US20080168795A1 - Storage Device - Google Patents
Storage Device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080168795A1 US20080168795A1 US11/909,370 US90937006A US2008168795A1 US 20080168795 A1 US20080168795 A1 US 20080168795A1 US 90937006 A US90937006 A US 90937006A US 2008168795 A1 US2008168795 A1 US 2008168795A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- storage device
- container
- portable storage
- temperature
- receptacle portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 68
- 235000014121 butter Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000005679 Peltier effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011796 hollow space material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 235000012054 meals Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052797 bismuth Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N bismuth atom Chemical compound [Bi] JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- XSOKHXFFCGXDJZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N telluride(2-) Chemical compound [Te-2] XSOKHXFFCGXDJZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920005830 Polyurethane Foam Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC#N.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004794 expanded polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012774 insulation material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011496 polyurethane foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000021055 solid food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000002277 temperature effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/26—Butter or cheese dishes or covers, with or without cooling or heating devices; Protective covers for food containers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B21/00—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
- F25B21/02—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B21/00—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
- F25B21/02—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect
- F25B21/04—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect reversible
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2321/00—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
- F25B2321/02—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effects; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effects
- F25B2321/021—Control thereof
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2321/00—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
- F25B2321/02—Details of machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effects; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effects
- F25B2321/025—Removal of heat
- F25B2321/0251—Removal of heat by a gas
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
- F25D2331/804—Boxes
Definitions
- This invention relates to a storage device in particular a storage device within which a predetermined temperature is maintained.
- Certain solid food items which melt or soften at room temperature are traditionally kept in a storage area such as a refrigerator or an area of a building with a relatively low ambient temperature to maintain the food item in a substantially solid form and to prolong the storage life of the food item.
- a storage area such as a refrigerator or an area of a building with a relatively low ambient temperature to maintain the food item in a substantially solid form and to prolong the storage life of the food item.
- the butter may be removed from the storage area and transferred to an area with a relatively higher ambient temperature.
- time must be allowed for the butter to warm up and reach a required serving temperature to facilitate the use of the butter, for example for spreading.
- a problem with placing a portion of butter in a known container on, for example, a dining surface for use during a meal is that, the butter must be allowed to soften at room temperature, the time when the butter is at an ideal serving temperature may not coincide with when the butter is actually required during the meal. If the butter is provided at the ideal serving temperature, and if the ambient room temperature is too high, the butter may not be maintained at the ideal serving temperature and may continue to soften, especially if the butter is not used immediately. In extreme cases, the butter can become liquified and unsuitable for use.
- a storage device adapted to contain a food item comprising: a closeable container; a means for maintaining a predetermined temperature within the container irrespective of ambient temperature; and an internal power source adapted to power the means for maintaining a predetermined temperature.
- the internal power source may be a rechargeable battery.
- the rechargeable battery may be recharged in the storage device, for example by means of a removable connection to a mains power supply.
- the removable connection may be in the form of a recharging unit.
- the battery may be replaceable.
- the means for maintaining a predetermined temperature within the container may comprise a heat transfer member, for example of aluminium, preferably die-cast aluminium.
- the means for maintaining a predetermined temperature within the container may comprise a thermoelectric device, for example a Peltier Effect device.
- thermoelectric device may comprise a pair of opposed plates separated by a semi-conductor material.
- the opposed plates may be ceramic plates.
- a temperature-gradient may be produced between the opposed plates in the presence of a DC electric current.
- the semi-conductor material may be bismuth telluride.
- the means for maintaining a predetermined temperature effect may comprise a heat sink and/or a fan.
- Electronic control means may be provided to regulate the means for maintaining a predetermined temperature.
- the predetermined temperature may be in a range from substantially 10 degrees Celsius to substantially 20 degrees Celsius.
- the container of the storage device may comprise an insulating layer.
- the insulating lay may comprise a moulded thermally insulating plastics material.
- the storage device may comprise an insert within the container adapted to receive the food item.
- the insert may be removable from the container.
- the closeable container may comprise a removable lid
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage device in accordance with the present invention provided with a recharging unit;
- FIG. 2 is a first cross-sectional view of the storage device in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a second cross-sectional view of the storage device in FIG. 1 , taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an insert of the storage device in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a side view of an arrangement of a heat transfer member and a heat sink of the storage device in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is an end view of the arrangements of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the recharging unit in FIG. 1 .
- the storage device 1 comprises a first container provided by a substantially rectangular box-shaped body 3 having four substantially upright walls and an opening at an upper face 5 .
- the body is provided with a spherical foot 7 at each of the four lower corners of the body, the feet 7 being adapted to support the device on a surface.
- a lid 9 having a upper face and four downwardly extending walls is also provided. The lid 9 is arranged to fit over the open face 5 and externally over the four upright walls of the body to form a closeable container.
- a handle 11 is provided on the lid 9 to enable the lid to be removed from the body.
- the body 3 and lid 9 of the storage device are made from a resilient polycarbonate plastics material. However, it should be appreciated that other resilient materials could be used.
- the feet 7 of the storage device are made of a rubber material, for example acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (BDS) rubber.
- An internal upper region of the body 3 is formed with a cavity providing a first receptacle portion and having an internal bottom face and four side walls the side wall extending upwardly towards the open face of the body.
- the four side walls of the cavity are in the form of a substantially inverted elongate “U” such that the side walls of the cavity extend upwards the open face of the body, curve away from each other and extend downward to form portions of outer wall of the body.
- the shape of the side walls forms a hollow space between the outer walls of the body and the walls of the cavity.
- a thermal insulating block 13 is provided in this hollow space. The thermal insulating block is shaped to surround the bottom and sides of the cavity.
- the thermal insulating block comprises moulded expanded polystyrene but may be formed from any suitable thermal insulating material such as polyurethane foam material.
- a thermal insulation material may be foamed, in situ, within the hollow space between the outer walls of the body and the walls of the cavity.
- a majority of the side walls forming the hollow space is of resilient polycarbonate plastics materials.
- the bottom face and lower portions of the walls of the cavity may be of aluminium, preferably die-cast aluminium, forming a dish-shaped heat transfer member 15 .
- An insert 17 providing a second container of the device, into which a food item 19 , for example butter, can be placed is provided within the cavity of the upper region of the body.
- the insert is dimensioned such that the outer surfaces of the insert are substantially in contact with upper regions of the side walls of the cavity with the heat transfer member 15 .
- Upper portions 21 of the side walls 23 of the insert 17 are, as shown in FIG. 4 , shaped in the form of a substantially inverted “U” to correspond to the shape of the upper surfaces of the walls of the cavity such that the side walls 23 extend over the top, and partially down the outer surface, of the upper portion of the body (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ).
- the insert is manufactured from a high temperature resistant plastics material, for example a polycarbonate plastics material.
- the insert is removable from the cavity in the upper region of the body in order that surfaces of the insert which in use come into contact with food items can be cleaned.
- an internal power source 25 in the form of a rechargeable battery pack, a heat sink 27 as known to a person skilled in the art, a fan 29 and associated electronic circuitry provided on a printed circuit board 31 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ).
- FIGS. 5 and 6 The relative arrangement of the heat sink 27 , fan 29 , and dish-shaped heat transfer member 15 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- the fan 29 is positioned below the heat sink 27 , adjacent to the surface of the heat sink furthest from the dish-shaped heat transfer member.
- the battery pack 25 and the heat sink 27 are arranged side-by-side beneath the bottom surface of the dish-shaped heat transfer member.
- the heat sink 27 is provided with an undulating surface in order to increase the surface area of the heat sink from which heat can be dissipated.
- a switch (not shown) is provided on the body of the storage device to enable the battery pack to be isolated from the electronic circuitry, for example when the storage device is not in use.
- the heat sink 27 is separated from the bottom surface of the dish-shaped heat transfer member 15 lining the lower portion of the cavity by means of thermally and electrically insulating spacers 33 ( FIG. 6 ).
- the insulating spacers pass through apertures in the lower portion of the thermal insulating block 13 positioned between the heat transfer member 15 and the heat sink 27 .
- a Peltier Effect thermoelectric device 35 Positioned between the heat transfer member 15 and the heat sink 27 is a Peltier Effect thermoelectric device 35 , for example a Marlow MI 1013T device.
- a thermistor 37 is located on the heat transfer member 15 and is the close thermal contact with the heat transfer member.
- the thermistor 37 is in electrical communication with temperature controlling circuitry means provided on the printed circuit board 31 .
- the body of the device in the region of the heat sink 27 is provided with a plurality of apertures 39 to enable heat to be dissipated, for example by conduction and convection, from the heat sink 27 to the outside of the device.
- the fan 29 positioned adjacent and below the heat sink 27 , assists in the cooling of the heat sink.
- Guard means 41 is provided to prevent the insertion of items, for example fingers, into gaps between the blades of the fan.
- FIG. 1 shows the device positioned on a recharging unit 43 , the recharging unit being in the form of a base plate.
- the recharging unit 43 is shown in detail in FIG. 7 .
- An upper surface 45 of the recharging unit 43 is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the lower surface of the storage device 1 in order that the storage device can be easily and securely positioned on the unit 43 .
- Cup-shaped members 47 having respective part-spherical surfaces to receive the feet 7 of the storage device are provided on the recharging unit.
- a male connector 49 extends upwardly from the upper surface 45 of the recharging unit and is inserted, in use, into a female connector (not shown) provided in the base of the storage device to enable an electrical connection to be made between the recharging unit and the storage device. Power supplied by a mains power supply (not shown) is used to recharge the battery pack in a manner known to a person skilled in the art.
- the temperature within the cavity of the storage device is maintained at a predetermined value irrespective of the ambient temperature as described below.
- a portion of butter 19 is placed in the insert 17 of the storage device and the lid 9 is placed on the body to close the device.
- the temperature within the device detected by the thermistor 37 will initially be substantially equal to the ambient temperature.
- the resistance of the thermistor 37 equating to a predetermined temperature can be varied by means of a control potentiometer (not shown).
- the predetermined temperature can be adjusted within a temperature range, for example between substantially 10 to substantially 20 degrees Celsius.
- the predetermined temperature can be selected, for example, to equate to the ideal spreading temperature of butter.
- the maintenance of a constant predetermined temperature of the butter within the device can also aid in ensuring an acceptable storage life for the butter.
- the thermoelectric device 35 is a solid-state component which acts as a heat pump.
- the thermoelectric device is in the form of two opposed plates, for example ceramic plates, separated by a semi-conductor material, for example bismuth telluride. When a DC current is applied by the internal power supply to the thermoelectric device a temperature gradient is formed between the two plates.
- the plate nearer the cavity is configured to be the “cold face” and the plate further from the cavity, that is nearer to the heat sink is configure to be the “hot face”.
- heat As heat is dissipated from the “hot face” by means of the adjacent heat sink, heat must be moved from the “cold face” to the “hot face” to maintain the aforementioned temperature gradient. Consequently, the temperature within the cavity is reduced by the action of the thermoelectric device.
- Heat from the heat sink 27 is dissipated to the surrounding environment of the storage device via the apertures 39 in the body of the device.
- the loss of heat from the heat sink 27 is assisted by the fan 29 which is used to cool the heat sink.
- Comparison means provided in the electronics determines whether the temperature detected by the thermistor 37 is above or below the predetermined temperature and controls the thermoelectric device 35 accordingly. By this means, the temperature within the storage device can be maintained at the predetermined temperature.
- the thermistor 37 will detect an internal temperature lower than the predetermined value and the thermoelectric device will be used to increase the heat within the cavity.
- the polarity of the DC current to the thermoelectric device 35 can be reversed, in a manner known to a person skilled in the art.
- the plate nearer the cavity is configured to be the “hot face” and the plate further from the cavity, that is nearer to the heat sink is configured to be the “cold face”.
- heat As heat is dissipated from the “hot face” to heat up the cavity of the storage device, heat must be moved from the “cold face” to the “hot face” to maintain the aforementioned temperature gradient. Consequently, the temperature with the cavity is increased by the action of the thermoelectric device.
- the predetermined internal temperature will be maintained within the storage device.
- the storage device can be removed from the recharging unit 43 and transported to a location where a food item contained therein is required and the food within the device will continue to be maintained at the predetermined temperature.
- the device When the storage device is removed from the recharging unit 43 , the device is capable of maintaining the predetermined temperature, for example, for the duration of a meal, and preferably for up to 2 hours. However, batteries within the battery pack 25 will discharge during the time the storage unit is internally powered. If the storage device is not returned to the recharging unit, the batteries will continue to discharge and damage could be caused to the rechargeable batteries and/or the storage device. Consequently, a low voltage detection means (not shown) is provided which operates to prevent excessive discharge from the batteries. The low voltage detection means, as known to a person skilled in the art, will only allow the thermoelectric device 35 and fan 29 to work when the voltage provided by the batteries of the battery pack is above a predetermined value.
- a storage device in accordance with the present invention could be provided with batteries which are recharged by direct connection of a removable connecting lead to a mains power supply.
- the storage device could be powered by replaceable batteries.
- the insert 17 for containing food items is described as being removable from the cavity in the insulating block 13 , it should be appreciated that the insert may be rigidly fixed with the device. Alternatively a storage device in accordance with the present invention may not incorporate an insert.
- a bottom portion of the cavity in the internal region of the body has been described as being lined with a heat transfer member 15 , it should be appreciated that a skin may be provided over a surface of the heat transfer member within the cavity such that food items can be placed directly in the cavity without coming into direct contact with the heat transfer member.
- the body of storage device in accordance with the present invention need not be restricted to a rectangular box-shaped configuration but instead could be designed to be any shape that is required, for example for decorative or aesthetic reasons.
- the outer surface of the body and/or lid of the storage device could be decorated, for example with different single colours, with patterns or other surface decorations.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
A storage device (1) adapted to contain a food item such a butter comprises a closeable container (3), a means for maintaining a predetermined temperature with the container irrespective of ambient temperature and an internal power source adapted to power the means for maintaining a predetermined temperature. The closeable container (3) is located on a recharging unit (43) by way of spherical feet (7) which are received in part-spherical cups (47) on the recharging unit (43).
Description
- This invention relates to a storage device in particular a storage device within which a predetermined temperature is maintained.
- Certain solid food items which melt or soften at room temperature, for example butter, are traditionally kept in a storage area such as a refrigerator or an area of a building with a relatively low ambient temperature to maintain the food item in a substantially solid form and to prolong the storage life of the food item. When a person wished to use or serve butter, for example, the butter may be removed from the storage area and transferred to an area with a relatively higher ambient temperature. In general, time must be allowed for the butter to warm up and reach a required serving temperature to facilitate the use of the butter, for example for spreading.
- A problem with placing a portion of butter in a known container on, for example, a dining surface for use during a meal is that, the butter must be allowed to soften at room temperature, the time when the butter is at an ideal serving temperature may not coincide with when the butter is actually required during the meal. If the butter is provided at the ideal serving temperature, and if the ambient room temperature is too high, the butter may not be maintained at the ideal serving temperature and may continue to soften, especially if the butter is not used immediately. In extreme cases, the butter can become liquified and unsuitable for use.
- There is a need, therefore, for a storage device for food items, such as butter, which can easily and readily be transported to a location where the food item is required but which is able to maintain the food item at a predetermined temperature.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a storage device which overcomes or minimises these problems.
- According to the present invention there is provided a storage device adapted to contain a food item comprising: a closeable container; a means for maintaining a predetermined temperature within the container irrespective of ambient temperature; and an internal power source adapted to power the means for maintaining a predetermined temperature.
- The internal power source may be a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may be recharged in the storage device, for example by means of a removable connection to a mains power supply. The removable connection may be in the form of a recharging unit.
- Alternatively, the battery may be replaceable.
- The means for maintaining a predetermined temperature within the container may comprise a heat transfer member, for example of aluminium, preferably die-cast aluminium.
- The means for maintaining a predetermined temperature within the container may comprise a thermoelectric device, for example a Peltier Effect device.
- The thermoelectric device may comprise a pair of opposed plates separated by a semi-conductor material.
- The opposed plates may be ceramic plates.
- A temperature-gradient may be produced between the opposed plates in the presence of a DC electric current.
- The semi-conductor material may be bismuth telluride.
- The means for maintaining a predetermined temperature effect may comprise a heat sink and/or a fan.
- Electronic control means may be provided to regulate the means for maintaining a predetermined temperature.
- The predetermined temperature may be in a range from substantially 10 degrees Celsius to substantially 20 degrees Celsius.
- The container of the storage device may comprise an insulating layer. The insulating lay may comprise a moulded thermally insulating plastics material.
- The storage device may comprise an insert within the container adapted to receive the food item. The insert may be removable from the container.
- The closeable container may comprise a removable lid
- For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage device in accordance with the present invention provided with a recharging unit; -
FIG. 2 is a first cross-sectional view of the storage device inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a second cross-sectional view of the storage device inFIG. 1 , taken along the line A-A inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an insert of the storage device inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of an arrangement of a heat transfer member and a heat sink of the storage device inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is an end view of the arrangements ofFIG. 5 ; and -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the recharging unit inFIG. 1 . - Referring to
FIGS. 1 to 3 , thestorage device 1 comprises a first container provided by a substantially rectangular box-shaped body 3 having four substantially upright walls and an opening at anupper face 5. The body is provided with aspherical foot 7 at each of the four lower corners of the body, thefeet 7 being adapted to support the device on a surface. Alid 9 having a upper face and four downwardly extending walls is also provided. Thelid 9 is arranged to fit over theopen face 5 and externally over the four upright walls of the body to form a closeable container. Ahandle 11 is provided on thelid 9 to enable the lid to be removed from the body. - The
body 3 andlid 9 of the storage device are made from a resilient polycarbonate plastics material. However, it should be appreciated that other resilient materials could be used. Thefeet 7 of the storage device are made of a rubber material, for example acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (BDS) rubber. - An internal upper region of the
body 3 is formed with a cavity providing a first receptacle portion and having an internal bottom face and four side walls the side wall extending upwardly towards the open face of the body. The four side walls of the cavity are in the form of a substantially inverted elongate “U” such that the side walls of the cavity extend upwards the open face of the body, curve away from each other and extend downward to form portions of outer wall of the body. The shape of the side walls forms a hollow space between the outer walls of the body and the walls of the cavity. Athermal insulating block 13 is provided in this hollow space. The thermal insulating block is shaped to surround the bottom and sides of the cavity. The thermal insulating block comprises moulded expanded polystyrene but may be formed from any suitable thermal insulating material such as polyurethane foam material. A thermal insulation material may be foamed, in situ, within the hollow space between the outer walls of the body and the walls of the cavity. - A majority of the side walls forming the hollow space is of resilient polycarbonate plastics materials. However, the bottom face and lower portions of the walls of the cavity may be of aluminium, preferably die-cast aluminium, forming a dish-shaped
heat transfer member 15. - An
insert 17 providing a second container of the device, into which afood item 19, for example butter, can be placed is provided within the cavity of the upper region of the body. The insert is dimensioned such that the outer surfaces of the insert are substantially in contact with upper regions of the side walls of the cavity with theheat transfer member 15.Upper portions 21 of theside walls 23 of theinsert 17 are, as shown inFIG. 4 , shaped in the form of a substantially inverted “U” to correspond to the shape of the upper surfaces of the walls of the cavity such that theside walls 23 extend over the top, and partially down the outer surface, of the upper portion of the body (as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ). The insert is manufactured from a high temperature resistant plastics material, for example a polycarbonate plastics material. The insert is removable from the cavity in the upper region of the body in order that surfaces of the insert which in use come into contact with food items can be cleaned. - Provided in a lower region of the body, beneath the
insulating block 13, are aninternal power source 25, in the form of a rechargeable battery pack, aheat sink 27 as known to a person skilled in the art, afan 29 and associated electronic circuitry provided on a printed circuit board 31 (seeFIGS. 2 and 3 ). - The relative arrangement of the
heat sink 27,fan 29, and dish-shapedheat transfer member 15 is shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 . - The
fan 29 is positioned below theheat sink 27, adjacent to the surface of the heat sink furthest from the dish-shaped heat transfer member. - The
battery pack 25 and theheat sink 27 are arranged side-by-side beneath the bottom surface of the dish-shaped heat transfer member. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , theheat sink 27 is provided with an undulating surface in order to increase the surface area of the heat sink from which heat can be dissipated. - A switch (not shown) is provided on the body of the storage device to enable the battery pack to be isolated from the electronic circuitry, for example when the storage device is not in use.
- The
heat sink 27 is separated from the bottom surface of the dish-shapedheat transfer member 15 lining the lower portion of the cavity by means of thermally and electrically insulating spacers 33 (FIG. 6 ). The insulating spacers pass through apertures in the lower portion of the thermal insulatingblock 13 positioned between theheat transfer member 15 and theheat sink 27. Positioned between theheat transfer member 15 and theheat sink 27 is a Peltier Effectthermoelectric device 35, for example a Marlow MI 1013T device. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , athermistor 37 is located on theheat transfer member 15 and is the close thermal contact with the heat transfer member. Thethermistor 37 is in electrical communication with temperature controlling circuitry means provided on the printedcircuit board 31. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the body of the device in the region of theheat sink 27 is provided with a plurality ofapertures 39 to enable heat to be dissipated, for example by conduction and convection, from theheat sink 27 to the outside of the device. - The
fan 29, positioned adjacent and below theheat sink 27, assists in the cooling of the heat sink. Guard means 41 is provided to prevent the insertion of items, for example fingers, into gaps between the blades of the fan. -
FIG. 1 shows the device positioned on arecharging unit 43, the recharging unit being in the form of a base plate. The rechargingunit 43 is shown in detail inFIG. 7 . - An
upper surface 45 of therecharging unit 43 is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the lower surface of thestorage device 1 in order that the storage device can be easily and securely positioned on theunit 43. Cup-shapedmembers 47 having respective part-spherical surfaces to receive thefeet 7 of the storage device are provided on the recharging unit. Amale connector 49 extends upwardly from theupper surface 45 of the recharging unit and is inserted, in use, into a female connector (not shown) provided in the base of the storage device to enable an electrical connection to be made between the recharging unit and the storage device. Power supplied by a mains power supply (not shown) is used to recharge the battery pack in a manner known to a person skilled in the art. - The temperature within the cavity of the storage device is maintained at a predetermined value irrespective of the ambient temperature as described below.
- A portion of
butter 19 is placed in theinsert 17 of the storage device and thelid 9 is placed on the body to close the device. The temperature within the device detected by thethermistor 37 will initially be substantially equal to the ambient temperature. - The resistance of the
thermistor 37 equating to a predetermined temperature can be varied by means of a control potentiometer (not shown). The predetermined temperature can be adjusted within a temperature range, for example between substantially 10 to substantially 20 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature can be selected, for example, to equate to the ideal spreading temperature of butter. The maintenance of a constant predetermined temperature of the butter within the device can also aid in ensuring an acceptable storage life for the butter. - Detection by the electronics within the storage device of a temperature of the
heat transfer member 15 in excess of the predetermined temperature, for example in excess of the 19.5 degrees Celsius, results in heat from within the cavity and theinsert 17 of the storage device being removed via thethermoelectric device 35. - The
thermoelectric device 35 is a solid-state component which acts as a heat pump. The thermoelectric device is in the form of two opposed plates, for example ceramic plates, separated by a semi-conductor material, for example bismuth telluride. When a DC current is applied by the internal power supply to the thermoelectric device a temperature gradient is formed between the two plates. - In the situation where there is a requirement to reduce the temperature within the cavity of the storage device, the plate nearer the cavity is configured to be the “cold face” and the plate further from the cavity, that is nearer to the heat sink is configure to be the “hot face”. As heat is dissipated from the “hot face” by means of the adjacent heat sink, heat must be moved from the “cold face” to the “hot face” to maintain the aforementioned temperature gradient. Consequently, the temperature within the cavity is reduced by the action of the thermoelectric device.
- Heat from the
heat sink 27 is dissipated to the surrounding environment of the storage device via theapertures 39 in the body of the device. - The loss of heat from the
heat sink 27 is assisted by thefan 29 which is used to cool the heat sink. Comparison means provided in the electronics determines whether the temperature detected by thethermistor 37 is above or below the predetermined temperature and controls thethermoelectric device 35 accordingly. By this means, the temperature within the storage device can be maintained at the predetermined temperature. - As it will be appreciated, if the ambient temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the
thermistor 37 will detect an internal temperature lower than the predetermined value and the thermoelectric device will be used to increase the heat within the cavity. By mans of the electronic comparison and control means, the polarity of the DC current to thethermoelectric device 35 can be reversed, in a manner known to a person skilled in the art. As such the plate nearer the cavity is configured to be the “hot face” and the plate further from the cavity, that is nearer to the heat sink is configured to be the “cold face”. As heat is dissipated from the “hot face” to heat up the cavity of the storage device, heat must be moved from the “cold face” to the “hot face” to maintain the aforementioned temperature gradient. Consequently, the temperature with the cavity is increased by the action of the thermoelectric device. - While the storage device is connected to the
recharging unit 43 the predetermined internal temperature will be maintained within the storage device. However, as the storage device has its owninternal power source 25, the storage device can be removed from the rechargingunit 43 and transported to a location where a food item contained therein is required and the food within the device will continue to be maintained at the predetermined temperature. - When the storage device is removed from the recharging
unit 43, the device is capable of maintaining the predetermined temperature, for example, for the duration of a meal, and preferably for up to 2 hours. However, batteries within thebattery pack 25 will discharge during the time the storage unit is internally powered. If the storage device is not returned to the recharging unit, the batteries will continue to discharge and damage could be caused to the rechargeable batteries and/or the storage device. Consequently, a low voltage detection means (not shown) is provided which operates to prevent excessive discharge from the batteries. The low voltage detection means, as known to a person skilled in the art, will only allow thethermoelectric device 35 andfan 29 to work when the voltage provided by the batteries of the battery pack is above a predetermined value. - Although the use of a
recharging unit 43 onto which a storage device in accordance with the present invention can be placed has been described as a means for recharging the batteries of thebattery pack 25 of the storage device, it should be appreciated that a storage device in accordance with the present invention could be provided with batteries which are recharged by direct connection of a removable connecting lead to a mains power supply. Alternatively the storage device could be powered by replaceable batteries. - Although the
insert 17 for containing food items is described as being removable from the cavity in the insulatingblock 13, it should be appreciated that the insert may be rigidly fixed with the device. Alternatively a storage device in accordance with the present invention may not incorporate an insert. - Although a bottom portion of the cavity in the internal region of the body has been described as being lined with a
heat transfer member 15, it should be appreciated that a skin may be provided over a surface of the heat transfer member within the cavity such that food items can be placed directly in the cavity without coming into direct contact with the heat transfer member. - The body of storage device in accordance with the present invention need not be restricted to a rectangular box-shaped configuration but instead could be designed to be any shape that is required, for example for decorative or aesthetic reasons.
- The outer surface of the body and/or lid of the storage device could be decorated, for example with different single colours, with patterns or other surface decorations.
Claims (15)
1. A portable storage device for maintaining the temperature of at least one food item contained in the device, the storage device comprising:
a. a first container having a receptacle portion and associated temperature determination elements capable of determining the temperature within the receptacle portion, the temperature determination elements being coupled to a power source;
b. a charging device capable of being engaged to the container and disengaged from the container, the charging device having at least one surface shaped to correspond to a non-flat surface of the container, such that, when the charging device is engaged to the container, power is supplied to the power source, and, when the charging device is disengaged from the container, the power source is capable of supplying power to the temperature determination elements for some period of time without the charging device.
2. A portable storage device according to claim 1 , including a further, second container having a receptacle portion capable of being placed within the receptacle portion of the first container, the second container being adapted to store the said at least one food item.
3. A portable storage device according to claim 2 , wherein the second container comprises a plastic material.
4. A portable storage device according to claim 2 or 3 , including a lid capable of providing an enclosure around the first and second containers when the lid is placed on the first container and the receptacle portion of the second container is placed within the receptacle portion of the first container.
5. (canceled)
6. A portable storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the first container has feet that support the first container and the charging device has cup-shaped members for receiving the feet, the feet providing respective said non-flat surface of the container and the cup-shaped members the said corresponding surfaces of the charging device.
7. A portable storage device according to claim 6 , wherein the non-flat surfaces of the feet and the cup-shaped members are part-spherical.
8. A portable storage device according to claim 7 , wherein the feet are substantially spherical.
9. A portable storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the power source comprises at least one rechargeable battery.
10. A portable storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature determination elements comprise a heat transfer element, a thermoelectric module and a temperature control mechanism.
11. A portable storage device according to claim 10 , wherein the heat transfer element comprises aluminium material.
12. A portable storage device according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the thermoelectric module is a Peltier Effect module.
13. A portable storage device according to claims 10 , 11 , or 12, wherein the temperature control mechanism comprises a thermistor and a control potentiometer allowing a user of the storage device to select the temperature within the first receptacle portion of the first container.
14. A portable storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one food item is a portion of butter.
15. A portable storage device according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein the lid further comprises a handle for removing the lid from the first container.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0506005.8 | 2005-03-23 | ||
GB0506005A GB2424358B (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2005-03-23 | Temperature-controlled container for foodstuffs |
PCT/GB2006/001043 WO2006100476A1 (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2006-03-22 | Storage device |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2006/001043 A-371-Of-International WO2006100476A1 (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2006-03-22 | Storage device |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/668,805 Continuation US9267723B2 (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2012-11-05 | Storage device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080168795A1 true US20080168795A1 (en) | 2008-07-17 |
Family
ID=34531768
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/909,370 Abandoned US20080168795A1 (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2006-03-22 | Storage Device |
US13/668,805 Active 2027-09-21 US9267723B2 (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2012-11-05 | Storage device |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/668,805 Active 2027-09-21 US9267723B2 (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2012-11-05 | Storage device |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20080168795A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1861666A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2424358B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006100476A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
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US20110278278A1 (en) * | 2010-05-17 | 2011-11-17 | Emerich Paul M | Open Warming Cabinet |
US20130319015A1 (en) * | 2012-06-05 | 2013-12-05 | Applied Materials, Inc. | Compact ampoule thermal management system |
US8850829B2 (en) | 2012-01-10 | 2014-10-07 | Spring (U.S.A.) Corporation | Heating and cooling unit with semiconductor device and heat pipe |
US20160025388A1 (en) * | 2014-07-23 | 2016-01-28 | General Electric Company | Refrigerator appliances with movable individually temperature control bins |
USD811802S1 (en) | 2016-07-15 | 2018-03-06 | Spring (U.S.A.) Corporation | Food server |
US9909789B2 (en) | 2012-01-10 | 2018-03-06 | Spring (U.S.A.) Corporation | Heating and cooling unit with canopy light |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US8826690B2 (en) | 2009-11-13 | 2014-09-09 | Maher Pidarow | Food tray |
KR20180087618A (en) * | 2017-01-25 | 2018-08-02 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Container and Refrigerator including the same |
US10687663B2 (en) * | 2017-08-14 | 2020-06-23 | Angelica Dobbs | Temperature controlled container |
SE542645C2 (en) | 2018-04-09 | 2020-06-23 | Noginvest Ab | Storage device |
US20210278887A1 (en) | 2020-03-05 | 2021-09-09 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Thermal control for electronic devices |
WO2022020590A1 (en) * | 2020-07-23 | 2022-01-27 | Botx Solutions, Inc. | Systems and methods for monitoring food and/or controlling the quality of food during delivery |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1861666A1 (en) | 2007-12-05 |
US9267723B2 (en) | 2016-02-23 |
WO2006100476A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
GB2424358B (en) | 2008-07-30 |
US20130061604A1 (en) | 2013-03-14 |
GB2424358A (en) | 2006-09-27 |
GB0506005D0 (en) | 2005-04-27 |
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