U.S. patent application number 11/120944 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-13 for self-heating pre-moistened wipe(s) package.
Invention is credited to Saric, Jerko, Sestak, Ivan.
Application Number | 20050224388 11/120944 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 4168975 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050224388 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saric, Jerko ; et
al. |
October 13, 2005 |
Self-heating pre-moistened wipe(s) package
Abstract
A package for storing and heating a product includes a first
sealable envelope having a region located inside the first sealable
envelope, the region containing a first agent. The package further
includes a sealed bag located inside the first sealable envelope
and containing a second agent. The sealed bag is capable of being
breached at a section allowing the second agent to react with the
first agent generating heat within a heating region. The package
further includes a second sealable envelope comprising a region for
containing the product. A portion of the second sealable envelope
is located within the heating region and the heat from the reaction
heats the product located in the heating region. The first sealable
envelope is compressible about the section of the sealed bag and
contents of the first sealable envelope about the section of the
sealed bag are flexible.
Inventors: |
Saric, Jerko; (Toronto,
CA) ; Sestak, Ivan; (Toronto, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BERESKIN AND PARR
40 KING STREET WEST
BOX 401
TORONTO
ON
M5H 3Y2
CA
|
Family ID: |
4168975 |
Appl. No.: |
11/120944 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11120944 |
May 4, 2005 |
|
|
|
09961178 |
Sep 24, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/554 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 2010/3293 20130101;
F24V 30/00 20180501; A47K 2010/3266 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/554 |
International
Class: |
B65D 001/34; B65D
006/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 25, 2001 |
CA |
2,346,223 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A package for storing and heating a product, said package
comprising: (a) a first sealable envelope comprising a first agent
region located inside said first sealable envelope, said first
agent region containing a first agent; (b) a sealed bag located
inside said first sealable envelope and containing a second agent,
said sealed bag capable of being breached at a breach section
allowing said second agent to react with said first agent
generating heat within a heating region; and (c) a second sealable
envelope for containing said product, a portion of said second
sealable envelope being located within said heating region, said
heat from said reaction heating said product located in said second
sealable envelope; wherein said first sealable envelope is
compressible about said breach section of said sealed bag and
contents of said first sealable envelope about said breach section
of said sealed bag are flexible.
2. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 1, wherein said second sealable envelope comprises a product
region for containing said product, said product region being
located substantially within said heating region.
3. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 2, wherein said product comprises a pre-moistened wipe.
4. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 2, wherein said second agent comprises a solvent.
5. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 2, further comprising a first agent bag located inside said
first sealable envelope, said first agent bag containing said first
agent.
6. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 5, wherein said first agent bag is permeable and said first
agent comprises a powder.
7. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 6, wherein said first agent bag contains said solvent bag and
said first agent comprises a gel.
8. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 4, wherein said sealed bag has a size and shape allowing said
sealed bag to fit snugly inside said first sealable envelope.
9. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 8, wherein said first sealable envelope and said second
sealable envelope are disposed on opposite sides of a barrier
web.
10. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 9, wherein said sealed bag comprises at least one sealed
chamber containing said second agent, said at least one sealed
chamber capable of being independently breached.
11. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 10, wherein said product to be stored by said package
comprises a plurality of pre-moistened wipes, and wherein said at
least one sealed chamber comprises a plurality of chambers in
correspondence to said plurality of pre-moistened wipes.
12. A package for storing and heating a product, said package
comprising: (a) a first sealable envelope comprising a region
located inside said first sealable envelope, said region containing
a first agent; (b) a sealed bag located inside said first sealable
envelope, said sealed bag including at least one sealed chamber
containing a second agent, each chamber of said at least one sealed
chamber capable of being independently breached at a section
allowing said second agent to react with said first agent
generating heat within a heating region; and (c) a second sealable
envelope comprising a region for containing said product, a portion
of said second sealable envelope being located within said heating
region, said heat from said reaction heating said product located
in said heating region, wherein said first sealable envelope is
compressible about each said section of said each chamber of said
at least one sealed chamber.
13. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 12, wherein said product is a pre-moistened wipe.
14. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 13, further comprising a first agent bag located inside said
first sealable envelope, said first agent bag containing said first
agent.
15. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 14, wherein said sealed bag has a size and shape allowing
said sealed bag to fit snugly inside said first sealable
envelope.
16. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 15, wherein said first agent bag has a size and shape
allowing said first agent bag to fit snugly inside said first
sealable envelope.
17. A package for storing and heating a product, said package
comprising: (a) a first sealable envelope comprising a first region
and a second region located inside said first sealable envelope,
said first region containing a first agent; (b) a sealed bag
located inside said first sealable envelope in said second region
of said first sealable envelope, said sealed bag containing a
second agent, said sealed bag capable of being breached at a
section allowing said second agent to flow from said sealed bag to
react with said first agent generating heat within a heating
region; and (c) a second sealable envelope comprising a region for
containing said product, a portion of said second sealable envelope
being located within said heating region, said heat from said
reaction heating said product located in said heating region,
wherein said first sealable envelope is compressible about said
section of said sealed bag, contents of said first sealable
envelope about said section of said sealed bag are flexible, and
said sealed bag is located about said second region and said first
agent is located about said first region enabling gravity to assist
flow of said second agent towards said first agent when said sheet
material is breached.
18. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 17, wherein said region of said second sealable envelope for
containing said product is located substantially within said
heating region.
19. The package for storing and heating a product as claimed in
claim 18, wherein said product is a pre-moistened wipe.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/961,178, which was filed on Sep. 24, 2001,
and the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a self-heating package for
containing and heating a product such as a pre-moistened wipe. The
heated, pre-moistened wipe can be dispensed from the package and
used to clean parts of the human body or any other surfaces as
desired.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Pre-moistened wipe(s) have been utilized to clean various
surfaces. Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,621/CA Pat. No.
2,100,814 and CA Pat. No. 2,303,306. Previous pre-moistened
wipe(s), for the purpose of cleaning the human body include U.S.
Pat. No. 5,595,807. None of the afore mentioned include a heating
agent for the purpose of providing a warm or hot cleaning material.
One advantage of a heated pre-moistened wipe(s) is to avoid the
sudden discomfort on initial contact with human skin. Another
advantage is to enhance the cleaning experience of parts of the
human body when a shower is unavailable. Yet another advantage of a
heated pre-moistened wipe(s) is the fact that heat increases the
efficacy of breaking down grease or oil compounds and loosening
dirt.
[0004] Examples of heated packages include U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,921,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,909, U.S. Pat. No. 4,823,769/CA Pat. No.
1,322,349, U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,612/CA Pat. No. 2,017,502, U.S. Pat.
No. 4,809,673, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,707/CA Pat. No. 2,169,259.
All of the aforementioned are self-heated exothermic packages
designed to carry foodstuff within. In addition, all of the afore
mentioned (with the exception of U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,707/CA Pat.
No. 2,169,259) utilized rigid packaging for the purpose of storing
and perpetuating the exothermic reaction.
[0005] Examples of flexible, chemical thermal bags are also known.
Although they are comprised of flexible outer housing, they do not
enclose any substance to be heated such as pre-moistened wipe(s).
Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,651, U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,272,
U.S. Pat. No. 3,874,504 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,217/U.S. Pat. No.
4,856,651/CA Pat. No. 1,278,478.
[0006] None of the afore mentioned references describes the novel
enhancements to be mentioned hereinafter and defined as a self
heating pre-moistened wipe(s) package. Moreover, they do not
outline the advantages inherent within this design.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A self heating pre-moistened wipe(s) package unique in its
design characteristics, constructed to enclose a pre-moistened
wipe(s) immersed in a cleaning solution. Although applications are
broad in scope, such a pre-moistened wipe is ideally suited for
cleaning parts of the human body. A heated pre-moistened wipe can
provide increased comfort when applied to human skin for cleaning
parts of the human body. A heated pre-moistened wipe can improve
the efficacy of the cleaning action both for the human body or any
other relevant surface.
[0008] A package of wipes in accordance with the present invention
can provide heated, pre-moistened wipes in a package that is
relatively compact, less bulky, and relatively flexible which can
improve storage during transport, in, for example, a purse or
pocket. As well, the package of the present invention can be easily
manufactured and therefore more practical. The self-heated
pre-moistened wipes package of the present invention can provide a
package with relatively little discarded packaging.
[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a package for storing and heating a product having a first
sealable envelope having a first agent region located inside the
first sealable envelope, the first agent region containing a first
agent. The package includes a sealed bag located inside of the
sealable envelope. The sealed bag is capable of being breached at a
breach section allowing the second agent to react with the first
agent generating heat within a heating region. The package also has
a second sealable envelope for containing a product, a portion of
the second sealable envelope being located within the heating
region. The heat from the reaction heats the product located in the
second sealable envelope. In the package, the first sealable
envelope is compressible about the breach section of the sealed bag
and contents of the first sealable envelope about the breach
section of the sealed bag are flexible.
[0010] The second sealable envelope can include a product region
for containing the product, and the product region can be located
substantially within the heating region. The first and second
sealable envelopes can be disposed on opposite sides of a barrier
web. The sealed bag can include at least two independently
breachable chambers, each chamber adapted to release an amount of
the second agent when breached. The product can comprise a
plurality of pre-moistened wipes, and the sealed bag can include a
plurality of independently breachable chambers in correspondence to
the plurality of pre-moistened wipes.
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, a package for
storing and heating a product includes a first sealable envelope
having a first agent region located inside the first sealable
envelope, the first agent region containing a first agent. The
package further includes a sealed bag located inside the first
sealable envelope, the sealed bag including at least one sealed
chamber containing a second agent, each chamber of the at least one
sealed chamber capable of being independently breached at a breach
section allowing an amount of the second agent to react with the
first agent generating heat within a heating region. The package
has a second sealable envelope comprising a region for containing
the product, a portion of the second sealable envelope being
located within the heating region, the heat from the reaction
heating the product located in the heating region. The first
sealable envelope is compressible about each respective breach
section of each of the at least one sealed chamber.
[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
package for storing and heating a pre-moistened wipe product
includes a first sealable envelope having a first agent region and
a second region located inside the first sealable envelope, the
first region containing a first agent, the package having a sealed
bag located in the second region of the first sealable envelope,
the sealed bag containing a second agent, the sealed bag capable of
being breached at a breach section allowing the second agent to
flow from the sealed bag to react with the first agent generating
heat within a heating region. The package has a second sealable
envelope having a region for containing the product, a portion of
the second sealable envelope being located within the heating
region, the heat from the reaction heating the pre-moistened wipe
product located in the heating region. The first sealable envelope
is compressible about the breach section of the sealed bag,
contents of the first sealable envelope about the breach section of
the sealed bag being flexible, and the sealed bag being located
about the second region and the first agent being located about the
first region enabling gravity to assist flow of the second agent
towards said first agent when the sealed bag is breached.
[0013] Other objectives of the present invention may become more
apparent as said invention is described in greater detail in the
following descriptions and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a self-heating
pre-moistened wipe(s) package according to one preferred embodiment
of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1A is a side view of the package of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a self heating
pre-moistened wipe(s) package showing a similar embodiment to FIG.
1 but with a slightly different trigger mechanism.
[0017] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a self heating
pre-moistened wipe(s) package showing a similar embodiment to FIG.
1 and FIG. 1B, but with a slightly different trigger mechanism.
[0018] FIG. 1D is a perspective and a cross-sectional view of a
self-heating pre-moistened wipe(s) package of a similar embodiment
to FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A but with a specific orientation of said
exothermic reagents.
[0019] FIG. 1E is a section view of the package of FIG. 1D taken
along the lines 1E-1E.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a self heating pre-moistened
wipe(s) package of a similar embodiment to FIG. 1 but with a
variation in the trigger mechanism used to begin the exothermic
reaction.
[0021] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a self heating
pre-moistened wipe(s) package showing a similar embodiment to FIG.
2 but with a slightly different trigger mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In the description and diagrams that follow, specific
terminology will be used in describing the details of the present
invention for the sake of clarity. It is understood that these
terms and/or phrases are not intended to be limiting in any way,
shape or form, in their application to the details of construction
and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the
following description and illustrations. It is understood that in
this patent the words "bladder" and "chamber" or their plural forms
are understood to denote the same meaning. It is also understood
that the terminology used includes all technical equivalents, which
are used in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. As
such, it is noted and understood by all those skilled in the art
that the basic idea of the present invention described in detail in
this disclosure may easily be utilized as a basis for the designing
of other structures and systems for carrying out similar purposes.
It is also understood therefore that this patent includes all such
variations, insofar as they do not depart from the basic idea and
scope of the present invention which is a self-heating
pre-moistened wipe(s) package.
[0023] The present invention relates a novel new idea in the form
of a pre-moistened wipe(s) that is not only heated, but self-heated
in an insulated exothermic package that is flexible and
disposable.
[0024] FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A show a package (5) for storing and
heating a product in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. In FIG. 1 the illustration is shown as a partial
cross-section of the components of the basic invention. The package
(5) includes a first sealable envelope or outer pouch (10) that
holds a second sealable envelope or inner pouch (13). The inner
pouch (13) is adapted to hold the product to be stored and heated.
In the embodiment illustrated, the product to be stored and heated
is in the form of at least one pre-moistened wipe (6). The package
(5) provides an intermediate space (7) between the interior of the
outer pouch (10) and exterior of the inner pouch (13), at least a
portion of the intermediate space (7) defining a first agent region
(8) for containing a first agent (22). The package (5) is also
provided with a sealed bag that can be in the form of a solvent
chamber (20), at least a portion of which defines a second agent
region (9) for containing a second agent (19). Together the first
and second agents (22) and (19) form at least a portion of heating
elements (25) of the package (5), described in greater detail
subsequently herein.
[0025] Ideally, the outer pouch (10) can be formed of a sheet
material that is flexible, liquid impermeable and somewhat heat
resistant. It can be opaque and can be made of a laminated material
such as blax nylon, polyester such as MYLAR.RTM., polyethylene,
polypropylene, aluminum, aluminized polymer film and other
conventional plastic or other packaging materials such as rubber,
vinyl, vinyl-coated fabric, polyethylene and laminated aluminum
foil suitable for containing heated reagents. The outer pouch (10)
can include a thermal insulated layer (12) which may be of a fine
cell or cross-linked polyethylene or other suitable material. The
thermal insulated layer (12) can define an inner surface of the
outer pouch (10). The composite material sheet can be folded
together with the folded edge becoming the bottom of the outer
pouch (10). The sides are held together preferably with weld seams
(11) to form the complete outer pouch (10).
[0026] The inner pouch (13) for containing the at least one
pre-moistened wipe (6) is disposed substantially within the outer
pouch (10). The inner pouch (13) can be formed from a heat
resistant, durable, liquid impermeable sheet material folded
together. The folded edge 10A can become the bottom of the inner
pouch (13). In the embodiment illustrated, liquid-tight weld seams
(14) are made along the length of the sides to form the pouch (13),
which is adapted to hold the pre-moistened wipes (6). The wipes (6)
may be of any size, shape, construction, and composition depending
on the manufacturer's design requirements and desires. The
pre-moistened wipes (6) can be impregnated with any safe,
effective, cleaning solution specifically suited to its application
(e.g. cleaning portions of the human body). Furthermore, the
pre-moistened wipes (6) can be folded over several times, few times
or not at all, in accordance with the manufacturer's design
requirements and objectives, and in order to, for example, maintain
rigidity, flatness, or compactness of the package (5) for design
requirements.
[0027] The inner pouch (13) is adapted to be opened for dispensing
one or more of the wipes (6) from the package (5). In the
embodiment illustrated, the inner pouch (13) has a top edge (30)
that is located outside of the perimeter of the outer pouch (10),
i.e., above the upper edge of the outer pouch (10). The inner pouch
(13) can be opened by pulling on a tear strip (32) provided in the
inner pouch (13) adjacent the top edge (30). Other methods for
opening the inner pouch (13) can also be employed, such as, for
example, but not limited to, a plastic zipper or an adhesive strip
provided in the inner pouch (13), near the upper edge of the outer
pouch (10). Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the inside
surface of the outer pouch (10) is sealed against the outside
surface of the inner pouch (13) by weld seams (31). Adhesive strips
may also be used in place of weld seams (31). The weld seams (31)
can facilitate sealing closed the outer pouch (10) and preventing
cross contamination of the pre-moistened wipes (6) with the first
and second agents (22) and (19) when the inner pouch (13) is
opened. In addition, weld seams (31) (or adhesive strips) can
prevent heat loss during an exothermic reaction (described
subsequently herein).
[0028] In the embodiment illustrated, an intermediate space (7) is
provided between the inside surface of the thermal insulating layer
(12) of the outer pouch (10) and the outside surface of the inner
pouch (13). A least a portion of the heating elements (25) can be
provided within the intermediate space (7). The heating elements
include the first agent (22) and the second agent (19). The second
agent (19) is, in the illustrated embodiment, provided in a sealed
bag or solvent chamber (20). The solvent chamber (20) can be in the
form of a bag or bladder made of some liquid impermeable,
rupturable plastic-like material. At least a portion of the solvent
chamber (20) can define a second agent region (9) for containing
the second agent (19). The second agent (19) can be in the form of
a solvent adapted to react with the first agent (22) in an
exothermic reaction. In the embodiment illustrated, the solvent
chamber (20) is sized to fit snugly in the intermediate space (7)
and is sealed against the inside of said thermal insulated layer
(12) by liquid tight weld seams (23). The solvent chamber (20) can
be constructed in such a manner that when specific pressure is
applied to the package (8) (in between fingers or against hard
surface) the chamber (20) ruptures, allowing the second agent (19)
to come into contact with the first agent (22), thus triggering the
exothermic reaction. The chamber (20) can be adapted so that
pressure against or along the bag/chamber (20) ruptures,
perforates, or otherwise breaches the bag/chamber (20) in a breach
section (17), while leaving the remaining surfaces of the chamber
(20), and the surfaces of the outer pouch (10) and inner pouch (13)
surrounding the product and the intermediate space intact. The
breach section (17) can be along a seam, weld line, line of
weakness, or any breachable surface of the chamber (20). The
solvent chamber (20) can be comprised of any of a number of
functional configurations. In a preferred embodiment, the chamber
(20) comprises a flexible, rupturable, polymer like material
containing the second agent (19), and is adapted to be manually
ruptured.
[0029] The first agent (22) of the heating elements (25) can
generally be in the form of an exothermic reagent. The first agent
(22) can be magnesium oxide or some other suitable chemical and can
be in the form of a powder, pad, gel or even liquid. In the
embodiment illustrated, the first agent (22) is in the form of a
powder that is enclosed in another bag called a first agent bag
(21) (also referred to as an absorbent envelope (21) sometimes
herein). At least a portion of the first agent bag (21) can define
at least a portion of the first agent region (8). The first agent
bag (21) can, but need not, fit snugly in the intermediate space
(7). The first agent bag (21) can be attached to the outside of the
inner package (13) by, for example, weld seams (24). The first
agent bag (21) can be constructed of a porous, absorbent material
that can facilitate an exothermic reaction between the first and
second agents by absorbing and/or transporting the second agent
(19) in solvent form by capillary action, and bringing the second
agent (19) in contact with the first agent (22) within the first
agent bag (21). The absorbent envelope (21) can be made from filter
paper or similar material. The second agent (19) can be in the form
of a pad, and the absorbent envelope (21) can be a sheet of
absorbent material wrapped around such exothermic pad. The reagent
(22) can be a powder, and the powder can be sealed within the
absorbent envelope (21). The reagent (22) can be a liquid or gel,
and the exothermic reagent (22) need not be contained in a first
agent bag (21) but can be permitted to permeate throughout the
intermediate space (7), between the thermal insulated layer (12)
and the inner package (13).
[0030] The package (5) can be presented to a user with the wipes
(6), first agent (22), and second agent (19) in their respective
compartments of the package (5). The package (5) is generally
flexible, compressible, and can conform in shape to a variety of
storage or transport space limitations. The package (5) is flexible
about the section where the solvent bag (20) is adapted to rupture,
and can be, for example, rolled up along its width or length to
facilitate storage or transport. To use the package (5), a user can
apply specific pressure to the outer pouch (10) so that the solvent
bag (20) is ruptured along the breach section, thus triggering the
heating of the wipes (6) by allowing the first and second agents to
interact with each other and generate heat in a heating region by
means of an exothermic reaction. At least a potion of the inner
pouch (13) holding the wipes (6) is disposed in the heating region,
so that the wipes (6) become warmed by exposure to the heat of the
exothermic reaction. After waiting a brief period to allow the
wipes (6) to warm up to a desired amount, the inner pouch (13) can
be opened and one or more pre-heated wipes (6) can be dispensed
from the package (5).
[0031] As previously stated, FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A depict one
preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C depict
another embodiment of a package 105 in accordance with the present
invention. The package 105 is similar to the package 5, but has
multiple bladders/chambers (20A), rather than a single solvent
chamber (20). The bladders (20A) can be connected or can be
independent of each other. For example, each chamber (20A)
embodying the same characteristics as the chambers (20) of the
package 5 can be independent plastic-like bladders each containing
an amount of the second agent (19), and each positioned and
attached by weld seams to the inside of the thermal insulated layer
(12) of the outer pouch (10). Alternatively, the individual solvent
chambers (20A) can be connected to one another by a flat, rigid,
plastic substance (20B) that sits in the intermediate space (7).
This rigid plastic substance (20B) may be held in place by weld
seams (24) or simply fit snugly into place. Each chamber (20A) can
be adapted to be ruptured independently by the application of
specific pressure to each bladder. The advantage of this design is
that a plurality of discrete exothermic reactions can be provided,
each of which can be associated with unique times that one of the
wipes (6) is dispensed from the package (5). For example, in the
embodiment illustrated, the package (5) can hold twenty-one wipes
(6), and twenty-one chambers (20A) are provided so that one chamber
(20A) can be ruptured each time one wipe (6) is dispensed. The
intensity of each reaction can be controlled by the user depending
on when and how many chambers are ruptured. Also, the temperature
of the pre-moistened wipe(s) may be controlled.
[0032] FIG. 1C illustrates a further embodiment of the package
(105). In FIG. 1C, the package (105) has multiple solvent chambers
(20C) that are similar to the chambers 20B but are round in shape
rather than square. The number and shape of bladders/chambers
(20A), (20B), (20C) are variable depending on the manufacturer's
needs.
[0033] Another embodiment of a package (205) in accordance with the
present invention can be seen in FIGS. 1D and 1E. The package (205)
is similar to the packages (5) and (105), and has a slight
variation in the design of the trigger mechanism. The solvent bag
(20) of the package (205) is attached adjacent one end of the outer
pouch (10) by the weld seam (11) or a separate weld seam and the
first agent (22) is disposed in the intermediate space (7) near the
opposite end. In the embodiment illustrated, the solvent bag (20)
and the first agent (22) are generally adjacent upper and lower
ends, respectively, of the package (205). The first agent (22) may
not be affixed and can take the form of a liquid, gel, powder,
absorbing envelope or pad. The first agent bag (21) can be affixed
by one or more weld seams (23) to the outside of the inner pouch
(13) or to the inside of the outer pouch (10). The second agent bag
(20) can have a bottom weld seam (23A) that can define the breach
section (17) of the solvent bag (20). A generally non-rupturable
barrier web (243) can extend between upper and lower ends of the
package (205), defining the inner pouch (13) on one side thereof,
and having the first and second agent regions (8) and (9),
respectively, disposed on the other side, opposite the inner pouch
(13). In other words, the first sealable envelope (21) and second
sealable envelope (13) can be disposed on opposite sides of the
barrier web (243). The barrier web (243) can be formed of a
sidewall portion of the first sealable envelope (21) or of the
second sealable envelope (13) or both. The solvent bag (20) can be
pressed or squeezed to cause it to rupture (preferably along the
bottom weld seam), and the package (5) can be held upright
temporarily to allow the second agent (19) to seep down into the
first agent region (8) below, thereby triggering the exothermic
reaction. This specific arrangement of the solvent bag (20)
positioned above the first agent region (8) utilizes gravity to
enhance contact between the two agents (22) and (19), which can
increase the efficacy of the exothermic chemical reaction and can
also reduce manufacturing costs. Alternatively, the solvent bag
(20) can be positioned centrally or at a lower end of the package
(205), having the first agent region (8) disposed above and below
or above the solvent bag (20).
[0034] FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A are perspective drawings of a further
alternative preferred embodiments of a package (305) and (405),
respectively, in accordance with the present invention. The
packages (305) and (405) are similar to the packages (5), (105),
and (205), and include a slight variation in the heating elements
(25). As seen in FIG. 2, the package (305) includes a trigger
mechanism utilizing a pulling device. The solvent bag (20) of the
package (305) is formed from a liquid impermeable plastic sheet
material folded together. The folded edge forms the bottom of the
solvent chambers (20). Liquid-tight weld seams (23) are made around
the sides and top to form the solvent bag (20). The second agent
(or solvent) (19) is contained within the volume enclosed by the
weld seams (23). The solvent bag (20) can fit snugly in the
intermediate space (7) formed between the inside of the thermal
insulated layer (12) and outside of the inner pouch (13). The
solvent bag (20) can be attached to the inside of the thermal
insulated layer (12) by attachment weld seams (24) or by some other
means. The solvent chamber (20) of the package (305) contains
manufactured pore-like holes or apertures (27) facing the first
agent bag (21) containing the chemical reagent (22). An adhesive
flap (26) covers the apertures (27), in order to contain the
solvent (19) within said solvent bag (20). A pull string (41)
enters the outer package (10) through a small hole (43). The pull
string hole (43) is sufficiently small as to minimize heat loss
during use of the package (305). The pull string (41) extends down
the length of the bladder/chamber (20) and loops around the loop
hole (40) of the adhesive flap (26). The other end of the pull
string (41) exits the small hole (43) and is attached to a fastener
(44). Upon pulling said pull string (41), the adhesive flap (26) is
peeled off of the solvent chamber (20) exposing the porous openings
(27) thereby releasing the solvent (19) and triggering the
exothermic reaction. In order to increase the mechanical efficiency
of the triggering mechanism, an extended lower lip (61) can be
incorporated into the design of the outer pouch (10). The lower lip
(61) is, in the embodiment illustrated, formed by extending the
lower folded portion of the outer pouch (10) beyond the weld seams
(60). The lower lip (61) provides a surface that can be held
between fingers, to pull against the pulling action of the string
(41) when the exothermic reaction is triggered. To improve the
mechanical action of the triggering mechanism, increasing the
rigidity of the device through packaging or some other means can be
beneficial. Providing the first agent (22) in the form of a pad is
recommended for increased rigidity.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 2A, the package 405 has a solvent bag
(20) formed from a liquid impermeable plastic sheet material folded
together. The folded edge forms the bottom of the solvent bag (20).
Liquid tight weld seams (23) are formed around the sides and top to
form the solvent chamber (20). Two liquid tight weld seams (62) are
made across the top and bottom of the bag at a distance away from
the edges to form an upper and lower lip (63). Said solvent is
contained within this space. The two lips (63) that are formed are
affixed to the inside of the thermal insulated layer (12) by
fasteners (64) such as staples or some other means. A pull string
(41) enters through the outer package (10) via a small hole/opening
(43), small enough to minimize heat loss when triggered. The string
(41) extends down the solvent chamber (20) in the space between the
solvent bag (20) and the inner pre-moistened wipe(s) package (13).
Said pull string (41) further extends around one end of the solvent
bag through a rip hole or loop hole (40) cut into the lower lip
(63). Said pull string (41) then traverses back up along the
backside of the solvent bag (20) between the solvent bag (20) and
the inside of the thermal insulated layer (12). It is then fastened
to the combination sheet layer comprising the outer package (10)
and the thermal insulated layer (12) by some fastener (42) such as
a staple or some other means. The other end of the pull string (41)
protruding from the small hole (43) outside the outer package (10),
is attached to a pull-tab (44). When the pull string (41) is
activated, it facilitates a tear starting at the loophole (40)
continuing down the center of the solvent bag (20) releasing said
solvent, triggering the exothermic reaction. To maximize the
efficacy of said triggering mechanism, rigidity of the device is of
utmost importance. Rigidity of packaging should be taken into
consideration by the manufacturer. In addition, an exothermic
reagent (22) in the form of a pad is preferred to increase
rigidity. In addition, when designing the outer package (10), a
lower lip (61) extends beyond the weld seams (60) some distance to
provide a grip to be held between fingers to counteract the pulling
action of the pull string (41) and maximize the tearing action of
said trigger mechanism.
[0036] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been
described herein in detail, it is to be understood that this
description is by way of example only, and is not intended to be
limiting. The full scope of the invention is to determine from
reference to the appended claims.
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