Portable Cooling and Heating Container

Abstract

A portable heating and cooling container for keeping retained liquids heated or cooled in the same compartment. An insulated vessel with a foam or vacuum insulating layer keeps the retained liquids at a consistent temperature for long periods of time. A heating component is attachable to an outside of an insulated vessel. The heating element is not used when the retained liquids are desired to be cool or cold. The heating component may penetrate either a double sidewall of the vessel housing or the vessel lid. A resistance heating element is retained within the insulated vessel to heat the retained liquid on demand as desired allowing for access to heated liquids remotely.

Claims

1. A portable heating and cooling container comprising: an insulated vessel comprising a vessel housing and a lid; and a heating component comprising a heating component housing attachable to an exterior of the vessel housing and a heating element extending laterally out of the heating component housing, through the vessel housing, and into an interior of the insulated vessel.

2. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein the vessel housing is sized to retain between one and ten gallons of a liquid.

3. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein the insulated vessel is a five gallon insulated liquid cooler.

4. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein the heating element is an immersion liquid heater.

5. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein the heating element is a resistance heater.

6. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein the heating element is encapsulated.

7. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein a watt density of the heating element is at least 70 watts per square inch.

8. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein the heating element is tubular.

9. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein the heating element is looped around an interior perimeter of the vessel housing.

10. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein the heating element is a nichrome or nickel stainless steel heating element.

11. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein the heating element is flexible.

12. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein the heating component further comprises a thermostat integrated into the heating component housing.

13. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein the heating component further comprises a temperature gauge integrated into the heating component housing.

14. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein the heating component further comprises a timer integrated into the heating component housing.

15. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein the heating component is powered by alternating current.

16. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 1, wherein the heating component is battery powered.

17. A portable heating and cooling container comprising: an insulated vessel comprising a vessel housing and a lid; and a heating component comprising: a heating component housing attachable to an exterior of the vessel housing; a heating element extending laterally out of the heating component housing, through the vessel housing, and into an interior of the insulated vessel; a thermostat integrated into the heating component housing; a temperature gauge integrated into the heating component housing; and a controller integrated into the heating component housing for programming the thermostat.

18. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 17, wherein the heating component further comprises a timer integrated into the heating component housing programmable via the controller.

19. The portable heating and cooling container of claim 18, wherein the heating element is an encapsulated nichrome heating element.

20. A portable heating and cooling container comprising: an insulated vessel comprising a vessel housing and a lid; and a heating component comprising a heating component housing attachable to an exterior of the lid and an immersion liquid heating element extending downward out of the heating component housing, through the lid, and into an interior of the insulated vessel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portable heating and cooling container of the present invention for keeping retained contents heated or cooled in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective side view of the portable heating and cooling container of the present invention for keeping retained contents heated or cooled in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective rear view of the portable heating and cooling container of the present invention for keeping retained contents heated or cooled in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the portable heating and cooling container of the present invention for keeping retained contents heated or cooled in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the portable heating and cooling container of the present invention for keeping retained contents heated or cooled in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a heating component of the portable heating and cooling container of the present invention for keeping retained contents heated or cooled in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates an overhead view of the portable heating and cooling container of the present invention for keeping retained contents heated or cooled in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the portable heating component of the heating and cooling container of the present invention for keeping retained contents heated or cooled in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a side cross sectional view of the portable heating and cooling container of the present invention for keeping retained contents heated or cooled in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0032] FIG. 10 illustrate an overhead view of a lid of an insulated vessel of the portable heating and cooling container of the present invention for keeping retained contents heated or cooled in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0034] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a portable insulated heating and cooling water jug that can have handles on both sides. It has a sealed and removable top to help contain water or other liquids from leaking out. There is an electric heating element installed on the inside of the container to heat water for purposeful use. The outside of the container may have a power source connected with a long cord that plugs into a receptacle. The cooler can hold warm/hot or cool/cold water. The water inside can be heated using the heating element when the cooler is plugged into a power source. The retained water will then stay warm for an extended period of time.

[0035] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a portable heating and cooling container 100. The portable heating and cooling container 100 is configured to keep retained liquids heated or cooled in the same compartment. The retained liquids could be water, beverages, or any other liquid desired to keep warmed or cooled. The portable heating and cooling container 100 provides access to cooled or warmed water or other liquids at any location where there is typically no refrigeration or heat source.

[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the portable heating and cooling container 100 comprises an insulated vessel 110 and a heating component 150. The insulated vessel 110 comprises a vessel housing 112 and a lid 140. While the insulated vessel 110 is typically sized to retain between one and ten gallons of a liquid within the vessel housing 112, although this is not meant as a limitation as it may be larger or smaller as desired. In one embodiment, the insulated vessel 110 may be a five gallon insulated liquid water cooler or jug.

[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the vessel housing 112 comprises an outer wall 114, an inner wall 116, and an insulating layer 118. The insulating layer 118 is sandwiched between the inner and outer walls 116 and 114. The insulating layer 118 may be a layer of rigid foam insulation, liquid insulation, or may be a vacuum layer. The inner and outer walls 116 and 114 generally form a cylindrical sidewall that terminates in a floor 120 so that the vessel housing 112 is open at the top. Alternatively, the inner and outer walls 116 and 114 may form any shape as desired.

[0038] The lid 140 is configured to engage the open top of the vessel housing 112. When the lid 140 is attached, the insulated vessel 110 completely encapsulates any retained liquid contents. The lid 140 is generally circular and sized to fit the open top of the vessel housing 112. The lid 140 may comprise an insulating layer sandwiched between an inner and outer wall similar in construction to the vessel housing 112 or may be a constructed as a single layer. The lid 140 may be threaded and screw on, push on and held in place via friction, or may be hingedly attached and mechanically locked in place.

[0039] The insulated vessel 110 may further comprise an outlet 122. The outlet 122 is typically a one-way valve or spout for dispensing the liquid retained within the insulated vessel 110 without otherwise opening the lid 140. As illustrated in FIG. 2, an inlet 124 configured to connect to a water source, such as a hose, may penetrate the vessel housing 112 to add liquid to the insulated vessel 110 without otherwise opening the lid 140. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, a heating element opening 126 penetrates the vessel housing 112 laterally. The heating element opening 126 is sealed with a sealing element 128, such as a sealing gasket or one-way valve to prevent liquid from escaping the insulated vessel 110. A heating component attachment component 130 is configured to attach the heating component 150 to the vessel housing 112. The heating component attachment component 130 may be mechanical fasteners, a bracket, an adhesive, or the like to permanently or detachably attach the heating component 150 to the vessel housing 112.

[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4-8, the heating component 150 comprises a heating component housing 152 and a heating element 162. The heating component housing 150 is a water resistant metal or plastic housing attachable to an exterior of the vessel housing 112 via the heating component attachment component 140 as illustrated in FIG. 2 and described supra. The heating element 162 extends laterally out of a back of the heating component housing 152, through the heating element opening 126 in the vessel housing 112, and into an interior of the insulated vessel 110.

[0041] The heating element 162 is configured to heat the retained liquid within the insulated vessel 110 via resistance heating. The heating element 162 is typically a resistance heating element, such as an immersion liquid heater and may be encapsulated in a protective outer cover. The heating element 162 may be tubular, coiled, straight, or looped around an interior perimeter of the vessel housing 112. The heating element 162 may be constructed from nichrome, nickel and stainless steel, ceramics, polymers, a flexible silicon or rubber, or may be a cartridge heating element. Additionally, the watt density of the heating element 162 is generally dependent on the size of the insulated vessel 110. In a smaller embodiment the watt density is at least 25 watts per square inch; and in a larger embodiment, the watt density is at least 70 watts per square inch. The heating element 162 could also be protected with a grill guard (not shown) for additional protection.

[0042] The heating component 150 may further comprises a controller 158. The controller 158 is typically a control panel, dial, switch, LCD screen, or similar controller component that is integrated into an exterior of the heating component housing 152. The heating component 150 may further comprises a thermostat 154. The thermostat 154 is integrated into the heating component housing 152 and is programmable via the controller 158. The heating component 150 may further comprises a timer 160. The timer 160 is integrated into the heating component housing 152 and is programmable via the controller 158 or independently controllable to prevent overheating. The heating component 150 may further comprises a temperature gauge 156. The temperature gauge 156 is integrated into the heating component housing 152. The heating component 150 is powered by a power source 164. The power source 164 may be a plug connectable to an external alternating current power source, such as a wall outlet or a generator. Alternatively, the power source 164 may be a battery (not shown) housed within the heating component housing 152, a solar power cell (not shown) attachable to an exterior of the lid 140, or any combination thereof.

[0043] In an additional embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, the portable heating and cooling container 100 comprises an insulated vessel 110 and a heating component 150. The insulated vessel comprises a vessel housing 112 and a lid 140. The vessel housing 112 comprises an outer wall 114, an inner wall 116, and an insulating layer 118. The insulating layer 118 is sandwiched between the inner and outer walls 116 and 114. The insulating layer 118 may be a layer of rigid foam insulation, liquid insulation, or may be a vacuum layer. The inner and outer walls 116 and 114 generally form a cylindrical sidewall that terminates in a floor 120 so that the vessel housing 112 is open at the top. Alternatively, the inner and outer walls 116 and 114 may form any shape as desired.

[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the lid 140 is configured to engage the open top of the vessel housing 112, so that when attached, the insulated vessel 110 completely encapsulates any contents. The lid 140 is generally circular and sized to fit the open top of the vessel housing 112. A heating element opening 142 penetrates the lid 140 vertically and is sealed with a sealing element 144, such as a gasket or one-way valve. The lid 140 may comprise an insulating layer sandwiched between an inner and outer wall similar in construction to the vessel housing or may be a constructed as a single layer. The lid 140 may also be vented with a relief valve (not shown). A heating component attachment component 130 is configured to attach the heating component 150 to the lid 140. The heating component attachment component 130 may be mechanical fasteners, a bracket, an adhesive, or the like to permanently or detachably attach the heating component 150 to the lid 140. The lid 140 may be threaded and screw on, push on and held in place via friction, or may be hingedly attached and mechanically locked in place. The lid 140 may also employ a lock-in/out system for safety.

[0045] The insulated vessel 110 may further comprise an outlet 122. The outlet 122 is typically a one-way valve or spout for dispensing the liquid retained within the insulated vessel 110 without otherwise opening the lid 140. As illustrated in FIG. 2, an inlet 124 configured to connect to a water source, such as a hose, may penetrate the vessel housing 112 to add liquid to the insulated vessel 110 without otherwise opening the lid 140.

[0046] The heating component heating component 150 comprises a heating component housing 152 and a heating element 162. The heating component housing 150 is a water resistant metal or plastic housing attachable to an exterior of the lid 140 via the heating component attachment component 140. The heating element 162 extends downward out of the heating component housing 152, through the heating element opening 126 in the lid 140, and into an interior of the insulated vessel 110.

[0047] The heating element 162 is configured to heat the retained liquid within the insulated vessel 110 via resistance heating. The heating element 162 is typically a resistance heating element, such as an immersion liquid heater and may be encapsulated in a protective outer cover. The heating element 162 may be tubular, coiled, straight, or looped around an interior perimeter of the vessel housing 112. The heating element 162 may be constructed from nichrome, nickel and stainless steel, ceramics, polymers, a flexible silicon or rubber, or may be a cartridge heating element.

[0048] The heating component 150 may further comprises a controller 158. The controller 158 is typically a control panel, dial, switch, LCD screen, or similar controller component that is integrated into an exterior of the heating component housing 152. The heating component 150 may further comprises a thermostat 154. The thermostat 154 is integrated into the heating component housing 152 and is programmable via the controller 158. The heating component 150 may further comprises a timer 160. The timer 160 is integrated into the heating component housing 152 and is programmable via the controller 158 or independently controllable. The heating component 150 may further comprises a temperature gauge 156. The temperature gauge 156 is integrated into the heating component housing 152. The heating component 150 is powered by a power source 164. The power source 164 may be a plug connectable to an external alternating current power source, such as a wall outlet or a generator. Alternatively, the power source 164 may be a battery (not shown) housed within the heating component housing 152, or a solar power cell (not shown) attachable to an exterior of the lid 140.

[0049] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the heating and cooling container 100 can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the heating and cooling container 100 and its various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the heating and cooling container 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the heating and cooling container 100 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the heating and cooling container 100 and its various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the heating and cooling container 100 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the heating and cooling container 100 is designed to be applied.

[0050] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.