Actuator for a self-heating container

Abstract

A self-heating container assembly has a housing having a first portion and a second portion, each having a cylindrical cross-section. The first and second portions fit together in a manner that allows the first portion to rotate relative to the second portion about a common axis. A ring gear (or partial ring gear) is on or attached to the first portion and rotates with the first portion of the housing relative to the second portion. A rotatable cutting element is supported by a support connected to the second portion of the housing. A pinion gear is on the rotatable cutting element. The pinion gear is coupled to the ring gear. A reactant container containing a reactant is adjacent to the rotatable cutting element such that rotation of the rotatable cutting element cuts into the reactant container.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 988,647, filed March 12, 2020, entitled "Gear-Driven Actuator for Self-Heating Beverage Containers," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] This disclosure relates to self-heating beverage container assemblies, and more specifically, to systems and methods for actuating self-heating beverage container assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, the self-heating container assembly has a housing having a first portion and a second portion, each having a cylindrical cross-section. The first and second portions are fitted together in a manner that allows the first portion to rotate relative to the second portion about a common axis. A gear ring (or a partial gear ring) is on or attached to the first portion and rotates together with the first portion of the housing relative to the second portion. A rotatable cutting element is supported by a support member connected to the second portion of the housing. A pinion is present on the rotatable cutting element. The pinion is coupled to the gear ring. A reactant container containing reactants is adjacent to the rotatable cutting element, such that rotation of the rotatable cutting element cuts into the reactant container.

[0005] In some implementations, one or more of the following advantages exist.

[0006] For example, this paper presents systems and methods for activating (or initiating heating) a self-heating beverage container assembly. In a typical implementation, the assembly comprises a relatively simple construction in which the manufacture and assembly of the components are relatively easy and cost-effective.

[0007] In a typical implementation, the self-heating beverage container assembly is portable, self-contained, rapidly heating, has a controlled temperature profile, and is easy to activate. The container assembly includes a basic, sleek, and insulated housing that is substantially cylindrical or truncated conical in shape.

[0008] Self-heating can also be easily activated by simply twisting the upper portion of the housing relative to the base portion of the housing. More specifically, in a typical embodiment, the activation system disclosed herein allows a human user to activate (or initiate heating) the self-heating beverage container assembly with a simple twisting motion. This functionality (i.e., the ability to activate or initiate heating with a simple twisting motion without any axial movement) eliminates the need for any unsightly, bulky, or inconvenient external triggering mechanisms (e.g., knobs, buttons, etc.) that might otherwise be required on the outer surface of the self-heating beverage container assembly. Instead, as is apparent from the various figures and descriptions included herein, the outer surface of the self-heating beverage container assembly 100 presents a smooth, sophisticated, and distinctive appearance without any obstruction from protruding triggering mechanisms.

[0009] Furthermore, the absence of any externally protruding trigger mechanism eliminates any concerns potential buyers may have about the container's fit in standard car beverage racks. For example, if a self-heating container had an external knob protruding from its side surface, it might not fit well in a car's beverage rack, potentially causing inconvenience or even deterring a potential buyer. With the twist-activated function, it's clear that a self-heating container will fit perfectly in a standard car beverage rack.

[0010] In some embodiments, torsional motion of the upper portion of the housing relative to the base portion of the housing is converted into rotational motion, which causes the cutting assembly to cut into and rupture one or more containers containing heated reactants within the assembly. In some embodiments, the systems and techniques disclosed herein utilize a 90-degree gear-driven arrangement in which teeth are molded to the end of one of the vertically rotating portions (e.g., the upper portion), driving a gear mounted on a horizontal axis supporting the cutting assembly. Generally, a small rotation of the upper portion of the housing relative to the lower portion of the housing can provide a large amount of rotation to the horizontal axis, as size constraints indicate that any such mechanism would cause the horizontal axis to rotate multiple times for a single rotation of the vertical portion. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the larger gear has a diameter of 2.38 inches and the smaller driven gear has a diameter of 1 inch, causing the driven shaft to rotate 2.38 times to rotate the upper segment one full revolution relative to the lower segment.

[0011] This arrangement has several advantages. First, if the two meshing gears are sequential, each forming a complete circle, then the orientation of the upper portion relative to the lower portion during assembly is irrelevant. Furthermore, after approximately the first quarter turn, the degree of rotation of the upper portion relative to the lower portion is unrelated and can continue without damage.

[0012] Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a self-heating beverage container assembly.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded side view of the self-heating beverage container assembly.

[0015] Figures 3 to 3C yes Figure 1 A view of the lower part of the self-heating beverage container assembly.

[0016] Figure 4 and Figure 4A yes Figure 1 A view of the reactant container in a self-heating beverage container assembly.

[0017] Figures 5 to 5B yes Figure 1 A view of the cut component of a self-heating beverage container assembly.

[0018] Figures 6 to 6B yes Figure 1 A view of the small gears of a self-heating beverage container assembly.

[0019] Figures 7 to 7C yes Figure 1 A view of the upper part of the self-heating beverage container assembly.

[0020] Figures 8 to 8D yes Figure 1 A view of the shoulder section of a self-heating beverage container assembly.

[0021] Figures 9A to 9H The image illustrates the operating principle and function of a self-heating beverage container 100 according to one particular embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a partial perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of the actuation mechanism for a self-heating beverage container assembly.

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

[0024] Figure 1This is a top perspective view of an example of a self-heating beverage container assembly 100. The heating function of the self-heating beverage container assembly can be activated or initiated by twisting the base portion 102 of the container 100 relative to the upper portion 104 of the container 100, as indicated by the arrows shown in the figure. To apply this twisting motion to the container 100 and thereby initiate the heating of the normally consumable contents within the container 100, a person can simply hold the base portion 102 of the container 100 with one hand and the upper portion 104 of the container 100 with his or her other hand, and then twist. This twisting motion is indicated by the curved arrows in the figure. In some embodiments, the container 100 may be configured such that it must be twisted in a specific direction to initiate heating. However, in other embodiments, the container 100 may be configured to initiate heating regardless of the direction of twisting.

[0025] This function (i.e., the ability to activate or start heating with a simple twisting motion) eliminates the need for any unsightly, bulky, or inconvenient external triggering mechanisms (e.g., knobs, buttons, etc.) on the outer surface of the self-heating beverage container assembly 100. Instead, as can be clearly seen from the images in the figures, the outer surface of the self-heating beverage container assembly 100 presents a smooth, sophisticated, and distinctive appearance without being disturbed by protruding triggering mechanisms. Furthermore, the absence of any externally protruding triggering mechanisms eliminates any concerns about whether the container can fit into a standard beverage rack configuration. For example, if the self-heating container 100 had an external knob protruding from its side surface, the container might not fit well into a car's beverage rack. With the twisting actuation function, it is clear that as long as the outer diameter of the container 100 is not too large, the container 100 will fit perfectly into a standard car beverage rack.

[0026] The base portion 102 of container 100 mates with the upper portion 104 of container 100. This mating between the base portion 102 and the upper portion 104 is accomplished in a manner that allows the base portion 102 to rotate relative to the upper portion 104, which is required for the aforementioned torsional actuation function. This mating (between the base portion 102 and the upper portion 104) is further performed in a manner that seals the internal compartment of the container (where the heating reaction occurs) from the external environment of the container (e.g., with O-rings). In the illustrated embodiment, the seam 116 extends around the periphery of container 100, representing a physical separation between the base portion 102 and the top portion 104 of container 100.

[0027] The self-heating container 100 has an outer shell 101 and a beverage can 103 almost entirely housed within the outer shell 101. Only a very small portion 114 of the top of the beverage can 103 is shown protruding through a circular opening at the top of the shell 101. The beverage can 103 in the illustrated embodiment is a standard type of beverage can with an opening mechanism 118 exposed at the top of the can. The opening mechanism in the illustrated example is a type that is held in place by a tab. However, the opening mechanism can, of course, be any type of opening mechanism. The beverage can 103 contains a beverage to be heated.

[0028] The housing 101 is formed by a base portion 102, an upper portion 104, and a shoulder portion 110. The base portion 102 has a bottom surface 106 extending across the entire bottom of the self-heating container 100. The base portion 102 and the upper portion 104 have ribbed side surfaces 108 (providing some degree of thermal protection for a person gripping the container when heated). The shoulder portion 110 is attached to the upper portion and defines an opening through which the top of the beverage container 103 extends during assembly. When the container assembly is assembled, the ribbed side surfaces of the base portion 102 and the upper portion 104 extend almost uninterruptedly from the bottom surface of the container assembly to the shoulder portion (except for the seam where they meet). In some cases, the bottom (outer) surface of the container assembly may also include ribs.

[0029] Each ribbed side surface of the base has a plurality of equally spaced vertical ribs, each rib extending from the bottom 106 (or near the bottom) of the container 100 to the shoulder portion 110 (or near the shoulder portion 110) of the container 100. The ribs are parallel to each other and relatively close to each other. In a typical embodiment, the ribbed pattern extends in a generally uniform manner around the entire perimeter of the side surface 108. In a typical embodiment, the ribbed pattern provides a degree of thermal insulation to make the container 100 more comfortable to touch or hold when a heating reaction occurs inside the container 100 or when the container 100 contains a heated beverage that a person is drinking or preparing to drink.

[0030] In a typical embodiment, rotating the base portion 102 of container 100 relative to the upper portion 104 of container 100 causes two reactants that are physically separated from each other within the self-heating container 100 to come into contact, thereby initiating an exothermic reaction within the self-heating container 100. Heat from the exothermic reaction is transferred through beverage can 103 and to the beverage contained within the can to heat it. Various different types of reactants can be used to generate an exothermic reaction. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction involves a fuel (e.g., aqueous ethylene glycol) and an oxidant for the fuel (e.g., granular potassium permanganate). In some embodiments, the oxidant may be coated with a coating (e.g., sodium silicate) that dissolves as the reaction proceeds to help control the intensity of the reaction and prolong its duration.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded side view of a self-heating container 100 shows the base portion 102, upper portion 104, shoulder 110, beverage can 103, and several internal components. The internal components shown include a first reactant container 220, a second reactant container 222, and a cutting assembly 224. The first reactant container contains a first reactant participating in an exothermic reaction, the second reactant container contains a second reactant participating in an exothermic reaction, and the cutting assembly is configured to cut or break one or both containers 220, 222 when the base portion 102 of the container 100 rotates relative to the upper portion 104 of the container 100. Each component of the self-heating container 100 shown will be described in further detail below and further referenced as appropriate. Figure 3 See Figure 9.

[0032] During assembly, Figure 2 The various components shown are constructed as follows. A first reactant container 220 is located inside and at the bottom of the base portion 102. A cutting assembly 224 is also located inside the base portion 102, supported on a support surface, and positioned directly above the first reactant container 220. A second reactant container 222 is positioned directly above the cutting assembly 224 and also inside the base portion 102. The bottom (unribbed) section of the upper portion 104 extends into the base portion 102. A shoulder portion 110 snaps onto the open top of the upper portion 104. A beverage container 103 is located inside the shoulder portion 110 and the upper portion 104, with its top extending upwards through an opening at the top of the shoulder portion.

[0033] The base portion 102 of the container assembly is hollow, cup-shaped, and generally truncated conical, defining an internal space that is closed at the bottom 106 (i.e., the smaller diameter end) but open at the top (i.e., the larger diameter end). Two shaft support members 330a, 330b extend upward from the bottom 106 of the base portion 102 at radially opposite sides within the space. Each shaft support member has an upward-facing U-shaped support surface 332 for supporting one end of the cutting assembly shaft. More specifically, the shaft support members 330a, 330b are configured relative to each other such that, with the cutting assembly shaft supported by the shaft support members 330a, 330b at opposite ends, the cutting assembly shaft extends generally radially across the middle of the space within the base portion 102.

[0034] The base portion 102 defines a groove 334 within the space, which is used to receive and retain the first reactant container 220, which is usually somewhat close to the space.

[0035] The base portion 102 has four tabs 336a, 336b, 336c, and 336d extending inwardly by a small distance from the inner surface of the base portion 102. Each tab 336a, 336b, 336c, and 336d defines an inclined surface extending downwardly and inwardly from (or near) the inner surface of the base portion 102. Each tab 336a, 336b, 336c, and 336d also defines a flat bottom surface facing the bottom 106 of the base portion 102 and extending from the inner surface to the bottom of the inclined surface. Commonly, the tabs 336a, 336b, 336c, and 336d are configured to engage an annular groove on the upper portion 104 of the container assembly when the upper portion 104 of the container assembly is pressed into the base portion 102 of the container assembly.

[0036] The first reactant container 220 is a sealed container containing a first reactant participating in an exothermic reaction. In a typical embodiment, the first reactant is a solid, granular, or powdered oxidant (e.g., granular or powdered potassium permanganate) used in the exothermic reaction. The first reactant container 220 can be constructed in any number of potential ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the first reactant container 220 has a rigid cup-shaped body 440 with an open top and a closed bottom 442. The body 440 defines a lip 444 extending around the periphery of the open top of the cup-shaped body 440. A seal 448 extends beyond the open top of the body 440 and adheres to the upper surface of the lip 444. In some embodiments, the seal is permeable to liquids (e.g., liquid second reactant in the second reactant container 222). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the seal is made brittle or easily broken or cut by a cutting assembly 224. The outer periphery of the lip 444 defines a pair of notches 446 on opposite sides of the first reactant container 220. The size and shape of each notch 446 are designed such that the corresponding shaft support member of shaft support members 330a, 330b can extend upward from the bottom surface of the base portion 102, thereby allowing the cutting assembly 224 to be supported above the first reactant container 220. In some embodiments, the first reactant container 220 may be of the style disclosed in the current applicant’s co-pending U.S. patent application (Application No. 17 / 082,710, entitled Sealed Packaging for Solid Reactants in a Self-Heating Assembly), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. When assembling the self-heating container assembly 100, the first reactant container 220 is arranged in the bottom of the base portion 102 of the container assembly. More specifically, the first reactant container 220 is arranged in a groove 334 for receiving and holding the first reactant container 220, which is generally somewhat close to the surface.

[0037] The cutting assembly 224 has a cutting element 224a and a pinion 224b. Although shown as a two-piece assembly, during assembly, the pinion 224b is pressed against the end of the shaft of the cutting element to substantially form a single component. When assembled in this way, the pinion 224b and the cutting element 224a are firmly connected to each other, such that the pinion and the cutting element rotate (e.g., about an axis “A” defined by the shaft of the cutting element) and otherwise move together as a single piece, and such that the pinion and the cutting element generally do not move relative to each other at all.

[0038] Cutting element 224a has a shaft 550, an end cap 551 at one end of the shaft, a gear engagement element 552 at the opposite end of the shaft, and a pair of cutting blade assemblies 553a and 553b, which extend radially outward from the cylindrical shaft approximately midway between the end cap 551 and the gear engagement element 552. In the example shown, a small gear with a square central hole slides onto the mating shape on the shaft and is clamped in place. The engagement does not have to be square. The engagement may be splined, or a smooth circle with a key, or many other shapes; the only two requirements are generally that the gear does not rotate without forcing the shaft to rotate, and that the gear does not fall off during handling and assembly.

[0039] Each cutting blade assembly 553a, 553b has a cutting blade 554a, 554b extending radially outward from a cylindrical shaft. The first cutting blade 554a points in the opposite direction to the second cutting blade 554b. The specific construction of the cutting blades 554a, 554b can vary. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the cutting blades 554a, 554b are robust, rigid nails with pointed tips at their distal ends. As the cutting blade assemblies 553a, 553b rotate from their neutral position, these cutting blades 554a, 554b are capable of penetrating and / or tearing the seal 448 of the first reactant container 220 and / or the second reactant container 222 (e.g., a plastic bag) / rupturing it. In some embodiments, the cutting blades may have additional sharp cutting surfaces that can aid in cutting into the first reactant container 220 or the second reactant container 222.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, each cutting blade assembly 553a, 553b has blade guards 555a, 555b extending radially outward from a cylindrical shaft. A first blade guard 555a extends around the distal end of a first cutting blade 554a. A second blade guard 555b extends around the distal end of a second cutting blade 554b. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, each blade guard defines a frame in cooperation with a shaft 550 from which each blade guard extends, and the corresponding cutting blades 554a, 554b are located within the frame. Figure 5B As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, no part of the cutting blades 554a and 554b protrudes from the space within the frame. Unlike the distal tips of the tips of the cutting blades 554a and 554b, the distal ends of the blade guards 555a and 555b are rounded and wide. Neither the distal tips of the blade guards nor any other part of the blade guards are particularly suited for cutting, penetrating, tearing, or rupturing the seal 448 on the first reactant container 220 or the second reactant container 222. Therefore, the blade guards 555a and 555b are configured as follows: Figure 5 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown (extending around the distal tips of the cutting blades 554a and 554b), the blade guard prevents the distal tips (or any portion thereof) of the cutting blades 554a and 554b from coming into contact with the seal 448 on the first reactant container 220 or the second reactant container 222 in a manner that could potentially lead to unintentional breakage or tearing (or other means) of the seal 448 or the second reactant container 222.

[0041] However, in the illustrated embodiment, each blade protector 555a, 555b is connected to the shaft 550 in such a way that the blade protector is very easily broken off from the shaft if / when a relatively small amount of torque is applied to it. More specifically, in this respect, in the illustrated embodiment, each blade protector 555a, 555b is connected to the shaft by a very thin bridge 556 (or material segment) that is more likely to break than any other part of the blade protector 555a, 555b when torque is applied to it. Thus, in a typical embodiment, when the cutting element 224a begins to rotate about its axis, one blade protector begins to press against the seal 448 on the first reactant chamber 220 below the cutting element 224a, while the other blade protector begins to press against the second reactant chamber 222 above the cutting element 224a. Because the distal ends of the blade protectors 555a and 555b are rounded and wide, pressing will not structurally damage the seal 448 on the first reactant container 220 or the second reactant container 222. However, pressing does apply torque to the blade protectors 555a and 555b, which ultimately causes one or both of the blade protectors 555a and 555b to break off or detach from the shaft of the cutting element 224a (at the weak point / bridge 556).

[0042] When one (or both) of the blade guards break off or detach from the shaft 550 of the cutting element 224a, the associated cutting blade remains in place attached to the shaft and is thus exposed. Once exposed, depending on the direction of rotation of the cutting element, the cutting blade can freely contact and tear the seal 448 on the first reactant container 220 or the second reactant container 222. Since the illustrated embodiment has two cutting blades 554a, 554b extending in opposite directions from the shaft 550, when one of the cutting blades cuts into the seal 448 on the first reactant container 220, the other cutting blade will cut into the second reactant container 222. Once the second reactant container 222 has ruptured, liquid reactants begin to flow out of the second reactant container 222 and down into the first reactant container 220. At that point, if the seal 448 on the first reactant container 220 has been cut through (and / or if the seal is permeable to the liquid second reactant), the liquid second reactant flows into the solid, granular, or powdered first reactant and begins to generate heat. In the illustrated embodiment, due to the presence of two cutting blades 554a, 554b extending in opposite directions from the axis, depending on how the cutting element 224a rotates, one of the cutting blades will cut through the seal 448 on the first reactant container 220, while the other cutting blade will cut into the second reactant container 222.

[0043] In various embodiments, the end cap 551 can take on any number of different configurations, and in some embodiments, the end cap 551 can be omitted entirely. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the end cap 551 has two sections: a first section 551a with an outer diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft 550, and a second section 551b with an outer diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first section 551a. The second section 551b is located at the very end of the cutting element 224a, and the first section 551a is adjacent to the second section 551b. The outer cylindrical surface of the first section 551a of the end cap 551 is smooth and serves as a support contact surface that physically contacts the U-shaped support surface 332 on one of the support elements 334 in the base portion 102 of the self-heating beverage container. The end cap 551 can be formed and / or attached to the shaft 550 in various ways. In some cases, the end cap 551 can be attached to the shaft (and to the shaft) Figure 5 (One or more of the other components shown) are integrally molded. In some cases, end cap 551 may be formed separately from shaft 550 and then pressed onto and / or adhered to the end of shaft 550.

[0044] The gear meshing element 552 at the end of shaft 550 opposite to end cap 551 can be constructed in any of a variety of different ways. Typically, the gear meshing element is constructed to physically engage pinion 224. In the illustrated embodiment, gear meshing element 552 has a base 557 and a pair of fingers 668 extending axially from the base 557. The base 557 is physically attached to the end of shaft 550, and in the illustrated embodiment, the base 557 is a flat plate located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of shaft 550. Each finger 558 protrudes from the surface of base 557 opposite to shaft 550. Each finger 558 has a flat planar portion extending from this surface of base 557 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of shaft 500. The flat planar portion of each finger 558 is generally parallel to the flat planar portion of the other finger 558. Small outwardly extending protrusions 559 are formed at the distal end of each finger 558. The protrusion has an angled (and tilted away from the axis "A") outer surface, which is away from the distal end of the finger.

[0045] In a typical implementation, the fingers 558 are configured such that the fingers can bend inward toward each other under the application of a relatively small force, and then return to, for example, the fingers. Figure 5A The configuration shown has fingers that are approximately parallel to each other. The force that causes the fingers 558 to bend toward each other can come from attempting to press the fingers through a centrally located opening (hole) in the pinion 224b. More specifically, the size of the centrally located opening in the pinion 224b is configured such that when the fingers 558 of the gear meshing element 552 are pressed into the centrally located opening in the pinion 224b, the fingers 558 need to bend slightly inward toward each other so that the protrusions 559 at the ends of the fingers fit into (and pass through) the opening. Once the protrusions 559 have completely passed through and past the rear end of the opening in the pinion 224b, the fingers spring back to their original configuration (e.g., as shown). Figure 5A As shown, in this original configuration, the fingers are parallel to each other. At that time, protrusions 559 at the ends of the fingers 558 extend outward to clamp the opposite sides of the pinion 224b through the opening. This securely connects the cutting element 224a to the pinion 224b.

[0046] The pinion 224b can have any of a variety of specific configurations. However, typically, the pinion is sized and configured to mate with a gear ring at the bottom annular surface of the upper portion 104 of the container assembly 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the pinion 224b is a circular gear with twelve outer gear teeth 661. Each gear tooth 661 has curved side surfaces 664 that intersect at a center point 665, and there is a circumferential space 667 between each set of adjacent teeth. The pinion 224b has a centrally located opening 662, which has a narrower portion 662a and a wider portion 662b. The cross-section of the narrower portion 662a is rectangular (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 6 The wider portion 662b is capsule-shaped (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 5 and Figure 6 When the cutting element 224a engages with the pinion 224b, the fingers 558 on the gear engagement element 552 of the cutting element 224a are inserted into the opening 662 on the wider portion 662b side of the pinion 224b. Once the fingers 558 have extended through the opening 662, the angled protrusions at the distal ends of the fingers engage with the pinion 224b at the end of the opening on the rear side of the pinion 224b.

[0047] Once the self-heating container assembly 100 is assembled, the cutting assembly 224, including the cutting element 224a and the pinion 224b, is located inside the base portion 102 and supported on the U-shaped support surface of the support element 334, such that the shaft 550 of the cutting assembly is located slightly above, but very close to, the sealed top 448 of the first reactant container 220. During assembly, and before the heater is activated, the cutting assembly 224 is configured such that its blade assemblies 553a, 553b are located in a plane parallel to (or at least substantially parallel to) the sealed upper surface of the first reactant container 220. More specifically, in this configuration, the blade assemblies 553a, 553b are located above the sealed top of the first reactant container 220 and below the second reactant container 222, without being pressed into either the first or second reactant container with sufficient force to cut into or break them. Furthermore, when the self-heating container assembly 100 is assembled, the pinion 224b at the end of the shaft of the cutting assembly engages with the gear ring at the bottom of the upper portion 104.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the second reactant container 222 is a sealed, flexible, and resilient container (e.g., a plastic bag) containing a second reactant capable of undergoing an exothermic reaction with the first reactant upon physical contact. The specific physical construction of the second reactant container 222 can vary. However, in a typical embodiment, the second reactant container 222 contains a second reactant, which may be, for example, a liquid oxidant. Furthermore, the second reactant container 222 is typically easily broken or cut by the cutting assembly 224. In some embodiments, the second reactant container 222 is a shrink film container, such as the shrink film container disclosed in the current applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application (application number 17 / 186,409, entitled "Shrink Film Container for Self-Heating Assembly"), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0049] Once the self-heating beverage container assembly 100 is assembled, the second reactant container 222 is located within the base portion 102, above the cutting assembly 224. In some embodiments, the self-heating beverage container assembly 100 is configured such that the slightly arched surface of the bottom of the beverage container 103 presses slightly downward onto the second reactant container 222 to help hold the second reactant container 222 in place (e.g., during transport, handling, storage, etc.), and simultaneously, one of the cutting blades 554a, 554b presses against and cuts into the second reactant container 222.

[0050] The upper portion 104 of the self-heating container assembly is cup-shaped and generally truncated conical. The upper portion 104 has an open top 701 (at its larger diameter end) and an open bottom 702 (at its smaller diameter end). The upper portion 104 of the self-heating beverage container assembly 100 has a ribbed section 703 (as shown, ribbed on its outer surface) and a non-ribbed section 704 located below the ribbed section. When the self-heating beverage container assembly 100 is assembled, the non-ribbed section 704 of the upper portion 104 extends into the base portion 102 of the self-heating beverage container assembly 100.

[0051] The annular surface at the bottom of the unraveled section of the upper portion 104 is a gear ring 705. The gear ring 705 is configured to engage with a pinion 224b on the cutting assembly 224 when the self-heating beverage container assembly 100 is assembled, such that when the self-heating beverage container is assembled and the upper portion 104 of the self-heating container 100 rotates relative to the base portion 102 of the self-heating container 100, the gear ring 705 located on the annular bottom surface of the upper portion 104 causes the pinion 224b (and thus the entire cutting assembly 224) to rotate about its axis "A".

[0052] In a typical embodiment, the upper portion 104 of the self-heating container assembly engages with the base portion 102 in a manner that allows the base portion 102 to rotate relative to the upper portion 104 of the self-heating beverage container assembly 100 about an axis of the self-heating beverage container assembly 100, but prevents any axial movement between the base portion and the upper portion that might tend to separate the base portion 102 from the upper portion 104. There are various ways to achieve this engagement. This type of engagement can be implemented in a variety of possible ways. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, an annular shoulder 706 is formed directly above a toothed ring at the bottom of the upper portion 104, and an annular groove 707 is formed directly above the shoulder. The annular groove 707 above the shoulder is configured to engage with a plurality of tabs 336a to 336d extending inwardly from the inner surface of the base portion 102 of the container assembly 100. The tabs 336a to 336d can be configured such that when the upper portion 102 is pressed into the lower portion 104 during assembly, the tabs bend so that the toothed ring 705 can pass through the tabs, and then the tabs snap into engagement with the annular groove 707 directly above the shoulder 706. This arrangement allows the base portion 102 to rotate relative to the upper portion 104 because, in the event of any such relative rotation, the tabs 336a to 336d slide only axially about the annular groove 707. However, this arrangement also prevents any axial movement that might tend to separate the base portion 102 from the upper portion 104. More specifically, the tabs 336a to 336d press against the upper surface of the shoulder 706 to prevent any such movement.

[0053] In a typical implementation, a seal is provided to prevent reactants from escaping the reaction chamber and to prevent environmental contaminants, including air, from entering the reaction chamber. There are various ways to implement such a seal. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, for example, a seal can be provided by arranging an O-ring (not shown) between the outer surface of the segment of the upper portion 104 extending into the base portion 102 and the inner surface of the base portion 102. Thus, an annular O-ring engagement feature 708 is present on the outer surface of the unribbed segment of the upper portion 104. This O-ring engagement feature 708 is located approximately midway from the toothed ring 705 to the bottom of the ribbed segment 703 of the upper portion 104.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the O-ring engagement feature 708 is formed by two side-by-side annular protrusions that define a groove between them for receiving the O-ring. In a typical embodiment, the O-ring is arranged in the groove, and when the upper portion 104 is pressed down into the base portion 102, the O-ring forms a seal between the upper portion 104 and the base portion 102.

[0055] The outer diameter of the unribbed section of the upper portion 104 gradually widens outward to a larger diameter at the top of the unribbed section (directly below the ribbed section) (see 709). The larger diameter portion 709 of the unribbed section frictionally engages slightly with the inner surface of the base portion 102 to help maintain the axial alignment of the base portion 102 with the upper portion 104 and to prevent the base portion 102 and the upper portion 104 from moving or swinging relative to each other when joined together (e.g., during transport and handling of the self-heating beverage container assembly 100).

[0056] Multiple tabs 710 are disposed on the inner surface of the upper portion 104 around the periphery of the upper portion. These tabs 710 extend inward and are configured to engage corresponding annular grooves on the outer annular surface of the shoulder portion 110 of the container assembly 100.

[0057] Finally, a ventilation opening 779 is present on the outer surface of the upper portion 104, and this ventilation opening is covered by a filter patch 780 on the inner surface of the upper portion 104. The filter patch 780 is permeable to pressurized gases but impermeable to liquids. For example, in the event of overheating, excessive pressure can be released through the filter patch 780, but reactants such as any liquid (or particulate) material will be contained within the reaction chamber.

[0058] Refer again Figure 2A ring 226 of fusible material (e.g., a wax material containing a reaction inhibitor) is attached to the outer surface of the beverage container 103. This fusible material ring 226 is configured to melt and detach from the outer surface of the beverage container 103 if / when the outer surface reaches a specific temperature. If / when this occurs, the fusible material ring 226 drips into the reaction to initiate a quenching reaction. Thus, in a typical embodiment, the fusible material ring 226 can serve as a safety measure to prevent overheating in the self-heating beverage container assembly 100. As shown, there are various ways to implement the fusible material ring 226 with reactant inhibitors onto the beverage container 103. Some of these methods are described in prior patent applications, International Publication No. WO 2005 / 108878, entitled "Thermostatic Temperature Control for Self-Heating Containers" and U.S. Patent Application No. 9,108,789, entitled "Method for Adding Fusible Material to Container Walls," both filed by the current applicant, Tempra Technologies, Inc., and both patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. Generally, the suitability of a particular reactant inhibitor will depend on the type of reaction that will occur in the particular self-heating vessel 100. For example, borate-based inhibitors, such as those disclosed in WO 2005 / 108878, tend to effectively inhibit reactions involving the oxidation of polyol fuels with permanganate oxidants. As another example, sodium silicate-based inhibitors, also disclosed in WO 2005 / 108878, tend to effectively inhibit reactions involving calcium oxide and water.

[0059] The shoulder portion 110 is located on top of and snaps onto the upper portion 104 of the self-heating beverage container assembly 100. The shoulder portion 110 is a hollow structure whose inner cross-sectional diameter decreases from the bottom to the top of the shoulder portion 110. The outer surface of the shoulder portion defines an annular groove 801 configured to receive a tab 710 on the inner surface of the upper portion 104 of the container assembly when the shoulder portion 110 is snapped onto the upper portion 104. In some embodiments, the shoulder portion 110 may be welded or otherwise adhered (with an adhesive material) to the upper portion.

[0060] A clamping cylinder 803 is disposed inside the shoulder portion 110 to frictionally clamp the outer surface of the beverage can 103. In addition, an annular groove 805 is provided to receive and retain the rolled-up peripheral edge at the top of the beverage can 103.

[0061] Figures 9A to 9H This is a diagram illustrating the operating principle and function of a self-heating beverage container 100 according to a specific embodiment of a self-heating beverage container. Figures 9A to 9EThe closed form of a self-heating beverage container is shown (on the left), with arrows indicating how a human user would manipulate the container, and a cross-sectional view showing what happens inside the container in response to the indicated manipulation.

[0062] Figure 9A This indicates the very beginning of the heater activation process. Figure 9A The cutting element 224 is in a neutral position, and its cutting assembly (e.g., 553a) lies in a generally horizontal plane between the first reactant container 220 (located below the cutting element) and the second reactant container 222 (located above the cutting element). In the illustrated configuration, neither the cutting blade 554a nor the blade guard 555a exerts significant force on the seal 448 on the first reactant container 220 or on the second reactant container 222. Figure 9A As indicated by the arrow in the diagram on the left, the user has just begun to rotate the base portion 102 of the self-heating container 100 relative to the upper portion 104 of the self-heating container 100.

[0063] Figure 9B The diagram on the left shows the user continuing to rotate the base portion 102 of the self-heating container 100 relative to the upper portion 104. (As shown...) Figure 9B The relative rotation that has already occurred is greater than, for example Figure 9A The relative rotation already occurred is shown. When the base portion 102 of the self-heating container 100 rotates relative to the upper portion 104 of the self-heating container 100, the gear ring 705 and the pinion 224b together convert this relative rotational motion into rotational motion of the cutting assembly 224 about its longitudinal axis. Figure 9B In the process, rotational motion has begun, and the cutting assembly 553a has moved toward the seal 448 of the first reactant container 220 and begun to press downwards onto the seal 448. More specifically, the blade guard 555a presses downwards onto the seal 448 of the first reactant container 220. Although in Figure 9B While not visible in the diagram, in a typical implementation, the cutting component 553b (opposite to the visible cutting component 553a) will be... Figure 9B The point shown moves toward the second reactant container 222 and begins to be pressed into the second reactant container 222.

[0064] Figure 9C The diagram on the left shows the user continuing to rotate the base portion 102 of the self-heating container 100 relative to the upper portion 104. (As shown...) Figure 9C The relative rotation that has already occurred is greater than, for example Figure 9B The amount of relative rotation that has already occurred is shown. Figure 9CIn the diagram, because the distal end of the blade protector presses downwards onto the seal 448 with sufficient force, the blade protector 555a is shown as breaking off from the shaft (via the weak point or bridge 556 of the shaft) by the torque applied to it. Figure 9C While not visible in the foreground, in a typical implementation, the cutting assembly 553b (opposite to the visible cutting assembly 553a) is pressed downwards against the seal 448 with sufficient force by the distal end of the blade guard. Figure 9C The point shown allows its blade guard 555b to also break off from the shaft (via the weak point of the shaft or bridge 556) by the torque applied to the blade guard 555a. With the blade guard 555a removed, the cutting blade 554a moves freely downwards and begins to cut into the seal 448 of the first reactant container 220. Similarly, with the opposite blade guard 555b removed, the cutting blade 554b moves freely upwards and begins to cut into the second reactant container 222.

[0065] Figure 9D The diagram on the left shows the user continuing to rotate the base portion 102 of the self-heating container 100 relative to the upper portion 104. (As shown...) Figure 9D The relative rotation that has already occurred is greater than, for example Figure 9C The amount of relative rotation that has already occurred is shown. Figure 9D In this process, cutting blade 554a has cut through the seal 448 of the first reactant container 220, and similarly, cutting blade 554b (not visible) has cut through the second reactant container 222. Liquid contents (e.g., glycerin) from the second reactant container 222 are released downwards into the open first reactant container 220, thereby contacting the first reactant (e.g., solid, granular, or powdered potassium permanganate). Reaction 999 is shown as initiated, and the reaction will involve the generation of heat according to its exothermic nature. As the reaction continues, heat fills the space between the outer casing and the beverage container 103 (i.e., the reaction chamber). A portion of this heat is transferred to the beverage through the beverage container 103 for heating.

[0066] exist Figure 9E In the diagram on the left, the user has completed the rotation of the base portion 102 of the self-heating container 100 relative to the upper portion 104 of the self-heating container 100. (As shown...) Figure 9E The relative rotation that has already occurred is greater than, for example Figure 9D The amount of relative rotation that has already occurred is shown. Figure 9EIn this process, cutting blade 554a has cut more seals 448 from the first reactant container 220. Similarly, cutting blade 554b (not visible) has cut more from the second reactant container 222. This increased amount of cutting provides an opportunity for greater or faster fluid flow from the second reactant container 222 to the first reactant container 220, thereby promoting greater or faster heating. At least some of the heat generated continues to diffuse through the walls of the beverage container 103 into the beverage.

[0067] Figures 9F to 9G This illustrates how a fusible material ring 226 (including reactant inhibitors) functions during an exothermic chemical reaction to help control the temperature of the beverage container 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the ring 226 is configured such that when the temperature of the outer surface of the beverage container 103 reaches 60 degrees Celsius (or any other chosen temperature), the inner surface of the ring 226 in contact with the outer surface of the beverage container 103 will melt.

[0068] exist Figure 9F In this process, the reaction takes place in the reaction chamber and generates heat, which is transferred from the reaction chamber through the beverage container 103 to the beverage contained within the container. This heat also raises the temperature of the beverage container 103 itself. The temperature on the outer surface of the beverage container 103 is indicated by a schematic thermometer showing a temperature less than 60 degrees Celsius. Because the fusible material in the ring is configured to remain intact (and not melt) until the temperature reaches 60 degrees Celsius, the ring 226 is, as expected, positioned appropriately, held on the outer surface of the beverage container 103, well above the reaction occurring in the reaction chamber below the ring 226.

[0069] exist Figure 9G In the middle, the reaction time is faster than Figure 9F The reaction is longer. Figure 9G The illustrative thermometer indicates that the temperature on the outer surface of the beverage container 103 has reached 60 degrees Celsius, the melting point of ring 226. Since the outer surface of the beverage container 103 has reached 60 degrees Celsius, the inner annular surface of ring 226 melts, and ring 226 begins to slide downwards into the reaction still occurring at the bottom of the reaction chamber. When ring 226 (or more specifically, the reaction inhibitor in the molten ring) comes into contact with the reactants, the reaction inhibitor begins to suppress the reaction. In some embodiments, this suppression tends to reduce the reaction intensity and the resulting heat.

[0070] Figure 10This is a partial perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the actuation mechanism for a self-heating beverage container assembly 1100. The illustrated embodiment schematically shows the upper portion 1104 of the self-heating beverage container assembly 1100 and the cutting assembly 1224 (having cutting blade assemblies 1553a, 1553b extending from its axis 1550). In a typical embodiment, the components shown would form part of the self-heating beverage container assembly 1100 (e.g., the self-heating beverage container assembly 100 described separately herein).

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the activation rod 1705 extends vertically downward from the bottom surface of the upper portion 1104. The illustrated activation rod 1705 is bent at approximately 90 degrees to extend radially inward in a generally horizontal direction (e.g., toward the axis of the self-heating beverage container assembly 1100). The generally horizontal portion of the activation rod 1705 is configured to contact a corresponding push rod 1224b, which extends upward from the axis 1550 of the cutting assembly 1224. The activation rod 1705 is rigidly fixed to the upper portion 1104 of the container 1000 such that when the upper portion 1104 of the container is rotated relative to the base portion (not shown) (as indicated by the arrow), the activation rod pushes the push rod 1224b from a first position (shown by solid lines) to a second position (shown by dashed lines). When this occurs, the shaft 1550 of the cutting assembly 1224 will naturally rotate, causing one of the cutting blade assemblies 1553a to rotate upward into the reactant container containing the liquid reactant, and causing the other cutting blade assembly 1553b to rotate downward into the reactant container containing the granular reactant.

[0072] Therefore, it can be seen that Figure 10 The activation mechanism shown in the embodiment is similar to that disclosed herein. Figure 1 The activation mechanism shown in embodiments 9, in both embodiments, involves the physical surface of the upper portion of the container pressing against the physical surface of the cutting assembly, causing the cutting assembly to rotate and thus rotate its cutting blade assembly into the reactant containers, one of which (containing liquid reactants) is located above the cutting assembly, and the other (containing granular or powdered reactants) is located below the cutting assembly. Figure 10 In this embodiment, the physical surface of the upper portion of the container is part of the activation rod 1705, and the physical surface of the cutting assembly is part of the push rod 1224b. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the physical surface on the upper part of the container will be part of the gear ring, and the physical surface on the cutting assembly will be part of the pinion.

[0073] 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.

[0074] For example, each component of the self-heating beverage container assembly disclosed herein may have a different appearance, feel, size, construction, etc., than those shown herein. For instance, the lower and upper portions do not need to have ridges on their outer surfaces. The structures and techniques used to mate the upper and lower portions, as well as the shoulder portion, with each other can vary. The size, shape, and configuration of the first reactant container can vary. In fact, in some cases, it is possible to eliminate the need for separate containers altogether, allowing the first reactant (solid, granular, or powdered) to be simply contained within the reaction chamber.

[0075] The cutting assembly can vary. In some embodiments (e.g., embodiments where only one reactant vessel is to be ruptured), the cutting assembly may have only one (instead of two) cutting blade assemblies. The way the pinion engages with the cutting assembly can vary. For example, the pinion may simply be glued or welded to the shaft of the cutting assembly, or the pinion may be formed as an integral part of the cutting assembly. The cutting assembly may have more than two cutting blade assemblies. In some cases, the cutting assembly may not have blade guards, particularly where the risk of accidental or unintentional rotation of the cutting assembly shaft appears low. The size and shape of the cutting blades can also vary. Furthermore, the size, shape, and specific construction of the pinion can vary. In some cases, a single pinion can be replaced by a gear set comprising more than one meshing gear.

[0076] The method of the interface between the upper part of the sealed container assembly and the base part of the container assembly can vary.

[0077] The design, shape, and construction of the shoulder portion of the container component can also be varied.

[0078] Furthermore, the product to be heated does not have to be a consumable beverage. It can be any of a variety of products that may require heating, including food, beverages, or inedible goods.

[0079] As described above, solid reactants, whether granular or non-granular, can be oxidants (e.g., potassium permanganate, which may be coated with sodium silicate), and liquid reactants can be reducing agents (e.g., fuels). Of course, other types of reactants can also be used instead. In this respect, many oxidants are capable of producing suitable energy when reacting with the corresponding fuels. Typical oxidants include those that are alkali metal salts containing oxides of manganese and chromium. These oxidants include compounds such as potassium permanganate and potassium chromate. Other suitable oxidants are pyridine dichromate, ruthenium tetroxide, and chromic acid, as well as many other oxidants. Preferably, the oxidant comprises an alkali metal salt of permanganate. The corresponding fuels suitable for use in exothermic chemical reactions are typically organic compounds. Particularly suitable organic compounds are alcohols. Alcohols are readily oxidized by the aforementioned oxidants to carbonyl-containing compounds. Alcohols can be primary alcohols, preferably polyols containing at least two hydroxyl groups. Such polyols are also readily oxidized to aldehydes and carboxylic acids. This simultaneous oxidation of polyols and reduction of the oxidant is usually accompanied by the release of a large amount of heat energy. A preferred fuel is glycerol.

[0080] Many parts can be formed by molding (e.g., injection molding), but other manufacturing techniques can also be used (or alternatively).

[0081] It has been found that, to ensure efficient activation, the horizontal axis should be rotated at least 135 degrees to puncture and tear the liquid bag. However, this is not necessary. Even a small amount of intentional twisting can initiate and cause the reaction to occur.

[0082] Although this specification contains numerous specific implementation details, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of any invention or what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of specific features of particular embodiments of a particular invention. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments in this specification 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, although these features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations, or even originally claimed in this way, in some cases, one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from that combination, and the claimed combination may refer to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0083] Similarly, while operations may be described herein as occurring in a specific order or manner, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order or sequential order shown, or requiring all of the operations shown to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the above embodiments should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated into a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0084] Other embodiments are also within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A self-heating container assembly, the self-heating container assembly comprising: Housing, the housing comprising: The first part has a cylindrical cross-section; and The second part has a cylindrical cross-section. The first part and the second part of the housing are fitted together in a manner that allows the first part to rotate relative to the second part about a common axis; A gear ring, which is located on or attached to a first portion of the housing and is configured to rotate together with the first portion of the housing relative to a second portion of the housing; A rotatable cutting element, which is supported by a support element connected to a second part of the housing; A pinion, the pinion being located on the rotatable cutting element and connected to the gear ring; and At least one reactant container containing reactants, the at least one reactant container being adjacent to the rotatable cutting element, such that rotation of the rotatable cutting element causes the rotatable cutting element to cut into the at least one reactant container.

2. The self-heating container assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one reactant container includes: A first reactant container containing a first reactant above the rotatable cutting element; and Below the rotatable cutting element is a second reactant container containing a second reactant. The first reactant and the second reactant are configured to undergo an exothermic reaction when they are in physical contact with each other.

3. The self-heating container assembly according to claim 2, in, The first reactant is a liquid first reactant. Wherein, the second reactant is a solid, granular, or powdered second reactant.

4. The self-heating container assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The rotation of the rotatable cutting element causes it to cut into the first reactant container and the second reactant container.

5. The self-heating container assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The rotatable cutting element includes: Axis; and At least one cutting blade assembly extends radially outward from the axis.

6. The self-heating container assembly according to claim 5, wherein, Each cutting blade assembly includes: A cutting blade configured to cut into the at least one reactant container, wherein the cutting blade extends from the axis.

7. The self-heating container assembly according to claim 6, wherein, Each cutting blade assembly also includes: A blade guard that extends outward from the axial direction around the cutting blade to define a frame within which the cutting blade is located.

8. The self-heating container assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The blade guard in each cutting blade assembly is connected to the shaft by a thin bridge, which is more likely to break than any other part of the blade guard when torque is applied to it.

9. The self-heating container assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The cutting blade is configured such that if and when the blade guard breaks off or detaches from the shaft, the cutting blade remains attached to the shaft, thereby exposing or revealing the cutting blade.

10. The self-heating container assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one cutting blade assembly of the rotatable cutting element includes: A first cutting blade assembly extends from the axis in a first radial outward direction; and A second cutting blade assembly extends from the axis in a second radial outward direction, which is radially opposite to the first radial outward direction.

11. The self-heating container assembly of claim 10, wherein, The at least one reactant container includes: A first reactant container above the rotatable cutting blade assembly; and The second reactant container is located below the rotatable cutting blade assembly. The rotation of the rotatable cutting element in one direction causes the first cutting blade assembly to cut into the first reactant container and the second cutting blade assembly to cut into the second reactant container.

12. The self-heating container assembly of claim 1, further comprising a tank at least partially within the housing, wherein, The container contains the product to be heated.

13. The self-heating container assembly according to claim 12, further comprising: The shoulder portion of the housing, wherein the shoulder portion of the housing is connected to the upper portion of the housing portion, the shoulder portion defining an opening at the top of the shoulder portion, and The can is supported inside the shoulder portion and extends upward through the opening at the top of the shoulder portion to expose the top surface of the can, at which the user can access the opening mechanism to open the can.

14. The self-heating container assembly according to claim 1, wherein, A portion of the first part of the housing extends into the second part, or a portion of the second part of the housing extends into the first part. The self-heating container assembly also includes a seal between the first part of the housing and the second part of the housing.

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