmosphere from the bottom
42b of the heat element 42. Such an arrangement aids in directing
some amount of the generated heat toward the top surface 42t of the
heat element 42. The material or food to be heated, placed in a
suitable container, is placed on the top surface 42t of the heat
element 42 or on the top of the heat-conducting member 49 when such
a member is utilized. The member 49 may be made from any suitable
heat conducting metal orallory. The material 49 can aid in rapid
and even distribution of heat to an object that is placed in
contact therewith. The insulating member 44 may be made from a
stiff or a relatively flexible material. The insulating member 44
may be attached to the heat element 42. The heat element 42 is
usually a flexible package. If flexible insulating material 44 is
used, it can adapt to any desired contour, such as a human or
animal body part and can thus be used more easily and efficiently
as a heat pad. A heat pad that has an insulating member 44 can
direct a larger portion of the generated heat toward the body than
heat pads that allow heat to dissipate to the atmosphere from
surfaces that are not in contact with the body. The heat package 40
can be pre-molded into any desired configuration, such as a
configuration to fit or wrap around a body part, such as a knee,
shoulder, calf, elbow, neck etc. A strap or any suitable fastener
may be attached to the insulating member ends 44e to wrap the heat
element 42 around the desired object. The outer and inner contours
of the heat package 40 can be designed or chosen for any particular
intended use. The contours may have any shape and dimensions. For
heat pad type applications the member 49 may be a fabric or any
other material that is suitable for contact with the human body or
the object intended to be heated. Alternatively, the entire package
heat package 40 may be enclosed in a material suitable for heat
pad. The heat package 40 is enclosed in a sealed package 43 for
storage.
[0034] FIG. 4A shows the insulating member 44 of the heat package
of FIG. 4 with straps 49a and 49b for attaching the heat package 40
to a body part or another object. The strap 49a has a Velcro-type
material 41a or any other type of locking arrangement, such as a
buckle arrangement, or any other suitable arrangement, at its far
end 43a. The strap 49b has a locking arrangement 41b at its far end
43b that is compatible with the locking arrangement 41a. The
locking arrangement 43a and 43b when placed together lock with each
other.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows a heat package 50 that includes an insulating
member 54 attached to a bottom side 52b of a heat element 52. The
exposed surfaces of the heat element 52 are sealed from the
atmosphere with a suitable material 56. The sealing material 56 may
enclose the heat package including the insulating member 54.
[0036] FIG. 6 shows a heat package 60 that includes a container 61
with a number of heat generating element strips or members 62 in
contact with its bottom sides 61b. An insulating material 64 may be
placed on the bottom 62b of each heat-generating element 62. The
elements 62 may be straight heat strips or of any other desired
configuration. The package thus described is placed in a sealed
enclosure 66. To use the package 60, the envelope or sealed
enclosure 66 is removed to expose the sides 62s of the heat
elements 62 to the atmosphere, which causes them to generate heat
due to exothermic reaction. The heat so generated heats the
container 61 which is made from heat conducting material, such as
aluminum or another suitable material. The food or any other
material placed in the container 61 can be accessed by removing the
cover 65. The insulating material 64 on the bottom sides of the
strips 62 aids in directing the heat toward the container 61. The
sides 62s of the strips are at least partially exposed to the
atmosphere while their top surface 62t remains in contact with the
container 61.
[0037] Instead of using a container 61, a relatively flat member 67
of any shape and size may be used, as shown in the heat package 60a
of FIG. 6A. Such a package can be wrapped around an object, such as
a body part. Straps 68a and 68b may be attached respectively to
opposite ends 67a and 67b of the member 67 or in the alternative as
shown in FIG. 6B, a strap 68 may be attached to the bottom sides
64b of the insulating materials 64.
[0038] The embodiment 70 shown in FIG. 7 conceptually is similar to
that of FIG. 6. The heat strips 72 lined on one or more sides with
an insulating material 74 are attached to the container cover 75.
Once the material in the container 71 is heated, the cover 75 is
removed to expose the material in the container 71. It should be
noted that the heat strips 64 may be selectively attached in any
configuration to any member that is desired to be heated. The size
and shape of the strips is chosen depending upon the object to be
heated. Such an arrangement provides great flexibility and uses
optimal amount of materials.
[0039] In the embodiments of FIGS. 6, 6A and 7, the heat elements
may be arranged in any suitable pattern. FIG. 8 shows a rectangular
matrix pattern wherein heat elements 82v are placed in a first
direction while heat elements 82v are placed in a second cross
direction. The elements 82v and 82v may be interwoven or placed one
on top of the other as shown in FIG. 8 or may have no overlap.
[0040] FIG. 9 shows an angular pattern of heat elements wherein
heat elements 92a are placed on top of elements 92b. Alternatively,
the heat elements 92a and 92b may be interwoven at an angle. The
heat elements may also be placed in a non-overlapping manner.
[0041] FIG. 10 shows a heat package 100 that includes a
heat-generating element 102 placed or lined inside an insulating
liner 106. A container 101 is placed in the heat element enclosure
102. The outside of the container 101 is designed to provide one or
more air passages or spaces between the container 101 and the heat
element 102. The air passages may be in the form of air channels
104 that run along the sides 101s of the container 101 and/or air
passages or spaces 103 along the bottom 101b of the container 101.
The container 101 is made from a heat conducting material, such as
aluminum, copper or another suitable alloy. The container 101
placed in the heat-generating element 102 is enclosed in a sealed
outer enclosure 108, such as made from a plastic or a polyurethane
material. Any suitable material can be used for the outer enclosure
108. When the outer enclosure 108 is removed, air flows along the
air passages 103 and or 104 that allow the heat element to generate
heat. The insulating material 106, if used, aids in directing heat
toward the container 101.
[0042] It should be understood that embodiments of the present
invention can include heat elements formulated or conFIG.d to
produce selected amounts of thermal energy. For instance, the heat
element can be conFIG.d to heat a material to no greater than a
maximum temperature. This may be advantageous, for instance, to
prevent a food, such as infant formula, from injuring a child when
ingested. Also, the heat element can be conFIG.d to heat a material
at least a minimum temperature, such a temperature at which the
material is predicted to have a specified degree of sterilization.
Other embodiments can include a selected temperature range. In
still other embodiments, the heat produced by the heat element can
be user selectable. For example, a selective removal of the
insulating material and thus the selective exposure of the heat
element to the atmosphere can produce a corresponding controllable
heat generation by the heat element. Furthermore, in certain
embodiments, the seal or other material or member covering the heat
element can be re-usable, e.g., re-attached to the heat element.
This may be advantageous to temporarily or permanently halt the
heating process.
[0043] The foregoing description is directed to particular
embodiments of the present invention for the purpose of
illustration and explanation. It will be apparent, however, to one
skilled in the art that many modifications and changes to the
embodiment set for the above are possible without departing from
the scope and the spirit of the invention. It is intended that the
following claims be interpreted to embrace all such modifications
and changes.
* * * * *