CA2463810C - Container cooler and warmer - Google Patents
Container cooler and warmer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2463810C CA2463810C CA002463810A CA2463810A CA2463810C CA 2463810 C CA2463810 C CA 2463810C CA 002463810 A CA002463810 A CA 002463810A CA 2463810 A CA2463810 A CA 2463810A CA 2463810 C CA2463810 C CA 2463810C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- unit
- module
- thermoregulation
- heat
- inner container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B21/00—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
- F25B21/02—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect
- F25B21/04—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect reversible
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J36/00—Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
- A47J36/24—Warming devices
- A47J36/2411—Baby bottle warmers; Devices for warming baby food in jars
- A47J36/2433—Baby bottle warmers; Devices for warming baby food in jars with electrical heating means
- A47J36/2438—Baby bottle warmers; Devices for warming baby food in jars with electrical heating means for warming a water-bath or -jacket
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
- F25D31/005—Combined cooling and heating devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
- F25D2331/803—Bottles
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
- F25D2400/36—Visual displays
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/16—Sensors measuring the temperature of products
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
- F25D31/006—Other cooling or freezing apparatus specially adapted for cooling receptacles, e.g. tanks
- F25D31/007—Bottles or cans
Abstract
Disclosed is a container warmer (10) that utilizes the same compartment for heating and cooling. In optional embodiments, the unit may include a programmable timer operably connected to the heating and cooling units such that the timer may regulate activity of the units. In other embodiments, the invention may include a baby bottle warmer in which the baby bottle is placed in a water bath in a compartment, the water bath being heated or cooled by heating or cooling units, and optionally operably connected to a programmable timer.
Description
Container Cooler and Warmer Technical Field of the Invention:
The invention relates to a container cooler and warmer.
Background of the Invention:
Without a doubt, a newborn and infant will feed at its own schedule. This child cries until it is fed. The problem is that often, a parent is required to go downstairs (or elsewhere) and remove pre-prepared milk from the cooler (e.g., refrigerator) or prepare it from scratch, heat it, and then come upstairs, all while the child cries. Most parents recognize that the time spent making up the bottle is agonizing for the parent and the child. Any invention that minimizes the time interval between the child awakening and being fed would be greatly received.
The first problem, therefore, is simply the need to avoid making trips to other rooms at night.
In addition, given the increasing cost of formula or the difficulty in obtaining breast milk by mothers who pump, it is desirable to save as much unused milk as possible. At the end of the feeding, any unused milk must be returned to the refrigerator otherwise it will spoil. The second problem, therefore, is to save formula or precious breast milk to avoid the need to later pump additional milk to compensate for that lost milk. The time saved by not having to pump is significant and also reduces the pain associated with pumping.
Most parents understand that the child will awake during the night many times.
It is no wonder that many jokes are made about midnight or three a.m. feedings. This recognizes an important, but surprisingly overlooked characteristic; namely that children tend to be on a schedule. Accordingly, rather than trying to fight the nighttime feeding, the parent can work with the child's schedule. This is especially important if there is a primary care giver and the primary breadwinner in the same room, such that prolonged crying disrupts the breadwinner. The third problem, therefore, is not having a bottle ready even though a parent will precisely know when the baby will awake and cry for milk.
In addition, the fourth problem involves traveling. Traveling poses unique problems for the parents and the children. In automobile travel, it is nearly impossible to adequately transport milk because of cooling and then subsequent heating problems. Similarly, in overnight lodgings, often times the lodgings are not equipped with ovens, microwave ovens, refrigerators, etc. and accordingly portable devices that can substitute for cooling and heating units would be well received. In this regard, the unit can come equipped for car lighter adapters to provide electronic cooling/heating during long travels. Hotels can benefit from additional revenue, not by increasing the room rate, but by renting out the unit to guests in the same manner that extra cots, media games, or high-tech accessories are available for rent.
Partial solutions exist to some of the above-identified problems. But they fail in most respects. Some devices include flash warmers that heat a bottle quickly.
Flash warmers, however, require removal of the bottle from the refrigerator.
This definitely means a midnight trip to the refrigerator. Accordingly, even though flash warmers may reduce the time spent warming the bottle versus using a traditional stovetop method or the more dangerous microwave oven method, it still does not solve a problem associated with cooling a bottle or having a cooled bottle immediately on hand. Most importantly, though, the flash warmer cannot be adapted to have a bottle ready for when the child awakes. And yet another problem with flash warmers is that there is no way to transport it in the car for long trips. The travel requirement relegates the parent to carrying separate bottle bags, usually with freezable gel packs.
One of the problems with flash warmers is that there is no way to keep the bottle cool during the night. Trips to the refrigerator are standard procedures. Given the child's generally consistent sleep schedule, flash warmers are no use even if the child is scheduled. This is because flash warmers cannot turn on or off as a function of time. Flash warmers simply turn on when manually activated by the parent. A
bottle cannot be set into the warmer overnight because the milk is left unrefrigerated and it will spoil. Accordingly, flash warmers have no timers to provide for automated warming or cooling.
Other devices discuss having separate warming and cooling compartments.
For those units that purportedly are day-night warmers (also known as dusk to dawn units), these warmers are not timed and nor are they self-contained units.
Human intervention is still required to manually move the bottle from the cooling portion to the heat portion. In use, these units generally require the following steps:
freeze the gel pack ahead of time, prepare milk in the bottle, insert the bottle into the cold compartment alongside the frozen gel pack, remove the bottle when child awakens, insert the bottle into the warming compartment, manually activate the warmer, and finally remove bottle when warm.
As the frozen gel pack thaws during the night, it becomes incapable of maintaining a cold enough temperature to safely store unused milk as that milk will be hot when it is returned to the cold compartment and that hot milk must return to safe temperatures. Again, another trip the refrigerator may be necessary in the night to return unused milk. Accordingly, whilst the parent may save a trip to the refrigerator at the beginning of the feeding cycle, another trip will likely be required at the end of the cycle. Plainly, the dusk to dawn warmers fail to solve most of the problems associated with nighttime feedings. In addition, the cooling unit is simply a freezeable gel pack that must be removed each morning, frozen, and replaced into the unit each night. Therefore, if the parent forgets to remove it in the morning, no gel pack is available for that night and the unit is useless for that night. None of these units can be timer activated because the heating and cooling compartments are separate.
The other problem with flash warmers or other dusk to dawn warmers/coolers is that there is no uniform heating/cooling or temperature modulation to maintain constancy. Thus it is hard to maintain thermoequilibrium.
Summary of the Invention:
The foregoing problems are solved and a technical advance is achieved by the present invention. Disclosed is a container cooler and/or warmer that utilizes the same compartment for heating and cooling. In optional embodiments, the unit may include a programmable timer.
Brief Description of the Drawings:
FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention:
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention. Shown is an inner container housing 10 having an internal space 12, an inner container housing bottom 14, an inner container housing bottom inner surface 16, and an inner container housing bottom external surface 18. The inner container housing 14 has at least one side wall 20. In some embodiments the at least one side wall 20 may be a plurality of side walls manufactured to be liquid tight. In other embodiments, the at least one side wall 20 may be uniformly constructed, thereby reducing the need to seal various side walls together. The shape of the inner container housing may be cylindrical. The at least one side wall 20 has a side wall inner surface 22 and a side wall external surface 24.
The side wall inner surface 22 generally faces the internal space 12. The side wall inner surface 22 may be smooth, rough, invaginated, grooved, polished, insulated, or coated. Grooves, invaginations or other similar structures may be used to increase the surface area of the side wall inner surface. Coatings or polishes may be used to increase thermoconductivity, provide aesthetically pleasing design, or protect the side wall from build-up, rust, or the like. Fluid graduation markings may also be placed on the side wall inner surface 22. Similarly, the side wall external surface 24 may be smooth, rough, invaginated, grooved, polished, insulated, or coated.
Preferably, the side wall 20 and/or the inner container housing bottom 14 comprises a thermoconductive material, such as aluminum. The side wall 20 and/or the inner container housing bottom 14 may also be of varying thicknesses. The inner container housing bottom 14 may also be a separate piece than the at least one side wall 20 such that the inner container housing bottom 14 is attached to the side wall 20. Or the inner container housing bottom 14 and the at least one side wall can be integrally formed from as one piece. The integral formation may reduce the need to seal the junction of the bottom 14 to the side wall 20 to create a liquid tight inner space 12.
The inner container housing 10 may be adapted to at least partially enclose the container, such as a baby bottle.
Disposed adjacent to the inner container housing 10 may be at least one first thermoregulation member 26. This first thermoregulation member 26 may comprise at least one of a water bath, recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, and heat sink, or combination thereof.
In addition, disposed adjacent to the inner container housing 10 may be at least one second thermoregulation member 28, which may comprise at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof. A
switch 30 may be operably connected to the first and second thermoregulation members.
As shown as one embodiment in FIG. 1, the first thermoregulation member 26 may comprise a thermoelectric module. Thermoelectric module technology is well known and briefly comprises of two plates sandwiching doped semiconductor material. When the current flows in one direction through the module, one plate will become the "hot" side or "hot" plate and the other plate will become the "cold" side.
An inner container housing bottom heat sink 32, a first thermoregulation member heat sink 34, and a fan 36 may all, individually, or in combination, be used in conjunction with the thermoelectric module to optimize performance. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric module may have its "cold" side adjacent to the inner container housing bottom external surface 18, thereby drawing heat from the surface and causing the inner space 12 to become colder. To further optimize performance, the heat sink 32 may be integrally formed with the inner container housing 10, the inner container housing bottom 14, or the inner container housing bottom inner surface 16, or may be separately fabricated and attached to the inner container housing bottom inner surface 16. To this end, the inner container housing 10 may be fabricated with a recess, groove, or the like to accommodate the thermoregulation members 26, 28.
To further optimize performance of any thermoelectric module or heat/cold transfer unit herein, a layer of thermally conductive grease (i.e. AOS 52022 or Dow Corning G340) may be spread in the location where the module will be seated on the heat sink and/or where the module will be adjacent to the inner container housing 10.
In addition, if the invention will be operating at temperatures near the dew point, or if the invention will be routinely turned off, condensation from the components may form into water that can then enter the module. This moisture can cause corrosion -S -leading to performance deterioration or an electrical short. Adequate care should be taken to seal modules from moisture. Accordingly, a protective layer may be used in conjunction with the thermoelectric module. For example, a bead of epoxy or room temperature vulcanizer (RTV) can be applied to the outside edges of the module and sufficiently far down the leads to prevent wicking. This form of protection is adequate in many situations. When module reliability and performance are critical, it is recommended to seal the internal components of the module with an anti-corrosion potting material.
As mentioned above, there may be at least one second thermoregulation member 28, which may comprise at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the second member 28 may be at least one heater band, such as flexible silicone heater bands. As shown in FIG. 1, the second member 28 may be disposed adjacent to the side wall external surface 24. Any member 28 may be designed to be submersible and therefore, the second member 28 may be disposed adjacent to the side wall inner surface 22 (not shown). The location of the second member 28 may be determined by the effectiveness of heat transfer to the internal space 12.
Accordingly, it is contemplated that one or more second members 28, such as heater bands or thermoelectrics, or any combination thereof may be used, either outside the inner container housing or inside it. In the event heater bands are used, these can be vulcanized to the inner container housing to provide maximum contact.
As also described above, a switch 30 may be operably connected to the first and second thermoregulation members 26, 28. The switch 30 can regulate the activity or activation of the first and second members 26, 28. The switch 30 may be designed in such a way as to turn off either or both members 26, 28 independently or jointly.
That is, the switch 30 may permit both members 26, 28 to be on together, be off together, or to have one member on and the other off.
FIG. 1 also shows that the switch may be connected to a timer 38. The timer may be a programmable timer and may be operably connected to an input device. The input device can be used to program the timer or to set various features of the switch and/or timer. In one embodiment, the input device may comprise at least one of a keypad, keyboard, sound activated module, pointer, touch screen, dial, or button, or combination thereof. Timers are readily available from electronic coffee machines or clock radios. The switch may include an override switch to override operation of the timer.
Accordingly, in operation using FIG. 1 as a non exclusive example, one method of operation would generally to heat or cool the container inserted into the housing using one or more of the thermoregulation members 26, 28. For example, if the container was to be cooled, the first member 26 may be used. If the container was to be heated, the second member 28 may be used. It is, of course, well understood that both members may be used, as appropriate for heating and/or cooling, simultaneously, sequentially, or overlappingly. In a more particular embodiment, a control unit such as the switch 30 and/or timer 38 and/or programming and/or thermostat and/or microprocessor, can modulate activity between the members 26, 28.
Accordingly, in operation, the container can be inserted into the internal space 12 so that it sits atop of the heat sink 32. A fluid, such as a liquid, such as water, can be poured into the internal space 12 thereby partially, substantially, or entirely covering the container. To cool the container, the first thermoregulating member 26, such as the thermoelectric module may be activated. As the module is turned on, the cold side draws heat from the inner container housing and that in turns draws heat out of the water bath, which in turn draws heat out of the container, thereby cooling the container. The heat is ejected from the module and dissipated with assistance from the heat sink 34 and the fan 36. Multiple heat sinks or fans may be used. When the user desires or when the timer activates, the first member 26 may shut off and the second member 28 activate. In this manner, the second member 28, which may be heater bands, begin heating the inner container housing 10, which transmit the heat to the water bath in the internal space 12, and thereby heat the container. One or more heater bands may be used to increase the heating. In addition, heater bands may be used in conjunction with other heating modes, such as a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module. The first member 26 may also be configured to heat the unit. This could be done by reversing the current flow in the first member 26 so that the plate adjacent to the inner container housing bottom becomes hotter.
In another embodiment, thermoelectric modules may be stacked to increase heating or cooling of the units. For example, the more cooler the hot side becomes, the more heat can be absorbed by the cold side. In effect, by keeping the hot side cooler, the module can absorb more heat from the internal space and thereby more effectively cool the internal space. So because a thermoelectric module has a cold side and a hot side, a second thermoelectric can be positioned or stacked beside a first one whereby the cold side of the second module is adjacent to the hot side of the first module. In operation, this means that the as the cold side of the first module absorbs heat from the internal space, it will eject that heat to the first module hot side. The second module cold side will absorb that ejected heat and eject it to the second module hot side. In this regard, the first module hot side stays cool and thus the internal space can get cooler.
In another embodiment, the invention may also include a programmable timer, whose operation can be best illustrated by way of example. If it is known that a baby is scheduled for a feeding at 2:00, the timer can be set for 1:55 so that at that time, the invention will switch from cooling mode (which could be the default mode) into heating mode. In the event the container is needed earlier, an override switch may be activated to turn off the cooling mode and switch to heating mode. The programming may include modes for multiple compartments, multiple bottles, different types of bottles, different fluid volumes, different bottle volumes, teaching modes, maximum temperatures, minimum temperatures, time duration of cycles, number of cycles, etc.
Moreover, in yet another embodiment of the invention, there is taught a method that can provide convenient warming or cooling of a container, such as a soda can, cup, or baby bottle, inserted into an inner container housing, comprising (a) providing an engaging signal to activate a thermoregulator control unit; and (b) engaging a thermoregulator in response to the control unit activation such that the thermoregulator will heat or cool the inner container housing. This method may also include in the step of providing a signal by including the step of providing a timing signal generated from a programmable timer.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, another method taught includes a method to heat or cool a container, comprising: (a) activating a control unit to activate a thermoregulator; (b) heating or cooling the container in response to the thermoregulator activation; (c) wherein the cooling is by at least one of a recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, heat sink, or combination thereof; and the heating is by at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof.
Any method herein may also include the step of programming a timer to activate the control unit, heating the container in response to a control unit activation signal, and cooling the container in response to a control unit activation signal.
And yet another method includes a method to heat or cool a container, comprising: (a) activating a cooling unit to cool an inner container housing;
(b) programming a timer to generate a control signal when the timer goes off; and (c) activating a heating unit in response to the control signal to heat the inner container housing and shutting off the cooling unit.
In yet another embodiment related to baby bottle cooling or warming, the invention includes a method of using an apparatus to warm a baby bottle, comprising:
(a) inserting a baby bottle into the apparatus; (b) engaging a cooling unit in the apparatus to cool the baby bottle; and (c) engaging a warming unit in the apparatus to heat the baby bottle. The method of using the apparatus to warm or cool the baby bottle may also include setting a switch to modulate activity between the cooling and heating units.
In any of these methods, the cooling units and heating units may be placed anywhere along the inner container housing 10. In some embodiments, the heating units may be one or more heater bands that run circumferentially around the inner container housing (either inside or outside it), or may be thermoelectric modules disposed around the inner container housing 10. Any heating unit may also be placed adjacent the inner container housing bottom 14. Similarly, the cooling units may be one or more thermoelectric modules, fans, evaporators, radiators, heat sinks, water baths, refrigerants, refrigeration units, thermoacoustic units, etc., that may be positioned anywhere along the inner container housing 10 (either inside or outside it), adjacent the inner container housing bottom 14, or the like.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the invention may include an apparatus that can provide convenient warming or cooling of a container inserted into a thermoregulation unit, comprising: (a) a means for adjusting the temperature of the container; and (b) a means for controlling the means for adjusting the temperature of the container. The means for adjusting the temperature may comprise at least one of a recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, heat sink, heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof.
In other embodiments, the means for adjusting the temperature may further include a means for cooling the container and a means for heating the container. The means for cooling the container may further include at least one of a recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, heat sink, or any combination thereof; and the means for heating the container further includes at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or any combination thereof. For example, the means for cooling may comprise a thermoelectric module and the means for heating may comprise a heater band.
As with any means described herein, a means may comprise a combination of features and it is intended that the means are construed either in gross on a large scale basis or more narrowly on a component by component basis.
In any embodiment herein, the means for controlling may further include an input device, such as at least one of a timer, keypad, keyboard, sound activated module, pointer, touch screen, dial, and button, or any combination thereof.
In any embodiment, the apparatus may include at least one of a sound activation override switch, breakaway cord, display, weight sensor, thermostat, drain port, basket, lid, battery backup, car adapter, audible alarm, external light, and agitator, or any combination thereof.
For example, a shaker or agitator may be used to shake the bottle during warming to reduce chances of heat bubbles. The agitator can be switched on/off separately or may also be separately programmable. Other features of the unit may include a tie down or lid on the unit to keep the bottle from floating up (keeps the bottle partially or substantially immersed). The unit including the lid can be insulated too; or the lid - or any other part of the unit - can be neon and/or glow in the dark. The unit may also include compartments adapted to receive various bottles (e.g., Avent bottles tend to be wider; or bottles may be angled). There may also be multiple compartments (for many bottles) with multiple circuitry. In this regard, one timer can turn on at a first time and the subsequent timers at subsequent times.
Other features include adapters for a car lighter use or battery compartment for portability. Any compartment may be adapted for use with baby food bottles.
Suction pads may be added to the bottom to increase safety. The apparatus may also a temperature sensor to monitor how fast the unit cools down or how fast the heater heats to avoid flash heating/cooling and potential glass breakage or plastic cracks.
The unit may also include a carrying handle.
In addition, a nightlight to illuminate surrounding area may be provided. For example, a low wattage bulb can be used to illuminate the area and this avoids turning on room lights. The nightlight can be along one wall of the unit or may ring around the unit. The light can be always on if it is plugged in, or may have a manual on/off, or turn on once the alarrn sounds or timer engages, or turns on once bottle is lifted off bottom plate (i.e., a weight sensor trips the nightlight on).
For increased safety, the unit may be provided with a breakaway cord so that an entanglement will not pull the unit down, but will break the power cord.
Various iterations of breakaway cords are in US Patent Nos. 5,941,719; 5,480,313;
The invention relates to a container cooler and warmer.
Background of the Invention:
Without a doubt, a newborn and infant will feed at its own schedule. This child cries until it is fed. The problem is that often, a parent is required to go downstairs (or elsewhere) and remove pre-prepared milk from the cooler (e.g., refrigerator) or prepare it from scratch, heat it, and then come upstairs, all while the child cries. Most parents recognize that the time spent making up the bottle is agonizing for the parent and the child. Any invention that minimizes the time interval between the child awakening and being fed would be greatly received.
The first problem, therefore, is simply the need to avoid making trips to other rooms at night.
In addition, given the increasing cost of formula or the difficulty in obtaining breast milk by mothers who pump, it is desirable to save as much unused milk as possible. At the end of the feeding, any unused milk must be returned to the refrigerator otherwise it will spoil. The second problem, therefore, is to save formula or precious breast milk to avoid the need to later pump additional milk to compensate for that lost milk. The time saved by not having to pump is significant and also reduces the pain associated with pumping.
Most parents understand that the child will awake during the night many times.
It is no wonder that many jokes are made about midnight or three a.m. feedings. This recognizes an important, but surprisingly overlooked characteristic; namely that children tend to be on a schedule. Accordingly, rather than trying to fight the nighttime feeding, the parent can work with the child's schedule. This is especially important if there is a primary care giver and the primary breadwinner in the same room, such that prolonged crying disrupts the breadwinner. The third problem, therefore, is not having a bottle ready even though a parent will precisely know when the baby will awake and cry for milk.
In addition, the fourth problem involves traveling. Traveling poses unique problems for the parents and the children. In automobile travel, it is nearly impossible to adequately transport milk because of cooling and then subsequent heating problems. Similarly, in overnight lodgings, often times the lodgings are not equipped with ovens, microwave ovens, refrigerators, etc. and accordingly portable devices that can substitute for cooling and heating units would be well received. In this regard, the unit can come equipped for car lighter adapters to provide electronic cooling/heating during long travels. Hotels can benefit from additional revenue, not by increasing the room rate, but by renting out the unit to guests in the same manner that extra cots, media games, or high-tech accessories are available for rent.
Partial solutions exist to some of the above-identified problems. But they fail in most respects. Some devices include flash warmers that heat a bottle quickly.
Flash warmers, however, require removal of the bottle from the refrigerator.
This definitely means a midnight trip to the refrigerator. Accordingly, even though flash warmers may reduce the time spent warming the bottle versus using a traditional stovetop method or the more dangerous microwave oven method, it still does not solve a problem associated with cooling a bottle or having a cooled bottle immediately on hand. Most importantly, though, the flash warmer cannot be adapted to have a bottle ready for when the child awakes. And yet another problem with flash warmers is that there is no way to transport it in the car for long trips. The travel requirement relegates the parent to carrying separate bottle bags, usually with freezable gel packs.
One of the problems with flash warmers is that there is no way to keep the bottle cool during the night. Trips to the refrigerator are standard procedures. Given the child's generally consistent sleep schedule, flash warmers are no use even if the child is scheduled. This is because flash warmers cannot turn on or off as a function of time. Flash warmers simply turn on when manually activated by the parent. A
bottle cannot be set into the warmer overnight because the milk is left unrefrigerated and it will spoil. Accordingly, flash warmers have no timers to provide for automated warming or cooling.
Other devices discuss having separate warming and cooling compartments.
For those units that purportedly are day-night warmers (also known as dusk to dawn units), these warmers are not timed and nor are they self-contained units.
Human intervention is still required to manually move the bottle from the cooling portion to the heat portion. In use, these units generally require the following steps:
freeze the gel pack ahead of time, prepare milk in the bottle, insert the bottle into the cold compartment alongside the frozen gel pack, remove the bottle when child awakens, insert the bottle into the warming compartment, manually activate the warmer, and finally remove bottle when warm.
As the frozen gel pack thaws during the night, it becomes incapable of maintaining a cold enough temperature to safely store unused milk as that milk will be hot when it is returned to the cold compartment and that hot milk must return to safe temperatures. Again, another trip the refrigerator may be necessary in the night to return unused milk. Accordingly, whilst the parent may save a trip to the refrigerator at the beginning of the feeding cycle, another trip will likely be required at the end of the cycle. Plainly, the dusk to dawn warmers fail to solve most of the problems associated with nighttime feedings. In addition, the cooling unit is simply a freezeable gel pack that must be removed each morning, frozen, and replaced into the unit each night. Therefore, if the parent forgets to remove it in the morning, no gel pack is available for that night and the unit is useless for that night. None of these units can be timer activated because the heating and cooling compartments are separate.
The other problem with flash warmers or other dusk to dawn warmers/coolers is that there is no uniform heating/cooling or temperature modulation to maintain constancy. Thus it is hard to maintain thermoequilibrium.
Summary of the Invention:
The foregoing problems are solved and a technical advance is achieved by the present invention. Disclosed is a container cooler and/or warmer that utilizes the same compartment for heating and cooling. In optional embodiments, the unit may include a programmable timer.
Brief Description of the Drawings:
FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention:
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention. Shown is an inner container housing 10 having an internal space 12, an inner container housing bottom 14, an inner container housing bottom inner surface 16, and an inner container housing bottom external surface 18. The inner container housing 14 has at least one side wall 20. In some embodiments the at least one side wall 20 may be a plurality of side walls manufactured to be liquid tight. In other embodiments, the at least one side wall 20 may be uniformly constructed, thereby reducing the need to seal various side walls together. The shape of the inner container housing may be cylindrical. The at least one side wall 20 has a side wall inner surface 22 and a side wall external surface 24.
The side wall inner surface 22 generally faces the internal space 12. The side wall inner surface 22 may be smooth, rough, invaginated, grooved, polished, insulated, or coated. Grooves, invaginations or other similar structures may be used to increase the surface area of the side wall inner surface. Coatings or polishes may be used to increase thermoconductivity, provide aesthetically pleasing design, or protect the side wall from build-up, rust, or the like. Fluid graduation markings may also be placed on the side wall inner surface 22. Similarly, the side wall external surface 24 may be smooth, rough, invaginated, grooved, polished, insulated, or coated.
Preferably, the side wall 20 and/or the inner container housing bottom 14 comprises a thermoconductive material, such as aluminum. The side wall 20 and/or the inner container housing bottom 14 may also be of varying thicknesses. The inner container housing bottom 14 may also be a separate piece than the at least one side wall 20 such that the inner container housing bottom 14 is attached to the side wall 20. Or the inner container housing bottom 14 and the at least one side wall can be integrally formed from as one piece. The integral formation may reduce the need to seal the junction of the bottom 14 to the side wall 20 to create a liquid tight inner space 12.
The inner container housing 10 may be adapted to at least partially enclose the container, such as a baby bottle.
Disposed adjacent to the inner container housing 10 may be at least one first thermoregulation member 26. This first thermoregulation member 26 may comprise at least one of a water bath, recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, and heat sink, or combination thereof.
In addition, disposed adjacent to the inner container housing 10 may be at least one second thermoregulation member 28, which may comprise at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof. A
switch 30 may be operably connected to the first and second thermoregulation members.
As shown as one embodiment in FIG. 1, the first thermoregulation member 26 may comprise a thermoelectric module. Thermoelectric module technology is well known and briefly comprises of two plates sandwiching doped semiconductor material. When the current flows in one direction through the module, one plate will become the "hot" side or "hot" plate and the other plate will become the "cold" side.
An inner container housing bottom heat sink 32, a first thermoregulation member heat sink 34, and a fan 36 may all, individually, or in combination, be used in conjunction with the thermoelectric module to optimize performance. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric module may have its "cold" side adjacent to the inner container housing bottom external surface 18, thereby drawing heat from the surface and causing the inner space 12 to become colder. To further optimize performance, the heat sink 32 may be integrally formed with the inner container housing 10, the inner container housing bottom 14, or the inner container housing bottom inner surface 16, or may be separately fabricated and attached to the inner container housing bottom inner surface 16. To this end, the inner container housing 10 may be fabricated with a recess, groove, or the like to accommodate the thermoregulation members 26, 28.
To further optimize performance of any thermoelectric module or heat/cold transfer unit herein, a layer of thermally conductive grease (i.e. AOS 52022 or Dow Corning G340) may be spread in the location where the module will be seated on the heat sink and/or where the module will be adjacent to the inner container housing 10.
In addition, if the invention will be operating at temperatures near the dew point, or if the invention will be routinely turned off, condensation from the components may form into water that can then enter the module. This moisture can cause corrosion -S -leading to performance deterioration or an electrical short. Adequate care should be taken to seal modules from moisture. Accordingly, a protective layer may be used in conjunction with the thermoelectric module. For example, a bead of epoxy or room temperature vulcanizer (RTV) can be applied to the outside edges of the module and sufficiently far down the leads to prevent wicking. This form of protection is adequate in many situations. When module reliability and performance are critical, it is recommended to seal the internal components of the module with an anti-corrosion potting material.
As mentioned above, there may be at least one second thermoregulation member 28, which may comprise at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the second member 28 may be at least one heater band, such as flexible silicone heater bands. As shown in FIG. 1, the second member 28 may be disposed adjacent to the side wall external surface 24. Any member 28 may be designed to be submersible and therefore, the second member 28 may be disposed adjacent to the side wall inner surface 22 (not shown). The location of the second member 28 may be determined by the effectiveness of heat transfer to the internal space 12.
Accordingly, it is contemplated that one or more second members 28, such as heater bands or thermoelectrics, or any combination thereof may be used, either outside the inner container housing or inside it. In the event heater bands are used, these can be vulcanized to the inner container housing to provide maximum contact.
As also described above, a switch 30 may be operably connected to the first and second thermoregulation members 26, 28. The switch 30 can regulate the activity or activation of the first and second members 26, 28. The switch 30 may be designed in such a way as to turn off either or both members 26, 28 independently or jointly.
That is, the switch 30 may permit both members 26, 28 to be on together, be off together, or to have one member on and the other off.
FIG. 1 also shows that the switch may be connected to a timer 38. The timer may be a programmable timer and may be operably connected to an input device. The input device can be used to program the timer or to set various features of the switch and/or timer. In one embodiment, the input device may comprise at least one of a keypad, keyboard, sound activated module, pointer, touch screen, dial, or button, or combination thereof. Timers are readily available from electronic coffee machines or clock radios. The switch may include an override switch to override operation of the timer.
Accordingly, in operation using FIG. 1 as a non exclusive example, one method of operation would generally to heat or cool the container inserted into the housing using one or more of the thermoregulation members 26, 28. For example, if the container was to be cooled, the first member 26 may be used. If the container was to be heated, the second member 28 may be used. It is, of course, well understood that both members may be used, as appropriate for heating and/or cooling, simultaneously, sequentially, or overlappingly. In a more particular embodiment, a control unit such as the switch 30 and/or timer 38 and/or programming and/or thermostat and/or microprocessor, can modulate activity between the members 26, 28.
Accordingly, in operation, the container can be inserted into the internal space 12 so that it sits atop of the heat sink 32. A fluid, such as a liquid, such as water, can be poured into the internal space 12 thereby partially, substantially, or entirely covering the container. To cool the container, the first thermoregulating member 26, such as the thermoelectric module may be activated. As the module is turned on, the cold side draws heat from the inner container housing and that in turns draws heat out of the water bath, which in turn draws heat out of the container, thereby cooling the container. The heat is ejected from the module and dissipated with assistance from the heat sink 34 and the fan 36. Multiple heat sinks or fans may be used. When the user desires or when the timer activates, the first member 26 may shut off and the second member 28 activate. In this manner, the second member 28, which may be heater bands, begin heating the inner container housing 10, which transmit the heat to the water bath in the internal space 12, and thereby heat the container. One or more heater bands may be used to increase the heating. In addition, heater bands may be used in conjunction with other heating modes, such as a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module. The first member 26 may also be configured to heat the unit. This could be done by reversing the current flow in the first member 26 so that the plate adjacent to the inner container housing bottom becomes hotter.
In another embodiment, thermoelectric modules may be stacked to increase heating or cooling of the units. For example, the more cooler the hot side becomes, the more heat can be absorbed by the cold side. In effect, by keeping the hot side cooler, the module can absorb more heat from the internal space and thereby more effectively cool the internal space. So because a thermoelectric module has a cold side and a hot side, a second thermoelectric can be positioned or stacked beside a first one whereby the cold side of the second module is adjacent to the hot side of the first module. In operation, this means that the as the cold side of the first module absorbs heat from the internal space, it will eject that heat to the first module hot side. The second module cold side will absorb that ejected heat and eject it to the second module hot side. In this regard, the first module hot side stays cool and thus the internal space can get cooler.
In another embodiment, the invention may also include a programmable timer, whose operation can be best illustrated by way of example. If it is known that a baby is scheduled for a feeding at 2:00, the timer can be set for 1:55 so that at that time, the invention will switch from cooling mode (which could be the default mode) into heating mode. In the event the container is needed earlier, an override switch may be activated to turn off the cooling mode and switch to heating mode. The programming may include modes for multiple compartments, multiple bottles, different types of bottles, different fluid volumes, different bottle volumes, teaching modes, maximum temperatures, minimum temperatures, time duration of cycles, number of cycles, etc.
Moreover, in yet another embodiment of the invention, there is taught a method that can provide convenient warming or cooling of a container, such as a soda can, cup, or baby bottle, inserted into an inner container housing, comprising (a) providing an engaging signal to activate a thermoregulator control unit; and (b) engaging a thermoregulator in response to the control unit activation such that the thermoregulator will heat or cool the inner container housing. This method may also include in the step of providing a signal by including the step of providing a timing signal generated from a programmable timer.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, another method taught includes a method to heat or cool a container, comprising: (a) activating a control unit to activate a thermoregulator; (b) heating or cooling the container in response to the thermoregulator activation; (c) wherein the cooling is by at least one of a recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, heat sink, or combination thereof; and the heating is by at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof.
Any method herein may also include the step of programming a timer to activate the control unit, heating the container in response to a control unit activation signal, and cooling the container in response to a control unit activation signal.
And yet another method includes a method to heat or cool a container, comprising: (a) activating a cooling unit to cool an inner container housing;
(b) programming a timer to generate a control signal when the timer goes off; and (c) activating a heating unit in response to the control signal to heat the inner container housing and shutting off the cooling unit.
In yet another embodiment related to baby bottle cooling or warming, the invention includes a method of using an apparatus to warm a baby bottle, comprising:
(a) inserting a baby bottle into the apparatus; (b) engaging a cooling unit in the apparatus to cool the baby bottle; and (c) engaging a warming unit in the apparatus to heat the baby bottle. The method of using the apparatus to warm or cool the baby bottle may also include setting a switch to modulate activity between the cooling and heating units.
In any of these methods, the cooling units and heating units may be placed anywhere along the inner container housing 10. In some embodiments, the heating units may be one or more heater bands that run circumferentially around the inner container housing (either inside or outside it), or may be thermoelectric modules disposed around the inner container housing 10. Any heating unit may also be placed adjacent the inner container housing bottom 14. Similarly, the cooling units may be one or more thermoelectric modules, fans, evaporators, radiators, heat sinks, water baths, refrigerants, refrigeration units, thermoacoustic units, etc., that may be positioned anywhere along the inner container housing 10 (either inside or outside it), adjacent the inner container housing bottom 14, or the like.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the invention may include an apparatus that can provide convenient warming or cooling of a container inserted into a thermoregulation unit, comprising: (a) a means for adjusting the temperature of the container; and (b) a means for controlling the means for adjusting the temperature of the container. The means for adjusting the temperature may comprise at least one of a recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, heat sink, heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof.
In other embodiments, the means for adjusting the temperature may further include a means for cooling the container and a means for heating the container. The means for cooling the container may further include at least one of a recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, heat sink, or any combination thereof; and the means for heating the container further includes at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or any combination thereof. For example, the means for cooling may comprise a thermoelectric module and the means for heating may comprise a heater band.
As with any means described herein, a means may comprise a combination of features and it is intended that the means are construed either in gross on a large scale basis or more narrowly on a component by component basis.
In any embodiment herein, the means for controlling may further include an input device, such as at least one of a timer, keypad, keyboard, sound activated module, pointer, touch screen, dial, and button, or any combination thereof.
In any embodiment, the apparatus may include at least one of a sound activation override switch, breakaway cord, display, weight sensor, thermostat, drain port, basket, lid, battery backup, car adapter, audible alarm, external light, and agitator, or any combination thereof.
For example, a shaker or agitator may be used to shake the bottle during warming to reduce chances of heat bubbles. The agitator can be switched on/off separately or may also be separately programmable. Other features of the unit may include a tie down or lid on the unit to keep the bottle from floating up (keeps the bottle partially or substantially immersed). The unit including the lid can be insulated too; or the lid - or any other part of the unit - can be neon and/or glow in the dark. The unit may also include compartments adapted to receive various bottles (e.g., Avent bottles tend to be wider; or bottles may be angled). There may also be multiple compartments (for many bottles) with multiple circuitry. In this regard, one timer can turn on at a first time and the subsequent timers at subsequent times.
Other features include adapters for a car lighter use or battery compartment for portability. Any compartment may be adapted for use with baby food bottles.
Suction pads may be added to the bottom to increase safety. The apparatus may also a temperature sensor to monitor how fast the unit cools down or how fast the heater heats to avoid flash heating/cooling and potential glass breakage or plastic cracks.
The unit may also include a carrying handle.
In addition, a nightlight to illuminate surrounding area may be provided. For example, a low wattage bulb can be used to illuminate the area and this avoids turning on room lights. The nightlight can be along one wall of the unit or may ring around the unit. The light can be always on if it is plugged in, or may have a manual on/off, or turn on once the alarrn sounds or timer engages, or turns on once bottle is lifted off bottom plate (i.e., a weight sensor trips the nightlight on).
For increased safety, the unit may be provided with a breakaway cord so that an entanglement will not pull the unit down, but will break the power cord.
Various iterations of breakaway cords are in US Patent Nos. 5,941,719; 5,480,313;
5,462,452; 5,399,102; 4,874,316; 4,045,105; 3,808,577; 3,611,271; 3,363,214;
2,696,594; 2,490,580; 2,456,548; 2,394,618; and 2,170,287. In general, these breakaway cords have interruptions in the cord in a male-female plug configuration such that the break will occur at the male-female junction. Other configurations include magnetic plate junctions.
In another embodiment of the invention, the unit may also comprise a sound receiver adapted to turn on when the baby cries. It is well-accepted that the baby's cry is often loud and of a certain high pitch. To this end, the unit may include a sound transmitter and receiver. The transmitter may be removable such that it may be placed in proximity to the baby. Once the baby begins cry, the transmitter receives the baby cry and transmits it to the unit receiver, which then activates the heater unit.
Thus, the unit may be in one room and the transmitter in the baby's room. The unit may also be programmed by including a recording memory unit to record a baby's cry. Once the transmitter receives the crying noise and sends it to the unit receiver, the unit then compares the incoming signal with the preprogrammed cry to determine if the unit should engage the heating unit. The transmitter - receiver units may be readily adapted from the conventional baby room monitors.
Furthermore, the unit may also include a memory bank so that temperature information may be programmed. In this regard, the maximum temperatures may be set such that the maximum temperature is below the melting point of the bottle or below the melting point of disposable liners. Once programmed, the unit need not be reconfigured each time. In this regard, the unit would not normally burn the plastic bottle or liner. Accordingly, the unit may be programmed to "understand" what temperatures to use with what bottles, what temperatures to use with what volume, or a combination of both. For example, buttons on the unit may be programmed with various bottle information indicia so that the user need only press a button corresponding to the bottle selected for use. The user may also press a button to select the volume of liquid in the bottle. Moreover, the unit may be programmed to respond to various bottle contents (e.g., foods or liquids) as different contents will heat or cool differently.
As an another embodiment of the invention, the invention may also comprise a teaching mode to educate the unit on the type of bottle, temperatures, and cycle times.
This would in turn keep the heaters on for a preprogrammed amount of time assuring the bottle does not get too hot. Instead of the preprogrammed approach, the user could teach the warmer/cooler the correct time for the heat cycle. To teach the warmer/cooler, the user would put it into teach mode. The user would then put a thermometer or other temperature sensor into the bottle and turn on the heater. When the contents of the bottle reach the correct temperature, the user would press a set button. The warmer/cooler would then know the correct cycle time and correct temperature. The thermometer could be plugged into the unit, thereby avoiding the need for the user to press a button when the bottle had reached temperature.
As with -12.-any programming herein, the user can preprogram multiple bottles, so the user could select one depending on the volume of fluid in the bottle, or the type of bottle.
There are several benefits for allowing the user to teach the unit about various bottles and volumes of liquid. First, the user would not have to worry about testing with every type of bottle available. Second, the cycle times could be set for different volumes of liquid in the bottle. Yet another advantage would be for users in high altitudes. Because liquids boil at a lower temperature in higher altitude, it will take longer to heat the bottle in high altitude uses than at sea level. By teaching the warmer, the user is customizing it to his/her particular elevation.
As with any feature listed herein, while embodiments of the invention may include all the features listed herein, it is specifically contemplated that not all embodiments will possess all the features listed herein. Moreover, the inventors contemplate that many embodiments may specifically exclude any feature, including the exclusion of any feature listed specifically within a list of features.
Furthermore, it is specifically contemplated that the apparatus or method claimed herein may comprising any feature, combination of features, or method(s) disclosed herein. In addition, it is also contemplated that one or more features may be combined.
FIG. 2 demonstrates another embodiment of the invention. Shown is the inner container housing 10 having a first thermoregulation member 26 and a second thermoregulation member 28. In this particular embodiment, the first member 26 may be a first thermoelectric module and the second member may be at least one thermoelectric module. In this embodiment, the first thermoelectric module is disposed by the inner container housing bottom 14. The at least one second thermoelectric module is located on the side wall 20. The embodiment also includes a sleeve 40 disposed in the inner container housing and more particularly in the inner space 12. Between the sleeve 40 and the inner container housing 10 is a heat transfer fluid 41. The heat transfer fluid may be gas or liquid, such as ethylene glycol. The choice of fluid is based on its heat transfer ability. In this embodiment, the fluid can be heated or cooled by the first and second members 26, 28 operating together or independently. That is, for cooling mode, the members 26, 28 may jointly cool.
In heating modes, the member 26, 28 may jointly heat the fluid. In some embodiments, one member may be for heating and the other member for cooling. For example, as shown member 26 may be for cooling as it operably connected to the fans and heat sinks, whereas member(s) 28 are for heating.
Although generally described as a stand-alone unit, the invention may also be used in other environments. For example, the invention may be adapted for more large scale uses, such as nurseries, hospitals, group homes, or other places where the many containers need to be heated and cooled. The invention may also be used in automobiles, trucks, minivans, recreational vehicles, airplanes, boats, rockets, or other such vehicle. For example, in a car or truck, the invention may be placed in a console, such as the center console, or beside a seat, or the like. In this regard, the user may simply select any switch to either switch on the heaters, coolers, or the like to provide heat or cold to the container. Switches may be mounted on dashboards, consoles, or seats.
FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the invention in which an outer housing 42 is shown. The outer housing 42 partially or totally surrounds the inner container housing. Outer housing 42 may be used to hide the inner components and provide an aesthetically pleasing housing. Also shown in FIG. 3 is an input device 44 as described herein. An override switch 46, such as a dial switch may be provided.
Shown is a container 48, such as a baby bottle, in the inner container housing internal space 12. In some embodiments, an alarm 50 may be present.
Accordingly, another embodiment of the invention may include, a baby bottle warmer and cooler, comprising: (a) an outer housing 42 adapted to receive the baby bottle 48; (b) the outer housing 42 containing an inner housing 10 adapted to receive the baby bottle 48, (c) the inner housing 10 having an internal space 12, an inner housing bottom 14, the inner housing bottom 14 further including an inner housing bottom inner surface 16 and an inner housing bottom external surface 18, and the inner housing further comprising at least one side wal120, the side wall having a side wall inner surface 22 and a side wall external surface 24; (d) at least one first thermoregulation member 26 adjacent to the inner housing 10 comprising at least one of a water bath, recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, and heat sink, or combination thereof;
(e) at least one second thermoregulation member 28 adjacent to the inner housing comprising at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof; (f) a switch 30 operably connected to the first and second thermoregulation members, the switch being operably connected to a timer 38;
and (g) an input device 44 on the outer housing 42 operably connected to the switch.
It should be understood that the foregoing relates only to a limited number of embodiments that have been provided for illustration purposes only. It is intended that the scope of invention is defined by the appended claims and that modifications to the embodiments above may be made that do not depart from the scope of the claims.
2,696,594; 2,490,580; 2,456,548; 2,394,618; and 2,170,287. In general, these breakaway cords have interruptions in the cord in a male-female plug configuration such that the break will occur at the male-female junction. Other configurations include magnetic plate junctions.
In another embodiment of the invention, the unit may also comprise a sound receiver adapted to turn on when the baby cries. It is well-accepted that the baby's cry is often loud and of a certain high pitch. To this end, the unit may include a sound transmitter and receiver. The transmitter may be removable such that it may be placed in proximity to the baby. Once the baby begins cry, the transmitter receives the baby cry and transmits it to the unit receiver, which then activates the heater unit.
Thus, the unit may be in one room and the transmitter in the baby's room. The unit may also be programmed by including a recording memory unit to record a baby's cry. Once the transmitter receives the crying noise and sends it to the unit receiver, the unit then compares the incoming signal with the preprogrammed cry to determine if the unit should engage the heating unit. The transmitter - receiver units may be readily adapted from the conventional baby room monitors.
Furthermore, the unit may also include a memory bank so that temperature information may be programmed. In this regard, the maximum temperatures may be set such that the maximum temperature is below the melting point of the bottle or below the melting point of disposable liners. Once programmed, the unit need not be reconfigured each time. In this regard, the unit would not normally burn the plastic bottle or liner. Accordingly, the unit may be programmed to "understand" what temperatures to use with what bottles, what temperatures to use with what volume, or a combination of both. For example, buttons on the unit may be programmed with various bottle information indicia so that the user need only press a button corresponding to the bottle selected for use. The user may also press a button to select the volume of liquid in the bottle. Moreover, the unit may be programmed to respond to various bottle contents (e.g., foods or liquids) as different contents will heat or cool differently.
As an another embodiment of the invention, the invention may also comprise a teaching mode to educate the unit on the type of bottle, temperatures, and cycle times.
This would in turn keep the heaters on for a preprogrammed amount of time assuring the bottle does not get too hot. Instead of the preprogrammed approach, the user could teach the warmer/cooler the correct time for the heat cycle. To teach the warmer/cooler, the user would put it into teach mode. The user would then put a thermometer or other temperature sensor into the bottle and turn on the heater. When the contents of the bottle reach the correct temperature, the user would press a set button. The warmer/cooler would then know the correct cycle time and correct temperature. The thermometer could be plugged into the unit, thereby avoiding the need for the user to press a button when the bottle had reached temperature.
As with -12.-any programming herein, the user can preprogram multiple bottles, so the user could select one depending on the volume of fluid in the bottle, or the type of bottle.
There are several benefits for allowing the user to teach the unit about various bottles and volumes of liquid. First, the user would not have to worry about testing with every type of bottle available. Second, the cycle times could be set for different volumes of liquid in the bottle. Yet another advantage would be for users in high altitudes. Because liquids boil at a lower temperature in higher altitude, it will take longer to heat the bottle in high altitude uses than at sea level. By teaching the warmer, the user is customizing it to his/her particular elevation.
As with any feature listed herein, while embodiments of the invention may include all the features listed herein, it is specifically contemplated that not all embodiments will possess all the features listed herein. Moreover, the inventors contemplate that many embodiments may specifically exclude any feature, including the exclusion of any feature listed specifically within a list of features.
Furthermore, it is specifically contemplated that the apparatus or method claimed herein may comprising any feature, combination of features, or method(s) disclosed herein. In addition, it is also contemplated that one or more features may be combined.
FIG. 2 demonstrates another embodiment of the invention. Shown is the inner container housing 10 having a first thermoregulation member 26 and a second thermoregulation member 28. In this particular embodiment, the first member 26 may be a first thermoelectric module and the second member may be at least one thermoelectric module. In this embodiment, the first thermoelectric module is disposed by the inner container housing bottom 14. The at least one second thermoelectric module is located on the side wall 20. The embodiment also includes a sleeve 40 disposed in the inner container housing and more particularly in the inner space 12. Between the sleeve 40 and the inner container housing 10 is a heat transfer fluid 41. The heat transfer fluid may be gas or liquid, such as ethylene glycol. The choice of fluid is based on its heat transfer ability. In this embodiment, the fluid can be heated or cooled by the first and second members 26, 28 operating together or independently. That is, for cooling mode, the members 26, 28 may jointly cool.
In heating modes, the member 26, 28 may jointly heat the fluid. In some embodiments, one member may be for heating and the other member for cooling. For example, as shown member 26 may be for cooling as it operably connected to the fans and heat sinks, whereas member(s) 28 are for heating.
Although generally described as a stand-alone unit, the invention may also be used in other environments. For example, the invention may be adapted for more large scale uses, such as nurseries, hospitals, group homes, or other places where the many containers need to be heated and cooled. The invention may also be used in automobiles, trucks, minivans, recreational vehicles, airplanes, boats, rockets, or other such vehicle. For example, in a car or truck, the invention may be placed in a console, such as the center console, or beside a seat, or the like. In this regard, the user may simply select any switch to either switch on the heaters, coolers, or the like to provide heat or cold to the container. Switches may be mounted on dashboards, consoles, or seats.
FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the invention in which an outer housing 42 is shown. The outer housing 42 partially or totally surrounds the inner container housing. Outer housing 42 may be used to hide the inner components and provide an aesthetically pleasing housing. Also shown in FIG. 3 is an input device 44 as described herein. An override switch 46, such as a dial switch may be provided.
Shown is a container 48, such as a baby bottle, in the inner container housing internal space 12. In some embodiments, an alarm 50 may be present.
Accordingly, another embodiment of the invention may include, a baby bottle warmer and cooler, comprising: (a) an outer housing 42 adapted to receive the baby bottle 48; (b) the outer housing 42 containing an inner housing 10 adapted to receive the baby bottle 48, (c) the inner housing 10 having an internal space 12, an inner housing bottom 14, the inner housing bottom 14 further including an inner housing bottom inner surface 16 and an inner housing bottom external surface 18, and the inner housing further comprising at least one side wal120, the side wall having a side wall inner surface 22 and a side wall external surface 24; (d) at least one first thermoregulation member 26 adjacent to the inner housing 10 comprising at least one of a water bath, recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, and heat sink, or combination thereof;
(e) at least one second thermoregulation member 28 adjacent to the inner housing comprising at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof; (f) a switch 30 operably connected to the first and second thermoregulation members, the switch being operably connected to a timer 38;
and (g) an input device 44 on the outer housing 42 operably connected to the switch.
It should be understood that the foregoing relates only to a limited number of embodiments that have been provided for illustration purposes only. It is intended that the scope of invention is defined by the appended claims and that modifications to the embodiments above may be made that do not depart from the scope of the claims.
Claims (43)
1. An apparatus that can provide convenient warming and cooling of a container, comprising:
(a) an inner container housing having an internal space, an inner container housing bottom, the inner container housing bottom further including an inner container housing bottom inner surface and an inner container housing bottom external surface, the inner container housing adapted to at least partially enclose the container, and the inner container housing further comprising at least one side wall having a side wall inner surface and a side wall external surface;
(b) at least one first thermoregulation member adjacent to the inner container housing wherein the first thermoregulation member comprises at least one of a thermoregulation member selected from the group of: a water bath, recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, and heat sink, or combination thereof;
(c) at least one second thermoregulation member adjacent to the inner container housing wherein the second thermoregulation member comprises at least one thermoregulation member selected from the group of: a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module; and (d) a switch operably connected to the first and second thermoregulation members.
(a) an inner container housing having an internal space, an inner container housing bottom, the inner container housing bottom further including an inner container housing bottom inner surface and an inner container housing bottom external surface, the inner container housing adapted to at least partially enclose the container, and the inner container housing further comprising at least one side wall having a side wall inner surface and a side wall external surface;
(b) at least one first thermoregulation member adjacent to the inner container housing wherein the first thermoregulation member comprises at least one of a thermoregulation member selected from the group of: a water bath, recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, and heat sink, or combination thereof;
(c) at least one second thermoregulation member adjacent to the inner container housing wherein the second thermoregulation member comprises at least one thermoregulation member selected from the group of: a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module; and (d) a switch operably connected to the first and second thermoregulation members.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner container housing bottom further includes a heat sink.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the heat sink is integrally formed with the inner container housing bottom.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the heat sink is integrally formed with the inner container housing.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one side wall is integrally formed with the inner container housing bottom.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first thermoregulation member is a thermoelectric module.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a heat sink and a fan are operably connected to the thermoelectric module.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein thermal grease is disposed between the thermoelectric module and the inner container housing.
9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the thermoelectric module is partially or totally covered by a protective barrier.
10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a cold side of the thermoelectric module is adjacent to the inner containing housing bottom.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one second thermoregulation member is adapted to apply heat to the inner container housing.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second thermoregulation member is adjacent to the at least one side wall.
13. The apparatus of the claim 12, wherein the second thermoregulation member is a heater band adjacent to the side wall external surface.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second thermoregulation member is adjacent to the side wall inner surface.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second thermoregulation member is submersible.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the switch is connected to a timer.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the timer is a programmable timer.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the apparatus further includes an input device wherein the input device is selected from the group of: a keypad, keyboard, sound activated module, pointer, touch screen, dial, or button.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first thermoregulation member is a thermoelectric module, the second thermoregulation member is a heater band, and the switch is operably connected to a programmable timer.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the inner container housing includes a heat sink on the inner container housing bottom inner surface, the thermoelectric module is adjacent to the inner container housing bottom external surface, and the heater band is adjacent to the side wall external surface.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the switch also includes an override switch to override the programmable timer.
22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one safety means selected from the group consisting of: breakaway cord, display, thermostat, audible alarm and external light.
23. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one accessory element selected from the group consisting of: sound activation override switches, weight sensors, drain ports, baskets, lids, battery backups and agitators.
24. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the inner container housing includes at least one sleeve disposed between the inner containing housing internal space and either the inner container housing bottom or the side wall or both.
25. An apparatus that can provide convenient warming or cooling of a container inserted into at least one first and second thermoregulation unit, comprising:
(a) a means for adjusting the temperature of the at least one first and second thermoregulation unit;
(b) a means for controlling the means for adjusting the temperature of the at least one first and second thermoregulation unit, wherein at least one of the thermoregulation units comprises a substantially continuous, non-pliable, side wall inner surface;
(c) wherein the at least one first thermoregulation member is adjacent to an inner housing comprising at least one of a water bath, recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, and heat sink, or combination thereof; and (d) wherein the at least one second thermoregulation member is adjacent to the inner housing comprising at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof.
(a) a means for adjusting the temperature of the at least one first and second thermoregulation unit;
(b) a means for controlling the means for adjusting the temperature of the at least one first and second thermoregulation unit, wherein at least one of the thermoregulation units comprises a substantially continuous, non-pliable, side wall inner surface;
(c) wherein the at least one first thermoregulation member is adjacent to an inner housing comprising at least one of a water bath, recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, and heat sink, or combination thereof; and (d) wherein the at least one second thermoregulation member is adjacent to the inner housing comprising at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the means for adjusting the temperature is at least one means selected from the group consisting of a recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, heat sink, heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module.
27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the means for adjusting the temperature further includes a means for cooling the thermoregulation unit and a means for heating the thermoregulation unit.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the means for cooling the container is at least one means selected from the group consisting of: a recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, heat sink, and the means for heating the container is at least one means selected from the group consisting of: a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the means for adjusting the temperature is selected from the group consisting of: a timer, keypad, keyboard, sound activated module, pointer, touch screen, dial, and button.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one safety means selected from the group consisting of: breakaway cord, display, thermostat, audible alarm and external light.
31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one accessory element selected from the group consisting of: sound activation override switches, weight sensors, drain ports, baskets, lids, battery backups, car adapters and agitators.
32. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the means for cooling comprises a thermoelectric module and the means for heating comprises a heater band.
33. A method that can provide convenient warming or cooling of a container inserted into an inner container housing, comprising:
(a) providing an engaging signal to activate a thermoregulator control unit;
and (b) engaging at least one first thermoregulator or second thermoregulator in response to the thermoregulator control unit activation such that the at least one first or second thermoregulator will heat or cool an inner container housing inner space, the inner container housing including a substantially continuous, non- pliable side wall inner surface and wherein the at least one first thermoregulation member comprises at least one of a water bath, recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, and heat sink, or combination thereof; and wherein the at least one second thermoregulation member comprises at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof.
(a) providing an engaging signal to activate a thermoregulator control unit;
and (b) engaging at least one first thermoregulator or second thermoregulator in response to the thermoregulator control unit activation such that the at least one first or second thermoregulator will heat or cool an inner container housing inner space, the inner container housing including a substantially continuous, non- pliable side wall inner surface and wherein the at least one first thermoregulation member comprises at least one of a water bath, recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, and heat sink, or combination thereof; and wherein the at least one second thermoregulation member comprises at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the step of providing a signal includes the step of providing a timing signal generated from a programmable timer.
35. A method to heat or cool a container, comprising:
(a) activating a control unit to activate a thermoregulator adjacent to an inner container housing;
(b) heating or cooling the container in response to the thermoregulator activation; and (c) wherein the cooling occurs by at least one of a recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, heat sink; and the heating occurs by at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module.
(a) activating a control unit to activate a thermoregulator adjacent to an inner container housing;
(b) heating or cooling the container in response to the thermoregulator activation; and (c) wherein the cooling occurs by at least one of a recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, heat sink; and the heating occurs by at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the method includes programming a timer to activate the control unit, heating the container in response to a control unit activation signal, and cooling the container in response to a control unit activation signal.
37. A method to heat or cool a container, comprising:
(a) activating a cooling unit to cool an adjacent inner container housing inner space, the inner container housing a substantially continuous side wall inner surface;
(b) programming a timer to generate a control signal when the timer goes off; and (c) activating a heating unit to heat the inner container housing inner space in response to the control signal and shutting off the cooling unit.
(a) activating a cooling unit to cool an adjacent inner container housing inner space, the inner container housing a substantially continuous side wall inner surface;
(b) programming a timer to generate a control signal when the timer goes off; and (c) activating a heating unit to heat the inner container housing inner space in response to the control signal and shutting off the cooling unit.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the cooling unit is a thermoelectric module and the heating unit is a heater band.
39. A method of using an apparatus to warm a baby bottle, comprising:
(a) inserting a baby bottle into the apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises a substantially continuous, non-pliable, side wall inner surface;
(b) engaging a cooling unit in the apparatus adjacent to an inner container housing to cool the baby bottle, the cooling unit comprising at least one of a water bath, recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, and heat sink, or combination thereof; and (c) engaging a warming unit in the apparatus to heat the baby bottle, the warming unit comprising at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof.
(a) inserting a baby bottle into the apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises a substantially continuous, non-pliable, side wall inner surface;
(b) engaging a cooling unit in the apparatus adjacent to an inner container housing to cool the baby bottle, the cooling unit comprising at least one of a water bath, recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, and heat sink, or combination thereof; and (c) engaging a warming unit in the apparatus to heat the baby bottle, the warming unit comprising at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module, or combination thereof.
40. The method of claim 39, including setting a switch to modulate activity between the cooling and heating units.
41. A baby bottle warmer and cooler, comprising:
(a) an outer housing adapted to receive the baby bottle;
(b) the outer housing containing an inner housing adapted to receive the baby bottle, (c) the inner housing having an internal space, an inner housing bottom, the inner housing bottom further including an inner housing bottom inner surface and an inner housing bottom external surface, and the inner housing further comprising at least one side wall, the side wall having a side wall inner surface and a side wall external surface;
(d) at least one first thermoregulation member adjacent to the inner housing comprising at least one of a water bath, recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, and heat sink;
(e) at least one second thermoregulation member adjacent to the inner housing comprising at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module;
(f) a switch operably connected to the first and second thermoregulation members, the switch being operably connected to a timer; and (g) an input device on the outer housing operably connected to the switch.
(a) an outer housing adapted to receive the baby bottle;
(b) the outer housing containing an inner housing adapted to receive the baby bottle, (c) the inner housing having an internal space, an inner housing bottom, the inner housing bottom further including an inner housing bottom inner surface and an inner housing bottom external surface, and the inner housing further comprising at least one side wall, the side wall having a side wall inner surface and a side wall external surface;
(d) at least one first thermoregulation member adjacent to the inner housing comprising at least one of a water bath, recirculating water bath, evaporator, heat transfer fluid unit, plurality of fins, at least one fan, thermoelectric module, Stirling Cycle unit, absorption unit, refrigerant unit, thermoacoustic unit, and heat sink;
(e) at least one second thermoregulation member adjacent to the inner housing comprising at least one of a heater coil, radiant heat module, convection heat module, heater band, flexible heater band, thermoelectric module, and conduction heat module;
(f) a switch operably connected to the first and second thermoregulation members, the switch being operably connected to a timer; and (g) an input device on the outer housing operably connected to the switch.
42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one safety means selected from the group consisting of: breakaway cords, thermostats, display, audible alarms and external lights.
43. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one accessory element selected from the group consisting of: second activation override switches, weight sensors, drain ports, baskets, lids, battery backups, car adapters and agitators.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/004,130 US6571564B2 (en) | 2001-10-23 | 2001-10-23 | Timed container warmer and cooler |
US10/004,130 | 2001-10-23 | ||
PCT/US2002/033666 WO2003036193A1 (en) | 2001-10-23 | 2002-10-22 | Container cooler and warmer |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2463810A1 CA2463810A1 (en) | 2003-05-01 |
CA2463810C true CA2463810C (en) | 2008-06-17 |
Family
ID=21709311
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002463810A Expired - Fee Related CA2463810C (en) | 2001-10-23 | 2002-10-22 | Container cooler and warmer |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US6571564B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2463810C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003036193A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (152)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA2500432A1 (en) * | 2002-09-30 | 2004-04-15 | Conair Corporation | A controller and method for a fabric grooming device |
DE10259062B4 (en) * | 2002-12-17 | 2023-01-19 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Dishwasher with energy-saving heating mode, and method therefor |
US20040140304A1 (en) * | 2003-01-22 | 2004-07-22 | Leyendecker Kurt Philip | Baby bottle chiller/warmer and method of use |
US6804965B2 (en) * | 2003-02-12 | 2004-10-19 | Applied Integrated Systems, Inc. | Heat exchanger for high purity and corrosive fluids |
GB2402322B (en) * | 2003-05-09 | 2006-09-27 | Cannon Rubber Ltd | Babycare heating apparatus |
GB2439093A (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2007-12-19 | Stefano Milazzo | Comestible Preparation Apparatus |
TW200518739A (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2005-06-16 | Combi Corp | Apparatus for heating baby formula pot and method of operating the same |
US20050211949A1 (en) | 2003-11-13 | 2005-09-29 | Bivens Donald B | Detectable refrigerant compositions and uses thereof |
US7287656B2 (en) * | 2004-04-02 | 2007-10-30 | Blue Clover Design, Llc | Container for promoting thermal transfer |
US7196293B2 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2007-03-27 | The First Years Inc. | Timed accessory adapter |
US20060007781A1 (en) * | 2004-07-06 | 2006-01-12 | William Martin | Formula mixing appliance |
US20060044935A1 (en) * | 2004-08-25 | 2006-03-02 | Benelli Brandon P | Method and system for producing a temperature profile in a food preparation container |
GB0422792D0 (en) * | 2004-10-14 | 2004-11-17 | Evans David R | Bottle temperature control apparatus |
US7061832B1 (en) * | 2004-12-03 | 2006-06-13 | Lansing Robert F | Baby bottle timer |
US7587901B2 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2009-09-15 | Amerigon Incorporated | Control system for thermal module in vehicle |
US7975881B1 (en) | 2005-02-09 | 2011-07-12 | Appliance Development Corporation | Beverage dispenser |
US20060175355A1 (en) * | 2005-02-09 | 2006-08-10 | Glucksman Dov Z | Beverage dispenser |
RU2007135025A (en) * | 2005-02-21 | 2009-03-27 | Электролюкс Хоум Продактс Корпорейшн Н.В. (BE) | DEVICE FOR STORING COOLED BEVERAGES |
US7392953B2 (en) * | 2005-03-10 | 2008-07-01 | Mil. Digital Labeling, Inc. | Programmable digital labels |
US7706671B2 (en) * | 2005-03-16 | 2010-04-27 | B2M Asset Management, Llc | Multi-function liquid container |
GB2424358B (en) * | 2005-03-23 | 2008-07-30 | David Anthony Alfille | Temperature-controlled container for foodstuffs |
US20060213205A1 (en) * | 2005-03-23 | 2006-09-28 | Reverendo Victor J | Baby bottle warmer |
US20070017229A1 (en) * | 2005-07-01 | 2007-01-25 | Daewoo Electronics Corporation | Child care storage having warming-in-water apparatus |
US7347055B2 (en) * | 2005-11-07 | 2008-03-25 | Coors Global Properties, Inc. | Rapid chilling apparatus and method for a beverage-filled container |
WO2007074495A1 (en) * | 2005-12-28 | 2007-07-05 | Davide Trevisiol | The thermal cooling container |
EP1984208B1 (en) * | 2006-01-30 | 2012-02-29 | Amerigon, Inc. | Cooling system for container in a vehicle |
US20070248721A1 (en) * | 2006-04-21 | 2007-10-25 | Tara Strong | Milk storage and management system |
US8020507B2 (en) | 2006-04-21 | 2011-09-20 | Tara Strong | Food storage and management system |
US7994454B2 (en) * | 2006-05-09 | 2011-08-09 | Randy Traylor | Beverage mate |
US20070280657A1 (en) * | 2006-05-31 | 2007-12-06 | Jennifer Loia | Baby bottle/food warmer |
US20080173041A1 (en) * | 2006-08-11 | 2008-07-24 | Steven Roberts | Beverage pitcher cold plate station |
US20080034781A1 (en) * | 2006-08-11 | 2008-02-14 | Steven Roberts | Beverage pitcher cold plate station |
US20080046047A1 (en) * | 2006-08-21 | 2008-02-21 | Daniel Jacobs | Hot and cold therapy device |
US20080087316A1 (en) | 2006-10-12 | 2008-04-17 | Masa Inaba | Thermoelectric device with internal sensor |
DE102006050055A1 (en) * | 2006-10-24 | 2008-04-30 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Heating device for household appliance i.e. laundry dryer, has thermoelectric modules connected in series, and circuit arrangements designed, such that that electric current flow through circuit arrangements in case of failure of modules |
US20080179311A1 (en) * | 2007-01-25 | 2008-07-31 | Fuat Koro | Infant feeding system |
ITAR20070010A1 (en) * | 2007-02-20 | 2007-05-22 | Biosamia S R L | MIXER HEATER DEVICE |
WO2008106825A1 (en) * | 2007-03-08 | 2008-09-12 | Ginfax Plastic & Electrical Dongguan Factory | Intelligent digital control device of wine temperature |
WO2008115831A1 (en) * | 2007-03-16 | 2008-09-25 | Amerigon Incorporated | Air warmer |
US20080238193A1 (en) * | 2007-03-28 | 2008-10-02 | Leonard Storch | Auto (Car) inverter, & auto timer, with always-on and timed sockets and outlets |
US20090038317A1 (en) * | 2007-08-06 | 2009-02-12 | Ferrotec (Usa) Corporation | Thermoelectric temperature-controlled container holder and method |
DE102007040487A1 (en) * | 2007-08-28 | 2009-03-05 | Arzneimittel Gmbh Apotheker Vetter & Co. Ravensburg | tempering |
CA2697180C (en) | 2007-09-04 | 2014-08-19 | Lifefactory, Inc. | Protective sleeves for containers |
US7877827B2 (en) | 2007-09-10 | 2011-02-01 | Amerigon Incorporated | Operational control schemes for ventilated seat or bed assemblies |
TWI340029B (en) * | 2007-12-14 | 2011-04-11 | Ind Tech Res Inst | Portable cold and hot water supply device |
US8813635B2 (en) * | 2008-01-17 | 2014-08-26 | Marinela Luminita Dragan | Steam-heat-only, food-preparation bowl structure and related methodology |
EP3121061B1 (en) | 2008-02-01 | 2020-03-11 | Gentherm Incorporated | Condensation and humidity sensors for thermoelectric devices |
EP2276382B1 (en) * | 2008-04-16 | 2018-12-05 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Bottle warmer and mixing apparatus |
CA2629665C (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2013-10-01 | Robert Jason Goodwin | Compostable materials recycling bin refrigeration device |
CN104523071A (en) | 2008-07-18 | 2015-04-22 | 金瑟姆股份公司 | Climate controlled bed assembly |
NO20085102L (en) * | 2008-12-08 | 2010-06-09 | Emtech As | Stirring Stick |
US8575518B2 (en) * | 2009-01-28 | 2013-11-05 | Gentherm Incorporated | Convective heater |
US20100258268A1 (en) * | 2009-04-12 | 2010-10-14 | Hsin-Jen Li | Temperature adjustable cup holder having memory card readable function |
US8132683B2 (en) | 2009-05-13 | 2012-03-13 | Evenflo Company, Inc. | Protective bottle sling |
US20140020330A1 (en) * | 2009-07-08 | 2014-01-23 | James A. Simmons, Jr. | Packaging machine |
WO2011005958A1 (en) * | 2009-07-08 | 2011-01-13 | Heat Seal Llc | Packaging machine |
US20110011100A1 (en) * | 2009-07-16 | 2011-01-20 | Shaam Sundhar | Unitary thermoelectric heating and cooling device |
CN101637356B (en) * | 2009-07-23 | 2011-01-05 | 张顺 | Automatic milk powder dissolving device |
US20110108506A1 (en) * | 2009-11-02 | 2011-05-12 | Gwenda Lindhorst-Ko | Drink bottle |
DE102010003974B4 (en) * | 2010-01-02 | 2013-05-16 | Timo Funken | Baby bottles preparation machine |
US20110174166A1 (en) * | 2010-01-20 | 2011-07-21 | Tara Sparacio | Chocolate crafting system |
ES2441390T3 (en) * | 2010-02-26 | 2014-02-04 | Gestión Energética Navarra, Sl | System and method of control of a thermal circuit |
JP5608285B2 (en) * | 2010-05-25 | 2014-10-15 | ビーイー・エアロスペース・インコーポレーテッド | Personal beverage heater and cooler for vehicle seats |
US20130175250A1 (en) * | 2010-07-09 | 2013-07-11 | Goldie Locks Llc | Ground-compacting device |
IT1401260B1 (en) * | 2010-07-22 | 2013-07-18 | Carpigiani Group Ali Spa | MACHINE FOR DOMESTIC AND PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTION OF ICE-CREAM PRODUCTS |
US8866050B2 (en) * | 2010-09-14 | 2014-10-21 | Kiinde, Llc | Baby bottle warmer and method of using same |
US10010213B2 (en) | 2010-11-02 | 2018-07-03 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Heated or cooled dishware and drinkware and food containers |
US8759721B1 (en) * | 2010-11-02 | 2014-06-24 | Piatto Technologies, Inc. | Heated or cooled dishwasher safe dishware and drinkware |
CA2816690C (en) * | 2010-11-02 | 2020-07-21 | Piatto Technologies, Inc. | Actively heated or cooled mug |
US9814331B2 (en) * | 2010-11-02 | 2017-11-14 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Heated or cooled dishware and drinkware |
US11950726B2 (en) | 2010-11-02 | 2024-04-09 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Drinkware container with active temperature control |
US9035222B2 (en) * | 2010-11-02 | 2015-05-19 | Oromo Technologies, Inc. | Heated or cooled dishware and drinkware |
US9121414B2 (en) | 2010-11-05 | 2015-09-01 | Gentherm Incorporated | Low-profile blowers and methods |
US8887512B2 (en) * | 2011-06-08 | 2014-11-18 | Richard Elliot Olsen | Cooler for temperature sensitive items |
DE102011079908A1 (en) * | 2011-07-27 | 2013-01-31 | Peter Lüpges | Portable tempering device for drugs |
WO2013052823A1 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2013-04-11 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device controls and methods |
GB2493406B (en) * | 2011-12-08 | 2013-07-03 | Graham Cowe | A water-borne craft including a water-heated oven for heating food |
EP2601869A1 (en) * | 2011-12-09 | 2013-06-12 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Baby bottle warmer |
US9989267B2 (en) | 2012-02-10 | 2018-06-05 | Gentherm Incorporated | Moisture abatement in heating operation of climate controlled systems |
AT512799B1 (en) * | 2012-04-19 | 2017-12-15 | Wild Johannes | Cooling device for drinks |
CN104471508B (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2019-07-19 | 金瑟姆股份公司 | System and method for cooling down induction charging component |
US9648970B2 (en) * | 2012-09-13 | 2017-05-16 | Simon Sung Lee | Impact-resistant portable liquid container protector with cooling and heating capability |
US9740828B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2017-08-22 | SMRxT Inc. | Medicine container with an orientation sensor |
CA2900398C (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2019-08-27 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Heated or cooled dishware and drinkware |
US9518766B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-12-13 | Altria Client Services Llc | Method and system for thermoelectric cooling of products on display at retail |
CN103271827A (en) * | 2013-05-31 | 2013-09-04 | 南京化工职业技术学院 | Heat-insulating infant milk-drinking utensil |
CN103565379A (en) * | 2013-06-13 | 2014-02-12 | 昆山富凌灶具有限公司 | Novel constant-temperature cleaning kettle |
WO2015035301A1 (en) * | 2013-09-09 | 2015-03-12 | Rest Devices, Inc. | Method and apparatus for an infant-milk warmer |
KR101611007B1 (en) * | 2013-10-17 | 2016-04-08 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Heating and cooling cup holder |
US9662962B2 (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2017-05-30 | Gentherm Incorporated | Vehicle headliner assembly for zonal comfort |
US10433372B2 (en) * | 2013-12-20 | 2019-10-01 | Toaster Labs, Inc. | Portable fluid warming device |
KR102123639B1 (en) | 2014-02-14 | 2020-06-16 | 젠썸 인코포레이티드 | Conductive convective climate controlled seat |
US9365146B1 (en) * | 2014-03-18 | 2016-06-14 | Charlette A. Allen | Hot or cold cup holder for vehicles |
CN106488728A (en) * | 2014-05-06 | 2017-03-08 | 朱诺有限责任公司 | For the system that the lid shell using mobile phone/box heats liquid |
US10101082B2 (en) * | 2014-06-09 | 2018-10-16 | MetaDesign LLC | Cooling system for beverage dispensing systems |
US10051994B2 (en) | 2014-07-17 | 2018-08-21 | Munchkin, Inc. | Container agitator and warmer |
CN104323658A (en) * | 2014-10-28 | 2015-02-04 | 宁波爱乐宝婴儿用品有限公司 | Drinking cup fast becoming cool and slowly becoming cold |
US11639816B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2023-05-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling technologies including temperature regulating pad wrap and technologies with liquid system |
US11857004B2 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2024-01-02 | Gentherm Incorporated | Heating and cooling technologies |
WO2016077843A1 (en) | 2014-11-14 | 2016-05-19 | Cauchy Charles J | Heating and cooling technologies |
US10386117B2 (en) * | 2015-01-15 | 2019-08-20 | Pepsico, Inc. | Quick-chill beverage cooler with post-chill storage chamber |
US9782036B2 (en) | 2015-02-24 | 2017-10-10 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Heated or cooled portable drinkware |
DE102015008412A1 (en) * | 2015-07-02 | 2017-01-05 | Ika-Werke Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for processing a medium with wireless module |
CN106618244A (en) * | 2015-07-29 | 2017-05-10 | 青岛绿洲智健科技有限公司 | Milk warmer |
US10383791B2 (en) * | 2015-10-01 | 2019-08-20 | Thaddeus Medical Systems, Inc. | Flexible and conformable medical reservoir temperature monitoring, regulation, and security devices and methods |
US20180055261A1 (en) * | 2016-01-29 | 2018-03-01 | Robert D. Finch | Beverage container holder |
US10058216B2 (en) * | 2016-02-08 | 2018-08-28 | David Yocum | Beverage container temperature sleeve |
WO2017151362A1 (en) | 2016-02-29 | 2017-09-08 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Liquid container and module for adjusting temperature of liquid in container |
US20160209112A1 (en) * | 2016-03-26 | 2016-07-21 | Scott Bayless | Portable Beverage Chilling Device |
WO2017192396A1 (en) | 2016-05-02 | 2017-11-09 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Heated or cooled drinkware |
KR102013507B1 (en) | 2016-05-12 | 2019-10-21 | 엠버 테크놀로지스 인코포레이티드 | Beverage conatiner system |
USD801496S1 (en) * | 2016-05-13 | 2017-10-31 | Shaun Letham | Heating sleeve |
JP6925106B2 (en) * | 2016-07-19 | 2021-08-25 | 富士フイルム富山化学株式会社 | Transport device |
KR200482029Y1 (en) * | 2016-07-21 | 2016-12-09 | 김경욱 | Peltier tumblr |
US20180040795A1 (en) * | 2016-08-08 | 2018-02-08 | Novical, LLC | Fluid Cooler / Heater |
KR20180035662A (en) | 2016-09-29 | 2018-04-06 | 엠버 테크놀로지스 인코포레이티드 | Heated or cooled drinkware |
US20180111535A1 (en) * | 2016-10-20 | 2018-04-26 | William Harris | Temperature-controlled beverage container adapted for compatability with automotive air conditioning |
AT518425B1 (en) * | 2016-10-31 | 2017-10-15 | Josef Höller Gmbh | Cooling and heat bath |
JP7026874B2 (en) * | 2016-11-02 | 2022-03-01 | ミラキ イノベーション シンク タンク エルエルシー | Devices and methods for slurry generation |
US11324673B2 (en) | 2016-11-18 | 2022-05-10 | Miraki Innovation Think Tank Llc | Cosmetic appearance of skin |
US9995529B1 (en) * | 2016-12-08 | 2018-06-12 | Nova Laboratories | Temperature-regulating containment system |
US11000151B2 (en) * | 2016-12-15 | 2021-05-11 | Medela Holding Ag | Device for bringing baby food to a certain temperature |
WO2018128852A1 (en) | 2017-01-06 | 2018-07-12 | Handi-Craft Company | Warming apparatus for warming the contents of a foodstuff container |
WO2018132510A1 (en) * | 2017-01-10 | 2018-07-19 | Pronto Concepts Inc. | Methods and apparatus for rapidly cooling liquids |
USD832636S1 (en) * | 2017-01-27 | 2018-11-06 | Littlewunz, Llc | Liquid warmer |
USD832637S1 (en) * | 2017-01-27 | 2018-11-06 | Littlewunz, Llc | Electric warmer |
WO2018152288A1 (en) * | 2017-02-15 | 2018-08-23 | Gentherm Incorporated | Improved control systems and methods for thermally conditioned receptacles |
JP6788861B2 (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2020-11-25 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Cooker |
MX2019011996A (en) | 2017-04-05 | 2020-01-20 | Miraki Innovation Think Tank Llc | Cold slurry containment. |
CA3059294A1 (en) | 2017-04-05 | 2018-10-11 | Miraki Innovation Think Tank Llc | Point of delivery cold slurry generation |
WO2019245474A2 (en) * | 2017-08-08 | 2019-12-26 | Tes Termoelektrik Sistemleri Ltd. | Thermoelectric vehicle liquid cooler |
US10500342B2 (en) | 2017-08-21 | 2019-12-10 | Miraki Innovation Think Tank Llc | Cold slurry syringe |
US20190110643A1 (en) * | 2017-10-14 | 2019-04-18 | Gloria Contreras | Smart charger plate |
US10907895B1 (en) * | 2017-10-23 | 2021-02-02 | Jason DiPietro | Portable cooling device |
WO2019152491A1 (en) | 2018-01-31 | 2019-08-08 | Handi-Craft Company | Warming apparatus including a heating element |
ES2905977T3 (en) | 2018-01-31 | 2022-04-12 | Ember Tech Inc | Actively heated or cooled bottle system |
WO2019204660A1 (en) | 2018-04-19 | 2019-10-24 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Portable cooler with active temperature control |
US20190344697A1 (en) * | 2018-05-09 | 2019-11-14 | Cristos Stefos | Beverage warming assembly |
US11079175B2 (en) * | 2018-06-06 | 2021-08-03 | Wisys Technology Foundation, Inc. | Retrofit Peltier device for cooler |
US11075331B2 (en) | 2018-07-30 | 2021-07-27 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric device having circuitry with structural rigidity |
WO2020146394A2 (en) | 2019-01-11 | 2020-07-16 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Portable cooler with active temperature control |
GR20190100063A (en) * | 2019-02-04 | 2020-09-16 | Θεοδωρος-Αλεξανδρος Αθανασιου Μαριογλου | Cooking appliance for cooling and heating products in a baking capsule |
US11152557B2 (en) | 2019-02-20 | 2021-10-19 | Gentherm Incorporated | Thermoelectric module with integrated printed circuit board |
USD997721S1 (en) * | 2019-03-08 | 2023-09-05 | Lara Vu | Container handle |
US11478106B2 (en) * | 2019-04-26 | 2022-10-25 | Digital Heat Technology Ltd. | Portable baby food warmer |
EP3990841A1 (en) * | 2019-06-25 | 2022-05-04 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Portable cooler |
US11668508B2 (en) | 2019-06-25 | 2023-06-06 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Portable cooler |
US11162716B2 (en) | 2019-06-25 | 2021-11-02 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Portable cooler |
AT17177U1 (en) * | 2020-03-09 | 2021-08-15 | Markus Deutsch | Device for illuminating drinking bottles |
US11618493B2 (en) | 2020-09-03 | 2023-04-04 | Bianca L. Jackson | Multifunctional portable tray |
US11498724B1 (en) * | 2021-08-18 | 2022-11-15 | Michael B. Christian, Sr. | System and method for self releasing champagne cork |
CN113827100B (en) * | 2021-11-05 | 2022-08-02 | 广东美芝制冷设备有限公司 | Cooking appliance, control method, control device and computer-readable storage medium |
Family Cites Families (65)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1762171A (en) * | 1927-11-14 | 1930-06-10 | Aaron H Goldsmith | Electric baby-bottle warmer |
US2170287A (en) | 1937-06-14 | 1939-08-22 | Walter L Kinnebrew | Detachable electrical connector |
US2394618A (en) | 1944-09-05 | 1946-02-12 | Harry A F Kunasch | Electrical connection |
US2490580A (en) | 1946-02-18 | 1949-12-06 | Jr Nicholas E Colla | Electrical connection plug |
US2456548A (en) | 1946-03-25 | 1948-12-14 | Weiner Leon | Electrical plug and socket |
US2696594A (en) | 1953-08-27 | 1954-12-07 | Harrington Pete | Electric plug having a conductor operated ejector |
US2834566A (en) | 1954-03-22 | 1958-05-13 | Merwyn Allen S | Baby bottle warmer |
US2756031A (en) | 1955-04-25 | 1956-07-24 | Edgar L Sanstrom | Baby bottle warmer |
US2992316A (en) | 1960-02-24 | 1961-07-11 | Baumstein Lee | Pop-up baby bottle warmer |
US3363214A (en) | 1966-01-21 | 1968-01-09 | Charles T. Wright | Magnetic plug adapter |
US3402763A (en) | 1966-12-05 | 1968-09-24 | Hager & Sons Hinge Mfg Company | Device for warming or cooling infant food |
US3611274A (en) | 1970-02-28 | 1971-10-05 | Nasa | Breakaway connector |
US3658122A (en) | 1970-05-19 | 1972-04-25 | Harvey Nicholas Kalyk | Baby bottle warming container and method of attaining thermal equilibrium |
US3737835A (en) | 1971-07-21 | 1973-06-05 | C Clement | Self-ejecting line plug |
US3808577A (en) | 1973-03-05 | 1974-04-30 | W Mathauser | Magnetic self-aligning quick-disconnect for a telephone or other communications equipment |
US3804076A (en) | 1973-03-30 | 1974-04-16 | J Fant | Baby bottle warmer |
US3892945A (en) * | 1973-07-26 | 1975-07-01 | Robert Lerner | Electric bottle warmer |
US4045105A (en) | 1974-09-23 | 1977-08-30 | Advanced Memory Systems, Inc. | Interconnected leadless package receptacle |
US4163471A (en) | 1976-09-30 | 1979-08-07 | Frederic Leder | Forced convection heat exchanger for warming articles |
US4187412A (en) | 1978-07-10 | 1980-02-05 | Sunbeam Corporation | Automatic control for electric heating device |
US4215785A (en) | 1979-03-22 | 1980-08-05 | Josef Schwaiger | Baby feeding bottle |
US4274262A (en) | 1980-03-21 | 1981-06-23 | Koolatron Industries, Limited | Thermoelectric jug cooler and control circuit |
US4455842A (en) | 1981-07-15 | 1984-06-26 | Biotech Research Laboratories, Inc. | Device and method for controlled freezing of cell cultures |
IT1168902B (en) | 1983-02-04 | 1987-05-20 | Alfredo Cavalli | EQUIPMENT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ICE CREAM AND SIMILAR COLD PRODUCTS, WITH REMOVABLE ICE CREAM CONTAINERS |
IT1169524B (en) | 1983-05-19 | 1987-06-03 | Alfredo Cavalli | EQUIPMENT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ICE CREAM AND SIMILAR COLD PRODUCTS, WITH REMOVABLE ICE CREAM CONTAINER |
IT1167037B (en) | 1983-11-30 | 1987-05-06 | Alfredo Cavalli | EQUIPMENT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ICE CREAM AND SIMILAR COLD PRODUCTS WITH REMOVABLE ICE CREAM CONTAINER |
US4681611A (en) * | 1984-04-27 | 1987-07-21 | Bohner Hal J | Wine temperature controller |
US4597435A (en) * | 1985-01-09 | 1986-07-01 | Fosco Jr Benjamin P | Bottle warmer or cooler |
IT8521308V0 (en) | 1985-04-02 | 1985-04-02 | Cavalli Alfredo | IMPROVED EQUIPMENT FOR THE DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF ICE CREAM AND SIMILAR COLD PRODUCTS. |
US4797313A (en) * | 1985-11-08 | 1989-01-10 | Monsanto Company | Non-metallic polymeric twist tie |
KR880000764A (en) | 1986-06-14 | 1988-03-29 | 우시구보 도모아끼 | Refrigerator temperature control |
US4920763A (en) | 1986-10-23 | 1990-05-01 | Phillip B. Provest | Chilling apparatus |
US4903506A (en) | 1987-02-13 | 1990-02-27 | John Delisle | Ice cube maker |
JPS63267870A (en) | 1987-04-24 | 1988-11-04 | ホシザキ電機株式会社 | Method of operating refrigerator |
JPH0834114B2 (en) | 1987-04-30 | 1996-03-29 | ソニー株式会社 | Connector device |
US4782670A (en) * | 1988-03-10 | 1988-11-08 | Long Timothy S | Dual hot-cold maintenance container |
US4914920A (en) | 1988-06-30 | 1990-04-10 | Q-Branch Technologies, Inc. | Device for heating and cooling a beverage |
US4913318A (en) | 1988-09-13 | 1990-04-03 | Forrester Thomas L | Portable beverage dispenser |
US4880535A (en) | 1989-02-21 | 1989-11-14 | Burrows Bruce D | Water supply station with multiple water storage reservoirs |
GB2234057A (en) | 1989-07-10 | 1991-01-23 | Joanne Morag Smillie | Baby bottle warmer |
GB2236386A (en) | 1989-09-02 | 1991-04-03 | Opella Holdings Limited | Bottle warmer |
IL92209A (en) | 1989-11-03 | 1994-01-25 | Afikim Kvutzat Poalim Lehiyash | Thermoelectric device for heating or cooling food and drink containers |
US5363746A (en) | 1990-10-29 | 1994-11-15 | Gordon Ellis D | Automatic food preparation device |
US5209069A (en) * | 1991-05-06 | 1993-05-11 | Grindmaster Corporation | Compact thermoelectrically cooled beverage dispenser |
US5480313A (en) | 1992-09-02 | 1996-01-02 | Staar S.A. | Automatic disconnect mechanism for electrical terminal fittings |
US5315084A (en) * | 1993-02-10 | 1994-05-24 | Martin Jensen | Baby bottle caterer with separate refrigeration and heating units |
US5718124A (en) | 1993-10-15 | 1998-02-17 | Senecal; Lise | Chilled service bowl |
US5399102A (en) | 1993-11-22 | 1995-03-21 | Devine; Michael J. | Breakaway extension cord for preventing electrical plug damage |
US5397031A (en) | 1994-03-08 | 1995-03-14 | Jensen; Martin T. | Baby milk warmer |
US5572872A (en) * | 1994-08-15 | 1996-11-12 | Hlavacek; Robert A. | Liquid cooling, storing and dispensing device |
US5502981A (en) | 1995-03-17 | 1996-04-02 | Sullivan; Kimberly M. | Insert assembly for changing temperature of quantity of liquid contained in bottle |
US5720171A (en) | 1996-06-11 | 1998-02-24 | Atoma International, Inc. | Device for heating and cooling a beverage |
US5771709A (en) | 1996-09-04 | 1998-06-30 | Smith; Curley P. | Electric counter mounted beverage cooler and dispenser |
US5941729A (en) | 1997-09-10 | 1999-08-24 | International Business Machines Corporation | Safe-snap computer cable |
US5797313A (en) | 1998-02-11 | 1998-08-25 | Rothley; Tamara | Electronic baby formula preparation and storage device |
US6082114A (en) * | 1998-04-09 | 2000-07-04 | Leonoff; Christopher A. | Device for heating and cooling a beverage |
US5927524A (en) | 1998-04-14 | 1999-07-27 | Miller; Rose M. | Bottle safety blanket |
FR2779512B1 (en) * | 1998-06-04 | 2003-03-07 | Janick Simeray | TEMPERATURE HOLDING SYSTEM FOR PREPARED MEALS SERVED ON A TRAY |
US5975337A (en) | 1998-10-15 | 1999-11-02 | Hadley; Mary Lynne | Thermal baby bottle warmer |
US6064044A (en) * | 1998-11-23 | 2000-05-16 | Jerome; Leno | Automated bottle temperature control system |
GB2344523B (en) | 1998-12-11 | 2004-02-11 | Angela J Maw | Portable baby bottle warmer and sterilizer |
US6282906B1 (en) * | 2000-03-10 | 2001-09-04 | Tellurex Corporation | Mobile vehicle temperature controlled compartment |
US6732534B2 (en) * | 2000-08-03 | 2004-05-11 | Tellurex Corporation | Vehicle temperature-conditioned container with a power control circuit and a defrost circuit |
US6234165B1 (en) | 2000-08-28 | 2001-05-22 | Kevin A. Creighton | Baby bottle warmer |
CA2426946C (en) * | 2000-11-02 | 2010-06-29 | Tellurex Corporation | Temperature-controlled storage system |
-
2001
- 2001-10-23 US US10/004,130 patent/US6571564B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2002
- 2002-10-22 CA CA002463810A patent/CA2463810C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-10-22 WO PCT/US2002/033666 patent/WO2003036193A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2004
- 2004-04-19 US US10/827,663 patent/US7287386B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2007
- 2007-10-25 US US11/977,636 patent/US20080209912A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20030074903A1 (en) | 2003-04-24 |
WO2003036193A1 (en) | 2003-05-01 |
US20080209912A1 (en) | 2008-09-04 |
US7287386B2 (en) | 2007-10-30 |
US6571564B2 (en) | 2003-06-03 |
CA2463810A1 (en) | 2003-05-01 |
US20040194470A1 (en) | 2004-10-07 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2463810C (en) | Container cooler and warmer | |
US20040140304A1 (en) | Baby bottle chiller/warmer and method of use | |
US20060162341A1 (en) | Comestible preparation apparatus | |
US11083332B2 (en) | Portable cooler container with active temperature control | |
JP6068306B2 (en) | Cup holder | |
US5315084A (en) | Baby bottle caterer with separate refrigeration and heating units | |
US4407133A (en) | Self-contained portable temperature-controlled chamber for medications and the like | |
US6032481A (en) | Thermoregulating container | |
AU2015280437B2 (en) | Heated or cooled dishware and drinkware | |
KR102149784B1 (en) | Temperature Adjustable Tumbler | |
US10107547B1 (en) | Combined thermoelectric cooler and bottle warmer and methods thereof | |
US20190208954A1 (en) | Portable Device With a Temperature-Setting Element | |
GB2386938A (en) | A heating station located on the outside of a refrigerator | |
KR200300368Y1 (en) | It's using for driver in car heating and cooling for drink PET case of possibility a portable | |
KR20080008058A (en) | The time precontract heating of thermos bottle | |
KR20160044158A (en) | Hot and cold thermal insulation of container elements using the set temperature alarm device | |
KR20040035334A (en) | It's using for driver in car heating and cooling for drink PET case of possibility a portable | |
WO2017196719A1 (en) | Heated or cooled dishware and drinkware and food containers | |
JP3128821U (en) | Drink temperature control device | |
JPH0468287A (en) | Refrigerator with thawing compartment | |
TW201336452A (en) | Bottle warmer | |
KR200292261Y1 (en) | a heating cabinet equip thermometry device | |
JPH11101574A (en) | Refrigerator with deep freezer with article temperature detector | |
CN110680154A (en) | Cup capable of heating and refrigerating | |
KR20050007251A (en) | System divided into upper body and lower supporting plate for cooling and heating by using thermoelectric module |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request | ||
MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20131022 |