Single use self-heating cup

Abstract

A large self-heating cup having an injected plastic container body (1) with two cavities, separated by a central overmolded metal wall (10). The upper cavity (32) contains the beverage while the lower cavity (33) is used to contain the heating module, an exothermic reaction without toxic reactants. Said lower cavity (33) is closed by a plastic base (20) which is also used to divide this cavity into two chambers by the way of a breakable seal (19). A solid reactant (34) is placed above the breakable seal (19) and a liquid reactant (35) is inside the plastic base (20). With the cup in an upside-down position, the user pulls off a protective foil (31) and pushes the actuator (26) which pierces the breakable seal (19) causing the mixing of both reactants and thus generate heat. An effective heat transfer to the beverage is possible by way of the separating metal wall (10) allowing a quickly elevation of its temperature.

A special coating on plastics and a reinforced design authorizing a sterilization stage. The conical outer shape (1) is compliant with standard accessories like lids and paper sleeves to increase tasting comfort.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0001]The present invention relates to a single use self-heating cup intended to contain beverages or soups.[0002]The field of the invention is the consummation of hot beverage everywhere through a packaging able to heat a liquid and / or solid quickly and safely before consuming it. In particular, the present invention relates to an innovative container body made of bi-material allowing to have all at once, heat-conductive walls and heat-protective walls.2. Description of the Related Art[0003]The demand for an effective self-heating container of liquid and / or solid consumables is becoming increasingly strong and it's justified because no manufacturer has responded in full to the problem posed by the consumer society.[0004]In general, container may have integral or separate insertable modules to heat a beverage or soup. Examples of such self-heating containers with integral thermal modules are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,684, is...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0025]The technology of the present invention opens up possibility to manufacture self-heating cups with a large volume of beverage thanks to the overmolded metal of the reaction chamber which allows to have an excellent heat transfer and an operational security and a container bo...

Problems solved by technology

For example Scudder, U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,684 which has an interesting volume of beverage, 9.5 fl oz (281 mL) but its heat transfer wall is made of plastic, it's not effective because it's weakly heat-conductive, heat time is 5 to 8 minutes and there is an important risk due to the high temperature reached.

Fissures or punctures or distortions might appear in the heat transfer wall, such that the reactive product might come into contact with the consumable, making it unfit for consumption.

Product becomes complex and too expensive to manufacture, so hard to sell it for an average volume of beverage and only one use.

Fast Drink, U.S. Pat. No. 8,944,045 which has a good concept, minimal of parts and ...

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