초록 ▼

A thermoregulating container provides for the heating and cooling of food and drink. The container is insulated and includes a heat exchanger system that can maintain the temperature of the contents of the container. The device may include modular elements that can detachably attach to one or many c

A thermoregulating container provides for the heating and cooling of food and drink. The container is insulated and includes a heat exchanger system that can maintain the temperature of the contents of the container. The device may include modular elements that can detachably attach to one or many containers to selectively heat or cool the contents of the container(s). A first embodiment container includes at least one passage through the walls thereof, for conducting a heat exchanging fluid (water, refrigerant liquid, etc.) therethrough. The container passage(s) communicate with an attached reservoir module when such a module is attached to the container. When the module is attached, a heat exchanging fluid is circulated through the passage(s) in the container walls to heat or cool the substance therein accordingly. A second embodiment includes heating and cooling modules which are selectively attachable to the container, and serve to heat or cool the contents of the container through a relatively thin heat conductive plate disposed between the attached module and the interior of the container. The various modular elements of the present thermoregulating container permit purchase of individual elements as desired, with a person perhaps initially purchasing only the container, and later adding a cooling and/or heating element as desired, in order to spread the cost over a period of time. An insulating component, which in and of itself contains no heating or cooling means, may also be provided for selective attachment to the container, as desired.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A heating and cooling device comprising:a main container having an opening, said main container including pump means for circulating said heat exchanging fluid around said main container for selectively heating and cooling contents thereof;a cover for detachably sealing said opening

[ I claim:] [1.] A heating and cooling device comprising:a main container having an opening, said main container including pump means for circulating said heat exchanging fluid around said main container for selectively heating and cooling contents thereof;a cover for detachably sealing said opening of said main container;said main container having walls including circulation means disposed therein;a reservoir container for detachably mounting to said main container;said reservoir container including a fluid therein having thermal transfer properties; andsaid reservoir container including at least one inlet passage and at least one outlet passage communicating with said circulation means of said main container when said reservoir container is secured to said main container, with said thermal transfer fluid of said reservoir container circulating through said circulation means of said main container when said reservoir container is connected to said main container, for selectively heating and cooling contents of said main container.