Patent ID: 6215954
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: A61F,F28D,Y02E

Abstract:
A thermal heating and heat storage device comprising:(a) a warmer comprising:(i) a plastic member defining an interior volume;(ii) a phase change material for storage of latent heat positioned within the interior volume of said plastic member;(iii) an electrically resistive heating element positioned in thermally conductive contact with said phase change material;(A) said heating element being selectively controllable, upon direction of electric current therethrough, to heat said phase change material to a temperature sufficient for storage of latent heat therein;(B) said heating element being positioned within the interior volume of said plastic member;(iv) a thermal switch arrangement constructed and arranged to control heating of said electrically resistive heating element;(v) an electric power cord having a first end with a coupling; said first end and coupling being positioned exterior to the interior volume of said plastic member; said coupling is adapted to be coupled to a selected one of sources of alternating and direct current; said electric power cord being in electrically conductive communication with said electrically resistive heating element; and(b) an outer covering defining an internal volume receiving and surrounding said warmer, said covering having at least one openable and closeable end;(i) said covering and said at least one openable and closeable end being sized for receipt therein of said warmer;(ii) said at least one openable and closeable end constructed and arranged for selective closure of said at least one openable and closeable end; and(iii) said covering is configured for storage of food, to be maintained warm, therein.