Patent Application
20110162635
We have been enjoying hot liquids since the dawn of time but the process of preparing them is still laborious and generally requires a heat source which is not always convenient. The invention of the microwave oven greatly decreased the time required to prepare hot liquids such as tea or hot chocolate, but it still requires having access to a microwave.
Also, some products are available that can be self warmed in a can or bottle, but many people prefer to prepare their own beverage just the way they like which is not possible using prepared beverages.
There is a need for a self heating beverage cup that is convenient and easy to use that allows a user to prepare a beverage in a customized manner.
A self heating beverage cup has a container portion adapted to hold a selected liquid. The container portion is double walled and has a water holding portion disposed between the walls along a top portion and a chemical holding portion disposed along a bottom portion. The water holding portion has two removable seals disposed on a bottom portion so that when removed, the water flows down to mix with a chemical in the chemical holding portion. The chemical is calcium oxide which releases heat when mixed with water. A string is provided to allow the user to remove the two removable seals by pulling therein. In one embodiment, a bladder is provided to contain the water. A metallic portion thermally connects the chemical holding portion to a portion of the container portion so that heat is transferred into the liquid therein.
Other features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.
In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to like elements, and which are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Referring to
Because the reaction is exothermic, heat is given off and heats any liquid within a container portion 155. A paper seal 150 contains the water within water holding portion 145. String 120 is sealed within seal 150 in order to prevent the water from leaking out in storage. Removable seals 125 and 130 respectively are made of waterproof paper or foil. Of course other materials such as plastic may be used as long as remaining impervious to the water during storage. Cup 100 is made of polystyrene foam but may also be made of a suitable material such as paper or plastic.
String 120 may be glued to removable seals 125 and 130 so that they tear as force is applied. Of course, other materials such as plastic tape or ribbon may be used to apply the necessary force to remove the seals 125 and 130.
A metallic portion 135 is provided to readily allow the heat produced by the chemical reaction to transfer to the liquid disposed therein.
Now referring to
A handle 260 is provided to allow a user to hold cup 200 without danger of injury. Of course handle 260 could take many possible shapes as is known in the art.
A paper seal 250 contains the water within water holding portion 245 as discussed above.
Again, a metallic portion 235 is provided to readily allow the heat produced by the chemical reaction to transfer to the liquid disposed therein.
Now referring to
A paper seal 450 keeps water bladder 445 secured therein. within water holding portion 145. A metallic portion 435 is provided to readily allow the heat produced by the chemical reaction to transfer to the liquid disposed therein.
Although the instant invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
