Object warming device

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices for warming objects are described herein. An object warmer includes a body defining a cavity and an opening disposed through one or more sides of the body. The cavity is configured to receive the object to be warmed. The object warmer includes a lid coupled to the body, and a manifold coupled to each of the body and to a heat generating device. The manifold is aligned with the opening of the body such the manifold receives heat produced and released by the heat generating device, directs the received heat through the manifold, and provides the received heat through the opening and into the cavity of the body.

Description

OBJECT WARMING DEVICETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the technical field of object warmers or warming devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a warmer for sustenance items, such as food items, that directs heat, particularly waste heat, from electronic devices to the object(s).BACKGROUND[00021 Electronic devices often generate heat during operation due to energy consumption by internal components such as processors, power supplies, and other circuitry. If left unmanaged, this heat can lead to inefficiencies, reduced performance, or damage to sensitive components. To address this, heat generated during operation is generally exhausted through integrated cooling systems, which may include fans, heat sinks, or other thermal management technologies. These systems help direct heat away from the interior components of the electronic device and into the surrounding environment, thereby mitigating hot spots and heat damage to the interior components of the electronic device.SUMMARY

[0003] One embodiment relates to an object warmer. The object warmer includes a body defining a cavity and an opening disposed through one or more sides of the body. The cavity is configured to receive the object to be warmed. The object warmer includes a lid coupled to the body and a manifold coupled to each of the body and to a heat generating device. The manifold is aligned with the opening of the body such the manifold receives heat produced and released by the heat generating device, directs the received heat through the manifold, and provides the received heat through the opening and into the cavity of the body.

[0004] Another embodiment relates to an object warming device removably coupled to a heat generating device to receive heat from the heat generating device. The object warming deviceincludes a body defining a cavity and an opening disposed through one or more sides of the body. The cavity is configured to receive the object to be warmed. The object warming device includes at least one leg disposed inside the cavity a lid coupled to the body. The object warming device includes a manifold coupled to each of the body and to the heat generating device, the manifold aligned with the opening of the body such the manifold receives heat produced and released by the heat generating device, directs the received heat through the manifold, and provides the received heat through the opening and into the cavity of the body.

[0005] Yet another embodiment relates to a method of assembling a food warming device. The method includes providing a body having a plurality of sides, a base supporting the plurality of sides, and an opening disposed through one or more of the plurality of sides. The method further includes providing a manifold configured to couple to an electronic heat generating device, providing an aperture in the body proximate the opening and a projection on the manifold, and providing a lid movably coupled to the body. The lid is movable between a closed position that substantially prevents access to a cavity in the body and an open position that enables access to the cavity, wherein a food object is received in the cavity of the body. The method includes enabling a coupling of the manifold with the body via engagement of the projection with the aperture such that the manifold is at least partially aligned with the opening, wherein the manifold is configured to direct heat released by the electronic heat generating device through an interior of the manifold and subsequently to and through the opening in the body.|0006| This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0007] Numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The described features of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and / or implementations. In this regard, one or more features of an aspect of theinvention may be combined with one or more features of a different aspect of the invention. Moreover, additional features may be recognized in certain embodiments and / or implementations that may not be present in all embodiments or implementationsBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a warming device in use whereby the warming device is coupled to a heat-producing device or system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of the warming device of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the warming device, showing a body, a lid, a manifold, and one or more stands, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a top view of the warming device showing primarily the lid of the warming device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the warming device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a right-side perspective view of the warming device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a top left side perspective view of the warming device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the warming device, according to an exemplary embodiment.[001.6] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the warming device, according to an exemplary embodiment.[0017 [ FIG. 10 is a front plan view of the warming device, according to an exemplary embodiment.[0018| FIG. 11 is a right-side view of the warming device of FIG. 10, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a warming device having an opening on a peripheral side of the body, according to another exemplary embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0021] Referring generally to the Figures, a warming device, system, apparatus, and / or assembly and a method assembly thereof are shown according to various embodiments disclosed herein. Typically, there are several existing heat-emanating devices. One category of heat generating device is electronic devices, such as consumer electronic devices. As an example, an electronic device may include a gaming console (e.g., Playstation®). During operation, computer processor components of the gaming console generate heat. The heat is vented away from the interior of the console to reduce thermal stress on the interior components and to a surrounding atmosphere where the heat dissipates. This thermal energy (heat) is therefore lost as energy. As described herein, a warming device or warmer may couple to the heat generating device to direct heat generated by the heat generating device to the warming device. The warming device may receive and hold one or more objects that may receive the dissipated heat from the heat generating device. Beneficially, this heat may be used to warm-up and / or maintain a warmth of the object(s). As described herein and in one embodiment, the object(s) may be a food object and the heat generating device is a gaming console. As such, the warming device may receive heat from the gaming console and direct the captured heat to the food object stored by the warming device. This may enable the food object to stay at a desired temperature for a relatively longer period of time to enable enjoyable consumption over a greater duration. As an example, a user or group ofusers may enjoy a gaming session using the gaming console and couple the warming device to the gaming console. The users may then insert a pie, particularly a pizza, and the pizza may be kept warm from the heat generated by the gaming console. That way, the users may advantageously enjoy the pizza for a relatively longer period of time.

[0022] The warming device may include a body, a lid movably coupled to the body, one or more stands that couple to the body and rest on the heat generating device, and a manifold structured or configured to route generated heat from the heat generating device to the body that stores or holds the object(s). The body may include a plurality of sides and a base that collectively form a cavity. One or more openings may be disposed through the plurality of sides and / or the base. The lid may be coupled, and particularly movably coupled, to the body such that the lid encloses the cavity. The lid may move from a closed position to an open position. In the open position, access to the cavity is permitted to enable reception of an object(s). The manifold is coupled to the body. When coupled to the body, the manifold may be aligned or substantially aligned with the opening(s) in the body. The manifold is configured to transfer (e.g., direct, dispense, discharge, deliver, provide, etc.) heat from the electronic device to the cavity of the body through the one or more openings in the sides and / or base of the body. As such, the manifold may also couple to exhaust vents on the heat generating device to direct heat exhausted through the vents to the one or more openings and then to the cavity. The one or more stands are coupled to the base of the body and are positioned between the body and the heat generating device, such as the electronic device. In this way, the stands separate the body from the electronic device by a height (e.g., to prevent overheating of the electronic device). Beneficially, the warming device is energy efficient because it leverages warm air generated by common consumer appliances to warm food items.

[0023] The warming device may be assembled by coupling the lid to the body. The lid may be rotatably coupled to the body or may simply rest on the body to substantially cover the cavity. According to one embodiment, the body includes one or more openings (e.g., receptacles, grooves, slots, etc.) configured to receive a project! ons(s) and, particularly teeth, of the manifold. In this way, the manifold may be coupled to the body by inserting the teeth into thecorresponding openings of the body. The stands are coupled to the base by inserting a portion of the stands into a corresponding track in the base, according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, the stands are coupled to the base by snap fit, adhesive, or some other means. The relatively low number of components reduces the complexity of assembling the warming device and permits easier cleaning.|0024| The size and dimension of each of the components may vary based on a desired application. For example, the size of the body may be sized to warm a portion of a pizza (e.g., a single slice, half of the pizza, etc.) or a whole pizza. In exemplary embodiments, all or some of the main components warmer are designed to be manufactured / fabricated by 3D printing.Advantageously, the warming device may be fabricated (e.g., by 3D printing) and assembled by an end user. Additionally, users may tailor the design to meet specific needs and match specific electronic device dimensions. These and other features and benefits are described more fully herein below.(0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, perspective and front views of the warming device coupled to a heat generating device (i.e., the warming device or system in use) are shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. When in use, the warming device 100 is coupled to a heat generating device, shown as an electronic device 10. The warming device 100 is structured or configured to receive one or more objects, such as food items (e.g., pizza, flatbreads, quesadillas, sandwiches, etc.), and direct heat and particularly warmed or heated air from the electronic device 10 to the one or more objects. In this way, the warming device 100 serves as a heat transfer system or device. The heat generating device may have a variety of structures and functionalities. While described herein as being an electronic device (e.g., consumes electricity to function), it should be appreciated that other types of thermal generating devices are contemplated. In some examples, the electronic device 10 is a consumer electronics device that outputs heat when in use (e.g., a gaming console, a Personal Computer (PC), a laptop, etc ). In other embodiments, the electronic device 10 is a consumer appliance that outputs heat when in use (e.g., a dishwasher, clothes dryer, microwave, etc.). In the example shown, the heatgenerating device is an electronic device and, particularly, an electronic gaming console (e.g., a Playstation® gaming console).

[0026] As shown in FIGS 3-9, the warming device 100 includes four main components: a body 126, a lid 106 movably coupled to the body 126, one or more stands 104 that couple to the body and rest on the electronic device 10, and a manifold 102 structured or configured to route generated heat from the electronic device 10 to the body 126 that stores or holds the object(s). As referred to herein, “top side” refers to the lid 106 side and “bottom side” refers to a base 65 of the body 126 (e.g., the side the stands 104 extend from, the side in contact with the electronic device 10, etc.).

[0027] The body 126 (e g., the box, the central unit, etc.) defines a cavity 132 that receives the object(s) to be heated (e.g., the food item(s)). The cavity 132 provides a space for cooking, heating, and / or storage of items, such as food items. In some examples, the cavity 132 includes one or more legs 128. The legs 128 (also referred to as support structures, projections, raised structures, etc.) may be arranged within the cavity 132 to provide a raised surface that receives a tray, namely a cooking tray (e.g., a baking sheet, a liner, foil, parchment paper etc.) (not shown). In exemplary embodiments, the cooking tray is made of a heat conductive material, such as copper, aluminum, tin, steel, and / or the like. Advantageously, the cooking tray keeps the cavity 132 clean from food residues and / or may provide a more efficient heating surface relative to the base 65.

[0028] In the example shown, the one or more legs are disposed on opposing sides of the cavity 132, specifically the front and rear sides. The one or more legs 128 may extend across the length and / or the width of the body 126 to divide the cavity 132 into multiple sub-cavities (e.g., to separate food types during heating, etc.). In the example shown and regarding the front set of legs, the front set of legs extend in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction starting from the front side of the cavity and extending toward the rear side. The rear set of legs likewise extend in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction to the front side of the cavity. In the example shown, a gap or space exists between the front set of legs and the rear set of legs. In otherembodiments, one set of legs is utilized that stretches from the front to the rear sides of the cavities. In still other embodiments, the legs may be oriented to extend from the left side to the right side with a gap therebetween, or fully extend (no gap). It should be understood that the number, shape, and relative size of the legs is highly configurable. The structures shown herein are only meant to be illustrative and non-limiting.|0029| In exemplary embodiments, the body 126 is relatively rectangular in shape, having a front side 50, a rear side 55, one or more peripheral sides 60, and a base 65. It should be understood that this shape is highly configurable. In other embodiments, the body 126 may be circular shaped, conically shaped, pentagon shaped, etc. The body may be manufactured or fabricated as a single unitary body (e.g., by injection molding, 3D printing, casting, etc.).Alternatively, the base 65, the peripheral sides 60, the rear side 55, and / or the front side 50 may be individual / separate components that are coupled together (e.g., by welding, adhesive, bolts, screws, interlocking rails, snap fit, etc.).(0030] The body 126 is shown to include and particularly define a handle 124 that allows a user to open and close the warming device 100. In some examples, the handle 124 is an egress (e.g., a cutout, an opening, etc.) in a top edge (e.g., an edge nearest the lid 106) of a side 50, 55, 60 of the body 126. In some embodiments, a plurality of egresses is disposed around the top edges of the sides 50, 55, 60 of the body to form a plurality of handles 124.(0031 ] Although the handle 124 is shown as a portion of the body 126, the lid 106 may include a handle 124 (e.g., in addition to the handle on the body 126, as an alternative to the handle on the body 126). For example, the handle 124 may be a lip that is integral with the lid 106 and extends past the body 126. In other examples, the handle 124 may be a lever or knob coupled to the lid 106.

[0032] As will be described more fully herein, the body 126 is shown to include an attachment mechanism for coupling the lid 106 to the body 126. As shown in FIG. 3, the body 126 includes a hinge shaft 114 that extends from a top edge of the body 126. The hinge shaft 114 is shown to be positioned on the rear side 55 of the body 126. The hinge shaft 114 is shown to be generallycylindrical in shape. But, in other embodiments, a different shape may be utilized. In some embodiments, the hinge shaft 114 may be structured as a first hinge plate that is configured to engage with a second hinge plate. For example, the attachment mechanism may include a hinge plate coupled with the lid 106 and a hinge plate coupled with the body 126. In this example, the hinge plate of the lid 106 and the hinge plate of the body 126 may be coupled to one another by a fastener, such as a pin.

[0033] The body 126 may include one or more openings for receiving and / or releasing thermal energy, namely heat. For example, the body 126 may include one or more vents 112 positioned around the perimeter of the body 126. In some examples, the sides 50, 55, 60 of the body 126 include one or more angular portions that form alcoves 134. Vents 112 may be positioned within the alcoves 134 such that the vents 112 extend away from the sides 50, 55, 60. When heat is received by the cavity of the body 126, some portion of the heat may be vented away via the vents 112 to prevent or substantially prevent an overheating from occurring within the cavity 132. The size and number of vents may be different in other embodiments.

[0034] The body 126 includes or defines an opening 110 (e.g., gap, slot, aperture, etc.) positioned on a side or sides 50, 55, 60 of the body 126. As shown, the opening 110 is disposed in a rear side of the body 126. The opening 110 is configured to receive heat from the manifold 102. The body 126 is shown to include an opening 110 positioned along a length the rear side 55 of the body 126. However, the opening 110 may be positioned on any suitable location of the body (e.g., the front side 50, peripheral sides 60, the base 65). As shown, the legs 128 may extend substantially vertically across a portion of the opening 110 to form channels (e g., defined by the gaps between the legs 128). The channels defined by the legs 128 receive heat from the manifold 102 and may direct the heat toward a center of the cavity 132 and / or toward the tray resting on the legs 128.

[0035] The body 126 may include a mating feature to couple the body 126 to the manifold 102. In the example, at least part of the mating feature includes one or more secondary openings, shown as grooves 108 (e.g., apertures, receptacles, etc.) that are positioned in the body 126proximate the opening 110. The grooves 108 are configured to receive another mating or couple feature to couple the manifold 102 to the body 126. In the example shown, the grooves 108 may receive teeth 136 (e.g., projections, protrusions, etc.) of the manifold 102. In some embodiments, the body 126 may include teeth 136 while the manifold 102 includes grooves 108. In other embodiments, the manifold 102 and the body 126 may include a combination of teeth 136 and grooves 108. In this regard, the mating feature to couple the manifold 102 to the body 126 is highly configurable. Other embodiments may use a pin-opening combination, one or more fasteners (e.g., screws), Velcro, a channel that receives a rail of one of the manifold or the body, and so on.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the lid 106 (e.g., top portion, cover, closure, etc.) is structured to couple to the body 126 to cover or enclose the cavity 132. In some examples, the lid 106 is removably coupled to the body 126, such that a user may remove the lid 106 entirely from the body 126. As shown, the lid 106 is pivotably coupled with a top edge of the body 126. As shown in FIG. 3, the lid 106 includes a hinge socket 130 (e.g., hinge receptacle) that engages with / couples to the hinge shaft 114 of the body 126. In this way, the lid 106 may be pivoted between an open position and a closed position. For example, when a user lifts the lid 106 to rotate the hinge socket 130 around the hinge shaft 114 away from one or more sides 50, 55, and 60, the lid is 106 positioned a distance away from the body 126 to define an open position. When the lid 106 is positioned such that it is at least partially in contact with all of the top edges and / or all sides 50, 55, 60 of the body 126, the lid 106 is in a closed position.

[0037] When assembled, the manifold 102 serves as a heat exchanger between the electronic device 10 and the cavity 132 of the body 126. The manifold 102 may be hollow or mostly hollow. In this way, the manifold 102 may define one or more channels that transport heat from the electronic device 10 to the body 126 and particularly the cavity 132. For example, the manifold 102 may be coupled to an exhaust vent of the electronic device 10 at one end and may be aligned with the opening 110 in the body 126 at another end. In this way, the manifold 102 captures heat output by the electronic device 10, directs the heat through the interior of the manifold 102, and into the cavity 132 of the body 126 through the opening 110.[0038| Although shown as angular and relatively trapezoidal in shape, the manifold 102 may be a variety of other shapes and / or sizes (e.g., rounded, spanning more or less than the entire length of the body 126, etc.). In some examples, the manifold 102 is coupled to the rear side 55 of the body 126. In other examples, the manifold 102 is coupled with a peripheral side 60 of the body 126, the front side 50 of the body 126, the base surface of the body 126, or a combination thereof. For example, the manifold 102 may be positioned on a corner of the body 126, such that it extends between a peripheral side 60 and the rear side 55 and or / the front side 50. In some examples, multiple manifolds 102 may be coupled to the body 126. For example, a manifold 102 may be coupled to each of the peripheral sides 60.

[0039] In some embodiments, the interior surfaces of the manifold 102 may be made of or coated in a thermally conductive and / or insulative material (e.g., aluminum, copper, steel, ceramic coating, ceramic plating, etc.) to improve the heat transfer process and / or reduce heat loss. In some examples, the manifold 102 includes a filter disposed across the interi or / the channel that collects contaminants (e.g., dust, dirt, dander, etc.) prior to their entry into the cavity 132.

[0040] In the example shown, the manifold 102 directs heat to the body passively, in that heat by nature rises, thereby flowing into the manifold 102, where the manifold 102 directs the heat to the body 126. In other embodiments, the manifold 102 and / or warming device 100 itself may include one or more air moving devices (e.g., a fan). The air moving device may receive power from the electronic device 10 and / or another means (e.g., a battery, a wall outlet, etc.) and operate to suck or otherwise move heated air into the body 126.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 10-11, the manifold 102 includes an upper portion 116 and a lower portion 118. The upper portion 116 includes one or more coupling mechanisms (e.g., teeth, pins, anchors, tongues, etc ), shown as teeth 136, configured to engage with the grooves 108 of the body 126, thereby coupling the manifold 102 to the body 126. The lower portion 118 is configured to engage with the electronic device 10, thereby connecting the body 126 of the warming device to the electronic device 10. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the lower portion 118includes one or more attachment mechanisms (e.g., pins, brackets, clips, magnets, clamps, etc.), shown as clips 138. The clips 138 may, for example, engage with vents that output (e.g., release, exhaust, radiate, emit, etc.) heat from the electronic device 10. Additionally or alternatively, the clips 138 may be configured to couple the manifold 102 to an edge, comer, ridge, lip, or other similar surface on the electronic device 10.[0042 As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the lower portion 118 of the manifold 102 may be shaped to fit with a particular electronic device 10. For example, the lower portion 118 may be staggered or curved to fit a particular gaming console (e.g., a PlayStation®, an Xbox®, etc.). As another example, the lower portion 118 of the manifold may be rectangular to fit a PC, or other rectangular-shaped electronic device 10. Similarly, the position of the clips 138 along the length of the lower portion 118 may vary based on the electronic device 10 that the warming device 100 is being coupled to. In some examples, the clips 138 may slide or move along the length or height of the lower portion 118. For example, the clips 138 may slide along a track or groove integrated into the lower portion 118 of the manifold 102. As another example, the clips 138 may be or may include magnets that couple along a magnetic portion of the lower portion 118 of the manifold 102. In this way, the clips 138 may be re-positioned by the user to correspond to a particular electronic device 10. Advantageously, this allows users to modify the manifold 102 to fit with the dimensions of multiple electronic devices 10 (e.g., to accommodate for gaming console updates, PC dimension changes, etc.).

[0043] As shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 10, the stands 104 are positioned between the base 65 of the body 126 and the electronic device 10. In this way, the stands 104 support the body 126 and create a distance, D, between the body 126 and the electronic device 10.Advantageously, the distance, D, may allow for improved airflow and / or heat dissipation between the base 65 and the electronic device 10, thereby reducing the risk of the electronic device 10 overheating. Stated a different way, if the base 65 were resting directly on a surface of the electronic device 10, the base 65 may trap excess heat against the surface of the electronic device 10. By maintaining the distance D, the stands 104 facilitate better ventilation and may prevent heat buildup on the surfaces of the electronic device 10.

[0044] The stands 104 are shown to include an upper portion 120 and a lower portion 122. In the example shown, the stands 104 are an integral or one-piece component. In other embodiments, multiple pieces may form the stands 104. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the upper portion 120 is generally perpendicular to the lower portion 122 and forms a substantially t-cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, a different shape may be used. In exemplary embodiments, the upper portion 120 is coupled to the base 65 of the body 126 (e.g., by adhesive, snap fit, welding, etc.). The base 65 may include on or more tracks (e.g., indent, rail, slot, etc.) (not shown) configured to receive the upper portion 120. The upper portion 120 may be inserted into the tracks of the base 65 to couple the stands 104 to the body 126. The lower portion 122 thereby extends away from the upper portion 120 and the body 126 towards the electronic device 10. Although the stands 104 are shown to be generally T shaped, the stands 104 may be any suitable shape, width, or height (e.g., L shaped, I shaped, rectangular, triangular, etc.).

[0045] In some examples, a single stand 104 may be positioned between the body 126 and the electronic device 10. In other examples, multiple stands 104 (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.) may be positioned between the body 126 and the electronic device 10. Although the stands 104 are shown to be coupled to the base 65 below the peripheral sides 60, the stands 104 may be positioned in any suitable location along the base 65 of the body 126. Additionally or alternatively, the stands 104 may be coupled with the sides 50, 55, 60 of the body 126. In an example embodiment, the peripheral sides 60 or the front side 50 may be formed such that they extend past the surrounding sides 50, 55, 60 of the body 126, thereby integrally forming the stands 104. Additionally or alternatively, the stands 104 may be coupled to the manifold 102 (e.g., by snap fit, teeth / tongue and groove, pin connections, bolts, screws, adhesive, welding, etc ).

[0046] In examples where multiple stands 104 are positioned between the body 126 and the electronic device 10, the stands 104 may define varying heights, lengths, and / or widths to accommodate different configurations and designs of electronic devices 10. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first stand 104 may have a taller height than a second stand 104 to maintain a level alignment of the body 126 when the electronic device 10 is curved in shape. Similarly, a first stand 104 may be longer than a second stand 104 to accommodate electronicdevices 10 that have various tapered shapes. For example, if the electronic device 10 has a design that narrows towards one end, the first stand 104 may define a longer length than the second stand 104 to provide support at the wider end of the device. In contrast, the second stand 104, which supports the narrower end, may be shorter in length (e.g., 75%, 50%, 25% of the length of the first stand 104). As shown in FIG. 1 the lower portion 122 of the stand 104 may curve or slope to extend towards the upper portion 120. In this way, the stand 104 may accommodate electronic devices 10 that define a curved or sloped profile. For example, a stand 104 may include a lower portion 122 that arches upward to align with an electronic device 10 having a rounded or contoured body. All such variations are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] Referring specifically to FIG. 3, the warming device 100 may be provided in parts and assembled (e.g., by a user, manufacturer, etc.). The lid 106 is shown to be positioned vertically above the body 126. To couple the lid 106 and the body 126, the hinge shaft 114 is aligned hinge socket 130. The hinge socket 130 receives at least a portion of the hinge shaft 114 to rotatably couple the lid 106 with the body 126.

[0048] The manifold 102 is shown to be positioned laterally aside the opening 110 in the body 126. As discussed above, the opening 110 is shown to be positioned on the rear side 55 of the body 126. To couple the manifold 102 to the body 126, the upper portion 116 is aligned with the opening 110 and the teeth 136 of the manifold 102 are aligned with and inserted into the grooves 108 of the body 126.

[0049] To couple the stands 104 to the body 126, the upper portions 120 of the stands 104 are aligned with and inserted into a track defined by the base 65 of the body 126. Other embodiments may use different types of attachment mechanisms, such as a snap-engagement, an interference type engagement, or simply placing the body 126 onto the stands 104.

[0050] When a user is ready to use the assembled warming device 100, the user may open the lid 106 and place the cooking tray (e.g., a baking sheet, a liner, foil, parchment paper, etc.) into the cavity 132 of the body 126. In some embodiments, the cooking tray may be omitted and anobject may be put directly into the cavity 132. As mentioned above, the cooking tray may be positioned to rest on the legs 128 within the cavity 132. The aforementioned steps of for assembly of the warming device 100 are not necessarily chronological. Conversely, the steps may be performed in any order and some steps may be omitted. Accordingly, the described assembly process is not meant to be limiting as many other processes may be used with such variations intended to fall within the present disclosure.[00511 FIG. 12 shows an example of an alternative configuration of the warming device 100. In this example, the opening 110 is positioned on one of the two peripheral sides 60 of the body 126. As shown, the body is shaped as a rectangular prism, having two longer sides as the front side 50 and the rear side 55, and two shorter peripheral sides 60. The manifold 102 may be sized proportionally to the peripheral side 60 and / or to the length of the opening 110 in the peripheral side 60. In this way, the warming device 100 may be used with electronic devices 10 having heat exhaust vents on sides or edges that are shorter in length than the front side 50 or rear side 55 of the body 126 of the warming device 100.[0052 J For example, a typical PC may have exhaust fans directed to vents located on a narrow side of its housing, such as the front side, rear side, or top side. The manifold 102 of FIG. 12 may couple to the vents of the PC via the clips 138, thereby capturing the heat expelled by the PC and directing the heat through opening 110 in the peripheral side 60 of the body 126. By positioning the opening 110 on the peripheral side 60 and adjusting the size and shape of the manifold 102, the body 126 more closely aligns with the PC housing. By way of comparison, if the opening 110 were positioned on the rear side 55 (as shown in FIG. 3) or the front side 50, the body 126 would be positioned generally perpendicularly with the PC housing to align the manifold 102 with the opening 110. Therefore, the opening 110 and the manifold 102 may be positioned to accommodate a variety of electronic devices 10 with varying structures and vent placement.

[0053] As mentioned above, the opening 110 may be located on any of the sides 50, 55, 60 of the body 126 or may extend between multiple sides 50, 55, 60. In some examples, multiple openings 110 may be positioned around the body 126. Similarly, the manifold 102 may bedesigned to align with the opening 110 regardless of where the opening 110 is positioned on the body 126. Multiple manifolds 102 may be coupled to the body 126 in configurations including multiple openings 110. Accordingly, the shape and dimensions of the upper portion 116 and or the lower portion 118 of the manifold 102 may change based on the position of the openings 110. The position of the clips 138 and / or the type of clip 138 used (e.g., magnets, brackets, clamps, pins, etc.) may also change based on the shape of the lower portion 118.

[0054] As utilized herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0055] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0056] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” orvariations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.100571 References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0058] Although the description may describe a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above.

[0059] It is important to note that any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An object warmer, comprising:a body defining:a cavity, the cavity configured to receive an object, andan opening disposed through one or more sides of the body;a lid coupled to the body; anda manifold coupled to each of the body and to a heat generating device, the manifold aligned with the opening of the body such the manifold receives heat produced and released by the heat generating device, directs the received heat through the manifold, and provides the received heat through the opening and into the cavity of the body.

2. The object warmer of claim 1, further comprising one or more stands coupled to the body, the one or more stands positioned between the body and the heat generating device.

3. The object warmer of claim 2, wherein the one or more stands are coupled to an exterior surface of the body such that the one or more stands extend away from the body and towards the heat generating device.

4. The object warmer of claim 2, wherein the one or more stands comprise a first stand and a second stand, the first stand having a different height, length, or width relative to the second stand.

5. The object warmer of claim 1, wherein the body includes a hinge shaft and the lid includes a hinge socket, and wherein the hinge shaft engages with the hinge socket to rotatably couple the lid to the body.

6. The object warmer of claim 1, wherein the body defines one or more vents, the one or more vents configured to exhaust heat received by the cavity from the manifold into a surrounding environment.

7. The object warmer of claim 1, wherein the body includes at least one leg disposed inside the cavity of the body.

8. The object warmer of claim 7, wherein the at least one leg extends substantially vertically upward relative to a base of the body and at least partly horizontal across at least a part of the base of the body.

9. The object warmer of claim 1, wherein the body includes a second opening and the manifold includes a projection, and wherein the manifold is coupled to the body via engagement of the projection with the second opening.

10. The object warmer of claim 1, wherein the object comprises a food item, and the heat generating device comprises a gaming console.

11. An object warming device removably coupled to a heat generating device to receive heat from the heat generating device, the object warming device comprising:a body defining:a cavity, the cavity configured to receive an object, andan opening disposed through one or more sides of the body;at least one leg disposed inside the cavity;a lid coupled to the body; anda manifold coupled to each of the body and to the heat generating device, the manifold aligned with the opening of the body such the manifold receives heat produced and released by the heat generating device, directs the received heat through the manifold, and provides the received heat through the opening and into the cavity of the body.

12. The object warming device of claim 11, wherein the at least one leg extends substantially vertically upward relative to a base of the body and at least partly horizontal across at least a part of the base of the body.

13. The object warming device of claim 12, wherein the at least one leg comprises a plurality of legs that extend substantially vertically across at least part of the opening.

14. The object warming device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of legs form one or more channels along the opening, wherein the one or more channels are configured to receive the heat received by the manifold.

15. The object warming device of claim 11, further comprising one or more stands coupled to the body, the one or more stands positioned between the body and the heat generating device.

16. The object warming device of claim 15, wherein the one or more stands are coupled to an exterior surface of the body such that the one or more stands extend away from the body and towards the heat generating device.

17. The object warming device of claim 15, wherein the one or more stands comprise a first stand and a second stand, the first stand having a different height, length, or width relative to the second stand.

18. The object warming device of claim 11, wherein the body includes a hinge shaft and the lid includes a hinge socket, and wherein the hinge shaft engages with the hinge socket to rotatably couple the lid to the body.

19. The object warming device of claim 11, wherein the body defines one or more vents, the one or more vents configured to exhaust heat received by the cavity from the manifold into a surrounding environment.

20. A method of assembling a food warming device, comprising:providing a body having a plurality of sides, a base supporting the plurality of sides, and an opening disposed through one or more of the plurality of sides;providing a manifold configured to couple to an electronic heat generating device;providing an aperture in the body proximate the opening and a projection on the manifold;providing a lid movably coupled to the body, the lid being movable between a closed position that substantially prevents access to a cavity in the body and an open position that enables access to the cavity, wherein a food object is received in the cavity of the body; and enabling a coupling of the manifold with the body via engagement of the projection with the aperture such that the manifold is at least partially aligned with the opening, wherein the manifold is configured to direct heat released by the electronic heat generating device through an interior of the manifold and subsequently to and through the opening in the body.

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