U.S. patent application number 13/117824 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-01 for exothermic semi-rigid plastic stick.
This patent application is currently assigned to GROUP JDS, LTD CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Jeffrey D. Schrimmer.
Application Number | 20110290232 13/117824 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45021036 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110290232 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schrimmer; Jeffrey D. |
December 1, 2011 |
EXOTHERMIC SEMI-RIGID PLASTIC STICK
Abstract
A semi-rigid, portable, warming device contains chemical
reactants that produce heat when mixed. The warming device includes
at least two chambers, which contain the chemical reactants
separately, until a force is applied to cause the reactants to
mix.
Inventors: |
Schrimmer; Jeffrey D.;
(Highland Park, IL) |
Assignee: |
GROUP JDS, LTD CORPORATION
Kowloon
HK
|
Family ID: |
45021036 |
Appl. No.: |
13/117824 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61348990 |
May 27, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
126/263.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24V 30/00 20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/263.01 |
International
Class: |
F24J 1/00 20060101
F24J001/00 |
Claims
1. A self contained, personal warming device, comprising: a sealed
outer tube; a first reactant contained within the sealed outer
tube; and a second reactant contained within the sealed outer tube,
the first and second reactants being maintained separated from one
another, wherein the first and second reactants are mixed with one
another to create an exothermic reaction within the sealed outer
tube.
2. The self contained, personal warming device in accordance with
claim 1 wherein the first reactant is contained within the sealed
outer tube and the second reactant is contained within a sealed
frangible element within the sealed outer tube, and wherein the
frangible element is fractured to mix the first and second
reactants.
3. The self contained, personal warming device in accordance with
claim 1 wherein the first and second reactant are contained within
separate sealed frangible elements within the sealed outer tube,
and wherein the frangible elements are fractured to mix the first
and second reactants.
4. The self contained, personal warming device in accordance with
claim 1 including reactants that, when mixed with one another,
create a chemiluminescent reaction.
5. A portable warming device, comprising: at least two chambers,
the at least two chambers comprising a first chamber and a second
chamber; at least two chemical reactants contained in the at least
two chambers, the at least two chemical reactants comprising a
first reactant and a second reactant, wherein the first reactant is
different from the second reactant, wherein the first reactant and
the second reactant produce heat when mixed together, wherein the
first chamber contains the first reactant, and the second chamber
contains the second reactant, and wherein at least one of the first
chamber and the second chamber is configured to release the
reactant contained in the chamber when a force is applied, such
that the first reactant and the second reactant are mixed together
to produce heat.
6. The portable warming device of claim 5, wherein the second
chamber is arranged in a cavity of the first chamber, the second
chamber being an ampoule; wherein the first reactant is contained
in a portion of the cavity of the first chamber, and the second
reactant is contained in the ampoule.
7. The portable warming device of claim 6, wherein the first
chamber is formed of a semi-rigid polymeric material that is
bendable, and the ampoule is formed of a frangible material that
ruptures when the portable warming device is bended or
squeezed.
8. The portable warming device of claim 5, wherein the portable
warming device includes an outer container and a plurality of
ampoules arranged in a cavity of the outer container, wherein the
first chamber is a portion of the outer container that is not
occupied by the ampoules, and the second chamber is one of the
plurality of ampoules, wherein each of the ampoules contains a
chemical reactant.
9. The portable warming device of claim 8, wherein at least two of
the plurality of ampoules contain reactants for a chemiluminescence
reaction.
10. The portable warming device of claim 8, wherein the outer
container has a tubular shape and formed of a semi-rigid polymeric
material; and each of the plurality of ampoules is formed of a
frangible material that ruptures when a force is applied.
11. The portable warming device of claim 8, wherein at least one of
the plurality of ampoules contains calcium oxide, and at least
another one of the plurality of the ampoules or the first chamber
contains water.
12. The portable warming device of claim 11, wherein the first
chamber contains water, and at least one of the plurality of
ampoules contains magnesium.
13. A stick warmer, comprising: an outer container, the outer
container containing a first chemical reactant; at least one
ampoule arranged in the outer container, at least one of the at
least one ampoule containing a second chemical reactant that is
different from the first chemical reactant; wherein the first
chemical reactant and the second chemical reactant produce heat
when mixed.
14. The stick warmer of claim 13, wherein the outer container has a
tubular shape, and formed of a semi-rigid polymeric material that
is bendable.
15. The stick warmer of claim 14, wherein the at least one ampoule
is formed of a frangible material, the at least one ampoule being
surrounded by the first chemical reactant.
16. The stick warmer of claim 15, wherein the at least one ampoule
is configured to rupture when a force is applied on the outer
container by bending, squeezing or twisting.
17. The stick warmer of claim 13, further containing chemical
reactants for a chemiluminescence reaction.
18. The stick warmer of claim 17, wherein the stick warmer produces
heat and light when a force is applied on the outer container by
bending, squeezing or twisting.
19. The stick warmer of claim 13, wherein the at least one ampoule
comprises a first ampoule, a second ampoule, and a third ampoule
arranged in the outer container, spaced from each other.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of
Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/348,990, filed May
27, 2010.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention pertains to a semi-rigid plastic stick that
contains a formulation of chemicals that, when mixed together,
produce an exothermic reaction. More specifically, the invention
pertains to a bendable, semi-rigid plastic stick that contains
chemicals separated from one another that, when mixed together,
produce an exothermic reaction.
[0003] There are many situations where a semi-rigid, self-contained
heating apparatus would be beneficial. For example, in winter
weather activities where the user wants the heat to be directed to
a certain area and for the heat source to remain in place. Current
technologies are insufficient at either producing a self-contained,
non-electric heat, or at directing the heat to a particular area
without the concern of the heating element shifting in
position.
[0004] Further a semi-rigid, self contained, heating apparatus can
be used with specially made receptacles to heat food or drink items
when other options are not available.
[0005] Items are known that produce exothermic heating reactions.
One such item is commonly referred to as a hand warmer, which
consists of a durable bag containing chemicals that, when mixed
together, produce an exothermic chemical reaction. Unfortunately
such a product has little to no definitive shape, and as such the
position of the heating element inside shifts, causing the user to
have to continuously reshape the item and move it back into an
optimal position.
[0006] Electric warmers that are rigid or semi-rigid are well known
in the art. However, these items require a power source, such as an
external electrical connection (e.g., access to a 120V electrical
outlet) to operate, making them disadvantageous to individuals not
wanting an electrical device. Further inherent in an electrical
device, especially of a heating nature, is the danger of causing a
spark or flame through some electrical failure, or the possibility
of electric shock.
[0007] Other items are known that require a heat source to cause
heat transfer to the item. One such item is a sack of rice held
within a decorative material. A user must warm the device in an
oven or micro-wave which heats the rice. The rice retains the heat
for a relatively prolonged period to that it can be used
immediately or for a limited time thereafter. One drawback with
such an item is that a user can not select when to have the heat
released from the item. Once heated the rice will immediately begin
to dissipate the heat and return to ambient temperatures.
[0008] The present invention provides an improved portable heat
device. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as
additional inventive features, will be apparent from the
description of the invention provided herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A portable heat device according to embodiments of the
present invention contains chemicals separated from one another
that, when mixed together, produce an exothermic reaction.
According to a preferred embodiment, the portable heat device is in
a form of a stick that is durable and has a specific shape to allow
the user to position it without fear of undue shifting. Further,
the device is chemical in nature, and thus is portable and negates
the risk of shock or the like associated with electrical items.
[0010] A combination of reactants that, when mixed together, result
in an exothermic reaction. The reactants are separated from one
another and are contained within a bendable, yet rigid plastic rod.
The reactants can be liquid or one can be in a solid or semi-solid
form.
[0011] The plastic rod is configured with a sealed outer tube, and
at least one inner frangible ampoule containing one of the
reactants. A compound surrounds the ampoule(s) containing another
reactant. Rupturing the inner ampoule(s), as by bending the plastic
rod, causes the reactants to mix, creating the exothermic reaction.
The rod can also contain other chemically reacting constituents to,
for example, create a chemiluminescent reaction in addition to the
exothermic reaction, within separated chambers in a common rod.
[0012] In one aspect, the invention provides a self contained,
personal warming device. The personal warming device includes a
sealed outer tube, a first reactant contained within the sealed
outer tube, and a second reactant contained within the sealed outer
tube. The first and second reactants are maintained separated from
one another. When desired, the first and second reactants are mixed
with one another to create an exothermic reaction within the sealed
outer tube. In an embodiment, the first reactant is contained
within the sealed outer tube, while the second reactant is
contained within a sealed frangible element within the sealed outer
tube, such that the frangible element can be fractured to mix the
first and second reactants. In another embodiment, the first and
second reactants are contained within separate sealed frangible
elements within the sealed outer tube, such that the frangible
elements can be fractured to mix the first and second reactants. In
some embodiment, the personal warming device can also include
reactants that, when mixed with one another, create a
chemiluminescent reaction.
[0013] In another aspect, the invention provides a portable warming
device. The portable warming device includes at least two chambers,
which comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, and at least
two chemical reactants contained in these chambers. The chemical
reactants comprise a first reactant, which is contained in the
first chamber, and a second reactant, which is contained in the
second chamber. The first reactant is different from the second
reactant, and when mixed together, they produce heat. Further, at
least one of the first chamber and the second chamber is configured
to release the reactant contained in the chamber when a force is
applied, such that the first reactant and the second reactant are
mixed together to produce heat.
[0014] In one embodiment, the second chamber is an ampoule, which
is arranged in a cavity of the first chamber. The first reactant is
contained in a portion of the cavity of the first chamber, and the
second reactant is contained in the ampoule. The first chamber is
formed of a semi-rigid polymeric material that is bendable, and the
ampoule is formed of a frangible material that ruptures when the
portable warming device is bended or squeezed.
[0015] In another embodiment, the portable warming device includes
an outer container and a plurality of ampoules arranged in a cavity
of the outer container. In this embodiment the first chamber is a
portion of the outer container that is not occupied by the
ampoules, and the second chamber is one of the ampoules, wherein
each of the ampoules contains a chemical reactant. The outer
container can have a tubular shape and formed of a semi-rigid
polymeric material. Each of the ampoules is formed of a frangible
material that ruptures when a force is applied. In one embodiment,
at least one of the ampoules contains calcium oxide, and at least
another one of the ampoules or the first chamber contains water.
Further, some of the ampoules can contain other reactants, such as
magnesium. In some embodiments, at least two of the ampoules
contain reactants for a chemiluminescence reaction.
[0016] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a stick
warmer. The stick warmer include an outer container, which contains
a first chemical reactant, and at least one ampoule arranged in the
outer container, one of which containing a second chemical reactant
that is different from the first chemical reactant. The first
chemical reactant and the second chemical reactant produce heat
when mixed. The outer container can have a tubular shape, and
formed of a semi-rigid polymeric material that is bendable. In one
embodiment, the stick warmer includes a first ampoule, a second
ampoule, and a third ampoule arranged in the outer container,
spaced from each other. Being arranged in the outer container
containing the first chemical reactant, the ampoules are surrounded
by the first chemical reactant. The ampoules are formed of a
frangible material, and configured to rupture when a force is
applied on the outer container by bending, squeezing or twisting.
In some embodiments, the stick warmer also includes chemical
reactants for a chemiluminescence reaction. In such embodiments,
the stick warmer produces heat and light when a force is applied on
the outer container by bending, squeezing or twisting.
[0017] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following detailed description, the
accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The benefits and advantages of the present embodiments will
become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a front view of a semi-rigid
warming stick in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a top view of the warming stick of FIG. 1; and
[0021] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a front view of a semi-rigid
warming stick with multiple ampoules according to a different
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter
be described presently preferred embodiments with the understanding
that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification
of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the
specific embodiments illustrated.
[0023] Referring now to the figures, in particular to FIGS. 1 and
2, there is shown a warming stick 10 according to an embodiment of
the present invention. The warming stick 10 generally includes an
outer tubular container 11 and an ampoule 13, which are configured
to separately contain reactants, which can produce an exothermic
reaction when mixed. As shown in FIG. 1, the ampoule 13 is smaller
in size than the outer tubular container 11. The ampoule 13 is
arranged within a cavity 12 of the outer tubular container 11. The
ampoule 13 holds a first reactant in a cavity 14. The outer tubular
container 11 holds a second reactant in a portion of the cavity 12,
which is not occupied by the ampoule 13. Thus, the ampoule 13,
which contains the first reactant, is surrounded by the second
reactant in the outer tubular container 11.
[0024] The outer tubular container 11 is a formed of a semi-rigid,
yet bendable material. Suitable materials for the outer tubular
container 11 include polymeric materials that are semi-rigid to
maintain a specific shape of the warming stick 10, yet sufficiently
flexible to be bendable without breaking For example, the outer
tubular container 11 can be formed of high density polyethylene,
polyester, or other like plastics. The outer tubular container 11
is a sealed container that can contain chemical reactants, which
can be a solid, a liquid, a gas, or mixtures thereof, without
leakage. Although the outer tubular container 11 in this embodiment
has a tubular shape, in other embodiments, the outer container can
be formed to have different shapes, such as circular, rectangular,
etc.
[0025] The ampoule 13 is formed of a frangible material. Suitable
materials for the ampoule 13 include glass or polymeric materials
that are sufficiently brittle to be frangible when a force is
applied by the user, for example, by squeezing or bending the
warming stick 10. In the embodiment, the ampoule 13 is attached to
the outer container 11. However, in other embodiments, the ampoule
can be floating in the reactant contained in the outer container.
The ampoule 13 is a sealed container that can contain chemical
reactants, which can be a solid, a liquid, a gas, or mixtures
thereof, without leakage, such that the reactants contained in the
ampoule 13 is kept away from the reactants held in the outer
tubular container 11 until the desired time. The ampoule 13 of
FIGS. 1 and 2 is formed of a glass and has a tubular shape, similar
to that of the outer tubular container 11, but smaller in size. In
other embodiments, the ampoule 13 can be formed to have different
shapes, such as circular, rectangular, etc., which can be similar
or different than the shape of the outer container.
[0026] In use, the warming stick 10 keeps the reactants separated
from each other until heat is desired. At such time, the user
applies force on the warming stick 10 by bending, squeezing or
other similar actions, thereby breaking the ampoule 13 and
releasing the second reactant contained in the ampoule 13. When the
second reactant mixes with the first reactant, the exothermic
reaction starts and heat is released. The user may move or shake
the warming stick 10 to facilitate mixing of reactants and to
increase the heat output.
[0027] Those skilled in the art will understand that various
chemical combinations can be used to create a controlled exothermic
reaction that can be used in a personal warming device. Any such
suitable combinations of exothermic reaction reactants can be used
for the warming stick 10. For example, calcium oxide (CaO) and
water (H.sub.2O) can be used as the primary chemical reactants.
Other reactants can includes copper sulfate (CuSO.sub.4) and zinc
(Zn) as well as magnesium (Mg) and water (H.sub.2O). Multiple
reactants can also be used, such as calcium oxide (CaO), water
(H.sub.2O) and magnesium (Mg). All such chemical combinations are
within the scope of the present invention.
[0028] In one embodiment, the warming stick 10 contains calcium
oxide (CaO) in the ampoule 13 and water (H.sub.2O) in the outer
tubular container 11. When the reactants are mixed together after
the user bends the warming stick 10, the following exothermic
reaction is initiated to produce heat:
CaO(s)+H.sub.2O(1)Ca(OH).sub.2(aq)(.DELTA.Hr=-63.7 kJ/mol of
CaO)
[0029] Although, reactant chambers of the warming stick 10 of FIGS.
1 and 2 are provided by arranging ampoule 13 within the cavity 12
of the outer container 11, in other embodiments, the reactant
chambers may be provide by dividing the cavity of the outer
container by one or more internal walls. For example, the outer
container may include an internal wall, which divides the cavity of
the outer container into two chambers. The internal wall can be
broken by bending or squeezing the warming stick to initiate the
exothermic reaction.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a warming stick 20 according to another
embodiment. The warming stick 20 is similar to the warming stick 10
of FIGS. 1 and 2, but includes multiple ampoules 23, 25, 27, which
are arranged in a cavity 22 of an outer container 21, as it was
with the warming stick 10. As it was with the warming stick 10, the
ampoules 23, 25, 27 contain chemical reactants. The ampoules 23,
25, 27 may contain a same reactant or different reactants.
Similarly, the outer container 21 contains a reactant in a portion
of the cavity 22 that is not occupied by the ampoules 23, 25, 27.
When reactants in the ampoules 23, 25, 27 and the reactant in the
outer container 21 are mixed after the user applies a force on the
warming stick 20, at least one exothermic reaction is produces. In
this embodiment, the user may decide to break the ampoules 23, 25,
27 sequentially to control the heat output. In some embodiments,
reactions for other types of reactions, such as a chemiluminescent
reaction, are included in addition to the exothermic reaction
reactants. In such embodiments, the warming stick 20 can release
heat and glow in dark at the same time.
[0031] In one embodiment, each of the ampoules 23, 25, 27 contains
calcium oxide (CaO), and the outer container 21 contains water.
When the user bends or squeezes the warming stick 20, the ampoules
23, 25, 27 break, and the calcium oxide (CaO) and water are mixed
together to start the exothermic reaction. In another embodiment,
the ampoules 23 and 27 may contain calcium oxide (CaO), and the
ampoule 25 contains magnesium (Mg), and the outer container 22
includes water. When the user squeezes or bends the warming stick
20, calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium (Mg), and water are mixed to
initiate exothermic reactions to release heat.
[0032] In yet another embodiment, two of the ampoules can contain
reactants for an exothermic reaction, while the other ampoule and
the outer container contain reactants for a chemiluminescence. In
some embodiments, a common chemical reactant can be used for the
exothermic reaction and the chemiluminescence reaction.
[0033] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0034] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0035] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *