Self-Heating Beverage Container

This application is based on the provisional application filed on Mar. 29, 2024, Ser. No. 63/571,438, to which Applicant claims filing priority.

This invention is not the result of any federally sponsored research or development.

The present application relates to the technical field of beverage containers, and in particular, relates to a self-heating beverage container.

The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the present disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

The field of portable hot beverage containers has long been fraught with challenges, particularly in the domain of self-heating containers. Traditional self-heating containers have struggled to balance functionality, efficiency, and user experience, often falling short in one or more areas. These shortcomings have underscored the need for a novel solution that addresses the limitations of existing technologies and offers a more user-friendly and efficient alternative.

Self-heating containers have been in existence for decades, employing various methods for activation and heat generation. However, many of these designs have been marred by complexity, high manufacturing costs, and ergonomic challenges. The conventional approach typically involves containers with internal chambers containing water and exothermic materials, requiring multiple steps for activation and posing risks of leakage and pressure buildup. Moreover, the need for specialized components and intricate manufacturing processes has rendered these containers economically unviable for widespread adoption.

In the field of hot beverage transportation, products utilizing combinations of paperboard, cardstock, or cardboard containers holding aluminium bags have been explored. While these designs have proven effective for transporting hot beverages, they have not been optimized for self-heating functionality. The lack of integration between insulation and heating mechanisms has hindered the development of true grab-and-go hot beverage solutions, leaving consumers with limited options for convenient access to hot drinks on the move.

The shortcomings of current self-heating containers are further exacerbated by ergonomic and usability issues. The multi-step activation process and the requirement for precise handling have deterred potential users, particularly those unfamiliar with the technology. Additionally, the lack of intuitive functionality and ergonomic design has made these containers less accessible to individuals with mobility or dexterity limitations, further limiting their market appeal.

Historically, self-heating containers often heat the inside of a can using a chemical reaction within an internal chamber or separately attached chamber on the bottom side of the can. These containers are used for the purpose of heating liquids like, but not exclusive to tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc. In the field of hot beverage transportation, there have been products or totes utilizing a combination of paperboard, cardstock, or cardboard containers holding aluminium bags. However, while there have been combinations of paperboard, cardstock, and cardboard with aluminium bags to transport hot beverages this material combination has not been pursued for the purpose of self-heating. These challenges underscore the need for a self-heating beverage container that offers a seamless and user-friendly experience while maintaining high levels of heating efficiency and economic viability.

The present disclosure overcomes one or more shortcomings of the prior art and provides additional advantages discussed throughout the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to self-heating beverage container. The self-heating beverage container includes a paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving defining an interior space. The self-heating beverage container can include an insulated container bag located within the interior space of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving to house the internal components. The self-heating beverage container also includes a bag, formed of mylar or polypropylene, within the insulated container bag. The bag comprises an open end and a close end. The bag is formed of mylar or polypropylene and is configured to contain a beverage to be heated prior to consumption. The self-heating beverage container includes a fitment configured to cover the open end of the bag. The fitment forms a neck of the self-heating beverage container. The fitment receives a lid of the self-heating beverage container. The self-heating beverage container includes a mineral pocket that is attached to the bag formed mylar or polypropylene by high temperature resistant glue or a heat seal. The mineral pocket contains minerals that, when combined with a liquid, generally water, activates the heating process to heat the liquid which, in turn, heats the beverage.

The self-heating beverage container includes a liquid chamber within the insulated container bag. The liquid chamber is positioned proximate to an upper portion of the interior space of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving and attached to the fitment. The self-heating beverage container includes a puncture device mounted on an exterior surface of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving, adjacent to the liquid chamber. The puncture device is operable to rupture the liquid chamber upon activation. The mineral pocket is configured to receive water released from the ruptured liquid chamber. If the self-heating beverage container does not contain the insulating container bag and instead utilizes a corrugated paperboard sleeve the mineral pocket is still positioned to receive water released from the ruptured liquid chamber. An exothermic reaction between the released water and the minerals generates heat to warm the beverage contained within the bag. The liquid chamber is filled with water.

In an exemplary embodiment, the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving is lined with a foil layer. The foil layer is formed of a material selected from a group. The group comprises tin, aluminium, and copper.

In an exemplary embodiment, the minerals contained in the mineral pocket comprise magnesium and iron.

In an exemplary embodiment, the puncture device is a device selected from a first group. The first group comprising a mechanical puncture device and an electrical puncture device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the puncture device is activated by an activation movement selected from a second group. The second group comprises a pulling movement, a pushing movement, a twisting movement and a turning movement.

In an exemplary embodiment, the puncture device comprises a plastic casing, a push button, a flat area, a hollow tube and a sharp element. The hollow tube receives the sharp element.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing the self-heating beverage container. The method includes puncturing a hole towards a top half of a back side of a paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving by a corrugated star or stamping. The method includes placing a puncture device in the punctured hole. The method includes cutting an insulated container bag to size. The method includes inserting a bag formed of mylar or polypropylene inside the insulated container bag. The method includes positioning a mineral pocket within the insulated container bag attached to the mylar or polypropylene bag. The method includes attaching a liquid chamber to the top of the mylar or polypropylene bag. The method includes feeding the insulated container bag through the top of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving with the fitment of the mylar or polypropylene bag fitting within an opening at the top of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving to form a drinking neck. The method includes gluing the bottom of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving shut. The method includes filling the bag with a beverage and vacuum sealing the bag, and pressing and sealing the fitment on top of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving.

In an exemplary embodiment, the puncture device is affixed to the paperboard container using an adhesive.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mineral pocket is positioned concentrically around the mylar or polypropylene bag within the insulated container bag.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mylar or polypropylene bag is filled with a beverage prior to insertion into the insulated container bag.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

In the present document, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include(s)”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to,,and.

illustrates a first self-heating beverage containerof a first type existing in the prior-art.illustrates a second self-heating beverage containerof a second type existing in the prior-art. The first self-heating beverage containerof the prior art includes a main compartmentto holds the beverage intended to be heated. This is typically a liquid such as tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The first self-heating beverage containerof the prior art includes an internal chambersituated at the bottom portion of the containerand is designed to house the components necessary for initiating the exothermic reaction. It is separated from the beverage compartment by a membrane. The first self-heating beverage containerof the prior art includes a minerals chamber. The mineral chambercontains solid minerals and when these minerals come into contact with water, they undergo an exothermic reaction, releasing heat. The first self-heating beverage containerof the prior art includes a water chamberpositioned adjacent to the heating minerals chamber, this compartment holds water. The water is isolated from the minerals by a separation membrane, preventing premature reaction. When the separation membraneis punctured, the water is released into the heating minerals chamber. The separation membraneis a thin barrier separates the water chamberfrom the heating minerals chamber. The membrane prevents the water from mixing with the minerals until the user initiates the heating process. Once punctured, the membrane allows the water to flow into the minerals chamber, triggering the exothermic reaction. The first self-heating beverage containerof the prior art includes a puncturing devicelocated at the bottom of the container. The puncturing deviceis used to break the separating membrane. A user activates the puncturing deviceby pushing it from the bottom, which causes the sharp element to pierce the membrane and release the water. The first self-heating beverage containerof the prior art includes a peel-off layer: The peel off layeris designed to cover the puncturing device, keeping it sterile and preventing accidental activation. The user must peel off the peel off layerto access the puncturing mechanism.

illustrates the second self-heating beverage containerof the second type existing in the prior-art. The second self-heating beverage containerof the prior art includes a main compartmentto holds the beverage intended to be heated. This is typically a liquid such as tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The second self-heating beverage containerof the prior art includes an internal chambersituated at the bottom portion of the containerand is designed to house the components necessary for initiating the exothermic reaction. It is separated from the beverage compartment by a membrane. The second self-heating beverage containerof the prior art includes a minerals chamber. The mineral chambercontains solid minerals and when these minerals come into contact with water, they undergo an exothermic reaction, releasing heat. The second self-heating beverage containerof the prior art includes a water chamberpositioned adjacent to the heating minerals chamber, this compartment holds water. The water is isolated from the minerals by a separation membrane, preventing premature reaction. When the separation membraneis punctured, the water is released into the heating minerals chamber. The separation membraneis a thin barrier separates the water chamber from the heating minerals chamber. The membrane prevents the water from mixing with the minerals until the user initiates the heating process. Once ruptured, the membrane allows the water to flow into the minerals chamber, triggering the exothermic reaction. The second self-heating beverage containerof the prior art includes a puncturing toollocated at the bottom of the container. The puncturing toolis used to break the separating membrane. A user activates the puncturing toolby twisting it from the bottom, which causes the puncturing toolto pierce the membrane and release the water. The second self-heating beverage containerof the prior art includes a twistable base: The twistable baseprovides an ergonomic and intuitive method for a user to activate the heating mechanism. Twisting the twistable basepunctures the membrane, initiating the reaction that heats the beverage.

The current self-heating containers,suffer from several significant drawbacks. A primary issue is the lack of a true grab-and-go functionality that is both economically viable and ergonomically intuitive. The need for specialized self-heating containers to contain the heating chambers, as shown in, complicates the manufacturing process. These self-heating containers require high precision parts to avoid leaks and hazardous pressure buildups, which in turn drives up production costs. The integration of complex metal joining methods further adds to the expense, making it challenging to offer these containers at a competitive price point.

Another major drawback of traditional self-heating containers is their cumbersome activation process. Typically, these containers require multiple steps and the use of both hands to activate the heating system. This multi-step process is not only non-intuitive but also inconvenient, deterring sceptical or unaware customers from using the product. The need for two hands for activation lacks ergonomic consideration compared to a single-step, single-hand activation mechanism. These self-heating containers are required to have a specialty insulation layer to keep the user's hand from getting burned.

Furthermore, the design of existing self-heating cans, particularly the placement of the activation mechanism at the base, impedes optimal heat transfer. The internal chamber's shape and position do not promote maximum conduction, leading to inefficient heating. By containing the activation device in the bottom of the can, the design fails to leverage the benefits of enhanced convection within the container, resulting in uneven heating and longer wait times for the beverage to reach the desired temperature. In the broader context of hot beverage transportation, products utilizing a combination of paperboard, cardstock, or cardboard containers holding aluminium bags have been explored. However, these materials have primarily been used for transporting pre-heated beverages rather than integrating a self-heating mechanism. The lack of integration between the insulating and heating components has further limited the functionality and appeal of such products.

illustrates a front view of a self-heating beverage container, of the present invention, to provide convenient access to hot beverages.illustrates an insulated container bagof the self-heating beverage containerof the present invention to house the internal components.illustrates a back view of a self-heating beverage containerof the present disclosure.illustrates a perspective view of a self-heating beverage containerof the present disclosure. The self-heating beverage containercomprises the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving, the insulated container bag, a bag, a mineral pocket, a liquid chamber, a puncture deviceand a lid. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the systemincludes any other modules or components.

The self-heating beverage containerincludes the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving. The paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleevingdefines an interior space. The paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleevingis lined with a foil layer. The foil layer is formed of a material selected from a group. The group includes tin, aluminium, and copper. In an embodiment of the present disclosure the foil layer is made of any suitable material. The self-heating beverage containerincludes the insulated container bag. The insulated container bagis positioned within the interior space of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleevingand houses the internal components. The insulated container bagreceives the bag. The bagis formed of mylar or polypropylene. The bagis configured to contain a beverage. The bagcomprises an open end and a close end. The self-heating beverage containerincludes a fitment configured to cover the open end of the bag. The fitment forms a neck of the self-heating beverage container. The fitment receives the lidof the self-heating beverage container. If the self-heating beverage containerdoes not contain the insulating container bagand instead utilizes the corrugated paperboard sleeve, the mineral pocketis still positioned to receive water released from the ruptured liquid chamber.

The self-heating beverage containerincludes the mineral pocketthat is attached to the bag formed mylar or polypropyleneby high temperature resistant glue or a heat seal. The mineral pocketis designed to store, and in a preferred embodiment, does store magnesium and iron. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mineral pocket may store any suitable exothermic minerals. The self-heating beverage containerincludes the liquid chamber. The liquid chambercontains water. The liquid chamberis positioned proximate to an upper portion of the interior space of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving. The liquid chamberis attached to the fitment. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid chamberis placed at any suitable position. The self-heating beverage containerincludes a puncture devicemounted on an exterior surface of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving. The puncture deviceis mounted adjacent to the liquid chamber. The puncture deviceis operable to rupture the liquid chamberupon activation. The lidcovers an opening of the self-heating beverage containerto enable access to the stored beverage. The lidis rotated by a user to access a hot beverage stored in the self-heating beverage container.

The paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleevingincludes an opening at an upper half of its back side to accommodate the puncture device. The puncture device, affixed within the opening, serves as a pivotal element in the self-heating beverage containeractivation mechanism. The puncture deviceenables initiation of the heating process with a single hand motion. The design of the puncture deviceensures user-friendly operation, allowing users to activate the heating mechanism effortlessly.

The puncture deviceis a device selected from a first group. The first group comprises a mechanical puncture device and an electrical puncture device. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the puncture deviceis any suitable device. The puncture devicecomprises a side-mounted twisting mechanism. The puncture devicecomprises a trigger mechanism with a piercing element. The puncture deviceis activated by a movement selected from a second group. The second group comprises a pulling movement, a pushing movement, a twisting movement and a turning movement. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the puncture deviceis activated by any suitable movement.

illustrates front view of an assemblyof the puncture deviceof the self-heating beverage container.illustrates top view of the assemblyof the puncture deviceof the self-heating beverage container.illustrates a plastic casingof the assemblyof the puncture deviceof the self-heating beverage container.illustrates a sharp elementof the assemblyof the puncture deviceof the self-heating beverage container. The assemblyincludes the plastic casing, a push button, a flat area, a hollow tubeand the sharp element. The assemblyincludes the plastic casingdesigned to provide structural integrity and support to the components of the puncture device. The plastic casingserves as the primary housing for the puncture deviceto support internal mechanisms and ensuring proper alignment and operation. The plastic casingincludes the push buttonpositioned to enable a user-friendly activation of the puncture device. The push buttonallows individuals to initiate the heating process with a single hand motion, enhancing the overall user experience and convenience. When a user applies pressure on the push button, the activation mechanism of the puncture deviceis activated.

The plastic casingis provided with the flat areaspecifically designed for gluing to the paperboard container. The flat areaensures secure attachment of the puncture deviceto the self-heating beverage container. The flat areaenables secure attachment to the paperboard containerand minimises the risk of detachment or malfunction during use. The flat areais attached with adhesive to the paperboard containerto make the puncture devicean integral part of the self-heating beverage container. The assemblyincludes the hollow tubeengineered to receive the sharp element. The hollow tubeis extending perpendicular to the plane of the flat areaand serves as a conduit for the sharp element. The hollow tubeguides the movement of the sharp elementto ensure precise alignment of the sharp elementduring activation.

The hollow tubefacilitates smooth and controlled movement of the sharp elementto minimise friction and ensure proper piercing. When the push buttonis pressed, the activation mechanism of the puncture deviceis activated, causing the sharp elementto move beyond the hollow tube. The movement allows the sharp elementto pierce the liquid chamberto initiate release of water and triggering the exothermic reaction that generates heat when the water reacts upon coming into contact with the minerals contained in mineral pocket. The assemblyensures that the sharp elementmoves swiftly and accurately to puncture the liquid chamberwith precision and efficiency. The puncture deviceis an essential component of the self-heating beverage containerdesigned to facilitate the activation of the container's heating mechanism with ease and precision. The assemblyof the puncture device ensures reliable performance and user-friendly operation, enhancing the overall functionality and convenience of the container.

The bagis a specialized component formed of mylar or polypropylene and intended to contain the beverage to be heated. The bagserves as a key element in facilitating efficient heat distribution and retention of beverages. The bagis lined with a reflective foil layer, enhancing its ability to trap and reflect heat generated during the heating process. The heat reflective properties of the foil layer ensure that heat is effectively contained within the bag, preventing dissipation and maximizing heating efficiency.

The mineral pocketis positioned within the insulating bagattached to the bag. The minerals contained in the mineral pocketcomprise magnesium and iron. The minerals play a crucial role in initiating an exothermic reaction when combined with water. The reaction, triggered upon activation of the container's heating mechanism, generates heat that rapidly warms the beverage contained within the bag. The strategic placement of the mineral packet ensures that the exothermic reaction occurs in close proximity to the beverage, facilitating quick and efficient heating.

Towards the upper portion of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving, a balloon-like liquid chamberis positioned, housing a predetermined quantity of water. The liquid chamberserves as a vital component of the self-heating beverage containeractivation mechanism, providing necessary liquid component for the exothermic reaction to occur. The puncture device, mounted on the exterior surface of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleevingadjacent to the liquid chamber, is responsible for rupturing the liquid chamberupon activation. The puncture deviceis designed with precision, ensuring reliable operation and consistent performance.

The puncture device, once activated, ruptures the liquid chamberto release stored water. The water released from the ruptured liquid chambermixes with the minerals contained within the mineral packetinitiating an exothermic reaction that generates heat. The insulated container bagpositioned within the interior space of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving, plays a critical role in facilitating heat retention and distribution. The insulated bagnot only accommodates the bagand the mineral packetbut also ensures that the heated water is effectively contained and distributed around the bag containing the beverage, resulting in uniform heating of the beverage.

The self-heating beverage containeris manufactured by a series of steps aimed at ensuring seamless integration of each component. Initially, a hole is punctured towards the upper half of the back side of the paperboard container, by a corrugated star or stamping. The puncturing of hole is followed by insertion of the puncture deviceinto the punctured hole. The puncture deviceserves as the primary means of activating the self-heating beverage containerheating mechanism. The puncture deviceallows effortless initiation of the heating process.

Subsequently, the insulating bagis cut to size, and the bagis placed inside the insulating bag. The bag, carefully positioned within the insulating bag, is designed to optimize heat distribution and retention. To enhance heat retention, the bagis lined with a reflective foil layer, which effectively traps and reflects heat generated during the heating process. This reflective property ensures that heat is contained within the bag, preventing dissipation and maximizing heating efficiency.

Next, the mineral pocketcontaining exothermic minerals, including magnesium and iron, is attached to the bagwithin the insulating bag. The mineral pocket, strategically positioned, serves as the catalyst for the exothermic reaction that generates heat during the heating process. The precise placement of the mineral pocketensures that the exothermic reaction occurs in close proximity to the beverage, facilitating rapid and efficient heating. The liquid chamberis then attached to the top of the bag, serving as the water source for the self-heating beverage container. The liquid chamberis calibrated to contain a predetermined quantity of water, provides the necessary liquid component for the exothermic reaction to occur. The integration of the liquid chamberwithin the self-heating beverage containerensures a streamlined activation process, allowing for quick and efficient initiation of the heating mechanism

The method includes feeding the insulated container bagthrough the top of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleevingwith the fitment of the mylar or polypropylene bagfitting within an opening at the top of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleevingto form a drinking neck. The method includes gluing the bottom of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleevingshut. The method includes filling the bagwith a beverage and vacuum sealing the bag, and pressing and sealing the fitment on top of the paperboard carton or corrugated paperboard sleeving.

The steps ensures that the components remain securely in place during transportation and use, minimizing the risk of damage or malfunction. With the manufacturing complete, the self-heating beverage containeris transported to a filling facility, where the bagis filled with a beverage and vacuum-sealed. This final step in the manufacturing process ensures that the self-heating beverage containeris ready for use, allowing for immediate access to hot beverages on the go.