Title of Invention: TRANSFORMABLE HEATING CONTAINER

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to transformable heating containers and, more particularly, to a transformable heating container which is capable of changing shape according to the state of use. Background Art

[2] A transformable heating container is an integral container which changes shape according to the state of use of the container and applies heat to contents held in the container. When a user desires to store or carry the container, the container transforms to reduce its volume. Meanwhile, when a user desires to put contents into the container, the container transforms to contain a larger quantity of contents. Here, the container is not limited to a specific purpose, but is useful as a container which is to be carried, for example, portable pots and pans for camping.

[3] Such a transformable container is disclosed in Korean U.M. Registration No.

20-3883517 which was filed by the inventor(s) of the present invention. According to the cited document, the container includes a body which is transformable to allow an interval between an opening and a metal plate to be adjusted, and a holding member which functions to hold the shape of the body.

[4] The above-mentioned transformable container presents a new paradigm for a container through an idea of transforming a container, so that it is useful for allied industries. However, recently, a shape holding material is developed, and the demand for a container which can be more easily transformed and has a convenient construction increases, so that it is required to cope with the demand. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[5] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a transformable heating container which can be more easily transformed and has a simple construction. Solution to Problem

[6] In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a transformable heating container, including a base which has resistance to direct heat and forms a bottom, a wall which is made of a material having heat resistance, support force and transformability, is connected to an edge of the base, and defines a space to contain contents therein, and a coupling means for coupling the base with the wall. [7] The material of the base is metal.

[8] Further, the wall may include one selected from among a group consisting of silicone, metallic fiber, carbon fiber, and non-flammable fiber. [9] The wall may be coated with at least one material selected from among a group consisting of Teflon, ceramic, and diamond. [10] Further, the coupling means may include a first compression surface which is formed by bending an extension part of the base downwards, and a second compression surface which is formed by bending the extension part upwards, so that the wall is fitted between the first compression surface and the second compression surface. [11] The wall may further include a transformable line to allow the wall to be transformed along the transformable line. [12] The transformable line may be formed to be thicker or thinner than other areas of the wall. [13] The transformable line may further include a core therein, the core having an elastic force. [14] Further, the wall may include separate pieces which are separated from each other along the transformable line. [15] The transformable heating container may further include a closing means which is provided along an upper edge of the wall and has strength. [16] The transformable heating container may further include a support means which has a support frame surrounding a lower end of the wall, and a support connected at a first end thereof to the support frame in such a way as to rotate up and down and connected at a second end thereof to an upper end of the wall. [17] The transformable heating container may further include a storage means which stores the transformable heating container in a state in which the container is transformed such that a volume thereof is small. [18] The storage means may include a storage casing having fastening means of upper and lower casing parts. [19] The transformable line may be formed to be stronger or weaker in strength than other areas of the wall. [20] The material for the wall may contain nano particles or aerogel.

Advantageous Effects of Invention [21] According to the present invention, a transformable heating container can transform very easily, and has a simple structure which does not require an additional support, in addition to having a support force. Further, the transformable heating container provides a structure to enable more convenient storage when the container is carried.

Brief Description of Drawings [22] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a transformable heating container according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [23] FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating a coupling means of the transformable heating container according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [24] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a transformable heating container according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [25] FIG. 4 is a development view illustrating a wall of the transformable heating container according to the second embodiment; [26] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the state in which the transformable heating container of the second embodiment is transformed; [27] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a wall of a transformable heating container according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [28] FIG. 7 is an exploded view illustrating a wall of a transformable heating container according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [29] FIG. 8 is an exploded view illustrating another embodiment of a wall applied to the present invention; [30] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a transformable heating container according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; [31] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a transformable heating container according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; [32] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a transformable heating container according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; [33] FIGS. 12 to 14 are photographs illustrating the heating container according to the present invention; [34] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a modification of a support means of the heating container; and [35] FIG. 16 is a sectional view illustrating the process of transforming the heating container of FIG. 15.

Mode for the Invention [36] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [37] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a transformable heating container according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating a coupling means of the first embodiment. [38] Referring to the drawings, the transformable heating container 100 includes a base

110, a wall 120, and a coupling means 130, and has a receiving space therein. The base

110 is the part which forms the bottom of the transformable heating container 100, and is made of a material resistant to direct heat. The base 110 is not limited to a specific material, but is preferably made of a metal material in consideration of heat con- ductibility and safety. The metal material may use aluminum, stainless steel, titanium steel, iron, plated steel, etc. Further, the base 110 is not limited to a specific shape, but has a circular shape in this embodiment.

[39] The wall 120 is a structure which is connected to the edge of the base 110 and is set up to allow the container 100 to hold contents. If the wall 120 is connected to the above-mentioned circular base, the wall 120 has a cylindrical shape. It is unnecessary for the wall 120 to have resistance to direct heat, unlike the base 110. However, the wall 120 is preferably made of a material which has resistance to heat to some extent because heat is transmitted from the base 110 to the wall 120, and which has its own support force because it does not require an additional support.

[40] The material having its own support force means that it retains a force sufficient to be set up to form a wall and contain contents therein without additional support means.

[41] Such a material may use silicone, metallic fiber, carbon fiber, or non-flammable fiber. Further, in order to provide heat resistance and support force to the material, the material may be preferably coated with Teflon, ceramic, or diamond.

[42] Further, the material for the wall 12 may further contain nano particles (carbon, diamond, silica) and aerogel having high insulation ability.

[43] The coupling means 130 is the means for coupling the base 110 with the wall 120.

For example, the coupling means 130 may be formed by compressing the wall using an extension part extending from the base 110 or a heat resistant adhesive.

[44] That is, the extension part of the base 110 is bent downwards to provide a first compression surface HOa, and then is bent upwards again to provide a second compression surface 110b. After an end of the wall 120 is fitted between the first and second compression surfaces 110a and 110b, a compressing operation is performed to couple the base 110 with the wall 120.

[45] The container 100 may further include a lid 140 if necessary.

[46] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a transformable heating container according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a development view illustrating a wall of the second embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the state in which the transformable heating container of the second embodiment is transformed.

[47] The transformable heating container of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that transformable lines 250 are formed to increase a change in shape. The transformable lines 250 are formed to be bent more easily than other portions, and may be formed by reducing or increasing a thickness (strength) in comparison with other portions. In the case of reducing the thickness or strength, when the container is transformed, the transformable lines 250 are transformed prior to other portions. Thus, when a user applies a force to the container, the wall 220 is transformed along the transformable lines 250. Meanwhile, in the case of increasing the thickness or strength, the transformable lines 250 allow the wall 220 to be transformed along outer lines.

[48] In this case, a method of twisting to fold the heating container is a very useful transformation method. For example, in the case of forming the transformable lines 250 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the container may be twisted and transformed to form a nonagon therein as shown in FIG. 5.

[49] The transformable lines may be variously changed by those skilled in the art. For example, in the case where the container is folded in two and transformed, the line may simply be formed to traverse the central portion of the wall.

[50] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a wall of a transformable heating container according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that a core 360 is further provided in a transformable line 350. That is, in order to increase the restoring ability and support force of the transformable line 350, the core 360 made of a metal material or the like may be further included.

[51] FIG. 7 is an exploded view illustrating a wall of a transformable heating container according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The transformable heating container of the fourth embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the wall is not a single structure but is formed by coupling several pieces with each other so as to increase transformability and restoring ability.

[52] The wall 420 may comprise various types of pieces, and is formed by coupling pieces divided along the transformable lines of the second embodiment. That is, the wall 420 is formed by coupling unit pieces, namely, the first pieces 421, the second pieces 423, and the third pieces 425. In the case of transforming the container to form a nonagon therein as shown in FIG. 5, each unit piece requires 9 pieces.

[53] FIG. 8 is an exploded view illustrating another embodiment of a wall applied to the present invention. According to this embodiment, the second pieces of the fourth embodiment may be coupled into a single piece.

[54] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a transformable heating container according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The heating container 500 of the fifth embodiment further is different from that of the first embodiment in that it further includes a closing means 550 on the upper end of a wall 520 so as to allow the wall 520 to be easily rotated when the wall 520 is rotated and transformed.

[55] The wall closing means 550 is preferably made of a material having strength sufficient to simultaneously apply a force to the entire upper end of the wall 520. For example, the wall closing means 550 is made of a metallic material in such a way as to surround the upper end of the wall 520.

[56] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a transformable heating container according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The heating container 600 of the sixth embodiment is different from other embodiments in that it is further provided with a wall support means 670. That is, when a wall 620 requires high support force according to the state of use of the heating container 600, an additional support means is further provided.

[57] The support means includes a support frame 671 which surrounds the lower end of the wall 620, and supports 673. Each support 673 is rotatably connected at one end thereof to the support frame 671 in such a way as to rotate up and down and is connected at the other end to the upper end of the wall 620.

[58] The support frame 671 is a ring-shaped frame having a U-shaped section, and is provided with a fastening means 675 to be stably connected to the lower end of the wall 620 while fastening it. For example, a known clamp may be used as the fastening means 675. The supports 673 are rotatably coupled to the support frame 671 via rotary means. The rotary means are not limited to this embodiment. For example, a shaft is provided on the support frame 671, and a rotary tube 679 is provided on an end of each support 673 to rotate along the shaft, thus providing the rotary means.

[59] Further, a fastening groove 676 is formed in each support 673, and a fastening protrusion 674 protrudes from the closing means 650 which is provided on the upper end of the wall 620, thus allowing the container to be set up.

[60] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a transformable heating container according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the drawing, the transformable heating container according to the present invention may further include a storage means for easy storage and conveyance.

[61 ] That is, in order to carry or store the heating container 700 with it being transformed in a small volume, the storage means is required to keep the volume of the heating container small.

[62] According to this embodiment, the storage means is a storage casing 780 which stores the heating container 700 therein. The storage casing includes an upper casing part 781 and a lower casing part 783. The lower casing part 783 is provided with fastening holes 783a, and the upper casing part 781 is provided with fastening projections 781a. Thus, after the heating container 700 is put into the lower casing part 783, the lower casing part 783 is covered by the upper casing part 781. Thereafter, the fastening projections 781a are fastened to the fastening holes 783a, thus allowing the transformed heating container 700 to be stored or carried.

[63] FIGS. 12 to 14 are photographs of the heating container according to the present invention. Here, FIG. 12 illustrates the state in which the wall of the heating container is set up with its own support force without an additional support, while forming the wall of the container.

[64] FIG. 13 illustrates the state in which the wall of the heating container is twisted by an external force acting in a direction from an upper position to a lower position, so that the heating container is transformed.

[65] FIG. 14 illustrates the state in which the heating container is completely transformed to be folded. Thereby, the heating container can be stored in a very small volume.

[66] The present invention has been described with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, but various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[67] In this embodiment, the heating container has a cylindrical shape, but may be variously changed. Further, the support means of the sixth embodiment may also be variously changed. For example, a heating container of FIG. 15 is shaped to be widened in a direction from a lower end to an upper end thereof, and the support means of the heating container is not the supports but is a coil spring. That is, the support means of the heating container 800 of FIG. 15 includes mounting means which are formed to receive the coil spring 860 in a coupling means 830 and a closing means 850 along the circumference of a wall 820, and the coil spring 860 which is mounted to the mounting means. Such a construction allows the heating container 800 to have a strong support force without affecting the transformability of the heating container 800. Further, in the drawing, although the coil spring includes a single steel wire, the coil spring may comprise several groups of steel wires, and furthermore is not limited to a specific material.

[68] FIG. 16 is a sectional view illustrating the process of transforming the heating container of FIG. 15. Referring to the drawing, the coil spring 860 is mounted to the mounting means and is transformable along with the wall 820. The mounting means of the drawings are frames having " I "- and "J "-shaped cross-sections along the coupling means 830 and the closing means 850.

[69] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.