U.S. patent application number 11/562433 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-06 for utility package for heating or cooling liquids and food.
Invention is credited to Fred Fulcher.
Application Number | 20070281058 11/562433 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39468466 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070281058 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fulcher; Fred |
December 6, 2007 |
UTILITY PACKAGE FOR HEATING OR COOLING LIQUIDS AND FOOD
Abstract
A self-heating package with an inner and outer bag. Heating is
provided from the inner bag to the content in the outer bag. The
package may be supported by an external box or a utility bag.
Additional foam layer is provided to insulate the self-heating
package. The utility bag may also provide heating from its internal
chamber, thus increasing the heating to the bag-in-bag package.
Inventors: |
Fulcher; Fred; (Los Angeles,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PHILIP K. YU
20955 PATHFINDER ROAD
SUITE 100
DIAMOND BAR
CA
91765
US
|
Family ID: |
39468466 |
Appl. No.: |
11/562433 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60739241 |
Nov 23, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2313/02 20130101;
B65D 2205/00 20130101; B65D 81/389 20130101; B65D 75/008 20130101;
B65D 77/067 20130101; F25D 5/02 20130101; B65D 77/04 20130101; B65D
81/3484 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/107 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/34 20060101
B65D081/34 |
Claims
1. A self-heating package for heating and dispensing a liquid,
comprising: an inner bag, having a first access port to the inside
of the inner bag; an outer bag, said outer bag being disposed to
store said liquid, having a second access port to the inside of the
outer bag and an opening aligned with said first access port, said
inner bag being positioned inside said outer bag, such that said
inner bag is substantially immersed in said liquid in said outer
bag; an exothermic chemical inside the inner bag, said exothermic
chemical being adapted to generate heat upon activation.
2. The self-heating package of claim 1, further comprising: an
internal water pouch placed inside said inner bag, said water pouch
having water therein, said water pouching having a pull string to
open said water pouch, thus causing said water to activate said
exothermic chemical.
3. The self-heating package of claim 1, further comprising: an
external water pouch for storing water, said water being adapted to
activate said exothermic chemical, said external water pouch having
a feed tube for feeding said water into said inner bag through said
first access port.
4. The self-heating package of claim 1, further comprising: a foam
pouch enclosing said outer bag for providing insulation.
5. The self-heating package of claim 4, wherein said foam pouch has
an internal chamber for providing additional heating to said outer
bag.
6. The self-heating package of claim 1, further comprising: an
external insulating bag for enclosing said self-heating package
within, said insulating bag having an internal chamber for
facilitating additional heating from said inside chamber to said
self-heating package.
7. The self-heating package of claim 4, wherein said inner bag is
adapted to vent to a spacing between said foam pouch and said outer
bag through said first access port.
8. The self-heating package of claim 4, wherein: said inner bag is
a symmetrical multi-layered aluminum laminated foil; said outer bag
is laminated film material.
9. The self-heating package of claim 8, wherein said inner bag and
said outer bag have predetermined heat tolerance.
10. The self-heating package of claim 1, wherein said outer bag has
an expanding base so as to become self-standing when filled with
said liquid.
11. The self-heating package of claim 3, further comprising: an
insulating utility bag for enclosing said self-heating package
within, said utility bag having an internal chamber for
facilitating additional heating to said self-heating package, said
utility bag being controllably foldable into a compact form
factor.
12. A self-heating packaging for heating and dispensing liquid or
food, comprising: an inner bag having a first access port into its
interior; an outer bag having a second access port into its
interior, said outer bag being adapted to store said liquid in its
interior, said inner bag being placed within said outer bag such
that said inner bag is substantially immersed in said liquid when
said outer bag is filled with said liquid; a collapsible box, said
box being adapted to contain said outer bag, said box having four
side walls, said box having a first opening on one of said side
walls and aligned to said first access port, and a second opening
on one of said side walls and aligned to said second access port;
an exothermic chemical within said inner bag, said chemical being
adapted to generate heat upon activation with an activation
water.
13. The self-heating package of claim 12, further comprising: a
water pouch for storing said activation water, said water pouch
being placed within said inner bag, said water pouch being adapted
to be torn open to allow said activation water to interact with
said exothermic chemical.
14. The self-heating package of claim 13, further comprising: a
foam insulation layer placed between said outer bag and said box,
for providing insulation to said outer bag, also for providing
heating from the outside inward by use of exothermal chemicals.
15. The self-heating package of claim 14, wherein said first access
port is adapted to vent to spacing formed between said foam
insulation and said outer bag after said exothermic chemical is
activated by said activation water.
16. The self-heating package of claim 15, wherein: said inner bag
is a symmetrical multi-layered aluminum laminated foil; said outer
bag is laminated film material.
17. A utility bag combination, comprising: an external insulating
bag, disposed to be foldable into a smaller form factor, said
external insulating bag having an internal chamber, said internal
chamber being disposed to provide a heating chamber; a self-heating
bag, comprising: an inner bag, having a first access port to the
inside of the inner bag; an outer bag, said outer bag being
disposed to store said liquid, having a second access port to the
inside of the outer bag and an opening aligned with said first
access port, said inner bag being positioned inside said outer bag,
such that said inner bag is substantially immersed in said liquid
in said outer bag; an exothermic chemical inside the inner bag,
said exothermic chemical being adapted to generate heat upon
activation.
18. The utility bag combination of claim 17, said self-heating bag
further comprising: an internal water pouch placed inside said
inner bag, said water pouch having water therein, said water
pouching having an activation mechanism to activate said water to
activate said exothermic chemical.
19. The utility bag combination of claim 18, wherein: said inner
bag is a symmetrical multi-layered aluminum laminated foil; said
outer bag is laminated film material.
20. The utility bag combination of claim 18, said external
insulating bag having fastening means to help reduce said
insulating bag into a smaller form factor, said external insulating
bag also having a storage compartment.
21. The utility bag combination of claim 18, further comprising at
least one of: Zipper closure or Velcro closure.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This non-provisional application claims priority under 35
USC Sec. 119 (e) on U.S. provisional application No. 60/739,241,
filed on Nov. 23, 2005, the entire disclosure is herein
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to packages for heating or
cooling liquids or food, and more particularly relates to
disposable self-heating packages for heating or cooling liquids or
foods. Additionally, the present invention relates to a combination
of such a disposable self-heating package with a reusable utility
bag to provide additional heating or cooling effect to the content
of the disposable package.
ART BACKGROUND
[0003] Hot water is used for a number of essential purposes in the
outdoors, from personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitation, to
preparing hot beverages and re-hydrating compressed foods. An
"outdoor" environment may include places and activities relating
camping, hiking, sailing, rock-climbing, watching a football game
in a stadium, or attending an outdoor concert. Military deployment
is an example of a more arduous outdoor activity, where hot water
serves some essential purposes but remains difficult to obtain.
[0004] In the case of military deployment, a field kitchen
typically uses fuel-fired burners to heat water in large stockpots.
For hot beverages, water is heated to a boil, transferred to
insulated beverage dispensers, and transported throughout the
field. Alternatively, mounted personnel may be supported by Mounted
Water Ration Heaters, which are available for use in vehicles (e.g.
Abrams, Bradley, HMMWV, and STRYKER).
[0005] Military deployment tends to operate in less-than-desirable
environments. There is often insufficient personnel and equipment
available to distribute hot water throughout the field,
particularly for small groups of infantry personnel operating
remotely. Furthermore, hot water is typically consumed quickly, or
cools when stored for an extended period. The military's
developmental "Unitized Group Ration--Express" ("UGR-E") will
provide group meals to groups of personnel operating away from the
field kitchen or squad stove assets, but it does not currently
include a water heating capability to provide hot beverages. The
desire for a hot beverage has been expressed as a recurring need
through field evaluation at Ft. Richardson, Ark. Accordingly, there
has been a need for a disposable, multi-serving, instant hot water
dispenser to support small group forces operating remotely.
[0006] In addition to military applications, such disposable
self-heating packages could also be quite useful in civilian,
emergency, disaster relief and recreational applications, where hot
beverages are desired and often essential. Such packages may be
only for individual serving, or for group serving.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0007] The hot water dispenser in accordance with the present
invention would provide approximately 0.5 L to 19 L of hot water in
a low-cost, expandable self-heating package that may be made fully
disposable. The expandable package would be produced and shipped in
collapsed form (about the size of a notebook), providing a small,
lightweight package that could be conveniently distributed in the
field. An integral heating element would preferably provide the
heat necessary to raise the temperature of the water to a desirable
temperature, e.g. 170 F in 30 minutes. The heater would be capable
of maintaining 0.5 L to 19 L, or 16 to 90 8-ounce beverage
servings, for more than two hours after the one-time heater
activation.
[0008] At the time of use, the disposable self-heating package in
accordance with the present invention would be unfolded and filled
with potable water. To conveniently prepare hot coffee, hot cocoa,
cappuccino or tea, pre-packaged beverage sachets, like those
currently used in the military's Unitized Group Ration (UGR) (e.g.
the coffee filter pack), could be inserted into the package.
Depending on cost, convenience and customer factors, various
beverage sachets could be packaged within the self-heating package
at the time of manufacture to further improve the convenience of
the package. The self-heating package could also be used with the
recently developed military Drink-Pack beverage bags, which contain
an instant beverage and include a re-sealable zipper closure that
eliminates the need for additional cups. Furthermore,
special-purpose rations, including the Go-To-War Ration, could be
coupled to cases of Long-Rang-Patrol and Cold-Weather Rations to
provide groups of 12 to 18 personnel hot water for preparation of
hot beverages and/or ration hydration.
[0009] Another embodiment of the self-heating package of the
present invention has the following salient characteristics: The
package would consist of a "bag-in-box" package that would, when
unfolded, be filled with a little more than 500 ml to 19 L of
water, or enough for 18-90 8-ounce servings. The outer box could be
folded, or collapsed, for compact storage and transport, and after
unfolding and expanded, filling and activation, serve to insulate
the heated contents. The "bag" inside the box has an inner bag for
self-heating and an outer bag for storing the beverage, where
heating is from the inside out.
[0010] Alternative package configurations (cube, tall/slender,
etc.) could be used to minimize the cost and bulk associated with
the package, yet optimizing heating effectiveness. Various fitments
(caps, spouts, faucets etc.) could be adapted to provide
ease-of-use, disposability and long-term shelf-stability, while
minimizing size, weight, and cost of the total package.
[0011] Instead of the "bag-in-box" package, the self-heating
package may further be placed inside a reusable utility package.
The utility package, which could be made of ballistic nylon, PE
foam or foam, serves both as an insulating jacket for the
self-heating package, and as a heating (or cooling) chamber for
heating (or cooling) a can, bottle, shelf-stable tray food, or
zipper pouch containing various food, from the outside. Heating can
be achieved by adding heating elements while cooling can be
achieved by adding cooling chemicals.
[0012] Self-heating or user-activated heating elements could also
be used, including water-activated and self-contained chemical
heaters in another "bag-in-bag" combination. The heating element
would be placed in the inner bag for heating the contents of the
outer bag. The heating element may be any exothermic chemicals,
e.g. magnesium ferrite alloy (MgFe alloy), which can be activated
by adding water. The water can be added from the outside, or
self-contained with the MgFe alloy and activated when a pouch
containing the water is torn open by a pull string mechanism. Such
heating activation mechanism has been disclosed by U.S. Pat. No.
5,465,707, entitled "SELF HEATING INDIVIDUAL MEAL PACKAGE," issued
to the inventor of the present application. The content of this US
Patent is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth
herein.
[0013] In accordance with the present invention, the heating
element heats "inside-out" from the inner bag immersed in the outer
bag containing the beverage. This "bag-in-bag" combination
maximizes the heating contact between the inside heating element
and the beverage, thus achieving optimal heating performance.
[0014] Outside of the outer bag, another foam layer, or foam pouch,
may be used to further insulate the heated beverage from the
ambience. The combined foam pouch and "bag-in-bag" may further be
placed within a cardboard box for easy handling. An exemplary
foldable cardboard box has been disclosed by U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/897,516, filed on Jul. 23, 2004 by the
inventor of the present application, entitled "DISPENSER FOR HOT
AND COLD BEVERAGES AND FOOD." The entire content of the US Patent
Application is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0015] FIGS. 1(a) and (b) are simplified drawings illustrating the
self-heating package 11 in accordance with the present
invention.
[0016] FIGS. 2(a) and (b) are simplified drawings illustrating the
"bag-in-box" packaging in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 3(a)-(d) are simplified drawings illustrating the bag
for the "bag-in-box" packaging in accordance with the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 4(a) is a simplified drawing illustrating the reusable
utility package for providing additional heating or cooling and/or
insulation to the self-heating package in accordance with the
present invention. FIGS. 4(b)-(c) illustrate that the utility
package can be folded from both ends to form a compact size.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a simplified drawing illustrating the utility
package's storage compartment and the collapsible drinking cups in
use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Utility packages and combination packages for
heating/cooling food or beverages are disclosed. In the description
that follows, although reference is made mostly to "heating," it
should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that both
"heating" and "cooling" may be used interchangeably.
[0021] A. "Bag-in-Bag " Package
[0022] Referring first to FIG. 1(a), the self-heating package 11
has an outer bag 10 and an inner bag 12. The inner bag 12 contains
the exothermic heating element (e.g. MgFe) 13 and water 14, which
are not mixed together until ready for use. The water 14 may be
added by the user through the vent 17, or be contained in an
accompanying pouch (not shown) which can be torn open when it is
ready to be mixed with the heating element 13 (preferably already
placed in the inner bag 12). The outer bag 10 stores the liquid or
beverage 15 to be heated, which may be filled (or re-filled)
through the fitment 16. When the heating element 13 is mixed with
the water 14, the inner bag 12 heats up while immersed in the
beverage 15 of the outer bag 10, thus heating the beverage 15 to a
desired temperature. Steam produced by the reaction in the inner
bag 12 is let out through the vent 17. It should be apparent to
those skilled in the art that an adequate mix of heating element
and water depends on the volume and the desired temperature of the
beverage to be heated.
[0023] The fitment 16 may be a pour-out placed at a higher
position, or a drink tube with clip or a faucet at a lower
position, dependent on the particular design.
[0024] In this embodiment, no external box is needed to hold or
support the outer bag 10, since heating begins from the inside out.
The configuration thus requires fewer components and remains easy
to use. The inner bag 12 can be made of a multi-layered aluminum
laminated foil with sealing layers (e.g. PE) on both inside and
outside (thus "symmetrical"). The outer bag 10 could be made of a
laminated film material. The outer bag 10 can be constructed such
that it expands its base when it is weighted down, thus making it
self-standing when filled with the beverage 15.
[0025] The "bag-in-bag" embodiment can be easily adapted for
individual serving or for multiple serving dimensions, as should be
appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0026] B. "Bag-in-Bag" with a Foam Pouch
[0027] If a foam pouch (FIG. 1(b), 18) is used to enclose the outer
bag 10, the heat generated by the inner bag 12 would be better
maintained by the foam pouch or enclosure 18. The foam pouch 18 may
be made larger so that it has an internal chamber (not shown)
between itself and the self-heating bag. The internal chamber of
the foam pouch or enclosure could be used as additional heating or
cooling chamber if provided with heating or cooling element.
Heating or cooling can be provided from both inside 14 and outside
16. Alternately, steam produced could be circulated from the vent
17 to internal chamber 16 formed between the outer bag 10 and the
foam pouch 18 for further heating of the beverage 15. Such
reheating, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, is
more advantageous due to its efficiency.
[0028] C. "Bag-in-Bag" within a Box
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2(a), 3(a) and 3(b), another embodiment of
bag-in-bag 3, with or without a foam pouch 18, could be placed
within a foldable cardboard box 20. The pour-out fitment 31 would
be repositioned to be aligned to an opening 22 on the box 20. The
vent 36 would also be repositioned to be aligned to an opening 21
on the box 20. The box 20 may be made of plastic or cardboard
material, as previously described. An plastic handle may be
attached to the top of the box 20 for easy handling.
[0030] The inner bag 32, which is preferably a multi-layered
aluminum laminated foil, may have one fitment as the vent 36 (FIG.
3(b)), if the vent fitment is not already implemented on the outer
bag 30. FIG. 3(b) reveals the inner bag 32 partially drawn out from
the outer bag 30. Regardless, the inner bag 32 preferably has one
opening for providing access to the heating elements within, which
may, or may not, be used with a vent fitment. The inner bag 32 is
preferably a symmetrical film, with sealing coats on the inside and
the outside, thus allowing the inner bag 32 to be sealed with the
outer bag 30, when the outer bag 30 is sealed.
[0031] The outer bag 30 preferably has one fitment 31, or two
fitments 31, 36, if the vent fitment 36 is not already implemented
on the inner bag 32. The outer bag 30 preferably has two openings
formed thereon, one for the dispensing fitment 31 and the other for
the vent fitment 36, even if the vent fitment 36 is implemented on
the inner bag 32.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2(b) and 3(c), the pour-out fitment is now
replaced by a faucet 37 at a lower position 23.
[0033] D. "Bag-in-Bag" within a Foam Pouch and within a Box
[0034] If a box carrier is implemented, the "bag-in-bag"
combinations as shown in FIG. 3 can also be the "bag-in-bag with
foam" combination as shown in FIG. 1(b). In this combination, steam
generated may also be redirected to reheat the outer bag 30,
instead of being let out through the vent 36.
[0035] FIG. 3(d) shows an outer bag 30 and inner bag 32, with only
the opening provided and without the fitment. The opening 33 allows
the steam from the inner bag's reaction to vent out and be directed
to spacing provided between the foam pouch and the outer bag
30.
[0036] E. "Bag-in-Bag" in an Insulating Jacket ("Utility Insulating
Bag")
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 4(a), (b), (c) and FIG. 5, a reusable
utility bag 4 is illustrated. The utility bag 4 may serve as an
insulating jacket for holding the self-heating package 11, as
illustrated in FIG. 1. The utility bag 4 has an external
compartment 41 for holding utensils or cups (FIG. 5). The utility
bag 4 can be folded from both ends to a compact size, and compacted
by a pair of exemplary quick-release buckles 43(a), (b) for
portability and storage. The utility bag 4 preferably has an angled
opening 44 for the fitment 16 of the self-heating package 11. The
top and side of the utility bag 4 can be closed preferably by
Velcro enclosure or any zipper 45 (e.g. double-slide, or
single-slide) enclosure.
[0038] The utility bag 4 can also serve as an external heating
utensil, by placing heating elements within its internal chamber.
Upon activation, the utility bag 4 becomes a portable container for
heating (or cooling) purposes. With the utility bag 4, the
"bag-in-bag" package 11 can be heated not only from its inner bag
12, but also from the inside chamber of the utility bag 4. To
facilitate heating, the inside chamber of the utility bag 4 is
preferably made of insulated water-tight ballistic nylon material.
The heating element may be any exothermic heating elements, e.g.
MgFe, or other common military heating chemicals.
[0039] Referring back to FIG. 1(b), the foam bag 10 may also have
chemicals at its internal chamber 16 for heating or cooling the
inner bag 12. Instead of the nylon or ballistic nylon shown in FIG.
4, the foam bag 10 provides a more compact size.
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates collapsible plastic cups that can be
stored in the utility bag's compartment 41.
[0041] To summarize, without limiting, the salient features of the
self-heating package and combination package can be expressed as
follows:
[0042] A. Inner Bag: [0043] Used for or chemical heating. [0044]
Preferably made of a multi-layered aluminum laminated foil with
sealing layers (PE) on both sides ("symmetrical"). [0045] May have
one fitment if the fitment not already implemented with the outer
bag. It should have an opening for providing access to the interior
of the inner bag, with or without the fitment. [0046] The heating
element can be triggered by tear-open water pouch or by added water
from an external pouch upon usage. The external pouch may have a
fitment for easy pouring or feeding tube extending from the pouch,
thus making the pouch re-usable. Alternately, the external pouch
may just have a tear-off tube, making the pouch disposable after
each use. [0047] The heating element is exothermic chemicals.
[0048] The water added is plain water. Saline water may be used, if
the chemical already have salt in it.
[0049] B. Outer Bag (Fitment Bag) [0050] Preferably made of
laminated film material. [0051] Holds the beverage or liquid to be
heated. [0052] Has one or two fitments, one for dispensing and the
other for access to the heating chamber for heating. [0053] Either
stand-up pouch with fitment for individual serving, or flat bag for
multiple servings.
[0054] C. Foam Layer (or Foam Pouch) [0055] Helps maintain the
temperature achieved by the outer bag. [0056] An exemplary foam bag
or foam layer construction is illustrated in the aforementioned
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/897,516. The foam
may be a lined layer on the inner surface of the box, or a pouch
enclosing the outer bag. Chemicals (heating or cooling) can be
added to its internal chamber (FIG. 1(b), 16) for providing
additional heating or cooling.
[0057] D. Box [0058] Preferably made of cardboard or plastic
material. [0059] An exemplary construction is illustrated in the
aforementioned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/897,516.
[0060] E. Utility Bag [0061] Allows heating from inside its
chamber, thus providing additional heating to the self-heating
"bag-in-bag." [0062] Also serves as utensil pouch for heating in
its inside chamber.
[0063] Method of Making and Using the Bag-in-Bag Combination:
[0064] A. Put inner bag into the outer bag, with a spacer material
(e.g. non-stick shield material) placed in-between the vent portion
(optional step; alternate material can be used to block the
sealing). The inner bag is aligned such that the vent portion will
remain on the outside of the outer bag when the outer bag's
perimeter is sealed. The opening provides access as well as lets
the steam out. The outer bag is PE- or plastic-laminated flexible
material.
[0065] B. Heat-Seal the outer bag's perimeter. The spacer prevents
the vent portion from being sealed closed, whiled the vent's
outside portion is sealed to the perimeter of the outer bag.
[0066] C. Put heating chemicals (e.g. exothermic chemicals) in
powder or tablet form into the inner bag.
[0067] D. Pour the beverage or liquid into the outer bag.
[0068] E. Activate the heating element by adding water, or by
tearing open a water pouch already placed within the inner bag. A
preferred embodiment is to use plain water to activate exothermic
chemical.
[0069] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will,
however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be
made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of
the invention. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
* * * * *