EXOTHERMIC SEMI-RIGID PLASTIC STICK

Abstract

A semi-rigid, portable, warming device contains chemical reactants that produce heat when mixed. The warming device includes at least two chambers, which contain the chemical reactants separately, until a force is applied to cause the reactants to mix.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of priority of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/348,990, filed May 27, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to a semi-rigid plastic stick that contains a formulation of chemicals that, when mixed together, produce an exothermic reaction. More specifically, the invention pertains to a bendable, semi-rigid plastic stick that contains chemicals separated from one another that, when mixed together, produce an exothermic reaction.

There are many situations where a semi-rigid, self-contained heating apparatus would be beneficial. For example, in winter weather activities where the user wants the heat to be directed to a certain area and for the heat source to remain in place. Current technologies are insufficient at either producing a self-contained, non-electric heat, or at directing the heat to a particular area without the concern of the heating element shifting in position.

Further a semi-rigid, self contained, heating apparatus can be used with specially made receptacles to heat food or drink items when other options are not available.

Items are known that produce exothermic heating reactions. One such item is commonly referred to as a hand warmer, which consists of a durable bag containing chemicals that, when mixed together, produce an exothermic chemical reaction. Unfortunately such a product has little to no definitive shape, and as such the position of the heating element inside shifts, causing the user to have to continuously reshape the item and move it back into an optimal position.

Electric warmers that are rigid or semi-rigid are well known in the art. However, these items require a power source, such as an external electrical connection (e.g., access to a 120V electrical outlet) to operate, making them disadvantageous to individuals not wanting an electrical device. Further inherent in an electrical device, especially of a heating nature, is the danger of causing a spark or flame through some electrical failure, or the possibility of electric shock.

Other items are known that require a heat source to cause heat transfer to the item. One such item is a sack of rice held within a decorative material. A user must warm the device in an oven or micro-wave which heats the rice. The rice retains the heat for a relatively prolonged period to that it can be used immediately or for a limited time thereafter. One drawback with such an item is that a user can not select when to have the heat released from the item. Once heated the rice will immediately begin to dissipate the heat and return to ambient temperatures.

The present invention provides an improved portable heat device. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A portable heat device according to embodiments of the present invention contains chemicals separated from one another that, when mixed together, produce an exothermic reaction. According to a preferred embodiment, the portable heat device is in a form of a stick that is durable and has a specific shape to allow the user to position it without fear of undue shifting. Further, the device is chemical in nature, and thus is portable and negates the risk of shock or the like associated with electrical items.

A combination of reactants that, when mixed together, result in an exothermic reaction. The reactants are separated from one another and are contained within a bendable, yet rigid plastic rod. The reactants can be liquid or one can be in a solid or semi-solid form.

The plastic rod is configured with a sealed outer tube, and at least one inner frangible ampoule containing one of the reactants. A compound surrounds the ampoule(s) containing another reactant. Rupturing the inner ampoule(s), as by bending the plastic rod, causes the reactants to mix, creating the exothermic reaction. The rod can also contain other chemically reacting constituents to, for example, create a chemiluminescent reaction in addition to the exothermic reaction, within separated chambers in a common rod.

In one aspect, the invention provides a self contained, personal warming device. The personal warming device includes a sealed outer tube, a first reactant contained within the sealed outer tube, and a second reactant contained within the sealed outer tube. The first and second reactants are maintained separated from one another. When desired, the first and second reactants are mixed with one another to create an exothermic reaction within the sealed outer tube. In an embodiment, the first reactant is contained within the sealed outer tube, while the second reactant is contained within a sealed frangible element within the sealed outer tube, such that the frangible element can be fractured to mix the first and second reactants. In another embodiment, the first and second reactants are contained within separate sealed frangible elements within the sealed outer tube, such that the frangible elements can be fractured to mix the first and second reactants. In some embodiment, the personal warming device can also include reactants that, when mixed with one another, create a chemiluminescent reaction.

In another aspect, the invention provides a portable warming device. The portable warming device includes at least two chambers, which comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, and at least two chemical reactants contained in these chambers. The chemical reactants comprise a first reactant, which is contained in the first chamber, and a second reactant, which is contained in the second chamber. The first reactant is different from the second reactant, and when mixed together, they produce heat. Further, at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber is configured to release the reactant contained in the chamber when a force is applied, such that the first reactant and the second reactant are mixed together to produce heat.

In one embodiment, the second chamber is an ampoule, which is arranged in a cavity of the first chamber. The first reactant is contained in a portion of the cavity of the first chamber, and the second reactant is contained in the ampoule. The first chamber is formed of a semi-rigid polymeric material that is bendable, and the ampoule is formed of a frangible material that ruptures when the portable warming device is bended or squeezed.

In another embodiment, the portable warming device includes an outer container and a plurality of ampoules arranged in a cavity of the outer container. In this embodiment the first chamber is a portion of the outer container that is not occupied by the ampoules, and the second chamber is one of the ampoules, wherein each of the ampoules contains a chemical reactant. The outer container can have a tubular shape and formed of a semi-rigid polymeric material. Each of the ampoules is formed of a frangible material that ruptures when a force is applied. In one embodiment, at least one of the ampoules contains calcium oxide, and at least another one of the ampoules or the first chamber contains water. Further, some of the ampoules can contain other reactants, such as magnesium. In some embodiments, at least two of the ampoules contain reactants for a chemiluminescence reaction.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a stick warmer. The stick warmer include an outer container, which contains a first chemical reactant, and at least one ampoule arranged in the outer container, one of which containing a second chemical reactant that is different from the first chemical reactant. The first chemical reactant and the second chemical reactant produce heat when mixed. The outer container can have a tubular shape, and formed of a semi-rigid polymeric material that is bendable. In one embodiment, the stick warmer includes a first ampoule, a second ampoule, and a third ampoule arranged in the outer container, spaced from each other. Being arranged in the outer container containing the first chemical reactant, the ampoules are surrounded by the first chemical reactant. The ampoules are formed of a frangible material, and configured to rupture when a force is applied on the outer container by bending, squeezing or twisting. In some embodiments, the stick warmer also includes chemical reactants for a chemiluminescence reaction. In such embodiments, the stick warmer produces heat and light when a force is applied on the outer container by bending, squeezing or twisting.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The benefits and advantages of the present embodiments will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a front view of a semi-rigid warming stick in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the warming stick of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a front view of a semi-rigid warming stick with multiple ampoules according to a different embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described presently preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Referring now to the figures, in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a warming stick 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The warming stick 10 generally includes an outer tubular container 11 and an ampoule 13, which are configured to separately contain reactants, which can produce an exothermic reaction when mixed. As shown in FIG. 1, the ampoule 13 is smaller in size than the outer tubular container 11. The ampoule 13 is arranged within a cavity 12 of the outer tubular container 11. The ampoule 13 holds a first reactant in a cavity 14. The outer tubular container 11 holds a second reactant in a portion of the cavity 12, which is not occupied by the ampoule 13. Thus, the ampoule 13, which contains the first reactant, is surrounded by the second reactant in the outer tubular container 11.

The outer tubular container 11 is a formed of a semi-rigid, yet bendable material. Suitable materials for the outer tubular container 11 include polymeric materials that are semi-rigid to maintain a specific shape of the warming stick 10, yet sufficiently flexible to be bendable without breaking For example, the outer tubular container 11 can be formed of high density polyethylene, polyester, or other like plastics. The outer tubular container 11 is a sealed container that can contain chemical reactants, which can be a solid, a liquid, a gas, or mixtures thereof, without leakage. Although the outer tubular container 11 in this embodiment has a tubular shape, in other embodiments, the outer container can be formed to have different shapes, such as circular, rectangular, etc.

The ampoule 13 is formed of a frangible material. Suitable materials for the ampoule 13 include glass or polymeric materials that are sufficiently brittle to be frangible when a force is applied by the user, for example, by squeezing or bending the warming stick 10. In the embodiment, the ampoule 13 is attached to the outer container 11. However, in other embodiments, the ampoule can be floating in the reactant contained in the outer container. The ampoule 13 is a sealed container that can contain chemical reactants, which can be a solid, a liquid, a gas, or mixtures thereof, without leakage, such that the reactants contained in the ampoule 13 is kept away from the reactants held in the outer tubular container 11 until the desired time. The ampoule 13 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is formed of a glass and has a tubular shape, similar to that of the outer tubular container 11, but smaller in size. In other embodiments, the ampoule 13 can be formed to have different shapes, such as circular, rectangular, etc., which can be similar or different than the shape of the outer container.

In use, the warming stick 10 keeps the reactants separated from each other until heat is desired. At such time, the user applies force on the warming stick 10 by bending, squeezing or other similar actions, thereby breaking the ampoule 13 and releasing the second reactant contained in the ampoule 13. When the second reactant mixes with the first reactant, the exothermic reaction starts and heat is released. The user may move or shake the warming stick 10 to facilitate mixing of reactants and to increase the heat output.

Those skilled in the art will understand that various chemical combinations can be used to create a controlled exothermic reaction that can be used in a personal warming device. Any such suitable combinations of exothermic reaction reactants can be used for the warming stick 10. For example, calcium oxide (CaO) and water (H₂O) can be used as the primary chemical reactants. Other reactants can includes copper sulfate (CuSO₄) and zinc (Zn) as well as magnesium (Mg) and water (H₂O). Multiple reactants can also be used, such as calcium oxide (CaO), water (H₂O) and magnesium (Mg). All such chemical combinations are within the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the warming stick 10 contains calcium oxide (CaO) in the ampoule 13 and water (H₂O) in the outer tubular container 11. When the reactants are mixed together after the user bends the warming stick 10, the following exothermic reaction is initiated to produce heat:

CaO(s)+H₂O(1)Ca(OH)₂(aq)(ΔHr=−63.7 kJ/mol of CaO)

Although, reactant chambers of the warming stick 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 are provided by arranging ampoule 13 within the cavity 12 of the outer container 11, in other embodiments, the reactant chambers may be provide by dividing the cavity of the outer container by one or more internal walls. For example, the outer container may include an internal wall, which divides the cavity of the outer container into two chambers. The internal wall can be broken by bending or squeezing the warming stick to initiate the exothermic reaction.

FIG. 3 illustrates a warming stick 20 according to another embodiment. The warming stick 20 is similar to the warming stick 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, but includes multiple ampoules 23, 25, 27, which are arranged in a cavity 22 of an outer container 21, as it was with the warming stick 10. As it was with the warming stick 10, the ampoules 23, 25, 27 contain chemical reactants. The ampoules 23, 25, 27 may contain a same reactant or different reactants. Similarly, the outer container 21 contains a reactant in a portion of the cavity 22 that is not occupied by the ampoules 23, 25, 27. When reactants in the ampoules 23, 25, 27 and the reactant in the outer container 21 are mixed after the user applies a force on the warming stick 20, at least one exothermic reaction is produces. In this embodiment, the user may decide to break the ampoules 23, 25, 27 sequentially to control the heat output. In some embodiments, reactions for other types of reactions, such as a chemiluminescent reaction, are included in addition to the exothermic reaction reactants. In such embodiments, the warming stick 20 can release heat and glow in dark at the same time.

In one embodiment, each of the ampoules 23, 25, 27 contains calcium oxide (CaO), and the outer container 21 contains water. When the user bends or squeezes the warming stick 20, the ampoules 23, 25, 27 break, and the calcium oxide (CaO) and water are mixed together to start the exothermic reaction. In another embodiment, the ampoules 23 and 27 may contain calcium oxide (CaO), and the ampoule 25 contains magnesium (Mg), and the outer container 22 includes water. When the user squeezes or bends the warming stick 20, calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium (Mg), and water are mixed to initiate exothermic reactions to release heat.

In yet another embodiment, two of the ampoules can contain reactants for an exothermic reaction, while the other ampoule and the outer container contain reactants for a chemiluminescence. In some embodiments, a common chemical reactant can be used for the exothermic reaction and the chemiluminescence reaction.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A self contained, personal warming device, comprising:

a sealed outer tube;

a first reactant contained within the sealed outer tube; and

a second reactant contained within the sealed outer tube, the first and second reactants being maintained separated from one another,

wherein the first and second reactants are mixed with one another to create an exothermic reaction within the sealed outer tube.

2. The self contained, personal warming device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the first reactant is contained within the sealed outer tube and the second reactant is contained within a sealed frangible element within the sealed outer tube, and wherein the frangible element is fractured to mix the first and second reactants.

3. The self contained, personal warming device in accordance with claim 1 wherein the first and second reactant are contained within separate sealed frangible elements within the sealed outer tube, and wherein the frangible elements are fractured to mix the first and second reactants.

4. The self contained, personal warming device in accordance with claim 1 including reactants that, when mixed with one another, create a chemiluminescent reaction.

5. A portable warming device, comprising:

at least two chambers, the at least two chambers comprising a first chamber and a second chamber;

at least two chemical reactants contained in the at least two chambers, the at least two chemical reactants comprising a first reactant and a second reactant, wherein the first reactant is different from the second reactant, wherein the first reactant and the second reactant produce heat when mixed together,

wherein the first chamber contains the first reactant, and the second chamber contains the second reactant, and

wherein at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber is configured to release the reactant contained in the chamber when a force is applied, such that the first reactant and the second reactant are mixed together to produce heat.

6. The portable warming device of claim 5, wherein the second chamber is arranged in a cavity of the first chamber, the second chamber being an ampoule; wherein the first reactant is contained in a portion of the cavity of the first chamber, and the second reactant is contained in the ampoule.

7. The portable warming device of claim 6, wherein the first chamber is formed of a semi-rigid polymeric material that is bendable, and the ampoule is formed of a frangible material that ruptures when the portable warming device is bended or squeezed.

8. The portable warming device of claim 5, wherein the portable warming device includes an outer container and a plurality of ampoules arranged in a cavity of the outer container, wherein the first chamber is a portion of the outer container that is not occupied by the ampoules, and the second chamber is one of the plurality of ampoules, wherein each of the ampoules contains a chemical reactant.

9. The portable warming device of claim 8, wherein at least two of the plurality of ampoules contain reactants for a chemiluminescence reaction.

10. The portable warming device of claim 8, wherein the outer container has a tubular shape and formed of a semi-rigid polymeric material; and each of the plurality of ampoules is formed of a frangible material that ruptures when a force is applied.

11. The portable warming device of claim 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of ampoules contains calcium oxide, and at least another one of the plurality of the ampoules or the first chamber contains water.

12. The portable warming device of claim 11, wherein the first chamber contains water, and at least one of the plurality of ampoules contains magnesium.

13. A stick warmer, comprising:

an outer container, the outer container containing a first chemical reactant;

at least one ampoule arranged in the outer container, at least one of the at least one ampoule containing a second chemical reactant that is different from the first chemical reactant;

wherein the first chemical reactant and the second chemical reactant produce heat when mixed.

14. The stick warmer of claim 13, wherein the outer container has a tubular shape, and formed of a semi-rigid polymeric material that is bendable.

15. The stick warmer of claim 14, wherein the at least one ampoule is formed of a frangible material, the at least one ampoule being surrounded by the first chemical reactant.

16. The stick warmer of claim 15, wherein the at least one ampoule is configured to rupture when a force is applied on the outer container by bending, squeezing or twisting.

17. The stick warmer of claim 13, further containing chemical reactants for a chemiluminescence reaction.

18. The stick warmer of claim 17, wherein the stick warmer produces heat and light when a force is applied on the outer container by bending, squeezing or twisting.

19. The stick warmer of claim 13, wherein the at least one ampoule comprises a first ampoule, a second ampoule, and a third ampoule arranged in the outer container, spaced from each other.