Ceramic phase change container

Abstract

An article for holding foodstuff. The article comprises a receptacle (4) having a wall with an inner surface for holding the foodstuff and an opposite outer surface. The wall is formed of a first material, such as a ceramic material, having a first thermal conductivity. The articles also has a shell (1; 5) spaced apart from the outer surface of the receptacle such as to define an interstitial chamber (2, 3) between the shell and the outer surface of the receptacle. The shell is at least partially formed of a ceramic material with a second thermal conductivity. Within the interstitial chamber, there is disposed a phase change material which abuts with at least the outer surface of the wall of the receptacle. The first thermal conductivity being greater than the second thermal conductivity, so as to allow for heat transfer through the wall to the phase change material, which will accumulate the heat.

1 . An article for holding foodstuff, comprising:
 a receptacle having a wall with an inner surface for holding the foodstuff and an opposite outer surface, the wall being at least partially formed of a first ceramic material having a first thermal conductivity to allow for heat transfer through the wall;   a shell spaced apart from the outer surface of the receptacle such as to define an interstitial chamber between the shell and the outer surface of the receptacle, the shell being at least partially formed of a ceramic material having a second thermal conductivity; and   a phase change material disposed within the interstitial chamber and abutting at least the outer surface of the wall of the receptacle;   
       wherein said first thermal conductivity greater than the second thermal conductivity. 
     
     
         2 . The article according to  claim 1 , comprising a vessel primarily for containing liquids, in particular aqueous liquids, such as a cup, a bowl or bottle, or an article primarily for holding non-liquid foodstuff, such as a saucer, plate, platter or bowl. 
     
     
         3 . The article according to  claim 2 , wherein the receptacle has an open upper end and closed lower end, wherein the wall interconnects the upper and the lower ends of the receptacle, so as to define a volume. 
     
     
         4 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell at least partially laterally surrounds the wall of the receptacle. 
     
     
         5 . The article according to  claim 1 , comprising a plate with inclined edges for holding aqueous foodstuff, or an at least essentially flat plate as a heat-accumulating mat or coaster. 
     
     
         6 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the wall of the receptacle has first edge portions defining the perimeter of the wall, and the shell has second edge portions defining the perimeter of the shell, said first and second edge portions being bonded together. 
     
     
         7 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle is made from a material selected from the group of ceramics, metal oxides and metalloid oxides and combinations thereof, for example Al 2 O 3 , in particular an Al 2 O 3  grade having an Al 2 O 3  content of 75 to 100% by weight. 
     
     
         8 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the ceramic material of the shell is a heat insulating silicate material, in particular a metal silicate material. 
     
     
         9 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell consists essentially of ceramic material. 
     
     
         10 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the shell comprises a ceramic material which laterally surrounds the wall of the receptacle and a polymeric material which forms the bottom of the vessel and which is placed on the opposite side to the lower end of the receptacle. 
     
     
         11 . The article according to  claim 10 , wherein the polymeric material which forms the bottom of the vessel is selected from the group of thermoplastic materials, silicone and elastomeric materials. 
     
     
         12 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the wall of the receptacle is sealed to or against the shell. 
     
     
         13 . The article according to  claim 12 , wherein the ceramic material of the inner layer is bonded to the ceramic material of the shell by co-firing, fit bonding or glass or glaze bonding of ceramics. 
     
     
         14 . The article according to  claim 1 , comprising an elasticity zone disposed within the interstitial chamber on the opposite side of the phase change material with respect to the outer surface of the wall to allow for expansion and contraction of the phase change material within the interstitial chamber under the influence of thermal energy. 
     
     
         15 . The article according to  claim 14 , wherein the elasticity zone separates at least a significant portion of the shell and the phase change material. 
     
     
         16 . The article according to  claim 14 , wherein the elasticity zone comprises a silicone, an elastomer or a thermoplastic material. 
     
     
         17 . The article according to  claim 14 , wherein the elasticity zone comprises a gas-filled space. 
     
     
         18 . The use of an article according to  claim 1  for holding liquids, such as beverages, in particular hot or cold beverages.