AU2015201879A1 - Instant self-heating containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Instant seif-heating containers include a combinable reactant and activator used to generate an exothermic reaction for heating contents of the container. One instant self heating container includes a target container, a pierceable activator container and a reaction chamber Piercing the activator container causes activator to combine with the reactant and cause an exothermic reaction that heats the target container, The container may be used as depilatory wax dispenser. Another instant self-heating container includes an outer housing containing a contents pouch and a reactant, and capped by a lid having an activator chamber. Rupturing the activator chamber allows activator to combine with the reactant in an exothermic reaction to heat the contents pouch. Another instant self-heating container includes a flexible outer tube containing contents to be heated, a flexible reaction vessel, and a frangible activator vessel, Bending the outer tube causes the activator vessel to rupture and cause an exothermic reaction, N ,~ ~ ~i ~1 /1' ii (N \ fi Vv~ \ I I fl I N i~ ~1 'N Ii )4~i I! --- ~ / N __

Description

INSTANT SELF-HEATING CONTAINERS 5 CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a divisional of Australian Patent Application No. 2010276525, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 10 FIELD 100021 The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to self-heating containers, and in particular to instant self-heating containers for dispensing heated products. BACKGROUND 100031 One problem with most beverages, ready-to-eat foods, and other products that 15 require heating is that they are not hot straight out of the container. Rather, they must be heated by external means Although instant teas or soups can be heated by adding hot or boiling water to the container, this assumes that the user has access to a supply of hot water. Many times this is simply not true. For example, the user may be outdoors or otherwise without access to microwaves, stoves, electricity or heating fuel. Further, in 20 emergency situations, instant access to heated beverages, food or other products may be vital to survival. 100041 A related problem is found in the spa and beauty industries which make wide spread use of heated waxes and resins to remove unwanted hair and hair follicles from various body parts, such the eyebrow, upper lip, arm pit, bikini line, legs, arms, and other 25 areas of the body. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "wax" or "resin is understood to encompass any heated depilatory agent. In a typical wax depilating 30 session, a bulk of wax or similar substance is heated by electrical means in a container, such as a can, tub, or pot. It can be difficult, particularly for a home user without access to specialized heating equipment, to heat and maintain the wax at the correct temperature without dangerously overheating it. 5 0005] Once heated, the wax is applied to the hair and underlying skin by a spreader tool such as a tongue depressor or applicator. The heated wax is scooped tip by the esthetician or home user via the applicator, and spread onto the treatment area in a sufficient amount and allowed to cool or congeal. Multiple dips into the heated wax container are needed to cover the treatment area. After cooling, the user grasps the 10 hardened wax layer and quickly pulls the congealed wax off the skin, thus removing the hair away from the skin. In a soft wax application, the usage is very much the same except with the addition of a gauze or similar strip being applied over the wax as the carrier to lend dimensional stability to the wax as it is being pulled from the treatment area. 15 {0006] In all depilatory wax-based applications, sanitation is a concern as "double dipping" may occur or multiple contacts between the applicator, skin, and bulk wax. Specifically, when the applicator is used against the skin, dead skin cells, hair and debris, and potential pathogens stick to the wax on the applicator. When the operator reloads the applicator by scooping up additional wax from the bulk wax, the bulk wax can be subject 20 to contamination from contact with the skin, dead skin cells, hair and debris on the applicator. in practice, cross contamination from multiple people has been a growing concern, as increased incidences of skin-related illnesses have been reported from "later" customers. For example, skin conditions such as impetigo, herpes simplex, ringworm, scabies, warts and many other conditions including afflictions derived from fungus, 25 viruses, and bacteria can be communicated to later customers via the bulk wx container. 100071 Another complication is that the bulk wax takes a significant period of time to heat, therefore, the treatment and disposal of contaminated wax can be a significant cost in both time and energy. Also, handling large quantities of wax can be a difficult matter, especially in view of the treatment and disposal concerns above. 2 [00081 To solve the various problems outlined above, many solutions have been proposed. For example, instant-hot beverages and soups have been provided in which the outer container includes an inner contents chamber (to hold the beverage, soup or other contents to be heated), a quick-lime chamber, and a water chamber. The user causes the 5 water chamber to communicate with the quick lime chamber, and the combination of water and quick-lime gives rise to a fast exothermic reaction (for example see U.S. Patent No. 7,117,684 to Scudder et al.). While these known instant-hot containers provide the user with heated contents, they have drawbacks. First, the quick-lime and water reaction completes very quickly so that although the contents are initially hot, they 10 begin to cool down as soon as the exothermic reaction completes, which may be a matter of only a few minutes. Second, the quick-lime exothermic reaction is extremely hot and can lead to contents that are dangerously hot and thus requires a container that can withstand extremely high temperatures Finally, the quick-line and water combination creates a hot slurry that can easily leak out of the container and cause burns unless a 15 complicated one-way valve is provided that allows gas to escape but keeps the slurry inside the reaction area of the container [0009] Another significant problem with known instant self heating containers is that the heated slurry tends to only contact the bottom of the contents chamber so that the contents at the bottom of the contents chamber are initially much hotter than the contents 20 at the top of the chamber. Where the contents are dispensed from the top of the outer container, this means that the contents which leave the container first are coolest while the hottest contents remain at the bottom of the contents chamber. 100101 Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an instant self heating food and beverage container that has a long-lasting heat source so that the beverage or food 25 can be maintained at a relatively constant elevated temperature for a relatively long duration of time. There is also a need for an instant self-heating container that dispenses the hottest contents first while allowing the cooler contents to continue heating, A need also exists for an instant self-heating container that heats the entire contents more quickly and uniformly, Similarly, there is a need for a way to rapidly and unifornly heat 30 depilatory wax in single-use containers so that users can quickly apply hot wax without the need for a large container that is subject to contamination. Finally, it would also he 3 advantageous to provide an instant self-heating container that can be made from relatively inexpensive, disposable materials. SUMMARY 100HlI The instant self-heating containers disclosed below satisfy these needs, The 5 following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later, 10 100121 In one embodiment, an instant self-heating container includes a first shell that has a target container containing contents to be heated, and an activator container containing an activator. The activator container has a bottom, and the activator container and the target container each have container walls preventing intermixing of the contents to be heated and the activator. A second shell is external to and nested with the first 15 shell. 'The second shell includes a reaction chamber nested with the target container and an activator receiving chamber nested with the activator chamber and in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, A reactant is disposed in the reaction chamber and a piercer is disposed in the activator container of the first shell, When the piercer is actuated, such as by pushing it down by a user, the bottom of the activator 20 container is pierced thereby placing the activator container in fluid communication with the activator receiving chamber and allowing activator to travel from the activator container into the activator receiving chamber and into the reaction chamber, where the activator combines with the reactant thereby causing an exothermic reaction in the reaction chamber that heats the contents to be heated in the target container. 25 [00131 The instant self-heating container may also include a contents cover sealing the contents to be heated inside the target container the contents cover having at least a portion that is openable to provide access to the target container. The instant self-heating container may also have an activator cover sealing the activator inside the activator container. Further, the contents cover and the activator cover may be integral parts of a 30 single container cover. If so, the first shell further may include a flat flange 4 circumscribing the target container and the activator container, so that the single container cover is a peel-back cover adhered to the flat flange of the first shell. [0014] The target container may have a bottom with at least one protrusion extending upwardly into the target container. Such a protrusion may be in the shape of a single 5 ring, or of two or more concentric rings. The instant self-heating container may also include a second protrusion in the bottom of the target container in the shape of a second ring concentric with the first ring. [00151 in another embodiment, an instant self-heating container has an outer housing with an open tipper end and a closed lower end. A lid is attached to the open upper end 10 of the outer housing and includes a dispenser aperture and an activator chamber A piercer is disposed inside the activator chamber. A reactant is disposed inside the outer housing at the closed lower end of the housing. A contents container with a lower end and a sealed upper end is disposed inside the outer housing above the reactant. The contents container contains contents to be heated, A conduit is in fluid communication 15 between the lower end of the contents container and the dispenser aperture of the lid. When the piercer is actuated, the activator chamber in the lid is pierced thereby permitting the activator to flow inside the outer housing and combine with the reactant at the closed lower end of the outer housing to cause an exothermic reaction that heats the contents to be heated in the contents container. 20 [0016] The lid may also include a vent for venting reaction gases from the outer housing. The lid may also include a hernetic seal that prevents the contents to be heated from escaping from the instant self-heating container prior to breaking the hermetic seal. The activator chamber of the lid may have a lower end comprising a thin film so that the activator chamber is pierced by pushing the piercer through the thin film. The activator 25 chamber may also have a downwardly displaceable upper end that contacts the piercer at least when downward force is applied to the upper end of the activator chamber. [0017] The contents container inside the outer housing may be a pouch, and the pouch have a lower end comprising nestable external and intemal gussets. The internal gusset of the pouch may include at least one percolation aperture. The conduit 30 connecting the lower end of the contents container to the dispenser aperture of the lid 5 may be a straw or may be integrally formed as part of the contents container, particularly where the contents container is a pouch. The reactant at the lower end of the inside of the outer housing may be in direct contact with the lower end of the contents container. Alternatively, the reactant may be disposed inside a pouch in direct contact with the 5 lower end of the contents container, The contents to be heated may be released from the contents container through the dispenser aperture in metered volumes. 100181 In another embodiment, an instant self-heating container is particularly suitable for use as a depilatory wax dispenser. In this embodiment, an instant self-heating depilatory container includes an outer enclosure with an opening and an inner enclosure 10 substantially interior to the outer enclosure and sealed around a periphery of the opening thereby forming an enclosed reaction cavity between the inner enclosure and the outer enclosure. The inner enclosure also includes a receiving cavity disposed inside the inner enclosure. The instant self-heating depilatory container also includes an activator well with an open end and a closed end, the closed end being in communication with the 15 enclosed reaction cavity and providing a breachabic passageway to the enclosed reaction cavity. A depilatory material is contained within the receiving cavity and a reactant is disposed within the enclosed reaction cavity, the reactant being activated by an activator contained within the activator well to generate an exothermic reaction when the activator is introduced into the enclosed reaction cavity via the breachable passageway to provide a 20 regulated heating of the depilatory material. [00191 The instant self-heating depilatory container may also include a removable seal enclosing the receiving cavity. The activator may be an electrolyte solution, water or other liquid. The activator well may be interior or exterior to the inner enciosure. An open tray may be connected to the outer enclosure. The breachable passageway may be 25 breached by exerting a force to the closed end. An aromatic compound may be disposed in at least one of the reaction cavity and inner well. The depilatory compound may be wax-based or resin-based, without limitation. The inner enclosure may be donut-shaped, and the outer enclosure may be disposable. 100201 In another embodiment, an instant self-heating container is particularly 30 suitable for use as a heated contents dispenser In this embodiment, an instant self 6 heating dispenser includes a flexible outer tube having a first end with a dispensing nozzle and an open second end. The outer tube contains contents to be heated. A flexible reaction vessel is disposed inside the outer tube and is in contact with the contents to be heated. The reaction vessel contains a reactant. A frangible activator vessel is disposed 5 inside the reaction vessel and contains an activator. A cap is attached to the open second end of the outer tube and covers the reaction vessel and the open second end of the outer tube, and also includes a vent. Bending the outer tube causes the frangible activator vessel to rupture and release activator into the reaction vessel where the activator combines with the reactant and causes an exothennic reaction that heats the contents to 10 be heated in the outer tube. [00211 The contents to be heated in the flexible outer tube may be a depilatory wax, and there may be an applicator attached to the dispensing nozzle of the flexible outer tube. The applicator may include a roller, at least two parallel paddles, or a squeegee (flexible rubber blade). A membrane may be adhered over the vent in the cap to seal the 15 reaction vessel, and the membrane may be adhered over the vent in the cap with a water based adhesive that dissolves in steam produced by the exothermic reaction caused by combining the activator and the reactant in the reaction vessel. The reactant may be disposed in an elongate water permeable pouch inside the reaction vessel. [00221 To the accomplishment of the fbregoing and related ends, certain illustrative 20 aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the appended drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed 25 description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0023] Figure I is a perspective view of an instant self-heating container. [0024] Figure 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the instant self-heating container of Figure 1. 7 [0025] Figure 3 is another perspective view of the instant-self heating container of Figure 1 [00261 Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a piercer for an instant self heating container. 5 100271 Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an instant self heating container. 100281 Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the instant self-heating container of Figure 5. [0029] Figure 6B is a top plan view of a piercer used in the instant self-heating 10 container of Figure 5. 10030] Figure 6C is a perspective view of the piercer of Figure 61. 100311 Figure 7 is a perspective view of a contends container pouch of the instant self heating container of Figure 5, shown prior to full assembly. [0032] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional profile view of the middle of a contents container 15 pouch of the instant self-heating container of Figure 5. 100331 Figure 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an instant self-heating depilatory container. [0034] Figure 10 is a top view of the instant self-heating depilatory container of Figure 9. 20 [00351 Figure I1 is a cross-sectional side view of the instant self-heating depilatory container of Figure 9. 100361 Figure 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the instant self-heating depilatory container of Figure 9, with a downward force being applied. [0037] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the instant self-heating depilatory 25 container of Figure 9, after the downward force is released. 100381 Figure 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the instant self-heating depilatory container of Figure 9 with the sealing membrane removed. 100391 Figure 15A-B are cross-sectional side views of the instant self-heating depilatory container of Figure 9in use, 8 100401 Figure 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an instant self heating depilatory container. 100411 Figure 17 is a perspective view of the instant self-heating depilatory container of Figure 16 with the sealing membrane removed. 5 100421 Figure 18 is a cross-sectional side view of the instant self-heating depilatory container of Figure 16. 100431 Figure 19 a perspective view of another embodiment of an instant self-heating depilatory container. 100441 Figure 20 is a front plan view of an embodiment of an instant self-heating 10 dispenser, 100451 Figure 20A is a perspective view of an alternate applicator with parallel paddles for use with the instant self-heating dispenser of Figure 20. [0046] Figure 20B is a perspective view of an alternate applicator with a squeegee for use with the instant self-heating dispenser of Figure 20 15 [00471 Figure 21 is an exploded and hidden lines view of the outer tube, reaction vessel and activator vessel of the instant self-heating dispenser of Figure 20. [00481 Figure 22 is an exploded view of the instant self-heating dispenser of Figure 20, 100491 Figure 23 is a perspective view of the instant self-heating dispenser of Figure 20 20 being bent and activated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0050] The embodiments disclosed below address a need for a relatively inexpensive instant self-heating container that remains at an elevated temperature for a relatively long duration of time. In one embodiment, an instant self-heating container includes a first 25 shell that has a target container containing contents to be heated, and an activator container containing an activator. The activator container has a bottom, and the activator container and the target container each have container walls preventing intermixing of the contents to be heated and the activator, A second shell is exernal to and nested whh the first shell, The second shell includes a reaction chamber nested with the target container 30 and an activator receiving chamber nested with the activator chamber and in fluid 9 communication with the reaction chamber. A reactant is disposed in the reaction chamber and a piercer is mounted in the activator container of the first shell. When the piercer is pushed down by a user, the bottom of the activator chamber is pierced thereby placing the activator chamber in fluid communication with the activator receiving 5 chamber and allowing activator to travel from the activator chamber into the activator receiving chamber and into the reaction chamber and combining with the reactant thereby causing an exothermic reaction in the reaction chamber that heats contents to be heated in the target container, 100511 Figure 1 shows one embodiment of an instant self-heating container. Self 10 heating container I includes first shell 2 and second shell 4. First shell 2 and second shell 4 are nested together and may or may not be bonded together. First shell 2 includes target container 10 which has target container walls 12. First shell 2 further includes activator container 20 which has activator container walls 22. Target container 10 contains the contents to be heated, which may be a beverage, food, or anything else 15 desired to be heated. Activator container contains activator 24 (see Figure 2). Container wails 12 and 22 prevent intermixing of the contents to be heated and activator 24. [00521 As seen in Figure 2, target container 10 has a bottom surface with one or more protrusions 14 which, in this embodiment, are in the form of concentric rings. Figure 3 shows protrusions 14 from above, looking down into target container 10. Additionally, 20 activator container 20 may include piercer 26, which in this embodiment is a rigid plastic spear. However, piercer 26 may not be included with self-heating container 1 as a user may use a knife, pen or other external instrument to pierce activator container (a process described more fully below). To prevent piercer 26 from puncturing second shell 4, second shell 4 may be made from a thicker and/or stronger material than the bottom of 25 activator container 24. Additionally, the distance from the bottom of activator container 24 to second shell 4 may be sufficiently large that piercer 26 will not contact second shell 4 after being pushed by the user, [00531 In an alternate embodiment (not depicted), the piercer may be replaced by other means for placing the activator container in fluid communication with the activator 30 receiving chamber. For example, an external "pull string" may be connected to an 10 internal "pull tab" such that once the string is pulled, the tab disengages and opens a hole in the activator container to allow fluid to exit the activator container into the activator receiving chamber, [00541 In another embodiment, shown in Figure 4, piercer 26 is a cross-shaped 5 pointed member that spans the diameter of activator container 20. The upper end of piercer 26 is adjacent the upper end of activator container 20 so that a user can press down on it easily without removing any cover sealing activator container 20. The cross shaped profile of piercer 26 serves to create a large hole in the bottom of activator container 20 so as to quickly empty all of the contents of activator container 20 without 10 piercer 26 itself blocking the hole it creates. 100551 Second shell 4 includes reaction chamber 30 containing reactant 32. Second shell 4 also includes activator receiving chamber 40. As can be seen, reaction chamber 30 and activator receiving chamber 40 are in fluid communication with one another via spillway 42. It can thus be seen that when a user pierces the bottom of activator container 15 20 by pushing down on piercer 26 (or by using an external implementt, activator 24 will travel into activator receiving chamber 40, down spillway 42, and into reaction chamber 30 where it will contact reactant 32 and set off an exothermic reaction. 100561 Reactant 32 and activator 24 may be any chemicals that, when combined, undergo an exothermic reaction. Examples of exothernic reactions that can be used to 20 heat target container 10 include the combination of water with strong acids, combining alkalis and acids, polymerization, thermite reaction, aluminum -based reactions, magnesium-iron-based reactions, anhydride-based reactions, and so forth. One particularly suitable, non-toxic exothermic composition is Lava Gel@ (manufactured by Forever Young International, Ine, Escondido, Califoria, USA) which is known to exhibit 25 a very controlled temperature for an extended period of time, with simply the addition of water or an electrolyte solution, such as saline water (as the activator). However, other reactants may be used, according to design preference, including reactants that require activation or moderation by more than one activator compound or element. [0057] Thus, in this embodiment, when the user pierces activator chamber 20, 30 activator 24 flows out of activator chamber 20, down spillway 42, and into reaction 11 chamber 30. The powder mixture turns into a heat-producing gel as reactant 32 and activator 30 simultaneously begin to undergo an exothermic reaction. Thus, reaction chamber 30 fills with an exothermic gel. 10058] The use of an exothermic gel, such as Lava GeIThI, provides important 5 advantages. Where activator 24 is water, the gel sequesters the water so that it cannot leak out of the reaction chamber 30. Thus, the need for a complex valve that allows gas to escape from reaction chamber 30 without allowing liquid to escape is eliminated. The exothermic gel is so viscous that it cannot leak out of the opening created by piercer 26 in activator chamber 20, even though gases such as steam can stll escape. 10 [00591 The exothermic gel expands (relative to the volume of the dry powder mixture) and oozes up the sides of target container 10 between first shell 2 and second shell 4. The gel also expands into cavities underneath protrusions 14. Thus, the exothennic gel contacts the outer surface of target container 10 over a very broad surface area. This allows the exothermic gel to quickly and evenly heat target container 10. In 15 an alternative embodiment, protrusion 14 may be embossed lettering such as a logo, or a cylindrical or conical protrusion extending vertically upward into target container 10, optionally all the way up to the top of target container 10 such that target container 10 is annular. j0060J Returning to Figure 1, first shell 2 also includes peripheral flange 6. 20 Peripheral flange 6 provides a flat surface for an adhesive foil cover to be adhered to first shell 2, thereby sealing the contents to be heated inside target container 10 and activator 24 inside activator container 20. First shell 2 may also include spout 8 to aid drinking from target container 10 where the contents to be heated are a beverage or soup. The adhesive foil cover may have a small peel-back portion over spout 8 so that only a small 25 portion of target container 10 is uncovered when the contents to be heated are consumed or poured out. [00611 The contents inside target container 10 may be anything at all, including foods and non-foods. In one embodiment, the contents to be heated are liquid herbal tea. In this embodiment, which is particularly well suited for use in spas, activator container 20 30 may contain aromatherapeutic oils. These oils will flow into reaction chamber 30 along 12 with activator 24 and therefore are heated by the exothermic reaction between activator 24 and reactant 32. This heating of the oils causes them to release beneficial aromatherapeutic vapors that help to relax the tea drinker. Alternatively, or in addition, aromatherapeutic or perfume particles may be included in reaction chamber 30 so as to 5 release aromatherapeutic gases during the exothermic reaction. [0062] First and second nested shells 2 and 4 provide self-heating container 1 with a relatively simple construction. Either or both of shells 2 and 4 can be made from molded plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene or other polymers. This means that self heating container 1 can be manufactured very inexpensively so that self-heating container 10 1 may be disposable. Also, one or more of the shells 2, 4 may be manufactured from water resistant paper, plastic, metals, and so forth. In some embodiments, one or more of the shells 2, 4 may also be biodegradable. Further, particularly where Lava GelPM is the reactant used, there is no danger of self-heating container I melting because the reacting chemicals do not attain dangerously high temperatures. Additionally, the heat of the 15 exothermic reaction continues for a relatively long time, from 15 minutes to an hour or more, when Lava GelTM is the reactant used, Thus, not only do the contents of target container 10 stay warm for an extended period of time when compared to existing self heating devices, self-heating container 1 itself can be used as a hand-warmer after the contents to be heated have been consumed or disposed of. 20 [00631 It is to be understood that self-heating container I may have a wide variety of shapes and sizes, For example, the containers are not necessarily round and may be rectangular or polygonal. The dimensions may vary widely from only I -2 inches in length and/or height to several feet in length and/or height, and any size in between. In particular, it should be noted that the dimensions shown in Figure 2 are just one possible 25 example of the dimensions of self-heating container I and should in no way be taken as limiting. [00641 Another embodiment of an instant self-healing container is shown in Figures 5 and 6. Instant self-heating container 50 includes outer housing 52 which has an open upper end and a closed lower end. Lid 54 is attached to the open upper end of outer 30 housing 52 and may be permanently bonded to housing 52 by thermal or ultrasonic 13 welding, adhesives, or any other suitable means. Lid 54 includes dispenser aperture 56 (which may be surrounded by a drinking well depression in the upper surface of lid 54) and vent 57, both of which are in fluid communication with the interior volunie of outer housing 52. Lid 54 also includes activator chamber 58 which is surrounded by moat 59. 5 100651 As best shown in Figure 6A, which is a cross-sectional view of instant self heating container 50 taken along the vertical plane passing through the centers of dispensing aperture 56, vent 57, and activator chamber 58, activator chamber 58 contains activator 62 and piercer 64. Activator 62 is retained within activator chamber 58 by membrane 65, which may be a thin foil adhered to the undersurface of inoat 59 so as to 10 stretch across the bottom of activator chamber 58 thereby forming a sealed lower end of activator chamber 58. Activator chamber 58 also contains piercer 64 which is a relatively sharp object capable of piercing membrane 65 when downward pressure is applied externally to the upper surface of activator chamber 58 so as to urge piercer 64 against membrane 65. Fiercer 64 may be free-floating within activatorchamber 58 or mayhe 1.5 integrally formed therewith, Piercer 64 is shown in greater detail in Figures 6-B and 6C, As can be seen, piercer 64 has a cross-shaped profile and is pointed at its lower end and flat at its upper end, This shape of piercer 64 is particularly advantageous because it cleanly ruptures membrane 65 without self-sealing the rupture formed in membrane 65. This ensures that all of activator 62 will be released from activator chamber 58. 20 100661 Continuing with Figure 6, hermetic seal 60 covers the entire upper end of lid 54, As dispensing aperture 56 and vent 57 are the only paths of fluid communication between the interior of outer housing 52 and the atmosphere, hermetic seal 60 prevents any of the contents of outer housing 52 from escaping prior to activation of self-heating container 50 by a user, Hermetic seal 60 may be a thin foil adhered to the upper surface 25 of lid 54, and may include a pull tab to assist a user in removing hermetic seal 54. {00671 As also shown in Figure 6, outer housing 52 contains reactant 66 which, in the ilustrated embodient, is shown contained within a permeable pouch. However, reactant 66 may also be free-floating within outer housing 52, Outer housing 52 also contains contents container 70 which contains the substance to be heated, hereinafter 30 referred to as contents 74. Contents 74 may be a beverage, soup, or any other liquid 14 including non-food liquids which require heating, In the illustrated embodiment, contents container 70 is a pouch with a gusseted bottom and is sealed around its periphery by peripheral seal 77. [00681 The construction of one embodiment of contents container 70 is shown in 5 greater detail in Figures 7 and 8. In this embodiment, contents container 70 is a pouch. Figure 7 shows contents container 70 prior to bonding together external panels 80 along peripheral seal 77 to form the pouch. Figure 8 shows a profile cross-sectional view of the middle of contents container 70 after external panels 80 have been bonded together along peripheral seal 77. As seen in Figures 7 and 8, the bottom of contents container 70 10 comprises two nestable gussets, outer gusset 82 and inner gusset 84. As used herein, the term "nestable" means that when contents container 70 is evacuated, inner gusset 84 can fold over and nest with outer gusset 82. The presence of inner gusset 84 inside contents container 70 divides contents container 70 into lower chamber 83 and upper chamber 85. Inner gusset 84 also includes one or more percolation apertures 86 which allow fluid 15 communication between upper chamber 85 and lower chamber 83 for a purpose to be described below. The number and size of percolation apertures 86 is not critical, but in one embodiment there are three percolation apertures 86 which are each approximately 0.45 cm in diameter. However, if more percolation apertures 86 are provided, each would be smaller in diameter, Conversely, if fewer percolation apertures 86 are 20 provided, each would be larger in diameter. 10069] Contents container 70 also includes conduit 72 disposed in conduit seal 76, which is essentially a widened portion of peripheral seal 77. Conduit 72 may be a separate tube or straw w;,hich is embedded and sealed into conduit seal 76, or conduit 72 may be a passageway that is integrally formed as part of contents container 70, 25 particularly where contents container 70 is a pouch. As the lower end of conduit 72 extends below the bottom of conduit seal 76, the lower end of conduit 72 is unsealed and is in contact with contents 74 in lower chamber 83 of contents container 70. The upper end of conduit 72 extends above the upper end of conduit seal 76 and is bonded to dispenser aperture 56. The bond between the upper end of conduit 72 and dispenser 30 aperture 56 is impermeable to liquids and gases. Thus, conduit 72 is the only path of 15 fluid communication between the interior of contents container 70 and the atmosphere (via dispensing aperture 56). 100701 Activator 62 and reactant 66 are substances which when combined, produce an exothermic reaction. In one embodiment, activator 62 is fresh water or an electrolyte 5 solution and reactant 66 is Lava Gel® (manufactured by Forever Young International, Inc, Escondido, California, USA). As mentioned above in reference to the first-disclosed embodiment of an instant self-heating container, instant self-heating container 10, other known exothermic reactants may also be used according to design preferences. [00711 To combine activator 62 and reactant 66, a user removes hermetic seal 60 10 from lid 54 and then applies downward pressure to the upper surface of activator chamber 58. The upper surface of activator chamber 58 comprises a flexible material so that it is displaceable from a neutral position to a lowered position. ln other words, when a user applies downward force to the upper surface of activator chamber 58, the upper surface "oil cans" downward. This downward displacement of the upper surface of activator 15 chamber 58 causes it to contact piercer 64 and urge it against membrane 65. If sufficient force is applied, piercer 64 will cause membrane 65 to rupture thereby releasing activator 62 into the interior of outer housing 52 where it is free to flow downward around contents container 70 until it contacts reactant 66 at the bottom of outer housing 52. One advantage of using Lava GeIrM as reactant 66 is that a very small volume of activator 20 solution (on the order of 10-15 mL) is sufficient to filly complete the reaction (more or less activator solution could be used depending on the application). As the required volume of activator 62 is so small, activator chamber 58 can be commensurately small and conveniently located on lid 54. Once the exothermic reaction begins, reaction gases are free to escape through vent 57 of lid 54 to prevent buildup of pressure inside outer 25 housing 52. [0072] It can be seen in Figure 6 that reactant 66 is in direct contact with the bottom of contents container 70. Thus, once activator 62 and reactant 66 are combined and undergo an exothermic reaction, contents 74 at the bottom of contents container 70 in lower chamber 83 will be heated first while contents 74 at the top of contents container 30 70 in upper chamber 85 will initially remain at their original temperature until warmed by 16 intennixing and convection. For this reason, providing conduit 72 as the only path of fluid communication between contents container 70 and dispensing aperture 56 provides an important advantage. As the lower end of conduit 72 is in contact with contents 74 inside lower chamber 83 of contents container 70, the hottest portion of contents 74 is 5 first to travel through conduit 72 to dispensing aperture 56. In practical terms, this means that when a user activates self-heating container 50, the user is not required to wait for all of contents 74 to become hot. Rather, assuming contents 74 is a consumable liquid, the user's "first sip" will be hot even though contents 74 in upper chamber 85 are not yet fully heated. If conduit 72 instead had. its lower end in upper chamber 85 of contents 10 container 70, the user would have to wait several minutes for contents 74 to become fully heated. [00731 Another advantage of this configuration of conduit 72, lower chamber 83 and upper chamber 85 is that it provides functionality hereinafter referred to as "metered dispensing." As mentioned above, conduit 72 is the only path of fluid communication 15 between the interior of contents container 70 and dispenser aperture 56. In other words, the interior of contents container 70 is otherwise completely sealed. Thus, when a user tips over self-heating container 50 in order to take a sip (or otherwise dispense contents 74), the liquid contents 74 will travel from lower chamber 83 through conduit 72 and out dispenser aperture 56 due to the force of gravity. This evacuation of contents 74 from 20 lower chamber 83 causes the air pressure inside contents container 70 to lower in an amount proportional to the volume of contents 74 that escapes. Eventually, this lowered air pressure inside contents container 70 causes the flow of contents 74 through conduit 72 to cease. In some embodiments, the volume of contents 74 required to escape before flow ceases is on the order of 15-30 mL, which is the approximate volume of lower 25 chamber 83 and is a convenient "sip size" for iost users if contents 74 are lukewarm. However, if contents 74 are at their maximum temperature (for example, approximately 70 'C), a user is likely to sip a much smaller volume of contents 74, for example on the order of 1-3 mL. Of course, smaller and larger sip size volumes are also contemplated. Once the sip is complete and the user removes his or her mouth from dispensing aperture 30 56 and returns self-heating container 50 to its upright vertical position, air is permitted to 17 travel from the atmosphere down conduit 72 and into contents container 70, thereby equal izng t he air pressure and readying self-heating container 50 for the next sip. [00741 As the metered volume of contents 74 leaves lower chamber 83 via conduit 72, contents 74 flow from upper chamber 85 through percolation apertures 86 into lower 5 chamber 83 to replace the contents 74 dispensed during the previous sip. Thus, after each sip, additional contents 74 are "trapped" in lower chamber 83 where they are quickly heated by the exothermic reaction beneath contents container 70. In this way, each sip the user takes is freshly heated and comprises the hottest portion of contents 74 in contents container 70. 10 [0075) The materials used to make instant self-heating container 50 are not critical However, outer housing 52 may be made from paper such as post-oonsumer recycled paper, foams such as expanded polyethylene or polypropylene, or plasics such as polyethylene or polypropylene, Lid 54 and conduit 72 may be made from any suitable plastic such as polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyethylene. Contents container 70 may 15 be a pouch made from a thin metal foil laminated in plastics such as polypropylene or polyethylene and polyester acetate or the like. 100761 Now turning to Figures 9-19, a third embodiment of an instant self-heating container will now be described. 'This embodiment of an instant self-heating container is particularly advantageous for use as a depilatory wax dispenser that solves the problems 2.0 disclosed above, Figure 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary disposable depilatory wax dispenser 100. The exemplary dispenser 100 comprises a container 102 having an outer wall 104, lip 106, inner wall 108. and activator well 110, Depilatory material 112 is disposed between inner wall. 108 and activator well 110. Exothernic reactant material (not shown) is placed in the exothermic reactant cavity (see Figure I for example) 25 formed between outer wall 104 and inner wall 108, The activator well 110 provides a controlled access portal to the exothermic reactant, wherein the activator is disposed into a passageway or channel fonned between the activator well 110 and the exothermic reactant cavity to activate the exothermic reactant. 100771 The upper surface of container 102 is sealed by sealing membrane 120 having 30 a tab 122. When using the exemplary dispenser 100, sealing membrane 120 is removed is from container 102 by pulling or lifting tab 122 from lip 106 Modes for attaching the sealing membrane 120 to lip 106 or to some surface of container 102 to seal/protect the interior of container 102 are well known in the at, as well as modes for removal. Therefore, these features are not further elucidated herein. 5 [00781 it should be understood that while Figure 9 illustrates container 102 as forming a donut-like receiving cavity between inner wall 108 and center well 110, container 102 may be alternatively shaped. For example, the receiving cavity housing the depilatory material i 1 2 may be horseshoe-shaped or rectangular, or other volumetric. shapes which function to house the material 112 and allow distributed heating of the 10 material 112, as -further discussed below. As such, niunerous other shapes are contemplated herein, with the donuat-like cavity being currently considered as an efficient design for heat distribution.. Therefore, changes and modifications may be made to the shapes, sizes, proportions of the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 15 [00791 Figure 10 is a top side view of the exemplary dispenser of Figure 9, with sealing membrane 120 removed. Activator well 110 can be forced with an interior depression 1. 1.4 that provides a cavity for housing the activator as shown in Figure 11, 100801 Figure 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary dispenser of Figure 9, In Figure 11, a liquid activator 128 is shown in activator well 110. The base of inner 20 well 129 is positioned directly above a dart I15 inside cavity 126 which is formed between interior wall 124 and outer wall 104. The cavity 126 is, of sufficient voume to contain exothermic reactant i 11 and, if needed, is large enough to a)low expansion of exothennic reactant I II during activation. 100811 Figure 12 is another cross-sectional side view of the exemplary dispenser of 25 Figure 9, being activated. Specifically a downward force (depicted by the arrow 130) will cause base of inner well 129 to be ruptured via contact wih dart 115. [0082J As illustrated in Figure 13., with an upward or returning force (depicted by the arrow 132), the rupture will significantly open, allowing the activator 128 to easily proceed into cavity 126 and mix with exothermic reactant 111 to activate the exothernmic 30 reaction. The shape of dart 115 can be designed to evenly distribute activator 128 in 19 surrounding exothermic reactant 111, if so desired. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the dart 115 may be configured with a different shape than shown herein, and may also be disposed above or below the base of inner well 129. [00831 Other means for breaching the passageway between the exothermic reactant 5 cavity and the well are also contemplated, such as combination "pull strings" and "pull tabs", accessible plugs, and the like. 100841 The operator can then remove sealing membrane 120 by, for example, pulling on tab 122 as shown in Figure 14 to expose material 112. With a suitably activated exothermic reactant 111, depilatory material 112 can be quickly raised to a desired 10 temperature and sufficiently maintained at that temperature for application by the user. [00851 Figure 15A shows applicator 142 in liquefied wax 112 and how exhaust gases 140 from exothermic material 111 (e.g., water vapor, exothermic by-products, etc.) are vented through the ruptured base of the inner well 129, allowing pressure to be released, The release of pressure is significant as gases are typically produced from the exothermic 15 reaction and their venting from cavity 126 is critical in maintaining the structural integrity of container 102. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to add fragrances or essential oils or scents to the venting exhaust gasses 140, either in cavity 126 or as elements in the activator 128. Therefore, with such additional elements, aromatherapy can also be effected as part of the depilatory session. 20 100861 Figure 15B shows another embodiment wherein the passageway between the exothermic reactant cavity 26 and the top and bottom of the activator well 110 can be breached by use of an applicator 142b having a pointed end 143. This embodiment obviates the need for the dart 115 shown in the above examples. This exemplary embodiment can be activated by pressing the pointed end 143 of the applicator 1 42b into 25 the top of the activator well 110 (thereby breaking the seal 120, above the activator well 110) and pressing the applicator 142b down into the bottom 129 of the activator weU 110, to breach the passageway to the exothermic cavity 126. A feature of this embodiment is that venting exhaust gases 140 can vent through the broken seal 120, prior to removal of the rest of seal 120 from the dispenser. 20 100871 As should be apparent, the various materials for the container 102 should be resistant to high temperatures. Of course, depending on the type and regulation of the exothennic reactant 111 and the type of depilatory material 112. being used, the temperature may be sufficiently low enough to not require a high temperature resistant 5 material. Accordingly, various combinations of materials may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. [10881 Figure 16 is a perspective view of another exemplary disposable depilatory material dispenser embodiment 200. The exemplary dispenser 200 is provided with tray 215 for placement of gauzes, strips, antiseptic wipes. and so forth. Also, container 202 is 10 more box-like, rather than circular as seen in Figure 9's exemplary dispenser 100. Of course, the shape of container 202 may be varied according to design preference. The sealing membrane 220 is elongated at one end for reasons made evident below. 10089] Figure 17 is a top side view of the exemplary dispenser 200 of Figure 16, with sealing membrane 220 removed. The exemplary dispenser 200 provides a well 210 that 15 is exterior to wax chamber 225, in contrast to the inner well 110 shown in the above Figures. Since well 210 is displaced from the center of wax chamber 225, it can be sized to accommodate a larger volume of activator as well as the fact that the wax chaniber 225 can be made larger. if so desired. The function of well 210 is similar to the inner well 110 described above. The activator 228 can be situated a priori in well 210, being sealed 20 by sealing membrane 220, Via a dart (not shown) disposed in or below well 210. the secondary compound 228 can be channeled into the exothermic reactant chamber (not shown) containing the exotherumic reactant (not shown). [00901 Figure 18 is a diagonal cross-sectional view of the exemplary dispenser 200 shown in Figure 17. Container 202 has an inner wall 224 which houses the exothermic 25 reactant (not shown) in. cavity 226. The cavity 226 is foned between inner waIl 224 and interior wall 212 of inner well 210 and wax chamber 225 and provides a conduit for distribution of secondary compound 228 from bottom 21 0b of inner well 210 to exothermic material. Overlapping portions of the interior wall 212 can be attached to vanous surface(s) 202b of the container 202, to "seal" the cavity 226 and prevent escape 30 of exothermic material or gases when activated 21 100911 The user can rupture the bottom 210b of inner well 210 via any means, such as, for example, pressing downward on a dart (not shown) placed below the bottom 210b of inner well 210 or., a dart (not shown) located inside the inner well 210. In other embodiments, it may be desirable to provide an applicator that is pointed at one end (see 5 Figure 19), for enabling the rupturing of the bottom 21Gb of the inner well 210. Means for rupturing or opening the bottom 210b or any part of inner well 210 to allow secondary compound to enter cavity 226 are well known, therefore they are not further elaborated herein. Upon activation of exothermic material 211 (not shown), heating of wax in wax chamber 225 can commence, and be accelerated by shaking container 202 to more evenly 10 distribute secondary compound 228 (not shown) within cavity 226. 100921 Figure 19 is a perspective view of a wax dispenser servIet 300 with an applicator 325. This Figure is instructive in demonstrating that different waxes can be pre-packaged into servlets 300 and then attached to containers 202, as needed. The ability to separate the wax dispenser servlet 300 from the container 202 enables different 15 waxes to be prepared (for example, on an assembly line) and then combining the senlet 300 with a container blank to form an exemplary wax dispenser 200; Of coursethe servlet 300 may be fitted to a container not having a tray 215 and may be offered independently as a stand-alone wax dispenser, if so desired. Also, the servlet 300 may be replaced while retaining the container 202 for subsequent use. For example, for a used 20 wax dispenser 200, the used serviet 300 may be removed and discarded and the expended exothermic material 211 may be discarded from the container 202. New exothermic material 211 may be placed in the container 202 and another servlet 300 inserted therein for a next use. 10093] As discussed with reference to Figure 15B, the embodiment shown in Figure 25 19 may also use the pointed nature of the applicator 325 to provide piercing or breaching capabilities, as needed. Of course, the pointed nature of the applicator 325 can also be used for applying wax, if so desired. As is apparent. modifications may be made to the various aspects and elements of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the container of 30 Figures 16-18 may configured to allow acceptance of the donut-like wax dispenser of Figures 9-15, or other shaped wax dispensers. Additionally, different chambering or 22 cavities 226 may be used to distribute exothermic material 211. Further, in some embodiments, the tray 215 may be designed to "fold over or under the wax chamber 225, for compactness (in shipping) or for disposal (covering the spent wax). 10094] Another embodiment of an instant self-heating container is shown in Figures 5 20-23. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for use as an instant self-heating dispenser, for example (but without limitation) for depilatory waxes. Starting with Figure 20, instant self-heating dispenser 400 includes flexible outer tube 410 which has nozzle 416 at one end. Flexible outer tube may be made from any flexible material including, without limitation, plastics such as polypropylene or polyethylene, The other end of 10 flexible outer tube 410 is open but once assembled is sealed by cap 412. Cap 412 comprises a vent hole 418 which is sealed by membrane 414. Membrane 414 may be adhered over vent hole 418 by a water-based adhesive that is easily dissolved by steam. Optionally attached to nozzle 416 of flexible outer tube 410 is applicator 420. Applicator 420 comprises attachment module 422. A spreading device, such as roller 424, is 15 connected to attachment module 422. 10095I However. other spreading devices are also contemplated. For example; as shown in Figure 20A, applicator 420A comprises attachment module 422 and parallel blades 424A.. Contents dispensed from nozzle 416 flow through attachment module 422 into the space between parallel blades 424A which force dispensed contents to spread out 20 evenly. Similarly, as shown in Figure 20B., applicator 4208 comprises attachment module 422, spout 423 and squeegee (iU., flexible rubber blade) 424B. Contents dispensed from nozzle 416 flow through attachment module 422 in front of squeegee 424B which forces dispensed contents to spread out evenly as squeegee 424B is slid against a surface. Other spreading devices, such as sponges, may also be used. 25 100961 Continuing with Figures 20-23, instant self-heating dispenser 400 also includes flexible reaction vessel 430 and frangiblee activator vessel 440. Flexible reaction vessel 430 is disposed inside fexible outer tube 410, and frangible activator vessel 440 is disposed inside flexible reaction vessel 430. Frangible activator vessel 440 is easily ruptured by bending and may be, for example, a very thin-walled glass tube with wall 30 thickness on the order of 1mm. Frangible activator vessel 440 contains activator 442 23 which may be a liquid such as water or an electrolyte. Flexible reaction vessel 430 may be a flexible plastic tube or may simply be an impemeable pouch made from plastic or latex. Flexible reaction vessel 430 contains reactant 432 which may be free-floating inside flexible reaction vessel 430 or, more advantageously, inside an elongate water 5 permeable pouch. In one embodiment, reactant 432 is Lava Gel@ as discussed above in reference to the previously disclosed embodiments of instant self-heating containers. [0097] Once flexible reaction vessel 430 and frangible activator vessel 440 are in place inside flexible outer tube 410, flexible outer tube 410 is filled with contents 450 which are to be heated. Once flexible outer tube 410 is filled with contents 450, cap 412 10 is secured to the open end of flexible outer tube 410. Cap 412 may be secured to flexible outer tube 410 by any suitable means including spin welding, thermal or ultrasonic welding, or adhesives. Attachment module 422 of applicator 420 (or 420A or 420B) is also attached to nozzle 416 by any suitable means, including by threaded connection, press-fit connection, or adhesives. 15 100981 To use instant self-heating dispenser 400, the user bends outer tube 410 until frangible activator vessel 440 ruptures. When this occurs, activator 442 is immediately released into flexible reaction vessel 430 where it combines with reactant 432 thereby causing an exothermic reaction. Exhaust gases, such as steam, build pressure inside flexible reaction vessel 430 until membrane 414 is rupture or tom away, thereby releasing 20 the exhaust gases through vent 418. Where a water-based adhesive is used to attach membrane 414 to cap 412, the steam in the exhaust gases quickly dissolves the adhesive and facilitates removal of membrane 414. [00991 As flexible reaction vessel 430 is not frangible and therefore remains intact despite the bending of outer tube 410, the combined reactantativator mixture does not 25 intermix with contents 450. Rather, contents 450 are heated by conduction through the walls of flexible reaction vessel 430. As flexible reaction vessel 430 is enveloped by contents 450, contents 450 are heated from the inside out evenly in all directions. Contents 450 are thereby heated very quickly. Where contents 450 is depilatory wax, the wax quickly melts and is ready to apply to a body part such as a leg. Holding instant self 30 heating dispenser with applicator 420 below cap 412 allows contents 450 to flow out 24 nozzle 416 into applicator 420 and onto roller 424, By rolling roller 424 along a body part, an even distribution of contents 450 on the body part is achieved. 1001001 The dimensions of instant self-heating dispenser 400 are not critical. In one embodiment, instant self-heating container may be approximately 20 cm in length and 3.0 5 cm in outer diameter. However, the concept of self-heating dispenser 400 is easily adapted to any dimensions, including dispensers which are much longer, shorter, thicker, or thinner, The dimensions of flexible outer tube 410 somewhat detenine the dimensions of flexible reaction vessel 430 and frangible activator vessel 440 because these vessels must fit inside flexible outer tube 410. In one embodiment, the outer 10 diameter of flexible reaction vessel 430 is 15 cm and the outer diameter of frangible activator vessel 440 is 1.0 cm. Of course, a wide variety of dimensions of flexible outer tube 410, flexible reaction vessel 430, and frangible activator vessel 440 may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Finally, in one embodiment, flexible outer tube 410 may contain 15 g of depilatory wax. Of course, the 15 amount of contents inside flexible outer tube 410 is determined by the relative dimensions of flexible outer tube 410 and flexible reaction vessel 430, and thus any amount of contents may be provided inside flexible outer tube 410 depending on the dimensions of instant self-heating dispenser 400. 100101] It will be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials, 20 steps and arrangement of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention, may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. 25

Claims (66)

1. An instant self-heating apparatus, comprising: an outer housing with an open upper end and a closed lower end; a lid attached to the open upper end of the outer housing, the lid comprising a dispenser aperture and an activator chamber with an activator; a separate contents container with a lower end, a sealed upper end, and an interior, the separate contents container disposed inside the outer housing and containing liquid contents to be heated; a reactant disposed inside the outer housing below the contents container; and a conduit in fluid communication between the lower end of the separate contents container and the dispenser aperture of the lid; wherein the activator chamber of the lid can be opened to release the activator so that the activator comes in contact with the reactant to form an exothermic reaction that convectively and conductively heats the liquid contents to be heated in the separate contents container.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1. wherein the lid further comprises a vent.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises a hermetic seal that prevents the liquid contents to be heated from escaping from the contents container prior to breaking the hermetic seal.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the lid permanently bonds to the open upper end of the outer housing by thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, or adhesives.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, the activator chamber further comprising a piercer and a lower end comprising a membrane, and wherein the activator chamber is opened by pushing the piercer through the membrane. 26

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the activator chamber has a downwardly displaceable upper end that contacts the piercer at least when downward force is applied to the upper end of the activator chamber.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the piercer is integrally formed with the activator chamber.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the piercer has a cross-shaped profile and is pointed at its lower end and flat at its upper end.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conduit is a straw.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separate contents container further comprising a pouch disposed in the interior of the separate contents container.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the conduit is formed integrally with the pouch.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the pouch has a bottom end comprising nestable external and internal gussets.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the internal gusset of the pouch comprises at least one percolation aperture.

14, The apparatus according to claim 10, the pouch further comprising an upper chamber and a lower chamber, wherein the conduit is the only path of fluid comnication between the separate contents container and the dispenser aperture, and wherein when gravity forces liquid contents to flow from the lower chamber of the pouch through the conduit, pressure inside the pouch drops in proportion to the liquid contents that exit thereby causing liquid contents to stop flowing. 27

15. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the reactant is in direct contact with the. lower end of the separate contents container.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reactant is disposed inside a pouch in direct contact with the lower end of the separate contents container.

17, The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer housing is made from post consumer recycled paper, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, polyethylene plastic, or polypropylene plastic.

18, An instant self-heating apparatus, comprising: an outer housing with an open upper end and a closed lower end; a lid attached to the open upper end of the outer housing, the lid comprising a dispenser aperture and an activator chamber; a piercer disposed inside the activator chamber of the lid; a reactant disposed inside the outer housing at the closed lower end of the housing; a contents container disposed inside the outer housing above the reactant, the contents container comprising a pouch with a sealed upper end and a lower end comprising nestable external and internal gussets, wherein the pouch contains contents to be heated; and a conduit in fluid communication between the lower end of the pouch and the dispenser aperture of the lid.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the internal gusset of the pouch comprises at least one percolation aperture.

20, The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the conduit is formed integrally with tlte pouch.

21 An instant self-heating container, comprising: a first shell comprising: a target container containing contents to be heated; and 28 an activator container containing an activator and a piercer disposed in the activator container, the activator container having a bottom; wherein the activator container and the target container each have container walls preventing intermixing of the contents to be heated and the activator; and a second shell external to and nested with the first shell, the second shell comprising a reaction chamber nested with the target container and an activator receiving chamber nested with the activator chamber and in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, wherein the reaction chamber farther comprises a reactant disposed therein; wherein when the piercer is actuated, the activator chamber is pierced thereby placing the activator container in fluid communication with the activator receiving chamber and allowing activator to travel from the activator container into the activator receiving chamber and into the reaction chamber, wherein the activator combines with the reactant in the reaction chamber causing an exothermic reaction that heats the contents in the target container.

22. The instant self-heating container of claim 21, further comprising a contents cover sealing the contents to be heated inside the target container, the contents cover having at least a portion that is openable to provide access to the target container.

23. The instant self-heating container of claim 22, further comprising an activator cover sealing the activator inside the activator container.

24. The instant self-heating container of claim 23, wherein the contents cover and the activator cover are integral parts of a single container cover.

25. The instant self -heating container of claim 24, wherein the first shell further comprises a flat flange ciramscribing the target container and the activator container and wherein the single container cover is a peel-back cover adhered to the flat flange of the first shell.

26. The instant self-heating container of claim 21, wherein the target container has a bottom with at least one protrusion extending upwardly into the target container. 29

27. The instant self-heating container of claim 26, wherein the at least one protrusion is in the shape of a first ring.

28 The instant self-heating container of claim 27, further comprising a second protrusion in the bottom of the target container in the shape of a second ring concentric with the first ring.

29. The instant self-heating container of claim 21, wherein the piercer is a cross-shaped member having a pointed lower end and an upper end adjacent to an upper end of the activator container,

30. The instant self-heating container of clain 21, wherein the activator container contains essential oils that release beneficial inhalant vapors when heated.

31 An instant self-heating container, comprising: an outer housing with an open upper end and a closed lower end; a lid attached to the open upper end of the outer housing, the lid comprising a dispenser aperture and an activator chamber; a piercer disposed inside the activator chamber of the lid; a reactant disposed inside the outer housing at the closed lower end of the housing; a contents container with a lower end and a sealed upper end and disposed inside the outer housing above the reactant, the contents container containing contents to be heated; and a conduit in fluid communication between the lower end of the contents container and the dispenser aperture of the lid.

32. The instant seif-heating container of claim 31, wherein when the piercer is actuated the activator chamber in the lid is pierced thereby permitting the activator to flow inside the outer housing and combine with the reactant at the closed lower end of the outer housing to cause an exothermic reaction that heats the contents to be heated in the contents container.

33. The instant self-heating container of claim 31, wherein the lid further comprises a vent. 30

34. The instant self-heating container of claim 31, wherein the lid further comprises a hermetic seal that prevents the contents to be heated from escaping from the instant self heating container prior to breaking the hermetic seal.

35. The instant self-heating container of claim 31, wherein the activator chamber has a lower end comprising a membrane, and wherein the activator chamber is pierced by pushing the piercer through the membrane.

36. The instant self-heating container of claim 3 1, wherein the activator chamber has a downwardly displaceable upper end that contacts the piercer at least when downward force is applied to the upper end of the activator chamber,

37. The instant self-heating container of claim 31, wherein the contents container is a pouch.

38. The instant self-heating container of claim 37, wherein the pouch has a lower end comprising nestable external and internal gussets,

39. The instant self-heating container of claim 38, wherein the internal gusset of the pouch comprises at least one percolation aperture.

40. The instant self-heating container of claim 31, wherein the conduit is a straw,

41. The instant self-heating container of claim 37, wherein the conduit is formed integrally with the pouch.

42, The instant self-heating container of claim 31, wherein the reactant is in direct contact with the lower end of the contents container.

43 The instant self-heating container of claim 3 1, wherein the reactant is disposed inside a pouch in direct contact with the lower end of the contents container.

44. The instant self-heating container of claim 31, wherein the contents to be heated are released fi-om the contents container through the dispenser aperture in metered volumes.

45. An instant self-heating depilatory wax container, comprising: 31 an outer enclosure having an opening; an inner enclosure substantially interior to the outer enclosure and sealed around a periphery of the opening thereby forming an enclosed reaction cavity between the inner enclosure and the outer enclosure, wherein the inner enclosure further comprises a receiving cavity disposed inside the inner enclosure; an activator well containing an open end and a closed end, the closed end being in communication with the enclosed reaction cavity and providing a breachable passageway to the enclosed reaction cavity; a depilatory material contained within the receiving cavity; and a reactant disposed within the enclosed cavity, the reactant being activated by an activator contained within the activator well to generate an exothermic reaction when the activator is introduced into the enclosed reaction cavity via the breachable passageway to provide a regulated heating of the depilatory material.

46. The instant self-heating depilatory wax container of claim 21, fi1rher comprising a removable seal enclosing the receiving cavity,

47. The instant self-heating depilatory wax container of claim 21, wherein the activator is an electrolyte solution,

48. The instant self-heating depilatory wax container of claim 21, wherein the activator is water.

49. The instant self-heating depilatory wax container of claim 21, wherein the activator well is interior to the inner enclosure.

50. The instant self-heating depilatory wax container of claim 21, wherein the activator well is exterior to the inner enclosure

51 The instant self-heating depilatory wax container of claim 21, further comprising an open tray connected to the outer enclosure.

52, The instant self-heating depilatory wax container of claim 21, wherein the breachable passageway is breached by exerting a force to the closed end. 32

53. The instant self-heating depilatory wax container of claim 21, further comprising an aromatic compound in at least one of the reaction cavity and inner well.

54. The instant self-heating depilatory wax container of claim 21, wherein the depilatory compound is wax-based.

55. The instant self-heating depilatory wax container of claim 21, wherein the depilatory compound is resin-based.

56. The instant self-heating depilatory wax container of claim 21, wherein the inner enclosure is donut-shaped.

57, The instant self-heating depilatory wax container of claim 21. wherein the outer enclosure is disposable.

58. An instant self-heating dispenser, comprising: a flexible outer tube comprising a first end with a dispensing nozzle and an open second end, the outer tube containing contents to be heated; a flexible reaction vessel disposed inside the outer tube and in contact with the contents to be heated, the reaction vessel containing a reactant; a frangible activator vessel disposed inside the reaction vessel, the activator vessel containing an activator; and a cap attached to the open second end of the outer tube and covering the reaction vessel and the open second end of the outer tube, the cap comprising a vent; wherein bending the outer tube causes the frangible activator vessel to rupture and release activator into the reaction vessel where the activator combines with the reactant and causes an exothermic reaction that heats the contents to be heated in the outer tube,

59, The instant self-heating dispenser of claim 58, wherein the contents to be heated is depilatory wax.

60. The instant self-heating dispenser of clain 58, further comprising an applicator attached to the dispensing nozzle. 33

61. The instant self-heating dispenser of claim 60, wherein the applicator comprises a roller.

62. The instant self-heating dispenser of claim 60, wherein the applicator comprises at least two parallel paddles.

63. The instant self-heating dispenser of claim 60, wherein the applicator comprises a squeegee.

64. The instant self-heating dispenser of claim 58, further comprising a membrane adhered over the vent in the cap to seal the reaction vessel.

65. The instant self-heating dispenser of claim 64, wherein the membrane is adhered over the vent in the cap with a water-based adhesive that dissolves in steam produced by the exothermic reaction caused by combining the activator and the reactant in the reaction vessel.

66. The instant self-heating dispenser of claim 58, wherein the reactant is disposed in an elongate water permeable pouch inside the reaction vessel. 34