US20020117163A1 - Self-heating of self-cooling containers - Google Patents
Self-heating of self-cooling containers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020117163A1 US20020117163A1 US10/121,838 US12183802A US2002117163A1 US 20020117163 A1 US20020117163 A1 US 20020117163A1 US 12183802 A US12183802 A US 12183802A US 2002117163 A1 US2002117163 A1 US 2002117163A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- protective cover
- self
- heating
- contents
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J36/00—Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
- A47J36/24—Warming devices
- A47J36/28—Warming devices generating the heat by exothermic reactions, e.g. heat released by the contact of unslaked lime with water
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package
- B65D81/3484—Packages having self-contained heating means, e.g. heating generated by the reaction of two chemicals
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
- F25D31/006—Other cooling or freezing apparatus specially adapted for cooling receptacles, e.g. tanks
- F25D31/007—Bottles or cans
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
- F25D2331/805—Cans
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D5/00—Devices using endothermic chemical reactions, e.g. using frigorific mixtures
- F25D5/02—Devices using endothermic chemical reactions, e.g. using frigorific mixtures portable, i.e. adapted to be carried personally
Definitions
- the materials of the container and of the protective cover are arranged to react differently to changes in the temperatures to which they are subjected such that removal of the protective cover is enabled by the reactions of the container and of the protective cover to the predetermined temperature attained by the container and its contents.
- the container and the protective cover are arranged such that their relative sizes alter when they are subjected to changes in temperature. This change in relative sizes is used to enable removal of the protective cover.
- the protective cover is received within an area of the container, expansion of that container area relative to the cover will enable release of the protective cover.
- the protective cover is arranged to engage around an area of the container, expansion of the cover will enable its release.
- the protective cover is arranged to expand upon heating relative to the container such that when the container and its contents have reached the predetermined temperature, the protective cover may be removed.
- the protective cover may also be released by arranging for it to expand relative to the container. In this case, the protective cover would be arranged to contract less than the container upon cooling, for example.
- FIG. 1 shows, partly in section, a self-heating or a self-cooling container illustrating an external reactant cavity thereof and a closure for the cavity
- FIG. 5 shows the reengagement of a protective cover, as 52 , onto a can 10 and shows the use of the cover 52 when drinking from the can 10 .
- a further depending rim 64 extends the first depending rim 56 .
- Such an additional rim 64 could be used, if required, as the means to retain the protective cover 52 on the can either through contraction and expansion and/or by being bonded or otherwise joined to the can.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Cookers (AREA)
- Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
- Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
- Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)
- Package Specialized In Special Use (AREA)
Abstract
A self-heating container (10) has an internal cavity (22) for its contents and an external cavity (20) for a heating mechanism, for example, comprised of first and second chemically reactive materials which are arranged to be mixed when heating is required. A protective cover (52) is engaged on the can over the top end member (14) to prevent access to a ring-pull opener (50). The protective cover (52) has been shrunk onto the can such that it cannot be removed normally. However, when the can and its contents have been heated to the predetermined temperature by operation of the heating mechanism, the protective cover (52) expands in size relative to the can (10) and is removable. The ring-pull opener (50) may then be opened to enable the contents to be dispensed. After opening, the cover (52) may be reengaged on the can to provide an insulated drinking lip which protects the consumer against the heat of the can and provides a more pleasant surface to drink from than the edge of the can itself.
Description
- The present invention relates to a self-heating or a self-cooling container.
- There have been many proposals for self-heating or self-cooling beverage containers. WO 96/29255, for example, discloses a can having the same external dimensions and shape as conventional beverage cans, but having an indented base to define an external cavity in which means to cool or heat the contents of the can are received.
- Heating or cooling of the contents of the can can be achieved by using two chemical reactants which are stable when separated, but which produce an exothermic reaction or an endothermic reaction when mixed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,022 shows just one example, from many, of an insert for a self-heating or self-cooling can which enables mixing of the reactants when required. This construction, as is common, utilises a breakable or pierceable barrier to separate the two reactants and spikes or other piercing means to break the barrier when their reaction is required to heat or cool the can.
- Increasingly, consumers will drink direct from a can rather than pouring out the contents. However, self-heating or self-cooling containers as shown, for example, in WO 96/29255 or in PCT/GB00/01865 are very effective at heating or cooling their contents, such that the can, particularly where it is made of metal, will be relatively hot or cold. This can be unpleasant to drink from and can also be hazardous in that the temperature of the can can injure the lips.
- There is also a potential danger with self-heating or self-cooling containers. The containers described in the International specifications referred to above are designed such that they effectively heat the contents of the can. It is, of course, possible for a consumer to start the heating process, for example, and then to open the can and dispense some of the contents. If this happens, or if the contents are dispensed before the heating process is initiated, overheating of the can with potentially hazardous effects can occur.
- It is an object of the present invention to reduce the problems identified above.
- According to the present invention there is provided a method of protecting a self-heating or a self-cooling container against premature opening, the container comprising a heating or cooling mechanism for heating or cooling contents of the container, and having opening means operable to enable access to the container contents, wherein a protective cover is arranged on the container so as to prevent operation of the opening means, and wherein the method comprises the step of enabling the removal of the protective cover only when the container and its contents have attained a predetermined temperature.
- A method of an embodiment of the invention prevents premature opening of the container in that the protective cover cannot be removed before the heating or cooling mechanism has been operated, or before the container and its contents have attained the predetermined temperature. This obviates the problem of overheating arising because some or all of the contents have been dispensed before or during the heating process.
- To make self-heating or self-cooling containers operate most effectively, it is generally necessary that the consumer wait until the heating or cooling mechanism has performed its function. Preferably, therefore, the predetermined temperature is chosen to be the steady state temperature to which the container and its contents are brought a predetermined time after the operation of the heating or cooling mechanism.
- In one embodiment, the materials of the container and of the protective cover are arranged to react differently to changes in the temperatures to which they are subjected such that removal of the protective cover is enabled by the reactions of the container and of the protective cover to the predetermined temperature attained by the container and its contents.
- For example, the container and the protective cover are arranged such that their relative sizes alter when they are subjected to changes in temperature. This change in relative sizes is used to enable removal of the protective cover. Thus, where the protective cover is received within an area of the container, expansion of that container area relative to the cover will enable release of the protective cover. In an alternative construction, where the protective cover is arranged to engage around an area of the container, expansion of the cover will enable its release.
- Additionally, and/or alternatively the protective cover is retained in position to prevent operation of the opening means by retaining means arranged to change state with changes in temperature.
- For example, the retaining means may be a structural member joining the protective cover to the container and arranged to degrade or change state in some manner which enables at least part of the structural member to be broken as its temperature is changed. Where the container is heated, the structural member may melt or soften, and where the container is cooled, the structural member may become frangible.
- In an embodiment of a self-heating container, the protective cover is arranged to expand upon heating relative to the container such that when the container and its contents have reached the predetermined temperature, the protective cover may be removed. For a self-cooling container, the protective cover may also be released by arranging for it to expand relative to the container. In this case, the protective cover would be arranged to contract less than the container upon cooling, for example.
- Additionally and/or alternatively, the retaining means may be in the form of a glue, adhesive or other bonding material, for example, holding the protective cover on the container and arranged to degrade upon change of temperature whereby the hold or bond is released.
- The present invention also extends to a self-heating or a self-cooling container having a heating or cooling mechanism for heating or cooling contents of the container, and opening means operable to enable access to the container contents, said container further comprising a protective cover arranged on the container so as to prevent operation of the opening means, the arrangement being such that the removal of the protective cover is enabled only when the container and its contents have attained a predetermined temperature whereby the container is protected against premature opening.
- According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self-heating or self-cooling container comprising a tubular peripheral wall within which first and second separated cavities extend, the first cavity receiving the contents of the container, and the second cavity housing a heating or cooling mechanism, a first end member closing the first cavity, and a second end member closing the second cavity, and opening means operable to enable access to the contents of the container formed in, or associated with, said first end member, said container further comprising a protective cover for protecting against premature opening of the container, said protective cover being arranged on the container so as to prevent operation of the opening means, the arrangement being such that removal of the protective cover is enabled only when the container and its contents have attained a predetermined temperature.
- With a self-heating or self-cooling container of an embodiment of the invention, the protective cover is not removable until the container and its contents attain the predetermined temperature. As the protective cover prevents operation of the opening means until it has been removed, dispensing of the contents of the container before the operation of the heating or cooling mechanism, or during that process, is prevented.
- Preferably, the materials of the container and of the protective cover are arranged to react differently to changes in the temperatures to which they are subjected such that removal of the protective cover is enabled by the reactions of the container and of the protective cover to the predetermined temperature attained by the container and its contents.
- For example, the container and the protective cover are arranged such that their relative sizes alter when they are subjected to changes in temperature. This change in relative sizes is used to enable removal of the protective cover. Thus, where the protective cover is received within an area of the container, expansion of that container area relative to the cover will enable release of the protective cover. In an alternative construction, where the protective cover is arranged to engage around an area of the container, expansion of the cover will enable its release.
- Additionally, and/or alternatively the protective cover is retained in position to prevent operation of the opening means by retaining means arranged to change state with changes in temperature.
- For example, the retaining means may be a structural member joining the protective cover to the container and arranged to degrade or change state in some manner which enables at least part of the structural member to be broken as its temperature is changed. Where the container is heated, the structural member may melt or soften, and where the container is cooled, the structural member may become frangible.
- In an embodiment of a self-heating container, the protective cover is arranged to expand upon heating relative to the container such that when the container and its contents have reached the predetermined temperature, the protective cover may be removed. For a self-cooling container, the protective cover may also be released by arranging for it to expand relative to the container. In this case, the protective cover would be arranged to contract less than the container upon cooling, for example.
- Additionally and/or alternatively, the retaining means may be in the form of a glue, adhesive or other bonding material, for example, holding the protective cover on the container and arranged to degrade upon change of temperature whereby the hold or bond is released.
- A self-heating or a self-cooling container of an embodiment of the invention may incorporate any heating or cooling mechanism. Various arrangements are described, for example, in WO 96/29255. In a preferred embodiment, the heating or cooling mechanism comprises a first chemical reactant and a second chemical reactant received within the second cavity of the container. The chemical reactants are kept apart until heating or cooling of the contents of the container is required.
- In one embodiment of a container of the invention, said opening means are formed in said first end member, and the protective cover is engaged over the opening means to prevent access thereto.
- For example, the protective cover may be attached to the first end member to extend over the opening means and deny access thereto. Alternatively, the protective cover may be a retaining device arranged to engage the opening means in a manner to prevent its operation. Where, for example, the opening means is a substantially traditional ring-pull, a retaining device may be a staple which is threaded through the user part of the ring-pull to prevent pivoting thereof relative to the first end member.
- In an alternative embodiment, said opening means are formed in said first end member, and the protective cover is engaged on the container to enclose the first end member and thereby prevent access to the opening means.
- Where the protective cover encloses the first end member, it is preferably reengageable on the container and provided with a drinking hole such that the contents of the container can be drunk through the protective cover. For example, the reengageable protective cover may be made of an insulating material such that the protective cover can act to protect the consumer from the temperature of the container. The cover also provides a more pleasant surface to drink from than the edge of a can, for example.
- The protective cover may be of any appropriate shape. In one embodiment, the cover may be of the type increasingly supplied on beverage containers at takeaway outlets, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,569.
- For hygienic reasons, the drinking hole in the protective cover may be closed by a breakable seal. The seal will be opened to reveal the drinking hole when the protective cover is reengaged on the container.
- In an embodiment, the protective cover is shaped to provide a drinking rim within which the drinking hole is formed. Furthermore, a recess is provided in the protective cover adjacent the drinking hole.
- In WO 96/29255, the second cavity of the container, which supports the heating or cooling mechanism, extends within the first cavity in which the container contents are received. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular form or structure of self-heating or self-cooling container and is applicable, for example, to a container in which the second cavity surrounds the first cavity which houses the contents. Alternatively, the first and second cavities may extend side by side.
- Although it is generally preferred that the end member for the first cavity is at the opposite end of the peripheral wall to that for the second cavity, this is not essential. The first and second end members may, if required, both be arranged at the same end of the peripheral wall.
- A self-heating or self-cooling container of the invention may be used to contain any contents which may require cooling or heating. Thus, not only is the container suitable for beverages, it may alternatively be used for foodstuffs or medicines.
- Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 shows, partly in section, a self-heating or a self-cooling container illustrating an external reactant cavity thereof and a closure for the cavity,
- FIG. 2 shows a section through a protective cover to be provided on a top end member of a container of FIG. 1,
- FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the cover of FIG. 2,
- FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a top end member of a container as in FIG. 1, and
- FIG. 5 shows schematically the use of a protective cover after opening of a container to aid drinking from the container.
- The invention is described hereinafter with reference to a self-heating beverage container having a particular design of heating mechanism. However, the invention is applicable to both self-heating and self-cooling containers and finds application irrespective of the proposed contents of the container. As described, the container has an external cavity in which heating or cooling means is received, the external cavity being closed by a closure. The invention is not limited to such an arrangement and can be used with other constructions of self-heating or self-cooling mechanisms.
- The container shown in FIG. 1 may be a metal or plastics
material beverage container 10 having a substantially cylindricalperipheral wall 12 which is closed at one end by atop end member 14. As described in WO 96/29255, abase end member 16 of the container is indented to define an elongateexternal cavity 20 which extends within theperipheral wall 12. It will is be appreciated that theperipheral wall 12 and the top andbase members internal cavity 22 in which the beverage is received. It will be seen that theexternal cavity 20 extends within thisinternal cavity 22, but is separated therefrom by the wall of thebase member 16. - The
container 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured to have the same external dimensions and shape as a conventional beverage can. This means that the can can be filled and treated on existing filling lines. Thecan 10 may be made of aluminium, as is conventional, and have a ring-pull opening means 50 (FIG. 4) in thetop end member 14 as is also usual. - The
external cavity 20 of thecan 10 is to be utilised to contain a heating mechanism. In the embodiment shown, the heating mechanism comprises a first reactant material, which, for example, may be quicklime (calcium oxide). Thecavity 20, incorporating the quicklime, is closed by aclosure 30. For the self-heating can thisclosure 30 may contain water. - When it is required to heat the contents of the
can 10, the can is inverted and stood on itstop member 14 so that the base of theclosure 30 is accessible. A button on the bottom of the base is depressed whereby awater chamber 42 within theclosure 30 is opened so that water from theclosure 30 flows over the quicklime in thereactant cavity 20 to cause the exothermic reaction. The user retains the can in its inverted position until the contents of the can have been heated to a satisfactory temperature. - The size of the
external cavity 20 and the amount of quicklime charged therein are chosen to ensure that the contents of the container can be heated within an appropriate time period of, for example, two to five minutes. However, if the contents of the container were dispensed before or during operation of the heating mechanism there would be no contents to absorb the heat generated and excessive heating of the can would result. The invention proposes that such premature opening of the can be prevented and a protective cover to be fixed to the can to enclose thetop end member 14 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. - As indicated above, the
top end member 14 of thecan 10 may be provided with opening means in the form of a ring-pull arrangement indicated generally at 50. Theprotective cover 52 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is attached to thecan 10 such that it extends over the ring-pull 50 and fully encloses thetop end member 14. Whilst theprotective cover 52, therefore, is fixed onto thecan 10, access to the ring-pull 50 is not possible. - The
protective cover 52, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, has atop end member 54 from whose periphery aperipheral rim 56 depends. Thetop end member 54 is also configured to define anannular rim 58 in which adrinking hole 60 is defined. Arecess 62 is provided adjacent thedrinking hole 60. - The
protective cover 52 may be made, for example, of a material which expands upon heating at a greater rate than the material of thecan 10. For example, the protective cover may be made of an appropriate thermoplastics material. Accordingly, after thecan 10 has been filled and sealed, theprotective cover 52 may be applied thereto, whilst hot, to enclose thetop end member 14. Thecover 52 is then allowed to cool and shrink to contract onto the can. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the protective cover may be welded, bonded or glued in place by a heat meltable or heat softenable substance. - The self-heating can10 with the
protective cover 52 applied cannot be opened because the ring-pull 50 is not accessible. Opening is only possible by removal of the protective cover and this, in its turn, requires that the contents be properly heated by operation of the heating mechanism. When the container and its contents have been heated such that they attain the predetermined temperature, thecover 52 expands and/or the glue or other bonding material melts or softens to enable removal of the cover. The ring-pull 50 may then be operated to open the can whereby the contents can be dispensed. - The protective cover can be disposed of once it has been removed. However, in the embodiment illustrated, the
protective cover 52 has been designed to make drinking from the can safer and more pleasant. Accordingly the user may push theprotective cover 52 to reengage it onto thecan 10. The user can then drink the contents of the can through thedrinking hole 60. - If required, the
drinking hole 60 may be provided with a breakable seal or cover (not shown), which can be broken to reveal the drinking hole when the contents are to be drunk from the can. This mechanism keeps contaminants from entering through the drinking hole into the cover whilst this is fixed on the can initially. - FIG. 5 shows the reengagement of a protective cover, as52, onto a
can 10 and shows the use of thecover 52 when drinking from thecan 10. In the embodiment of thecover 52 shown in FIG. 5, a further dependingrim 64 extends the first dependingrim 56. Such anadditional rim 64 could be used, if required, as the means to retain theprotective cover 52 on the can either through contraction and expansion and/or by being bonded or otherwise joined to the can. - In the embodiments described so far, it has been assumed that the
can 10 is a substantially conventional can with a ring-pull. Of course, other opening and closing means might be utilised. For example, the top end member, as 14, may be engaged on the container by screw threads or other means at its periphery. In that case, the protective cover may be in the form of an annular rim engaged around the peripheral edge of thecontainer 10. This annular rim would be removable, as described above, in response to heating of the container to enable opening of the container. The annular rim would be reengageable to provide an insulating rim for drinking from the container as described above. - It will be appreciated that other variations or modifications to the embodiments as described and illustrated may be made within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (36)
1. A method of protecting a self-heating or a self-cooling container against premature opening, the container comprising a heating or cooling mechanism for heating or cooling contents of the container, and having opening means operable to enable access to the container contents, wherein a protective cover is arranged on the container so as to prevent operation of the opening means, and wherein the method comprises the step of enabling the removal of the protective cover only when the container and its contents have attained a predetermined temperature.
2. A method of protecting a container as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the predetermined temperature is generally the steady state temperature to which the container and its contents are brought a predetermined time after the operation of the heating or cooling mechanism.
3. A method of protecting a container as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein the materials of the container and of the protective cover are arranged to react differently to changes in the temperatures to which they are subjected such that removal of the protective cover is enabled by the reactions of the container and of the protective cover to the predetermined temperature attained by the container and its contents.
4. A method of protecting a container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the protective cover is retained in position to prevent operation of the opening means by retaining means arranged to change state with changes in temperature.
5. A method of protecting a container as claimed in claim 3 , for a self-heating container, wherein, upon heating, the protective cover is arranged to expand relative to the container such that when the container and its contents have reached the predetermined temperature, the protective cover may be removed.
6. A method of protecting a container as claimed in claim 4 , for a self-heating container, wherein the protective cover is retained in position to prevent operation of the opening means by retaining means arranged to melt or soften when heated.
7. A method of protecting a container as claimed in claim 3 , for a self-cooling container, wherein, upon cooling, the protective cover is arranged to contract less than the container to provide relative expansion of the protective cover with respect to the container when the container and its contents have reached the predetermined temperature, whereby the protective cover may be removed.
8. A method of protecting a container as claimed in claim 4 , for a self-cooling container, wherein the protective cover is retained in position to prevent operation of the opening means by retaining means arranged to become frangible when cooled.
9. A method of protecting a container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container has a first end closed by an end member in which the opening means is formed, and wherein the protective cover is a removable cover arranged to engage on the container to enclose the first end member and thereby prevent access to the opening means.
10. A method of protecting a container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the container has a first end closed by an end member in which the opening means is formed, and wherein the protective cover is engaged over the opening means to prevent access thereto.
11. A self-heating or a self-cooling container having a heating or cooling mechanism for heating or cooling contents of the container, and opening means operable to enable access to the container contents, said container further comprising a protective cover arranged on the container so as to prevent operation of the opening means, the arrangement being such that the removal of the protective cover is enabled only when the container and its contents have attained a predetermined temperature whereby the container is protected against premature opening.
12. A container as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the materials of the container and of the protective cover are arranged to react differently to changes in the temperatures to which they are subjected such that removal of the protective cover is enabled by the reactions of the container and of the protective cover to the predetermined temperature attained by the container and its contents.
13. A container as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 , further comprising retaining means to retain the protective cover in position to prevent operation of the opening means, wherein the retaining means are arranged to change state with changes in temperature.
14. A self-heating container as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the protective cover is arranged, upon heating, to expand relative to the container such that, when the container and its contents have reached the predetermined temperature, the protective cover is removable.
15. A self-heating container as claimed in claim 13 , wherein said retaining means are arranged to melt or soften when heated.
16. A self-cooling container as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the protective cover is arranged, upon cooling, to contract less than the container such that, when the container and its contents have reached the predetermined temperature, the protective cover has expanded relative to the container and is removable therefrom.
17. A self-cooling container as claimed in claim 13 , wherein said retaining means are arranged to become frangible when cooled.
18. A container as claimed in any of claims 11 to 17 , further comprising a first end closed by an end member in which the opening means is formed, and wherein the protective cover is a removable cover arranged to engage on the container to enclose the first end member and thereby prevent access to the opening means.
19. A container as claimed in any of claims 11 to 17 , further comprising a first end closed by an end member in which the opening means is formed, the protective cover being engaged over the opening means to prevent access thereto.
20. A self-heating or self-cooling container comprising a tubular peripheral wall within which first and second separated cavities extend, the first cavity receiving the contents of the container, and the second cavity housing a heating or cooling mechanism, a first end member closing the first cavity, and a second end member closing the second cavity, and opening means operable to enable access to the contents of the container formed in, or associated with, said first end member, said container further comprising a protective cover for protecting against premature opening of the container, said protective cover being arranged on the container so as to prevent operation of the opening means, the arrangement being such that removal of the protective cover is enabled only when the container and its contents have attained a predetermined temperature.
21. A self-heating or self-cooling container as claimed in claim 20 , wherein the container and the protective cover react differently to changes in the temperatures to which they are subjected such that their relative sizes alter and removal of the protective cover is enabled when the container and it contents attain the predetermined temperature.
22. A self-heating or self-cooling container as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21 , further comprising retaining means to retain the protective cover in position to prevent operation of the opening means, the retaining means being arranged to change state with changes in temperature.
23. A self-heating container as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the protective cover is arranged, when heated, to expand relative to the container such that, when the container and its contents have reached the predetermined temperature, the protective cover is removable.
24. A self-heating container as claimed in claim 22 , wherein the retaining means are arranged to melt or soften when heated.
25. A self-cooling container as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the protective cover is arranged, upon cooling, to contract less than the container such that, when the container and its contents have reached the predetermined temperature the protective cover has expanded relative to the container and is removable therefrom.
26. A self-cooling container as claimed in claim 22 , wherein the retaining means are arranged to become frangible when cooled.
27. A container as claimed in any of claims 20 to 26 , wherein said opening means are formed in said first end member, and the protective cover is engaged over the opening means to prevent access thereto.
28. A container as claimed in any of claims 20 to 26 , wherein said opening means are formed in said first end member, and the protective cover is engaged on the container to enclose the first end member and thereby prevent access to the opening means.
29. A container as claimed in any of claims 20 to 28 , wherein said second cavity extends within the first cavity, and the first cavity opens at one end of the peripheral wall and the second cavity opens at the other, opposite, end of the peripheral wall.
30. A container as claimed in any of claims 11 to 29 , wherein said protective cover is reengageable on the container and has a drinking hole such that the contents of the container can be drunk through the protective cover.
31. A container as claimed in claim 30 , wherein said protective cover is made of an insulating material.
32. A container as claimed in claim 30 or claim 31 , wherein the drinking hole in the protective cover is closed by a breakable seal.
33. A container as claimed in any of claims 30 to 32 , wherein the protective cover is shaped to provide a drinking rim within which the drinking hole is formed, and wherein a recess is provided in the protective cover adjacent the drinking hole.
34. A container as claimed in any of claims 11 to 33 , wherein the protective cover comprises an end wall from the periphery of which a peripheral rim depends, the peripheral rim being appropriately shaped to engage on the peripheral wall of the container.
35. A method of protecting a self-heating or a self-cooling container against premature opening substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
36. A self-heating or a self-cooling container substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB9924379.2A GB9924379D0 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 1999-10-15 | Improvements to beverage containers |
GB9924379.2 | 1999-10-15 | ||
PCT/GB2000/003968 WO2001028394A1 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 2000-10-16 | Self-heating or self-cooling containers |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2000/003968 Continuation WO2001028394A1 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 2000-10-16 | Self-heating or self-cooling containers |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020117163A1 true US20020117163A1 (en) | 2002-08-29 |
Family
ID=10862770
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/121,838 Abandoned US20020117163A1 (en) | 1999-10-15 | 2002-04-15 | Self-heating of self-cooling containers |
Country Status (13)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20020117163A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1220632A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2003511318A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20020040874A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1379638A (en) |
AU (1) | AU7807100A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2387499A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9924379D0 (en) |
IL (1) | IL148985A0 (en) |
PL (1) | PL355846A1 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2002109600A (en) |
TR (1) | TR200201024T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001028394A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080179311A1 (en) * | 2007-01-25 | 2008-07-31 | Fuat Koro | Infant feeding system |
US20090199843A1 (en) * | 2007-09-26 | 2009-08-13 | William Farone | Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance |
US20100078010A1 (en) * | 2007-05-03 | 2010-04-01 | Kolb Kenneth W | Insertable Thermotic Module for Self-Heating Can |
US20100206889A1 (en) * | 2007-07-13 | 2010-08-19 | Fast Drinks 2005, S.L | Self-heatable container |
US20100227027A1 (en) * | 2009-03-09 | 2010-09-09 | John Ford | Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance |
US20100224510A1 (en) * | 2009-03-09 | 2010-09-09 | Heat Wave Technologies, Llc | Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance |
US20110240656A1 (en) * | 2010-07-19 | 2011-10-06 | Alvin Widitora | Heated Container |
US20150035676A1 (en) * | 2011-07-07 | 2015-02-05 | Omarco Network Solutions Limited | Personal security devices |
CN113412963A (en) * | 2021-08-04 | 2021-09-21 | 云南中烟工业有限责任公司 | Cigarette with self-heating function and using method |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CH713295A2 (en) * | 2016-12-28 | 2018-06-29 | Faitron Ag | Packed vessel. |
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US20010000373A1 (en) * | 1999-04-07 | 2001-04-26 | Beck Martin H. | Blow molded container with memory shrink closure attachment and method of making the same |
US6266879B1 (en) * | 1999-08-26 | 2001-07-31 | Ontro, Inc. | Container with integral module for heating or cooling the contents and method for its manufacture |
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US4589569A (en) | 1983-10-24 | 1986-05-20 | Solo Cup Company | Lid for drinking cup |
US4793323A (en) * | 1986-07-16 | 1988-12-27 | Blusei S.P.A. | Single-use self-heating container for liquids and/or solids |
EP0344541A1 (en) * | 1988-06-02 | 1989-12-06 | Brevetti Sanvitale S.R.L. | Single-dose espresso maker for infusions in general, to be disposed of after use |
US5626022A (en) | 1994-05-31 | 1997-05-06 | Insta-Heat, Inc. | Container with integral module for heating or cooling the contents |
EP0815023B1 (en) | 1995-03-23 | 2002-06-05 | Matthew John Searle | Beverage container with heating or cooling insert |
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1999
- 1999-10-15 GB GBGB9924379.2A patent/GB9924379D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2000
- 2000-10-16 EP EP00968116A patent/EP1220632A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-10-16 AU AU78071/00A patent/AU7807100A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-10-16 RU RU2002109600/12A patent/RU2002109600A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-10-16 KR KR1020027004814A patent/KR20020040874A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-10-16 WO PCT/GB2000/003968 patent/WO2001028394A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-10-16 PL PL00355846A patent/PL355846A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-10-16 IL IL14898500A patent/IL148985A0/en unknown
- 2000-10-16 JP JP2001530996A patent/JP2003511318A/en active Pending
- 2000-10-16 TR TR2002/01024T patent/TR200201024T2/en unknown
- 2000-10-16 CN CN00814284A patent/CN1379638A/en active Pending
- 2000-10-16 CA CA002387499A patent/CA2387499A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2002
- 2002-04-15 US US10/121,838 patent/US20020117163A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
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US20010000373A1 (en) * | 1999-04-07 | 2001-04-26 | Beck Martin H. | Blow molded container with memory shrink closure attachment and method of making the same |
US6266879B1 (en) * | 1999-08-26 | 2001-07-31 | Ontro, Inc. | Container with integral module for heating or cooling the contents and method for its manufacture |
Cited By (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080179311A1 (en) * | 2007-01-25 | 2008-07-31 | Fuat Koro | Infant feeding system |
US20100078010A1 (en) * | 2007-05-03 | 2010-04-01 | Kolb Kenneth W | Insertable Thermotic Module for Self-Heating Can |
US20100206889A1 (en) * | 2007-07-13 | 2010-08-19 | Fast Drinks 2005, S.L | Self-heatable container |
US8944045B2 (en) | 2007-07-13 | 2015-02-03 | Fast Drinks 2005, S.L. | Self-heatable container |
US8556108B2 (en) | 2007-09-26 | 2013-10-15 | Heat Wave Technologies, Llc | Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance |
US20090199843A1 (en) * | 2007-09-26 | 2009-08-13 | William Farone | Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance |
US9603483B2 (en) | 2007-09-26 | 2017-03-28 | Heat Wave Technologies, Llc | Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance |
US20100227027A1 (en) * | 2009-03-09 | 2010-09-09 | John Ford | Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance |
US8360048B2 (en) | 2009-03-09 | 2013-01-29 | Heat Wave Technologies, Llc | Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance |
US8578926B2 (en) | 2009-03-09 | 2013-11-12 | Heat Wave Technologies, Llc | Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance |
US8783244B2 (en) | 2009-03-09 | 2014-07-22 | Heat Wave Technologies, Llc | Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance |
US9175876B2 (en) | 2009-03-09 | 2015-11-03 | Heat Wave Technologies, Llc | Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance |
US9598186B2 (en) | 2009-03-09 | 2017-03-21 | Heat Wave Technologies, Llc | Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance |
US20100224510A1 (en) * | 2009-03-09 | 2010-09-09 | Heat Wave Technologies, Llc | Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance |
US20110240656A1 (en) * | 2010-07-19 | 2011-10-06 | Alvin Widitora | Heated Container |
US9016511B2 (en) * | 2010-07-19 | 2015-04-28 | Silgan Containers Llc | Heated container |
US20150035676A1 (en) * | 2011-07-07 | 2015-02-05 | Omarco Network Solutions Limited | Personal security devices |
CN113412963A (en) * | 2021-08-04 | 2021-09-21 | 云南中烟工业有限责任公司 | Cigarette with self-heating function and using method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
PL355846A1 (en) | 2004-05-31 |
TR200201024T2 (en) | 2002-09-23 |
JP2003511318A (en) | 2003-03-25 |
KR20020040874A (en) | 2002-05-30 |
EP1220632A1 (en) | 2002-07-10 |
RU2002109600A (en) | 2003-11-27 |
CA2387499A1 (en) | 2001-04-26 |
AU7807100A (en) | 2001-04-30 |
IL148985A0 (en) | 2002-11-10 |
CN1379638A (en) | 2002-11-13 |
GB9924379D0 (en) | 1999-12-15 |
WO2001028394A1 (en) | 2001-04-26 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: THERMOTIC DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SEARLE, MATTHEW J.;REEL/FRAME:012789/0574 Effective date: 20020405 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |