JP3057448U - Heat holding device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a heat retaining device that can efficiently heat and has excellent heat storage by arranging a paraffin-based phase change material and the electric resistance heating element in an internal filling portion. The pad (10 ') includes a sealed microwave-permeable plastic envelope (18') to form a sealed interior (20 '). Each pad 30 'has a layer of open battery foam material 32' and a liquid 33 '. The liquid (paraffin-based phase change material) is impregnated in the foam 32 'and is covered with a microwave-permeable plastic pouch 34'. The plug 28 'heats the coil 22' through either an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power supply, or is heated externally by microwave energy. Even after the heating is turned off, the bucket 30 'efficiently holds the heat.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

 The present invention relates to a heat retention device that stores heat energy and releases the heat energy over time. More particularly, the present invention relates to a heat retention device that utilizes a phase change material as a means for storing and releasing thermal energy.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 The prior art discloses so-called phase change materials for storing thermal energy. A phase change material is a material containing a material that undergoes a phase transition (eg, from a solid state to a liquid state, or from a liquid state to a gas state) when thermal energy is supplied to the substance. During the phase transition, energy (referred to as latent heat) is stored in the material. When the phase transition is reversed, latent heat is released.

[0003] Phase change materials can be provided at a wide variety of phase transition temperatures (ie, the temperature at which a phase change material undergoes a phase transition). One example of a phase change material is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,949, which describes a hydrocarbon dispersed in finely divided silica. The phase change material remains in powder form above and below the melting point of the hydrocarbon. The melting point of the hydrocarbon can be selected from any of a number of different temperatures. The phase change material uses the energy released at about the melting point of the hydrocarbon, resulting in an efficient storage of thermal energy.

[0004] Numerous devices containing phase change materials are well known in the prior art. For example, seat cushions have been made that will have foam pads impregnated with a phase change material. The seat cushion is contained in a plastic envelope, such as vinyl or similar material. The entire cushion may be placed in a source of thermal energy (eg, a conventional microwave oven). Energy is supplied to the phase change material and the cushion will remain warm for a significant amount of time (typically 1-4 hours).

[0005] In addition to phase change materials, other means for storing energy are well known. For example, Owens, U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,105, issued Apr. 5, 1994, teaches a foam pad vacuum enclosed in a plastic envelope. The envelope also contains a liquid that is heated by the supply of microwave energy. The '105 patent teaches several uses for the device, including therapeutic pads, tools and cushions.

While prior art microwave heat retention devices are acceptable for many uses, in certain applications such devices have limitations. For example, users of such devices must use energy sources. In the case of microwave heat holding devices, the user must use a microwave oven to provide the necessary energy so that the phase change material or other heat holding device stores the energy . For many users, using a microwave oven is not practical. Similarly, for many users, there may be a significant amount of time between when energy is supplied and when the device is used. One such inconvenient example is when the heat retention device is used as a stadium cushion for outdoor activities or sporting events and similar events. In such cases, there may be a significant amount of time between supplying energy to the device and using the device.

[0007]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

 An object of the present invention is to provide a heat holding device which can heat efficiently and has excellent heat storage in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 To achieve the above object, the heat retention device of the present invention is a thermal heating and heat storage device, comprising: (a) a paraffin-based phase change material having a phase transition temperature; and (b) the paraffin-based phase change material. An electrical resistance heating element installed in a heat transfer relationship, such that the heating element heats the paraffin-based phase change material at least to a temperature of the phase transition temperature in a direction of a current passing therethrough. An electric resistance heating element that is selectively controllable; and (c) a thermally responsive switch arranged and configured to control heating of the electric resistance heating element in response to a detected temperature of the phase change material. An arrangement, and (d) a cover defining an internal filling, wherein (i) the paraffinic phase change material and the electrical resistance heating element are located within the internal filling of the cover; and ii) the cover is For-option is an inlet, a device having a cover having at least one end that can selectively open Keru it.

[0009] The apparatus may further comprise a hermetically sealed plastic envelope, wherein: (a) the paraffin-based phase change material is located in the hermetically sealed plastic envelope; and (b) the hermetically sealed plastic envelope. However, it is preferable to provide a hermetically sealed plastic envelope located inside the cover.

In the apparatus, it is preferable that at least a part of the electric resistance heating element is located in the hermetically sealed plastic envelope.

[0011] In the above-mentioned apparatus, it is preferable that the apparatus further comprises, in addition to the paraffin-based phase change material, an open-cell battery foam material located in the closed plastic envelope.

In the apparatus, it is preferable that the electric resistance heating element is arranged and configured so as to function by connection to an AC power supply.

In the apparatus, it is preferable that the electric resistance heating element is arranged and configured so as to function by connection to a DC power supply.

In the above apparatus, a power cord electrically connected to the electric resistance heating element and the power cord are arranged so as to be inserted into an AC power supply, and are connected to a standard male plug. Preferably, the electrical resistance heating element is connected and arranged and configured to operate by the power cord with a selected connection to an AC source.

[0015] In the apparatus, it is preferable that a fastener for selectively closing is disposed at at least one end of the cover that can be selectively opened for a selected entrance to the internal filling portion. .

In the apparatus, it is preferable that the fastener arrangement is a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement.

In the apparatus, the thermally responsive switch array is arranged and configured to control heating of the paraffin-based phase change material to a temperature not higher than the phase transition temperature by 10 ° F. or more. Is preferred.

In the apparatus, it is preferable that the thermally responsive switch array is arranged and configured not to heat the phase change material to a temperature of about 150 ° F. or more.

In the apparatus, (a) the cover is a cloth cover, and (b) the electric resistance heating element is arranged so as to function by connection to an AC source. An apparatus having a power cord in electrical communication with the electrical resistance heating element, wherein the power cord is connected to a standard male plug arranged and configured to be plugged into an AC power source, and (D) a fastener for selectively closing at least one end of the cloth cover that can be selectively opened for a selected entrance to the internal filling portion; Preferably, the thermal heating and storage device is configured to retain warmth therein for storing food.

[0020]

[Embodiment of the invention]

 According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a heat holding device having an envelope that defines a closed filling portion. An electrical resistance element is arranged in the enclosure and leads to an electrical connection adapted to connect to an external power source. The heat retaining material is contained in the envelope in a state where heat is conducted to the resistance element.

Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown a heating pad 10 embodying the teachings of the present invention. Although the present invention is disclosed with reference to a heating pad such as a cushion or the like, it is recognized that the teachings of the present invention are readily applicable to a wide variety of products and methods of use. Will be. For example, the present invention can be used for clothing (eg, footwear, gloves, etc.), food warming devices (eg, beverage containers, serving dishes, bread warmers, etc.), comforters, and tools that are warmed as therapeutic pads.

A. First Embodiment The shape of the heating pad 10 is substantially rectangular. The pad 10 has an outer cloth cover 12 with opposing ends 14, 16 open. A sealed vinyl or plastic envelope 18 is provided within the cloth cover 12. The outer container 18 is completely sealed to define an internal filling portion. An electrical resistance element (FIGS. 2, 5 and 6) in the form of a plurality of wire coils 22 is included in the filling. The resistance element 22 in the preferred embodiment includes a first resistance coil 24 and a second resistance coil 26. The coils 24, 26 are connected to a connection 28 having three female connectors 31, 32 and 33. The connector 31 and the connector 33 are electrically connected to opposite ends of the coil 24. Connector 32 and connector 33 are connected to opposite ends of coil 26, as best shown diagrammatically in FIG. Each of the coils 26, 24 is connected to a connector 33 by a thermal switch 30, as will be described in more detail. As will be described later, the coil 24 is intended for use in an AC circuit, and the coil 26 is intended for use in a DC circuit. The connection 28 to which the coils 24, 26 are connected is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,980,881.

The coils 24, 26 are sandwiched between two layers of open battery foam material 34, 36 (FIG. 2). Foamed materials 34, 36 are also included in the fill of the envelope 18. The connection 28 penetrates the envelope 18 at the position 19 and is outside the hermetically closed envelope 18. A microwave receptor heat retention material 20 is also contained within the envelope 18. Although the heat retaining material need not be a phase change material (as will be described later in reference to alternative embodiments), in the embodiment of FIGS. is there.

In the particular embodiment described above, the preferred phase change material 20 is Meckelman Ink. (Mechelman, Inc.), available from Shell Road 9080, Cincinnati, Ohio under the name "Michemlube 270R", available under order number A56141. Such phase change materials are emulsion bases containing compounds containing paraffin groups, selected to have a phase transition temperature of about 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

The envelope 18 (which is a resilient plastic), with the coils 24, 26, foams 34, 36 and phase change material 20 contained in the envelope 18, is applied inside thereof. It has a vacuum and the peripheral edge of the envelope 18 is completely sealed while the vacuum is applied. U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,105, commonly assigned, teaches sealing a phase change liquid and foam pad in a resilient plastic envelope.

The envelope 18 together with the envelope 18 configured as described above and the contents thereof is placed in the cloth cover 12. The ends 16, 14 of the cloth cover 12 are initially open. As best shown in FIG. 3, end 16 is open at corner 16A, but is substantially sutured and sealed along its length. The opening at the corner 16A is sized to allow the connection 28 to pass freely. At the opening end 16A, the opposite surface of the end 16 has a hook-and-loop fastener 40, 41 (known velcro) so that the end 16A is closed as closely as possible around the cord extending from the connection 28. (Such as a Velcro® fastener). Opposite end 14 also has hook-and-loop fasteners 42, 44 so that end 14 is closed.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, power cords 50 and 60 are provided for applying a voltage to the resistance elements 24 and 26. The power cord 50 is an AC power cord having a standard male plug end 51 that can be plugged into any conventional wall outlet, and is received and assembled at the female connectors 31, 32, 33 of the connection 28. Connection 56 with male connectors 52, 53, 54 arranged in such a manner. Only connectors 53 and 55 are connected to plug 51 (connector 54 is not connected to power or ground). The power cord 60 is a DC power cord and has a plug end 61, a conventional plug for connection into a conventional cigarette lighter of an automobile. The plug 60 is combined with the female connectors 32, 33 of the connection 28 and leads to a connection end 62 with matingly arranged male connectors 63, 64. Plug 61 is applied for 12 volt DC (DC) batteries and plug 51 is applied for insertion into a standard 120 volt alternating current (AC) power outlet.

In a preferred use, such as a cushion or the like, it is desirable to provide a sufficient amount of energy to the coils 24, 26 so that the pad 10 can be heated as quickly as possible. In the preferred embodiment, the DC coil 26 has about. It is selected to have a resistance of 08 ohms per foot and a length of about 18 feet. Resistor coil 24 is selected to have a resistance of 11 ohms per foot and a length of about 13 feet. If faster heating is desired, higher resistance values can be used.

As described above, both the resistance elements 24 and 26 are connected to the neutral connector 33 through the thermoresponsive switch 30. Thermally responsive switches are well known in the art to which the present invention pertains, and the thermally responsive switch 30 has a temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit (i.e., 10 degrees above the phase transition temperature of the preferred phase change material). It is preferred to select one that opens in response to temperature and is usually a close switch.

With the structure described above, the heating coils 24, 26 can be individually heated by the connection 28 attached to either the plug 50, 60. Using either DC or AC, the resistive element 22 is heated in response to electrical energy. The heat of the resistance element heats the phase change material 20 so that the phase change material 20 performs a phase transition. At the end of the heating, the cords 50, 60 may be removed and the pad 10 will retain its energy for a significant 2-3 hours. As a result, the pad can be heated with either DC or AC. It can be heated in the user's home, user's car or business location. In addition to the above, vinyl plastic 18 is a microwave permeable material, similar to cloth 12. The particular phase change material 20 described above is a microwave receptor. Thus, the entire pad 10 may be placed in a conventional consumer microwave oven, and the energy required to heat the phase change material may be provided by microwaves. To apply microwaves, the user may open the opening 16 </ b> A by opening the fasteners 40 and 41, and bend the connection portion 28 into the inside of the cloth cover 12. This prevents the connection 28 and its metal elements from being directly exposed to the inside of the microwave oven.

B. Alternative Embodiment FIGS. 9 and 10 show an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, a pad 10 'is shown and includes an outer plastic envelope 18' which is hermetically sealed to pass microwaves to define an enclosed interior 20 '. Two packets 30 'of identical construction are contained within the interior 20'.

Each packet has a layer of open battery foam 32 ′ and liquid 33 ′. The liquid (eg, water) is impregnated into the foam 32 ', wherein the liquid and the foam 32' are surrounded by a microwave-permeable plastic pouch 34 ', the pouch comprising a sealed foam. 32 'and the liquid 33' are completely surrounded. During the molding process, the pouch 34 'may be partially evacuated to partially compress the foam 32'. Each pouch 34 'may be of a manufacturing method and construction as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,300,105.

A heating coil, shown as a resistor 22 ′ connectable with an external electrical plug 28 ′, is located between the packets 30 ′. As already mentioned, the ends 18a 'and 18b' of the envelope 18 'are sealed. In the drawing of FIG. 9, in order to easily illustrate that the coil 22 'extends through the sealed envelope 18' to a plug 28 'connectable outside the envelope 18', End 18b 'is shown open.

As in the previous embodiment, the plug 28 ′ allows the coil 22 ′ to be electrically heated through either an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power source. By heating the coil 22 ', the plug 28' is unplugged from the power supply and then heated to the heat retaining packet 30 '. Alternatively, packet 30 'may be heated by microwave energy. Packet 30 'may, but need not, contain a phase change material. Alternatively, packet 30 'may contain liquid 33', as disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Nos. 5,300,105 or 5,339,541.

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a pad 10 ″ having an outer envelope 18 ″ that is microwave permeable and sealed at ends 18 a ″ and 18 b ″, and an inner dividing wall 20 ″ The wall divides the interior of the outer envelope 18 'into three stacked, separately sealed fills 21 ", 22" and 23 ". The layers 21 ", 23" may be filled using any suitable heat retaining means, such as a phase change liquid 33 "as described above, or a heat packet such as packet 30 'of FIG. A coil 122 "is provided in the chamber 22" and is connectable through an external plug 28 "which can be plugged into a wall outlet or a direct current (DC) power source. Thus, in this design, the heat retaining means in the fills 21 ", 23" can be heated either electrically or through microwave radiation.

The foregoing specification shows how a preferred embodiment of the heating pad creates a thermal heating device. The device can be heated using either microwave energy, alternating current through a standard wall outlet, or direct current through an automotive cigarette lighter or the like. Although the above description has been made with reference to a preferred embodiment of the heating pad, it is desired that the thermal heating device according to the present invention be heated and hold the heat for a considerable time. It will be appreciated that a wide variety of applications and uses can be provided, such as clothing (footwear, gloves, etc.), beverage or food containers or warming or other devices. Therefore, the scope of the claims of the present invention is not limited by the preferred embodiment described above, but rather comes to the mind of one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs having the advantages of the teachings of the present invention. It is intended to include significant improvements and equivalents.

[0037]

[Effect of the invention]

 As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heat holding device that can heat efficiently and has excellent heat storage.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a shape of a heating pad embodying the present invention;
Shown with the inner envelope removed from the cloth cover.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled heating pad of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the first end of the heating pad of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an end view opposite the heating pad of FIG. 1;

5 is a plan view of the resistance heating element of the heating pad of FIG. 1 shown in plan view.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of the heating coil shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an AC power supply cord for applying a voltage to the pad of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a DC power supply cord for applying a voltage to the pad of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention in the drawings.

FIG. 10 is still another embodiment of the present invention shown in a side sectional view.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 10 'Heating pad 12 Outer cloth cover 14, 16 End 18, 18' Enclosure 20 Microwave receptor heat retention material (phase change material) 20 'Sealed interior 22, 22' Wire coil (resistance element) 24) First resistance coil 26 Second resistance coil 28, 28 'Connection (plug) 30 Thermal switch 30' Packet 31, 32, 33 Female connector 32 '34, 36 Open storage battery foam (foam) 33 'liquid 34' pouch 40,41,42,44 hook-and-loop fastener 50,60 power cord 51 plug end 52,53,54,55 male connector 56 plug 61 plug end 62 plug 63,64 male connector

Claims (12)

[Utility model registration claims] 1. A thermal heating and heat storage device, comprising: (a) a paraffin-based phase change material having a phase transition temperature; and (b) an electric resistance installed in heat transfer relationship with the paraffin-based phase change material. An electrical resistance heating element, wherein the heating element is selectively controllable to heat the paraffin-based phase change material at least to a temperature of the phase transition temperature in the direction of current therethrough; (C) in response to the detected temperature of the phase change material, arranged so as to control the heating of the electric resistance heating element, and configured and responsive heat-responsive switch array, and (d) limiting the internal filling portion A cover, wherein (i) the paraffin-based phase change material and the electric resistance heating element are located in the internal filling portion of the cover, and (ii) the cover is selected for the internal filling portion. For selective opening A device with a cover having at least one end as possible. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sealed plastic envelope, wherein: (a) the paraffin-based phase change material is located within the sealed plastic envelope; and b) A device wherein the closed plastic envelope comprises a closed plastic envelope located within the cover. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of said electrical resistance heating element is located within said sealed plastic enclosure. 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, comprising, in addition to the paraffin-based phase change material, an open battery foam material located within the sealed plastic envelope. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical resistance heating element is arranged and configured to function by connection to an AC power supply. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrical resistance heating element is arranged and configured to function by connection to a DC power supply. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power cord is in electrical communication with the electrical resistance heating element.
And the power cord is connected to a standard male plug arranged and configured to be plugged into an AC power source, wherein the electrical resistance heating element is activated by the power cord with a selected connection to an AC source. Devices that are arranged and configured in such a way. 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one end of the cover that can be selectively opened for a selected entrance to the internal fill, a fastener for selectively closing the cover. The device where the is placed. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the fastener arrangement is a surface fastener arrangement. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thermally responsive switch arrangement controls heating of the paraffin-based phase change material to a temperature no more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit above the phase transition temperature. Devices that are arranged and configured in 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thermally responsive switch array is arranged and configured not to heat the phase change material to a temperature of about 150 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: (a) the cover is a cloth cover; and (b) the electrical resistance heating element is arranged to function by connection to an AC source. (C) the apparatus has a power cord electrically connected to the electrical resistance heating element, the power cord is arranged to be plugged into an AC power source, and a standard male A fastener for selectively closing at least one end of the cloth cover that is connected to a plug and that can be selectively opened for a selected entrance to the internal fill. (E) a device wherein the thermal heating and heat storage device has a structure for retaining warmth therein for storing food.