U.S. patent application number 16/517924 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-05 for stackable warming boxes with docking station.
The applicant listed for this patent is Adroit Medical Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey B. Gammons, Scott Gammons.
Application Number | 20190367244 16/517924 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57601665 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190367244 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gammons; Scott ; et
al. |
December 5, 2019 |
Stackable warming boxes with docking station
Abstract
Apparatus for warming cloths in a portable box. The warming box
includes a heater assembly with slots configured to receive
multiple packages of cloths. The slots are defined by panels that
have embedded heaters. Heaters are also positioned at the bottom of
the slots. Two temperature switches control the heaters in order to
maintain the temperature of the packages with specified limits. One
temperature switch is positioned above the slots on an inside
surface of the lid. The other switch is located at the bottom of
one of the slots. The lid also includes a tilt switch that
de-energizes the heaters when the lid is opened. The warming box
has feet configured to mate with corresponding recesses in the lid,
thereby making the boxes stackable, such as when used with a
docking station. The docking station has a wiring harness that
provides power to each warming box.
Inventors: |
Gammons; Scott; (Loudon,
TN) ; Gammons; Jeffrey B.; (Loudon, TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Adroit Medical Systems, Inc. |
Loudon |
TN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57601665 |
Appl. No.: |
16/517924 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15191803 |
Jun 24, 2016 |
10358276 |
|
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16517924 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/18 20130101;
B65D 21/0223 20130101; B65D 81/3476 20130101; B65D 85/18 20130101;
B65D 57/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/18 20060101
B65D081/18; B65D 21/02 20060101 B65D021/02; B65D 57/00 20060101
B65D057/00; B65D 81/34 20060101 B65D081/34; B65D 85/18 20060101
B65D085/18 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for warming multiple objects, said apparatus
comprising: a container having four container sidewalls and a
container base, said container defining a cavity, said container
being insulated; a lid dimensioned and configured to fit said
container opposite said container base, said lid enclosing said
cavity when said lid is in a closed position; an outer panel having
a first outer base, a first outer sidewall, and a second outer
sidewall, said first outer sidewall positioned adjacent a first one
of said four container sidewalls, said second outer sidewall
positioned adjacent a second one of said one of said four container
sidewalls, said outer panel extending from a third one of said four
container sidewalls to a fourth one of said container sidewalls; a
first inner panel having a first inner panel base, a first inner
panel first sidewall, and a first inner panel second sidewall, said
first inner panel base positioned adjacent said first outer
sidewall of said outer panel, said first inner panel base
positioned adjacent said container base, said first inner panel
extending from said third one of said four container sidewalls to
said fourth one of said container sidewalls; a first heater of a
plurality of heaters positioned between said first inner panel
first sidewall and said first outer sidewall; a second heater of
said plurality of heaters positioned between said first inner panel
base and said container base; a second inner panel having a second
inner panel base, a second inner panel first sidewall, and a second
inner panel second sidewall, said first inner panel base positioned
adjacent said second outer sidewall of said outer panel, said first
inner panel base positioned adjacent said container base, said
second inner panel extending from said third one of said four
container sidewalls to said fourth one of said container sidewalls;
a third heater of said plurality of heaters positioned between said
second inner panel first sidewall and said second outer sidewall;
and a fourth heater of said plurality of heaters positioned between
said second inner panel base and said container base.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first inner panel first
sidewall is joined with said first outer sidewall with a first hem,
said first hem including a first edge bent over into a narrow
U-shape and a second edge inserted into said narrow U-shape, said
second inner panel first sidewall is joined with said first outer
sidewall with a second hem including a first edge bent over into a
narrow U-shape and a second edge inserted into said narrow
U-shape.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a first temperature
switch positioned above said cavity proximate said lid, said first
temperature switch operatively connected to a heater circuit to
de-energize said plurality of heaters when said first temperature
switch is actuated at a first setpoint.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 further including a second temperature
switch positioned proximate said container base, said second
temperature switch operatively connected to said heater circuit to
de-energize said plurality of heaters when said second temperature
switch is actuated at a second setpoint.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a switch associated
with a position of said lid, said switch operatively connected to a
heater circuit to de-energize said plurality of heaters when said
lid is in an open position relative to said container.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said switch is a gravity
operated switch having at least one ball configured to press
against an actuator of said switch when said lid is in said open
position.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first inner panel and said
second inner panel define a pair of slots configured to receive a
plurality of objects for warming by said first and third
heaters.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said container has an outside
bottom with a first set of protrusions and said lid has an outside
surface with a set of recesses dimensioned and configured to
receive a second set of protrusions configured identically to said
first set of protrusions, whereby a second container fits onto said
lid.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 further including a docking station
having a power distribution block, said power distribution blocking
having a plurality of electrical connections configured to power a
plurality of warming boxes as described in claim 1.
10. An apparatus for warming a plurality of objects, said apparatus
comprising: a container having four sidewalls and a base defining a
cavity, said container being insulated; a lid dimensioned and
configured to fit said container opposite said base, said lid
enclosing said cavity when said lid is in a closed position, said
container and said lid sufficiently rigid to support a second
container positioned on a top surface of said lid; a heater
assembly dimensioned to fit inside said cavity, said heater
assembly including a plurality of walls that include a plurality of
heaters, said plurality of heaters in a heater circuit, a plurality
of slots each defined by two adjacent ones of said plurality of
walls; and a first temperature switch positioned proximate said
heater assembly, said first temperature switch operatively
connected to said heater circuit to de-energize said plurality of
heaters when said first temperature switch is actuated at a first
setpoint.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 further including a second
temperature switch positioned above said heater assembly, said
second temperature switch operatively connected to said heater
circuit to de-energize said plurality of heaters when said second
temperature switch is actuated at a second setpoint.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 further including a switch associated
with said lid, said switch operatively connected to said heater
circuit to de-energize said plurality of heaters when said lid is
in an open position relative to said container.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 further including a second
temperature switch positioned above said heater assembly, said
second temperature switch operatively connected to said heater
circuit to de-energize said plurality of heaters when said second
temperature switch is actuated at a second setpoint.
14. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said heater assembly includes
an outer panel, a first panel, and a second panel, said outer panel
configured to fit proximate two of opposite ones of said four
container sidewalls, said outer panel configured to fit proximate
said container base in said cavity, at least one of said plurality
of heaters positioned between said outer panel and said container
base, said first and second panels each having a pair of panel
sidewalls that are substantially parallel and a panel base
connecting said pair of panel sidewalls thereby defining one of
said plurality of slots, one of said pair of panel sidewalls of
said first panel attached to a first outer sidewall of said outer
panel with one of said plurality of heaters positioned
therebetween, and one of said pair of panel sidewalls of said
second panel attached to a second outer sidewall of said outer
panel with another one of said plurality of heaters positioned
therebetween.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said heater assembly includes
a base member that fits inside said cavity and conforms to a pair
of opposing sidewalls of said container and to said base, said
heater assembly further includes a first inner member that has a
pair of sidewalls and a floor panel, said pair of sidewalls
defining one of said plurality of slots therebetween, a distal edge
of one of said pair of sidewalls of said first inner member
engaging a distal edge of one of a pair of opposing sidewalls of
said base member, at least one of said plurality of heaters
positioned between said one of said pair of sidewalls of said first
inner member and said one of said pair of opposing sidewalls of
said base member, and at least one of said plurality of heaters
positioned between said floor panel and said base member.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 further including a second inner
member that has a pair of sidewalls and a floor panel, said pair of
sidewalls of said second inner member defining another one of said
plurality of slots therebetween, a distal edge of one of said pair
of sidewalls of said second inner member engaging a distal edge of
an other one of said pair of sidewalls of said first inner member,
and at least one of said plurality of heaters positioned between
said one of said pair of sidewalls of said second inner member and
said other one of said pair of opposing sidewalls of said first
inner member.
17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said distal edge of said one
of said pair of sidewalls of said first inner member has a first
Dutch bend receiving said distal edge of said one of said pair of
opposing sidewalls of said base member.
18. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said container has an outside
bottom with a first set of protrusions and said lid has an outside
surface with a set of recesses dimensioned and configured to
receive a second set of protrusions configured identically to said
first set of protrusions, whereby a second container fits onto said
lid.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 further including a docking station
having a power distribution block, said power distribution blocking
having a plurality of electrical connections configured to power a
plurality of warming boxes as described in claim 10.
20. An apparatus for warming multiple objects, said apparatus
comprising: a container having four container sidewalls and a
container base, said container defining a cavity, said container
being insulated; a lid dimensioned and configured to fit said
container opposite said container base, said lid enclosing said
cavity when said lid is in a closed position; an outer panel having
a first outer base, a first outer sidewall, and a second outer
sidewall, said first outer sidewall positioned adjacent a first one
of said four container sidewalls, said second outer sidewall
positioned adjacent a second one of said one of said four container
sidewalls, said outer panel extending from a third one of said four
container sidewalls to a fourth one of said container sidewalls; a
first inner panel having a first inner panel base, a first inner
panel first sidewall, and a first inner panel second sidewall, said
first inner panel base positioned adjacent said first outer
sidewall of said outer panel, said first inner panel base
positioned adjacent said container base, said first inner panel
extending from said third one of said four container sidewalls to
said fourth one of said container sidewalls; a first heater of a
plurality of heaters positioned between said first inner panel
first sidewall and said first outer sidewall; a second heater of
said plurality of heaters positioned between said first inner panel
base and said container base; a second inner panel having a second
inner panel base, a second inner panel first sidewall, and a second
inner panel second sidewall, said first inner panel base positioned
adjacent said second outer sidewall of said outer panel, said first
inner panel base positioned adjacent said container base, said
second inner panel extending from said third one of said four
container sidewalls to said fourth one of said container sidewalls;
a third heater of said plurality of heaters positioned between said
second inner panel first sidewall and said second outer sidewall; a
fourth heater of said plurality of heaters positioned between said
second inner panel base and said container base; a first
temperature switch positioned above said cavity proximate said lid,
said first temperature switch operatively connected to a heater
circuit to de-energize said plurality of heaters when said first
temperature switch is actuated at a first setpoint; a second
temperature switch positioned proximate said container base, said
second temperature switch operatively connected to said heater
circuit to de-energize said plurality of heaters when said second
temperature switch is actuated at a second setpoint; and a lid
switch associated with a position of said lid, said lid switch
operatively connected to a heater circuit to de-energize said
plurality of heaters when said lid is in an open position relative
to said container.
Description
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0001] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
1. Field of Invention
[0002] This invention pertains to a portable warming box for
personal cloths. More particularly, this invention pertains to an
insulated box with heating panels spaced apart inside the box such
that packages of bathing cloths fit inside. Further, the warming
boxes are stackable in a docking station.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] For humans and other mammals, the first line of defense
against pathogens is the physical barrier that encloses the body.
That physical barrier is the skin, which prevents the entry of
pathogens. But the skin must maintain its integrity and remain
healthy. Proper skin care is essential to maintain this line of
defense against pathogens.
[0004] Skin cleansers are known and have been in use for a long
time. These cleansers include both chemical based compositions and
mechanical based cleansers and combinations of chemical and
mechanical based cleansers. The chemical based compositions include
soaps, solvents, and anti-bacterial solutions, for example.
Mechanical based cleansers include cloths, brushes, and scrubbers,
for example. Cloths are often used to wash and bath the skin.
Cloths are often used to apply chemical based cleansers and skin
conditioners.
[0005] Warm or hot cloths have therapeutic value, both from the
heat from the cloth and warmed chemicals, if any, in the cloth. To
be useful, the cloth needs to be warmed within a narrow temperature
range. Some cloths include a chemical based cleanser and/or
conditioner that is best applied within a certain temperature
range. If too hot, a person may be subject to discomfort and
possibly burns. If too cool, a person may be subject to discomfort
and a decreased therapeutic effect from constriction of blood
vessels and reduced activation and/or volatility of any chemicals
in the cloth.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
warming box is provided. The warming box is an insulated box,
similar to an ice chest. In one configuration, the box has four
heater panels spaced about 21/2 inches apart to form three slots.
Each slot is sized is hold multiple packages of cloths, such as
Theraworx Technology brand Hygiene Management System packages that
contain 8 cloths. The packages fit three deep and two wide in each
slot. The cloths are intended to be used at a suitable temperature
that offers comfort to the person who is in contact with the
cloth.
[0007] The heater panels are connected to a lid-mounted thermostat
and there is another thermostat in the lower portion of the box. In
one embodiment, the box includes a switch that detects when the lid
is open or not fully closed. One type of such switch is a gravity
switch that turns off the heaters when the lid is opened beyond
about 30 degrees. The gravity switch includes a microswitch and one
or more steel balls that move in a tube that has one end of the
tube engaging the actuator of the microswitch. With the lid closed,
the tube is angled such that the micro-switch contacts are closed
by the weight of the balls against the switch actuator. When the
lid is open, the tube is at an angle where the micro-switch
contacts are open.
[0008] In one embodiment the boxes are stackable. Feet protruding
from the bottom of each box are configured to be received in
corresponding recesses in the lid of another box. In this way,
multiple boxes are stackable and are in a stable configuration for
transport of the multiple, stacked boxes. A docking station
includes a platform that holds a plurality of stacked boxes. The
docking station includes a power distribution panel that has a
single power connection to an external power source and multiple
power connections for the multiple warming boxes. In this way the
cloths inside the warming boxes are kept at a desired temperature
and are ready to be used when needed. The docking station allows
the boxes to be kept ready for use and individual boxes are easily
removable from the docking station for transport to where the
warmed cloths are needed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The above-mentioned features will become more clearly
understood from the following detailed description read together
with the drawings in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a warming
box.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the warming box shown in
FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded diagram showing one embodiment of the
heater assembly.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a heater
circuit.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of one embodiment of a tilt
switch.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side view of one embodiment of a docking
station.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a
warming box.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment of the warming box
shown in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Apparatus for warming packages of cloths is disclosed. The
apparatus is a portable device with built-in safety devices as
described below. Features are generally indicated with a reference
number, such as 116 for the slots in the container 102. When a
feature appears multiple times in a drawing, the different
occurrences are distinguished in the figures and described below
with an alphanumeric suffix, for example, 116-A, 116-B, 116-C for
the three slots 116 in the container 102. Various components are
illustrated both generically and specifically in the figures and in
the following description. For example, the walls 112-A, 112-B are
discussed individually and separately to ensure clarity when
describing the configuration of each wall 112-A, 112-B. The walls
112, when referred to collectively, are referenced without an
alphanumeric suffix.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a
warming box 100. The warming box 100 has a container 102 and a lid
104. The container 102 and lid 104 together are an insulated
enclosure, such as a common cooler or ice chest. The illustrated
embodiment of the warmer box 100 has three slots 116 that receive
packages 106 for warming. The packages 106 are any object desired
to be heated. FIG. 1 shows three such packages 106 that are of the
type that contain bathing cloths. The three packages 106 are
positioned front-to-back and shown partially inserted in the middle
slot 116-B. For one type of package 106 suitable for carrying
multiple cloths, each slot 116 is sized to receive six packages
106--two packages across the width of the slot 116 and three
packages 106 stacked front-to-back as shown in FIG. 1. The width of
the slot 116 is the dimension from side-to-side inside the box 100.
The back of the box 100 refers to the part of the box 100 where the
lid 104 is hinged to the container 102. As used herein, a slot is
defined as a groove or narrow space between two objects, where
narrow refers to the relative dimensions of the space between the
objects and the width of the space.
[0020] The container 102 includes a heater assembly 110 that has
walls 112 that define the slots 116. A pair of walls 112-A are
positioned against opposing inside walls of the container 102.
Other walls 112-B are spaced between the outer walls 112-A and
serve to separate the slots 116. The heater assembly 110 fits
snugly inside the container 102 against all four inside walls of
the container 102.
[0021] The lid 104 is connected to the container 102 with a hinge
and is secured in the closed position with one or more latches 124.
The lid 104, when closed, has an inside surface 114 that encloses
the container cavity 118 that holds the heater assembly 110. In
this way the heat inside the cavity 118 is held captive, thereby
ensuring the contents 106 remain at a desired temperature. A
temperature switch 108 is positioned proximate the inside surface
114 of the lid 104. The temperature switch 108 senses and is
responsive to the temperature inside the cavity 118 when the lid
104 is in the closed position.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the warming box
100 shown in FIG. 2. The container 102 is a five-sided box with
insulated walls. The lid 104 is an insulated panel that engages the
top of the container 102, thereby enclosing the cavity 118. The
temperature inside the cavity 118, as sensed by the temperature
switch 108, is a nominal 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The insulation of
the container 102 and lid 104 is sufficient to maintain the inside
temperature over a range of outside ambient temperatures. In other
embodiments, the temperatures vary depending upon the desired
temperature of the objects being warmed in the slots 116.
[0023] The heater assembly 110 in the container 102 includes
several walls 112 that extend from a floor panel 212 towards the
top of the container 102. The walls 112 have an internal space into
which fits heater panels 206-A. The floor panel 212 defines a space
above the inside bottom of the container 102 into which fits heater
panels 206-B. In one embodiment, each wall 112 has two heater
panels 206-A and the space under the floor panel 212 has four
heater panels 206-B. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
the number and positioning of the heater panels 206 can vary
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0024] Next to the floor panel 212 is a second temperature switch
208. The second switch 208 measures the temperature proximate the
heaters 206-B at the bottom of the cavity 118. In another
embodiment, the second switch 208 is located in the lower portion
of one of the walls 112-B located medially in the cavity 118. The
second temperature switch 208 has a nominal setpoint of 127 degrees
Fahrenheit. Both the first and second temperature switches 108, 208
are thermostats that control the heaters 206, and consequently, the
temperature inside the cavity 118.
[0025] The lid 104 includes the first temperature switch 108 and a
tilt switch 202. The first, or lid, temperature switch 108 is
positioned above the cavity 118 in the container 102 and is
sensitive to the temperature in the cavity 118. The tilt switch 202
senses when the lid 104 is open and turns off the heaters 206. In
one embodiment the tilt switch 206 actuates to turn off the heaters
206 when the lid 104 is raised approximately 30 degrees from the
closed position.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded diagram showing one
embodiment of the heater assembly 110. The heater assembly 110
includes various panels 302, 304 that are joined together to form
an enclosure to hold the heaters 206. The panels 302, 304 are thin
metal, for example, aluminum sheet that is 0.040 inches thick, bent
into shapes that allow each of the panels 302, 304 to fit together
as part of an assembly. The panels 302, 304 have a squared-off
U-shape when seen from the end. The edges of the inner panels 304
are joined at Dutch bends 308. The various Dutch bends 308 receive
sidewalls 312, 306 of corresponding panels 302, 304. The Dutch
bends 308 form joints without sharp edges and the bends 308 add
strength to the walls 112. The panels 302, 304 are powder coated to
provide a smooth, easily cleaned surface that avoids
contamination.
[0027] An outer panel 302 has a U-shape with the sidewalls 312
splayed out slightly. The outer panel 302 is sized to fit inside
the container 102 with the edges of the panel 302 dimensioned and
configured to fit snugly inside the cavity 118 of the container
102. The sidewalls 312 are splayed out in order to ensure that the
sidewalls 312 contact the inside walls of the container 102 and to
also hold the inside panels 306 in place by tension. That is, the
sidewalls 312 engage and bias the bends 308-A, 308-C, thereby
applying a force to the panels 304 that the inside panels 304 are
held in place relative to the outer panel 302.
[0028] Three inner panels 304-A, 304-B, 304-C provide the outer
surfaces that engage the packages 106 to be warmed. The first and
third inner panels 304-A, 304-C are mirror images of each other
with one side 306-A1, 306-C2 having an edge with a Dutch bend
308-A, 308-C and the other side 306-A2, 306-C1 of the inner panel
304-A, 304-C having a straight edge. The Dutch bends 308 receive
the upper edge of the sidewalls 312, 306. In this way, the sidewall
306, 312 and the adjacent sidewall 306, 312 are joined with a space
therebetween for a heater 206.
[0029] Dutch bends are sheet metal hems where the edge of one piece
of sheet metal is doubled over into a narrow, U-shaped
configuration that can receive another piece of sheet metal. A
joint between two sheets of metal is formed by one sheet having a
Dutch bend 308 with the other sheet being flat and inserted into
the bend 308. In one embodiment, the Dutch bend 308 is crimped onto
the other sheet for additional strength. The sidewall that fits
into the Dutch bend 308 has a kink, or offset, such that the
sidewalls 312, 316 are touching inside the Dutch bend 308, but
separated by a space away from the bend 308. That space is
sufficient to receive a heater 206. In one embodiment, that space
between sidewalls 312, 316 is filled with a thermally conductive
material that distributes heat across the wall 112 and also secures
or holds the heaters 206 in position in the walls 112.
[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the Dutch end 308-A1 joins
the sidewall 306-A1 of the first inner panel 304-A with the
sidewall 312 of the outer panel 302. The Dutch end 308-B1 joins the
sidewall 306-A2 of the first inner panel 304-A with the sidewall
306-B1 of the second inner panel 304-B. The Dutch end 308-B2 joins
the sidewall 306-B2 of the second inner panel 304-B with the
sidewall 306-C1 of the third inner panel 304-C. The Dutch end
308-C2 joins the sidewall of the third inner panel 304-C with the
sidewall 312 of the outer panel 302. In other embodiments, the
sidewalls 312 of the outer panel 302 have the Dutch bends.
[0031] The second, or middle, inner panel 304-B have Dutch bends
308-B1, 308-B2 on each wall 306-B1, 306-B2. One Dutch bend 308-B1
receives the sidewall 306-A2 of the first inner panel 304-A and the
other Dutch bend 308-B2 receives the sidewall 306-C1 of the third
inner panel 304-C. In this way the sidewalls 306-B1, 306-B2 of the
second panel 304-B and the corresponding adjacent walls 306-A2,
306-C1 of the first and third inner panels 304-A, 304-C are joined
with a space therebetween for heaters 306-A.
[0032] With the inner panels 304 joined together and the panels
304-A, 304-C connected to the outer panel 302, there is a space
between the floor, or base, 212 and the bottom, or base, of the
outer panel 302 for heaters 206-B and the temperature switch 208.
In one embodiment the temperature switch 208 is positioned inside a
slot 116 of one of the inner panels 304 and not between the floor
212 and the outer panel 302.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of
a heater circuit 400. The heater circuit 400 connects to a power
source, such as a 115 Vac circuit, with a plug 402. The plug 402
has a cable 412 that connects to the rest of the circuit 400
through a cable connector 404. The two temperature switches 108,
208 are connected in series, as is the tilt switch 202, with the
heaters 206.
[0034] The heaters 206 are connected in a series-parallel
arrangement in order to obtain a desired power consumption and
heating rate. The illustrated embodiment shows two sets 206-A1 to
206-An, 206-B1 to 206-Bn of heaters 206 each connected in series
with the two sets 206-A1 to 206-An, 206-B1 to 206-Bn connected in
parallel. In one exemplary configuration, twelve heaters 206-A,
206-B are wired with three sets of four heaters 206 connected in
series. Each set is connected in parallel with the other two sets
of heaters 206. Each heater 206 is rated at 180 Watts and each
string of four heaters 206-A1 to 206-An, 206-B1 to 206-Bn requires
45 Watts of power. The three strings of heaters 206 require a total
of 135 Watts of power, which is three times the 45 Watts of each
set. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the configuration
of the heaters 206 in the circuit will vary depending upon the
power dissipation of the heaters 206, the rate of heat to be
generated inside the cavity 118, and the desired duty cycle of the
heaters 206.
[0035] The two temperature switches 108, 208 regulate the
temperature inside the cavity 118 by switching the heaters 206 on
and off. The lid temperature switch 108 is above the packages 106
being warmed and ensures that the packages 106 do not exceed a
maximum temperature. The lower temperature switch 208 is below the
packages 106 and closest to the heaters 206. The lower switch 208
has a setpoint that ensures that the heaters 206 are energized at a
high enough temperature that the packages 106 reach a consistent
temperature throughout, but not so high that the packages 106 are
subject to overheating.
[0036] The tilt switch 202 in the lid 104 ensures that the heaters
206 are de-energized when the lid 104 is open. An open lid 104
indicates that the box 100 is being loaded or unloaded with
packages 106, or that the box 100 is not being used. In either case
it is desirable to have the heaters 206 de-energized so as to avoid
personal injury and wasting energy. Also, with the lid 104 closed
and the heaters 206 energized, the lid temperature switch 108 is in
position to adequately monitor the temperature in the space 118
above the packages 106.
[0037] In one embodiment the warming box 100 holds packages 106 of
bathing cloths, such as used in a medical facility. The packages
106 are kept at a temperature nominally between 105 and 127 degrees
Fahrenheit. The lid temperature switch 108 has a setpoint of 105
degrees Fahrenheit, plus or minus 5 degrees, and the lower
temperature switch 208 has a setpoint of 127 degrees, plus or minus
5 degrees. The heaters 206 are disposed inside the various walls
112 such that the surfaces of the walls 112 are evenly heated,
thereby ensuring that the packages 106 are evenly heated. The
panels 302, 304 are a metal with good thermal conductivity, thereby
minimizing the temperature variation across the outer surface of
the panels 302, 304.
[0038] The illustrated embodiment shows circuit 400 powered on and
energized whenever the plug 402 is connected to an energized power
source. In another embodiment the warmer box 100 includes a power
switch for selectively controlling its operation.
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a switch
202. The tilt switch 202 is a gravity switch that is mounted in the
lid 104 such that the switch 202 is actuated when the lid 104 is in
the closed position. The switch 202 forms an open circuit when the
lid 104 is opened beyond a certain point. For example, the contacts
of the tilt switch 202 open when the lid 104 is opened such that it
forms at least a thirty degree angle with the top of the container
102. With the lid 104 in the open position, the heaters 206 are
de-energized.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment the tilt switch 202 includes a
micro-switch 502 with a tube 504 extending away from the actuator
508. The micro-switch 502 includes an actuator 508 and a pair of
leads 510 that provide the electrical connection for the switch
202. The micro-switch 502 actuates when the actuator 508 is
depressed.
[0041] Inside the tube 504 are balls 506 sufficient in number and
weight to actuate the micro-switch 502 when the switch 202 is
tilted or rotated in a direction 512 that allows the balls 506 to
roll or move in a direction 516 toward the actuator 508. The tilt
switch 202 is actuated when the angle of the tube 504 is such that
the weight of the balls 506 resting against the actuator 508 is
sufficient to depress the actuator 508. In one embodiment the
micro-switch 502 has normally open contacts that are closed when
the balls 506 engage the actuator 508. In such an embodiment the
tilt switch 202 is positioned in the lid 104 such that the balls
506 rest against the actuator 508 with the lid 104 in the closed
position and roll away from the actuator 508 when the lid 104 is
raised more than about thirty degrees from the closed position. In
this way the heaters 206 are de-energized when the lid 104 is
opened and the contacts of the micro-switch 502 are open. In
another embodiment the micro-switch 502 has normally closed
contacts that are opened when the balls 506 engage the actuator
508. In such an embodiment, the switch 202 is positioned in the lid
such that the balls 506 engage the actuator 508 when the lid 104 is
in the open position.
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a
docking station 600. The docking station 600 includes a platform
602, a set of wheels 604, a push-handle 606, and a power
distribution block 608. The platform 602 is dimensioned to hold a
plurality of warming boxes 100-A1, 100-A2, 100-A3, 100-A4 that are
stackable. For example, three warming boxes 100-A are positioned
back-to-back with three adjacent warming boxes 100-A as one layer
of warming boxes 100-A. FIG. 6 illustrates one-half of that
configuration with four layers of three warming boxes 100-A with
the power cables 412 visible as they are routed to the power
distribution block 608. The other half of the warming boxes 100-A
would be positioned with their back sides adjacent the backs of the
warming boxes 100-A illustrated, with the cables 412 positioned
between the warming boxes 100-A.
[0043] A power cable 610 extends from the power distribution block
608. The power cable 610 connects to an external power supply, such
as the 115 Vac mains. In this way the docking station 600, when
parked next to an electrical supply, provides power to multiple
warming boxes 100-A such that a warming box 100-A is removable from
the docking station 600 as needed or the docking station 600 is
disconnected from the power supply and moved to where the warming
boxes 100-A are needed.
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment
of a warming box 100-A, such as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 illustrates
a side view of the embodiment of the warming box 100-A shown in
FIG. 7. The warming box 100-A includes at least one hinge 614 on
the back side 704 connecting the lid 104 to the container 102. The
front side of the warming box has at least one latch 124. Extending
from the back side 704, in the illustrated embodiment, is the cable
412 that connects power to the heaters 206. For the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 4, the cable 412 plugs into a connector 404
fixed to the container 102. In this way when a warming box 100-A is
removed from the docking station 600, the power cable 412 on the
docking station 600 is unplugged from the warming box 100-A. If the
warming box 100-A is going to be used away from the docking station
600 for an extended time then another cable 412 is plugged the
warming box 100-A and connected to another external power
source.
[0045] Each of the warming boxes 100-A includes a set of feet or
protrusions 802 on the bottom surface of the box 100-A. The top of
the lid 104 has corresponding recesses or indentations that receive
the protrusions 802 of another warming box 100-A3 that is
positioned on top of the box 100-A4. In the illustrated embodiment
the protrusions 802 have the shape of a truncated cone such that a
warming box 100-A3 is easily indexed on a lower box 100-A4, and,
when seated together, the pair of boxes 100-A4, 100-A3 are
sufficiently secured laterally that the two boxes 100-A4, 100-A3
are stable during transport. In other embodiments the protrusions
802 have other configurations, such as a right-angle corner
protrusion, that mate with corresponding recesses 702 in the top
104 of the warming box 100-A.
[0046] The warming box 100 includes various functions. The function
of deenergizing the heaters 206 when the box 100 is open is
implemented, in one embodiment, by the switch 202 that opens the
circuit supplying power to the heaters 206, as illustrated in FIGS.
2 and 4.
[0047] The function of maintaining a temperature is implemented, in
one embodiment, by a pair of temperature switches 108, 208 with one
switch 108 located above the heaters 206 and the other switch 208
located adjacent the bottom of the cavity 118 in the box 100.
[0048] The function of heating is implemented, in one embodiment,
by the heaters 206 positioned inside the walls 112 that define the
slots 116 inside the cavity 118 in the box 100.
[0049] From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by
those skilled in the art that a warming box 100 for warming, or
heating, cloths has been provided. The warming box 100 includes
slots 116 that receive packages 106 to be warmed and maintained at
a desired temperature. The slots 116 are defined by the sidewalls
306 of panels 304 that interlock together. Heaters 206 are disposed
between the panels 304 and under the floor 212 of the slots
116.
[0050] Furthermore, it will be recognized by those skilled in the
art that a docking station 600 has been provided. The docking
station 600 has a platform 602 sized to hold a plurality of warming
boxes 100-A. A wiring harness connects each warming box 100-A to a
power distribution block or device 608, which has a cable 610
configured to connect to an external power source. The warming
boxes 100-A are stackable with a stable configuration provided by
the protrusions 802 on the bottom of one box 100-A1, 100-A2, 100-A3
engaging recesses in the top of the lower warming box 100-A2,
100-A3, 100-A4, respectively.
[0051] While the present invention has been illustrated by
description of several embodiments and while the illustrative
embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not
the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the
scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages
and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to
the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and
illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures
may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or
scope of applicant's general inventive concept.
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