Patent ID: 8258443

Claim:
A heating unit for use in heating pallets, the heating unit comprising: a first module, wherein the first module comprises: a first pliable cover layer; a second pliable cover layer coupled to the first pliable cover layer; a pliable electrical heating element disposed between the first and the second cover layers and configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy and to distribute the heat energy, the pliable electrical heating element comprising: a heat generating element for converting electrical current to heat energy; and a heat spreading element comprising carbon thermally coupled to the heat generating element; a first thermal insulation layer positioned at one side of the pliable electrical heating element and between the first and the second cover layers; a receiving power connector electrically connected to the heat generating element, the receiving power connector configured to couple to an electrical power source; a first plurality of support members arranged to provide rigidity to at least a portion of the first module; and a first seam formed in the first module, the seam formed in a fashion that facilitates folding of the first module in a fashion which allows the support members to support the first module on an edge of the first module; a second module, wherein the second module comprises: a third pliable cover layer; a fourth pliable cover layer coupled to the first pliable cover layer; a second thermal insulation layer positioned between the first and the second cover layers; a plurality of support members arranged to provide rigidity to at least a portion of the second module; and a second seam formed in the second module, the seam formed in a fashion that facilitates folding of the second module in a fashion which allows the support members to support the second module on an edge of the first module; one or more fasteners coupled to or formed in at least one of the first, second, third, or fourth cover layers, and configured to allow the first and second modules to be connected in a fashion such that the first and second modules can be substantially arranged into the sides of a box; and a cover module configured to cover the top of the box and to retain heat in the box.