MOBILE HEATER
TECHNICAL FIELDThe invention relates lo heating equipment. More particular the invention relates to mobile heaters for example for the purpose of keeping food and beverages at a desired temperature.
BACKGROUNDFood delivery has taken a flight in the last decennia, Besides delivery at the doorstep of customers, catering on location has become also very papular. There are multiple challenges in delivering food and keeping food at a desired temperature for consumption,
One of the major challenges comprises that food should be kept warm during delivery, storage and/or at a location of the catering service. During delivery, usually boxes are used by the delivery service. For the purpose of catering on location, chafer dishes are placed at that location, in many cases. Customers may serve themselves or be served form these chafer dishes.
There are typically two ways to keep the food in the chafer dish warm, In a first way, some type of burner is used which burns a fuel and heats up the chafer dish from below, A second type comprises an electrical heating system which uses an electrically powered heat element. Often a layer of waler is positioned between the heat element and the actual dish with the food, which should provide a constant and even heat distribution.
In the case of food delivery in a box, the box is often carried by a bike or moped.
Being exposed to all types of weather conditions this poses extra challenges in keeping the food in the box at e.g. a warm enough temperature for consumption. Therefore, the boxes are usually provided with some kind of insulation. Whenever the box is opened the box loses a considerable amount of heat.
An example of a patent publication which relates to warming of food is discussed in the following.
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United States Patent by Barbara Fisher is summarized as a warming container which may comprise either a cup, pot, bowl or the tke, and which includes an electric heating element buit info is boftom and side walls, the heating element being connected io a rechargeable battery, thermostat and switch located on its underside § and which are completely enclosed so to allow the vessel being fully submerged during washing without damage to the electric system.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION it is an object of the present Invention to provide a heater which serves to keep food as much as possible at a desired temperature. it is a further object to allow the heater to be mobile and operable autonomously. His yet a further objsct of the invention to provide a mobile heater which uses energy In an efficient manner and is safe, easy and flexible in use.
The object is realized by the following clauses and exemplary embodiments, 1. A mobile healer comprising: - a thermal radiator arranged for being powered by electrical energy; - a rechargeable battery arrangsd for providing electrical energy to the thermal radiator, ~ an enclosure arranged for housing the thermal radiator; - a temperature sensor arranged for measuring a temperatura, characterized in that, ~ the thermal radiator is configured as a plate; - the enclosure is further arranged for housing the battery - the enclosure comprises means for thermally insulating the battery from the thermal radiator. 2. The mobile heater according to clause 1, characterized in that the mobile heater comprises g control unit arranged for controlling the thermal radiator. 3. The mobile heater according to clause 2, characterized in that the control unit together with the temperaturs sensor is configured as a thermostat.
4, The mobile heater according to clause 2 or 3, characterized in that the control unit is arranged for regulating the power io the thermal radiator in dependence of parameters of the group comprising:
- a difference in a measwed environmental lemperature by the temperature sensor and a desired, a maximum, or a minimum temperature of the environmental temperature; ~ battery charge level; - connection to mains power, - battery charging level of a battery of a second mobile heater, connected to the mobile heater,
5. The mobile heater according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the enclosure further comprises a connector arranged for connecting an external charging unit for charging the baliery.
6. The mobile healer according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the enclosure further comprises a charging unit and a connector, arrangsd for connecting an exlernal power source, such as mains power for powering the charging unit.
7. The mobile heater according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the enclosure is configured with a fastening means, such as a Velcro siement,
a snap fastener, or a pop-rivet for temporary or permanently fastening the mobile heater lo an object such as a bag configured for storing or transporting food, a chafer for keeping food warm, or to an object serving to provide heat to a user, such as a chair.
8. The mobile heater according to any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the enclosure is arranged for being stowed in a case, whereby said cass provides protection of the mobile heater enclosure and/or is configured with fastening means for fastening the case io an object such as a bag configured for storing or transporting food, a chafer for keeping food warm, or to an object, such as a chair, serving to provide heat to a user, whereby the enclosure of the mobile healer is configured to be inserted in or removed from the case without the need to release the case form the object
9. The mobile healer according to clause 8, characterized in that the case is provided with a top plaie positioned at a distance of the front side of the mobile heater, said top plate preferably provided with multiple ventilation holes or perforation.
10. The mobile heater according io any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in
& that the thermal radiator comprises a heater element of the group comprising:
- an infrared radiator element;
- ong or more Peltier modules,
~ a ceramic heater;
~ a wire heater,
- a coil heating element.
11. A mobile heater system comprising one or more mobile heaters according 10 any ons of the preceding clauses, characterized in that one or more sensors are connected to the one or mors mobile heaters or to a control unit, arrangsd for controlling the one or more mobile heaters,
12. The mobile heater system according to clause 11, characterized in that a first mobile heater of the wo or more mobile heaters is electrically connected to a second mabile heater of the two or more mobile heaters,
13. The mobile heater system according to any one of the clauses 11-12, characlerized in that the enclosure further comprises a bus arrangad for connecting a control unit to the first mobile heater and/or to the second mobile healer.
14. The mobile healer system according to clause 13, characterized in that the bus is arranged for passing through electrical power from an external charging unit, mains or the battery of the first mobile heater, to the second mobile heater.
15. The mobile heater system according to any one of the clauses 11-14, characterized
29 in that the one or more sensors comprise any one of the group comprising:
- as temperature sensor, arranged for being placed on top of or above a load to be transported;
- a temperature sensor, arranged for being placed below the load in close contact with said load;
- a humidity sensor;
- 3 presence sensor, such as a presence sensor arranged as capacitive sensor configured for detecting a capacitive resistance in the vicinity of the sensor, ora light detection sensor configured for detecting light
- a pressure sensor arranged for detecting a pressure, indicating the presence of a load and/or indicating the weight of the load. 18. The mobile heater system according to any one of the clauses 11-15, characterized in that a sensor of the one or more sensors is configured with a short range wireless transceiver, such as Bluetooth transceiver for wirelessly transmitting and/or receiving measured data to and/or from the control unit, 17. The mobile heater system according to any one of the clauses 11-16, characterized in that a sensor of the one or more sensors is configured with a long range wireless tansceiver, such as a mobile phone {transceiver for wirelessly transmitting measured data to an external server, said server arranged for being accessed by a user, said data being real time data, or a data log. 18. The mobile heater system according to any ons of the clauses 11-17, characterized in that the mobile heater and/or the sensor is configured with a display arranged for displaying the measured data. 18. The mobile heater system according to any one of the clauses 15-18, characterized in that the lemperalure sensor comprises a mobile temperature sensor 20. The mobile heater system according to clause 19, characterized in that the mobile temperature sensor comprises any one of the group comprising: - a temperature measuring element - a power source, such as a rechargeable battery, - a short range wireless transceiver for communicating with the control unit; - 3 long range wireless transceiver for communicating with the external server; - a Global Positioning System device for tracking a location of the mobile temperature sensor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe figuras show views of embodiments In accordance with the present invention,
FIGURE 1 shows a schematic perspective overview of an embodiment of the invention.
FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of a box with the invented mobile heater and a bag of food.
FIGURE 3 shows a perspective view of an example chafer dish with the invented mobile heater placed below.
FIGURE 4 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe invention is now described by the following aspects and embodiments, with reference to the figures.
FIGURE 1 shows a schematic perspective overview of an embodiment of the invention. Mobile heater 100 consists at least of a heat element (thermal radiator) 101, placed in an enclosure 102, A rechargeable battery 103 may be placed inside enclosure 102, bui alternatively the battery or additional batteries may be placed outside of enclosure 102 and be electrically connected to thermal radiator 101. When placed inside enclosure 102, battery 103 is electrically connected to thermal radiator 101 via power leads 110111
For the purpose of charging battery 103 a charging unit 104, preferably including a control unit 105 may be provided, preferably close to battery 103 in enclosure 102.
Charging unit is electrically connected to battery 103 via power leads 112,113.
Charging unit 104 is In turn connectable lc a mains power (not shown) via leads and connectors 114,115. Optionally, extra leads (not shown) may be configured between control unit 105 and charging unit 104, or to charging unit 104 directly to send and receive signals to battery 103, e.g. when battery 103 is provided with a processor unit or a protection circuit. Charging unit may be configured with leads and connectors 118,117 which allow to connect mobile heater 100 to a second or further mobile heater, orto control mobile heater 100 from an external control unit, or to send signals to control unit 108. Connectors 114,115,116,117 may also be configured as a bus, to which a second or further mobile heater may be connected.
The second mobile heater may for example be connected to increase the heating capacity, or to divide heat sources in a box, such that the food is heated from more than one side, The second mobile heater may also be used to provide a back-up heating slement, should battery 103 of the first mobile heater run empty, Electrical power by the second mobile heater may be shared with or provided to the first battery through leads 114,115 and vice versa.
Control unit 105 of the first mobile healer may communicate with a control unit of the second mobile heater to share slectricity in the most efficient manner, Control unit 105 may also be programmed fo run a sequence of heating by one or more mobile heaters. Signal leads 118,117 are used to transport signals and/or data to external control units which may be connected to or a Personal Computer, e.g. for reading the status of mobile hester 100.
Control unit 105 may also be equipped with a wireless transceiver which is configured to transmit and receive data to and from an external server. Various protocols may be used, such as SG cellular technology using a mobile phones transceiver. This way, for example a home base of a food delivery company (a food delivery station) may become aware of the status of a mobile heater which is in use and underway. When a battery is empty, a fresh fully charged mobile heater may be prepared and kept available for a next delivery when the delivery employes returns to the home bass. At the home bass, battery 103 of mobile heater 100 may be charged.
To direct heat in the right direction, i.e, towards the food, a heal shield 108 may be configured at the back of thermal radiator 101, This prevents loss of heal out of a box in which mobile heater 100 is placed for example.
Thermal radiator 101 may be of various types of heating technology, such as an
InfraRed radiator, one or more Peltier modules, a ceramic heater, wire healer, coil heating element eic.
A heat storages unit may be combined with thermal radiator 101, This supports the heating process. A heat storage may be exchangeable and provide instant heat for various applications.
FIGURE 2 shows a perspective view of a box 200 with the invented mobile heater 100 and a bag of food 300 placed inside box 200. Box 200 is preferably configured with insulating walls and Ht 201 which may be opened and closed to drop a bag of food 300 in the box and io take it oul. Mobile heater 100 may be placed vertically, for example at the back of the box, but other placements are also possible, such as laying on the floor of the box.
When mulliple mobile heaters are used {and optionally electrically coupled as described above), the bag of food 300 may be heated from various sides. Mobils heater has an enclosure 102 which may be designed such that mobile heater may be put loose in the box, but if may also be provided with fastening means to fasten the enclosure a wall of the box. This may be done in a more or less permanent manner, such as by rivets, or in a detachable manner such as by Velcro.
Enclosure 102 may also be configured with a bag or cover housing mobile heater 100 with its enclosure. This cover may be partially open at the front (towards the food & 300), so as to lef heat be dispersed towards the food 300 and at the same time provide a stable housing for mobile heater 100. This cover (not shown) may be permanently fastened to the box, or detachable as well.
When a delivery employee returns to home base, the box is usually empty. To safe energy, control unit 105 may be arranged to detect the emptiness of the box and shut thermal radiator 100 down, Mobile heater 100 may also be swilched on and off manually. At home base the box may be cooled down considerably. Putting hot food 300 in the cold box will immediately lead to a dropping of the temperature of the food 200. To prevent this, box 200 may be preheated at the home base, before a new delivery stars.
Alternatively, the empty box may be kept at a minimum temperatures continuously during use, st least as long as battery 103 is able to provide sufficient power. This way, box 200 is warm and immediately ready to be used for a next delivery.
FIGURE 3 shows a perspective view of an example chafer dish 400 with the invented mobile heater 100 placed below.
Using fuel for burners to keep chafer dishes warm is a potential danger for obvious reasons. The alternative, currently used, is lo use electric heaters which are powered by mains, This causes the problem of many cables laying around, and a need for high power mains outlets in the vicinity. Considering that chafer dishes are often used on locations which are {empuorarily used for parties etcetera, such as gardens, hotel lobbies, streets, mains power is often not available nearby, or the number of cables causes such a mess, thal people may be tripping over them, which is dangerous as well,
The invention provides a mobile heater 100 to solve just those problems. Having a mobile heater with sufficient battery capacity will suffice to provide heat to chafer dish 400 for the duration of a walking buffet. Even when a battery of one mobile heater runs empty, this mobile heater is easily replaced with a fully charged one, Control unit 105 may be configured tc give a warning (wirelessly, or by sound or visual means) that the battery is running empty.
in case of using mobile heater 100 to heat chafer dish 400, mobile heater 100 is arranged for being put in close contact with the bottom of chafer dish 400, preferably with an upper plate of mobile heater 100 which is highly heat conductive for a maximum heat transfer from mobile hester 100 to chafer dish 400.
FIGURE 4 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invented mobile heater 100. In this embodiment enclosure 102 is provided with a top plate 130.
Some distance is provided between the thermal radiator and plate 130. When handling mobile healer 100, a user cannot bum himself In this way. To provide thermal radiation through {op plate 130, a perforation 131 is provided.
To facilitate handling even better, a handle 140 is configured with hole 141 to put one's hand through, Battery 103 is situated at the back and may be configured to be detachable from thermal radiator 101, Battery 103 may incorporate control unit 105 and a charging unit 104.
A thermostat or temperatures sensor 150 (hereinafter referred to as temperature sensor) may be configured In handle 140. This position provides protection for the temperature sensor. By positioning mobile heater 100 with the handle directed to the top, temperature sensor 150 may measure the ambient heat within box 200 for example and the temperature may be regulated such that a desired temperature is reached. A temperature sensor configured as g thermostat may control the temperature in a rather simple and direct manner, whereas control unit 105 may also take into account a most efficient energy consumption or the status of the battery efc. to control the temperature.
A connector 118 {or a bus construction} may be provided for charging and/or communication as described above (using e.g. connectors 114,115,116,117). instead of a fixed temperature sensor 150, a separate mobile temperature sensor 150 (not shown) may be applied. Mobile temperature sensor 150 may then be configured with its own power source (Le, a rechargeable battery) and a wireless transceiver and optionally a display for displaying the measured temperature. Control unit 105 of mobile heater 100 may be configured with a wireless transceiver as well and arranged for a wireless communication with mobile temperature sensor 150. Mobile temperature sensor 150 may be placed anywhere, where the temperature measurement is most relevant. In a delivery box for food, mobile temperature sensor 150 may be placed on top of the food for example, or in an upper part of the bag when hot food is transported. As heat rises, the highest environmental temperature in the box may be measured, when placed In the top. When cold food, such as ice is transported at the bottom of the box, mobile temperature sensor 150 may be placed below the cold food. Multiple mobile temperature sensors may be used, which all may have a wireless connection to the control unit of the respective mobile heater. By measuring heat in multiple point in the box, a more reliable indication may be produced of the temperature conditions in the box. A Blugtooth wireless communication protocol may be applied for the wireless communication between mobile heat 150 sensor and mobile heater 100 but other short range wireless communication technologies may be used as well.
Mobile temperature sensor 150 may also be configured with a long range wireless communication system, such as a cellular communication device {using e.g. 4G or 5G network technology). Mobile heater 100 may in this case independently, or on command of the user send temperature data to a central server, which may be located at the food delivery station for example or be in contact with that station. The data may be sent on a regular interval whereby the dala comprise the temperature as measured 18 aithat moment, or the data may comprise updates or logs of temperature, or the course of the temperature during a time period. Said received data may be used to inform a customer about the temperature of the food that is currently transported for example. it also provides insight in the effectiveness of mobile heater 100, which may in tum lead to adjusting of mobile heater 100 in future for an optimal heat preservation in the box. £0 Additionally, mobile temperature sensor 150 and/or mobile heater 100 may be configurad with a tracking device such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) device.
The location data may be communicated in a similar manner to a central server. This location information may be used to determine the effectivity of mobile heater 100, in combination with the temperature sensor data and the power consumption data. Power consumption and battery status may therefor also be communicated in a similar manner.
The location/racking data may be communicated (near) realtime to the customer, in order to inform the customer when the food Is to be expected to be delivered {at least approximately),
The food station and/or the user of the central server may use an application, such as a mobile app or a web application to process the received dala and to distribute the processed data as information to the station responsible, and/or to the customer. The customer, who may currently already place a food delivery order using a mobile app,
or a web application, is then facilitated with additional functionality, i.e. the recent temperature as measured by the temperature sensor(s), and the whereabouts of the food delivery service person. Gaining insight in the measured temperature will give the customer confidence that the food is kept warm al the desired temperature until 53 delivery.
When mobile heater 100 is used as a heat source for a chafer dish, the temperature sensor may be place in or near the food. The read data may be sent via a short range wireless connection to control unit 105 of mobile heater 100, or directly to a central server in a similar manner as applied in a transport box application, The actual lemperatre may be visualized in a display connected to mobile heater 100 so a user may immediately taks action when the temperature of the food drops below a minimum threshold. The display may also provide information on battery status and expected battery life for example. This will enable a user to take action or {o prepare replacement of recharging of mobile heater 100, it should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than mit the invention, and that a person skilled in the art will be able ta design many alternative embodiments without departing Trom the scope of the appended claims, In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as
Hmiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed tems, The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The article "the" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.