GB2577498A

GB2577498A - Heating apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2577498A
Application number: GB1815625.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Craig Bailey Timothy
Original assignee: Warmtronics Ltd
Current assignee: Warmtronics Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-25
Filing date: 2018-09-25
Publication date: 2020-04-01
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-25
Also published as: GB2577498B; GB201815625D0

Abstract

A heating apparatus 100 for heating an object such as a person in a commercial environment, like a warehouse or office or include an angled portion to overhang a desk or workbench. The apparatus comprises a heater layer 102 to emit far-infrared (FAR) radiation; a barrier layer 104 located at a first side of the heater layer that prevents heat passing through and a cover layer 108 located at a second side of the heater layer. The apparatus can also include a base layer 106 that is substantially rigid compared to the heater layer and be configured to grip a surface that the apparatus is placed on for use. The different layers can all be secured together at the edges by a surround 110 which is substantially rigid compared to the heater layer.

Description

HEATING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a heating apparatus and in particular, but not exclusively, to a far-infrared heating apparatus for commercial use.

Conventional far-infrared mats are typically used for medical applications such as physiotherapy, massage therapy, pain relief, yoga, and for general wellbeing purposes, and in particular to relax sore muscles, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. Such heating mats are therefore configured for such purposes and are not suitable for other applications, particularly in a commercial environment.

Employees who work in a relatively large and cold space, such as a warehouse, factory, or the like, are typically provided heat by a conventional heater, such as a fan heater, infrared electric bar heater, propane or halogen heater, hot water/electric radiators, or the like. However, such heaters are particularly inefficient, noisy, and do not warm the parts of a worker's body which require heating most, such as the feet and/or hands, to ensure an efficient and comfortable working environment is provided. They are often floor-mounted and create a trip hazard which is particularly undesirable in a potentially dangerous commercial environment. They also present a fire risk. Gas heaters require frequent replacement of cylinders, which in turn require specific storage conditions, and they can cause headaches/nausea due to fume inhalation.

Objects other than a person also often require heating, such as food products. The recommended temperature to serve hot food at is 60°C and it must be eaten within two hours of cooking. However, whilst there appears to be some leniency in relation to 'take-away' delivered food, some hot meals are undesirably delivered cold or luke warm by delivery persons either on foot or by vehicle, such as a car, bicycle or motorbike, or the like. This can result in an unsatisfied customer, food and fuel wastage, and/or illness.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a heating apparatus that is configured for heating an object, such as a person, in a commercial environment, such as a warehouse or office.

It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a heating apparatus that is controllable to heat an object, such as a person, on demand and in an efficient manner responsive to the requirements of the object itself.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for heating an object, comprising: a heater layer to emit far-infrared (FAR) radiation; a barrier layer located at a first side of the heater layer and configured to prevent heat passing therethrough; and a cover layer located at a second side of the heater layer.

Optionally, the heater layer is located on the barrier layer.

Optionally, the barrier layer is thermally reflective or thermally insulating.

Optionally, apparatus further comprises a base layer on which the barrier layer is located.

Optionally, the base layer is configured to grip a support surface on which the apparatus is located in use.

Optionally, the base layer is substantially rigid relative to at least the heater layer.

Optionally, the layers are secured together at one or more edge regions thereof.

Optionally, the edge regions of each layer are secured together by at least one edge element.

Optionally, the at least one edge element comprises two portions connectable together to clamp the edge regions of the layers therebetween.

Optionally, the at least one edge element defines a first window in at least a first side of the apparatus to expose the cover layer therethrough.

Optionally, the at least one edge element defines a second window in at least a second side of the apparatus to expose the base layer therethrough.

Optionally, the at least one edge element comprises a substantially rigid material with respect to at least the heater layer.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises an electrical socket for supplying a power source to the heater layer.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a controller to selectively and/or automatically control FAR radiation emitted from the heater layer in use.

Optionally, the controller comprises a remote controller.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a temperature sensor and/or pressure sensor and/or proximity sensor coupled to the controller.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises at least one illumination device to visually indicate a state of the apparatus based on temperature.

Optionally, the controller is configured to communicate with a remote host.

Optionally, each layer is substantially planar.

Optionally, each layer comprises a first portion oriented at an angle with respect to a second portion to define at least two different planes.

Optionally, the angle is around 10-95 degrees.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises at least one attachment member for attaching the apparatus to a support surface.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a substantially resilient layer located between the barrier layer and the heater layer.

Optionally, the barrier layer comprises polystyrene.

Description of the Drawings

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure la illustrates a heating apparatus according to certain embodiments of the present invention for use as a floor mat; Figure 1 b illustrates an exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 1 a; Figure lc illustrates a further embodiment of a heating apparatus according certain embodiments of the present invention for use as a floor mat; Figure 2a illustrates a heating apparatus according certain embodiments of the present invention for use on a table/desk; Figure 2b illustrates an exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 2a; Figure 2c illustrates a further embodiment of a heating apparatus according certain embodiments of the present invention in a first orientation on a table/desk; Figure 2d illustrates the heating apparatus of Figure 2c in a second orientation on a table/desk; Figure 3a illustrates a heating apparatus according to certain embodiments of the present invention for use in a food delivery container; Figure 3b illustrates an exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 3a; Figure 4a illustrates a controller for selectively operating the heating apparatus of any of Figures la to 2d; and Figure 4b illustrates an exploded view of the controller of Figure 4a.

Detailed Description

As illustrated in Figures la and 1 b, a heating apparatus 100 according to certain embodiments of the present invention for use as a floor mat, includes a heater layer 102 configured to controllably emit far-infrared (FIR) radiation. FIR is a region in the infrared spectrum of electromagnetic radiation and is often defined as any radiation with a wavelength of around 15 pm to 1 mm (corresponding to a range of around 20 THz to 300 GHz) and a photon energy range of around 1.24 meV -1.7 eV. It has been found that the far-infrared radiation band transfers energy purely in the form of heat which can be perceived by the thermoreceptors in human skin as radiant heat. This radiant heat can penetrate up to 1.5 inches (around 4 cm) beneath the skin of a person located proximal the apparatus. The heater layer 102 is electrically powered either by a mains electricity connection or a battery supply (not shown). An electrical connector is coupled to the electrical elements of the heater apparatus to allow a suitable electrical power source to be connected thereto.

The heater layer 102 is aptly around 0.8mm thick and is substantially flexible.

The heater layer 102 is disposed on a reflective layer 104 configured to reflect FIR radiation from the heater layer upwardly in use in a direction away from the reflective layer. The reflective layer 104 may alternatively be a thermally insulating layer configured to prevent heat passing through it, i.e. a barrier layer. An insulating barrier layer may be desirable where a negative heat gradient may exist such as the apparatus being located on a relatively cold floor for example. Aptly, the reflective/insulating layer 104 is around 2-4mm thick. A suitable thermal insulation material is DeltaBoardTM manufactured using high density extruded polystyrene which provides excellent insulating properties. The extruded polystyrene core has a factory-applied reinforced cement coating which provides excellent impact strength, sound reduction and fire resistance. The reflective/insulating layer 104 may add structure to the apparatus, e.g. it may be relatively stiff compared to the flexible heater layer to thereby prevent the heater layer over-flexing or fatiguing due to repetitive flexing.

Optionally, a fatigue layer may be located between the heater layer 102 and the reflective/insulating layer 104. Aptly, the fatigue layer comprises a substantially resilient material, such as open cell rubber, to compress when a load is applied to the apparatus, e.g. a person's weight, and provide a degree of comfort to a user.

The reflective/insulating layer 102 is disposed on a base layer 106 for engagement with a support surface, such as a warehouse floor. The base layer 106 is aptly a 2mm thick power-coated mild steel but may be another suitable material, such as aluminium, and/or thickness to suit a particular application. The base layer 106 adds structure and protection to the apparatus. The base layer 106 may include one or more grip elements to prevent the apparatus sliding or slipping on its support surface. For example, a peripherally disposed continuous rubber strip may be adhered to the underside of the base layer 106 or a plurality of spaced apart grip elements may be provided.

An upper layer 108 is disposed on the heater layer 102 to protect the same in use and also to provide sufficient support and grip to a user walking over, or standing on, the apparatus 100 in use. Aptly, the upper layer 108 is wear and chemical resistant and may include a plurality of projections extending from its outer surface such as elongate ribs, domes, or the like to provide grip for a user's footwear. Aptly the upper layer 108 comprises rubber and is around 3mm thick, but may be another suitable material to provide protection to the underlying layers and optionally grip to a user.

The layers 102,104,106,108 are secured together and their edge regions protected by a surround 110 which is substantially rigid relative to at least the heater layer 102.

The surround 110 has a substantially flat lower surface for abutting a support surface, such as a warehouse floor, and a substantially tapered upper surface to provide chamfered edge regions to the apparatus 100 to prevent a user tripping over the same in use. The surround may be made of a material which offers a relatively high coefficient of friction when engaged with the support surface, such as rubber or the like, or the surround may be a plastics or metal material and the lower surface thereof may include one or more regions of a relatively high frictional material to prevent the apparatus sliding on the support surface, e.g. floor, in use. The surround 110 may be a one-piece component into which the layers are supported at their edge regions or the surround may comprise two or more pieces which sandwich the layers therebetween. The surround may engage with the base layer to clamp the intermediate layers therebetween. The surround may couple with the base layer by mechanical fastening, e.g. screws, bolts, rivets or the like, or bonding.

As illustrated in Figures 1a and 1 b, the surround 110 may not be continuous but may engage with a connection enclosure 103, housing the power connector and a controller in the form of a PCB, to engage with and complete the surround. The otherwise free end regions 112,114 of the surround 110 may slidably connect with respective ends of the enclosure 103 or the end regions of the surround and enclosure may simply abut each other and not interlock. The surround may be coloured to provide an indication to a user of the presence of the apparatus when in use. Furthermore, the surround may include an illumination device to provide a visual indication that the apparatus is in an 'on' configuration and/or when a predetermined temperature has been reached in the vicinity of the apparatus. As such, the enclosure 103 may house a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of one or more layers of the apparatus and/or an air temperature in the vicinity of the apparatus.

The apparatus 100 may further include a pressure or proximity sensor to sense the presence of a user standing on or proximal the apparatus in use. A controller housed in the enclosure 103 may receive a signal from the pressure or proximity sensor and use that signal for a variety of purposes. For example, the controller may detect a person standing on or proximal the apparatus and selectively provide power to the heater layer 102 to thereby warm the person for a predetermined duration and/or at a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be responsive to the air temperature sensed by the temperature sensor and/or a temperature of the support surface sensed by the same or another temperature sensor and/or to the weight of the person standing on the apparatus sensed by the pressure sensor. Such a pressure or proximity sensor may also be used to monitor/log the presence of a person on the apparatus for safety purposes, e.g. when the apparatus is located in the vicinity of a potentially dangerous machine or hazard. The apparatus may also be used to monitor a user's productivity if used in a commercial environment, such as a warehouse, factory, office, or the like. The controller may aptly be configured to power down the apparatus when a person is not sensed on or proximal the apparatus to thereby save energy.

Alternatively, or additionally, the heat apparatus 100 may be controllable by a user via a remote controller 400 as illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b. The remote controller 400 may be wired to the apparatus via the connector enclosure 103 or may be wirelessly communicate with a local controller located in the enclosure 103. The remote controller 400 may be mountable to a surface, such as a table leg or to a user's limb by suitable means such as a strap, or may be free-standing on a surface, such as a workbench, desk or the like. The remote controller 400 may be configured to allow a user to selectively turn the heat apparatus 'on' or 'off', such as via a physical switch, rotary dial, and/or a touchscreen display. The illustrated controller 400 aptly includes a relatively large push button 402 which engages with a switch 404 mounted on a PCB 406 which includes a plurality of LEDs 408 each for emitting a different colour, e.g. three LEDs for emitting red, amber, and green respectively.

Alternatively, three orange LEDs and one blue LED may be provided, wherein the orange LEDs indicate a temperature level (one LED illuminated indicates a low heat level, two LEDs illuminated indicates a medium heat level, and three LEDs indicates a high heat level). The blue LED aptly indicates no heat is being emitted from the apparatus but power is being supplied to the apparatus, i.e. the apparatus is dormant. The relatively large button allows a user to efficiently operate the switch, such as a less able person or a user wearing gloves. The PCB and push button are housed in a casing consisting of a top portion 410, a base portion 412 and an intermediate portion 414. Alternatively, the casing may consist of more or less portions. Aptly, the casing is a hardened plastics material and the portions are injection moulded or the like. The top portion 410 includes a central aperture 416 for the push button 402 to extend through and be guided by when in use. However, the push button 402 need not be located centrally in the top portion 410. The top portion 412 also includes a plurality of further apertures 418 for a respective one of the LEDs 408 to be mounted in. Alternatively, the top portion 410 may comprise a window or be at least partially transparent for light emitted from the LEDs to pass through the top portion 410. Optionally, the red LED may indicate to a user that the heat apparatus is 'off' or is not emitting any FIR radiation. The green LED may indicate to a user that the heat apparatus is 'on' and is emitting FIR radiation. The amber LED may indicate to a user that the heat apparatus is 'on' but is in a dormant state and not emitting FIR radiation, until a user stands on the apparatus and the controller actuates the heater layer 102 to emit FIR radiation therefrom and in turn illuminate the green LED instead of the amber LED. Alternatively, the controller and the LEDs may be configured to indicate to a user a temperature level/range of the apparatus 100 or air temperature in the vicinity of the apparatus. The base portion 412 includes a plurality of bosses 413 for mounting the PCB on by screws or the like. The bosses may also be used to couple the top portion 410 to the base portion 412 or the top portion may engage with the base portion in another suitable manner such as a snap-fit or interference fit, corresponding screw threads, adhesive, or the like.

In use, the heat apparatus 100 may be used in a working environment such as adjacent to a machine, workbench, processing line or the like, at which a person may be located for an extended period of time and require warming, particularly in draughty or cold weather conditions. The construction of the apparatus 100 is configured to withstand heavy duty and repetitive use in such an environment and provides efficient heating of a person/s on the apparatus, or in the vicinity of the apparatus, in a controllable manner and responsive to a number of selectable parameters.

The floor apparatus 100 as illustrated is substantially rectangular in plan view but the apparatus may be any suitable shape, e.g. square or the like, to suit a particular use and/or surface to be mounted on. The apparatus 100 when assembled is around 600 mm long, around 900 mm wide, and around 20 mm thick, however it may be sized according to a particular application/use.

Whilst the upper surface of the floor apparatus 100 illustrated in Figures la and 1 b is substantially planar, a portion thereof such as an edge region may be angled upwardly with respect to the horizontal to direct FAR radiation towards a person standing on the apparatus, such as towards the person's legs/waist, instead of predominantly upwardly. Such an example is illustrated in Figure 1 c. The apparatus 150 includes a substantially horizontal upper layer portion 158 and an angled upper layer portion 159. The angled upper layer portion 159 is angled by around 30 degrees to the horizontal portion. The base portion 160 and/or surround 161 may provide the apparatus with its angled structure/form and supporting strength. The angled portion may house the electronics. A proximity sensor 170 is provided at each upper corner of the angled portion to detect a person on or proximal the apparatus in use. The angled portion may be locatable under a table/workbench at which the person is working to thereby direct a portion of the FAR radiation being emitted from the apparatus towards the person, whilst eliminating any trip hazard otherwise caused by the angle portion. The angled portion may also be used as a foot rest by a person sat at the table/desk. A substantially rigid base layer, surround and/or edge members may provide a support for the layers of the apparatus to thereby form and retain the angled edge region thereof.

As illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b, a heat apparatus 200 according to certain embodiments of the present invention for use on a desk, table, workbench or the like, includes a heater layer 202 configured to controllably emit far-infrared (FIR) radiation. The heater layer 202 is aptly a similar construction and material as for the apparatus illustrated in Figures la to 1 c.

The heater layer 202 is disposed on a reflective layer 204 configured to reflect FIR radiation from the heater layer upwardly and outwardly towards a user in use in a direction away from the reflective layer. The reflective layer 104 may alternatively be an insulating layer as described above for the apparatus illustrated in Figures la to 1c.

The reflective/insulating layer 202 is disposed on a base layer 206 for engagement with a support surface, such as a table, desk, workbench or the like. Aptly, the base layer 206 may be a similar construction and material as for the apparatus illustrated in Figures la to 1 c. The base layer may comprise a rubber or plastics material, or the like, to provide an anti-slip surface to the underside of the apparatus when engaged with a table/desk top in use.

An upper layer 208 is disposed on the heater layer 202 to protect the same in use and also to provide support, grip and/or tactility to a user working on the apparatus 200 in use. Aptly, the upper layer 208 is neoprene or the like to provide a comfortable and tactile yet resilient upper working surface to the apparatus 200.

Aptly the upper layer 208 is around 2-3mm thick.

As illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b, the layers 202, 204, 206, 208 all comprise a first portion 230 and a second portion 240 oriented substantially perpendicularly to the first portion. However, an angle between the first and second portions of each layer may be more or less than 90 degrees depending on the support surface on which the apparatus is to be mounted and also the desired direction of FAR radiation from the apparatus in use. The first and second portions are each substantially planar whilst defining different planes. An elongate region between the first and second portions of each layer is substantially curved. The radius of the curved region of the heater layer 202 is at least around 10mm to prevent damage to the elements thereof.

Each layer may be substantially flexible to be a one-piece layer bendable to form the first and second portions. Alternatively, at least the insulating layer, particularly when a rigid material, is aptly two separate portions.

The layers 202, 204, 206, 208 are secured together at their end regions by side members 210,212 each having a base portion 209,213 and a cover portion 211,215. Alternatively, or additionally, the layers may be adhered together by a suitable adhesive. The layers may alternatively be secured together by one or more edge members extending partially or continuously around the periphery of the apparatus.

The right-angled base and cover portions of each side member are substantially rigid relative to at least the heater layer 202 to thereby ensure the apparatus 200 retains its shape and to prevent each layer, particularly the heater layer 202, flexing in use which could result in fatigue failure/damage. The base and cover portions of each side member may be same material, e.g. a hardened plastic, or the base portion of each side member may be a metal, e.g. aluminium or steel, and the cover portion may be a plastics material. The layers may be attached to the base portion and the cover portion may be for aesthetic purposes to cover the fixings for example. At least the base portion of each side member may be made of a material which offers a relatively high coefficient of friction when engaged with the table, desk etc. such as rubber or the like, or the base portion may be a plastics or metal material and the lower surface thereof may include one or more regions of a relatively high frictional material to prevent the table/desk apparatus 200 moving on the support surface in use. Alternatively, or additionally, the apparatus 200 may include one or more clamp members 220 proximal each side member to clamp the apparatus to the table, desk, workbench or the like to prevent movement of the same in use. Each clamp member 220 may comprise a handwheel clamp operable by a user via a screw thread on the clamp member which engages in a correspondingly threaded hole on a region of the apparatus located below the table, desk, workbench or the like. The apparatus 200 may include edge trim members 217,219 for enclosing/protecting the longitudinal edge regions of the apparatus 200. Aptly these edge trim members may include spaced apart apertures to allow the apparatus to be attached, e.g. by hooking, to a table/desk edge in either orientation.

As illustrated, the apparatus 200 may aptly include a cover panel 222 mounted on the rear face of the vertically oriented portion of the base layer 206. The cover panel may be attached to base layer and/or to the base portions 209,213 of the side members 210,212. As such, the cover panel 222 is located under the table, desk, workbench and out-of-sight and protected from knocks, spills etc. The cover panel 222 may aptly include threaded holes 221 for the clamp members 220 to cooperate with, as illustrated in Figure 2b. The cover panel 222 aptly houses a PCB controller and optionally a transformer and/or battery. The cover panel 222 may be a moulded plastics material. A remote controller, such as illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b, may couple to the local controller via a suitable connection. Aptly, at least one of the side members 210 houses at least one switch 224 for turning the apparatus on/off and/or controlling a temperature of the apparatus in use, and also supports a plurality of LEDs 226 to provide a visual indication to user of a temperature of the table/desk apparatus 200, for example in the same or similar manner as described above in relation to the floor apparatus 100.

When mounted on a working surface of a table, desk, workbench or the like, an under surface of the substantially horizontal portion 205 of the base layer 206 engages with an upper support surface of the table, desk, workbench or the like, and an inner surface of the substantially vertical portion 207 of the base layer 206 engages with an outer surface of the edge region of the table, desk, workbench or the like. When mounted on the working surface and edge region of a table, desk, workbench or the like, the substantially vertically portion of the apparatus 200 overhangs the edge region. As such, when operable, the apparatus 200 is configured to emit FAR radiation in a substantially upwardly direction from the horizontally oriented portion and also outwardly towards a person's body to provide additional warmth and comfort, particularly in a relatively cold environment, such as in a warehouse or factory.

The apparatus 200 as illustrated is substantially rectangular in plan and front view but the top and front portions of the apparatus may be any suitable shape, e.g. square or the like, to suit a particular use and/or surface to be mounted on. The horizontally oriented first portion 230 of the illustrated apparatus 200 is around 600mm long and around 250 mm wide. The vertically oriented second portion 240 of the illustrated apparatus is around 600 mm long and around 60 mm wide, and aptly at least 30 mm. The thickness of the assembled apparatus 200 is around 10 mm. However, the apparatus 200 may be sized according to a particular application/use.

An alternative embodiment of the workbench/table/desk apparatus 250 is illustrated in Figures 2c and 2d. The apparatus 250 has two portions 268,269 oriented perpendicularly with respect to each other and the layers are clamped together by a surround 260. The apparatus includes a controller housing 262 located on an outer surface of the surround to allow the apparatus to be located on a table/desk in one of two orientations without the housing 262 engaging with the edge region of the table/desk. Figure 2c shows the apparatus in one orientation with the longer portion located on a table/desk, and Figure 2d shows the apparatus in the other orientation with the shorter portion located on the table/desk. The orientation of the apparatus can therefore be chosen by a user depending on the application or desired level of heat/target in a particular direction. For example, the orientation shown in Figure 2c may be desirable for a person sitting at an office desk, whereas the orientation shown in Figure 2d may be desirable for a person standing at a workbench, for example. The apparatus is aptly provided with proximity sensors 270 coupled to the controller to sense a user proximal the device. The apparatus may be configured to allow a controller such as illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b to be removably mounted thereon, such as by sliding the controller into a correspondingly shaped track on the surround or housing of the apparatus, or by magnets, or the like.

As illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, a heating apparatus 300 according to certain embodiments of the present invention for use in a fast-food delivery container, includes a heater layer 302 configured to controllably emit far-infrared (FIR) radiation. The heater layer 202 is aptly a similar construction and material as for the apparatus illustrated in Figures la to 1 c.

The heater layer 302 is disposed on a reflective layer 304 configured to reflect FIR radiation from the heater layer in a direction away from the reflective layer. The reflective layer 104 may alternatively be an insulating layer as described above for the apparatus illustrated in Figures la to 1 c.

The reflective/insulating layer 302 is disposed on a base layer 304 which may comprise a rubber or plastics material, or the like, to provide an anti-slip surface for engagement with a surface of the delivery bag/box in use. Alternatively, the base layer may comprise a substantially strong yet lightweight material such as carbon fibre or the like.

An upper layer 308 is disposed on the heater layer 302 to protect the same in use. Aptly, the upper layer 308 may be neoprene or the like to provide a further anti-slip surface for engagement with a surface of the delivery bag/box or a food item/container in use and/or to provide a relatively resilient outer surface to the apparatus 300 to prevent/minimise the risk of damage occurring to a food item/container located in the delivery box/bag in use.

As illustrated, the layers 302,304,306,308 may be secured together at their edge regions by a relatively rigid surround 310 made of a suitable plastics or metal material. The surround 310 may comprise two portions 311,313 connectable together to thereby sandwich the edge regions of the layers therebetween, whilst providing a window on both sides of the apparatus to expose the base layer and upper layer thereof and allow FAR radiation to be efficiently emitted from the upper layer. The surround may be provided with a non-slip surface.

A portion 320 of the surround 310 may be configured to house a PCB for controlling the apparatus 300 and which may be connectable by a plug to an external power source, e.g. a battery 330. The battery 330 is relatively slim for inclusion with the apparatus in the food delivery container, such as a sleeve/pocket thereof. The battery is replaceable and chargeable as required. Alternatively, or additionally, a dynamo mounted to a bicycle or moped of a delivery person may be coupled to the power source or directly to the apparatus to allow the same to be charged/powered in use on the way to a customer. Further alternatively, the power source may comprise a photovoltaic cell.

In use, the heat apparatus 300 is connected to a power source, e.g. a battery, and located in a food delivery container, such as a pizza delivery box mounted on the back of a delivery person, a bicycle, or a motorbike, for example. The heat apparatus 300 may be located in a sleeve/pocket of the delivery container or directly in the base of the container. The apparatus 300 may be sized and shaped to correspond with the sleeve/pocket or base of the container. For example, the apparatus 300 may around 150 mm long, around 150 mm wide, and around 10 mm thick. When in situ, the upper layer 308 of the apparatus 300 is facing inwardly with respect to an interior of the delivery container to thereby ensure FAR radiation emitted from the heater layer 302 is directed at and received by the food product being delivered.

Aptly, a local controller, e.g. PCB, located in the portion 320 of the surround 310 is configured to wirelessly communicate, e.g. via BluetoothTM, with a computing device, such as a mobile phone or tablet. One or more temperature sensors may be located in the delivery container to sense and monitor a temperature therein. The temperature sensor/s aptly communicates with the computing device to allow an operator to monitor the temperature inside the delivery container and selectively control the FAR radiation being emitted from the apparatus 300 to adjust the temperature in the delivery container accordingly. The apparatus 300 may include a pressure or proximity sensor to sense when a food product is located thereon or proximal thereto and being delivered. The pressure or proximity sensor may aptly communicate with the computing device to allow an operator to monitor the delivery and selectively control the FAR radiation being emitted from the apparatus 300 to adjust the temperature in the delivery container accordingly. Alternatively, the apparatus 300 and in turn the temperature inside the delivery container may be controlled automatically responsive to a feedback temperature and/or pressure signal, and/or the temperature requirements of the food product being delivered.

The temperature requirements of the food product may be selected via the computing device prior to delivery of the food product to a customer. The computing device may be configured to communicate with a customer's computing device via the Internet or similar wireless communication means to allow, for example, a customer to monitor the location of the food product relative to a location of the customer and/or a temperature inside the delivery container. The customer may do this via a software application executable on their computing device such as a mobile phone or tablet.

Certain embodiments of the present invention therefore provide a heating apparatus that is configured for use in a commercial environment to controllably heat an object in an efficient manner responsive to the requirements of the object. For example, a floor mat 100 is provided to efficiently warm at least the lower portion of a person standing on the mat such as in a warehouse, factory or the like. The mat is configured to emit FAR radiation when a person is standing on the mat and not to emit FAR radiation when a person is not present. The mat is configured to be selectively controlled by a user and/or a temperature in the vicinity of the mat. A table/desk mat 200 is provided to efficiently warm an upper portion of a person working at the table/desk, such as in a warehouse, office or factory. The table/desk mat 200 is configured to emit FAR radiation in at least two different directions to target the face, hands and arms of a person located at the table/desk but also the torso of the person. A heat apparatus 300 is also provided for efficiently and controllably warming a food product to ensure the same is delivered at a desired temperature. The food product may be warmed responsive to a location of the same with respect to a delivery location and/or a temperature within a delivery container and/or one or more characteristics of the food product itself. The heat apparatus is configured to communicate to the cloud/a remote host via the Internet or mobile communications system to allow data acquired by the apparatus, such as energy usage, length of time on/off, temperature, etc., to be shared with the user and for the apparatus to be included in The Internet of Things (loT) network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity which enables these things to connect, collect and exchange data, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems, resulting in efficiency improvements, economic benefits, and reduced human exertions.

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for heating an object, comprising: a heater layer to emit far-infrared (FAR) radiation; a barrier layer located at a first side of the heater layer and configured to prevent heat passing therethrough; and a cover layer located at a second side of the heater layer. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heater layer is located on the barrier layer.
The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the barrier layer is thermally reflective or thermally insulating.
The apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a base layer on which the barrier layer is located.
The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the base layer is configured to grip a support surface on which the apparatus is located in use.
The apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the base layer is substantially rigid relative to at least the heater layer.
The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the layers are secured together at one or more edge regions thereof.
The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the edge regions of each layer are secured together by at least one edge element.
The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the at least one edge element comprises two portions connectable together to clamp the edge regions of the layers therebetween.
10. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one edge element defines a first window in at least a first side of the apparatus to expose the cover layer therethrough.s
11. The apparatus according to claim 4 and 8, wherein the at least one edge element defines a second window in at least a second side of the apparatus to expose the base layer therethrough.
12. The apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the at least one edge element comprises a substantially rigid material with respect to at least the heater layer.
13. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising an electrical socket for supplying a power source to the heater layer.
14. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a controller to selectively and/or automatically control FAR radiation emitted from the heater layer in use.
15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the controller comprises a remote controller.
16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a temperature sensor and/or pressure sensor and/or proximity sensor coupled to the controller.
17. The apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 16, further comprising at least one illumination device coupled to the controller to visually indicate a state of the apparatus based on temperature.
18. The apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the controller is configured to communicate with a remote host.
19. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each layer is substantially planar. 20. 21. 22. 23.is 24.The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein each layer comprises a first portion oriented at an angle with respect to a second portion to define at least two different planes.The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the angle is around 10 to 95 degrees.The apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one attachment member for attaching the apparatus to a support surface.The apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a substantially resilient layer located between the barrier layer and the heater layer.The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier layer comprises polystyrene.