Patent ID: 6664520
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: A47C,H05B

Abstract:
A method of vending thermal seats, the method comprising the steps of:providing a plurality of thermal seats, each seat having an RFID tag associated therewith, and each seat including â€”an induction-heatable body including a plurality of discrete induction-heatable elements, each including graphite material, and heat retentive synthetic resin material located adjacent the elements and operable to serve as a heat sink upon magnetic induction heating of the elements, the elements characterized by the property of substantially simultaneous heating thereof by an externally applied magnetic field, and a cover surrounding the body and including a cushioning component over the body and presenting a seating surfaces; heating one of the seats for a customer; storing customer-specific information in the RFID tag of the seat; and providing a check-out station for return of the seat after the customer's use thereof, the station including a seat-receiving housing and an RFID tag reader operable to obtain information from the RFID tag when the customer deposits the seat in the housing and, in response to the obtainment of information, generating a receipt for the customer confirming return of the seat.