WO2015030664A1

WO2015030664A1 - Polymer temperature indicating device

Info

Publication number: WO2015030664A1
Application number: PCT/SE2014/050987
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Bengtsson; Fredrik Persson; Edon RAMADANI
Original assignee: Everyday Solutions Sweden Ab
Priority date: 2013-08-30
Filing date: 2014-08-27
Publication date: 2015-03-05

Abstract

The present invention describes a temperature indicating device (1) for indicating change in temperature characterized in that the temperature indicating device comprises an elastic polymeric material and at least one thermochromatic substance.

Description

POLYMER TEMPERATURE INDICATING DEVICE

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a temperature indicating device for indicating temperature change allowing users to feel more safe, by providing a non-toxic, user friendly and competitive invention.

Technical Background

The need to control temperature of beverages and food stuffs of various sorts is known. There are several attempts in the prior art describing temperature indicating cups and bottles invented to prevent risk of burning but also to indicate a desired temperature of said beverage or food stuff. There are for various reasons, still a need for a temperature indicating device of a more user friendly and practical nature and also, one providing less lack of discretion and more versatility.

Attempts to modify these drawbacks have been made. In

US2012018398 a baby's feeding bottle is described comprising a thermally conductive element that is thermally connected to a temperature indicator of the wall of the bottle. In GB9603229 a baby feeding bottle is described which is printed with temperature sensitive ink to indicate correct feeding

temperature. US2002062691 describes an infant drinking cup comprising a first color at room temperature that change color of said cup when a cold beverage is poured into the cup. In KR20100131585 a vessel equipped with a thermometer is described and there are various more examples in the prior art, of similar nature.

There are several drawbacks to the methods and devices described in these documents. One is the lack of versatility. Another drawback is the lack of clarity in the present alternatives due to small scales often using liquid crystals or a temperature strip that furthermore has a function that diminishes with time and is not always compatible with dishwasher use for cleaning. Yet another drawback is the use of toxic materials, e.g. in excess.

The complex nature of the bottles described in US2012018398 comprising special instructions in several steps, does not provide the user with a versatile and non complicated device. Furthermore, GB9603229 comprise a temperature sensitive ink with a risk of being washed off,

US2002062691 is arranged only for cold beverages and KR20100131585 also has a strip thermometer with the risk of decreasing in function.

Furthermore all of the devices described lack versatility and use of less toxic materials.

One aim of the present invention is to provide the user with a product that the end user find easy to use, is versatile and portable, a product that is discrete, safe, and a product that invites users of all ages to secure the temperature of e.g. their beverage before consumption, or their tap water before showering, bathing etc.

Summary of the invention

The purpose above is achieved by a temperature indicating device for indicating change in temperature characterized in that the temperature indicating device comprises an elastic polymeric material and at least one thermochromatic substance.

Said temperature indicating device according to the present invention enables users to receive a simple and easy to use product. Furthermore, the present invention provides an option of temperature indication preventing discomfort or even burns caused by too hot liquids, such as beverages, or too hot food stuffs, such as an at least partially liquid food stuff. There are several advantages with the present invention and among those, a product that provides the user with a user friendly and non-toxic, not to mention versatile option to existing alternatives.

One object of the present invention is to provide a temperature indicating device for indicating change in temperature characterized in that the temperature indicating device comprises an elastic polymeric material and at least one thermochromatic substance. In one embodiment the polymer material is selected from the group, silicone, EPDM, (Ethylene Propylene Diene M-class rubber) latex, polyisoprene, SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber), NR (natural rubber), NBR (Nitrile butadiene rubber), Viton, IR (isoprene rubber), CR (chloroprene rubber), FPM (Fluorocarbon Rubber), FFKM (Perfluorocarbon Rubber), HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene), Aflas, TPE (Thermoplastic elastomers), rubber or plastic, preferably silicone. In one embodiment the at least one thermochromatic substance can change between light and dark shades of the same color. In one embodiment the at least one thermochromatic substance can change between at least two colors.

In one embodiment the temperature indicating device comprises a

luminescent, fluorescent and/or phosphorescent additive. In one embodiment the temperature indicating device comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. In one embodiment the temperature indicating device comprises a ring shape, preferably in the shape of a band. In one embodiment the inner surface of the temperature indicating device is smooth. In one embodiment the temperature indicating device comprises at least one attachment device. In one embodiment the at least one attachment device is present on the inner surface. In one embodiment the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the temperature indicating device comprise or is/are coated with a substance for increasing heat transfer. In one embodiment the temperature indicating device is fully or partially part of a ring. In one embodiment the temperature indicating device is arranged to be attached to a container, or device adapted to contain fluid. In one embodiment the temperature indicating device is arranged to fit a container, preferably a glass, a cup or a bottle.

One object of the present invention is to provide use of the temperature indicating device in or on a container, or device adapted to contain fluid, preferably in or on a glass, a cup, a bottle, a sink, a tub, a shower, a bowl and/or a stopper.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig 1 shows one embodiment of the temperature indicating device according to the present invention, which may be provided around a container.

Fig 2 shows one embodiment of the temperature indicating device according to the present invention included within a structure. Fig 3 shows one embodiment of the temperature indicating device according to the present invention in the form of a sink or tub stopper.

Fig 4a-c shows different views of one embodiment of the temperature indicating device according to the present invention in the form of an antislip device with attachment devices.

Detailed description

Below, specific embodiments of the present invention are described. According to one embodiment, the temperature indicating device 1 for indicating change in temperature is characterized in that the temperature indicating device comprises an elastic polymeric material and at least one thermochromatic substance. The polymer material may vary and is preferably selected from materials that are approved by the American FDA (Food and Drug Administration), implying higher safety when used in combination with beverage and food stuff containers. This is of importance especially when used in items for children, e.g. on bottles for babies since young children might examine the entire bottle with their mouth, leaving the parents feeling more secure with an FDA approved material. The same goes also for items used when bathing a child as children might examine the items with their mouths. In one embodiment the polymer material is selected from the group, silicone, EPDM, (Ethylene Propylene Diene M-class rubber) latex,

polyisoprene, SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber), NR (natural rubber), NBR (Nitrile butadiene rubber), Viton, IR (isoprene rubber), CR (chloroprene rubber), FPM (Fluorocarbon Rubber), FFKM (Perfluorocarbon Rubber), HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene), Aflas, TPE (Thermoplastic elastomers), rubber or plastic, preferably silicone.

In one embodiment the polymer material is free from BPA (Bisphenol

A).

In one embodiment the temperature indicating device is free from BPA. In one embodiment the polymer material is not sensitive to

temperatures between -40°C and 1 10°C, such as between 0°C and 100°C. Thus, the polymer material is able to withstand said temperatures without negatively influencing the desired performances of said polymer material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one thermochromatic substance can change between light and dark shades of the same color indicating a change in temperature and in another embodiment the at least one thermochromatic substance can change between at least two colors. In one specific embodiment the temperature indicating device is green when being 36°C or below, and once the temperature change to above 36°C the color changes to red. Upon decrease of temperature the color changes back to green after being below about 36°C again. However all sorts of color change are possible, red, green, yellow, orange, blue, pink, purple, brown, black, white, that is all colors available and the present invention is to be seen as incorporating various color options and color change options, even if not explicitly mentioned. In one specific embodiment the present invention have more than one color changing interval, e.g. two color changing temperatures. The temperature indicating device 1 is of a first color at a low temperature and changes to a second color at a certain temperature and then may also change to a third color at yet another temperature. One and the same temperature indicating device may indicate at least two, e.g. three or four, colors/shades respectively. The same temperature indicating device may have a color change at about 36°C and can be used for baby food, and may also have a color change at about 70°C and can be used for coffee cups, as well. The present invention is to be seen as incorporating various numbers of color changes, and the actual number of changes is dependent upon how many thermochromatic substances are used and at which temperatures they are activated at and their color. Furthermore the actual color or colors also depend upon which thermochromatic substances are used.

In one specific embodiment the present invention indicates a color change around 36°C, however the choice of temperature that the temperature indicating device is to indicate may vary and choice of temperature does not limit the invention. In another specific embodiment the present invention indicates a color change around 36°C and then another color change around 38°C. For example the temperature indicating device may change color at 36, 37, 38 and/or 39°C. Other temperatures could be about 70, 75, 80 and/or 85°C.

In one specific embodiment the present invention changes color completely upon activation of the thermocromatic substance(s).

The temperature indicating device 1 may be at least partially

transparent or at least partially opaque. In a preferred embodiment the temperature indicating device 1 is opaque.

In one embodiment the temperature indicating device 1 is partially luminescent, fluorescent or phosphorescent. The temperature indicating device 1 may contain luminescent, fluorescent or phosphorescent additives providing luminescent, fluorescent or phosphorescent effects, such as luminescent or phosphorescent pigments or compounds. The luminescent, fluorescent or phosphorescent additives may be the same as or different to the thermochromatic substances mentioned previously.

The temperature indicating device 1 may be attached to a container, or device adapted to contain fluid. The temperature indicating device 1 may be positioned on the outside or inside of said container, or device adapted to contain fluid. The temperature indicating device may comprise an inner surface 2 and an outer surface 3. The inner surface 2 may be facing the container, or device adapted to contain fluid, to which said temperature indicating device 1 may be attached. The outer surface 3 may be facing away from said container, or device adapted to contain fluid.

In one embodiment the temperature indicating device 1 according to the present invention comprise a ring shape, preferably in the shape of a band. In one embodiment the temperature indicating device 1 is preferably present within a ring shape. The height axially may vary and is not limiting to the invention neither is the diameter. The present invention is to be seen as incorporating various heights axially and also various diameters and therefore may be arranged to fit different containers, or devices adapted to contain fluid. The present invention being preferably in the shape of an elastic band renders it possible for the user to carry the temperature indicating device 1 and for example wear it as a bracelet when it is not used on a container, or device adapted to contain fluid. Wearing the temperature indicating device 1 as a bracelet may in turn, except for being a fashion statement, act as a reminder for a parent to check a baby's bottles temperature as well as their own coffee or tea cup temperature. Also, wearing it as a bracelet ensures that the product is not forgotten or left at home. In one embodiment of the present invention the temperature indicating device is in the shape of a doughnut.

Moreover, the temperature indicating device 1 may comprise various patterns and structures on the outer surface 3. Having various outer surface 3 structures, aids in preventing slipping, e.g. when holding the container, or device adapted to contain fluid, that the temperature indicating device 1 is placed around or when being present in the container, or device adapted to contain fluid, that the temperature indicating device 1 is placed in. Said outer structure may be in the shape of small bumps, dents, zigzag, squares, lines, waves or a text but other patterns that are not explicitly mentioned are possible and the temperature indicating device is not limited to these patterns.

Another benefit of this invention is the versatility. The temperature indicating device 1 is preferably elastic and implies use on different

constructions, such as containers, e.g. both a cup and a bottle since it may be removed after being used on one container and placed around another container and then be reused. Additionally, the temperature indicating device 1 is preferably elastic and implies use in containers, and devices containing fluid, since it may be removed after being used in or on one container or device and placed in or on another container or device and then be reused over and over again. The temperature indicating device 1 may be of different size; however one size in itself may fit into or onto several different

containers, or devices adapted to contain fluid, due to the elasticity of the temperature indicating device 1 .

Since heat transfer from and in a container, or in a device adapted to contain fluid, to the present invention is important, in one embodiment of the temperature indicting device 1 , the inner surface 2, i.e. the surface facing the container, or device adapted to contain fluid, of the temperature indicating device may be smooth. A smooth inner surface 2 indicates good heat transfer and furthermore, in one specific embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface of the temperature indicating device 1 comprises or is coated with a substance for increasing heat transfer. This renders it possible to even further ensure a good heat transfer. In the same manner also the outer surface 3 of the temperature indicating device may comprise or may be coated with a substance for increasing heat transfer.

Moreover, the temperature indicating device 1 according to the present invention may be fully or partially part of a ring structure. In one embodiment the temperature indicating device 1 is the whole ring structure, in another embodiment the temperature indicating device may be a part of the ring structure and the remaining part of the ring structure is of the same type of polymers, just without thermochromatic substances.

The temperature indicating device 1 may be used in or on various containers, or device adapted to contain fluid, and may be arranged to fit around or in said containers, or devices adapted to contain fluid. The container, or device adapted to contain fluid, may be a glass, a cup or a bottle but not exclusively, other containers are possible, such as a jar, and the present invention is to be seen as being compatible with various containers of various materials leaving the user with a very versatile invention. The temperature indicating device 1 implies therefore compatibility with containers by various manufacturers and a user may e.g. still use a favorite bottle on which, the temperature indicating device may be placed, for temperature control. Furthermore, a concerned parent may use the temperature indicating device for his cup of coffee and then later, investigate their baby's bottle, filled with formula.

The container, or device adapted to contain fluid, may also be a bowl, sink, or tub, or the like intended to contain water. As mentioned above, the temperature indicating device implies therefore compatibility with different types of containers and a user may apply the temperature indicating device therein and spray fluid and/or submerge the temperature indicating device therein for temperature control. The device adapted to contain fluid may in one embodiment be considered to be a shower, wherein said temperature indicating device may be applied on the floor of said shower. This way a user gets an indication of the temperature of the bath or shower water and minimizes the risk of too hot and/or cold water.

In one specific embodiment of the present invention the polymer material comprises a surface that renders it possible to add temporary or permanent personal notations. This surface may be a section of the outer surface 3.

In yet another specific embodiment said temperature indicating device 1 may comprise at least one attachment device 5 adapted to hold onto the material to which it is applied. The attachment device 5 is when attached to a container or device adapted to contain fluid intended to remain thereon until removed.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one attachment device 5 is present on the inner surface 2 of the temperature indicating device 1 . An example of such an attachment device 5 is a suction cup, for attachment to a surface. Said surface may for example be a surface in a bowl, sink, tub or the like. In one embodiment the present invention comprises many attachment devices 5, e.g. small suction cups.

The shape of the temperature indicating device may vary, however an interesting shape indicate providing a more interesting and stimulating experience for a user, e.g. a child.

In one embodiment the temperature indicating device 1 is in the shape of a sink stopper or a bath stopper. In one embodiment the temperature indicating device 1 may be attached to a stopper of a sink or a tub. In one embodiment said temperature indicating device 1 comprises a protruding part 6, wherein said protruding part 6 allows release of the temperature indicating device 1 from a surface to which it was attached.

In one embodiment said temperature indicating device 1 comprising at least one attachment device 5 comprises a protruding part 6, wherein said protruding part 6 allows release of the attachment device 5 from a surface to which it was attached. The protruding part 6 acts on the attachment device 5 to allow release from a surface by interrupting the suction power exerted on said surface by the attachment device 5.

Fig 1 shows one embodiment of the temperature indicating device 1 , according to the present invention. Being an elastic band, this band may be carried around a person's wrist to then be removed from said wrist to fit on, for example, a bottle in need of temperature indication. The inner surface 2 is smooth to ensure a high and good heat transfer and thereby a fast color change and temperature indication.

Fig 2 shows one embodiment of the temperature indicating device 1 , according to the present invention wherein the temperature indicating device 1 is part of a ring and the rest 4 of the ring is without thermochromatic substance.

Fig 3 shows one embodiment of the temperature indicating device 1 , according to the present invention wherein the temperature indicating device 1 is in the shape of a foot having antislip properties, which may be used in e.g. tubs.

Fig 4 shows one embodiment of the temperature indicating device 1 , according to the present invention wherein the temperature indicating device 1 is in a shape adapted for a sink stopper.

It should be noted that the temperature indicating device according to the present invention of course may comprise different standard components, such as an uneven outer surface 3, to prevent slipping. Moreover, the design of the hygienic product may vary, and the present invention, as formulated in claim 1 , should be seen as embodying different forms of the product.

Claims

1 . A temperature indicating device (1 ) for indicating change in temperature characterized in that the temperature indicating device (1 ) comprises an elastic polymeric material and at least one thermochromatic substance.

2. The temperature indicating device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the polymer material is selected from the group, silicone, EPDM, (Ethylene Propylene Diene M-class rubber) latex, polyisoprene, SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber), NR (natural rubber), NBR (Nitrile butadiene rubber), Viton, IR

(isoprene rubber), CR (chloroprene rubber), FPM (Fluorocarbon Rubber), FFKM (Perfluorocarbon Rubber), HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene), Aflas, TPE (Thermoplastic elastomers), rubber or plastic, preferably silicone.

3. The temperature indicating device (1 ) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one thermochromatic substance can change between light and dark shades of the same color.

4. The temperature indicating device (1 ) according to any one of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one thermochromatic substance can change between at least two colors.

5. The temperature indicating device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -4, comprising a luminescent, fluorescent and/or phosphorescent additive.

6. The temperature indicating device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -5, comprising an inner surface (2) and an outer surface (3).

7. The temperature indicating device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the temperature indicating device (1 ) comprise a ring shape, preferably in the shape of a band.

8. The temperature indicating device (1 ) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the inner surface (2) of the temperature indicating device (1 ) is smooth.

9. The temperature indicating device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -8, comprising at least one attachment device (5).

10. The temperature indicating device (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one attachment device (5) is present on the inner surface (2).

1 1 . The temperature indicating device (1 ) according to any one of claims 6-

10, wherein the inner surface (2) and/or the outer surface (3) of the

temperature indicating device (1 ) comprise or is coated with a substance for increasing heat transfer.

12. The temperature indicating device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -

1 1 , wherein the temperature indicating device is fully or partially part of a ring.

13. The temperature indicating device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -

12, wherein the temperature indicating device (1 ) is arranged to be attached to a container, or device adapted to contain fluid.

14. The temperature indicating device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -

13, wherein the temperature indicating device (1 ) is arranged to fit a container, preferably a glass, a cup or a bottle.

15. Use of temperature indicating device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 - 4, in or on a container, or device adapted to contain fluid, preferably in or on a glass, a cup, a bottle, a sink, a tub, a shower, a bowl and/or a stopper.