Disposable baby bottle warmer for use anywhere

Abstract

The heating device includes a flexible housing defining a plurality of heater segments, each heater segment including a first compartment containing a first reactant, a second compartment containing a second reactant, and a frangible seal between the first and second compartments, the first and second reactants configured to undergo an exothermic reaction upon contact with one another.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is the national phase application of International Application No. PCT / US20 / 28347, filed April 15, 2020, filed pursuant to Section 371 of Title 35 of the U.S. Patent Act, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 834,501, filed April 16, 2019. The contents of these earlier applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to a wrap-around heater, and more specifically to a wrap-around heater or other heating technology for heating baby bottles. Background Technology

[0004] There are various types of heaters in the world, many of which can be used to heat baby bottle formula. U.S. Patents Nos. 3,804,076 and 6,234,165 disclose two examples of prior baby bottle heaters. Summary of the Invention

[0005] On one hand, the heating device includes a flexible housing defining a plurality of heater sections. Each heater section includes a first compartment containing a first reactant, a second compartment containing a second reactant, and a fragile seal between the first and second compartments. The first and second reactants are configured to undergo an exothermic reaction when in contact with each other.

[0006] On the other hand, the heating device includes a first compartment containing a particulate first reactant, a second compartment containing a liquid second reactant, and a fragile seal or other flow control mechanism (e.g., a valve or the like) between the first and second compartments. The particulate first reactant and the liquid second reactant are configured to undergo an exothermic reaction upon contact with each other. An oil coating is applied to a portion (i.e., some but not all) of the particulate first reactant in the first compartment.

[0007] In another aspect, a method includes providing a heating device and enclosing the heating device around a container (e.g., a baby bottle) containing material (e.g., milk or formula) to be heated by the heating device. The heating device includes a flexible housing defining a plurality of heater sections. Each heater section has a first compartment containing a first reactant, a second compartment containing a second reactant, and a brittle seal between the first and second compartments. The first and second reactants are configured to undergo an exothermic reaction when in contact with each other.

[0008] In some implementations, one or more of the following advantages exist.

[0009] For example, in various embodiments, each heating device disclosed herein acts as a pad capable of providing heat on demand. Each heating device can be wrapped around the bottle and secured in place (e.g., using hooks, adhesive fasteners, or material mechanical hooks) and then activated. After use, the heating device can simply be removed from the bottle and disposed of in any ordinary trash can.

[0010] The heating system is safe and does not produce any harmless residue.

[0011] Furthermore, in some implementations, the performance of the heating system can be adjusted for different applications (e.g., by adjusting a portion of the oiled particulate reactant in the heating system, and / or changing the amount of reactant in the heating system).

[0012] The heating element can be easily rolled (or wrapped around a container, such as a baby bottle) while maintaining a uniform distribution of particles on the circumference. This uniform distribution is achieved by providing heaters in discrete segments. The number of segments can be adjusted as needed. Furthermore, because the heater has thickness, the outer or inner surface must vary in length to allow the heater to roll. By employing a segmented design, the inner side can fold along the seal between the segments, allowing the heater pouch to be closer together, thereby reducing the area of ​​the unheated bottle circumference.

[0013] When a heating device is applied to a bottle (e.g.) Figure 7 As shown, the granular bags are pressed tightly against the wall of the bottle containing the material to be heated. The liquid bags are then squeezed to break the fragile seal and initiate the heating reaction. It may be noted that in very warm weather, it may be desirable to start fewer than the maximum number of heaters.

[0014] Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an implementation of the heating device.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic side view of the heating device.

[0017] Figure 3 A to Figure 3 H is shown as used for Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic side view of the manufacturing process of the heating device.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an alternative implementation of the heating device.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An alternative schematic diagram of the heating device.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a heating device in an alternative configuration.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a perspective top view of the heating device surrounding the baby bottle.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a contoured flexible sheet for a heating device having exemplary dimensions.

[0023] The same reference numerals denote the same elements. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a heating device 100, which includes a flexible housing 102 defining a plurality of heater sections 104a, 104b...104h. Each heater section 104a, 104b...104h has a first compartment 106 containing a first reactant 109 and a second compartment 108 containing a second reactant 110. A fragile seal 112 exists between the first compartment 106 and the second compartment 108 in each heater section 104a, 104b...104h. The first reactant 109 and the second reactant 110 are configured to undergo an exothermic reaction when in contact with each other. In a typical embodiment, the first reactant 109 is a particulate reactant (e.g., granular calcium oxide), and the second reactant 110 is a liquid reactant (e.g., water).

[0025] To activate heating in one of the heater sections (e.g., heater section 104a), the user simply squeezes one or both of the compartments 106 and 108 in heater section 104a. When sufficient pressure is applied, the pressure generated within heater section 104a causes the fragile seal 112 of heater section 104a to rupture, allowing the reactants 109 and 110 in the heater compartments to mix and undergo an exothermic reaction. The heat from the exothermic reaction can pass through the housing 102 and enter the object to be heated, such as a baby bottle. Figure 1 Not shown in the image, but can be found in [reference]. Figure 7 ).

[0026] The flexible housing 102 in the heating device 100 shown is formed by a flat flexible sheet 114 and a corrugated flexible sheet 116 connected to each other. The corrugated flexible sheet 116 is shaped to define a plurality of first bags 118 and a plurality of second bags 120. These bags 118, 120 are configured such that when the corrugated flexible sheet 116 is connected to the flat flexible sheet 114: A) each first compartment 106 is defined by one of the first bags 118 in the corrugated flexible sheet 116 and the flat flexible sheet 114, and B) each second compartment 108 is defined by one of the second bags 120 in the corrugated flexible sheet 116 and the flat flexible sheet 114.

[0027] A flat flexible sheet 114 abuts against a corrugated flexible sheet 116 to form a fragile seal 112 between the first compartment 106 and the corresponding second compartment 108 in each heater section 104a, 104b...104h. Additionally, the flat flexible sheet abuts against the corrugated flexible sheet 116 to form an additional (“non-fragile”) seal that remains intact should the fragile seal 112 break. These additional seals extend around each of the first compartment 106 and the second compartment 108, except at the location described for the fragile seal 112.

[0028] The illustrated heating device 100 has fasteners 122a and 122b that engage with each other at opposite ends of the heating device. In use, the heating device 100 can be wrapped around an object to be heated (e.g., a baby bottle), and the fasteners 122a and 122b can engage with each other to hold the heating device 100 in a wrapped configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 122a and 122b take the form of engaging mechanical hooks formed in the material of the flexible housing 102. More specifically, the mechanical hooks have slits that open in opposite directions, allowing the slits to align with each other, and one slit can slide into the other slit to form an engaging relationship between them. Another embodiment may include different types of fasteners.

[0029] In the illustrated heating device 100, an insulating material 124 (e.g., thin foam or corrugated cardboard) is present on the outer surface of a flat flexible sheet 114 opposite to the corrugated flexible sheet 116. This insulating material 124 inhibits the heat generated by the exothermic reaction from leaving the heating device 100 through the insulating material 124. Therefore, in a typical embodiment, a large amount of heat generated by the exothermic reaction leaves the heating device 100 through the second corrugated sheet 116, which in use means direct physical contact with the object to be heated (e.g., a baby bottle). At the same time, the outer surface of the insulating material 124 serves as a clamping surface for the heating device 100 and the object enclosed within the heating device 100, remaining relatively cool to the touch even while the exothermic reaction is underway and generating heat.

[0030] The insulation material 124 can take any of a variety of different forms. In some embodiments, the insulation material 124 is a separate layer attached to the flexible housing 102 of the heating device 100 by heat sealing or by using an adhesive material. In some embodiments, the insulation material 124 can be applied as a liquid and subsequently cured into a solid form.

[0031] In some embodiments, the heating device has a label on the outer surface of the insulation material 124 (on Figure 1 Not shown in the image, but... Figure 5 and Figure 7 (See image). The label may be affixed to or printed on the outer surface of the insulation material 124. The label may include various printed materials thereon, including information about the heating device itself (e.g., brand name, slogan, information about recommended use, etc.) and other types of information typically included on product labels.

[0032] The flexible housing 102 in the heating device 100 shown has a top edge 126, a bottom edge 128, and two side edges 130, 132 at opposite ends of the heater sections 104a, 104b...104h. The flexible housing 102 is configured such that when the flat flexible sheet 114 is in planar configuration, the top edge 126 and the bottom edge 128 are ultimately substantially parallel to each other. The side edges 130, 132 are perpendicular to the top edge 126 and the bottom edge 128.

[0033] The first compartments 106 and second compartments 108 in heater sections 104a, 104b...104h form a compartment array between the top edge 126, the bottom edge 128, and the two side edges 130, 132 of the flexible housing 102. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, eight first compartments 106 and eight second compartments 108 form a 2×8 compartment array between the top edge 126, the bottom edge 128, and the two side edges 130, 132 of the flexible housing 102.

[0034] In each of the heater sections 104a, 104b...104h, the first compartment 106 and the second compartment 108 are longitudinally aligned with each other along an axis extending between the top edge 126 and the bottom edge 128 of the heating device 100. This axis is perpendicular to both the top edge 126 and the bottom edge 128. Furthermore, the axis of each heater section 104a, 104b...104h is parallel to the axes of all other heater sections 104a, 104b...104h.

[0035] Fasteners 122a and 122b are located at the side edges 130 and 132 of the flexible housing 102.

[0036] The spacing between adjacent compartments in the heating device 100 can vary. In a typical embodiment, the distance between a compartment in one heater section and a corresponding compartment in an adjacent heater section is at least 0.5 cm. This distance helps ensure that the heating device 100 can wrap around the object to be heated (e.g., a baby bottle). Similarly, in a typical embodiment, the distance between the first compartment 106 and the second compartment 108 in each heater section is at least 0.5 cm. This distance helps ensure that the portion of the heating device 100 including the second compartment 108 can fold over the portion of the heating device including the first compartment 106 at the fragile seal 112. This fold at the fragile seal 112 can be a desirable configuration for the heating device 100 when it is transported, as the fold at the fragile seal 112 helps reinforce the fragile seal 112 to prevent accidental breakage during transport, when the heating device 100 is most likely to be subjected to rough handling.

[0037] As described above, in some embodiments, the first reactant 109 is granular calcium oxide (or quicklime), and the second reactant 110 is water. These reactants provide usable heat for applications such as heating baby bottles. Furthermore, the reactants themselves are safe, and the residues from the reactions between the reactants are harmless. Calcium oxide (or quicklime) has the appearance and physical properties of soft rock. Calcium oxide (or quicklime) readily reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide.

[0038] In a typical embodiment, the heating device 100 has arrangements for controlling the exothermic rate of the exothermic reaction. These arrangements minimize or prevent the generation of steam within the heating device 100 during the exothermic reaction. These arrangements may include, for example, providing a coating of oil (e.g., vegetable oil, etc.) on some portions of the calcium oxide particles in each of the first compartments 106. In a typical embodiment, 40% to 70% of the particulate calcium oxide in each of the first compartments 106 is coated with oil, and 30% to 60% of the particulate calcium oxide in each of the first compartments 106 is not coated with oil.

[0039] In a heating device containing a mixture of coated (oil-coated) calcium oxide particles and uncoated calcium oxide particles, the uncoated particles react first because water can reach these particles that are not blocked by any oil coating. However, water does not immediately react with the coated (oil-coated) calcium oxide particles because the oil coating prevents water from contacting them. The heat generated by these initial reactions is less than the heat generated if water could enter and immediately begin to react with all the calcium oxide particles. Over time, the intensity of these initial reactions begins to gradually weaken. Simultaneously, the oil coating begins to gradually decompose, exposing more and more of the underlying calcium oxide particles to the water.

[0040] The ultimate effect of coating some (but not all) of the calcium oxide particles is to prolong the heat generation time while reducing the peak temperature. Furthermore, in some embodiments, coating some (but not all) of the calcium oxide particles can reduce or even prevent steam generation in the heating device 100. In typical embodiments, these coating techniques allow heater designers to adjust the calcium oxide charge to match the thermal evolution to the endothermic rate of the target product. Additionally, in some embodiments, the rate of thermal evolution can be specifically tuned so that the reactive particle bed never exceeds the temperature required to heat milk or food to body temperature in cool weather. These are highly desirable characteristics for heaters used to heat baby bottles or the like.

[0041] The dimensions of the first compartment 106 and the second compartment 108 can be varied. Furthermore, the amount of reactant in each of the first compartment 106 and each of the second compartment 108 can vary. However, in some embodiments, the granular reactant in the heating device 100 fills 40% to 60% of each of the first compartments. This percentage helps ensure that there is a sufficient amount of reactant to generate enough heat, while also ensuring sufficient space for water to flow around the granular reactant.

[0042] Figure 3 A to Figure 3 H represents Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic side view of the manufacturing process of the heating device 100. Figure 3 A to Figure 3 H shows only one heater section of the heating device 100. However, it should be understood that for all other heater sections in the heating device 100, a process similar to that shown in each step will occur.

[0043] Figure 3 A illustrates the starting point of the process, which simply provides a flexible sheet 334 for forming a corrugated flexible sheet 116 of the heating device 100. In a typical embodiment, the flexible sheet 334 is a plastic material. In some embodiments, the same flexible sheet 334 used to form the corrugated flexible sheet 116 of the heating device 100 may also be cut or folded to form a flat flexible sheet 114 of the heating device 100.

[0044] exist Figure 3 In B, the flexible sheet 334 is shown as having been shaped to have a first pocket 118 and a second pocket 120 to adopt the shape of the wavy flexible sheet 116. In some embodiments, the pockets 118, 120 are formed in the flexible sheet 334 using a vacuum forming process.

[0045] Next, in Figure 3 In step C, granular calcium oxide 109 is disposed within the first bag 118 of the corrugated flexible sheet 116. In some embodiments, this step involves only pouring a certain amount of calcium oxide granules into the first bag 118 of the corrugated flexible sheet 116. In other embodiments, the calcium oxide granules are first wrapped in a permeable material and then disposed within the first bag 118. Wrapping the granular calcium oxide 109 firstly helps to hold the calcium oxide granules in place within the first bag 118 of the corrugated flexible sheet 116, which keeps the first bag 118 in an open structure (e.g., Figure 3 This is especially important when the wavy-shaped flexible sheet 334 (as shown in C) is opened, because it may lack the structural integrity to hold loose particles in place. Some examples of suitable permeable materials that may be useful in this regard include porous paper materials or soft mesh materials.

[0046] Figure 3 D shows a flat flexible sheet 114 that has been arranged on top of the corrugated flexible sheet 116. The flat flexible sheet 114 is sized such that it can cover all the bags 118, 120 in the corrugated flexible sheet 116 and be sealed to it. Figure 3In a typical embodiment of the implementation shown in D, the flat flexible sheet 114 is large enough to cover the entire corrugated flexible sheet 116 edge-to-edge. In a typical embodiment, the flat flexible sheet 114 and the corrugated flexible sheet 116 are made of the same type of material (e.g., plastic).

[0047] Figure 3 E shows a seal formed around a first bag 118 between a flat flexible sheet 114 and a corrugated flexible sheet 116. The flat flexible sheet 114 is sealed against the corrugated flexible sheet 116 around the first bag 118 to form a first compartment 106 of the heating device 100, which contains granular calcium oxide 109. Figure 3 The seal formed in E includes a fragile seal 112 between the first compartment 106 and the second compartment 108 of the heating device 100, and additional "non-fragile" seals on all other sides of the first compartment 106. The seal can be formed using a heat-sealing process or by applying an adhesive material between the sheets 114, 116.

[0048] Figure 3 F shows water being introduced into the second bag 120 of the corrugated flexible sheet 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the unsealed end of the flat flexible sheet 114 has been lifted from the corrugated flexible sheet 120 to expose the second bag 120, allowing water 110 to be poured into the second bag 120.

[0049] Next, in Figure 3 In G, the flat flexible sheet 114 has been repositioned onto the second bag 120 and is shown sealed against the corrugated flexible sheet 116 to close the second bag 120, thereby forming a second compartment 108 of the heating device, which contains water. In a typical embodiment, this sealing process creates a “non-fragile” seal around the entire second compartment 108 between the flat flexible sheet 114 and the corrugated flexible sheet 116, except for the area between the second compartment 108 and the first compartment 106 where a non-fragile seal has already been formed. The seal can be formed using a heat-sealing process or by applying an adhesive material between the sheets 114, 116.

[0050] Figure 3 H illustrates an insulating material 124 applied to the outer surface of a flat, flexible sheet. In some embodiments, the insulating material 124 may be applied as a liquid and subsequently cured into a solid form. In some embodiments, the insulating material 124 is a separate layer attached to the flexible housing 102 of the heating device 100 by heat sealing or by using an adhesive material.

[0051] In some embodiments, the label may be applied to or printed on the outer-facing surface of the upper part of the insulation material 124.

[0052] Figure 4 Is with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The heating device 100 is similar to the heating device 400 in the view.

[0053] Figure 4 Heating device 400 in Figure 1 and Figure 2 One difference between the heating devices 100 is that, Figure 4 The heating device 400 has six heater sections 104a to 104f instead of eight heater sections 104a to 104h.

[0054] In addition, with Figure 1 The mechanical hook fasteners 122a and 122b in the heating device 100 are different. Figure 4 The fasteners 422a and 422b in the heating device 400 are hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0055] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Alternative diagram of heating device 400. Figure 5 The view in is Figure 4 The back of the view in the image. Figure 5 An example of a label 500 on a heating device 400 is shown.

[0056] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A view of a heating device 400, the configuration of which differs from... Figure 4 The configuration of the heating device is shown. More specifically, in Figure 6 In this configuration, the portion of the heating device 400 including the second compartment 108 can be folded over the portion of the heating device 400 including the first compartment 106 at the fragile seal 112. This fold at the fragile seal 112 is desirable as a transport configuration because, when the heating device 400 is most likely to be subjected to rough handling, the fold at the fragile seal 112 helps reinforce the fragile seal 112 to prevent the possibility of accidental breakage during transport. Therefore, in a typical embodiment, the heating device 400 can be constructed as shown and then packaged (e.g., within a shipping container or outer packaging) for transport.

[0057] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the heating device 700 surrounding the baby bottle 760. Figure 7 Heating device 700 and Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The heating device 400 is the same. Figure 7The illustrated enclosure configuration is a preferred configuration for the heating device 700 used to heat the baby bottle 760. More specifically, in the illustrated configuration, the heating device 700 surrounds the baby bottle 760, wherein the label (and insulation material) of the heating device faces outwards, and the outer surface of the corrugated flexible sheet faces the baby bottle 760. In this configuration, if the fragile seal has not yet broken, the heating device 700 can be compressed to break the fragile seal and thereby trigger an exothermic reaction. The outward-facing insulation material keeps the outer surface / label cool to the touch, wherein most of the heat from the exothermic reaction leaves the heating device inwards and enters the baby bottle 760.

[0058] Figure 8 This is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a corrugated flexible sheet 816 for a heating device having exemplary dimensions (in inches) of the corrugated flexible sheet 816. Of course, the dimensions shown may vary depending on specific application considerations (e.g., + / - 10%). The corrugated flexible sheet 816 in the illustrated embodiment is used in a heating device having six heating sections. The overall edge-to-edge dimension of the corrugated flexible sheet 816 is 9 inches, and the overall top-to-bottom dimension of the corrugated flexible sheet 816 is 6.5 inches. The distance from the bottom of the corrugated flexible sheet 816 to the location of the fragile seal is 5 inches. The distance from the top of the corrugated flexible sheet 816 to the location of the fragile seal is 1.5 inches. The distance between bags in adjacent heater sections is 0.25 inches. The distance between one edge of one bag and the corresponding edge of the next adjacent bag is 1.5 inches. The dimensions shown in this figure should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection sought; these dimensions are merely illustrative of one model of the heating device.

[0059] Heating devices can be packaged and sold in various ways. In some embodiments, the heating device may be packaged and sold as part of a kit that includes the heating device and one or more baby bottles, the heating device being used with the one or more baby bottles to heat or warm the contents of the baby bottles. During shipping, the heating device may be provided in the packaging (with or without baby bottles), and as... Figure 6 As shown, a portion of the heating device 400 including a second compartment 108 may be configured, the portion of the heating device including the second compartment being folded over the portion of the heating device 400 including the first compartment 106 at the fragile seal 112.

[0060] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0061] For example, heating devices can be used to warm or heat baby bottles or the fluid contained in them. However, heating devices can also be used to warm or heat a variety of other products.

[0062] The specific exothermic reaction mentioned above involves water and calcium oxide. Other possibilities exist. One possibility is an exothermic solution of anhydrous calcium chloride in water. This is a relatively low-energy reaction, which could be used to heat very small quantities of product using a relatively large heater. Similarly, several other chlorides could be used. These other chlorides tend to have lower energy, and therefore could potentially require larger heaters.

[0063] The physical construction of a heating device can vary. For example, the physical construction, relative and absolute dimensions, and quantity of the heater section, compartments, and fragile seals within the heating device can vary. Furthermore, the absolute and relative amounts of reactants and / or oil coatings can also vary. It is possible to use various types of oils and oils with different solubility values.

[0064] The type of fastener can vary—and can include any one or more of various types of mechanical fasteners, including various hook designs, hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesive materials (peel or otherwise), etc.

[0065] The heating device may include other features, such as a soft material near the top edge of the heating device to prevent an infant from accidentally coming into contact with the sharp upper edge of the flexible housing of the heating device while drinking from the bottle.

[0066] The manufacturing process can vary. For example, adhesives or hook-and-loop fasteners can be added before the device is assembled into the final packaging for sale. Many other manufacturing sequences and assembly processes are equally applicable. If a mechanical hook design is chosen (e.g., such as...), Figure 1 (As shown), this can then be generated as part of the original bag production.

[0067] When this device is applied to a bottle (e.g., as...) Figure 7 As shown, the granular bag is pressed tightly against the wall of the bottle containing the material to be heated. The liquid bag is then squeezed to break the fragile seal and initiate the heating reaction. Typically, all fragile seals will be broken in this manner. However, it may be noted that in very warm weather, it may be desirable to start fewer than the maximum number of heaters.

[0068] While this specification contains numerous specific details of implementation, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of any invention or the scope that may be claimed, but rather as a description of features specific to particular embodiments of a particular invention. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing features may be described as functioning in certain combinations, or even originally claimed in this way, in some cases one or more claimed combinations may be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may be for sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0069] Similarly, although the operations disclosed herein occur in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or requiring all represented operations to be performed to obtain the desired result.

[0070] Other implementations are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A heating device, the heating device comprising: A flexible housing defining multiple heater sections. Each heater section includes: The first compartment containing the first reactant; The second compartment containing the second reactant; and The fragile seal between the first compartment and the second compartment The first reactant and the second reactant are configured to undergo an exothermic reaction when they come into contact with each other. The flexible shell is formed of flat flexible sheets and corrugated flexible sheets interconnected with each other. The corrugated flexible sheets are shaped to define a plurality of first bags and a plurality of second bags, wherein the plurality of first bags and the plurality of second bags are configured such that: A) each first compartment is defined by one of the plurality of first bags in the corrugated flexible sheet and the flat flexible sheet, and B) each second compartment is defined by one of the plurality of second bags in the corrugated flexible sheet and the flat flexible sheet. Wherein, the flat flexible sheet abuts against the corrugated flexible sheet to form the fragile seal between the first and second compartments in each of the heater sections, and wherein, the flat flexible sheet abuts against the corrugated flexible sheet to form an additional non-fragile seal, which remains intact when the fragile seal breaks, extending around each of the first and second compartments except where the fragile seal was located. Fasteners that can engage with each other at opposite ends of the heating device.

2. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein, The first compartment and the second compartment are arranged in an array on the first side of the flat flexible sheet.

3. The heating device according to claim 2, wherein, The first compartment in each heater section extends longitudinally along an axis shared with the axis of the second compartment in the heater section.

4. The heating device according to claim 3, wherein, The axis of each first compartment is parallel to the axis of all other first compartments.

5. The heating device according to claim 4, wherein, The axis of each second compartment is parallel to the axis of all other second compartments.

6. The heating device according to claim 1, further comprising: A seal between each of the heater sections and at least one of the adjacent heater sections.

7. The heating device according to claim 6, wherein, Adjacent heater sections are spaced far enough apart to allow the heating device to be wrapped around the cylindrical object.

8. The heating device according to claim 1, further comprising: An insulation body is attached to the outer surface of the flat flexible sheet opposite to the corrugated flexible sheet, wherein the insulation body covers the portion of the outer surface of the flat flexible sheet corresponding to at least one of the first compartments and at least one of the second compartments.

9. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein, The first reactant is a particulate reactant and the second reactant is a liquid reactant.

10. The heating device according to claim 9, wherein, The granular reactant is calcium oxide and the liquid reactant is water.

11. The heating device according to claim 9, further comprising: An oil coating covering a portion of the granular reactants in each first compartment.

12. The heating device according to claim 9, wherein, 40%–70% of the granular reactants in each first compartment are coated with oil.

13. The heating device according to claim 9, further comprising: Paper or mesh wrappings that at least partially surround the granular reactants in each first compartment.

14. The heating device according to claim 9, wherein, The granular reactants fill 40% to 60% of each first compartment.

15. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein, The heating device is configured such that when all of the fragile seals have broken, the plurality of heater sections remain distinct and separate, because the first reactant and the second reactant undergo an exothermic reaction in each of the respective heater sections that remain distinct and separate.

16. A heating device, the heating device comprising: A first compartment containing particulate first reactants; A second compartment containing a liquid second reactant; The fragile seal or other flow control mechanism between the first and second compartments, The particulate first reactant and the liquid second reactant are configured to undergo an exothermic reaction upon contact with each other; and An oil coating on a portion of the particulate first reactant in the first compartment. The flexible shell is formed from flat flexible sheets and corrugated flexible sheets interconnected with each other. The corrugated flexible sheets are shaped to define a plurality of first bags and a plurality of second bags, wherein the plurality of first bags and the plurality of second bags are configured such that: A) each first compartment is defined by one of the plurality of first bags in the corrugated flexible sheet and the flat flexible sheet, and B) each second compartment is defined by one of the plurality of second bags in the corrugated flexible sheet and the flat flexible sheet. Wherein, the flat flexible sheet abuts against the corrugated flexible sheet to form the fragile seal between the first and second compartments in each heater section, and wherein, the flat flexible sheet abuts against the corrugated flexible sheet to form an additional non-fragile seal, which remains intact when the fragile seal breaks, and extends around each of the first and second compartments except where the fragile seal was located. Fasteners that can engage with each other at opposite ends of the heating device.

17. The heating device according to claim 16, wherein, 40%-70% of the particulate first reactant in the first compartment is coated with oil.

18. The heating device according to claim 16, wherein, The particulate first reactant is calcium oxide and the liquid second reactant is water.

19. A method comprising: A heating device is provided, the heating device comprising: A flexible housing defining multiple heater sections. Each heater section includes: The first compartment containing the first reactant; The second compartment containing the second reactant; and The fragile seal between the first compartment and the second compartment The first reactant and the second reactant are configured to undergo an exothermic reaction when they come into contact with each other. The flexible shell is formed of flat flexible sheets and corrugated flexible sheets interconnected with each other. The corrugated flexible sheets are shaped to define a plurality of first bags and a plurality of second bags, wherein the plurality of first bags and the plurality of second bags are configured such that: A) each first compartment is defined by one of the plurality of first bags in the corrugated flexible sheet and the flat flexible sheet, and B) each second compartment is defined by one of the plurality of second bags in the corrugated flexible sheet and the flat flexible sheet. Wherein, the flat flexible sheet abuts against the corrugated flexible sheet to form the fragile seal between the first and second compartments in each of the heater sections, and wherein, the flat flexible sheet abuts against the corrugated flexible sheet to form an additional non-fragile seal, which remains intact when the fragile seal breaks, extending around each of the first and second compartments except where the fragile seal was located. Fasteners that can engage with each other at opposite ends of the heating device; The heating device is wrapped around a container holding the material to be heated by the heating device; and The fasteners at opposite ends of the heating device are fitted together.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: Squeezing the heating device causes one or more of the fragile seals to break, thereby initiating heating.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The flexible shell includes: Flat flexible sheet; and A wavy-shaped flexible sheet connected to the flat flexible sheet, and The outer surface of the wavy flexible sheet faces the container, while the outer surface of the flat flexible sheet faces away from the container.

22. A kit, the kit comprising: Heating device, the heating device comprising: A flexible housing defining multiple heater sections. Each heater section includes: The first compartment containing the first reactant; The second compartment containing the second reactant; and The fragile seal between the first compartment and the second compartment Wherein, the first reactant and the second reactant are configured to undergo an exothermic reaction when in contact with each other; and Package containing the heating device, The flexible shell is formed of flat flexible sheets and corrugated flexible sheets interconnected with each other. The corrugated flexible sheets are shaped to define a plurality of first bags and a plurality of second bags, wherein the plurality of first bags and the plurality of second bags are configured such that: A) each first compartment is defined by one of the plurality of first bags in the corrugated flexible sheet and the flat flexible sheet, and B) each second compartment is defined by one of the plurality of second bags in the corrugated flexible sheet and the flat flexible sheet. Wherein, the flat flexible sheet abuts against the corrugated flexible sheet to form the fragile seal between the first and second compartments in each of the heater sections, and wherein, the flat flexible sheet abuts against the corrugated flexible sheet to form an additional non-fragile seal, which remains intact when the fragile seal breaks, extending around each of the first and second compartments except where the fragile seal was located. Fasteners that can engage with each other at opposite ends of the heating device. The heating device is disposed inside the packaging, wherein the portion of the heating device including the second compartment is folded over the portion of the heating device including the first compartment at the fragile seal.

23. The kit of claim 22, further comprising: The container within the packaging is used to hold materials to be heated by a heating device.

24. The kit according to claim 23, wherein, The container is a baby bottle.

25. A heating device, the heating device comprising: A flexible housing defining multiple heater sections. Each heater section includes: The first compartment containing the first reactant; The second compartment containing the second reactant; and The fragile seal between the first compartment and the second compartment The first reactant and the second reactant are configured to undergo an exothermic reaction when they come into contact with each other. The flexible shell includes: The first flat flexible sheet; and A second wavy-shaped flexible sheet is connected to the first flat flexible sheet. The second corrugated flexible sheet is shaped to define a plurality of first bags and a plurality of second bags, such that when the second corrugated flexible sheet is attached to the first flat flexible sheet: Each first compartment is defined by a first bag of one of a plurality of first bags in the second corrugated flexible sheet and the first flat flexible sheet, and Each second compartment is defined by one of a plurality of second bags in the second corrugated flexible sheet and the first flat flexible sheet. The distance between the first bags in adjacent heater sections is 0.25 inches (+ / -10%), and the distance between the second bags in adjacent heater sections is 0.25 inches (+ / -10%).

Images