JP2011527743A - Thermal energy storage container - Google Patents

Abstract

【Task】
A cover of a thermal energy storage container configured to detachably engage with a base, the container including a cavity for storing food, a chamber for storing utensils, and / or a thermal energy storage material. Compartment containing may be defined.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal energy storage container and cover, in particular a container and cover having a thermal energy storage material provided therein, and a cover having a chamber that can be used independently for the storage of appliances and / or food accessories. And about.

  Thermal energy storage packs are generally known for applications that hold the contents of storage containers in a heated or cooled state. For example, a frozen thermal pack is pre-filled with a refrigerated thermal energy storage material and, with the food in an insulated container such as a cooler, to keep chilled contents such as food and beverages in a cooled state for a predetermined period of time. Installed. Such thermal energy materials typically have a heat capacity 10-15 times that of frozen water, and therefore hold the chilled contents in a chilled state for an extended period of time compared to ice alone. Such a cooling pack can be reused many times by refreezing when not in use, and avoids the problem of the molten liquid coming into contact with objects in the cooler. Insulating energy storage materials are also known that can be preheated through a microwave oven or other means.

  These hot and cold packs are generally provided in a predetermined size that is not always convenient for small quantities of food, such as a meal for one person. In addition, for those who wish to carry only a single meal for later consumption, install one or more food storage containers and thermal energy storage packs with food in a cooler or box, appliances or other food Storing accessories is a significant inconvenience.

  It would be advantageous to have a single container containing one or more cavities for the storage of food, a compartment for holding thermal energy storage material, and / or a chamber for utensils and other food accessories.

  One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a thermal energy storage container. The thermal energy storage container includes a base and a cover. The base defines at least one food storage cavity and the base has any two cavities separated by a septum. The cover is detachably engaged with the base along its side surface, and includes a cover body, a lid, and a thermal energy storage material. The cover body defines a compartment located adjacent to one or more food storage cavities formed by the base when the cover and the base are engaged. A thermal energy storage material is located within this compartment and can heat or cool the contents of one or more food storage cavities depending on its temperature. The top surface of the cover defines a chamber configured to receive at least one appliance and / or other hood accessory. The lid is located on the top surface of the cover and is accessible to the utensil or food accessory without opening the container or interfering with the interface between the thermal energy storage material and the food storage cavity.

  Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to thermal energy storage containers separately. The thermal energy storage container includes a base and a cover. The base defines at least one food storage cavity and the base has any two cavities separated by a septum. The cover is detachably engaged with the base along its side surface, and includes a cover body, a lid, and a thermal energy storage material. The cover body defines a compartment located adjacent to one or more food storage cavities formed by the base when the cover and the base are engaged. A thermal energy storage material is located within this compartment and can heat or cool the contents of one or more food storage cavities depending on its temperature. The top surface of the cover defines a chamber configured to receive a food accessory or food. The lid is located on the top surface of the cover and is accessible to food accessories or food without opening the container or interfering with the interface between the thermal energy storage material and the food storage cavity. The lid rotates about an axis that is generally inclined from the side of the cover body to reduce the possibility of the cover being removed from the base of the thermal energy storage container as the lid opens.

  Other embodiments of the present invention are directed separately to thermal energy storage containers configured to hold one or more types of consumable food separately. The thermal energy storage container includes a base and a cover. The base defines at least one food storage cavity and the base has any two cavities separated by a septum. The rim extends generally outward from the end of the base at its upper end and includes a plurality of crescents on the opposite side of the base. Each crescent includes a notch therein to assist in the cover installation. The cover is detachably engaged with the base along its side surface, and includes a cover body, a lid, and a thermal energy storage material. The cover body defines a compartment therein. A thermal energy storage material is located within this compartment and can heat or cool the contents of one or more food storage cavities depending on its temperature. The covering extends generally outward from the cover body and covers the edges of the base and the crescent when the cover is secured to the base. A plurality of knobs along the cover are configured to engage with the crescent notch of the base, respectively, and securely attach the cover to the base. The top surface of the cover defines a chamber configured to receive a food accessory or food. The lid is located on the top surface of the cover and is accessible to food accessories or food without opening the container or interfering with the interface between the thermal energy storage material and the food storage cavity. The lid rotates about an axis that is generally inclined from the side of the cover body to reduce the possibility of the cover being removed from the base of the thermal energy storage container as the lid opens.

  The foregoing description, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, will become more apparent when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. However, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawing:

A thermal energy storage container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the base may define three cavities configured to receive food, the cover removably meshes with the base, and the cover is in contact with the cover body. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a thermal energy storage container comprising a lid coupled to enclose the chamber for storage of appliances and / or food accessories. FIG. 2 is a top view of the thermal energy storage container of FIG. 1 showing the lid of the instrument storage chamber and the top surface of the cover body, with the lid preferably rotating about an axis that is generally inclined from the side of the cover body. The bottom view of the thermal energy storage container of FIG. 1 which shows the lower surface of a base and the preferable knob which may be meshed | engaged with the base from the side surface of a cover main body. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal front view of the thermal energy storage container of FIG. 1 showing a covering extending generally outward from the cover body and covering the crescent of the base, preferably including two tabs that engage the base. The left front view of the thermal energy storage container of FIG. The position of the thermal energy storage material at position 6-6 in FIG. 1 is accessible, wherein the removable panel is accessible to the compartment, and the thermal energy storage material located in this compartment may be configured as a removable insert. Sectional drawing of the thermal energy storage container of FIG. 1 which shows the cover main body which defines the compartment to do. The position of the thermal energy storage material at position 6-6 in FIG. 1 is accessible, wherein the removable panel is accessible to the compartment, and the thermal energy storage material located in this compartment may be configured as a removable insert. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the thermal energy storage container of FIG. 1 showing a base defining a compartment for storage. The position of the thermal energy storage material at position 6-6 in FIG. 1 is accessible, wherein the removable panel is accessible to the compartment, and the thermal energy storage material located in this compartment may be configured as a removable insert. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the thermal energy storage container of FIG. FIG. 1 shows the cover away from the base with a cover body defining a chamber in which the two instruments are located, a lid positioned along the top surface of the cover body and rotated to its open position to expose the chamber. The perspective view of the thermal energy storage container.

  Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The terms “right”, “left”, “front”, “rear”, “lower”, “upper” designate directions in the referenced drawings. The terms “inner” and “outer” refer to a direction toward the geometric center of the container, respectively, and away from the portion specified for it. As used in the claims and the corresponding detail section, the phrase “at least one of A, B and C” means “any group having at least one A, any group having at least one B, or Means any group having at least one C and requires that the group have at least one of each of A, B and C. Further, the word “one” used in the claims and the corresponding detailed description is defined to include one or more reference items, unless expressly specified otherwise. The term “instrument” used in the claims and the corresponding detailed description includes, but is not limited to, “forks, spoons, knives, salt, pepper, straws, chopsticks, or the like. And any tool or food accessory used to (or together) consume food or beverages. The phrase “consumables” as used in the claims and the corresponding detail section includes “products including but not limited to food and beverages, and items stored directly in a thermal energy storage system. Means any item stored for later consumption or use, including both separately packaged items. The terminology mentioned above includes the above-mentioned specifically mentioned words and phrases of similar meaning derived therefrom.

  With reference to FIGS. 1-9, reference numerals refer to elements and according to the present invention a preferred embodiment of a thermal energy storage vessel 10 is shown. Briefly, the thermal energy storage container 10 includes a base 12 and a cover 14 configured to hold one or more consumable products within an acceptable temperature range for a desired period of time. The cover 14 has a cover body 16 and a lid 18. The cover body 16 defines a chamber 20 configured to receive at least one instrument 48 or other hood accessory, and the lid 18 is located along the top surface 54 of the cover body 16 and in combination with the cover body 16. The lid 18 preferably surrounds the chamber 20.

  1-9, at least one base 12 or cover 14 defines a compartment 22 in which a thermal energy storage material 60 is located. In order to facilitate heat transfer to the consumables stored in the cavity 36 when the cover 14 is engaged with the base 12, the compartment 22 is preferably located adjacent to the cavity 36 formed by the base 12. . The thermal energy storage material 60 may be configured as a removable insert 62. If the thermal energy storage material 60 is configured as a removable insert, the thermal energy storage material 60 is preferably provided in a polymer bag or container. However, any suitable material may be used to provide a removable insert skin without departing from the spirit of the invention. The removable panel may be accessible to the compartment 22 so that the removable insert 62 can be removed. The removable insert 62 can be removed from the container 10, separated from the rest of the container 10, heated or cooled, inserted when the consumable is in the container 10, and held at a predetermined temperature. Alternatively, access to the compartment 22 may not be possible and the thermal energy storage material 60 may be located in the compartment 22 in a non-removable position. In other such embodiments, the base 12 or cover 14 is heated so that the thermal energy storage material located therein reaches the required temperature to heat and / or cool the food located in the cavity 36. Or cooled.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention relates to a thermal energy storage system 10 that includes a base 12 and a cover 14. The base 12 and the cover 14 are preferably formed of a polymer material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyphthalate carbonate (PPC). However, any other suitable material may be used for the base 12 and the cover 14 without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The cover 14 preferably has a substantially linear shape. When the cover 14 is engaged with the base 12, the thermal energy storage system 10 is configured such that the distance 74 from the bottom surface of the base 12 to the top surface of the cover 14 is greater than the distance 70 from the left side surface of the cover 14 to the right side surface of the cover 14. It is preferably short and has a substantially right-angle prism shape shorter than the distance 72 from the front surface of the cover 14 to the rear surface of the cover 14. However, any ratio and any shape can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the thermal energy storage system 10 can have a generally elliptical shape, a generally cylindrical shape, or a generally cubic shape without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper surface 54 of the cover 12 preferably includes a lid 18 that is substantially flush with the upper surface 54 of the cover body 16 in its closed position. The lid 18 can have a substantially linear shape. The substantially linear shape formed by the lid 18 is preferably substantially inclined to the approximate linear shape formed by the cover 14. The recess 44 is positioned on the cover 12 such that the lid 18 is opened by first inserting a finger into the recess 44 to grasp the lid 18 and then lifting the finger up to rotate the lid 18 about the shaft 26. May be. The rotation axis of the lid 18 is preferably inclined substantially from the side surface of the cover 14. The cover main body 16 may include a plurality of knobs 32 configured to be engaged with the base 12 from the side surface of the cover main body 16.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the base 12 may be divided into three cavities 36 so that consumables can be stored separately. However, the base 12 may be defined by a single cavity or may be divided into any number of cavities without departing from the scope of the present invention. If the base is defined by more than one cavity, the septum 38 serves to separate consumables into each cavity 36 under normal operation of the food storage system. The edge 40 extends generally outward from the end of the base 12 closest to the opening of the three cavities 36 and includes two crescents 56. Each crescent moon portion 56 may include a notch 42. When the cover 14 is completely engaged with the base 12, the knob 32 of the cover body 16 can be inserted into the notch 42.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cover main body 16 preferably includes a cover 30 that extends from the cover main body 16 substantially outward. When the cover 14 meshes with the base 12, the covering covers the edge 40 of the base 12 and the crescent moon 56. The cover 30 can further include a plurality of knobs 32 configured to engage the notches 42 at the base 12 when the cover 14 is engaged with the base 12. The base 12 may be divided into three cavities 36 by a partition wall 38 extending upward from the bottom surface of the base 12.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the thermal energy storage system 10 is functioning, the removable insert 62 containing the thermal energy storage material is surrounded by the compartment 22 of the cover body 16. The compartment 22 is located adjacent to at least one cavity 36 formed by the base 12. The detachable panel 24 is preferably located on the surface of the cover 14 opposite to the lid 18. When the cover 14 is away from the base 12, the removable panel 24 may be removed to allow access to the compartment 22, and a removable insert 62 including a thermal energy storage material 62 is removed from the compartment 22. Can be removed. When the cover 14 engages the base 12, the bulkhead 38 of the base 12 may limit the operation of the removable panel 24 so that the removable insert 60 including the thermal energy storage material 62 is completely removed. You may prevent leaving the compartment 22. However, the removable panel may be positioned in any manner so as to move the removable insert 62 away from the compartment 22 without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Alternatively, the cover body 16 may completely surround the compartment 22 or the thermal energy storage material 60 may be located in the compartment 22 so that it cannot be removed.

  Still referring to FIG. 6, the cover body 16 defines a chamber 20 configured to receive at least one instrument 48 or hood accessory, and a lid 18 surrounds the chamber 20. The lid 18 is accessible to the chamber 20 without removing the cover 14 from the base 12. The cover body 16 is preferably provided with a cover 30 that extends from the cover body 16 to the outside. When the cover 14 engages the base 12, the cover 30 preferably covers the edge 40 and the crescent 56 of the base 12, and the cover 30 further includes a plurality of knobs 32 that extend to the outer edge of the crescent 56 of the base 12. Contains. Each knob 32 is preferably configured to mesh with a notch 42 in the base 12.

  In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the base 12 may comprise a base body 34 and a thermal energy storage material 60. The base body 34 may define a compartment 22 that includes a thermal energy storage material 60. Thermal energy storage material 60 is located in a removable insert 62. The base may further comprise a detachable panel 24 located on the bottom surface of the compartment 22. The removable panel 24 can be removed without removing the cover 14 from the base 12. The removable insert 62 containing the thermal energy storage material 60 can be replaced without exposing the consumables stored in the cavity 36 of the base body 34. Alternatively, the base body 16 may completely surround the compartment 22, or the thermal energy storage material 60 may be located in a non-removable position in the compartment 22. The compartment 22 is preferably located adjacent to the largest of the three cavities 36 formed by the base body 34, and this cavity contains consumables to be held within an allowable temperature range for a predetermined period of time. Should be included. The other two cavities may contain consumables that do not need to be kept within this temperature range.

  In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the cover body 16 may define a generally annular compartment 22 that includes a thermal energy storage material 60. The thermal energy storage material 60 may be located in a removable insert 62. The detachable panel 24 may form a part of the bottom surface of the cover main body 16. When the cover 14 is away from the base 12, the removable panel 24 may be removed to allow access to the compartment 22, and a removable insert 62 including a thermal energy storage material 62 is removed from the compartment 22. Can be removed. Alternatively, the cover body 16 may completely surround the compartment 22 and the thermal energy storage material 60 may be located in the compartment 22 so that it cannot be removed. The compartment 22 is located adjacent to the three cavities 36 formed by the base 12.

  With reference to FIGS. 6-8, the cover 30 of the cover 14 preferably engages the base 12 at its edge 34 and a notch 42 in the crescent moon 56 located on the opposite surface of the base 12. The knob 32 is fitted in a position to fix the coupling between the cover 14 and the base 12. However, any other suitable attachment element may be utilized in accordance with the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  Referring to FIG. 9, it is shown that there are two instruments 48 in the preferred location of the chamber 20 of the cover 12. The lid 18 preferably rotates about an axis that is substantially inclined from the side surface of the cover body 16. The lid 18 is shown in an open position and may include ribs 50 that allow the lid 18 to maintain a planar shape when opened. The lid 18 can include a raised rim 52 that can be closed together with the top surface 54 of the cover 12. The lid recess 46 is compatible with the recess 44 in the cover 12 so that the lid 18 can be easily opened to access the instrument storage chamber 20. The appliance 48 can be added to the container 10 while heating and / or cooling any food contained in the base 12.

  Still referring to FIG. 9, the base 12 preferably defines three cavities 36 configured to receive consumables. The partition wall 38 of the base 12 functions to separate consumables into the respective cavities 36. The edge 40 extends generally outward from the end of the base closest to the opening of the at least one cavity. The rim 40 may include two generally crescent-shaped crescents 56 on the opposite surface of the base 12. Each crescent moon 56 may include a notch 42 that engages the knob 32 of the cover 14 when the cover 14 is engaged with the base 12.

  With reference to FIGS. 1-9, one embodiment of the present invention operates as follows. The cover 14 is put in a freezer and the thermal energy storage material 60 is cooled. The food is then placed in the base cavity 36 and secured with the cover 14. The lid 18 may then be opened and the instrument 48 may be placed in the cover. Once the instrument is secured to the instrument storage chamber 20, the container can efficiently and easily carry consumables.

  Various shapes, structures, and characteristics have been described and illustrated in the drawings for various embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art will recognize, within the scope of the present invention, that the characteristics described above are within the scope of the present invention. It will be understood that any combination can be used. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments of the invention can be modified without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, the shape of the container, the relative dimensions of the container, the number and position of cavities configured to receive consumables, and the current detachable panel position can be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. But you can. Accordingly, this invention is to be understood as not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, and is intended to cover all modifications within the spirit and scope of this invention as defined in the claims and / or shown in the drawings. Is intended to be.

Claims (19)

A container configured to independently hold at least one of food, utensils, and food accessories,
A base defining at least one cavity configured to receive food;
A cover that removably meshes with the base, and the cover includes:
Having side and top surfaces defining at least one chamber configured to receive at least one instrument so that the cover meshes with the base and is adjacent to the at least one cavity formed by the base; A cover body defining a compartment located in the
A thermal energy storage material suitable for hot and / or cold food located in the compartment and placed in the cavity for receiving at least one food of the base;
A lid positioned along the top surface of the cover body, combined with the cover body and configured to surround the at least one chamber;
The at least one chamber heats and / or cools food contained in the base body, while reducing heat energy transfer between the food in the base body and the air surrounding the container. A container capable of adding at least one of the appliance and the food accessory to the container.   The container of claim 1, wherein the cover body includes a detachable panel located on a surface opposite the lid configured to be accessible to the compartment.   3. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermal energy storage material is configured as a removable insert that can be heated or cooled separately from the cover.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lid rotates around an axis substantially inclined from the side surface of the cover body.   The cover has a substantially linear main surface, the lid has a substantially linear shape, and the approximate linear shape formed by the lid is substantially inclined to the approximate linear shape formed by the cover. Item 5. The container according to any one of Items 1 to 4.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the lid is aligned so as to be inclined relative to the upper surface of the cover body. A base defining at least one cavity configured to receive food;
A cover that removably meshes with the base, and the cover includes:
A compartment having a side and an upper surface defining at least one chamber configured to receive food accessories and / or food, the cover being engaged with the base and at the same time adjacent to the at least one cavity; The cover body defining
A thermal energy storage material suitable for hot and / or cold food located in the compartment and placed in the cavity for receiving at least one food of the base;
A lid positioned along the top surface of the cover body, combined with the cover body and configured to surround the at least one chamber;
The lid is a container that rotates about an axis substantially inclined from the side surface of the cover body.   8. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one instrument is located in the at least one chamber.   9. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the lid is closed, the outer surface of the lid is substantially flush with the upper surface of the cover around the at least one chamber.   The cover has a substantially linear main surface, the lid has a substantially linear shape, and the approximate linear shape formed by the lid is substantially inclined to the approximate linear shape formed by the cover. Item 10. The container according to any one of Items 1 to 9.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lid is rotatably connected to the cover body by a hinge.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the thermal energy storage material is a gel.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a double-wire plug dependent on the side surface of the cover main body and configured to mesh with the base.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cover main body includes a detachable panel located on a surface facing the lid and configured to be accessible to the compartment.   15. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal energy storage material is configured as a removable insert that can be heated or cooled separately from the cover. A container configured to hold consumables independently,
A base body defining at least one cavity configured to receive food;
An edge including a plurality of crescents extending generally outward from an end of the base body closest to the opening of the at least one cavity and having a generally crescent shape on the opposite surface of the base body, each including a notch therein When,
A base with
A cover body having side and top surfaces defining a food accessory and / or at least one chamber configured to receive food, and defining a compartment located therein;
A thermal energy storage material suitable for hot and / or cold food located in the compartment and placed in the cavity for receiving at least one food of the base;
A lid positioned along the upper surface of the cover body, configured to surround the at least one chamber in combination with the cover body, and a lid aligned to be inclined relative to the upper surface of the cover body; ,
When the cover body is configured to cover the edge of the base body and the crescent portion when covering the edge of the base body when the cover is fixed to the base. A cover further including a plurality of knobs configured to mate with each notch of the base body;
A cover that removably meshes with the base,
At least one instrument located in the at least one chamber;
With a container.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cover body includes a detachable panel located on a surface facing the lid and configured to be accessible to the compartment.   18. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal energy storage material is configured as a removable insert that can be heated or cooled separately from the cover.   The base body includes a plurality of partitions for receiving food in a septum configured to prevent thermal energy storage material from completely leaving the compartment when the cover is engaged with the base and the panel is removed at the same time. 19. A container according to any one of the preceding claims which defines a cavity.

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