Patent Application
20230320502
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
The present invention relates to the field of systems using the Peltier or Nernst-Ettinghausen effect. (F25B21/02)
The temperature controlled ornamental food bowl is configured for use with a foodstuff. The temperature controlled ornamental food bowl contains the foodstuff. The temperature controlled ornamental food bowl presents the foodstuff for serving. The temperature controlled ornamental food bowl comprises a decorative structure, a temperature circuit, and a crockery item. The crockery item and the temperature circuit attach to the decorative structure. The crockery item contains the foodstuff within the decorative structure. The temperature circuit is a heat transfer device that exchanges thermal energy between the temperature circuit and the foodstuff.
These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the temperature controlled ornamental food bowl will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the temperature controlled ornamental food bowl in detail, it is to be understood that the temperature controlled ornamental food bowl is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the temperature controlled ornamental food bowl.
It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the temperature controlled ornamental food bowl. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.
Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in
The temperature controlled ornamental food bowl 100 (hereinafter invention) is configured for use with a foodstuff 104. The invention 100 contains the foodstuff 104. The invention 100 presents the foodstuff 104 for serving. The invention 100 comprises a decorative structure 101, a temperature circuit 102, and a crockery item 103. The crockery item 103 and the temperature circuit 102 attach to the decorative structure 101. The crockery item 103 contains the foodstuff 104 within the decorative structure 101. The temperature circuit 102 is a heat transfer device that exchanges thermal energy between the temperature circuit 102 and the foodstuff 104.
The decorative structure 101 is a figurine. The decorative structure 101 forms the primary structure of the invention 100. The decorative structure 101 forms the exterior surfaces of the invention 100. The decorative structure 101 is a decorative item. The decorative structure 101 forms a three dimensional structure that visually presents indicia of the sentiment of an animal. In the first potential embodiment of the disclosure, the decorative structure 101 generates the sentiment of a swan.
The decorative structure 101 contains the temperature circuit 102. The decorative structure 101 contains the crockery item 103. The locations of the temperature circuit 102 and the crockery item 103 within the decorative structure 101 are selected such that heat can be transferred between the temperature circuit 102 and the crockery item 103.
The crockery item 103 is a bowl. The crockery item 103 is configured for use with the foodstuff 104. The crockery item 103 forms a containment structure used to store the foodstuff 104 within the decorative structure 101. The crockery item 103 is formed from a heat conducting material. The crockery item 103 is geometrically similar to the crockery item 103 well 111 of the decorative structure 101. The crockery item 103 is sized such that the crockery item 103 removably inserts into the crockery item 103 well 111. The crockery item 103 removably inserts into the crockery item 103 well 111. The crockery item 103 inserts into the crockery item 103 well 111 such that the foodstuff 104 is accessible from the exterior of the decorative structure 101. The crockery item 103 inserts into the crockery item 103 well 111 can cool the foodstuff 104 contained within the crockery item 103. The crockery item 103 inserts into the crockery item 103 well 111 can warm the foodstuff 104 contained within the crockery item 103.
The decorative structure 101 comprises a crockery item 103 well 111 and a Peltier module 121 chamber 112.
The crockery item 103 well 111 is a negative space that is formed in the decorative structure 101. The crockery item 103 well 111 is geometrically similar to the crockery item 103 such that the crockery item 103 removably inserts into the crockery item 103 well 111.
The Peltier module 121 chamber 112 is a negative space that is formed in the decorative structure 101. The Peltier module 121 chamber 112 is sized to receive the temperature circuit 102. The temperature circuit 102 is contained within the Peltier module 121 chamber 112. The Peltier module 121 chamber 112 forms a transfer channel with the crockery item 103 well 111. The transfer channel between the Peltier module 121 chamber 112 and the crockery item 103 well 111 forms a physical structure that enables the transfer of heat between the temperature circuit 102 and the crockery item 103.
The temperature circuit 102 is an electrically powered device. The temperature circuit 102 is an electric circuit. The temperature circuit 102 is a heat transfer device. The temperature circuit 102 uses electric energy to cool (draw heat out of) the foodstuff 104 contained within the crockery item 103. The temperature circuit 102 uses electric energy to warm (add heat into) the foodstuff 104 contained within the crockery item 103. The temperature circuit 102 further forms a lamp circuit. The temperature circuit 102 generates an illumination that is visible from the exterior of the decorative structure 101. The temperature circuit 102 comprises a Peltier module 121, a plurality of diodes 122, one or more LEDs 123, a plurality of switches 124, and a power circuit 125. The Peltier module 121, the plurality of diodes 122, the one or more LEDs 123, the plurality of switches 124, and the power circuit 125 are electrically interconnected.
The Peltier module 121 is an electrical device that can serve both as a heating element and a cooling element depending on the direction of the electric current flow through the Peltier module 121. The Peltier module 121 has two surfaces on opposite sides of the Peltier module 121. When electric current flows through the Peltier module 121, heat is transferred from one surface to the surface on the opposite side of the Peltier module 121. This creates a cold side and a warm side of the Peltier module 121 that can be used as the cooling or heating elements of the invention 100. If the electric current flow through the Peltier device is reversed, the direction of heat transfer is reversed then the cold and warm sides of the Peltier module 121 are also reversed.
Each diode selected from the plurality of diodes 122 is an electric circuit element. The diode is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. Each diode selected from the plurality of diodes 122 allows electric current to flow in a single direction through the electric circuit. The plurality of diodes 122 routes the flow of electric current from the temperature selection switch 152 of the plurality of switches 124 into the anode of each LED selected from the plurality of diodes 122. The plurality of diodes 122 controls the direction of the flow of electric current between the temperature selection switch 152 and the one or more LEDs 123 such that the one or more LEDs 123 are always illuminated when the Peltier module 121 is in operation. The plurality of diodes 122 comprises a first diode 141 and a second diode 142.
The first diode 141 is a diode selected from the plurality of diodes 122. The first diode 141 forms an electric connection between the temperature selection switch 152 and the anode of each diode selected from the plurality of diodes 122. The first diode 141 limits the flow of electric current to the direction from the temperature selection switch 152 into the anode of each diode selected from the plurality of diodes 122. The first diode 141 provides electric current into the temperature selection switch 152 when the Peltier module 121 is warming the foodstuff 104 contained within the crockery item 103.
The second diode 142 is a diode selected from the plurality of diodes 122. The second diode 142 forms an electric connection between the temperature selection switch 152 and the anode of each diode selected from the plurality of diodes 122. The second diode 142 limits the flow of electric current to the direction from the temperature selection switch 152 into the anode of each diode selected from the plurality of diodes 122. The second diode 142 provides electric current into the temperature selection switch 152 when the Peltier module 121 is cooling the foodstuff 104 contained within the crockery item 103.
Each LED selected from the one or more LEDs 123 is a light emitting diode (LED). The LED is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The one or more LEDs 123 are used to generate a decorative illumination that is visible from the exterior of the decorative structure 101. Each LED selected from the one or more LEDs 123 draws electric current from the plurality of diodes 122.
Each switch selected from the plurality of switches 124 is an electric circuit element. Each switch selected from the plurality of switches 124 is an electric switch. The switch is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. Each switch selected from the plurality of switches 124 enables and disables flow of electric current through a point in the electric circuit temperature circuit 102. The plurality of switches 124 comprises a master switch 151 and a temperature selection switch 152.
The master switch 151 is an electric switch selected from the plurality of switches 124. The master switch 151 is a maintained switch. The master switch 151 controls the flow of electric energy from the ac/dc converter 161 of the power circuit 125 into the temperature selection switch 152. The master switch 151 effectively forms the “power” switch of the invention 100.
The temperature selection switch 152 is an electric switch selected from the plurality of switches 124. The temperature selection switch 152 is a double pole double throw (DPDT) switch. The temperature selection switch 152 controls the flow of electric current from the master switch 151 into the Peltier module 121. The temperature selection switch 152 further controls the flow of electric current from the master switch 151 into the anode of the first diode 141. The temperature selection switch 152 further controls the flow of electric current from the master switch 151 into the anode of the second diode 142.
The temperature selection switch 152 actuates between a first actuation position and a second actuation position. In the first actuation position, the temperature selection switch 152: a) enables the flow of electric current from the master switch 151 into the Peltier module 121 such that the Peltier module 121 warms the foodstuff 104 contained within the crockery item 103; while simultaneously, b) enabling the flow of electric current from the master switch 151 into the anode of the first diode 141. In the second actuation position, the temperature selection switch 152: a) enables the flow of electric current from the master switch 151 into the Peltier module 121 such that the Peltier module 121 cools the foodstuff 104 contained within the crockery item 103; while simultaneously, b) enabling the flow of electric current from the master switch 151 into the anode of the second diode 142.
The power circuit 125 is an electrical circuit. The power circuit 125 powers the operation of the temperature circuit 102. The power circuit 125 comprises an ac/dc converter 161 and a national electric grid 162. The ac/dc converter 161 is an electric circuit. The ac/dc converter 161 receives ac electric current from the national electric grid 162. The ac/dc converter 161 converts the received ac electric current into a dc electric current used to power the temperature circuit 102. The ac/dc converter 161 is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The national electric grid 162 is an externally provided source of ac electric current. The national electric grid 162 is defined elsewhere in this disclosure.
The following definitions were used in this disclosure:
AC: As used in this disclosure, AC is an acronym for alternating current.
AC/DC Converter: As used in this disclosure, an AC/DC converter is an electrical device that converts an AC voltage into a regulated DC voltage by rectifying and regulating the AC voltage. Method to design and build AC/DC converters are well known in the electrical arts. The AC/DC converter is further defined with a positive terminal, a negative terminal and a power input.
Anodes and Cathodes: As used in this disclosure, an anode and a cathode are the connecting terminals of an electrical circuit element or device. Technically, the cathode is the terminal through which the physical electrons flow into the device. The anode is the terminal through which the physical electrons flow out of the device. As a practical matter the anode refers to: 1) the positive terminal of a power consuming electrical circuit element; 2) the negative terminal of a discharging battery or an electrical power source; and, 3) the positive terminal of a charging battery. As a further practical matter the cathode refers to: 1) the negative terminal of a power consuming electrical circuit element; 2) the positive terminal of a discharging battery or an electrical power source; and, 3) the negative terminal of a charging battery.
Bowl: As used in this disclosure, a bowl is a rounded hollow containment structure used to store a liquid.
Control Circuit: As used in this disclosure, a control circuit is an electrical circuit that manages and regulates the behavior or operation of a device.
Correspond: As used in this disclosure, the term correspond is used as a comparison between two or more objects wherein one or more properties shared by the two or more objects match, agree, or align within acceptable manufacturing tolerances.
Crockery: As used in this disclosure, crockery is a general term that refers to plates, bowls, cups, and other vessels that are used in the serving of food and beverages. As used in this disclosure, the term crockery includes vessels such as the cups, glasses or bottles used for the consumption of beverages. As used in this disclosure, the term crockery excludes cutlery.
DC: As used in this disclosure, DC is an acronym for direct current.
Decorative: As used in this disclosure, decorative is an adjective that refers to a first object or item that is used with a second object or item of the purpose of making the second object or item more interesting or attractive. Decorative will generally, but not necessarily, implies making the second object or item more visually attractive.
Diode: As used in this disclosure, a diode is a two terminal semiconductor device that allows current flow in only one direction. The two terminals are called the anode and the cathode. Electric current is allowed to pass from the anode to the cathode.
Elevation: As used in this disclosure, elevation refers to the span of the distance in the superior direction between a specified horizontal surface and a reference horizontal surface. Unless the context of the disclosure suggest otherwise, the specified horizontal surface is the supporting surface the potential embodiment of the disclosure rests on. The infinitive form of elevation is to elevate.
Exterior: As used in this disclosure, the exterior is used as a relational term that implies that an object is not contained within the boundary of a structure or a space.
Force of Gravity: As used in this disclosure, the force of gravity refers to a vector that indicates the direction of the pull of gravity on an object at or near the surface of the earth.
External Power Source: As used in this disclosure, an external power source is a source of the energy that is externally provided to enable the operation of the present disclosure. Examples of external power sources include, but are not limited to, electrical power sources and compressed air sources.
Figurine: As used in this disclosure, a figurine is a three dimensional structure resembling a human, animal, or symbolic image.
Foodstuff: As used in this disclosure, a foodstuff refers to an edible material that is used as food or a beverage.
Form Factor: As used in this disclosure, the term form factor refers to the size and shape of an object.
Geometrically Similar: As used in this disclosure, geometrically similar is a term that compares a first object to a second object wherein: 1) the sides of the first object have a one to one correspondence to the sides of the second object; 2) wherein the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides are equal; 3) the angles formed by the first object have a one to one correspondence to the angles of the second object; and, 4) wherein the corresponding angles are equal. The term geometrically identical refers to a situation where the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides equals 1.
Heat Transfer: As used in this disclosure, heat transfer refers an exchange of thermal energy between a first object and a second object. In thermodynamics the first and second objects are often referred to as systems. This disclosure assumes that heat transfer occurs through three mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation. By conduction is meant that the heat is exchanged through the contact between the first object and the second object which facilitates the direct transfer of the energy of the vibration of the molecules of the first object to the molecules of the second object. By convection is meant that the heat is transferred through the exchange or movement of mass within and between the first object and the second object. By radiation is meant the transfer of heat energy in the form of (typically electromagnetic) waves between the first object and the second object.
Horizontal: As used in this disclosure, horizontal is a directional term that refers to a direction that is either: 1) parallel to the horizon; 2) perpendicular to the local force of gravity, or, 3) parallel to a supporting surface. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the second option should be used in interpreting the specification. Unless specifically noted in this disclosure, the horizontal direction is always perpendicular to the vertical direction.
Illumination: As used in this disclosure, illumination refers to electromagnetic radiation contained with an area. Illumination is a synonym for light, particularly in cases where a measure of the amount of visible electromagnetic radiation in a space is called for. The verb form of illumination is to illuminate and is taken to mean the generation of an illumination.
Image: As used in this disclosure, an image is an optical representation or reproduction of an indicia or of the appearance of something or someone. See indicia sentiment optical character recognition.
Indicia: As used in this disclosure, the term indicia refers to a set of markings that identify a sentiment.
Inferior: As used in this disclosure, the term inferior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the same direction as the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally.
Interior: As used in this disclosure, the interior is used as a relational term that implies that an object is contained within the boundary of a structure or a space.
Lamp: As used in this disclosure, a lamp is an electrical circuit that generates (typically visible spectrum) electromagnetic radiation.
LED: As used in this disclosure, an LED is an acronym for a light emitting diode. A light emitting diode is a diode that is also a light source.
Load: As used in this disclosure, the term load refers to an object upon which a force is acting or which is otherwise absorbing energy in some fashion. Examples of a load in this sense include, but are not limited to, a mass that is being moved a distance or an electrical circuit element that draws energy. The term load is also commonly used to refer to the forces that are applied to a stationary structure.
Load Path: As used in this disclosure, a load path refers to a chain of one or more structures that transfers a load generated by a raised structure or object to a foundation, supporting surface, or the earth.
Maintained Switch: As used in this disclosure, a maintained switch is a switch that maintains the position that was set in the most recent switch actuation. A maintained switch works in an opposite manner to a momentary switch.
Momentary Switch: As used in this disclosure, a momentary switch is a biased switch in the sense that the momentary switch has a baseline position that only changes when the momentary switch is actuated (for example when a pushbutton switch is pushed or a relay coil is energized). The momentary switch then returns to the baseline position once the actuation is completed. This baseline position is called the “normal” position. For example, a “normally open” momentary switch interrupts (open) the electric circuit in the baseline position and completes (closes) the circuit when the momentary switch is activated. Similarly, a “normally closed” momentary switch will complete (close) an electric circuit in the baseline position and interrupt (open) the circuit when the momentary switch is activated.
National Electric Grid: As used in this disclosure, the national electric grid is a synchronized and highly interconnected electrical network that distributes energy in the form of electric power from a plurality of generating stations to consumers of electricity. The national electric grid is a commercially available source of AC electrical power. The national electric grid is regulated by an appropriate authority. The national electric grid comprises one or more utilities that sell electrical power for use by an electrical load. The national electric grid invoices for electrical power based on the total energy consumed by the electrical load. The national electric grid measures the energy consumption of an electrical load with an electrical meter. The national electric grid provides power through electrical connections known as a hot lead and a neutral lead.
Negative Space: As used in this disclosure, negative space is a method of defining an object through the use of open or empty space as the definition of the object itself, or, through the use of open or empty space to describe the boundaries of an object.
One to One: When used in this disclosure, a one to one relationship means that a first element selected from a first set is in some manner connected to only one element of a second set. A one to one correspondence means that the one to one relationship exists both from the first set to the second set and from the second set to the first set. A one to one fashion means that the one to one relationship exists in only one direction. In a one to one correspondence, the first element of the first set is said to be associated to the second element of the second set to which the first element corresponds.
Peltier Module: As used in this disclosure, a Peltier module refers to a flat solid state device that uses the Peltier thermoelectric effect to create a warm side of the device and a cool side of the device. The side of the device that is warm and the side of the device that is cool can be reversed by reversing the current flow through the device. The Peltier module can be used to generate an electric voltage when the Peltier module two sides of the Peltier module are exposed to different temperatures
Poles, Throws, and Switches: As used in this disclosure, the terms pole and throw are descriptions associated with an electrical switch. A pole refers to an electrical circuit the switch feeds electrical current into. The number of poles associated with the switch refers to the maximum number of independent circuits a switch can theoretically support. Because the circuits supported by the poles of a switch can be interconnected, a switch will often support fewer independent electrical circuits than the actual number of poles. The number of throws associated with a switch refers to the maximum number of electrical connections that can be made within an individual pole of the switch.
Radiator and Heat Sink: As used in this disclosure, the radiator and the heat sink are heat exchange devices used to transfer energy in the form of heat from a first system (or object) into a second system (or object). Typically, the term radiator is used to describe a situation where the heat exchange device releases heat energy into the second system while the term heat sink is used to describe a situation where the heat exchange device extracts heat energy from the first system. It is not unusual to informally use the terms radiator and heat sink interchangeably. This is especially true in situations where the context provides a clear indication of the direction of the energy transfer.
Sentiment: As used in this disclosure, a sentiment refers to a symbolic meaning or message that is communicated through the use of an image, potentially including a text based image. See image and optical character recognition.
Superior: As used in this disclosure, the term superior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the opposite direction of the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally.
Supporting Surface: As used in this disclosure, a supporting surface is a horizontal surface upon which an object is placed and to which the load of the object is transferred. This disclosure assumes that an object placed on the supporting surface is in an orientation that is appropriate for the normal or anticipated use of the object.
Switch: As used in this disclosure, a switch is an electrical device that starts and stops the flow of electricity through an electric circuit by completing or interrupting an electric circuit. The act of completing or breaking the electrical circuit is called actuation. Completing or interrupting an electric circuit with a switch is often referred to as closing or opening a switch respectively. Completing or interrupting an electric circuit is also often referred to as making or breaking the circuit respectively.
Temperature: As used in this disclosure, temperature refers to a relative measure of the kinetic and vibrational energy contained in the atoms and molecules of a first object (or system) relative to the kinetic and vibrational energy contained in the atoms and molecules of a second object (or system). When two objects (or systems) are in thermal equilibrium, the temperature of the two objects (or systems) is the same.
Topography: As used in this disclosure, the term topography refers to the form factor of a surface that has an elevation profile that varies over three spatial surfaces. The topography includes landforms and courses. The landforms include the physical features of the form factor of the surface such as hills, valleys, and ridges. The courses identify the paths that flowing object acting only under the influence of gravity, such as flowing water, would follow such as flow paths formed by river beds and pools of water. The termination of a course formed in a topography is called a well. The well refers to a local gravitational minimum of the topography. By local gravitational minimum is meant that objects that flow into the well cannot escape from the well without the assistance of a force other than gravitational forces.
Vertical: As used in this disclosure, vertical refers to a direction that is either: 1) perpendicular to the horizontal direction; 2) parallel to the local force of gravity; or, 3) when referring to an individual object the direction from the designated top of the individual object to the designated bottom of the individual object. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the second option should be used in interpreting the specification. Unless specifically noted in this disclosure, the vertical direction is always perpendicular to the horizontal direction.
Well: As used in this disclosure, a well refers to a local gravitational minimum of the topography. By local gravitational minimum is meant that objects that flow into the well cannot escape from the well without the assistance of a force other than gravitational forces.
With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in
It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.
