US20130105493A1 - Heated Container - Google Patents
Heated Container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130105493A1 US20130105493A1 US13/708,447 US201213708447A US2013105493A1 US 20130105493 A1 US20130105493 A1 US 20130105493A1 US 201213708447 A US201213708447 A US 201213708447A US 2013105493 A1 US2013105493 A1 US 2013105493A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- metal
- chemicals
- closure panel
- depression
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D88/00—Large containers
- B65D88/74—Large containers having means for heating, cooling, aerating or other conditioning of contents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
- B65D17/50—Non-integral frangible members applied to, or inserted in, preformed openings, e.g. tearable strips or plastic plugs
- B65D17/501—Flexible tape or foil-like material
- B65D17/502—Flexible tape or foil-like material applied to the external part of the container wall only
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D7/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal
- B65D7/12—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls
- B65D7/34—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls with permanent connections between walls
- B65D7/36—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls with permanent connections between walls formed by rolling, or by rolling and pressing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D7/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal
- B65D7/12—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls
- B65D7/40—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls with walls formed with filling or emptying apertures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D7/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal
- B65D7/42—Details of metal walls
- B65D7/44—Reinforcing or strengthening parts or members
- B65D7/46—Corrugations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package
- B65D81/3484—Packages having self-contained heating means, e.g. heating generated by the reaction of two chemicals
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24V—COLLECTION, PRODUCTION OR USE OF HEAT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F24V30/00—Apparatus or devices using heat produced by exothermal chemical reactions other than combustion
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of containers, and, in particular, relates to a self-heating container.
- a self-heating container which includes a cylindrical metal side wall, a top can end joined to the metal side wall with a joint, and a metal, bottom can end joined to the metal side wall to form an enclosure having an interior, the metal bottom can end including a depression extending into the interior.
- the container also includes a heating element having a canister located at least partially within the depression.
- the canister has chemicals hermetically sealed therein and an activation structure for permitting the user to cause the chemicals to react and increase the temperature of the interior of the container.
- a temperature changing container which includes a plurality of walls joined to form an enclosure which hermetically seals the contents of the enclosure within the walls, wherein one of the walls includes a depression extending into the contents of the enclosure.
- the container also includes a temperature changing element having a canister located at least partially within the depression.
- the canister has chemicals hermetically sealed therein and an activation structure for permitting the user to cause the chemicals to change state to change the temperature of the element.
- a self-heating container including a cylindrical metal side wall defining an interior, a top, can end hermetically joined to the metal side wall, and a metal bottom, can end joined to the metal side wall to form an enclosure having an interior.
- the metal bottom, can end includes a depression extending into the interior.
- the self-heating container also includes a double-seam which hermetically joins the side wall to the bottom, can end to orient the depression to extend into the interior.
- the self-heating container further includes chemicals which are formulated to generate heat when activated and a metal closure panel joined to the bottom, can end to create an enclosure for the chemicals hermetically separated by the bottom, can end from the interior.
- FIG. 2 is a bottom, perspective view of the container.
- FIG. 3 is a top view of the container.
- FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the container.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heating unit.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the container taken along 6 - 6 in FIG. 3 which shows the heating element located relative to the container.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the container taken along 6 - 6 in FIG. 3 which shows dimensions for one example of a self-heated container.
- FIGS. 8A-12B are views of the progression of the formation of a can end which is configured to accept a heating element.
- FIGS. 13-40 illustrate an alternative container configuration and various configurations for can ends which permit access to can contents without the use of an opener.
- FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a can end including a stay on tab.
- FIG. 42 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a self-heating container.
- FIG. 43 is a top view of the container of FIG. 42 .
- FIG. 44 a is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 42 taken along the line 44 a - 44 a in FIG. 42 .
- FIG. 44 b is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 42 taken along the line 44 b - 44 b in FIG. 42 .
- a container 10 which includes a side wall 12 , a top 14 and a bottom 16 .
- Containers of this type may include a shaped side wall (as shown by example), a separately formed bottom can end (or bottom end wall), and a separately formed top can end (or top end wall).
- Containers of this type may also be unitarily formed with a side wall and one or both can ends. For uses which may have a metal (e.g.
- the can ends 14 , 16 may be fabricated all, or in part, from a metal, and are joined to the side wall 12 with a rolled joint or soldered joint 18 (i.e., double seam). In other applications one or both of the can ends 14 , 16 may be joined to the side wall by being integrally formed with the side wall 12 .
- the side wall 12 and one or both of the can ends 14 , 16 may be formed from a non-metallic material, such as a plastic.
- the side wall 12 and one or both can ends 14 , 16 may also be formed of mixed materials, with each being formed from a different metal, with one being steel and the others being aluminum or plastic, or any suitable combination of materials known in the art.
- top can end 14 or the end which a user opens, are pull top ends, standard ends (can opener required), peel back foil opening ends, and screw top ends.
- pull top ends standard ends (can opener required)
- peel back foil opening ends and screw top ends.
- screw top ends For uses, for example, such as a container for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or coffee-type drinks, stay on tab ends, and other easy-opening tops known in the art may be used.
- An exemplary stay on tab end is illustrated in FIG. 41 .
- the container 10 is shown with a depression 20 in the bottom can end 16 .
- This depression 20 is cylindrical and has a depth D, a radius R, and a radius r (illustrated in FIG. 7 and discussed further below).
- the size and shape of the depression 20 is variable and selected in part based upon the heating unit 22 (illustrated in FIG. 5 ) to be selected for use with the container 10 .
- the depression 20 may be domed, tapered, tapered cylindrical, cubed, frustoconical, or any other suitable shape. Factors which affect the selection of the heating unit 22 include volume of the container 10 , type of material (e.g.
- the ratio of the depth D of the depression 20 to the radius R is no more than fifty percent (the depth D being less than half as large as the radius R).
- the container 10 is shown from the top and bottom.
- the top of the depression 20 in the bottom is shown and this creates a “moat” within which content is located in the container 10 .
- accessibility to the content such as food is important. Accordingly, when, for example a spoon is used, it is desirable to use a shallow moat and corresponding heating unit 22 .
- a stand-alone heating unit 22 is shown as a metal cylinder which includes chemical content for generating heat upon activation with a button 24 or shaking motion.
- the button 24 may be omitted.
- chemicals used for this purpose are a magnesium and water combination, and a calcium oxide and water combination. Other suitable chemicals are contemplated.
- the heating unit 22 is shown as stand alone. However, it is also contemplated that the chemicals of the heating unit 22 could be placed in the depression 20 and covered with a suitable cover. This configuration would be used with a can end 16 which is manufactured with the heating chemicals contained in the can end 16 without the need for a separate heating unit 22 .
- the container 10 is shown in combination with the heating unit 22 .
- the bottom of the heating unit 22 may include an insulation layer extending over a portion or all of the bottom of the heating unit 22 .
- the insulation layer may also cover the button 24 or may only cover the portions of the bottom of the heating unit 22 surrounding the button 24 .
- the can end 16 may also include an insulation layer.
- This insulation layer may be integrally formed with or may be coupled to a portion or all of the can end 16 .
- This insulation layer may cover all or a portion of the heating unit 22 , including the button 24 .
- Each of the insulation layers may be used alone in certain embodiments or may be used in combination with one another.
- the insulation layers may be made of any suitable insulator known in the art.
- the insulation layer of the heating unit 22 may be formed from the same or a different type of insulating material than the insulating layer of the can end 16
- FIG. 7 The dimensions for an example of the container 10 which would likely be used with soup or a noodle dish are shown in FIG. 7 .
- This container has a metal side wall 12 , and metal ends 14 , 16 .
- the depression 20 also has a small radius r.
- Containers 10 of various shapes with various radii r suitable for various applications are envisioned. Exemplary dimensions are illustrated in inches. Exemplary dimensions of the radius R and depth D of the depression 20 may be between approximately 0.75 inches and 1.5 inches in radius R and 0.3 inches and 1.0 inch in depth D, and in one embodiment approximately 1.0 inch in radius R and 0.6 inches in depth D. Exemplary volumes of the depression 20 are between approximately 0.5 inches and approximately 7.0 cubic inches, and in one embodiment approximately 1.9 cubic inches. Other exemplary dimensions as would be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art are also contemplated.
- FIGS. 8A 12 A there is shown the progression of the formation of a can end 16 which is configured to include a heating unit 22 .
- This can end 16 is useable in the configuration of the container 10 discussed in reference to FIG. 1 which includes a can end 16 which is joined to the side wall 12 with a rolled or soldered joint 18 .
- This type of can end 16 is formed from metal (e.g. steel or 0.0082 aluminum) using a progressive drawing or stampling process.
- the first main step of the process is to provide a metal blank which is drawn or stamped to form a cup 26 as shown in FIGS. 8A , 8 B.
- the second main step of the process includes redrawing the cup of FIG. 8A to include a depression 20 as shown in FIGS. 9A , 9 B. This depression 20 provides the location or storage site for the heating unit 22 in the can end 16 .
- the third main step of the process is to trim the cup 26 and form the flange 28 as shown in FIGS. 10A , 10 B.
- the flange 28 is formed for use in creating a sealed joint 18 with the side wall 12 of the container 20 .
- the fourth main step in forming the can end 16 includes further configuration (e.g. curling) of the flange 28 and applying a sealant or gasket to the top side of the curled flange 28 area as shown in FIGS. 11A , 11 B.
- the sealant or gasket provides a hermetic seal between the corresponding container side wall 12 when the can end 16 and side wall 12 are joined with a rolling process to form a rolled joint 18 .
- the flange 28 would be configured to optimize the soldering process.
- To further configure the depression 20 to accommodate, contain and hold a heating element 22 either inward or outward extending ribs or ridges 30 may be formed in the depression 20 as shown in FIGS.
- ridges 30 serve to provide an interference fit between the heating element 22 and the depression 20 to hold the heating element 22 within the depression 20 .
- the ridges 30 extend inward into the interior of the depression 20 , the ridges 30 provide interference with the heating element 22 to form a friction type fit to hold the element 22 in the depression 20 .
- the ridges 30 extend outward from the interior of the depression 20 , the ridges 30 provide resilience in the wall 32 of the depression 20 which permits the 4 portions of wall 32 to interference with the heating element 22 to also form a friction type fit to hold the element 22 in the depression 20 .
- the ridges 30 may serve to allow air to escape from the depression 20 as the heating element 22 is urged into the depression 20 , allowing easy insertion of the heating element 22 into the depression 20 in addition to allowing an interference friction type fit.
- FIG. 13 40 another embodiment of the top can end and the side wall is illustrated.
- a container assembly 110 includes a can 112 (e.g., can body) and a can end 114 (e.g., top) ( FIG. 17 ).
- the can 112 includes a bottom 116 ( FIG. 18 ) (e.g., second can end) and sides 118 ( FIG. 14 ) extending vertically from the bottom 116 .
- the sides 118 form a cylindrical tube and include ridges 120 .
- the can 112 defines a volume 122 (see FIG. 17 ) internal thereto, in which contents (see, e.g., solid items 226 and liquid 228 as shown in FIG. 26 ), such as cut fruit suspended in syrup or beans in water, of the container assembly 110 may be stored.
- a label (not shown) may be printed and/or adhered to the sides 118 of the can 112 , identifying the contents of the container assembly 110 .
- the can end 114 includes a first opening 124 (e.g., large opening, hole, aperture, etc.) and one or more second openings 126 (e.g., a plurality of small openings).
- the first opening 124 is wide enough to pour solid contents of the container assembly 110 therethrough.
- the first opening 124 has an area that is slightly less than half the area of the can end 114 , and is formed in a crescent shape, a half-circle, or otherwise shaped.
- Each second opening 126 is sized for straining, such that the solid contents of the container assembly 110 are generally too large to fit therethrough.
- each second opening 126 is less than one fifth the size of the first opening 124 , such as less than one tenth the size of the first opening 124 .
- the first and second openings are the same size (see, e.g., openings 614 , 616 as shown in FIG. 33 ).
- a sheet 128 is selectively coupled (e.g., fastened, adhered, connected, glued, etc.) to the can end 114 , such as for hermetically sealing the first and second openings 124 , 126 when the container assembly 110 is in a closed configuration (e.g., FIG. 13 ).
- the sheet 128 may be generally circular, substantially covering the can end 114 .
- the sheet 128 includes a tab 130 or other lifting surface extending therefrom.
- the sheet 128 may be otherwise shaped (e.g., rectangular, hourglass-shaped, oval, etc.).
- two or more separate sheets are used to cover different openings, or the same opening.
- the sheet 128 may be fastened to the can end 114 with an adhesive 132 ( FIG. 16 ) (e.g., adhesive layer, coating, glue, etc.) coupled to the sheet 128 and/or to the can end 114 .
- the adhesive 132 includes a thermoplastic layer or coating on the sheet 128 —such as on a side of the sheet 128 that is to be fastened to the can end 114 . Heating of the adhesive 132 , such as by a heated press, temporarily melts the adhesive 132 , which subsequently solidifies, bonding the sheet 128 to the can end 114 .
- the sheet 128 seals the can end 114 such that the container assembly 110 is hermetically sealed, helping to preserve perishable contents of the container assembly 110 .
- the container assembly 110 may be converted from the closed configuration ( FIG. 13 ) to the open configuration ( FIG. 17 ) by decoupling (e.g., removing, peeling, lifting, separating, etc.) the sheet 128 from the can end 114 .
- the sheet 128 is coupled to the can end 114 such that the tab 130 is closer to the second opening 126 (or openings) than to the first opening 124 .
- the tab 130 may be gripped by a user of the container assembly 110 , and pulled upward and/or away from the can end 114 . As the tab 130 is pulled, the sheet 128 allows access to and from the second opening 126 before then allowing access to the first opening 124 .
- the container assembly 110 is formed from metal, such as tin-coated steel or aluminum.
- the can 112 is formed from aluminum and the can end 114 is formed from tin-coated steel.
- other metals or materials e.g., high-temperature plastic, ceramic, etc.
- the sheet 128 is a metal foil (e.g., aluminum foil, steel foil, etc.), having a thickness substantially between 1/1000 to 1/100-inch.
- the metal foil includes an outer (top, outside, etc.) layer (e.g., coating) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a middle layer (e.g., substrate) of foil, and a bottom layer (e.g., 70 microns thick) of polypropylene, where the outer layers are applied via a coextrusion process.
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- the polypropylene is configured to be heated and used as an adhesive.
- the metal foil includes additional layers of different materials, and/or layers of similar materials in different arrangements (e.g., order).
- the sheet 128 is plastic or composite (e.g., plastic foil with one or more coatings thereon).
- the container assembly 110 is a three-piece assembly, formed from three main parts.
- the bottom 116 and sides 118 are separately stamped and fastened together, such as by forming the sides 118 into a cylindrical tube, and crimping an end of the tube to the bottom 116 .
- a sealant or gasket e.g., rubber coating
- the can 112 includes an open end 138 ( FIG. 21 ), which may be covered by the can end 114 .
- the can end 114 is also formed via stamping from a single metal sheet, and is fastened to the can 112 .
- a container assembly is a two-piece assembly, where a can body (e.g., having sides and a bottom) is formed by a stamping process, from a single sheet of metal (e.g., aluminum), and a can end is separately formed, stamped from another sheet of metal.
- a can body e.g., having sides and a bottom
- a stamping process from a single sheet of metal (e.g., aluminum)
- a can end is separately formed, stamped from another sheet of metal.
- components or features of a container assembly are formed by molding, die cast, blown, or otherwise formed.
- the container assembly 110 may be fully assembled, as shown in FIG. 13 , partially assembled (e.g., open configuration shown in FIG. 17 ), or may be an assembly that is configured to be, but not yet fastened together (e.g., assembly of kit components).
- some embodiments may include a container assembly including a can end and a sheet configured to be coupled thereto.
- Other embodiments may include a container assembly including a can (e.g., body) and a can end, fastened together, but without a sheet coupled to the can end.
- Other contemplated embodiments include still other container assemblies, having components that are fastened together and separate components that are unfastened kits.
- the can end 114 includes first and second fastening areas 134 , 136 to which the sheet 128 may be fastened.
- the first fastening area 134 extends around the periphery of the can end 114 (and/or of the sheet 128 ), sealing both the first and second openings 124 , 126 of the can end 114 .
- the second fastening area 136 includes at least a portion thereof that is proximate to the center of the can end 114 (and/or of the sheet 128 ). In some embodiments, the second fastening area 136 connects (e.g., is continuous with) with the first fastening area 134 (see, e.g., fastening areas 418 as shown in FIG. 31 ).
- the second fastening area 136 helps to allow the sheet 128 to remain fastened to the can end 114 when pressure in the container assembly 110 (e.g., within the volume 122 ) exceeds pressure exterior to the container assembly 110 (e.g., atmospheric pressure, outside air pressure), such as during a retort process (e.g. heated and pressurized sterilization process).
- pressure in the container assembly 110 e.g., within the volume 122
- pressure exterior to the container assembly 110 e.g., atmospheric pressure, outside air pressure
- the second fastening area 136 helps to mitigate shear forces between the sheet 128 and the can end 114 at the first fastening area 134 , helping the sheet 128 to remain fastened to the can end 114 when gauge pressure (i.e., internal pressures relative to exterior pressure) within the container assembly is at least 10 pounds per square inch (psi), at least 15 psi, at least 25 psi, or more.
- gauge pressure i.e., internal pressures relative to exterior pressure
- sides 118 of the can 112 extend upward to form an open end 138 of the can 112 , to which the can end 114 is fastened.
- the can end 114 is fastened to the open end 138 of the can 112 by overlapping a portion of the can 112 with a portion of the can end 114 , and bending (e.g., crimping) the portions into a sealed joint 140 assembly and a rim 142 of the container assembly 110 .
- a sealant or gasket may be positioned between the portions, such as via a coating of sealant material (e.g., elastic material, pliable material, rubber, plastic, etc.) on either or both of the portions.
- sealant material e.g., elastic material, pliable material, rubber, plastic, etc.
- the sealed joint 140 of FIGS. 21 22 shows a particular arrangement of bending and overlapping, other arrangements of bending and overlapping may be used for fastening the can end 114 to the sides 118 of the can 112 .
- the can end 114 is otherwise fastened to the can 112 (e.g., glued, welded, pressure fit, etc.) or formed integrally therewith.
- the sheet 128 is then fastened to the can end 114 , forming a closure to the first and second openings 124 , 126 ( FIG. 22 ).
- a container assembly 210 includes a can 212 (e.g. can body) and a can end 214 fastened thereto.
- the can end 214 includes a first opening 216 and a second opening 218 ( FIG. 13 ).
- a sheet 220 is fastened (e.g., adhered) to the can end 214 , forming a closure to the first and second openings 216 , 218 .
- a tab 222 e.g., pull tab, foil ring, pop top tab
- the sheet 220 is a foil sheet adhered to the can end 214 with a thermoplastic adhesive.
- FIGS. 23 27 the container assembly 210 is shown in various configurations.
- the container assembly 210 is in a closed configuration, with the sheet 220 hermitically sealing the openings 216 , 218 , and contents of the container assembly 210 stored therein.
- the sheet 220 has been partially removed (e.g., decoupled) from the can end 214 , such that at least one of the first and second openings 216 , 218 is at least partially exposed.
- FIG. 25 the sheet 220 has been fully removed from the can end 214 , opening both the first and second openings 216 , 218 .
- the volume 224 FIG.
- the container assembly 210 is configured to hold at least one solid item 226 and a liquid 228 ( FIG. 26 ) as contents therein.
- the can end 214 facilitates straining, such that the liquid 228 is pourable out of the volume 224 through the second opening 218 while the solid item 226 is generally blocked from passing through the second opening 218 .
- the solid item 226 is pourable out of the first opening 216 .
- the container assembly 210 includes sides 230 of the can 212 extending vertically to form an open end 240 of the can 212 .
- a portion of the open end 240 is folded (e.g., crimped) with a portion the can end 214 to form a joint assembly 232 .
- a sheet 220 is fastened to the can end 214 at first and second fastening areas 234 , 236 , forming a closure to the first and second openings 216 , 218 in the can end 214 .
- the can end 214 at the first fastening area 234 includes an angled ledge 238 (e.g., flange, extension, etc.).
- angling the ledge 238 and using the angled ledge 238 as the fastening area 234 may support (e.g., strengthen, help, etc.) maintaining a sealed fastening between the sheet 220 and the openings 216 , 218 of the can end 214 when pressures in the container assembly 210 exceed pressures exterior thereto, such as by aligning the plane of adhesion with the plane of maximum shear stress.
- the second fastening area 236 may be positioned proximate to the center of the can end 214 .
- a second contact area on the can end is also angled, indented, dimpled, or otherwise contoured, so as to facilitate maintaining a sealed fastening between the sheet 220 and the can end 214 during a retort process, such as by aligning the fastening to effectively withstand predicted loadings.
- the sheet 220 is a single, integral metal sheet that has been crimped to the can to seal the can end having the openings 216 , 218 therein.
- the metal sheet includes a tear path extending, for example, around a periphery thereof, and configured to allow for an interior portion of the metal sheet to be controllably torn free from the can end 214 , unsealing the openings 216 , 218 .
- the metal sheet may be stamped from sheet metal (e.g., aluminum, tin-coated steel, etc.) of a similar type and thickness as the can end 214 and/or the can 212 .
- the tab 222 (e.g., single pull tab) may be used to remove the entire metal sheet, and thereby simultaneously opening both openings 216 , 218 .
- a tab may be riveted to the sheet, formed integrally therewith, or otherwise coupled to the sheet.
- contemplated embodiments include 7/8 size, 1-“picnic” size, size 303, size 10, and other size cans, such as those standard sizes and shapes that are commercially available in the United States and abroad. Such cans may be configured to hold 4 ounces, 10.5 ounces, and even over 100 ounces of liquid.
- Some embodiments are cylindrical, while other embodiments are rounded-rectangular (e.g., box container), and still other embodiments include other container assembly geometries.
- FIGS. 30 37 show can ends for container assemblies according to various exemplary embodiments, which may be used for the purposes of (1) maintaining a closure between a sheet (e.g., foil cover) fastened to one of the can ends, during a retort process where pressure in the container assembly exceeds pressure external to the container assembly, and also (2) facilitating straining of solid contents of the container assembly from liquid contents thereof.
- a sheet e.g., foil cover
- a can end 310 includes a circular periphery 312 configured to be fastened (e.g., crimped) to a cylindrical can (see, e.g., can 112 as shown in FIG. 13 ), forming a container assembly.
- the can end 310 further includes a first opening 314 and at least one second opening 316 .
- the first opening 314 is a large opening sized to allow solid contents of the container assembly to pass therethrough
- the second opening 316 is at least one of a plurality of small openings configured to strain liquid from the solid contents of the container assembly.
- the first opening 314 is generally crescent-shaped, and has an area that is less than half the area of the overall can end 310 .
- the can end 310 includes a first fastening area 318 and a second fastening area 320 to which a sheet (e.g., foil with thermoplastic adhesive layer) may be fastened, so as to hermetically seal the openings 314 , 316 .
- the first fastening area 318 extends around the periphery 312 of the can end 310 , while the second fastening area 320 is positioned proximate to a center of the can end 310 .
- a can end 410 includes a circular periphery 412 configured to be fastened to a cylindrical can to form a container assembly.
- the can end 410 includes a first opening 414 and a second opening 416 .
- the first opening 414 is generally triangular and is sized to allow solid contents of the container assembly to pass therethrough.
- the second opening 416 is a curved slot, sized to block the solid contents from passing therethrough, but to allow liquid contents of the container assembly to pour therethrough.
- a sheet see, e.g., sheet 128 as shown in FIG.
- a fastening area 418 which continuously extends around the periphery 412 of the can end 410 and across the diameter of the can end 410 , between the first and second openings 414 , 416 .
- a can end 510 shown in FIG. 32 includes first and second openings 512 , 514 , where the second opening 514 is a straight slot configured to allow liquid contents of a container assembly to pour therethrough.
- One or both of the openings 512 , 514 may include rolled edges.
- a fastening area 516 extends around a periphery 518 of the can end 510 , allowing a sheet to seal the openings 512 , 514 .
- a can end 610 includes a circular periphery 612 configured to be fastened to a cylindrical can, forming a container assembly.
- the can end 610 includes first and second openings 614 , 616 , both large enough to allow solid contents of the container assembly to pass therethrough. Dividing the openings 614 , 616 , a strip 618 of solid material extends to a center platform 620 , which may be used as a fastening surface 622 .
- a sheet may be fastened (e.g., glued) to the can end 610 via another fastening surface 624 around the periphery 612 of the can end 610 to seal the openings 614 , 616 , and in a center of the can end 610 on the platform 620 .
- a can end 710 includes a circular periphery 712 with an opening 714 therein, the can end 710 being configured to be fastened to a can, forming a container assembly.
- the opening 714 is generally crescent-shaped and is large enough to allow contents of the can to pass therethrough.
- the can end 710 includes first and second fastening areas 716 , 718 .
- the first fastening area 716 extends generally around the periphery 712 of the can end 710 , however a portion 720 of the periphery 712 extends outside of the first fastening area 716 .
- the portion 720 may allow for use of a sheet that is smaller in area than the full can end 710 , or may allow for a corresponding portion of the sheet to be easily lifted from the can end 710 facilitating opening of the can end 710 .
- the second fastening area 716 is proximate to a center of the can end 710 —however, in other embodiments, a second fastening area is not positioned proximate to a center of a can end, or is not included (see, e.g., can end 610 as shown in FIG. 33 ).
- a can end 810 includes a circular periphery 812 with an opening 814 therein, the can end 810 being configured to be fastened to a can to form a container assembly.
- the opening 814 may be functionally separated into first and second openings 816 , 818 , where the first opening 816 is wide enough to allow solid contents of the container assembly to pass therethrough and the second opening 818 is narrow enough to block the solid contents, for straining.
- a first fastening area 820 extends around the periphery 812 of the can end 810 , and one or more second fastening areas 822 are positioned proximate to the center of the can end 810 .
- a can end 910 shown in FIG. 36 also includes an opening 912 that can be functionally separated into a strainer opening 914 and a main opening 916 , for a container assembly. Fastening areas 918 , 920 around the opening 914 and proximate to a center of the can end 910 may be used to fasten a sheet to the can end 910 .
- a can end 1010 includes a generally rectangular periphery 1012 configured to be fastened to a rectangular container, forming a container assembly.
- the can end 1010 includes a first opening 1014 through which solid contents of the container assembly may be poured, and at least one second opening 1016 through which liquid contents of the container assembly may be strained from the solid contents.
- Fastening areas 1018 , 1020 may be used to fasten a sheet (e.g., square foil sheet) to the can end 1010 .
- a container assembly 1110 (e.g., two-piece or three-piece container assembly) includes sides 1118 of a can 1112 that extend upward to form an open end 1138 of the can 1112 , to which a can end 1114 is fastened.
- the can end 1114 is fastened to the open end 1138 of the can 1112 by overlapping a portion of the can 1112 with a portion of the can end 1114 , and bending (e.g., crimping) the portions into a sealed joint 1140 assembly and a rim 1142 of the container assembly 1110 .
- a sealant or gasket may be positioned between the portions.
- the sheet 1128 is then fastened to the can end 1114 with adhesive 1132 at fastening areas 1134 , forming a closure to first and second openings formed by outward rolling of portions 1124 , 1126 of the can end 1114 .
- a tab 1130 may be pulled to help remove the sheet 1128 to access content stored in the volume 1122 of the container assembly 1110 .
- another container assembly 1210 includes sides 1218 of a can 1212 that form an open end 1238 of the can 1212 , to which a can end 1214 is fastened.
- the can end 1214 is fastened to the open end 1238 of the can 1212 by overlapping a portion of the can 1212 with a portion of the can end 1214 , and crimping the portions into a sealed joint 1240 and a rim 1242 .
- a sealant may be positioned between the portions.
- the sheet 1228 is then fastened to the can end 1214 with adhesive 1232 at fastening areas 1234 , forming a closure to first and second openings formed by inward folding of portions 1224 , 1126 of the can end 1214 .
- a tab 1230 may be pulled to help remove the sheet 1228 to access content stored in the volume 1222 of the container assembly 1210 .
- yet another container assembly 1310 includes sides 1318 of a can 1312 that form an open end 1338 of the can 1312 , to which a can end 1314 is fastened.
- the can end 1314 is fastened to the open end 1338 of the can 1312 by overlapping a portion of the can 1312 with a portion of the can end 1314 , and crimping the portions into a sealed joint 1340 and a rim 1342 .
- a sealant may be positioned between the portions.
- the sheet 1328 is then fastened to the can end 1314 with adhesive 1332 at fastening areas 1334 , forming a closure to first and second openings formed by inward curling of portions 1324 , 1326 of the can end 1314 .
- a tab 1330 may be pulled to help remove the sheet 1328 to access content stored in the volume 1322 of the container assembly 1310 .
- FIGS. 42 and 43 illustrate an additional embodiment of a self-heating container 1410 .
- the self-heating container 1410 is similar in some aspects to previously described embodiments, therefore, various differences will be highlighted.
- the self-heating container 1410 includes a bottom, can end 1416 .
- the bottom, can end 1416 includes a depression portion 1448 extending into the interior of the container 1410 .
- the depression portion 1448 extends gradually inwardly from the periphery to the center of the bottom, can end 1416 .
- depression portions 1448 that start closer to the center of the bottom, can end 1416 , depression portions 1448 of other slopes, and depression portions 1448 extending various axial distances into the interior of the container 1410 .
- the depression portion 1448 may be of any suitable shape known in the art, and may extend various distances into the interior of the container 1410 based on various factors as will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the container 1410 further includes a closure panel 1450 .
- the closure panel 1450 and the bottom, can end 1416 may interface proximate their radially outer ends, and may define between them a chemical enclosure 1454 into which chemicals may be deposited.
- the closure panel 1450 may be formed from any suitable material known in the art. Examples of panel materials include metals, including steel, plastics, plastic lined metal, etc.
- closure panel 1450 and the bottom, can end 1416 are both joined to the side wall 1412 with a rolled joint or soldered joint 1452 (i.e., a triple seam).
- This triple seam 1452 may hermetically seal the closure panel 1450 and the bottom can end 1416 to the sidewall 1412 , preventing escape of the contents of the container 1410 or ingress of contaminants into the contents of the container 1410 .
- the closure panel 1450 defines an outwardly projecting depressible portion 1455 which projects away from the bottom, can end 1416 .
- the depressible portion 1455 may be of any suitable shape and configuration known in the art.
- the depressible portion 1455 may be configured such that it is easily accessible by a user, however, the bottom-most portion 1457 of the depressible portion 1455 , in one embodiment, may not extend axially downwardly beyond the bottom 1453 of the triple seam 1452 , thus tending to avoid accidental depression of the depressible portion 1455 and allowing the container 1410 to be set down or stacked without depressing the depressible portion 1455 .
- the chemicals deposited within the chemical enclosure 1454 may be selected and configured within the chemical enclosure 1454 such that when the depressible portion 1455 is depressed by a user, the chemicals will be activated and begin to produce heat.
- the chemicals may be, for example aluminum and silica, or any other suitable chemicals known in the art.
- the depressible portion 1455 may include a piercing element (i.e. lance, metal point, pin, etc.). Depression of the depressible portion 1455 may rupture a metal or plastic membrane configured within the chemical enclosure 1454 to maintain separation of the various chemicals deposited within the chemical enclosure. Rupture of the membrane allows mixing and chemical reaction of the chemicals within the chemical enclosure 1454 , which for various suitable combinations of chemicals, will produce heat. Various other suitable configurations for activating the chemicals upon depression of the depressible portion 1455 are also envisioned.
- a direct apply foil 1456 may be adhered or coupled to the bottom, can end 1416 proximate its periphery 1458 to define a chemical enclosure 1454 .
- the direct apply foil 1456 may be metal foil, thermoplastic, or any other suitable material or combination of materials known in the art.
- the direct apply foil 1456 may be adhered or coupled to the bottom, can end 1416 by laser welding, ultrasonic welding, friction stir welding, adhesive, or any other suitable method known in the art.
- the seal between the bottom, can end 1416 and the direct apply foil 1456 may be hermetic or non-hermetic.
- the direct apply foil 1456 may also define a outwardly extending depressible portion 1455 extending away from the bottom, can end 1416 .
- the depressible portion 1455 may be suitable, upon depressing by a user, to activate the chemicals contained within the chemical enclosure 1454 , causing the chemicals to generate heat when the depressible portion 1455 is actuated.
- the depressible portion 1455 may be of any suitable shape, but may be configured such that the bottom-most portion 1460 of the depressible portion 1455 is easily accessible by a user, but does not extend below the bottom-most portion of the double seam 1418 , thus allowing the container 1410 to be set down or stacked without unintentional actuation of the depressible portion 1455 .
- other configurations and shapes of depressible portions 1455 are also envisioned.
- the bottom can end 1416 , the direct apply foil 1456 , and the chemicals may be preassembled such that the combination would be a pre-prepared element to be attached to a container sidewall 1412 .
- the bottom can end 1416 may be joined to the side wall 1412 with a rolled joint or soldered joint 1418 (i.e., double seam) hermetically sealing the bottom can end 1416 to the sidewall 1412 , with the direct apply foil 1456 coupled to the container 1410 by virtue of the weld or adhesive at the periphery 1458 of the bottom can end 1416 without needing to be directly attached or rolled to the container sidewall 1412 .
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Abstract
A temperature changing container includes a plurality of walls joined to form an enclosure which seals contents of the enclosure within the walls. One of the walls includes a depression extending into the enclosure. Upon activation, chemicals at least partially disposed within the depression change temperature.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/035,745, filed Feb. 25, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/365,421, filed Jul. 19, 2010, and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/425,850, filed Dec. 22, 2010. U.S. application Ser. No. 13/035,745, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/365,421 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/425,850 are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
- The present invention relates to the field of containers, and, in particular, relates to a self-heating container.
- A self-heating container is provided which includes a cylindrical metal side wall, a top can end joined to the metal side wall with a joint, and a metal, bottom can end joined to the metal side wall to form an enclosure having an interior, the metal bottom can end including a depression extending into the interior. The container also includes a heating element having a canister located at least partially within the depression. The canister has chemicals hermetically sealed therein and an activation structure for permitting the user to cause the chemicals to react and increase the temperature of the interior of the container.
- A temperature changing container is also provided which includes a plurality of walls joined to form an enclosure which hermetically seals the contents of the enclosure within the walls, wherein one of the walls includes a depression extending into the contents of the enclosure. The container also includes a temperature changing element having a canister located at least partially within the depression. The canister has chemicals hermetically sealed therein and an activation structure for permitting the user to cause the chemicals to change state to change the temperature of the element.
- By way of further exemplary configurations, a container is provided which includes a plurality of walls joined to form an enclosure which hermetically seals the contents of the enclosure within the walls, wherein one of the walls includes a depression extending into the contents of the enclosure. A heating element is provided which includes a canister located at least partially within the depression. The canister has chemicals hermetically sealed therein and an activation structure for permitting the user to cause the chemicals to change state to change the temperature of the heating element.
- A self-heating container is provided including a cylindrical metal side wall defining an interior, a top, can end hermetically joined to the metal side wall, and a metal bottom, can end joined to the metal side wall to form an enclosure having an interior. The metal bottom, can end includes a depression extending into the interior. The self-heating container also includes a double-seam which hermetically joins the side wall to the bottom, can end to orient the depression to extend into the interior. The self-heating container further includes chemicals which are formulated to generate heat when activated and a metal closure panel joined to the bottom, can end to create an enclosure for the chemicals hermetically separated by the bottom, can end from the interior.
- A temperature changing container is also provided which includes a plurality of walls joined to form an enclosure which hermetically seals the contents of the enclosure within the walls, wherein one of the walls includes a depression extending into the contents of the enclosure. The container also includes chemicals which are formulated to change state and change the temperature of the container when activated and a closure panel joined to the enclosure to encapsulate the chemicals within the depression between the enclosure and the panel.
- By way of further exemplary configurations, a self-heating container is provided which includes a cylindrical metal side wall defining an interior, a metal, bottom, can end joined to the metal side wall to form an enclosure having an interior and including a depression extending into the interior. The self-heating container also includes a double-seam formed from the side wall and the can end to hermetically join the side wall to the can end to orient the depression to extend into the interior. The container also includes chemicals which are formulated to change temperature when activated, and a metal closure panel joined to the bottom, can end to create an enclosure for the chemicals hermetically separated by the bottom, can end from the interior.
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FIG. 1 is a top, perspective view of a container according to an exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a bottom, perspective view of the container. -
FIG. 3 is a top view of the container. -
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the container. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heating unit. -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the container taken along 6-6 inFIG. 3 which shows the heating element located relative to the container. -
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the container taken along 6-6 inFIG. 3 which shows dimensions for one example of a self-heated container. -
FIGS. 8A-12B are views of the progression of the formation of a can end which is configured to accept a heating element. -
FIGS. 13-40 illustrate an alternative container configuration and various configurations for can ends which permit access to can contents without the use of an opener. -
FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a can end including a stay on tab. -
FIG. 42 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a self-heating container. -
FIG. 43 is a top view of the container ofFIG. 42 . -
FIG. 44 a is a cross-sectional view of the container ofFIG. 42 taken along the line 44 a-44 a inFIG. 42 . -
FIG. 44 b is a cross-sectional view of the container ofFIG. 42 taken along theline 44 b-44 b inFIG. 42 . - Referring to
FIG. 1 , acontainer 10 is shown which includes aside wall 12, atop 14 and abottom 16. Containers of this type may include a shaped side wall (as shown by example), a separately formed bottom can end (or bottom end wall), and a separately formed top can end (or top end wall). Containers of this type may also be unitarily formed with a side wall and one or both can ends. For uses which may have a metal (e.g. steel, coated steel, etc.) can such as coffee, coffee-type drinks, tea, hot chocolate, soups, noodle dishes, tuna, tomatoes, etc., the can ends 14,16 may be fabricated all, or in part, from a metal, and are joined to theside wall 12 with a rolled joint or soldered joint 18 (i.e., double seam). In other applications one or both of the can ends 14, 16 may be joined to the side wall by being integrally formed with theside wall 12. By way of further example, theside wall 12 and one or both of the can ends 14, 16 may be formed from a non-metallic material, such as a plastic. Theside wall 12 and one or both can ends 14, 16 may also be formed of mixed materials, with each being formed from a different metal, with one being steel and the others being aluminum or plastic, or any suitable combination of materials known in the art. - Examples of the top can end 14, or the end which a user opens, are pull top ends, standard ends (can opener required), peel back foil opening ends, and screw top ends. For uses, for example, such as a container for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or coffee-type drinks, stay on tab ends, and other easy-opening tops known in the art may be used. An exemplary stay on tab end is illustrated in
FIG. 41 . - Referring to
FIG. 2 , in one embodiment thecontainer 10 is shown with adepression 20 in the bottom can end 16. Thisdepression 20 is cylindrical and has a depth D, a radius R, and a radius r (illustrated inFIG. 7 and discussed further below). However, the size and shape of thedepression 20 is variable and selected in part based upon the heating unit 22 (illustrated inFIG. 5 ) to be selected for use with thecontainer 10. In certain embodiments thedepression 20 may be domed, tapered, tapered cylindrical, cubed, frustoconical, or any other suitable shape. Factors which affect the selection of theheating unit 22 include volume of thecontainer 10, type of material (e.g. food contained by the container 10), desired temperature of thecontainer 10, heating speed, heat transfer characteristics of thecontainer 10 and contents, accessibility to food in thecontainer 10, etc. Preferably the ratio of the depth D of thedepression 20 to the radius R is no more than fifty percent (the depth D being less than half as large as the radius R). - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thecontainer 10 is shown from the top and bottom. The top of thedepression 20 in the bottom is shown and this creates a “moat” within which content is located in thecontainer 10. As discussed above, for some uses of the container, accessibility to the content such as food is important. Accordingly, when, for example a spoon is used, it is desirable to use a shallow moat andcorresponding heating unit 22. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , a stand-alone heating unit 22 is shown as a metal cylinder which includes chemical content for generating heat upon activation with abutton 24 or shaking motion. In embodiments of theheating unit 22 activated by a shaking motion, thebutton 24 may be omitted. Examples of chemicals used for this purpose are a magnesium and water combination, and a calcium oxide and water combination. Other suitable chemicals are contemplated. In the present embodiment theheating unit 22 is shown as stand alone. However, it is also contemplated that the chemicals of theheating unit 22 could be placed in thedepression 20 and covered with a suitable cover. This configuration would be used with a can end 16 which is manufactured with the heating chemicals contained in the can end 16 without the need for aseparate heating unit 22. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , thecontainer 10 is shown in combination with theheating unit 22. In certain embodiments the bottom of theheating unit 22 may include an insulation layer extending over a portion or all of the bottom of theheating unit 22. In embodiments of theheating unit 22 including thebutton 24, the insulation layer may also cover thebutton 24 or may only cover the portions of the bottom of theheating unit 22 surrounding thebutton 24. - Additionally, in certain embodiments, the can end 16 may also include an insulation layer. This insulation layer may be integrally formed with or may be coupled to a portion or all of the can end 16. This insulation layer may cover all or a portion of the
heating unit 22, including thebutton 24. - Each of the insulation layers may be used alone in certain embodiments or may be used in combination with one another. The insulation layers may be made of any suitable insulator known in the art. The insulation layer of the
heating unit 22 may be formed from the same or a different type of insulating material than the insulating layer of the can end 16 - The dimensions for an example of the
container 10 which would likely be used with soup or a noodle dish are shown inFIG. 7 . This container has ametal side wall 12, and metal ends 14, 16. Thedepression 20 also has a small radius r.Containers 10 of various shapes with various radii r suitable for various applications are envisioned. Exemplary dimensions are illustrated in inches. Exemplary dimensions of the radius R and depth D of thedepression 20 may be between approximately 0.75 inches and 1.5 inches in radius R and 0.3 inches and 1.0 inch in depth D, and in one embodiment approximately 1.0 inch in radius R and 0.6 inches in depth D. Exemplary volumes of thedepression 20 are between approximately 0.5 inches and approximately 7.0 cubic inches, and in one embodiment approximately 1.9 cubic inches. Other exemplary dimensions as would be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art are also contemplated. - Referring to
FIGS. 8A 12A, there is shown the progression of the formation of a can end 16 which is configured to include aheating unit 22. This can end 16 is useable in the configuration of thecontainer 10 discussed in reference toFIG. 1 which includes a can end 16 which is joined to theside wall 12 with a rolled or soldered joint 18. This type of can end 16 is formed from metal (e.g. steel or 0.0082 aluminum) using a progressive drawing or stampling process. - The first main step of the process is to provide a metal blank which is drawn or stamped to form a
cup 26 as shown inFIGS. 8A , 8B. The second main step of the process includes redrawing the cup ofFIG. 8A to include adepression 20 as shown inFIGS. 9A , 9B. Thisdepression 20 provides the location or storage site for theheating unit 22 in the can end 16. The third main step of the process is to trim thecup 26 and form theflange 28 as shown inFIGS. 10A , 10B. Theflange 28 is formed for use in creating a sealed joint 18 with theside wall 12 of thecontainer 20. - The fourth main step in forming the can end 16 includes further configuration (e.g. curling) of the
flange 28 and applying a sealant or gasket to the top side of the curledflange 28 area as shown inFIGS. 11A , 11B. The sealant or gasket provides a hermetic seal between the correspondingcontainer side wall 12 when the can end 16 andside wall 12 are joined with a rolling process to form a rolled joint 18. For applications which use or require a soldered can joint 18, theflange 28 would be configured to optimize the soldering process. To further configure thedepression 20 to accommodate, contain and hold aheating element 22, either inward or outward extending ribs orridges 30 may be formed in thedepression 20 as shown inFIGS. 12A , 12B. Theseridges 30 serve to provide an interference fit between theheating element 22 and thedepression 20 to hold theheating element 22 within thedepression 20. Where theridges 30 extend inward into the interior of thedepression 20, theridges 30 provide interference with theheating element 22 to form a friction type fit to hold theelement 22 in thedepression 20. Where theridges 30 extend outward from the interior of thedepression 20, theridges 30 provide resilience in thewall 32 of thedepression 20 which permits the 4 portions ofwall 32 to interference with theheating element 22 to also form a friction type fit to hold theelement 22 in thedepression 20. In both exemplary configurations, theridges 30 may serve to allow air to escape from thedepression 20 as theheating element 22 is urged into thedepression 20, allowing easy insertion of theheating element 22 into thedepression 20 in addition to allowing an interference friction type fit. - Referring to
FIG. 13 40, another embodiment of the top can end and the side wall is illustrated. These Figures are described in further detail below. Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. - Referring to
FIGS. 13 17, acontainer assembly 110 includes a can 112 (e.g., can body) and a can end 114 (e.g., top) (FIG. 17 ). The can 112 includes a bottom 116 (FIG. 18 ) (e.g., second can end) and sides 118 (FIG. 14 ) extending vertically from the bottom 116. In some embodiments, thesides 118 form a cylindrical tube and includeridges 120. The can 112 defines a volume 122 (seeFIG. 17 ) internal thereto, in which contents (see, e.g.,solid items 226 and liquid 228 as shown inFIG. 26 ), such as cut fruit suspended in syrup or beans in water, of thecontainer assembly 110 may be stored. A label (not shown) may be printed and/or adhered to thesides 118 of thecan 112, identifying the contents of thecontainer assembly 110. - The can end 114 includes a first opening 124 (e.g., large opening, hole, aperture, etc.) and one or more second openings 126 (e.g., a plurality of small openings). The
first opening 124 is wide enough to pour solid contents of thecontainer assembly 110 therethrough. In some embodiments, thefirst opening 124 has an area that is slightly less than half the area of the can end 114, and is formed in a crescent shape, a half-circle, or otherwise shaped. Eachsecond opening 126 is sized for straining, such that the solid contents of thecontainer assembly 110 are generally too large to fit therethrough. In some embodiments, eachsecond opening 126 is less than one fifth the size of thefirst opening 124, such as less than one tenth the size of thefirst opening 124. However, in other embodiments the first and second openings are the same size (see, e.g.,openings FIG. 33 ). - Still referring to
FIGS. 13 17, asheet 128 is selectively coupled (e.g., fastened, adhered, connected, glued, etc.) to the can end 114, such as for hermetically sealing the first andsecond openings container assembly 110 is in a closed configuration (e.g.,FIG. 13 ). By way of non-limiting example, thesheet 128 may be generally circular, substantially covering the can end 114. In some embodiments, thesheet 128 includes atab 130 or other lifting surface extending therefrom. In other embodiments, thesheet 128 may be otherwise shaped (e.g., rectangular, hourglass-shaped, oval, etc.). In contemplated embodiments, two or more separate sheets are used to cover different openings, or the same opening. - According to an exemplary embodiment, the
sheet 128 may be fastened to the can end 114 with an adhesive 132 (FIG. 16 ) (e.g., adhesive layer, coating, glue, etc.) coupled to thesheet 128 and/or to the can end 114. In some embodiments, the adhesive 132 includes a thermoplastic layer or coating on thesheet 128—such as on a side of thesheet 128 that is to be fastened to the can end 114. Heating of the adhesive 132, such as by a heated press, temporarily melts the adhesive 132, which subsequently solidifies, bonding thesheet 128 to the can end 114. In some embodiments, thesheet 128 seals the can end 114 such that thecontainer assembly 110 is hermetically sealed, helping to preserve perishable contents of thecontainer assembly 110. - During operational use of the
container assembly 110, thecontainer assembly 110 may be converted from the closed configuration (FIG. 13 ) to the open configuration (FIG. 17 ) by decoupling (e.g., removing, peeling, lifting, separating, etc.) thesheet 128 from the can end 114. In some embodiments, thesheet 128 is coupled to the can end 114 such that thetab 130 is closer to the second opening 126 (or openings) than to thefirst opening 124. Referring specifically toFIG. 16 , thetab 130 may be gripped by a user of thecontainer assembly 110, and pulled upward and/or away from the can end 114. As thetab 130 is pulled, thesheet 128 allows access to and from thesecond opening 126 before then allowing access to thefirst opening 124. - According to an exemplary embodiment, the
container assembly 110 is formed from metal, such as tin-coated steel or aluminum. In some embodiments, thecan 112 is formed from aluminum and the can end 114 is formed from tin-coated steel. In other embodiments, other metals or materials (e.g., high-temperature plastic, ceramic, etc.) are used to form some or all of thecontainer assembly 110. In some embodiments, thesheet 128 is a metal foil (e.g., aluminum foil, steel foil, etc.), having a thickness substantially between 1/1000 to 1/100-inch. The metal foil includes an outer (top, outside, etc.) layer (e.g., coating) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a middle layer (e.g., substrate) of foil, and a bottom layer (e.g., 70 microns thick) of polypropylene, where the outer layers are applied via a coextrusion process. The polypropylene is configured to be heated and used as an adhesive. In other embodiments, the metal foil includes additional layers of different materials, and/or layers of similar materials in different arrangements (e.g., order). In still other embodiments, thesheet 128 is plastic or composite (e.g., plastic foil with one or more coatings thereon). - In some embodiments, the
container assembly 110 is a three-piece assembly, formed from three main parts. The bottom 116 andsides 118 are separately stamped and fastened together, such as by forming thesides 118 into a cylindrical tube, and crimping an end of the tube to the bottom 116. According to an exemplary embodiment, a sealant or gasket (e.g., rubber coating) may be positioned between the crimped portions, to improve the seal therebetween. With the bottom 116 andsides 118 fastened together, thecan 112 includes an open end 138 (FIG. 21 ), which may be covered by the can end 114. According to an exemplary embodiment, the can end 114 is also formed via stamping from a single metal sheet, and is fastened to thecan 112. Edges internal to the openings may be rolled (see, e.g., rolled edges as shown inFIGS. 22 and 29 ). In other embodiments a container assembly is a two-piece assembly, where a can body (e.g., having sides and a bottom) is formed by a stamping process, from a single sheet of metal (e.g., aluminum), and a can end is separately formed, stamped from another sheet of metal. In some embodiments, components or features of a container assembly are formed by molding, die cast, blown, or otherwise formed. - The
container assembly 110 may be fully assembled, as shown inFIG. 13 , partially assembled (e.g., open configuration shown inFIG. 17 ), or may be an assembly that is configured to be, but not yet fastened together (e.g., assembly of kit components). For example, some embodiments may include a container assembly including a can end and a sheet configured to be coupled thereto. Other embodiments may include a container assembly including a can (e.g., body) and a can end, fastened together, but without a sheet coupled to the can end. Other contemplated embodiments include still other container assemblies, having components that are fastened together and separate components that are unfastened kits. - Referring to
FIGS. 18 20, the can end 114 includes first andsecond fastening areas sheet 128 may be fastened. Thefirst fastening area 134 extends around the periphery of the can end 114 (and/or of the sheet 128), sealing both the first andsecond openings second fastening area 136 includes at least a portion thereof that is proximate to the center of the can end 114 (and/or of the sheet 128). In some embodiments, thesecond fastening area 136 connects (e.g., is continuous with) with the first fastening area 134 (see, e.g.,fastening areas 418 as shown inFIG. 31 ). - Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the
second fastening area 136 helps to allow thesheet 128 to remain fastened to the can end 114 when pressure in the container assembly 110 (e.g., within the volume 122) exceeds pressure exterior to the container assembly 110 (e.g., atmospheric pressure, outside air pressure), such as during a retort process (e.g. heated and pressurized sterilization process). It is believed that thesecond fastening area 136 helps to mitigate shear forces between thesheet 128 and the can end 114 at thefirst fastening area 134, helping thesheet 128 to remain fastened to the can end 114 when gauge pressure (i.e., internal pressures relative to exterior pressure) within the container assembly is at least 10 pounds per square inch (psi), at least 15 psi, at least 25 psi, or more. - Referring to
FIGS. 21 22,sides 118 of thecan 112 extend upward to form anopen end 138 of thecan 112, to which the can end 114 is fastened. According to an exemplary embodiment, the can end 114 is fastened to theopen end 138 of thecan 112 by overlapping a portion of thecan 112 with a portion of the can end 114, and bending (e.g., crimping) the portions into a sealed joint 140 assembly and arim 142 of thecontainer assembly 110. A sealant or gasket may be positioned between the portions, such as via a coating of sealant material (e.g., elastic material, pliable material, rubber, plastic, etc.) on either or both of the portions. Although the sealed joint 140 ofFIGS. 21 22 shows a particular arrangement of bending and overlapping, other arrangements of bending and overlapping may be used for fastening the can end 114 to thesides 118 of thecan 112. In still other contemplated embodiments, the can end 114 is otherwise fastened to the can 112 (e.g., glued, welded, pressure fit, etc.) or formed integrally therewith. According to an exemplary embodiment, thesheet 128 is then fastened to the can end 114, forming a closure to the first andsecond openings 124, 126 (FIG. 22 ). - Referring now to
FIGS. 23 29, acontainer assembly 210 according to another exemplary embodiment includes a can 212 (e.g. can body) and a can end 214 fastened thereto. The can end 214 includes afirst opening 216 and a second opening 218 (FIG. 13 ). Asheet 220 is fastened (e.g., adhered) to the can end 214, forming a closure to the first andsecond openings sheet 220 away from the can end 214, to open theopenings sheet 220 is a foil sheet adhered to the can end 214 with a thermoplastic adhesive. - In
FIGS. 23 27 thecontainer assembly 210 is shown in various configurations. InFIG. 23 , thecontainer assembly 210 is in a closed configuration, with thesheet 220 hermitically sealing theopenings container assembly 210 stored therein. InFIG. 24 , thesheet 220 has been partially removed (e.g., decoupled) from the can end 214, such that at least one of the first andsecond openings FIG. 25 , thesheet 220 has been fully removed from the can end 214, opening both the first andsecond openings FIG. 25 ) of thecontainer assembly 210 is configured to hold at least onesolid item 226 and a liquid 228 (FIG. 26 ) as contents therein. As shown inFIG. 26 , when thecontainer assembly 210 is in the open configuration (either partially, as shown inFIG. 24 , or fully, as shown inFIG. 25 ) the can end 214 facilitates straining, such that the liquid 228 is pourable out of thevolume 224 through thesecond opening 218 while thesolid item 226 is generally blocked from passing through thesecond opening 218. InFIG. 15 , thesolid item 226 is pourable out of thefirst opening 216. - Referring now to
FIGS. 28 29, thecontainer assembly 210 includes sides 230 of thecan 212 extending vertically to form anopen end 240 of thecan 212. A portion of theopen end 240 is folded (e.g., crimped) with a portion the can end 214 to form a joint assembly 232. Asheet 220 is fastened to the can end 214 at first andsecond fastening areas second openings first fastening area 234 includes an angled ledge 238 (e.g., flange, extension, etc.). Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that angling the ledge 238 and using the angled ledge 238 as thefastening area 234 may support (e.g., strengthen, help, etc.) maintaining a sealed fastening between thesheet 220 and theopenings container assembly 210 exceed pressures exterior thereto, such as by aligning the plane of adhesion with the plane of maximum shear stress. Thesecond fastening area 236 may be positioned proximate to the center of the can end 214. In other embodiments, a second contact area on the can end is also angled, indented, dimpled, or otherwise contoured, so as to facilitate maintaining a sealed fastening between thesheet 220 and the can end 214 during a retort process, such as by aligning the fastening to effectively withstand predicted loadings. - In contemplated embodiments, the
sheet 220 is a single, integral metal sheet that has been crimped to the can to seal the can end having theopenings openings can 212. The tab 222 (e.g., single pull tab) may be used to remove the entire metal sheet, and thereby simultaneously opening bothopenings - While the
container assemblies size 10, and other size cans, such as those standard sizes and shapes that are commercially available in the United States and abroad. Such cans may be configured to hold 4 ounces, 10.5 ounces, and even over 100 ounces of liquid. Some embodiments are cylindrical, while other embodiments are rounded-rectangular (e.g., box container), and still other embodiments include other container assembly geometries. -
FIGS. 30 37 show can ends for container assemblies according to various exemplary embodiments, which may be used for the purposes of (1) maintaining a closure between a sheet (e.g., foil cover) fastened to one of the can ends, during a retort process where pressure in the container assembly exceeds pressure external to the container assembly, and also (2) facilitating straining of solid contents of the container assembly from liquid contents thereof. - Referring to
FIG. 30 , a can end 310 includes acircular periphery 312 configured to be fastened (e.g., crimped) to a cylindrical can (see, e.g., can 112 as shown inFIG. 13 ), forming a container assembly. The can end 310 further includes afirst opening 314 and at least onesecond opening 316. Thefirst opening 314 is a large opening sized to allow solid contents of the container assembly to pass therethrough, thesecond opening 316 is at least one of a plurality of small openings configured to strain liquid from the solid contents of the container assembly. Thefirst opening 314 is generally crescent-shaped, and has an area that is less than half the area of the overall can end 310. The can end 310 includes afirst fastening area 318 and asecond fastening area 320 to which a sheet (e.g., foil with thermoplastic adhesive layer) may be fastened, so as to hermetically seal theopenings first fastening area 318 extends around theperiphery 312 of the can end 310, while thesecond fastening area 320 is positioned proximate to a center of the can end 310. - Referring to
FIG. 31 , a can end 410 includes acircular periphery 412 configured to be fastened to a cylindrical can to form a container assembly. The can end 410 includes afirst opening 414 and asecond opening 416. Thefirst opening 414 is generally triangular and is sized to allow solid contents of the container assembly to pass therethrough. Thesecond opening 416 is a curved slot, sized to block the solid contents from passing therethrough, but to allow liquid contents of the container assembly to pour therethrough. A sheet (see, e.g.,sheet 128 as shown inFIG. 1 ) may be fastened to the can end 410 along afastening area 418, which continuously extends around theperiphery 412 of the can end 410 and across the diameter of the can end 410, between the first andsecond openings - A can end 510 shown in
FIG. 32 includes first andsecond openings second opening 514 is a straight slot configured to allow liquid contents of a container assembly to pour therethrough. One or both of theopenings fastening area 516 extends around aperiphery 518 of the can end 510, allowing a sheet to seal theopenings - Referring to
FIG. 33 , a can end 610 includes acircular periphery 612 configured to be fastened to a cylindrical can, forming a container assembly. The can end 610 includes first andsecond openings openings strip 618 of solid material extends to acenter platform 620, which may be used as afastening surface 622. As such, a sheet may be fastened (e.g., glued) to the can end 610 via anotherfastening surface 624 around theperiphery 612 of the can end 610 to seal theopenings platform 620. - Referring to
FIG. 34 , a can end 710 includes acircular periphery 712 with anopening 714 therein, the can end 710 being configured to be fastened to a can, forming a container assembly. Theopening 714 is generally crescent-shaped and is large enough to allow contents of the can to pass therethrough. The can end 710 includes first andsecond fastening areas first fastening area 716 extends generally around theperiphery 712 of the can end 710, however aportion 720 of theperiphery 712 extends outside of thefirst fastening area 716. Theportion 720 may allow for use of a sheet that is smaller in area than the full can end 710, or may allow for a corresponding portion of the sheet to be easily lifted from the can end 710 facilitating opening of the can end 710. Thesecond fastening area 716 is proximate to a center of the can end 710—however, in other embodiments, a second fastening area is not positioned proximate to a center of a can end, or is not included (see, e.g., can end 610 as shown inFIG. 33 ). - Referring to
FIG. 35 , a can end 810 includes acircular periphery 812 with anopening 814 therein, the can end 810 being configured to be fastened to a can to form a container assembly. Theopening 814 may be functionally separated into first andsecond openings first opening 816 is wide enough to allow solid contents of the container assembly to pass therethrough and thesecond opening 818 is narrow enough to block the solid contents, for straining. Afirst fastening area 820 extends around theperiphery 812 of the can end 810, and one or moresecond fastening areas 822 are positioned proximate to the center of the can end 810. - A can end 910 shown in
FIG. 36 also includes anopening 912 that can be functionally separated into astrainer opening 914 and amain opening 916, for a container assembly. Fasteningareas opening 914 and proximate to a center of the can end 910 may be used to fasten a sheet to the can end 910. - Referring to
FIG. 37 , a can end 1010 includes a generallyrectangular periphery 1012 configured to be fastened to a rectangular container, forming a container assembly. The can end 1010 includes afirst opening 1014 through which solid contents of the container assembly may be poured, and at least onesecond opening 1016 through which liquid contents of the container assembly may be strained from the solid contents.Fastening areas - Referring to
FIG. 38 , a container assembly 1110 (e.g., two-piece or three-piece container assembly) includessides 1118 of acan 1112 that extend upward to form anopen end 1138 of thecan 1112, to which a can end 1114 is fastened. According to an exemplary embodiment, the can end 1114 is fastened to theopen end 1138 of thecan 1112 by overlapping a portion of thecan 1112 with a portion of the can end 1114, and bending (e.g., crimping) the portions into a sealed joint 1140 assembly and arim 1142 of thecontainer assembly 1110. A sealant or gasket may be positioned between the portions. According to an exemplary embodiment, thesheet 1128 is then fastened to the can end 1114 with adhesive 1132 atfastening areas 1134, forming a closure to first and second openings formed by outward rolling ofportions tab 1130 may be pulled to help remove thesheet 1128 to access content stored in thevolume 1122 of thecontainer assembly 1110. - Referring to
FIG. 39 , anothercontainer assembly 1210 includessides 1218 of acan 1212 that form anopen end 1238 of thecan 1212, to which a can end 1214 is fastened. The can end 1214 is fastened to theopen end 1238 of thecan 1212 by overlapping a portion of thecan 1212 with a portion of the can end 1214, and crimping the portions into a sealed joint 1240 and arim 1242. A sealant may be positioned between the portions. Thesheet 1228 is then fastened to the can end 1214 with adhesive 1232 atfastening areas 1234, forming a closure to first and second openings formed by inward folding ofportions tab 1230 may be pulled to help remove thesheet 1228 to access content stored in thevolume 1222 of thecontainer assembly 1210. - Referring now to
FIG. 40 , yet anothercontainer assembly 1310 includessides 1318 of acan 1312 that form anopen end 1338 of thecan 1312, to which a can end 1314 is fastened. The can end 1314 is fastened to theopen end 1338 of thecan 1312 by overlapping a portion of thecan 1312 with a portion of the can end 1314, and crimping the portions into a sealed joint 1340 and arim 1342. A sealant may be positioned between the portions. Thesheet 1328 is then fastened to the can end 1314 with adhesive 1332 atfastening areas 1334, forming a closure to first and second openings formed by inward curling ofportions tab 1330 may be pulled to help remove thesheet 1328 to access content stored in thevolume 1322 of thecontainer assembly 1310. -
FIGS. 42 and 43 illustrate an additional embodiment of a self-heating container 1410. The self-heating container 1410 is similar in some aspects to previously described embodiments, therefore, various differences will be highlighted. With further reference toFIG. 44 a, the self-heating container 1410 includes a bottom, can end 1416. The bottom, can end 1416 includes adepression portion 1448 extending into the interior of thecontainer 1410. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 44 a, thedepression portion 1448 extends gradually inwardly from the periphery to the center of the bottom, can end 1416. However, various other suitable configurations are envisioned, includingdepression portions 1448 that start closer to the center of the bottom, can end 1416,depression portions 1448 of other slopes, anddepression portions 1448 extending various axial distances into the interior of thecontainer 1410. Thedepression portion 1448 may be of any suitable shape known in the art, and may extend various distances into the interior of thecontainer 1410 based on various factors as will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art. - The
container 1410 further includes aclosure panel 1450. Theclosure panel 1450 and the bottom, can end 1416 may interface proximate their radially outer ends, and may define between them achemical enclosure 1454 into which chemicals may be deposited. Depending upon the container's use, theclosure panel 1450 may be formed from any suitable material known in the art. Examples of panel materials include metals, including steel, plastics, plastic lined metal, etc. - In one embodiment the
closure panel 1450 and the bottom, can end 1416 are both joined to theside wall 1412 with a rolled joint or soldered joint 1452 (i.e., a triple seam). Thistriple seam 1452 may hermetically seal theclosure panel 1450 and the bottom can end 1416 to thesidewall 1412, preventing escape of the contents of thecontainer 1410 or ingress of contaminants into the contents of thecontainer 1410. - In one embodiment, the
closure panel 1450 defines an outwardly projectingdepressible portion 1455 which projects away from the bottom, can end 1416. Thedepressible portion 1455 may be of any suitable shape and configuration known in the art. Thedepressible portion 1455 may be configured such that it is easily accessible by a user, however, thebottom-most portion 1457 of thedepressible portion 1455, in one embodiment, may not extend axially downwardly beyond thebottom 1453 of thetriple seam 1452, thus tending to avoid accidental depression of thedepressible portion 1455 and allowing thecontainer 1410 to be set down or stacked without depressing thedepressible portion 1455. - The chemicals deposited within the
chemical enclosure 1454 may be selected and configured within thechemical enclosure 1454 such that when thedepressible portion 1455 is depressed by a user, the chemicals will be activated and begin to produce heat. The chemicals may be, for example aluminum and silica, or any other suitable chemicals known in the art. - In one embodiment, the
depressible portion 1455 may include a piercing element (i.e. lance, metal point, pin, etc.). Depression of thedepressible portion 1455 may rupture a metal or plastic membrane configured within thechemical enclosure 1454 to maintain separation of the various chemicals deposited within the chemical enclosure. Rupture of the membrane allows mixing and chemical reaction of the chemicals within thechemical enclosure 1454, which for various suitable combinations of chemicals, will produce heat. Various other suitable configurations for activating the chemicals upon depression of thedepressible portion 1455 are also envisioned. - With reference to
FIG. 44 b, in another embodiment, a direct applyfoil 1456 may be adhered or coupled to the bottom, can end 1416 proximate itsperiphery 1458 to define achemical enclosure 1454. The direct applyfoil 1456 may be metal foil, thermoplastic, or any other suitable material or combination of materials known in the art. - The direct apply
foil 1456 may be adhered or coupled to the bottom, can end 1416 by laser welding, ultrasonic welding, friction stir welding, adhesive, or any other suitable method known in the art. The seal between the bottom, can end 1416 and the direct applyfoil 1456 may be hermetic or non-hermetic. - The direct apply
foil 1456 may also define a outwardly extendingdepressible portion 1455 extending away from the bottom, can end 1416. Thedepressible portion 1455 may be suitable, upon depressing by a user, to activate the chemicals contained within thechemical enclosure 1454, causing the chemicals to generate heat when thedepressible portion 1455 is actuated. As in the previous embodiment, thedepressible portion 1455 may be of any suitable shape, but may be configured such that thebottom-most portion 1460 of thedepressible portion 1455 is easily accessible by a user, but does not extend below the bottom-most portion of thedouble seam 1418, thus allowing thecontainer 1410 to be set down or stacked without unintentional actuation of thedepressible portion 1455. Additionally, other configurations and shapes ofdepressible portions 1455 are also envisioned. - Although these embodiments are described in conjunction with depressible portions, other configurations allowing for selective activation of chemicals contained within a
chemical enclosure 1454 are also envisioned. - In one embodiment, the bottom can end 1416, the direct apply
foil 1456, and the chemicals may be preassembled such that the combination would be a pre-prepared element to be attached to acontainer sidewall 1412. In this embodiment, the bottom can end 1416 may be joined to theside wall 1412 with a rolled joint or soldered joint 1418 (i.e., double seam) hermetically sealing the bottom can end 1416 to thesidewall 1412, with the direct applyfoil 1456 coupled to thecontainer 1410 by virtue of the weld or adhesive at theperiphery 1458 of the bottom can end 1416 without needing to be directly attached or rolled to thecontainer sidewall 1412. - The construction and arrangements of the container assembly, as shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Claims (27)
1. A self-heating container comprising:
a cylindrical metal side wall defining an interior;
a top, can end hermetically joined to the metal side wall;
a metal bottom can end joined to the metal side wall to form an enclosure having an interior, the metal bottom can end including a depression extending into the interior;
a double-seam which hermetically joins the side wall to the metal bottom can end to orient the depression to extend into the interior;
chemicals which are formulated to generate heat when activated; and
a metal closure panel joined to the metal bottom can end to create an enclosure for the chemicals hermetically separated by the metal bottom can end from the interior.
2. The container of claim 1 , wherein the depression has a concave shape.
3. The container of claim 2 , wherein the metal closure panel includes a button area deformable by the user to interact with the chemicals such that the chemicals are activated.
4. The container of claim 3 , further comprising a welded joint which joins the metal closure panel to the metal bottom can end.
5. The container of claim 3 , wherein the welded joint has the weld structure of one of a friction stir welded joint, an ultrasonic welded joint or a laser welded joint.
6. The container of claim 3 , wherein the metal closure panel is a metal foil panel joined to the metal bottom can end with an adhesive.
7. The container of claim 3 , wherein at least a portion of the metal side wall is tapered.
8. The container of claim 3 , wherein the double seam further seals the metal closure panel to the metal bottom can end.
9. The container of claim 3 , wherein the metal closure panel includes a rim which forms a friction fit with a periphery of the double seam, and further comprising a sealant disposed between the rim and the periphery.
10. A temperature changing container comprising:
a plurality of walls joined to form an enclosure which hermetically seals the contents of the enclosure within the walls, wherein one of the walls includes a depression extending into the contents of the enclosure;
chemicals which are formulated to change state and change the temperature of the container when activated; and
a closure panel joined to the enclosure to encapsulate the chemicals within the depression between the wall including the depression and the closure panel.
11. The container of claim 10 , wherein the depression has a concave shape.
12. The container of claim 11 , wherein the closure panel includes a button area deformable by the user to interact with the chemicals such that the chemicals are activated.
13. The container of claim 12 , further comprising a welded joint which joins the closure panel to the enclosure.
14. The container of claim 13 , wherein the welded joint has the weld structure of one of a friction stir welded joint, an ultrasonic welded joint or a laser welded joint.
15. The container of claim 10 , wherein the closure panel is a metal foil panel joined to the enclosure with an adhesive.
16. The container of claim 10 , wherein the enclosure and closure panel are formed from steel.
17. The container of claim 16 , wherein the chemicals increase the temperature of the container when activated.
18. A self-heating container comprising:
a cylindrical metal side wall defining an interior;
a metal bottom can end joined to the metal side wall to form an enclosure having an interior, the metal bottom can end including a depression extending into the interior;
a double-seam formed from the side wall and the metal bottom can end to hermetically join the side wall to the metal bottom can end to orient the depression to extend into the interior;
chemicals which are formulated to change temperature when activated; and
a metal closure panel joined to the metal bottom can end to create an enclosure for the chemicals hermetically separated by metal bottom can end from the interior.
19. The container of claim 18 , wherein the depression has a concave shape.
20. The container of claim 19 , wherein the metal closure panel includes a button area deformable by the user to interact with the chemicals such that the chemicals are activated.
21. The container of claim 20 , further comprising a welded joint which joins the closure panel to the metal bottom can end.
22. The container of claim 20 , wherein the welded joint has the weld structure of one of a friction stir welded joint, an ultrasonic welded joint or a laser welded joint.
23. The container of claim 20 , wherein the closure panel is a metal foil panel joined to the metal bottom can end with an adhesive.
24. The container of claim 20 , wherein at least a portion of the metal side wall is tapered.
25. The container of claim 20 , wherein the double seam further seals the closure panel to the metal bottom can end.
26. The container of claim 20 , wherein the closure panel includes a rim which forms a friction fit with a periphery of the double seam, and the container further includes a sealant disposed between the rim and the periphery.
27. The container of claim 20 , wherein the chemicals increase in temperature when activated.
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US8701887B2 (en) | 2008-07-31 | 2014-04-22 | Silgan Containers Llc | Stackable container |
US8360048B2 (en) * | 2009-03-09 | 2013-01-29 | Heat Wave Technologies, Llc | Self-heating systems and methods for rapidly heating a comestible substance |
US8864924B2 (en) * | 2009-04-07 | 2014-10-21 | Heatgenie, Inc. | Solid-state thermite composition based heating device |
US20110011868A1 (en) | 2009-07-14 | 2011-01-20 | Steve Manne | Reclosable Container End |
US9016511B2 (en) | 2010-07-19 | 2015-04-28 | Silgan Containers Llc | Heated container |
-
2011
- 2011-02-25 US US13/035,745 patent/US9016511B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-07-13 WO PCT/US2011/043886 patent/WO2012012246A2/en active Application Filing
-
2012
- 2012-12-07 US US13/708,447 patent/US20130105493A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9016511B2 (en) | 2010-07-19 | 2015-04-28 | Silgan Containers Llc | Heated container |
CN104773433A (en) * | 2015-03-25 | 2015-07-15 | 朱虹斐 | Energy-saving grain storage bin |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9016511B2 (en) | 2015-04-28 |
WO2012012246A3 (en) | 2012-04-19 |
US20110240656A1 (en) | 2011-10-06 |
WO2012012246A2 (en) | 2012-01-26 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SILGAN CONTAINERS LLC, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WIDITORA, ALVIN;HOLSTINE, ROWDY H.;BAKER, GERALD JAMES;SIGNING DATES FROM 20110719 TO 20110802;REEL/FRAME:029723/0274 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |