WO2020236842A1

WO2020236842A1 - Flexible heating and cooling tape

Info

Publication number: WO2020236842A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/033650
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jason Fladoos
Original assignee: Jason Fladoos
Priority date: 2019-05-21
Filing date: 2020-05-19
Publication date: 2020-11-26

Abstract

A heating and cooling tape and pads. In a most general cooling embodiment, the inventive tape includes a first layer of thermally conductive material; a second layer of thermal insulation; and a third layer of endothermic material, sandwiched between the first and second layers. The third layer is constructed with reactants effective to cause an endothermic chemical reaction. In a most general heating embodiment, the inventive tape includes a first layer of thermally conductive material; a second layer of thermal insulation; and a third layer of exothermic material, sandwiched between the first and second layers. The third layer is constructed with reactants effective to cause an exothermic chemical reaction.

Description

FLEXIBLE HEATING AND COOLING TAPE

BACKGROUND

Cross Reference

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of USSN 16/418,980 filed on May 21, 2019 and USSN 16/418,984 filed on May 21, 2019. The‘980 filing is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of USSN 16/022,569 filed on 6/28/2018, USSN 16/120,651 filed on September 4, 2018, and USSN 16/184,188 filed on November 8, 2018. The‘984 filing is a CIP the same preceding three filings. All of these applications are incorporated by reference herein.

Field:

The present technology relates to cooling and heating apparatuses. More specifically, the present technology relates to systems and methods for cooling beverages, pipes and other articles.

Description of the Related Art:

Numerous methods and apparatus are known in the art for heating and cooling containers, conduits and the fluids, gases and solids therein. For containers such as botdes and cans, refrigerators, ice boxes, freezers and the like are widely used.

However, these devices are generally unable to sustain an optimal temperature of the fluids or gases after removal of the container and are not available for pipes and conduits.

For example, cooling tape is known in the art but only as a heat sink, not as a structure capable of providing active cooling per se. U.S. patent number 10,350,109 entitled FLEXIBLE ADHESIVE PHYSIO TAPE WITH COOLING PROPERTIES issued to J. Fladoos on July 16, 2019, teaches a cooling physio tape for cooling human tissue. While this patent mentions in passing that such a construction could be adapted for cooling beverage containers, a detailed teaching is not provided. This patent is found in Appendix A included herein.

Hence, there is a need in the art for a simple, effective, fast-acting, portable, low- cost beverage heating and cooling device.

Likewise, numerous methods and apparatus are known in the art for heating containers, conduits and the fluids, gases and solids therein. For containers such as bottles and cans, ovens, stoves, microwaves, hot plates and the like are widely used. However, these devices are generally unable to sustain an optimal temperature of the fluids or gases after removal of the container and are not available for pipes and conduits.

Heating tape is known in the ait but conventional heat tape is generally implemented with electrically driven coils. As a result, conventional heat tape is impractical and too expensive for simple beverage heating applications.

U. S. patent number 10,492,957 entitled FLEXIBLE ADHESIVE PHYSIO TAPE WITH THERMAL PROPERTIES issued to J. Fladoos on December 3, 2019, teaches a heating physio tape for heating human tissue. While this patent mentions in passing that such a construction could be adapted for heating beverage containers, a detailed teaching is not provided. This patent is found in Appendix B included herein.

Hence, there is a need in the art for simple, effective, fast acting, portable, low cost beverage heating and cooling devices.

SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The need in the art is addressed by the heating and cooling tapes pads of the present technology. In a most general cooling embodiment, the inventive cooling tape includes a first layer of thermally conductive material; a second layer of thermal insulation; and a third layer of endothermic material, sandwiched between the first and second layers. The third layer is constructed with reactants effective to cause an endothermic chemical reaction.

In a first embodiment, tire technology provides a beverage cooling device. In a second embodiment, the technology provides a pipe cooling/freezing device. In a specific embodiment, a breakable barrier in the third layer separates the reactants so the cooling can be initiated at any point by breaking the barrier. The third layer could include multiple layers saturated or interwoven with reactants. The reactants are dry solid compounds such as ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride or urea. The tape is adapted for activation by breaking a barrier separating water filled chambers and chambers with one or more of the dry compounds, allowing them to mix to initiate the endothermic reaction. The reactants could be implemented with barium hydroxide octahydrate crystals and dry ammonium chloride or tiiionyl chloride (SOC12) and cobalt (II) sulfate heptahydrate or etiianoic acid and sodium carbonate.

The third layer could be implemented as a powder or crystal or implemented as a liquid in which case the third layer has sealed borders. The third layer can be implemented with segmented lengths of endothermic reactants to allow for the tape to be cut at various lengths without cutting through a layer of reactants.

The beverage cooling device can be implemented as a cooling pad with a first layer of thermally conductive material; a second layer of material which may or may not include material providing thermal insulation to prevent the freezing of the object that the cooling pad is set «1; and a third layer of endothermic material, sandwiched between the first and second layers.

In the illustrative embodiment, at least one of tire layers has a contour effective to create suction whereby the pad adheres to a surface to be cooled. This layer may also have adhesive to stick the surface of the object being cooled.

In a most general heating embodiment, the inventive tape includes a first layer of thermally conductive material; a second layer of thermal insulation; and a third layer of exothermic material, sandwiched between the first and second layers. The third layer is constructed with reactants effective to cause an exothermic chemical reaction.

In the illustrative embodiment, the third layer is fabricated with

cellulose, iron, water, activated carbon, vermiculite and salt. In a specific embodiment, a breakable barrier in the third layer separates the reactants so the heating can be initiated at any point by breaking the barrier. The third layer could include multiple layers saturated or interwoven with reactants.

In a first alternative embodiment, the technology provides a beverage heating device. In a second alternative embodiment, the technology provides a pipe heating device.

The beverage heating device can be implemented as a heating pad with a first layer of thermally conductive material; a second layer of material which may or may not include material providing thermal insulation to protect the object that the heating pad is set on; and a third layer of exothermic material, sandwiched between the first and second layers.

In the illustrative embodiment, at least one of the layers has a contour effective to create suction whereby the pad adheres to a surface to be heated or this layer may also have adhesive to stick to the surface of the object being heated. The contour also provides a space for reactants to fit under the concave bottom of the botde or can.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is perspective view of the cooling tape of the present technology mounted on a beverage container in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.

Figure 2 is a top view of the cooling tape of Figure 1.

Figure 3a is top schematic view of an illustrative embodiment of the cooling tape of the present technology.

Figure 3b is a sectional end view' of the tape depicted in Figure 3a. Figure 3c is a sectional side view of the tape depicted in Figure 3a.

Figure 4a is an elevated side view of an illustrative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented as an elastic ring.

Figure 4b is an elevated side view' of an alternative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented with a hook type fastener.

Figure 4c is an elevated side view of a second alternative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented with a hook and loop type fastener.

Figure 4d is an elevated side view of a third alternative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented with a snap type fastener.

Figure 5 is perspective view of the cooling pad of the present technology mounted under a beverage container in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.

Figure 5a is a top plan view of the pad depicted in Figure 4.

Figure 5b is a sectional side view of the pad depicted in Figure 4.

Figure 6 is side elevational view of tire heating tape of the present technology mounted on a beverage container in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.

Figure 7 is a top view of the heating tape of Figure 6.

Figure 8a is top schematic view' of an illustrative embodiment of the heating tape of the present technology.

Figure 8b is a sectional end view of the tape depicted in Figure 8a.

Figure 8c is a sectional side view of the tape depicted in Figure 8a.

Figure 9a is an elevated, side view of an illustrative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented as an elastic ring.

Figure 9b is an elevated, side view of an alternative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented with a hook-type fastener.

Figure 9c is an elevated, side view of a second alternative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented with a hook-and-loop-type fastener.

Figure 9d is an elevated, side view of a third alternative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented with a snap-type fastener. Figure 10 is a side view of the heating pad of the present technology mounted under a beverage container in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.

Figure 10a is a top plan view of the pad depicted in Figure 10.

Figure 10b is a sectional side view of the pad depicted in Figure 10.

Appendix A - U.S. Patent Number 10,350,109 (Fladoos)

Appendix B -U. S. Patent Number 10,492,957 (Fladoos)

Appendix C - U.S. Patent Number 6,036,004 (Bowen)

DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNOLOGY

Illustrative embodiments and exemplaiy applications will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to disclose the advantageous teachings of the present technology with respect to first cooling and then with respect to heating.

While the present technology is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the technology is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present technology would be of significant utility.

I. COOLING:

Figure 1 is perspective view of the cooling tape 10 of the present technology mounted on a beverage container 20 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.

Figure 2 is a top view of the cooling tape 10 of Figure 1 mounted on the beverage container 20.

Figure 3a is top schematic view of an illustrative embodiment of the cooling tape 10 of the present technology.

Figure 3b is a sectional end view of the tape depicted in Figure 3a.

Figure 3c is a sectional side view of the tape depicted in Figure 3a.

As illustrated in Figures 3a - c, the inventive tape includes a first layer 12 of thermally conductive material; a second layer 16 of thermal insulation; and a third layer 14 of endothermic material sandwiched between the first and second layers 12 and 16 respectively.

The first layer 12 may be made of porous or non-porous fabric with or without elastic properties, plastic, biodegradable plastic (made of com starch or other traditional petrochemical), rubber, metal, PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) known by the brand name Teflon. The second layer 16 may be plastic, biodegradable plastic (made of com starch or other traditional petrochemical), rubber, metal, PTFE.

The third layer 14 is constructed with reactants effective to cause an endothermic chemical reaction. In an illustrative embodiment, with the modifications taught herein, the device 10 may be implemented in accordance with the teachings of U. S. Patent no. 6,036,004 issued March 14, 2000 to M. L. Bowen entitled MULTI-COMPARTMENT BAG WITH BREAKABLE WALLS, the teachings of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The patent is attached as Appendix C, included herein.

In another embodiment, the reactants are dry, solid compounds such as ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride or urea. In this embodiment, tire tape is activated by breaking a barrier (not shown) separating water filled chambers and chambers with one or more of the above-mentioned dry compounds and allowing them to mix thereby initiating an endothermic reaction.

In an alternative embodiment, the endothermic reaction is effectuated with dry compounds using, by way of example:

• tire reaction of barium hydroxide octahydrate crystals with dry ammonium chloride;

• tire reaction of thionyl chloride (SOC12) with cobalt (P) sulfate

heptahydrate; and/or

• reacting ethanoic acid with sodium carbonate

In a specific embodiment, a breakable barrier (not shown) in the third layer 14 separates the reactants so that cooling can be initiated at any point by breaking the barrier. The third layer 14 could include multiple layers saturated or interwoven with reactants. The reactants may be dry, solid compounds such as ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride or urea.

The tape is adapted for activation by breaking a barrier separating water filled chambers and chambers with one or more of the dry compounds and allowing them to mix to initiate an endothermic reaction. The reactants could be implemented with barium hydroxide octallydrate crystals and dry ammonium chloride or thionyl chloride (SOC12) and cobalt (II) sulfate heptahydrate or ethanoic acid and sodium carbonate.

The third layer 14 could be implemented as a powder or crystal or implemented as a liquid in which case the third layer has sealed borders.

As illustrated in Figure 3 a, the third layer can be implemented with segmented lengths of endothermic reactants to allow for the tape to be cut at various lengths without cutting through a layer of reactants. The segments are separated by cutting or tearing along the seams 15 depicted in Figure 3a.

The tape may be implemented as a ring or strip with various fasteners as illustrated in Figures 4a-d. Figure 4a, for example, is an elevated side view of an illustrative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented with elastic layers to provide an elastic ring.

Figure 4b is an elevated side view of an alternative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented with a hook type fastener 30.

Figure 4c is an elevated side view of a second alternative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented with a hook-and-loop (known by the brand name Velcro ) type fastener 40.

Figure 4d is an elevated side view of third alternative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented with a snap-type fastener 50.

All of the above-described fasteners may be made of plastic, biodegradable plastic (made of com starch or other traditional petrochemical), metal or other suitable materials.

For pipe cooling applications, the tape may be wrapped in a spiral pattern around the pipe and secured in place with adhesive material provided on layers 12 and 16. In this case, the tape 10 is designed for activation upon a tight wrapping of the tape around the pipe. Various embodiments would be made to accommodate pipes of various sizes and to effect activation upon proper application thereto.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cooling pad of the present technology mounted under a beverage container in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology. Figure 5a is a top, plan view of the pad depicted in Figure 4. Figure 5b is a sectional, side view of the pad depicted in Figure 4.

As illustrated in Figures 5, 5a and 5b, in accordance with the present teachings, a beverage cooling device can be implemented as a cooling pad 10’ with a first layer of thermally conductive material 16’; a second layer of material 12’; and a third layer of endothermic material 14’, sandwiched between the first and second layers 12’ and 16’ respectively. Layer 16’ may or may not have an adhesive layer to aid in sticking the pad to the bottom of the can.

In a best mode, the first layer 16’ is plastic or other suitable thermally conductive material and the second layer 12’ is plastic or other suitably rigid material, with or without adhesive properties and made with or without material providing thermal insulation, depending on the attributes desired or required for a given application.

As illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b, in an illustrative embodiment, the third layer 14’ has a contour effective to create suction whereby the pad 10’ adheres to a surface to be cooled. In Figure 5b, the contour is dome-shaped in contemplation of a beverage can 20 with a concave bottom surface.

The inventive tape 10 may be fabricated by applying a strong adhesive such as zinc oxide or another suitable adhesive to layer 16.

Next, the top layer 12, fabricated in the same manner as the bottom layer 16, is applied to the endothermic layer 14. The top and bottom layers 12 and 16 respectively, may be 97% tightiy woven elasticated cotton with 3% nylon fibers or implemented with a ratio of cotton or nylon better suited fo a particular application. The top and bottom layers 12 and 16 may also be constructed without any elastic properties and with or without adhesive properties depending on what it is being applied to. The first layer 12 may be made of porous or non-porous fabric with or without elastic properties, plastic, biodegradable plastic (made of com starch or other traditional petrochemical), rubber, metal, or PTFE. The second layer 16 may be plastic, biodegradable plastic (made of com starch or other traditional petrochemical), rubber, metal, or PTFE.

In an alternative embodiment, a hollow section of the tape 10 could be provided and filled with a pie-made, plastic, enclosed tube of reactants. This eliminates the need for the tape to be leak proof. This also simplifies the manufacturing process as the tape can be made with a hollow core and then tubes can be inserted that are either filled with reactants that cool or heat. Those tubes can also be filled with varying quantities or reactants depending on the desired intensity of heating or cooling that is desired.

In an alternative embodiment, the pad 10 could be constructed so that when a can or bottle is placed and pressed on top of the dome 16, a barrier is broken from the pressure of the can or bottle placement. This would activate the reaction of cooling or heating the can or bottle.

In an alternative embodiment, multiple cooling pads 10 could be connected within one large pad with six domes to enable the cooling or heating of multiple cans at once. For practical purposes you could set a six pack of cans on top of a pad with six domes. Each pad could be activated by the pressure of each can or a central water chamber barrier could be broken to activate each pad segment via water as a catalyst

Structure of the cold tape;

The tape may be constructed in multiple ways. The tape may be constructed to contain hollow chambers that can hold and separate the individual reactants.

In accordance with the present technology, individual reactants can either be enclosed in a flexible, leak-proof container that will fit into each chamber of the tape or the tape can be constructed of leak-proof material so the raw reactants can be placed directly' inside each chamber. In either aspect, there will have to be a breakable barrier that separates the reactants, so the cooling can be initiated at any point by breaking the barrier.

The tape could also be constructed with multiple layers of pie-made reactant strips that are stacked or glued onto each other but separated by a barrier. Squeezing the tape by hand could break the barriers and initiate the endothermic reaction.

Practical uses and temperature ranges: Non-human use: Tape being adhered to an inanimate object can be made as cold as needed depending on the desired outcome. Practical uses are cooling warm beverages or freezing water to produce ice in remote areas. Another practical use is to freeze a leaking water pipe to temporarily stop a leak. This would enable the pipe to be cut and capped while the damaged pipe section can be repaired or replaced. Again, the reactants can be adjusted to obtain the desired temperature and length of cooling time.

Dimensions of the cold tape:

In the best mode , the tape has a width of 1 - 6 inches, a thickness of 1 - 40 mm and a length of 3 inches to any- length The tape can be manufactured to have segmented lengths of endothermic reactants to allow for the tape to be cut at various lengths without cutting through the container, pouch or layer of reactants.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present technology is not limited to the fabrics and chemicals disclosed herein. Other combinations of fabrics and chemicals may be employed without departing from the scope of the present teachings. For example, a plurality of small capsules may be provided within the tape which, when squeezed by a user, ruptures and releases a mix of chemicals leading to an endothermic cooling effect

II. HEATING:

Figure 6 is side elevational view of the heating tape 100 of the present technology mounted on a beverage container 120 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology.

Figure 7 is a top view of the heating tape 100 of Figure 6 mounted on the beverage container 120.

Figure 8a is top schematic view of an illustrative embodiment of the heating tape 100 of the present technology.

Figure 8b is a sectional end view of the tape depicted in Figure 8a. Figure 8c is a sectional side view of the tape depicted in Figure 8a.

As illustrated in Figures 9a - c, the inventive tape includes a first layer 112 of thermally conductive material; a second layer 116 of thermal insulation; and a third layer 114 of exothermic material, sandwiched between the first and second layers 112 and 116, respectively.

The first layer 112 may be made of porous or nonporous fabric with or without elastic properties, plastic, biodegradable plastic (made of com starch or other traditional petrochemical), rubber, metal, or PTFE. The second layer 116 may be plastic, biodegradable plastic (made of com starch or other traditional petrochemical), rubber, metal, or PTFE.

The third layer 114 is constructed with reactants effective to cause an exothermic chemical reaction. In an illustrative embodiment, with the modifications taught herein, the device 100 may be implemented in accordance with tire teachings of U. S. Patent no. 6,036,004 issued March 14, 2000 to M. L. Bowen entitled MULTI -COMPARTMENT BAG WITH BREAKABLE WALLS, the teachings of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference and a copy is here attached.

In the illustrative embodiment, the reactants are dry, solid compounds such as cellulose, iron, water, activated carbon, vermiculite and salt. In this embodiment, the tape is activated by breaking a barrier (not shown) separating water filled chambers and chambers with one or more of tire above-mentioned dry compounds, allowing them to mix initiating an exothermic reaction.

In another implementation, the capsules may be filled with a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate in water. In this case, crystallization is triggered by flexing a small flat disc of notched ferrous metal embedded in the liquid. Pressing the disc releases very tiny adhered crystals of sodium acetate into the solution which then act as nucleation sites for the crystallization of the sodium acetate into the hydrated salt (sodium acetate trihydrate, CH₃COONa-₃H₂O). Because the liquid is supersaturated, this makes the solution crystallize suddenly, thereby releasing tire energy of the crystal lattice. In a multi-use/reusable embodiment of the present teachings, heat is produced by mixing a chemical salt in dry crystal form with water. By way of example, suitable dry chemical salt examples include calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate and sodium acetate; however, the technology is not limited thereto. The solution is super saturated meaning it has been heated to dissolve mote salt. When an internal metal strip (usually stainless steel) is bent, tiny particles of metal are released which offer nucleation sites causing crystals to form releasing the stored heat energy of the solution.

There are multiple ways to vary the intensity and/or duration of the heating/cooling. For example, changing the concentration and/or quantity of the reactants would control the duration of heat and also the intensity. This allows for multiple choices of the thermal tape depending on the environment and length of time heating or cooling is desired.

In a specific embodiment, a breakable barrier (not shown) in the third layer 14 separates the reactants so that heating can be initiated at any point by breaking the barrier. The third layer 14 could include multiple layers saturated or interwoven with reactants.

The tape is adapted for activation by breaking a barrier separating water filled chambers and chambers with one or more of the dry compounds, allowing them to mix to initiate the exothermic reaction.

The third layer 114 could be implemented as a powder or crystal or implemented as a liquid in which case the third layer has sealed borders.

As illustrated in Figure 8a, the third layer can be implemented with segmented lengths of exothermic reactants to allow for the tape to be cut at various lengths without cutting through a layer of reactants. The segments are separated by cutting or tearing along the seams 115 depicted in Figure 8a.

The tape may be implemented as a ring or strip with various fasteners as illustrated in Figures 9a-d. Figure 9a, for example, is an elevated side view of an illustrative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented with elastic layers to proride an elastic ring.

Figure 9b is an elevated side view of an alternative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented with a hook type fastener 130. Figure 9c is an elevated side view of a second alternative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented with a hook and loop (aka Velcro) type fastener 40.

Figure 9d is an elevated side view of third alternative embodiment of the tape of the present technology implemented with a snap type fastener 150. All of the above- described fasteners may be made of plastic, biodegradable plastic (made of com starch or other traditional petrochemical), metal or other suited material.

For pipe heating applications, the tape may be wrapped in a spiral pattern around the pipe and secured in place with adhesive material provided on layers 112 and 116. In this case, the tape 100 is designed for activation upon a tight wrapping of the tape around the pipe. Various embodiments would be made to accommodate pipes of various sizes and to effect activation upon proper application thereto.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the heating pad of the present technology mounted under a beverage container in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the technology. Figure 10a is a top, plan view of the pad depicted in Figure 10.

Figure 10b is a sectional, side view of the pad depicted in Figure 10.

As illustrated in Figures 10, 10a and 10b, in accordance with the present teachings, a beverage heating device can be implemented as a heating pad 100’ with a first layer of thermally conductive material 112’; a second layer of material 116’ which may or may not include material proriding thermal insulation to protect the object that the heating pad is set on; and a third layer of exothermic material 114’, sandwiched between the first and second layers 112’ and 116’ respectively.

In the best mode, the first layer 112’ is metallic foil, plastic, or other suitable thermally conductive material and the base layer 116’ is plastic or rubber or other suitably rigid material, with or without adhesive properties, depending on the attributes desired or required for a given application.

As illustrated in Figures 10a and 10b, in the illustrative embodiment, the third layer 114’ has a contour effective to create suction whereby the pad 10’ adheres to a surface to be heated. In Figure 10b, the contour is dome shaped in contemplation of a beverage can 120 with a concave bottom surface. The inventive tape 100 may be fabricated by applying a strong adhesive such as zinc oxide or other suitable adhesive to a large sheet of high-quality, porous fabric 116 such as a blend of cotton, latex and/or nylon.

Next, the top layer 112, fabricated in the same manner as the bottom layer 116, is applied to the exothermic layer 114. The top and bottom layers 112 and 116 may be 97% tightly woven elasticated cotton with 3% nylon fibers or implemented with a ratio of cotton or nylon better suited for a particular application. The top and bottom layers 112 and 116 may also be constructed without any elastic properties and with or without adhesive properties depending on what it is being applied to. The first layer 112 may be made of porous or nonporous fabric with or without elastic properties, plastic, biodegradable plastic (made of com starch or other traditional petrochemical), rubber, metal, or PTFE. The second layer 116 may be plastic, biodegradable plastic (made of com starch or other traditional petrochemical), rubber, metal, or PTFE.

In an alternative embodiment, a hollow section of the tape 100 could be provided and filled with a pre-made, plastic, enclosed tube of reactants. This eliminates the need for the tape to be leak proof. This also simplifies the manufacturing process as the tape can be made with a hollow core and then tubes can be inserted that are filled with reactants that heat. Those tubes can also be filled with varying quantities depending on the desired intensity of treat

In another alterative embodiment, the pad 100 could be constructed so that when a can or bottle is placed and pressed on top of the dome 116, a barrier is broken from the pressure of the can or bottle to activate the reaction of heating the can or bottle.

In yet another alternative embodiment multiple cooling pads 100 could be connected within one large pad with six domes to enable the cooling of multiple cans at once. For practical purposes you could set a six-pack of cans on top of a pad with six domes. Each pad could be activated by the pressure of each can or a central water chamber barrier could be broken to activate each pad segment via water as a catalyst.

Structure of the heat tape: The tape may be constructed in multiple ways. The tape may be constructed to contain hollow chambers that can hold and separate the individual reactants.

In accordance with the present technology, individual reactants can either be enclosed in a flexible, leak-proof container that will fit into each chamber of the tape or the tape can be constructed of leak-proof material so that the raw reactants can be placed directly inside each chamber. In either aspect, there will have to be a breakable barrier that separates the reactants, so the heating can be initiated at any point by breaking the barrier.

The tape could also be constructed with multiple layers of pre-made reactant strips that are stacked or glued onto each other but separated by a barrier. Squeezing the tape by hand could break the barriers and initiate the exothermic reaction.

Practical uses and temperature ranges:

Tape being adhered to an inanimate object can be made as hot as needed depending on the desired outcome. Another practical use is to heat up a frozen pipe and melt the ice that is preventing the flow of water. Again, the reactants can be adjusted to obtain the desired temperature and length of heating time.

Dimensions of the heat tape:

In a best mode, the tape has a width of 1 - 6 inches, a thickness of 1 - 40 mm and a length of 3 inches to any length The tape can be manufactured to have segmented lengths of exothermic reactants to allow for the tape to be cut at various lengths without cutting through the container, pouch or layer of reactants.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present technology is not limited to the fabrics and chemicals disclosed herein. Other combinations of fabrics and chemicals may be employed without departing from the scope of the present teachings. For example, a plurality of small capsules may be provided within the tape which, when squeezed by a user, ruptures and releases a mix of chemicals leading to an exothermic heating effect.

Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to tire present teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof.

It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such applications, modifications and embodiments within the scope of tire present technology.

Broadly, this writing has disclosed a heating and cooling tape and pads. In a most general cooling embodiment, the inventive tape includes a first layer of thermally conductive material; a second layer of thermal insulation; and a third layer of endothermic material, sandwiched between the first and second layers. The third layer is constructed with reactants effective to cause an endothermic chemical reaction. In a most general heating embodiment, the inventive tape includes a first layer of thermally conductive material; a second layer of thermal insulation; and a third layer of exothermic material, sandwiched between the first and second layers. The third layer is constructed with reactants effective to cause an exothermic chemical reaction.

All elements, parts and steps described herein are preferably included. It is to be understood that any of these elements, parts and steps may be replaced by other elements, parts and steps or deleted altogether as will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Concents:

At least the following concepts are herein presented.

1. A cooling material for use as a tape comprising:

a first layer of thermally conductive flexible material;

a second layer of flexible material providing thermal insulation; and a third layer of endothermic material sandwiched between the first and second layers.

wherein the flexibility of each of said layers is such that the cooling material may be wrapped around a pipe or can.

2. The cooling material of Concept 1 wherein the third layer is constructed with reactants effective to cause an endothermic chemical reaction.

3. The cooling material of Concept 2 further including a breakable barrier that separates the reactants so cooling can be initiated at airy point by breaking the barrier.

4. The cooling material of Concept 2 wherein the reactants are dry solid compounds ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride or urea.

5. The cooling material of any one of the preceding Concepts wherein the cooling material is adapted for activation by breaking a barrier separating water filled chambers and chambers with one or more of the dry compounds, allowing them to mix to initiate the endothermic reaction. 6. The cooling material of Concept 2 wherein the reactants include barium hydroxide octahydrate crystals and dry ammonium chloride, thionyl chloride (SOC12) and cobalt (II) sulfate heptahydrate or ethanoic acid and sodium carbonate.

7. The cooling material of Concept 1 wherein the third layer includes multiple layers saturated or interwoven with reactants.

8. The cooling material of any one of the preceding Concepts wherein the third lay er is implemented as a powder or crystal.

9. The cooling material of any one of the preceding Concepts wherein the third layer is a liquid with sealed borders.

10. The cooling material of any one of the preceding Concepts wherein the first layer is a sheet of high-quality porous fabric with a blend of cotton, latex or nylon.

11. The cooling material of any one of the preceding Concepts wherein the first layer includes an adhesive.

12. The cooling material of Concept 11 wherein the adhesive is zinc oxide.

13. The cooling material of Concept 2 wherein the third layer includes hollow chambers that hold and separate the reactants.

14. The cooling material of Concept 13 wherein the reactants are enclosed in a flexible leak-proof container that will fit into each chamber.

15. The cooling material of any one of the preceding Concepts 1 wherein the third layer is constructed of leak-proof material. 16. The cooling material of Concept 13 wherein the third layer includes raw reactants mounted directly inside each chamber.

17. The cooling material of any one of the preceding Concepts wherein the third layer is constructed with multiple layers of pre-made reactant strips that are stacked or glued onto each other and separated by a barrier breakable by hand.

18. The cooling material of Concept 1 wherein the third layer has segmented lengths of endothermic reactants to allow for the cooling material to be cut at various lengths without cutting through the endothermic reactants.

19. The cooling material of any one of the preceding Concepts wherein any of the three layers have a contour effective to create suction whereby the pad adheres to a surface to be cooled.

20. A heating tape comprising:

a first layer of thermally conductive material;

a second layer of material providing thermal insulation; and

a third layer of exothermic material sandwiched between the first and second lay ers wherein the third layer is constructed with reactants effective to cause an exothermic chemical reaction including a breakable barrier that separates the reactants so the heating can be initiated at any point by breaking the barrier.

21. The technology of Concep 20 wherein the reactants are cellulose, iron, water, activated carbon, vermiculite and salt.

22. The technology of Concept 20 or 21 wherein the tape is adapted for activation by breaking a barrier separating water filled chambers and chambers with one or more dry compounds, allowing them to mix to initiate the exothermic reaction. 23. The technology of any one of Concepts 20 through 22, wherein the third lay er includes multiple layers saturated or interwoven with reactants with those reactants being a powder, crystal, liquid held within sealed borders.

24. The technology of any one of the preceding Concepts 20 through 23, wherein the first layer is a sheet of high-quality porous fabric with a blend of cotton, latex or nylon or a sheet of non-parous fabric.

25. The technology' of any one of the preceding Concepts 20 through 24 wherein the first layer includes a strong adhesive such as zinc oxide.

26. The technology of Concept 20 wherein the third layer includes hollow chambers that can be leak proof that hold and separate the reactants or hold individual, flexible, breakable, leak proof containers of reactants that fit into each chamber.

27. The technology of Concept 20 wherein the third layer is constructed with multiple layers of pre-made reactant strips that are stacked car glued onto each other and separated by a barrier breakable by hand.

28. The technology of Concept 20 wherein the third layer has segmented lengths of exothermic reactants to allow for the tape to be cut at various lengths without cutting through a layer of reactants.

29. A heating pad comprising:

a first layer of thermally conductive material;

a second layer of material; and

a third layer of exothermic material sandwiched between the first and second layers where the third layer is constructed with reactants effective to cause an exothermic chemical reaction including a breakable barrier that separates the reactants so the heating can be initiated at any point by breaking the barrier. 30. The technology of Concept 29 wherein the reactants in the third layer are cellulose, iron, water, activated carbon, vermiculite and salt, the third layer being adapted for activation by breaking a barrier separating water filled chambers and chambers with one or more of the dry compounds, allowing them to mix to initiate tire exothermic reaction.

31. The technology of Concept 29 wherein the third layer is a liquid with sealed borders.

32. The technolog)' of Concept 29 wherein the third lay er includes a strong adhesive such as zinc oxide.

33. The technology of any one of Concepts 29 through 33, wherein at least one of the three layers has a contour effective to create suction whereby tire pad adheres to a surface to be heated.

34. The technology of Concept 29 wherein the third layer includes hollow chambers that can be leak proof to hold and separate the reactants or hold individual, flexible, breakable, leak-proof containers of reactants that fit into each chamber.

35. The technology of Concept 29 wherein the chambers or containers are filled with a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate or other suitable chemical salt and water.

36. The technology of Concept 29 wherein tire capsules further include a small flat disc of notched ferrous metal embedded in the water for flexing and triggering crystallization. 37. The technology of Concept 1 wherein the first layer has a layer of adhesive material to facilitate securing the layer to an external surface.

38. The technology of Concept 20 wherein the first layer has a layer of adhesive material to facilitate securing the layer to an external surface.

39. The technology of Concept 29 wherein the first layer has a layer of adhesive material to facilitate securing the layer to an external surface.

Claims

1. A cooling material for use as a tape comprising:

a first layer of thermally conductive flexible material;

a second layer of flexible material proriding thermal insulation; and a third layer of endothermic material sandwiched between the first and second layers,

wherein the flexibility of each of said layers is such that the cooling material may be wrapped around a pipe or can. |

2. The cooling material of Claim 1 wherein the third layer is constructed with reactants effective to cause an endothermic chemical reaction.

3. The cooling material of Claim 2 further including a breakable barrier that separates the reactants so cooling can be initiated at any point by breaking the barrier.

4. The cooling material of Claim 2 wherein the reactants are dry solid compounds ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride or urea.

5. The cooling material of Claim 4 wherein the cooling material is adapted for activation by breaking a barrier separating water filled chambers and chambers with one or more of the dry compounds, allowing them to mix to initiate the endothermic reaction.

6. The cooling material of Claim 2 wherein the reactants include barium hydroxide octahydrate crystals and dry ammonium chloride, thionyl chloride (SOC12) and cobalt (II) sulfate heptahydrate or ethanoic acid and sodium carbonate.

7. The cooling material of Claim 1 wherein the third layer includes multiple layers saturated or interwoven with reactants.

8. The cooling material of Claim 1 wherein the third layer is implemented as a powder or crystal.

9. The cooling material of Claim 1 wherein the third layer is a liquid with sealed borders.

10. The cooling material of Claim 1 wherein the first layer is a sheet of high- quality, porous fabric with a blend of cotton, latex or ny lon.

11. The cooling material of Claim 10 wherein the first layer includes an adhesive.

12. The cooling material of Claim 11 wherein the adhesive is zinc oxide.

13. The cooling material of Claim 2 wherein the third layer includes hollow chambers that hold and separate the reactants.

14. The cooling material of Claim 13 wherein the reactants are enclosed in a flexible leak-proof container that will fit into each chamber.

15. The cooling material of Claim 1 wherein the third layer is constructed of leak-proof material.

16. The cooling material of Claim 13 wherein the third layer includes raw reactants mounted directly inside each chamber.

17. The cooling material of Claim 1 wherein the third layer is constructed with multiple layers of pre-made reactant strips that are stacked or glued onto each other and separated by a barrier breakable by hand.

18. The cooling material of Claim 1 wherein the third layer has segmented lengths of endothermic reactants to allow for the cooling material to be cut at various lengths without cutting through the endothermic reactants.

19. The cooling material of Claim 1 wherein any of the three layers have a contour effective to create suction whereby the pad adheres to a surface to be cooled.

20. A heating tape comprising:

a first layer of thermally conductive material;

a second layer of material providing thermal insulation; and

a third layer of exothermic material sandwiched between the first and second layers wherein the third layer is constructed with reactants effective to cause an exothermic chemical reaction including a breakable barrier that separates the reactants so the heating can be initiated at any point by breaking the barrier.

21. The invention of Claim 20 wherein the reactants are

cellulose, iron, water, activated carbon, vermiculite and salt.

22. The invention of Claim 20 wherein the tape is adapted for activation by breaking a barrier separating water filled chambers and chambers with one or more dry compounds, allowing them to mix to initiate the exothermic reaction.

23. The invention of Claim 20 where the third layer includes multiple layers saturated or interwoven with reactants with those reactants being a powder, crystal, liquid held within sealed borders.

24. The invention of Claim 20 wherein the first layer is a sheet of high- quality porous fabric with a blend of cotton, latex or nylon or a sheet of non-porous fabric.

25. The invention of Claim 20 wherein the first layer includes a strong adhesive such as zinc oxide.

26. The invention of Claim 20 wherein the third layer includes hollow chambers that can be leak proof that hold and separate the reactants or hold individual, flexible, breakable, leak proof containers of reactants that fit into each chamber.

27. The invention of Claim 20 wherein the third layer is constructed with multiple layers of pre-made reactant strips that are stacked or glued onto each other and separated by a barrier breakable by hand.

28. The invention of Claim 20 wherein the third layer has segmented lengths of exothermic reactants to allow for the tape to be cut at various lengths without cutting through a layer of reactants.

29. A heating pad comprising:

a first layer of thermally conductive material;

a second layer of material; and

a third layer of exothermic material sandwiched between the first and second layers where the third layer is constructed with reactants effective to cause an exothermic chemical reaction including a breakable barrier that separates the reactants so the heating can be initiated at any point by breaking the barrier.

30. The invention of Claim 29 wherein the reactants in the third layer are cellulose, iron, water, activated carbon, vermiculite and salt, the third layer being adapted for activation by breaking a barrier separating water filled chambers and chambers with one or more of the dry compounds thereby allowing them to mix to initiate the exothermic reaction.

31. The invention of Claim 29 wherein the third layer is a liquid with sealed borders.

32. The invention of Claim 29 wherein the third layer includes a strong adhesive such as zinc oxide.

33. The invention of Claim 29 wherein at least one of the three layers has a contour effective to create suction whereby the pad adheres to a surface to be heated.

34. The invention of Claim 29 wherein the third layer includes hollow chambers that can be leak proof that hold and separate the reactants or hold individual, flexible, breakable, leak proof containers of reactants that fit into each chamber.

35. The invention of Claim 29 wherein the chambers or containers are filled with a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate or other suitable chemical salt and water.

36. The invention of Claim 29 wherein the capsules further include a small flat disc of notched ferrous metal embedded in the water for flexing and triggering crystallization.

37. The invention of Claim 1 wherein the first layer has a layer of adhesive material to facilitate securing the layer to an external surface.

38. The invention of Claim 20 wherein the first layer has a layer of adhesive material to facilitate securing the layer to an external surface.

39. The invention of Claim 29 wherein the first layer has a layer of adhesive material to facilitate securing the layer to an external surface.