Warming devices and method using a material with a solid-solid phase change
OwnerPaul E. Eckler, Richard B. Huntinventors
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Abstract
Warming devices are described having solid organic particulates that are solid at room temperature and which exhibit a meso-crystalline transition temperature within a range of about 30.degree. to about 200.degree. C. The particles can be heated by a variety of methods such as microwave radiation or hot liquids. Contemplated objects include vacuum bottles, coffee mugs, stadium pads, foot warming boxes, mittens, caps, snowsuits, and other wearing apparel. The solid particles act as a reusable heat reservoir to release heat over an extended period of time or absorb ambient heat and serve a protective function.
Claims12
A container for foods, said container comprising:
- a food storage volume,
- a particle storage volume in heat exchange communication with said food storage area, and
- discrete particles of a solid organic material that is solid at room temperature and exhibits a mesocrystalline transition temperature within a range of about 30.degree. to about 200.degree. C., said organic material being disposed in said particle storage volume.
A warming device comprising:
- a contact layer,
- discrete particles comprising a solid organic material that is solid at room temperature and exhibits a mesocrystalline transition temperature within a range of about 30.degree. to about 200.degree. C., said organic material being located in heat exchange communication with said contact layer, and
- means for regulating the temperature of said contact surface to provide a surface temperature within a range from about 35.degree. to about 70.degree. C.
A method for warming, said method comprising:
- heating discrete particles of a solid plastic crystal material that is solid at room temperature and exhibits a mesocrystalline transition temperature within a range of about 30.degree. to about 200.degree. C., said plastic crystal material being disposed within an article of manufacture, and
- placing said article in proximity to a liquid, food, body, body part, or item for warming said liquid, food, body, body part, or item heat from the heated particles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.