What is a thermos?
A thermos is a portable container designed to keep the temperature of its contents stable. It is commonly used to keep both hot and cold drinks at their desired temperatures for extended periods of time. The thermos is able to achieve this insulation through its unique design and construction.
The invention of the thermos
The invention of the thermos can be credited to Sir James Dewar, a Scottish chemist and physicist. In the late 19th century, Dewar was experimenting with cryogenics and developed a double-walled container that would prevent the loss of heat or cold. This container ultimately became the basis for what we now know as the thermos.
The name “thermos”
The name “thermos” is derived from the Greek word “therme,” which means heat. This name was chosen to highlight the primary function of the container, which is to preserve and regulate temperature. The term “thermos” became synonymous with the insulated container regardless of the brand or manufacturer.
Trademark issues with the name “thermos”
The term “thermos” became so widely used that it eventually caused trademark issues. In some countries, the name “thermos” is considered a genericized trademark, meaning it has become a common term to describe any vacuum-insulated container. As a result, certain companies are not allowed to use the term “thermos” to market their products unless they hold the rights to the trademark.
Other names for thermos
Due to the trademark issues surrounding the name “thermos,” other companies have used alternative names to market their vacuum-insulated containers. These alternative names include “vacuum flask,” “insulated bottle,” and “thermal flask.” While these names may not have the same recognition as “thermos,” they are often used interchangeably to refer to the same type of product.
