WO1994005136A1 - Recipient a aliment et a boisson autochauffant et dispositif associe - Google Patents

Recipient a aliment et a boisson autochauffant et dispositif associe Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1994005136A1
WO1994005136A1 PCT/US1992/007027 US9207027W WO9405136A1 WO 1994005136 A1 WO1994005136 A1 WO 1994005136A1 US 9207027 W US9207027 W US 9207027W WO 9405136 A1 WO9405136 A1 WO 9405136A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
load resistor
electrical battery
battery
container wall
foil
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1992/007027
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Thomas Nello Giaccherini
Original Assignee
Thomas Nello Giaccherini
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thomas Nello Giaccherini filed Critical Thomas Nello Giaccherini
Priority to PCT/US1992/007027 priority Critical patent/WO1994005136A1/fr
Publication of WO1994005136A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994005136A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
    • H05B3/34—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J36/00—Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
    • A47J36/24—Warming devices
    • A47J36/2483—Warming devices with electrical heating means
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to food and beverage containers. More particularly, this invention offers a novel apparatus for providing a food or beverage container that includes its own internal heater. The user simply opens an external package, and activates the heater by squeezing an electrical switch. When the contents of the container are sufficiently hot, a temperature indicator informs the user that the contents are ready to consume.
  • FIG 1 A is a schematic perspective diagram of the external packaging which may be incorporated into one of the preferred embodiments of the invention.
  • This external packaging is essentially a foil pouch which surrounds an internal package that encloses a portion of food or beverage and an internal heater.
  • the external package bears labeling and advertising information, as well as a spoon which the purchaser may use to consume the contents of the internal package.
  • Figure IB is a partial side view of the external package which reveals how the edges of the pouch are sealed together around its periphery.
  • FIG 2 is a schematic illustration of the internal heater which is enclosed by both the external and the internal packages.
  • the food or beverage surrounds the heater shown in this perspective view.
  • An electrical battery resides at the center of the heater, and is itself contained by a safety seal, which is, in turn, substantially covered by foil sheets C, D, E and F. These foil sheets function as the resistive load that generates Tieat when current from the battery flows through the sheets.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic depiction of side "B" of the internal heater, and reveals the details of the electrical switch that includes a pair of foil boots which the consumer squeezes together to heat the food or beverage which surrounds the heater.
  • Figures 4 and 5 supply detailed renderings of the foil boots portrayed in Figure 3.
  • Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the switch assembly shown in Figure 3, while Figure 7 shows the switch assembly in an end view once a front cover and plastic seal have been placed over the switch.
  • Figure 8 provides a top cross-sectional view of the switch assembly.
  • Figure 9 is a cut-away view of the internal heater located inside the package layer that encloses a portion of food or beverage.
  • Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the entire internal package that encloses the food or beverage.
  • Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container without the outermost layer of packaging.
  • Figure IA supplies a perspective view of an external package 10 labeled Poiichies Hot SnacksTM which incorporates one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.
  • the lightweight package resembles a pouch or a pillow, and comprises two sheets of foil or plastic material 12 that are fused together around all four edges 14.
  • Figure IB reveals a partial side view of the fused edges 14.
  • a cut or notch 16 formed along one of these edges 14 provides the consumer with an easy method of opening the package 10 by tearing along the notch 16 toward the center of the package 10.
  • This outermost packaging layer 12 is not only used for labeling and advertising purposes, but also offers a space for a generally flattened spoon 18 which is held in place by a plastic sheet 20.
  • This sheet 20 is applied to the package 10 by a relatively weak adhesive, and is designed to be pulled back away from the package 10 by a pull tab 21 to free the spoon 18.
  • Figure IB portrays a partial side view of the package, and depicts how the edges 14 are mated to form a sanitary seal.
  • FIG 2 reveals a partial view of the internal heater assembly 22 which is located inside the food or beverage that is to be heated.
  • a battery 23 having six generally rectangular surfaces, A, B, C, D, E and F, is described.
  • the external package 10 shown in Figures IA and IB surrounds both the food or beverage and the internal heater assembly 22.
  • the heart of assembly 22 is an electric dry cell battery 23, which includes a positive terminal 24 and a negative terminal 25.
  • a safety seal 26 surrounds nearly all of the exterior surface area of battery 23.
  • This safety layer can be fabricated from a plastic material, and prevents any chemicals within the battery 23 from leaking into the food or beverage that surrounds the battery 23.
  • the planar surfaces A, B, C, D, E and F of the battery 23 are covered with four thin layers of metallic foil 27, labeled C, D, E and F.
  • These foil structures are glued to the battery 23 and function as a load resistor which converts the electrical energy stored within the battery 23 to heat.
  • the particular metal material used for the foil 27 is selected to match the resistive value of the load that is required. If, for example, a total load of one ohm is needed, a particular metal, alloy or specialized hybrid material that includes both a conductor and an insulator which offers the appropriate resistivity is chosen.
  • Each piece of foil 27 is connected to one of the two terminals 24 and 25 of battery 23.
  • the sheets of foil marked C and F are coupled to the positive electrode 24, while sheets E and D are connected to the negative electrode 25.
  • Two mounting anchors 28 and 30 protrude from battery surfaces A and B.
  • Anchor 28 has a hole 29 formed in its center, and extendiTfrom the internal heater assembly 22 to the exterior of the internal package.
  • Battery surface B carries a switch assembly 32 that controls the heating operation of the invention.
  • the switch assembly 32 allows the consumer to establish an electrical pathway across two sets of foil sheets, C and D, and E and F. Once these pairs of foil sheets 27 are coupled, current flows through them and heat is radiated out from the internal heater assembly 22 into surrounding the food or beverage.
  • Switch assembly 32 is mounted over anchor 28 on battery surface B. Four edges of foil sheets C, D, E and F each curl over the perimeter of battery surface B and terminate near anchor 28.
  • the switch assembly 32 is best seen in Figure 3, and includes a back plate 34 that has four mounting holes 36 and a central frame 38.
  • each of the foil boots 40 which are depicted in Figures 4 and 5, is essentially a matched pair of thin rectangular pieces that are compressed around ends of the foil sheets 27.
  • Each boot 40 grasps two foil sheets 27 that are connected to the same terminal 24 or 25 of the battery
  • each boot 40 The two pieces comprising each boot 40 are held together by two pairs of pins 41A that are implanted into matching holes 41B when the opposing pieces are compressed together to form a "sandwich" with an end of a foil sheet 27 at its center.
  • the interior surface of each boot 40 is fitted with a conductive pad 41C that forms an electrical connection with the foil 27 held by each boot 40.
  • This pad 41C is also coupled to an electrically conductive connector pin 42.
  • Each boot 40 has one pin 42, and both pins 42 are aligned so that they mate with each other when the foil boots 40 are squeezed toward each other.
  • the boots 40 are held in proper alignment by frame 38, which constrains their motion in the plane that is parallel to battery surface B, which lies behind the switch assembly 32.
  • a "dog-bone” shaped front cover 46 is placed over the foil boots 40, and is mounted on the switch assembly 32 using four pins or screws 37 that are received by mounting holes 36.
  • a rivet or another suitable fastener 48 that fits into hole 29 on anchor 28 can also be used to fasten the switch assembly 32 onto the battery 23.
  • Figure 6 supplies a cross-sectional schematic illustration of the invention viewed from the side.
  • Figures 7 and 8 offer the reader additional views of the switch assembly 32.
  • Figure 9 is a cut-away perspective view of a portion of the invention.
  • FIGS. 10 and 11 reveal the details of the invention in cross-sectional side views.
  • the battery 23 surrounded by the safety seal 26 and the foil heater layers 27 is substantially enclosed by a reservoir defined by an exterior wall 50 and insulation 60 that contains a consumable 51, such as food or a beverage.
  • a cup 52 fabricated from a lightweight yet stiff plastic material is affixed to switch assembly 32.
  • the cup 52 provides a rigid framework for the entire package, and allows the consumer to place the package on a table top while dining on the heated food 51.
  • a stiffening ring 54 is deployed around the top of the wall 50 of the food container to provide a convenient fixed aperture once the package is opened by pulling tab 58, which removes a generally circular top 56.
  • a layer of thermal insulation 60 is disposed adjacent to exterior wall 50.
  • the inner portion of the food or beverage container is a layer of heat conducting foil 62, which fits snugly against the foil heater layers 27.
  • a heat sensitive strip of plastic 64 forms a temperature window which extends from the food or beverage to the exterior wall 50. This window changes color when the contents of the package are completely heated, and informs the user when the food or beverage is ready to consume.
  • An alternative embodiment of the invention is a portable heating appliance. This embodiment does not include anchor 30, outer container wall 50, insulation layer 62, stiff cup 52, stiffening ring 54, circular top 56, or temperature window 64.
  • the heating appliance is activated in the same way by squeezing the switch 32, but can be used to apply heat topically or to warm one's hands.
  • alkaline batteries which are commonly referred to as "alkaline” batteries.
  • alkaline batteries The brief description of alkaline batteries which follows presents information from the text entitled Modern Battery Technology by Clive D.S. Tuck which was published by Ellis Horwood Limited in 1991.
  • Alkaline cells are similar to zinc-carbon batteries, and utilize zinc powder as an anode material and manganese dioxide as an active cathode material.
  • the electrolyte is an alkaline solution of potassium hydroxide, which offers a very high conductivity that provides an increased ability to carry electric current.
  • the exterior of the battery itself is usually a steel container, which also serves as current collector for the cathode.
  • the inner surface of the steel container is often covered with a layer of nickel plate to reduce corrosion and provide good contact.
  • the anode and cathode are kept apart by a porous paper separator.
  • An anode collector extends from the anode and provides a current path. The collector passes through a seal which fits tightly against the battery container and ensures that electrolyte does not leak out.
  • the battery is hermetically sealed, has an exceptionally good shelf life and resists leakage.
  • alkaline batteries have proportionately much less electrolyte than carbon-zinc batteries and, therefore, offer greatly improved energy density.
  • Some alkaline batteries utilize small amounts of corrosion inhibiting additives such as lead or organic materials which are surface-active toward zinc.
  • the zinc powder anode contains gelling agents based on natural materials like starch or cellulose. These gelling agents help to support the zinc powder and partly immobilize the electrolyte. Tuck emphasizes that the purity and crystal structure of the manganese dioxide used in the alkaline cell must be carefully controlled.
  • Alkaline batteries offer two to three times the input capacity of a zinc- carbon battery, and about five times the capacity of a nickel-cadmium battery.
  • high current drains can cause the internal resistance to be relatively high compared to the device resistance, and the power loss in the battery can be large.
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a battery having a relatively low internal resistance. It is also beneficial to use a battery which does not suffer from high levels of polarization of the materials within the battery.
  • One of the preferred embodiments of the invention incorporates a container that is capable of storing approximately four (4) ounces (oz.) of a food or beverage.
  • a container that is capable of storing approximately four (4) ounces (oz.) of a food or beverage.
  • the description which follows assumes that the invention is used to heat four ounces of a beverage that has a density that is roughly equivalent to that of water.
  • Four ounces of water weighs about 4 ounces x 28 grams/ounce, or 112 grams (gm).
  • a 112 gram portion of a beverage having a density of approximately 1 gram per cubic centimeter (gm/cc) would then occupy roughly 112 cubic centimeters.
  • the interior dimensions of the chamber that surrounds the battery and holds the beverage are 1.5 cm thick, 6.7 cm on a side and 9.2 cm long. This provides a total available volume for the contents to be heated of just over two hundred (200) cubic centimeters. About half of this cavity is occupied by insulation which prevents most of the heat from escaping the container until after the contents are heated and the package is opened.
  • the beverage is heated from room temperature of seventy-two degrees Fahrenheit (72°C, 22°C) to one hundred and twenty degrees Fahrenheit (120°F, 49°C). The heat differential is therefore around twenty-seven degrees Centigrade.
  • the amount of heat required to raise one cc of water by one degree Centigrade is one calorie, which is equivalent to 1/860 of one watt hour. Accordingly, the task of raising 112 cc of beverage in the container by 27 degrees C requires 112 x 27 or 3,024 calories. For each hour of continuous power supplied by the battery, the container receives 860 calories per watt.
  • the power received in one heating cycle for one watt of continuous power is reduced by a third, to 860/3 or about 287 calories.
  • the power needed to deliver 3K cals in 20 minutes is just over ten (10) watts.
  • conventional "D" alkaline cells can supply about one watt of continuous power (1200 milliamperes at 0.85 volts) to a load of one ohm for 620 minutes. These cells, however, are designed for loads of much higher resistance and commensurately much lower drain rates.
  • the preferred embodiment of the invention can utilize cells that provide voltage levels that are much higher than the conventional 1.5 V dry cell, and that offer a much lower value of internal resistance, which allows for high discharge rates over short periods of time. If the invention is employed to heat food having a greater density, a battery that supplies more power can be utilized. Higher heating capacities may also be obtained by wiring two or more individual cells together.
  • the invention supplies a convenient food packaging product that may be used to great advantage by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts; by large institutions such as schools, hospitals and nursing homes; or in vending machines.
  • the present invention will find many beneficial uses in situations where it is not practical to heat foods or beverages using large conventional ovens.
  • the alternative embodiment of the heating appliance may be advantageously employed in any instance where a small portable supply of heat is needed.
  • Terminal surface A Exterior battery surface: Terminal surface

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)

Abstract

Un emballage léger (10) servant à chauffer une petite portion d'aliment ou de boisson (51) comprend deux feuilles de matière plastique (12) qui sont soudées l'une à l'autre par leurs quatre bords (14). Un ensemble de chauffage intérieur (22) est placé au centre dudit paquet (10) et entouré par l'aliment ou la boisson (51) à chauffer. Une pile (23) est recouverte d'une enveloppe de sécurité (26) à l'épreuve des fuites. Les surfaces planes de la pile (23) sont recouvertes d'une feuille métallique (27) qui constitue l'élément chauffant. Un ensemble commutateur (32) monté sur un côté de la pile (23) commande l'opération de chauffage en fermant le circuit allant d'une borne à l'autre (24) et (25) de la pile et passant par la feuille (27). La chaleur s'irradie à partir de l'ensemble de chauffage intérieur (22) dans l'aliment ou la boisson (51) qui entoure celui-ci, par l'intermédiaire d'une paroi intérieure (62) thermiquement conductrice de l'emballage (10). La paroi extérieure (50) est également pourvue d'une couche d'isolation thermique (60) qui garde la chaleur de l'aliment ou de la boisson (51).
PCT/US1992/007027 1992-08-20 1992-08-20 Recipient a aliment et a boisson autochauffant et dispositif associe WO1994005136A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1992/007027 WO1994005136A1 (fr) 1992-08-20 1992-08-20 Recipient a aliment et a boisson autochauffant et dispositif associe

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1992/007027 WO1994005136A1 (fr) 1992-08-20 1992-08-20 Recipient a aliment et a boisson autochauffant et dispositif associe

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1994005136A1 true WO1994005136A1 (fr) 1994-03-03

Family

ID=22231324

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1992/007027 WO1994005136A1 (fr) 1992-08-20 1992-08-20 Recipient a aliment et a boisson autochauffant et dispositif associe

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1994005136A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5935486A (en) * 1996-08-02 1999-08-10 Tda Research, Inc. Portable heat source
US6289889B1 (en) 1999-07-12 2001-09-18 Tda Research, Inc. Self-heating flexible package
US7021064B2 (en) 2000-06-28 2006-04-04 Coty, Inc. Multi-compartment pack for cooling or heating of products
US8721572B1 (en) 2010-06-10 2014-05-13 Eyedetec Medical, Inc. Systems, devices, kits and methods for therapy of the eye
WO2015195368A1 (fr) * 2014-06-19 2015-12-23 Elc Management Llc Échantillonneur de produits cosmétiques à applicateur chauffant intégré

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1514379A (en) * 1924-11-04 Food container
US2483979A (en) * 1947-04-07 1949-10-04 Lewis H Morrill Electric nursing bottle warmer
US2914061A (en) * 1958-04-01 1959-11-24 Raso Americo Del Self-heating can
US3483358A (en) * 1960-04-14 1969-12-09 Paul Eisler Electrically heatable package
US3549861A (en) * 1969-04-28 1970-12-22 Leonard Trachtenberg Self-heated thermos bottle
US3751629A (en) * 1957-07-24 1973-08-07 P Eisler Surface heating device
US4771563A (en) * 1987-06-08 1988-09-20 Easley Samuel D Environment enhancement device for animal scent used by hunter
US4773389A (en) * 1986-02-19 1988-09-27 Chori Company, Ltd. Self-heating foodstuff container
US4895135A (en) * 1987-08-10 1990-01-23 Fukubi Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Self-heating container

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1514379A (en) * 1924-11-04 Food container
US2483979A (en) * 1947-04-07 1949-10-04 Lewis H Morrill Electric nursing bottle warmer
US3751629A (en) * 1957-07-24 1973-08-07 P Eisler Surface heating device
US2914061A (en) * 1958-04-01 1959-11-24 Raso Americo Del Self-heating can
US3483358A (en) * 1960-04-14 1969-12-09 Paul Eisler Electrically heatable package
US3549861A (en) * 1969-04-28 1970-12-22 Leonard Trachtenberg Self-heated thermos bottle
US4773389A (en) * 1986-02-19 1988-09-27 Chori Company, Ltd. Self-heating foodstuff container
US4771563A (en) * 1987-06-08 1988-09-20 Easley Samuel D Environment enhancement device for animal scent used by hunter
US4895135A (en) * 1987-08-10 1990-01-23 Fukubi Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Self-heating container

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5935486A (en) * 1996-08-02 1999-08-10 Tda Research, Inc. Portable heat source
US6248257B1 (en) 1996-08-02 2001-06-19 Tda Research, Inc. Portable heat source
US6289889B1 (en) 1999-07-12 2001-09-18 Tda Research, Inc. Self-heating flexible package
US7021064B2 (en) 2000-06-28 2006-04-04 Coty, Inc. Multi-compartment pack for cooling or heating of products
US8721572B1 (en) 2010-06-10 2014-05-13 Eyedetec Medical, Inc. Systems, devices, kits and methods for therapy of the eye
WO2015195368A1 (fr) * 2014-06-19 2015-12-23 Elc Management Llc Échantillonneur de produits cosmétiques à applicateur chauffant intégré

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
TW434922B (en) Primary battery having a built-in controller to extend battery run time
US9224516B2 (en) Battery tab and packaging frame design
KR100257100B1 (ko) 일체화된 조건 지시자를 갖는 배터리
TW459410B (en) Consumer battery having a built-in indicator
US4028479A (en) Flat battery
TWM245035U (en) Electric shaver
US4147838A (en) Rechargeable battery with separate charging terminal
CN101352307A (zh) 半导体制冷片温差发电电子测温锅
TW478190B (en) Battery having a built-in controller to extend battery service run time
WO1994005136A1 (fr) Recipient a aliment et a boisson autochauffant et dispositif associe
US2812377A (en) Flat dry cell
US3347709A (en) Layer type battery having both terminals at one end
US3320508A (en) Battery and charging circuit cartridge
WO2002041464A2 (fr) Source de puissance compacte haute capacite
US4211968A (en) Battery charger adapter
CN110212149A (zh) 一种基于电磁感应可快速取出的锂电池
US20070031547A1 (en) Integrated heater for food packaging
CN210882891U (zh) 一种多功能手持封口机
US4321316A (en) Tightly sealed galvanic element
JP3272225B2 (ja) パック電池
CN217161669U (zh) 无源蓄电自动搅拌显温杯
CN217243653U (zh) 水杯
CN210185207U (zh) 可显示温度的多功能保温碗
CN218515550U (zh) 智能水杯
CN215772949U (zh) 能量转换装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): JP US

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL SE

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase