JP2008535546A - Container with integrated module for heating or cooling the contents - Google Patents

Abstract

The container includes a container main body for storing contents to be heated or cooled, a heat module provided at one end of the container main body, and a closing member provided at the other end of the container main body.
When the user activates the thermal module, an internal exothermic (or alternatively endothermic) chemical reaction is initiated within the thermal module to heat the contents. The thermal module includes a heat exchange portion extending proximally within the container and a heat module cap remote from the heat exchange portion. The heat exchange portion is provided with pleated walls to improve heat transfer to the contents of the container. The container includes a rotatable cover adhered to the container end beyond the closure member by a heat sensitive adhesive. This heat sensitive adhesive prevents user access to the contents until a certain temperature is reached. The container further includes a full panel peeler that covers the actuator. The full panel peel member then protects the actuator from being activated until the peel lid is removed. The thermal module further comprises a filter arranged to interfere with the thermal module vent including the portion between the inner and outer actuator buttons to prevent the outflow of solid reactant or reaction product particles. Yes.
[Selection] Figure 12

Description

Background of the Invention
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a container with an inner module that applies heat to or removes heat from materials such as food, beverages, medicines and the like in surrounding containers.

2. Description of Related Art Containers can include an integral module for warming materials such as liquor, coffee, and soup in the container. Examples of such self-heating containers are disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 5,461,867, 5,626,022, and 6,351,953 issued to Scudder et al. Yes. All patents, patent applications and other publications referred to in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Such containers include an outer can or body enclosing food or beverage and an inner can or thermal module containing two chemically reactive substances. The reactants are stable when separated from each other, but when mixed in response to user activation of the thermal module, they produce an exothermic or alternatively endothermic reaction, thereby causing the container to Heat or cool the contents.

  As part of the manufacturing process of such containers used to store food and beverages, the containers must go through a sterilization process called “retort”. Generally, the retort process is performed by exposing the container and food contents to high temperature and pressure. In a typical retort process, the container and contents are placed in a chamber at a temperature of 252 ° F. and a pressure of 2 bar for several minutes. Therefore, the container must be designed to withstand the retort process and to function correctly.

  A heating or cooling module (thermal module) is typically attached to one end of a cylindrical vessel body, and the elongated cylindrical reaction chamber portion of the module is inserted into the vessel body. This elongated portion serves as a chamber for containing the reaction and as a heat exchanger for transferring heat between the chamber and the contents of the container body. The thermal module has two chambers, each chamber containing one of the chemical reactants separated by a breakable barrier such as a metal foil or a thin plastic film. Generally, one of the reactants is a liquid and the other is a solid powder or granules. Calcium oxide and water (known as limestone) are examples of two reactants known to cause an exothermic reaction to heat the contents in such a container. Other combinations of reactants are known to cause an endothermic reaction to cool the vessel contents. A cap containing the liquid reactant is disposed at the end of the thermal module attached to the container body. An actuator button is provided at one end of the cap. The user can press the actuator button to initiate heating or cooling. A barrier seals the other end of the cap. The cap includes a push rod or similar protruding member that extends from the actuator button to near the barrier. When the actuator body is pushed, the protrusion is pushed into the barrier, punctures the barrier, and the liquid reactant can flow into the solid reactant in the reaction chamber. The heat supplied by the exothermic reaction or the heat absorbed by the endothermic reaction is transferred by heat conduction between the reaction chamber of the heat module and the contents of the container body. An exothermic reaction generally generates gas and / or vapor. This gas and / or vapor can escape through the vent at the end of the container. The user flips the container and drinks the contents when the contents reach the desired temperature. The second end of the container body is provided with a seal or closure member such as a conventional beverage can pull tab. This tab can be opened and the user can drink heated or cooled contents from this opening.

  Parts of a thermal module such as an elongated cylindrical reaction chamber are shown, for example, in US Pat. No. 3,970,068 issued to Sato et al. And US Pat. No. 5,088,870 issued to Fukuhara et al. As can be formed integrally with the outer can. An integral container body can be formed by preparing a metal cylinder open at one end and closed at the other end, and punching or deep drawing a recess in the closed end. A cap containing the liquid reactant is attached to the open end of the recess. In such other containers, however, an elongated cylindrical reaction chamber is formed separately and attached to the container by other manufacturing steps. It would be desirable to provide an economical and reliable method for producing the latter type of container.

  Known elongated reaction chambers have several other design drawbacks. As an example, the elongated reaction chamber walls separate the reaction chamber from the material contained in a vessel that is heated or cooled. This wall acts as a thermal insulator that slowly heats or cools the material with a thermal module. In addition, in response to the retort process, the chamber suffered excessive deformation and cracking and was unable to return to its expanded form after being compressed into the retort.

  The retort process can also weaken or remove the adhesive that holds the breakable barrier that separates the two chambers of the thermal module. The breakable barrier is typically heat sealed to the circular upper edge of one chamber of the thermal module. During retort, the pressure of the air expanding below the barrier pushes the barrier upward in a dome shape, weakening or releasing the adhesive action.

  Another problem with self-heating containers and self-cooling containers is that a person tries to drink the contents before the container is fully heated or cooled. It is not the only effect that a person becomes uncomfortable due to the temperature at which a beverage or other content is generated. Perhaps an even more important effect is that after the user empties the contents of the container, if the contents continue to generate heat by acting as a heat sink, the self-heating container will overheat and there is a risk of burns. is there. It would be desirable to provide a self-heating container that prevents or inhibits the user from drinking the contents before the heating reaction is complete.

  As disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. patent, the actuator button can be protected by a film safety seal. An unbroken seal assures a person that the container has not yet been manipulated and is therefore ready for use. In addition, when a typical chemical, such as calcium oxide, absorbs atmospheric moisture, such as when the container is stored or transported in a humid environment for a long time before use, the reactivity of the chemical is descend. The seal prevents exposure of the reactants to atmospheric moisture. To use the container, the user peels off the foil seal from the container and discards it. The removal of the foil seal has a disposable problem. This is because the user is not within a convenient distance of the trash can. Furthermore, it is desirable to minimize the disposable issues associated with self-heating and self-cooling containers.

  The present invention seeks to improve a self-heating vessel to overcome these problems and deficiencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a container comprising a container body, a heat module provided at one end of the container body, and a closing member provided at the other end of the container body. The container body can be any suitable shape that is generally tubular, such as cylindrical or can-shaped or bottle-shaped. The food, beverage, medicine or other material to be heated or cooled is contained in a material cavity in the container body. The thermal module contains a chemical reactant isolated from other reactants in the container. When the user activates the thermal module, the reactants mix and react. That is, heat, that is, exothermic reaction is generated according to the reactant, and the container contents are heated or absorbed, that is, endothermic reaction is generated, and the container contents are cooled.

  According to one aspect of the invention, the plastic thermal module body is spin welded to the plastic container body. This is done by bringing one into contact with the other and rotating it relative to the other. The frictionally generated heat fuses or welds the contacting plastic surfaces together. The container body includes a plurality of layers including oxygen and flavor barrier layers that inhibit oxidation and damage of the contents. This method of spin welding the container body and module body seals the exposed inner layer portion at the annular end of the container body between the two plastic layers so that air or moisture can ooze out of the outer plastic layer. Infiltration into the inner layer is prevented.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the thermal module body includes a heat exchange portion having a pleated wall. The pleated wall has a relatively large radius in the ridges and valleys. The heat exchanging portion further includes a plurality of circumferential grooves for separating the fluted portion in the vertical direction. Large radii and circumferential grooves help prevent thermal module failure under the pressure and temperature of the retort process.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the container includes a movable cover mounted on the closure member. A suitable thermal adhesive between the cover and the container prevents the cover from moving until the temperature reaches a certain threshold. When the adhesive reaches approximately the threshold temperature, the bonded portion by the adhesive becomes soft. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the cover is rotatable. The cover has an opening and when the threshold temperature is reached, the user can rotate the cover until the opening matches the closure member. The user can then open the closure member and drink the contents of the container.

  According to yet another aspect of the invention, the thermal module includes a foil disk-like seal between the inner actuator button and the outer actuator button. The inner actuator button can be provided in a module cap that contains a solid reactant. The outer actuator button has one or more notches and further includes one or more protrusions directed toward the seal. When the user presses the outer actuator button, the protrusion pierces the seal. This actuator structure eliminates the disposable problem associated with removable foil seals. Furthermore, if for some reason the module cap is over pressured before use, the pressure will press the inner actuator button against the seal. The seal pushes the protrusion further and punctures, thereby releasing the pressure through the notch in the outer actuator button.

  In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, instead of an outer actuator button and a foil disk where tampering can be clearly seen, the container includes a full panel peeler attached to the bottom of the container. The full panel peeler is a removable cover, similar to that used in canned food, except that the removable lid covers substantially the entire container opening rather than a small opening. , Similar to typical pull-up tab closures (eg, soft drink or soup metal can closures). The full panel peeler is made of aluminum, completely covering the inner actuator button so that the inner actuator button cannot be pushed until it is removed. The full panel peel-off member provides a clear tamper-proof seal and prevents accidental pressing of the actuator button. The full panel peeler also provides a pressure safety relief valve. When the breakable barrier is pushed without removing the full panel peeler, pressure is generated inside the container. This is because the vent hole of the thermal module vents only to the inside of the full panel peeling member. When the pressure reaches a certain level, the full panel peel-off member partially opens to relieve the pressure.

  According to yet another aspect of the present invention, vent holes are provided in the bottom sidewall of the container. Like the full panel peeler, the vent is a safety feature that allows pressure to escape from the inside of the thermal module when the reaction is initiated without removing the full panel peeler. The outer wall of the container body has a spiral or spiral groove. This groove extends from the vent hole. When a label is applied to the container surface on the groove, a passage extending from the vent hole is formed. Thereby, the vapor exiting the container through the vents travels in this passage along the cooling outer surface of the container and is cooled and condensed.

  The thermal module also interferes with the vents between the inner and outer actuator buttons to prevent the outflow of solid reactant or reaction product particles and absorb water (gaseous and liquid) during the reaction. The filter is arranged to be. The filter includes a disk-like portion between the inner and outer actuator buttons and an annular portion between the flanges connected to the actuator buttons. The disc-shaped parts can be formed integrally with the annular part before assembling the container and can be separated from each other along the annular perforation in the manufacturing step of inserting the filter part into the thermal module.

  According to yet another aspect of the invention, the two reactants that perform the thermal reaction are specially designed calcium oxide particles and water. The calcium oxide particles are sized and shaped to optimize the heating profile of the container. The particles further comprise additives that affect the reaction. In another aspect of the invention, water is purified and selected additives are included in the water to alter the reaction with the calcium oxide particles to optimize the heating profile of the container. The ratio of water to calcium oxide is predetermined to produce the desired heating profile.

  The foregoing will become more apparent with other features and advantages of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the following description, claims and appended drawings.

  For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIGS . 1 to 8, the container 10 includes a container body 12, a thermal module body 14, and a thermal module cap 16. As best shown in FIGS. 5-7, the module body 14 has an elongated heat exchange portion extending into the container body 16. The inside of this heat exchange part defines a reaction chamber. Within this reaction chamber, a reaction occurs in which the beverage or other content 18 is heated (or cooled in an alternative embodiment of the invention). The heat exchange portion has corrugated or pleated walls to increase the surface area and increase heat transfer. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall is corrugated or pleated, but in other embodiments the wall may have other suitable shapes. The module cap 16 is press-fitted into the open end of the module body 14. An end cap 20 with a pull-up tab closure member 22 of the type commonly used in beverage cans is crimped on the other end of the container body 12 with a bent edge, like a conventional beverage can.

  The module cap 16 has a single structure and is made of a semi-rigid plastic such as high-density polyethylene. The module cap 16 includes a disk-shaped or dome-shaped inner actuator button 24 and a cylindrical protrusion 26 having an elongated notch 28. A breakable reactant barrier 30 formed by a metal foil is attached to the open end of the module cap 16 in order to seal internal water or other reaction liquid 32.

  The module cap 16 has a number of vent grooves 34 distributed around its outer surface. When the module cap 16 is attached to the open end of the module body 14, each ventilation groove 34 forms a groove through which gas can escape during the reaction. The vent groove 34 extends longitudinally along the outer surface of the body portion of the module cap 16, changes direction so as to extend radially along the lower surface of the flange portion 36 of the module cap 16, and forms a cylindrical outer surface of the flange portion 36. The direction is changed so as to extend in the longitudinal direction along the upper surface of the flange portion 36, and the direction is changed so as to extend radially along the upper surface of the flange portion 36. This long narrow zigzag vent channel 34 prevents the outflow of particles of calcium oxide or other solid reactant 38 and also allows gas to pass.

  A filtering 40 is sandwiched between the flange portion 36 and the thermal module body 14. This filtering 40 prevents solid particles from escaping through the vent groove 34 and also allows for smooth gas venting. Filtering 40 is made of a suitable filter material such as synthetic sponge, open cell foam rubber, or a woven or fibrous material such as paper or cloth. A suitable material is commercially available under the product number AC20 from a filter material company in Wisconsin.

  An outer actuator device 40 is attached to the end of the container body 12, and this outer actuator device comprises a ring portion 44 and an outer actuator button 46 as best shown in FIG. The rectangular ring shown around the outer periphery of the ring portion 44 in FIG. 2 has surface properties that facilitate spin welding of the outer actuator device 42 to the end of the container body 12, as will be described below. The outer actuator button 46 is supported by at least three, preferably four splined fingers 48. This finger suspends the outer actuator button so that it can flex elastically within the ring portion 44. Outer actuator button 46, finger 48 and ring portion 44 are preferably integrally formed as a molded plastic part.

  The concentric ring shown in the outer actuator button 46 in FIG. 2 has a surface property that provides a frictional grip for the user's finger when the container is actuated as described below. A filter disk 50, preferably made of the same material as the filtering 40, is sandwiched between the outer actuator device 42 and the inner actuator button 24. Although filtering 40 itself provides a sufficient filter, in certain embodiments of the present invention, a filter disk 50 may be included to further enhance the filtering effect. In such an embodiment, the filtering 40 and filter disk 50 are formed as an integral part having a perforation therebetween, and are handled as an integral part until they are separated during the fabrication step of assembling to the container 10. Cost advantages are achieved.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the outer actuator 42 further includes a breakable actuator barrier 52. The breakable actuator barrier 52 is preferably made of a metal foil that is bonded to the end of an annular cutting portion 54 that projects from the inner periphery of the ring portion 44. The three pointed projection 56 extends from the lower surface of the outer actuator button 46 toward the actuator barrier 52. A star-shaped or x-shaped surface shape centered on the central protrusion 56 reinforces the outer actuator button 46 but is otherwise not critical to the present invention.

  A lid 58 is mounted on the end cap 20 and the end of the container body 12 as shown in FIGS. The lid 58 has two notches 60 and 62. As shown in FIG. 8, the lid 58 is generally applied to the end of the container body 12 by a patch or spot of a heat sensitive adhesive (indicated by “A”) having an adhesive strength that decreases with increasing temperature. Installed. Accordingly, the adhesive secures the lid 58 until the container 10 is operated to generate heat. Various heat-sensitive adhesives having such various specifications are commercially available. One parameter that is generally identifiable is the temperature threshold at which the adhesive loses (or conversely achieves) substantial bond strength. Suitable adhesives are manufactured under product numbers 34-2780 and 70-4467 by National Starch and Chemical, Illinois. The exact formulation of the adhesive is proprietary to the manufacturer, but the manufacturer explains that the adhesive is based on starch. Before the user operates the container 10, the cap 58 is in the position shown in FIG. In this position, the notch 60 does not coincide with the pull-up tab closure member 22, thus preventing the user from opening the closure member 22. Further in this position, the notch 62 does not coincide with the sealed opening 64. The beverage 18 can be drink through this opening. When the container 10 is heated and the adhesive reaches a temperature threshold, the adhesive loses sufficient adhesive strength for the user to move the cap 58. The user rotates the cap 58 as shown by the arrow to the position shown in FIG. In this position, the notch 60 coincides with the pull-up tab closure member 22 so that the user can open the closure member. In this position, the notch 62 further coincides with the sealed opening. The user can drink a beverage through this opening. Opening the pull-up tab closure member 22 as in a conventional soft drink can breaks the seal and allows the user to drink the beverage 18 through the resulting opening. The user's lips touch the plastic cap 58, which is cooler than the metal end cap 20, which can be very hot.

  While keeping the temperature threshold accurately is not necessary for proper operation for the present invention, in containers for beverages such as coffee or tea, the temperature is below about 100 ° F. (38 ° C.). It is preferred that at some time the adhesive maintains substantial adhesive action and when the temperature exceeds this threshold, the adhesive loses substantial adhesive action. The preferred adhesives made by National Starch and Chemical have this property. For the purposes of this patent specification, the term “substantial adhesion” refers to a torque that is not greater than the normal torque that a person applies when opening a jar or other screw-cap food or beverage container without the aid of a tool. This means an adhesive action in which the lid 58 cannot be rotated. The adhesive strength of such adhesives continues to decrease to some extent as the temperature increases over a fairly wide range, but at the temperature threshold, the adhesive strength decreases more rapidly than other temperatures in the range.

  To activate the container 10, the user pushes the outer actuator button by applying a force to the outer actuator button 46 in the longitudinal direction of the container 10. As described above, the actuator button 46 is suspended by the finger 48, which elastically deforms so that the button 46 can be moved in this longitudinal direction. The force applied to the outer actuator button 46 pushes the protrusion 56 of the outer actuator button into the actuator barrier 52 and punctures the actuator barrier. The force further pushes the outer actuator button 46 toward the inner actuator button 24. Next, the inner actuator button is pushed in the same axial direction. Inner actuator button 24 is flexible and responds to force by bouncing or snapping inward toward reactant barrier 30.

  In response to the inward bending of the inner actuator button 24, the tip of the protrusion 26 pierces the reactant barrier 30 and punctures it. Water 32 flows through the perforated reactant barrier 30 and mixes with the solid reactant 38 within the reaction chamber, ie, the elongated portion of the thermal module body 14. A notch 28 in the protrusion 26 facilitates the flow of water 18 into the reaction chamber. The resulting exothermic reaction generates heat. This heat is conducted through the pleated walls of the heat exchange portion of the heat module body 14 and is transmitted to the beverage 18. As mentioned above, in other embodiments of the invention, other reactants that undergo an endothermic reaction when mixed can be selected.

  Gas or vapor generated during the reaction escapes from the reaction chamber through the vent groove 34, but the solid particles are filtered by the filtering 40 or filter disk 50. The inherent saturation of the filtering 40 or filter disk 50 due to vapor escape can enhance this filtering effect. Gas or vapor passing through the filtering 40 or filter disc 50 passes through the perforated actuator barrier 52 and exits the container 10 through the space between the fingers 48.

  The user flips the container 10 and waits until the reaction heats the beverage 18. This heating is performed in about 5 minutes in a container 10 having a volume of 10 fluid ounces (296 milliliters) of a similar beverage such as water or coffee or tea. As described above, when the beverage 18 is heated to a temperature at which it can be drunk, the adhesive sufficiently relaxes the adhesive action so that the user can rotate the cap 58. Appropriate lubricant patches or spots (indicated by “L” in FIG. 8) are interspersed with the adhesive patches. Thereby, when the cap 58 is rotated, the lubricant is applied and prevents the cap 58 from re-adhering when the adhesive begins to cool, thereby allowing the user to rotate the cap 58 more easily. it can. The lubricant is preferably for food or is approved for incidental food contact by appropriate governmental authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. Then, the user opens the pull-up tab type closing member 22 as described above and drinks the beverage 18.

  The manufacturing method of the container 10 can include the steps shown in FIGS. The manufacturing method is an important feature of the present invention. This is because the manufacturing method addresses several problems. Container body 12 and thermal module body 14 are preferably formed by multiple layers including an oxygen barrier layer to maintain the freshness and stability of beverage 18 or other contents. Such multilayer plastic container technology is well known to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains and is described, for example, in the Donald Rosato and Dominick Rosato, Hanser Publisher's Blow Molding Handbook. Yes. As is known in the art, a multi-head blow molding machine as shown in FIG. 9 can be used to produce a multilayer plastic container. According to the blow molding process, the molding machine positions the appropriate mold 66 below the blow molding head (as known as W. Mueller head) and simultaneously extrudes the plastic resin layer, and the plastic is profiled in the mold cavity. Inject air to match. The molding machine then cools the mold, opens the mold, removes the molded part, and repeats the process. A suitable blow molding machine is commercially available from B & W, Berlin, Germany under the name / model De3000. This molding machine can work simultaneously with two or more molds, but this has no special relation to the production method of the present invention.

  It is important for economical production that the mold 66 is formed so that one container body 12 and one thermal module body 14 are produced as a single unitary product. As shown in FIG. 10, the static trimming machine cuts the molded product at three points to separate the container body 12, the thermal module body 14, and the two moyles 16 and 18. As is known in the art, moiré is a surplus or scrap material that can be included in a molded article to facilitate molding and handling. The static trimming machine includes a roller (not shown) that supports the moire 16 and rotates the molded product, as indicated by arrows. The static trimming machine rotates the molded product against the hot knife blade 68. This knife blade can be extended for cutting and retracted. The knife blade 68 separates or cuts the moire 16 from the rest of the molded product. The same or similar machine performs a similar cutting operation that separates the moire 18. The use of static trimming machines is important for the manufacturing process. This is because the surface of the flanged end of the thermal module portion 14 is smoothed to facilitate the welding step described below. While the blow molding and cutting steps are important steps in the overall manufacturing process described herein, it should be noted that the thermal module body 14 is attached to the container body 12 by spin welding as shown in FIGS. is there. Spin welding is a method well known to those skilled in the art. This spin welding fuses two plastic parts as a result of friction caused by spinning or rotating one part relative to the other. A suitable spin welder is commercially available from TA System, Michigan. As shown in FIG. 11A, the thermal module body 14 is inserted into the end of the container body 12, and the assembly of the thermal module body and the container body is placed on a cylindrical tubular support (not shown) of the machine. As shown in FIG. 11B, the machine includes a rotating head that descends and contacts the flange-like surface of the module body 14. The machine applies a pressing force that holds the module body 14 in firm contact with the container body 12. Then, the head starts to rotate or spin while maintaining the pressing force. The rotating head spins the module body 14 relative to the container body 12 as a result of frictional engagement between it and the flange-like portion of the module body 14. The container body is held so as not to move by a support to which the container body is attached. Friction between the module body 14 and the container body 12 fuses or welds them. It is important to apply a pressing force before it begins to rotate and to maintain the pressing force until the parts fuse. This is because this procedure results in a more accurate weld.

  It should be noted that the cutting step of the process exposes a cross-section of layers such as oxygen and flavor barrier layers within the container body 12 and module body 14. Since the layer is very thin and difficult to see with the naked eye, the layer is well exposed and susceptible to degradation by atmospheric moisture and oxygen. Spin welding is extremely advantageous. This is because, unlike other methods of attaching these parts to each other, spin welding seals the exposed ends of the container body 12 and module body 14 as described above, thereby allowing atmospheric moisture, oxygen or This is because other contaminants are prevented from coming into contact with the oxygen barrier layer or other sensitive layers of the container body 12 to deteriorate these layers. Furthermore, the smooth, square surface produced by the rotating cutter is more easily sealed by spin welding. Jagged or uneven edge spin welding cannot completely seal the sensitive inner layer.

  Similarly, the outer actuator device 42 can be spin welded to the end of the container body 12. A square recessed ring on the surface (see FIG. 2) facilitates engagement by a spin welding head having a similar ring (not shown) with a square protrusion.

  From another aspect of the present invention, FIG. 12 shows another container 100 according to the present invention. Many features and elements of the container 100 are the same or substantially similar to the features and elements of the container 10 described above. In the present invention, many features of the container 100 can be replaced with those of the container 10 and vice versa. Accordingly, it is understood that one or more features of the container 100 and the container 10 can be replaced with similar features of other containers within the scope of the present invention without describing each and every combination in detail. The

  Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the container 100 includes a container main body 112, a thermal module main body 114, and a thermal module cap 116. The thermal module body 114 includes an elongated heat exchange portion 115 that extends into the container body 112. The inside of this heat exchange part defines a reaction chamber. In this reaction chamber, a reaction occurs in which the beverage or other content 118 is heated (or cooled in an alternative embodiment of the invention). Typically, the first reactant 132 is contained within the thermal module cap 116. The second reactant 138 is in the thermal module body 114. The two reactants are separated by a breakable reactant barrier 130. In general, one reactant is a liquid such as water and the other reactant is in the form of a solid powder or granules such as calcium oxide.

  The heat exchanging portion 115 of the module body 114 has a corrugated or pleated wall to increase the surface area and consequently increase heat transfer. In the illustrated embodiment, the walls are corrugated or have pleats, but in other embodiments the walls have other suitable shapes. For a given material, thinning the walls of the heat exchanging portion 115 increases the heat transfer between the reactants 132, 138 and the beverage 118. Thus, the wall is formed very thin and preferably has a thickness of 0.004 to 0.012 inches. According to other features of the pleated structure of the heat exchanging portion 115, the ridges 117 and valleys 119 have a large radius, preferably greater than 0.05 inches, more preferably greater than 0.06 inches. Have. The large radii of peaks 117 and valleys 119 prevent the thin wall from breaking during the retort process. Further, two circular grooves 121 and 123 are provided. The grooves 121, 123 facilitate folding at the grooves when the heat exchanging portion 115 is pressurized during the retort process. The folding helps to prevent the thin walls of the heat exchanging portion 115 from wrinkling or cracking. The tip of the conical end of the heat exchange portion has a thick rib 125 extending therefrom. The ribs 125 help to reduce cone deformation during the retort process.

  The module cap 116 is press-fitted into the open end of the module body 114. The module cap 116 is a unitary structure and is made of a semi-rigid plastic such as high density polyethylene. A breakable reactant barrier 130, preferably made of metal foil, is attached to the open end of the module cap 116 to seal internal water or other liquid reactant 132. The reactant barrier 130 can be attached to the open end of the module cap 116 by thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, use of an adhesive, or other suitable method. The module cap 116 includes a disk-shaped or dome-shaped actuator button 124 and a cylindrical protrusion 126 having an elongated notch 128. In order to prevent the granular reactant 138 from falling to the bottom of the module cap 116, an adapter small disk 127 can be provided. Some reactants 138 can burn through the bottom of the module cap 116. The adapter small disk 127 includes an annular disk portion that fits inside the module cap 116 and a plurality of protrusions 129 that extend vertically from both sides of the disk portion. Protrusions 129 extending toward the barrier 130 improve the breakdown of the barrier 130 when the thermal module is actuated to puncture the breakable reactant barrier 130.

  The reactant barrier 130 can be attached to the top annular surface of the open end of the module cap 116, but as shown in FIG. 14, the reactant barrier 130 extends beyond the open end of the module cap 116 on the outer wall side. It is preferable to extend downward. If the reactant barrier 130 is attached to the module cap 116 by thermal bonding, the thermal bonding process will round the outer edge of the top annular surface. The rounded edge improves the bonding of the reactant barrier 130 to the module cap 116. As the container 100 undergoes a retort process, the pressure tends to push the barrier 130 upward from the top of the module cap 116. By sealing the barrier 130 on the outer wall side of the module cap 116, the bond seal is further strengthened by increasing the shear strength of the bond.

  The module cap 116 includes a plurality of ribs 134 protruding from the upper and lower surfaces of the flange portion 136. The rib 134 forms a groove for releasing pressure between the flange portion 136 and the surrounding structure. Further, the outer wall of the module cap is provided with a rib 135 to form a ventilation groove between the outer surface of the module cap 116 and the inner surface of the module body 14. When the module cap 116 is fitted to the open end of the module body 114, a rib is formed by the ribs 134, 135, and each vent groove 34 forms a groove through which gas can pass and escape during the reaction. The vent space extends longitudinally along the outer surface of the body portion of the module cap 116, changes direction so that it extends radially along the lower surface of the flange portion 136 of the module cap 116, and the outside of the flange portion 136. The direction is again changed so as to longitudinally extend along the cylindrical surface, and the direction is changed again so as to extend radially along the upper surface of the flange portion 136. This elongated zigzag path in the groove prevents escape of particles of calcium oxide or other solid reactant 138 while allowing gas to flow.

  A filtering 140 is sandwiched between the flange portion 136 and the thermal module body 114. Filtering 140 further prevents solid particles from escaping through the vent groove and allows gas to vent. Filtering 140 is made of a suitable filter material such as synthetic sponge, open cell foam rubber or a woven or fibrous material such as paper or cloth. A suitable material is commercially available from Filter Material Corporation of Wisconsin under the product number AC20.

  Instead of the outer actuator device 46 as in the container 10, the container 100 includes a full panel peeler 146 attached to the bottom end of the container body 112. The full panel peeler 146 can be attached to the container body 112 by edge bend welding or other suitable method. Alternatively, the full panel peeler 146 can be attached to the bottom of the module cap 116. The full panel peeler 146 is a removable lid of the type commonly used in canned food, except that the removable lid portion covers substantially the entire container opening, rather than a small opening. It is similar to a typical pull-up tab closure (e.g., an aluminum can closure for soft drinks). The full panel peeling member 146 completely covers the opening at the bottom end of the container body 112. In this position, the tear-off member 146 covers the actuator button 124. The tear-off member 146 preferably comprises a closure member having a circular weakened area. Along the weakened area, the tear lid 141 is broken from the rest of the tear structure. The tear-off member 146 is made of a material having sufficient strength, rigidity and thickness so that the actuator button 124 cannot be pressed except in the case of extreme misuse or mishandling. The tear-off member can be made of, for example, aluminum or other material having similar strength and rigidity. The tear-off lid 141 is connected to the pull ring 144. The pull ring is lifted to remove the tear lid 141 and is pulled away from the tear lid 141. Since the tear-off lid 141 is broken from the tear-off member 146 along the weakened region, it cannot be restored once removed. Thus, the full panel peeler 146 provides an excellent tamper-proof seal while making it less susceptible to the destructive action of the container 100 while on the store shelf. The tear-off member 146 further functions as a pressure safety relief valve. If the reactant barrier 130 is pulled without removing the tear-off member 146, the pressure inside the container will increase. This is because the ventilation groove in the thermal module cap 116 vents only the inside of the peeling member 146. If the pressure reaches a certain level, the weakened area of the tear-off member 146 is partially broken to relieve the pressure.

  A vent hole 131 can be provided in the bottom side wall of the thermal module body 114. This vent hole 131 provides a vent path from the reaction chamber to the outside atmosphere. Similar to the safety pressure relief function of the release member 146 described above, the vent 131 will release pressure from the reaction chamber if a thermal reaction is inadvertently initiated without removing the release member 146.

  In addition to the vent hole 131, a coiled groove 133 can be formed on the outer wall of the container 112. The groove starts to be formed from the position of the vent hole 131 and extends around the outer wall of the container 112 in a coil shape. When a label (not shown) is adhered and attached to the outer wall of the container, a passage is formed by the label and the groove 133. Vapor exiting the vent hole 131 moves along the cooling outer surface of the container 112 through a passage formed by the groove 133 and the label to cool and condense the vapor.

  The label (not shown) can be formed of a plastic shielding label material or other shielding material such as a thin sheet of expanded styrene. This reduces the amount of heat that a person feels with his hand when ingesting a warm food or beverage from the container 112. The label can be printed in advance before being glued to the outer wall of the container 112.

  An end cap 120 with a pull-up tab closure member 122 of the type commonly used in beverage cans is crimped onto the other top of the container body 112 in a conventional beverage can manner with bent edges. A lid 158 is mounted on the end cap 120 and the end of the container body 112. The lid 158 has two notches 160 and 162. A lid 158 is attached to the end of the container body 112 by a patch or spot of thermal adhesive (indicated by “A”) as shown in FIG. This heat sensitive adhesive has a bond strength that decreases when heated to a special threshold release temperature. Thus, the adhesive keeps the lid 158 from moving until the container 100 is operated to generate heat. This adhesive is the same adhesive as described above for the container 10. Similar to the container 10 described above, suitable lubricant patches or spots (labeled “L” in FIG. 8 for the container 10) are interspersed between the adhesive patches, and the lubricant is applied when the cap 158 is rotated. And prevents the adhesive from re-adhering the cap 158 when it begins to cool, allowing the user to rotate the cap 158 more easily. Before the user operates the container 100, the cap 158 is in the same position as the position shown in FIG. In this position, the notch 160 does not coincide with the raised tab closure member 122, thereby preventing the user from opening the closure member 122. In this position, further, the notch 162 does not coincide with the sealed opening 164. Beverage 118 can be drunk from this opening.

  An indicator (not shown) may be provided on the surface of the container 100 indicating that the beverage 118 has reached the desired temperature. The indicator is, for example, a label with thermochromatic ink that changes color when a desired temperature is reached. This ink is, for example, Kromathematic Type 44 red, available from Kromamacop International, which changes from pink to white when heated to a predetermined temperature. When the indicator indicates that the beverage has reached the desired temperature, the user can open the container 100 and drink the contents.

  When the container 100 is heated and the adhesive reaches the release temperature, the adhesive loses its adhesive strength such that the user can rotate the cap 158. The user rotates the cap 158 to the same position as the position indicated by the arrow in FIG. In this position, the notch 160 is coincident with the raised tab closure member 122 so that the user can open the closure member. In this position, the notch 162 further coincides with the sealed opening. The user can drink from this opening. Opening the pull tab closure 122, like a conventional soft drink can, breaks the seal and allows the user to drink beverage 118 through the resulting opening. The user's lips touch the plastic cap 158, which is cooler than the metal end cap 120, which can be very hot.

  One reactant 132 or 138 may be specially considered calcium oxide particles. There are several properties of calcium oxide particles that cause a reaction with water. For example, changes in the properties of calcium oxide particles affect reaction properties such as instability, reaction rate, and overall amount of energy resulting from the reaction. Based on these properties, special calcium oxide particles can be planned and manufactured to obtain the desired overall reaction properties.

  The porosity of the calcium oxide particles has a significant effect on how volatile the particles react when water is added. Treatment of calcium oxide includes boiling at 1000 ° F. This boiling out the moisture and gas originally contained in the material. This release forms pores in the material. The boiling time can be extended until the holes begin to close (see Hard baking in process requirements). By moderately baking the particles, the volatility of the reaction with water can be reduced to a more desirable level.

The size of the calcium oxide particles affects the reaction of the particles. Small particle groups have a larger surface area than one large particle of the same weight. If the surface area is large, the particles react more quickly and more strongly when mixed with water. Figures 15-18 show excessive temperature curves for various sieve particles varying from 1/4 inch mesh (maximum particles) to sieve mesh # 30 (minimum particles). In general, the curve shows that small particles are heated quickly and reach a high maximum temperature. Accordingly, various sized particles can be selected to provide the heating profile desired for the particular application of the container 100. For applications such as coffee and soup heating, the preferred distribution of particle size is as follows.

  In addition, additives can be added to the calcium oxide to increase or slow the reaction rate. Additives act by several different methods, including chemical, mechanical or physical alteration of the calcium oxide / water interface.

  One of the most important properties affecting the reaction is the reaction ratio, ie the amount of calcium oxide allocated to water. The standard ratio is the ratio of calcium oxide 4 to water 1 by mass. By changing the ratio of calcium oxide to water, different reaction / temperature curves are obtained. For example, the peak energy produced by one size particle or one porosity particle can be maximized. Furthermore, the ratio can be changed to slightly speed up or slow down the overall reaction rate. The graphs of FIGS. 19-20 show reaction / temperature curves for various ratios of water to calcium oxide. Increasing the amount of water to 1.15 by mass (ie, + 15% H 2 O in FIG. 20) by weight of calcium oxide 4 gave the fastest reaction and the most energy in the ratio tested.

  Also, water containing other reactants 132 or 138 can be modified to optimize its use in the present invention. For example, water quality is an important factor. Any chlorine in the water will corrode the breakable barrier 130 and keep it from working. Small deviations in water quality adversely affect the thermal reaction with calcium oxide. Trace amounts of mineral components in the water should not exceed the concentrations shown in the table of FIG.

  Additives can be added to the water to alter the reaction and improve the compatibility of the water with other materials in the container. A list of possible additives and their properties is listed in the table of FIG.

  To operate the container 100, the user first removes the full panel peeler 146 by lifting the pull ring 144 and removes the peel lid 141. Then, the user presses the actuator button by applying a force to the actuator button 124 in the longitudinal axis direction of the container 100. The force applied to the actuator button 124 moves the actuator button inwardly toward the reactant barrier 130 to pop or snap.

  In response to the inward bending of the actuator button 124, the protrusion 129 of the adapter small disk 127 and the tip of the protrusion 26 pierce the reactive substance barrier 30 to make a hole. The first reactant 132, typically a liquid reactant, flows through the perforated reactant barrier 30 and mixes with the solid reactant 38 within the reaction chamber, ie, the elongated portion of the thermal module body 114. A notch 128 in the protrusion 126 facilitates the flow of water 132 into the reactant. The resulting exothermic reaction generates heat. This heat is conducted through the pleated walls of the heat exchange portion of the heat module body 14 and is transferred to the beverage 118. As mentioned above, in other embodiments of the invention, other reactants that undergo an endothermic reaction when mixed can be selected.

  The gas or vapor generated during the reaction escapes from the reaction chamber through the vent groove formed by the ribs 134, but the solid particles are filtered by the filtering 140. The inherent saturation of filtering 140 due to vapor escape can enhance this filtering effect. The gas or vapor passing through the filtering 140 passes through the hole made by removing the tear lid 141.

  The user turns the container 100 over and waits until the reaction heats the beverage 18. This heating takes place within about 5 minutes in a container 100 having a volume of 10 fluid ounces (296 milliliters) of water or a similar beverage such as coffee or tea. As described above, when the beverage 118 is heated to a temperature at which it can be drunk, the adhesive sufficiently loosens the adhesive action so that the user can rotate the cap 158. Appropriate lubricant patches or spots (indicated by “L” in FIG. 8) are interspersed with the adhesive patches. Thereby, when the cam 58 is rotated, the lubricant is applied and prevents the cap 158 from re-adhering when the adhesive begins to cool, thereby allowing the user to rotate the cap 158 more easily. it can. The lubricant is preferably for food or is approved for incidental food contact by appropriate governmental authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. Then, the user opens the lifting tab type closing member 122 as described above and drinks the beverage 118.

  The manufacturing method of the container 100 has the same steps as those described above for the container 10 except that the structures of the containers 100 and 10 are different.

  Obviously, in view of these teachings, other embodiments and modifications of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention should be limited only by the claims. The claims include all such other embodiments and modifications when viewed in conjunction with the above description and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the container of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the container. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a container with a cap in a closed position. FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the cap rotated to the open position. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the elements of the container. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a similar cross-sectional view showing the container after actuation. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. FIG. 9 shows the manufacturing steps for blow molding the plastic body element of the container. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating manufacturing steps for separating elements from each other following blow molding. FIGS. 11A to 11C are views showing a sequence of manufacturing steps including spin welding of the container body to the module body. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the elements of another container according to the present invention. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a reactant barrier attached to the module cap of the container of FIG. FIG. 15 is a graph of excessive temperature curves for various sieve mesh calcium oxide particles. FIG. 16 is a graph of excessive temperature curves for various calcified calcium oxide particles. FIG. 17 is a graph of excessive temperature curves for various sieve mesh calcium oxide particles. FIG. 18 is a graph of excessive temperature curves for various sieve mesh calcium oxide particles. FIG. 19 is a graph of reaction / temperature curves for various ratios of water to calcium oxide. FIG. 20 is a graph of the reaction / temperature curve for various ratios of water to calcium oxide. FIG. 21 is a table of mineral components in water that should not be exceeded. FIG. 22 is a table of additives that can be added to the calcium oxide reactant.

Claims (25)

A container for changing the temperature of the contents to be selectable by mixing the first reactant with the second reactant,
A container body having a material chamber for containing the contents;
A heat module connected to one end of the container body, at least a part of which extends into the container body, and having an opening on the opposite side of the container body that leads to the material chamber. The thermal module is separated from each other by an actuator, a piercing member movable between a retracted position and an extended position in response to a force applied to the portion of the actuator, a breakable barrier, and the breakable barrier. A first and second chamber for containing the reactants, and the tip of the piercing member is ruptureable when an elongated member is in the extended position to allow mixing of the reactants. Breaking the barrier
Further, a full panel peeling member attached to the one end of the thermal module or the container is provided, the full panel peeling member completely covers the actuator, and the full panel peeling member is removable. The full-panel peel-off member has sufficient strength and rigidity to avoid actuation of the actuator until the peel-off lid is first removed
The container further comprises a lid attached to the opposite end of the container body.   2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the tear lid is removable by breaking the material that connects the tear lid to the rest of the full panel peel member.   One of the chambers is a heat exchanging portion extending proximally into the container body, the heat exchanging portion comprising a pleated wall and at least one circumferential groove on an edge of the pleated wall. The container according to claim 1.   4. A container according to claim 3, wherein the pleated wall has a plurality of folds around the circumference of the heat exchange portion, the folds having a radius of at least 0.05 inches.   The first chamber is a heat exchange part extending into the container body, the container further has a vent hole, and the vent hole serves as the heat exchange part while the full panel peeling member is attached. The container according to claim 1, wherein a fluid passage is completed from an ambient atmosphere surrounding the outside of the container.   The heat module includes a heat module cap disposed at a tip of the heat exchange portion, and the fluid passage extends from the heat exchange portion between the container wall and the wall of the heat module cap to the vent hole. The container according to claim 5, wherein   The first chamber includes a heat exchange portion extending proximally in the container body and a heat module cap disposed at a tip of the heat exchange portion, and the heat module cap includes the second chamber and the second chamber. A container according to claim 1, comprising a breakable barrier and the piercing member.   8. A container according to claim 7, wherein the breakable barrier comprises a metal sheet attached to the thermal module cap to surround the second chamber.   8. A container according to claim 7, wherein the breakable barrier is attached to an upper surface of the thermal module cap and an outer wall extending from the upper surface.   The container body has an inner side wall and an outer side wall, and the outer side wall includes a groove extending spirally from the bottom of the container body to the side of the outer side wall. The container according to claim 1. A container for changing the temperature of the contents to be selectable by mixing the first reactant with the second reactant,
A container body having a material chamber for containing the contents, and a container opening for taking out the contents;
A thermal module thermally coupled to the container body, the opposite end of the container body having a container opening communicating with the material chamber, the thermal module comprising an actuator and the actuator Comprising a first and a second chamber for containing said reactants, separated from each other until activated
The container, wherein the first reactant comprises calcium oxide particles and 10-20% of the particles pass through a # 20 mesh.   The calcium oxide particles comprise a mixture of calcium oxide particles of different sizes, with 10-20% of the particles passing through a # 20 mesh and 75-85% of particles passing through a # 14 mesh and less than 3% 12. A container according to claim 11 wherein the particles pass through a # 20 mesh. A container for changing the temperature of the contents to be selectable by mixing water and calcium oxide particles,
A container body having a material chamber for containing the contents, and a container opening for taking out the contents;
A thermal module thermally coupled to the container body, the opposite end of the container body having a container opening communicating with the material chamber, the thermal module being an actuator and an actuator being actuated. First and second chambers for containing the reactants, separated from each other until
A container wherein the water to calcium oxide mass ratio is about 1.15 water to 4 calcium oxide.   14. A container according to claim 13, wherein the first reactant comprises calcium oxide particles and 10-20% of the particles pass through a # 20 mesh.   The calcium oxide particles comprise a mixture of calcium oxide particles of different sizes, with 10-20% of the particles passing through a # 20 mesh and 75-85% of particles passing through a # 14 mesh and less than 3% 14. A container according to claim 13, wherein the particles pass through a # 20 mesh. A method for changing the temperature of the contents of a container to be selectable,
Thermally connecting the container to a thermal module having first and second reactants;
The full panel peel-off member has sufficient strength and rigidity to remove the peel-off cover of the full-panel peel-off member attached to the container and prevent the actuator from operating until the peel-off cover is first removed. And
Actuating the actuator to mix the first and second reactants.   The method of claim 16, wherein the first reactant comprises water and the second reactant comprises calcium oxide particles.   18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first reactant comprises calcium oxide particles and 10-20% of the particles pass through a # 20 mesh.   The calcium oxide particles comprise a mixture of calcium oxide particles of different sizes, with 10-20% of the particles passing through a # 20 mesh and 75-85% of particles passing through a # 14 mesh and less than 3% The method of claim 17, wherein the particles pass through a # 20 mesh.   The method of claim 17, wherein the weight ratio of water to calcium oxide is about 1.15 water to 4 calcium oxide. A container for changing the temperature of the contents to be selectable by mixing the first reactant and the second reactant,
A container body having a material chamber for containing the contents;
A thermal module coupled to one end of the container body and at least a portion extending into the container body;
The opposite end of the container body has a container opening leading into the material chamber, and the thermal module is positioned between a retracted position and an extended position in response to an actuator and a force applied to the portion of the actuator. A movable piercing member, a breakable barrier, and first and second chambers for containing the reactants separated from each other by the breakable barrier, to allow mixing of the reactants When the elongate member is in the extended position, the tip of the piercing member breaks the breakable barrier;
Further, a full panel peeling member attached to the one end of the thermal module or the container is provided, the full panel peeling member completely covers the actuator, and the full panel peeling member is removable. And the full panel peel-off member has sufficient strength and rigidity to avoid actuation of the actuator until the peel-off lid is first removed,
The container further comprises a lid attached to the opposite end of the container body.   9. A container according to claim 8, wherein the breakable barrier is attached to the thermal module cap by one of thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding or adhesive use.   9. A container according to claim 8, wherein the breakable barrier is attached to the thermal module cap by thermal bonding and the thermal bonding process produces a rounded edge on the upper surface of the thermal module cap.   The container according to claim 1, further comprising a visual indicator for indicating that a predetermined temperature has been reached.   25. A container according to claim 24, wherein the visual indicator comprises a spot of thermochromatic ink on the surface of the container.

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