IMPROVEMENTS TO INDIVIDUAL HEATING MEANS APPLIED TO BOXES, CHESTS, BACKPACKS, BAGS, THERMAL BAGS AND/OR THERMAL CHESTS FOR TRANSPORTING READY-TO-EAT FOOD

Abstract

An individualized food heating applied to hot and/or cold food by the ‘delivery’ system having a thermal structure for electromagnetic-induction heating (10) installed in the internal parts of the Transport (20) and which is activated by one or more metal plate(s) (CP) installed (s) in the internal and/or external parts of the food packages (30) for the maintenance of the temperature and quality of the food and/or partial and/or complete cooking of food, during transport to the final path and/or at the food production site, as well as at the place where it will be served and consumed.

Claims

1. An individualized heating system applied to means of transport for transportation of ready-to-consume food comprising: at least one electromagnetic-induction heating thermal structure (10) embedded in at least one shelf (21) and/or side (20e) or bottom walls of the receptacle (20a); at least one plate with inductive capacity (CP) applied in at least one package receptacle (30); wherein the at least one package receptacle (30) is arranged close to or over the heating thermal structure (10) which triggers a magnetic-induction circuit (11a).

2. The individualized heating system applied to means of transport for transportation of ready-to-consume food according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electromagnetic-induction heating thermal structure (10) is arranged inside a means of transport (20) and is maintained activated by juxtaposition or approximation of one or more metal plate(s) (CP) arranged in the package receptacle (30) with food (A1).

3. The individualized heating system applied to means of transport for transportation of ready-to-consume food according to claim 1, wherein at least one electromagnetic-induction heating thermal structure (10) comprises a magnetic-induction circuit (11a) with temperature control (T1) for food heating maintenance (A1); said circuit (11a) is coupled to a spiral (11), both powered by an electric battery (12) through connector(s) (12a) installed next to each shelf (21) and/or side or bottom walls of the receptacle (20a), and said connector(s) (12a) are exposed on the outside of the box (20) for coupling feeding cables (CB), in turn, connected to transport vehicles (VT) such as electric bicycle, motorcycle, electric scooter or other type of suitable electrical power.

4. The individualized heating system applied to means of transport for transportation of ready-to-consume food according to claim 2, wherein one or more receptacle packages (30′) with food (A1′) without metal plate(s) (CP) in their receptacles maintain inactive the heating thermal structure (10) of the means of thermal transport (20); the food (A1′) is maintained cold or at ambient temperature.

5. The individualized heating system applied to means of transport for transportation of ready-to-consume food according to claim 1, wherein the means of transport comprises side walls (20e), in addition to shelves, and wherein the sidewalls and shelves of the means of transport receive heating thermal structures (10) activated by metal plate(s) (CP) installed on a peripheral wall(s) of the package receptacle (30′).

6. The individualized heating system applied to means of transport for transportation of ready-to-consume food according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electromagnetic-induction heating thermal structure (10) covers a base and a side of the receptacle packages (30′).

7. The individualized heating system applied to means of transport for transportation of ready-to-consume food according to claim 1, wherein transport vehicles (VT1) are provided with one or more compartments wherein shelves (PR) and/or side walls are provided with the at least one electromagnetic-induction heating thermal structure (10) activated by metal plate(s) arranged in different receptable packages (30″) for heating different foods (A1).

8. The individualized heating system applied to means of transport for transportation of ready-to-consume food according to claim 2, wherein the at least one electromagnetic-induction heating thermal structure (10′) comprises a device embedded in at least one of the internal parts of at least one compartment (C1′) of the means of transport (20′); the heating means (10′) is formed by a plate with inductive capacity (CP′) juxtaposed to an electromagnetic coil (11′) and respective connection cable (11a′); over the plate with inductive capacity (CP′) or juxtaposed to it, the conventional package (30′) containing ready-to-eat, semi-ready or natural food (A1′) is positioned; the on-off control of the electromagnetic-induction circuit (23′) is commanded by at least one presence sensor (s1′) installed inside at least one compartment (C1′) of the means of transport (20′); said means of transport (20′) includes an external supplementary compartment (22′) containing one or more energy sources (12′) in the form of electric or electronic batteries, an electromagnetic-induction circuit (23′), connecting cables (11a′), and at least one ventilation means (24′); the box includes one or more holes (22c′) for mounting connectors (12a′), connecting cables (11a′) and charging connectors of the energy sources.

9. The individualized heating system applied to means of transport for transportation of ready-to-consume food according to claim 8, wherein a plate with inductive capacity (CP′) is arranged coplanar to the upper face of said shelf (21′).

10. The individualized heating system applied to means of transport for transportation of ready-to-consume food according to claim 8, wherein a plate with inductive capacity (CP′) is arranged coplanar to the upper face of said internal lower base (B1′).

11. The individualized heating system applied to means of transport for transportation of ready-to-consume food according to claim 8, wherein a plate with inductive capacity (CP′) is co-planarly arranged on at least one internal side of the said means of transport (20′) remaining juxtaposed to the electromagnetic-induction coil (11′), in turn, embedded in the respective internal side face of the means of transport (20′).

12. The individualized heating system applied to means of transport for transportation of ready-to-consume food according to claim 8, wherein additional external compartment (22′) is formed by a box (22a′) with a lid (22b′) arranged in the upper portion (21a′).

13. The individualized heating system applied to means of transport for transportation of ready-to-consume food according to claim 12, wherein the additional external compartment (22′) is formed by a box (22a′) with a lid (22b′) arranged on the rear wall (21b′) of said means of transport (20′).

14. The individualized heating system applied to means of transport for transportation of ready-to-consume food according to claim 1, wherein the system alternatively comprises at least one plate with inductive capacity (CP′) arranged attached to the thermal heating structure (10).

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] To complement the present description in order to obtain a better understanding of the features of the present invention and in accordance with a preferential practical embodiment of the same, the attached description is accompanied by a set of drawings, where, in an exemplified manner, although not limiting, there is represented its operation:

[0024] FIG. 1 represents an illustrative and perspective view, but without being restrictive, of a Means of Transport, for example in the form of a thermal backpack, which is illustrated with the lid open and provided with three compartments, each provided with electromagnetic-induction heating Means and powered by electric energy from an external battery (of the transport vehicle) or one or more rechargeable electric batteries, preferably embedded in the compartment(s) of the Means of Transport; for the activation of the heating Means of any of the compartments of the innovative Means of Transport, it is foreseen that the food package (in this example, a pizza box) is provided with the induction drive plate, allowing the package deposit in the compartment to activate the heating Means and maintain the food warm throughout the transport period;

[0025] FIG. 2 discloses a schematic view of the means of transport, in the form of a thermal backpack, a second longitudinal section A.A illustrated in the previous figure, illustrating the components of the electromagnetic-induction heating system applied to the shelves of the compartments;

[0026] FIG. 3 discloses the same longitudinal section A.A illustrating the activation of the heating Means, provided for in the Means of Transport, by the presence of the Food package in which the Metal Plate(s) is (are) contained, as well as illustrating a compartment that, although provided with the Heating means, is cooled, since the food package does not include the metal plate, consequently, without activating the heating, thus allowing the same means of transport to be used to transport food or similar items that do not require heating; and

[0027] FIG. 4 represents another view in longitudinal section A.A, as in FIGS. 2 and 3, representing a Means of Transport in the form of a thermal backpack with a constructive variation that, in this case, presents the heating means installed on the side walls of the means of Transport in order to meet alternative packages with metal plates arranged on the sides;

[0028] FIG. 5 shows a rear view of a food transport vehicle, illustrating the arrangement of shelves capable of receiving the Heating Mean that will work on the same principles described in the previous items;

[0029] FIG. 6 represents a variation of the heating Means illustrating the means of transporting ready-to-eat and/or unfinished food, where the juxtaposition of the metal plate(s) is performed on the electromagnetic-induction coils and respective compartment for batteries;

[0030] FIG. 6A illustrates a rear perspective view of the means of transporting ready-to-eat and/or not-ready-to-eat food, illustrating a variation of the arrangement of the battery compartment, electromagnetic-induction circuits, control systems, among other components; and

[0031] FIG. 7 discloses a longitudinal section A.A indicated in FIG. 1 illustrating the now-improved individualized heating means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] With reference to the illustrated drawings, the present patent of invention refers to an IMPROVEMENTS TO INDIVIDUALIZED HEATING MEANS APPLIED TO A BOX, TRUNK, BACKPACK, BAG, THERMAL VANITY CASE AND/OR THERMAL TRUNK FOR TRANSPORTATION OF READY-TO-EAT FOOD, more precisely it is a heating means (10) applied in a Means of Transport (20), such as a backpack or cooler and/or thermal truck or another of the type used to transport food (A1), especially of the type for “delivery”, which usually includes a package (30) with container and lid. Said Means of Transport (20), in its preferred constructive version in the form of a backpack or cooler, can be made of polystyrene or other suitable material, coated or not with aluminum canvas or other suitable material, and being formed by a hollow receptacle (20a), in order to form a main opening for mounting a hinged lid (20b). On at least two internal faces of the receptacle (20a) there can be made recesses (20c) that create rails for the assembly of corresponding shelves (21) configuring compartments for the accommodation of packages (30) or others, as well as various beverage containers.

[0033] According to the present invention, the shelves (21) and/or side (20e) or bottom walls of the receptacle (20a) of the Means of Transport (20) have the installation of at least one electromagnetic-induction heating Means (10), which remains embedded in said internal parts of the Means of Transport (20) and which heats the metal plate(s) (CP) embedded in the package receptacle (30), either on the lower base (31) and/or on the side faces (32) of said receptacle for transporting hot food (A1). As soon as the package (30) with the metal plate(s) (CP) is supported on or approaches the Heating Means (10) inside the means of transport (20), the electromagnetic induction activates the heating of said metal plate(s) (CP) of the package (30) thus immediately heating the food (A1) that, in turn, is maintained warm at all times in which it is accommodated inside the Means of Transport (20).

[0034] Said Heating Means (10), in a preferential constructive version, is comprised of an magnetic-induction circuit (11a) with the control adjusted within a temperature range (T1), providing uniform standards for the maintenance of food heating (A1); said circuit (11a) is coupled to a spiral (11), both powered by an electric battery (12) through connector(s) (12a) installed next to each shelf (21) and/or side or bottom walls of the receptacle (20a), and said connector(s) (12a) are exposed on the outside of the box (20) for coupling feeding cables (CB), in turn, connected to transport vehicles (VT) such as electric bicycle, motorcycle, electric scooter or other type of suitable electrical power.

[0035] The individual activation of each package (30) with one or more Metal Sheet(s) (CP) in relation to the electromagnetic-induction heating Means (10), installed in one or more internal parts of the means of transport (20) is capable of maintaining the heating of the food (A1) during the period in which the Metal Plate(s) (CP) of the package(s) (30) remain juxtaposed and/or approximated to said heating means (10) of the Means of transport (20), enabling the transport of food (A1) in a heating situation. If the temperature control (T1) of the circuit (11a) allows it to be adjusted, the Heating Means (10) can act as the conclusion of the cooking of the food (A1) until it is delivered to the consumer.

[0036] In a constructive option (see FIGS. 3 and 4), the Means of transport (20) is provided with heating Means (10) in the internal parts of the receptacle (20a) and one or more packages (30) have the base of the receptacle provided with metal plate(s) (CP) that maintain the Heating Means (10) activated at a predetermined temperature. One or more packages (30′), however, are devoid of metal plate(s) (CP) in their receptacles, thus not activating the electromagnetic induction of the Heating Means (10) of the shelf (21), or the base of the Means of Transport (20), maintaining the food (A1′) cold or at room temperature.

[0037] In a second constructive version (see FIG. 4), the side walls (20e) of each Means of Transport (20), in addition to the shelves, receive heating Means (10) activated by metal plate(s) (CP) installed on the peripheral wall(s) of the package (30′), in order to configure a perimeter heating for heating various portions such as dumplings, chicken pieces, etc.

[0038] In a third constructive version (see FIG. 5), transport vehicles (VT1) can be provided with one or more compartments whose shelves (PR) and/or side walls can receive heating Means (10) by the activation of Metal Plate(s) (CP) installed in packages (30)/(30′) or (30″) for heating (or not) various foods (A1) such as, for example, daily meals. In case the heating Means (10) are distributed on the vehicle shelves (VT1), there will be an on/off switch to activate the same.

[0039] In a fourth constructive variation (see FIGS. 6 to 7), said heating Means (10′) is formed by a metal plate with inductive capacity (CP′) juxtaposed to an electromagnetic-induction coil (11′) and a cable connection (11a′) connected to the electromagnetic-induction circuit (23′). Said heating means (10) provides that the electromagnetic-induction coil (11′) and the connecting cable of the electromagnetic circuit (11a′) remain embedded in at least one shelf, while the plate with inductive capacity (CP′) is arranged coplanar to the upper face of said shelf (21′). This application can be reproduced on the internal lower base (B1′) of the means of transport (20′) or, even on at least one internal side face of said means of transport (20′).

[0040] On the plate with inductive capacity (CP′) or juxtaposed to it, the conventional package (30′) containing ready-to-eat, semi-ready-to-eat or natural food (A1′) is positioned so that it can be preheated and/or heated and/or cooked during the period in which said conventional package (30′) remains accommodated inside the Means of Transport (20′) and in contact with the heating means (10′).

[0041] The on-off control of the electromagnetic-induction circuit (23′) is commanded by at least one presence sensor (s1′) installed inside at least one compartment (C1′) of the means of transport (20′), sensor (s1′) which detects when the conventional package (30′) is positioned in at least one of said compartments (C1′).

[0042] Said means of transport (20′) includes an external supplementary compartment (22′) shaped such as a box (22a′) with a lid (22b′) that can be arranged in the upper portion (21a′) or rear wall (21b′) of said means of transport (20′). In this supplementary external compartment (22′) there are accommodated one or more energy sources (12′) in the form of electric or electronic batteries, a set of electromagnetic circuits (23′) for controlling the electromagnetic-induction coil (s) (11′), and at least one ventilation means (24′). The box includes one or more holes (22c′) for mounting connectors (12a′) and connecting cables (11a′), between the electromagnetic-induction circuit (23) and the electromagnetic-induction coils (11′), in addition to the connector hole for charging energy supplies.

[0043] It is true that when the present invention is put into practice, modifications may be introduced regarding certain details of construction and shape, without this implying departing from the fundamental principles that are clearly substantiated in the set of claims, remaining thus understood that the terminology used was not intended as a limitation.