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Title:
APPARATUS FOR CHANGING THE TEMPERATURE OF A PRODUCT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2010/020771
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
Apparatus for changing the temperature of a product, which apparatus comprises a capsule (1), a temperature-changing member (3) which is positioned within the capsule (1), temperature insulator means for causing the temperature-changing member (3) to maintain a predetermined temperature and thereby remain in an inactive condition, and activator means for activating the apparatus whereby the temperature-changing member (3) is caused to become active and effect the change of temperature of the product.

Inventors:
FORD ADRIAN JASON (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2009/002013
Publication Date:
February 25, 2010
Filing Date:
August 17, 2009
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
FORD ADRIAN JASON (GB)
FORD ALEXANDER RUSSELL
International Classes:
F25D3/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2007006065A12007-01-18
Foreign References:
GB2383122A2003-06-18
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
JONES, Graham, Henry (77 Beaconsfield RoadBlackheath, London SE3 7LG, GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. Apparatus for changing the temperature of a product, which apparatus comprises a capsule, a temperature-changing member which is positioned within the capsule, temperature insulator means for causing the temperature- changing member to maintain a predetermined temperature and thereby remain in an inactive condition, and activator means for activating the apparatus whereby the temperature-changing member is caused to become active and effect the change of temperature of the product.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the capsule is formed by at least two sections or by one section having areas that mutually, partially or fully oppose one another.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the capsule is in the shape of a shell.

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the temperature-changing member is in the form of a ball or elliptical sphere.

5. Apparatus according to any one the preceding claims in which the temperature-changing member is held in position by at least one inner surface of the capsule.

6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 4 in which the temperature-changing member is held in position by holder means.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 in which the holder means is a pair of opposed holder formations arranged to engage sections of the capsule.

8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the activator means is such as to cause the capsule to change from a sealed inactive condition to an un-sealed active condition in which the temperature- changing member is caused to become active and effect the change of temperature of the product.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 in which the activator means causes at least one section of the capsule to move apart from or to become more distanced from another section, or causes an area of one section to move apart from or to become more distanced from another area of the same section or causes an area of one section to move apart from or to become more distanced from an area of another section.

10. Apparatus according to claim 8 in which the activator means is a valve activator means giving a sealing and unsealing facility.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 in which the valve activator means is a twist-to-open valve.

12. Apparatus according to claim 10 in which the valve activator means is a push-to-open valve.

13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 7 in which the activator means is such as to cause the capsule to change shape but to remain sealed, and in which the change of shape causes the temperature-changing member to become active and effect the change of temperature of the product.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13 in which the activator means comprises telescoping portions which enable the capsule to be pulled to a larger size.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 in which the activator means comprises an expandable member which is retained inside the capsule in a first size formation, and which is releasable to form a second and larger formation.

16. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the insulator means is at least a partial vacuum.

17. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the capsule has a vacuum, a partial vacuum, or a low pressure gas.

18. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a reservoir.

19. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and that is fixed or anchored in position.

20. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 18 and that is not fixed or anchored in position.

21. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which one or more protrusions, flaps, or wings are part of or attached to the exterior of the capsule so that the combined form of the capsule may not, even under some duress, exit out through a drinking aperture of a container, where the container is a drinking container containing the apparatus.

22. A container of a product, and in which the container includes the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.

23. A container according to claim 22 in which the product is a beverage, and in which the container is a can, a bottle or a carton.

Description:
APPARATUS FOR CHANGING

THE TEMPERATURE OF A PRODUCT

This invention relates to apparatus for changing the temperature of a product. The apparatus may decrease the temperature of a product in order to cool it. Alternatively, the apparatus may increase the temperature of the product in order to heat it. The product may be any appropriate liquid, for example a beverage.

It is well known to cool a product such for example as a beverage by means of frozen water in the form of ice. The ice is portable, and it can be made available in varying sized chunks to suit various applications. The use of the ice has several disadvantages. More specifically, in typical applications, the ice warms up and melts away relatively quickly in surrounding environments warm enough to be comfortable for persons to be in, for example inside a house, or outside on a warm day. Water from the melted ice dilutes the beverage and persons may not want this.

Other known means of cooling a product rely heavily upon the ready availability of the specific type of apparatus being used. Thus, for example, conventional refrigeration by a domestic electric refrigerator can only be effected within the actual refrigerator due to the lack of portability of the refrigerator, due in turn to its typically large size and its reliance on a readily available electricity supplier. Thus a user of such cooling apparatus must be in the vicinity of the apparatus and may not be able to be mobile with the apparatus.

A consumer outside on a warm day may chose to cool a beverage in a bottle or can by immersing the bottle or can in a cold stream or river. The chances of a cold stream or river being in the vicinity at the time when the beverage is required to be cooled is remote. Other known ways of cooling a beverage may be to leave a drink container in cool shade. Here again, a user may have difficulty in finding appropriate shade.

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problems.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for changing the temperature of a product, which apparatus comprises a capsule, a temperature-changing member which is positioned within the capsule, temperature insulator means for causing the temperature-changing member to maintain a predetermined temperature and thereby remain in an inactive condition, and activator means for activating the apparatus whereby the temperature-changing member is caused to become active and effect the change of temperature of the product.

The apparatus of the present invention may change the temperature of the product by cooling or heating the product. The product may be any suitable and appropriate product including any desired liquid such for example as a beverage.

The apparatus of the present invention may be maintained in an inactive state in environments for longer periods of time than ice, losing little if any of its potential effectiveness. Thus, for example, persons in a hot climate may be able to carry with them a soft drink for days or even weeks, with little or no loss of refrigerating effectiveness.

Drinks containing the apparatus of the present invention for cooling, when carried in the hand, will not be uncomfortably cold to handle where the user must hold the drink in their hand, for example on long country walks, whereas drinks containing ice may be uncomfortable to similarly handle over such periods.

The cooling effect of the apparatus of the present invention for cooling, may be triggered when the user decides to unseal the drink so that the cooling can be conveniently accessed on demand.

The apparatus of the present invention may be used for cooling a drink such that the apparatus does not dilute the drink as a by product of the cooling, whereas ice does. This is important since many beverage consumers prefer their drinks to remain undiluted to preserve the flavour of the drink. If desired, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the temperature- changing member may be arranged to melt into the product being cooled, for example a drink.

The temperature-changing member of the apparatus of the present invention may be super-cooled, for example by dipping in liquid nitrogen, which is an inert gas and easily manageable at room temperature. The cold temperature-changing member may thus maximise its potential heat- absorbing capacity to levels unattainable by conventional home-refrigeration means and domestic cooling ice. Thus, volume for volume, the temperature- changing member of the present invention may have considerably more relative cooling capacity.

The apparatus of the present invention may provide cooling which is activated on demand. This means that a cooling effect may be specifically focussed on a specific time frame around which a user may elect to consume their drink, this being unlike ice which may have its cooling effectiveness mitigated by its absorption of heat up to that point.

The cooling effect of the temperature-changing member may deliberately be triggered by the user some time before the user wishes to serve or drink a beverage, for example in order to allow a predetermined time period, for example thirty seconds or so, for the beverage to cool before being consumed.

The apparatus of the present invention may be carried inside a drink container so that the cooling stage is within the drink container, and a user is not forced to rely on ready access to an appliance such for example as a conventional static refrigerator.

The apparatus of the present invention may be able to provide the following environmental benefits.

(i) less waste of energy through refrigeration/heating within a time frame of consumption.

(ii) Reduced requirement for electric refrigerator storage capacity leading to a demand for smaller refrigerators, resulting in less damage to the environment through necessary disposal of these refrigerators.

(iii) Reduced requirement for appliances like hot water urns to keep beverages, for example tea, for long periods during which the beverage is not consumed, with the overall result of less energy being wasted.

(iv) Recycling is straight forward since containers containing the apparatus of the present invention in them may be cut open and the apparatus removed for recycling with little or no processing.

(v) If the used apparatus of the present invention is in good order, the apparatus can simply be cleaned, the temperature-changing member re-set, and then the capsule re-evacuated of air, whereupon the apparatus will be ready for use.

(vi) For heating purposes, the apparatus of the present invention may reduce the need for cookers, kettles, and cigarette lighters.

The apparatus may be one in which the capsule is formed by at least two sections. Alternatively, the capsule may be of one section having areas that mutually, partially or fully oppose one another.

The apparatus may be one in which the capsule is in the shape of a shell. Other shapes may be employed. The shell may be elliptical or of another shape. The apparatus may be one in which the temperature-changing member is in the form of a ball. Other shapes for the temperature-changing member may be employed.

The temperature-changing member may be held in position by at least one inner surface of the capsule.

Alternatively, the temperature-changing member may be held in position by holder means. The holder means may be a pair of opposed holder formations arranged to engage sections of the capsule, for example opposite sections or opposite sides of the capsule. Other types of holder means may be employed. The holder means may engage and hold the temperature- changing member by any desired and suitable means.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the activator means is such as to cause the capsule to go from a sealed inactive condition to an unsealed active condition in which the temperature-changing member is caused to become active and effect the change of temperature of the product. When the capsule goes from the sealed inactive condition to the unsealed active condition, the vacuum is lost or reduced.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the activator means may cause at least two areas of the capsule sections or section to move apart or to become more distanced from one another.

Alternatively, the activator means may be a valve activator means giving a sealing and unsealing facility. The valve activator means may be a twist-to-open valve. Alternatively, the valve activator means may be a push- to-open valve. Other types of valve activator means may be employed. In a second embodiment of the invention, the activator means is such as to cause the capsule to change shape but to remain sealed, and in which the change of shape causes the temperature-changing member to become active and effect the change of temperature of the product.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the activator means may comprise telescoping portions which enable the capsule to be pulled to a larger size.

Alternatively, the activator means may - comprise an expandable member which is retained inside the capsule in a first size formation, and which is releasable to form a second and larger size formation.

The insulator means may be a vacuum, a partial vacuum, or a low pressure gas. Other insulator means may be employed. The insulator means is preferably at least a partial vacuum.

The apparatus of the invention may employ a reservoir. The apparatus of the invention may be affixed or anchored in position. Alternatively, the apparatus of the present invention may be not affixed or anchored in position.

The apparatus of the present invention may be one in which one or more protrusions, flaps or wings are part of or attached to the exterior of the capsule so that the combined form of the capsule may not, even under some duress, exit out through a drinking aperture of a container, where the container is a drinking container containing the apparatus.

The present invention also extends to a container of a product, and in which the container includes the apparatus of the invention. The container may be one in which the product is a beverage, and in which the container is in the form of a can, bottle, carton or any other desired form.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1 - 50 show different types of apparatus of the present invention and their use.

In the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 , 2, 3, 8, 13, 14, 37, 38, 39, 40, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 and 50 show a first type of apparatus where the left part of each illustrated Figure shows the inactive state of the apparatus (with the cooling or heating function not yet being triggered) and the right side of each Figure shows the active state of the apparatus (with the cooling or heating function being triggered). In this first type of apparatus, the apparatus becomes unsealed in going from its inactive to its active condition.

Reference numeral 13 indicates a part in its natural position. This may be after some tension has been released from it. Reference numeral 14 indicates a part out of its natural position. This may indicate the part is under tension.

Figure 2 shows a variation of the apparatus which becomes unsealed in going from its inactive state to its activated state. In Figure 2, a seal or gasket 7 has apertures. The apertures are closed when the capsule is inactive, and the apertures are open when the capsule is activated.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show another type of apparatus which is always sealed. More specifically, Figures 4, 5 and 6 show apparatus where an enclosure 17 for a member 3 inside the capsule, on capsule activation, opens or comes apart to release a member 3. Figure 6 shows a spring that may be the member 3. The spring is inside the capsule 1 and the spring uncoils or releases into thermal contact with at least one interior face of the capsule 1 when the capsule 1 is activated.

Figure 25 shows an alternative construction of the always sealed type of apparatus. In Figure 25, the member 3 is enclosed in an enclosure 17, and the enclosure 17 is fragmented into sections that may fall away or dismantle the enclosure 17 when the capsule 1 is activated.

Figures 26 and 27 shows a variant of a basic gasket or seal 7, that may have a tendency towards being in two states of compression. Figure 7 shows a further variation of this design.

Figure 9 shows some supports 4 that may or may not be part of the enclosure 17 so that, when the capsule is activated, the supports 4 are pulled away, thereby revealing apertures 26 to release the member 3.

Figures 10, 11 and 12 shows consecutive steps to introduce a capsule that has protrusions 22 into a container 23 of limited entry orifice area. The positions and/or orientation/shapes/size of the protrusions 22 may be different from those depicted. The protrusions 22 are intended to prevent the capsule from accidentally exiting through an orifice in the container once the capsule is inside the container. Figure 10 shows step 1 , Figure 11 shows step 2, and Figure 12 shows step 3.

Figures 17 and 18 show a variation of the initial trigger valve activator 15. In Figures 17 and 18, the initial trigger valve activator 17 is composed of layers of material with differing thermal coefficients of expansion. This is to provide a movement effect comparable to that of a bi-metallic strip in a thermostat. Figures 15 and 16 show a variant of sections 2 that are composed of layers of materials with differing thermal coefficients of expansion to also provide a movement effect comparable to that of a bimetallic strip in a thermostat.

Figures 19 - 24 show consecutive steps of a suggested method for evacuating or partially evacuating an area 5, leaving the capsule in an inactivated state and ready for activation.

Figure 28 shows a variation on the optional initial trigger valve 12 where more than one initial trigger valve activator 15 are conjoined by a primary activator 46 so as to harness the energy resulting from a release of ambient external pressure over the surface area of the primary activator 46. The energy is focussed into a small hinging and pushing action in order to move the primary activator 46 away from an aperture 11. In this variation the initial trigger valve activators are referred to as "activators" by virtue of their connection with the primary activator, but they need not themselves come away from the aperture 11. This triggers the release of the main valve or valves 8. This variation of the optional initial trigger valve 12 may be used in scenarios where, due to various constraints such for example as the availability of material that may apply, the surface area of the original initial trigger valve 12 may be too small to provide enough energy for the action of moving away from the aperture 11. More than two of the initial trigger valve activators 15 may be conjoined by the primary activator 46, in order to provide the same function of moving away from the aperture 11 , in order to trigger the release of the or each main valve 8. If desired, the primary activator may, for example, conjoin to only one initial trigger valve activator.

The actuating arrangement may be employed for focussing a pushing or pulling action onto a mechanical linkage for activating the always sealed type of apparatus of the present invention. The primary and other activators referred to herein may be regarded as primary and other actuators.

Figure 29 shows a method of introducing the apparatus of the present invention into a container, where a pressurised insertion environment is unavailable. More specifically, Figure 29 shows apparatus of the present invention in an inactive state. Figure 30 shows a tray 51 holding apparatus of the invention which may be regarded as "thermo shells". Each thermo shell is in a hollow 53, with water or other suitable substance 49 partially or fully filling gaps between the walls of the hollows and the thermo shells. Figure 31 shows a thermo shell that has a clamping layer of ice 50 around it.

The clamping layer of ice 50 (or other suitable substance) may be formed around the valve activators 12 and/or the sections 2 and/or the primary activator 46. The clamping by the water ice 50 may be effected by partially or fully immersing an activated thermo shell into the hollow 53 containing water or other suitable substance 49. There is a tray of the hollows 51. The water or other suitable substance 49 is frozen with the activators 12 and/or the sections 2 and/or the primary activator 46 held in the inactive position by direct inward pressure from the edge 52 of the hollow 43, or by other means such for example as a clamp or supports.

Subsequently, the thermo shell with the clamping layer of ice may be removed and it may now naturally stay held in the inactive state by the clamping layer of ice 50, for a period of time long enough to be inserted into the container 10. The container 10 may be provided at any suitable time with its main contents, for example a beverage such as lemonade. Any necessary liquid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen may be added to the container 10, which can later warm up and expand and in doing so introduce a raised ambient external pressure. The container 10 can then be sealed. The above described method of providing a freezing ice clamp 50 can be conducted on batches of the thermo shells at a time, thereby providing a method which is practical in terms of cost and simplicity. The thermo shells may also be stored en-mass in their inactive ice-clamped state in a cold freeze in the trays 51. The thermo shells are thus ready en-mass for insertion into containers 10 on a production line. In the ice-clamped state, the thermo shells are able to easily be handled.

Figures 32, 33, 34 and 36 show a variation of the optional initial trigger valve 12 where a primary activator 46 has a protrusion 54. As the primary activator 46 hinges outward from the capsule 1 , the protrusion 54 is pulled from between the sections 2 or the seal 7 in order to separate the sections 2 or the seal 7. This causes the revealing of an aperture 9 or 11 in order to trigger the activation of the thermo shell. Figures 32, 33, 34 and 36 show in chronologically numbered order, the stages of activation of the thermo shell. More specifically, the Figures show the stages from the fully inactive state shown in Figure 32 to the fully active state shown in Figure 36. Figure 35 is a downward view of the thermo shell as shown in Figure 34, showing an aperture 9 or 11 forming to the right or to the left of the protrusion 54 as the sections 2 or the seal 7 are forced apart by its passage. In Figure 35, the protrusion is a tapered shape with a triangular cross-section, but other shapes and sizes may be employed.

More , than two optional initial trigger valve activators 15 may be conjoined by a primary activator 46 in order to provide the same function of moving away from the aperture 11 in order to trigger the release of the main valve or valves 8.

The activating mechanism (which may be regarded as actuating mechanism) may be employed for focussing a pushing or pulling action onto a mechanical linkage for activating an always sealed type of apparatus of the present invention.

In the accompanying drawings, similar parts have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

In the accompanying drawings, there is shown apparatus for changing the temperature of a product. As shown, the apparatus comprises a capsule 1, and a capsule section 2, with the capsule section 2 also being able to fulfil the function of a valve activator. The apparatus further comprises a temperature-changing member 3, supports or suspenders 4, insulating layer or layers 5, and an external environment 6. The apparatus of the present invention may further include an optional gasket or other type of seal 7, and a main valve 8. The main valve 8 may be partially or fully composed of one or more sections 2. Alternatively the main valve 8 may be partially or fully composed of one or more sections 2 and 7. Also provided is an aperture 9. Alternatively, the main valve 8 may be one section having areas that mutually, partially or fully oppose one another.

Also shown is a container 10. An aperture 11 forms part of an optional initial trigger valve 12. ,

Sections are shown in their natural position 13 after some tension has been released from them. Sections are shown as under tension out of their natural position 14. Activator means is shown in the form of an initial trigger valve activator 15.

A general axis of movement of sections of the apparatus is shown as general axis 16. An enclosure 17 is shown. The enclosure 17 may contain the member 3 as a fluid, gas or solid, or any combination thereof. Part 18 is a variation of member 3 to be, in part or in whole, a spring situated inside the capsule 1.

Possible directions of travel of the point of contact between sections 2 are shown as the sections 2 separate or come together. An optional wing or protrusion 20 under tension is shown.

An optional naturally raised lip 21 forms a deliberate area of weakness in the seal or contact area between two or more of the capsule sections 2. Alternatively, this contact area may be between areas of the same section. The lip 21 is not necessarily raised in the thermo shell inactive state. An optional wing or protrusion 22 is shown in a natural state. A container 23 is shown in the shape of a bottle. The container 23 has a neck 24. A top 25 of the neck of the container 23 in the form of the bottle, surrounds the bottle opening/orifice. A breach or aperture 26 is shown in the enclosure.

An edge 27 of the capsule section 2 is in contact with the optional gasket 7. A part 28 of the gasket 7 elastically joins together other parts of the gasket 7.

A focal point 29 is provided, with the focal point 29 being of outward angular leverage from lever parts 30 of the gasket 7, being under tension by the gasket part 28. A lever part 30 of the gasket 7, by virtue of its flexible attachment to the lever part joined to it at point 29, has a hinge-like action at the focal point 29. A gasket/hollow seal 31 is provided. Part 32 equals the gasket/hollow seal 31 , or an area where parts of the gasket/seal are substantially in contact or close to being in contact. An optional lip 33 is provided when the capsule 1 is in an inactive state.

Reference numeral 34 illustrates the external environment 6 being relatively warmer than reference numeral 35. Reference numeral 35 illustrates the external environment 6 being relatively cooler than 34.

A layer of material 36 is provided, with the layer of material 36 having a higher thermal co-efficient of expansion than a layer 37. The layer 37 is a layer of material with a lower thermal co-efficient of expansion than the layer 36. The reference numeral 38 is used to indicate the capsule section 2 where the capsule section 2 flexes or moves to enclose, partially enclose, open or open further, the main valve 8. Reference numeral 39 indicates the initial trigger valve activator 15 where the initial trigger valve activator 15 may flex or move to provide additional force that combines with its spring force caused by being under tension away from its natural position and/or out of its natural shape to come away from the aperture 11. The reference numeral 40 indicates the aperture 9 being less open than in a state 41. The state 41 shows the aperture 9 more open than in the state 40. Also provided in the apparatus is a column 42, a chamber 43 and .-a piston 44. A point 45 is where one initial trigger valve activator 15 is conjoined to another initial trigger valve activator 15 via a primary activator 46.

Reference numeral 47 designates an exploded view of the area around the aperture 11. Reference numeral 48 designates an underside view of the area 47 showing the aperture 11.

Water 49 is shown. The water 49 may alternatively be another substitute material. The reference 50 shows the water 49 as ice in the function of a clamp. Also shown is a tray 51 of hollows. An edge 52 of a hollow 53 applies pressure against the activators 15 and/or the capsule section 2 and/or the primary activator 46.

A protrusion 54 is also shown.

In the drawings, the first type of apparatus is a type which becomes unsealed on activation. The apparatus is a mechanism that provides heating on demand or cooling on demand in a container 10, where depressurisation of the container 10 triggers the heating/cooling. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, pressurisation may be used instead of depressurisation. The mechanism comprises the capsule 1 which is composed of one or more sections 2. The capsule 1 encloses the member 3 that is able to have been pre-cooled or pre-heated to a particular temperature depending upon whether the intended application is for cooling or for heating.

Some or all of the area 5 between the member 3 and the capsule 1 contains insulator means, for example a vacuum, a partial vacuum or a low pressure gas, providing a layer of insulation.

The ambient pressure of the environment 6 outside of the capsule 1 may be provided, for example, by a pressurised soft drink. The ambient pressure may hold closed one or more pressure activated valves 8 that may be composed partially or fully from section or sections 2 of the capsule 1 under tension from its or their natural position 13. The interior 5 of the capsule 1 is thus sealed from the surrounding environment 6 where the sections 2 or areas of the same section meet. Alternatively, the interior 5 of the capsule 1 may be sealed from the surrounding environment 6 where the sections 2 or areas of the same section meet with the gasket 7. The gasket 7 may or may not be bonded to one or more of the sections 2 in order to optimise the integrity of the seal on the pressure activated valves 8.

Each section 2 may adopt its natural position 13 when some of the tension is released as a result of a reduction in the ambient pressure of the surrounding environment, or by an increase in the pressure in the area 5, or both. This may be caused, for example, by the unsealing of a pressurised soft drink container 10 in which the capsule 1 is situated. This may reveal an aperture 9 in the capsule or unseal the capsule. In so doing, there is triggered an inflow of the surrounding gas or liquid or both 6, into direct or indirect thermal contact with the member 3. The soft drink may be, for example, a soft drink such as lemonade.

One or more of the apertures 9 may be built into the gasket 7. The aperture 9 may then be such that, when the external pressure of the section or sections applied to the gasket is reduced by a reduction in the ambient pressure of the surrounding environment 6, the gasket or seal 7 will expand to adopt its natural expanded form. This then reveals the aperture or apertures 9 that were closed in the former more pressurised state. This in turn triggers and inflow of the surrounding gas or liquid or both 6, for example a soft drink such as lemonade, into thermal contact with the member 3. Where one or more initial trigger valves 12 are employed to open one or more main valves 8, there may be an aperture 11 of limited size. Thus, for diverse pressurised container application environments, the ratio between the external pressure acting on the valve 12 (which may be dependent on both the size of its aperture 11 and on the surface area of the valve activator 15 acted on by the external pressure of the external environment 6) and the back pressure of the valve activator 15 caused by being under tension out of its natural position and/or shape (dependent upon the spring resistance properties of the valve activator 2 material and form) may be calibrated to a significant degree of sensitivity for actuation. This may cause the valve activator 15 to adopt its natural position 13, as a result of a small or specifically required level of reduction in the ambient pressure of the surrounding environment 6, thereby revealing the aperture or apertures 11 that were closed in the former sealed state of the valve. This thus triggers an inflow of the surrounding gas or liquid or both 6, through the aperture or apertures 11 , thereby raising the pressure in the area 5 of the capsule 1 to a level sufficient to trigger the opening of the main valve or valves 8.

The main valve/s open when the spring-like back pressure of the sections, or areas of the same section, being flexed out of their natural form and/or being out of their natural position, overcomes the pressure from the external surrounding environment. The pressure from the external surrounding environment seeks to hold the main valve/s closed.

If the apparatus of the present invention is for cooling, the relative coldness of the temperature-changing member may draw away heat energy from the surrounding liquid or gas. If the apparatus of the present invention is for heating, the relative coolness of the surrounding liquid or gas may absorb heat energy from the temperature-changing member.

Direct pressure may, instead of ambient pressure, be used in the apparatus in order to keep the capsule 1 in its initial inactive state by acting directly on the valve activators or sections or section areas of the capsule 1. Thus, for example, an elastic band may be wrapped around the capsule 1 , thereby holding the or each valve activator in its initial inactive position.

The apparatus of the present invention may also be of an always sealed type. With such apparatus, heating on demand or cooling on demand may be provided in the container 10, when depressurisation of the container 10 triggers the heating or cooling. In alternative apparatus, pressurisation may be used instead of depressurisation. The always sealed type of apparatus may comprise a capsule 1 of one or more sections 2 that together enclose the member 3 that may have been pre-cooled or pre-heated to a particular temperature depending upon whether the intended application is for cooling or heating.

The member 3 is held in an enclosure 17 which is attached directly or indirectly to at least one interior face of the capsule 2.

Some or all of the area 5 between the member 3 and the capsule 1 contains a vacuum, a partial vacuum, or- : a low pressure gas, thereby providing a layer of insulation.

The ambient pressure of the environment 6 outside the capsule 1 may press the sections or section areas of the capsule 1 together under tension from the natural position 13. The ambient pressure of the environment 6 may be provided by, for example, a pressurised soft drink.

The sections 2 or areas of the same section may adopt their natural position when some of their tension is released as a result of a reduction in the ambient pressure of the surrounding environment 6. Reducing pressure on at least one external face of at least one section 2 along the axis 16, allows the gasket or gasket 7 to expand along the axis 16, resulting in areas of the section or sections becoming more spatially separated. In so doing, this releases the enclosure 17 so that the member 3 comes into contact with the interior face or faces of the capsule 1.

The member 3 may be partially or fully a fluid, a gas or both. The member 3 may be stored in the enclosure 17 so that part of the enclosure 17 becomes more spatially separated as a result of being attached to one or more sections having adopted its or their natural position. Gravity, convection or other forces may be employed to bring the liquid into contact with at least one interior face of the capsule 1.

The release mechanism of the member 3 may alternatively be a spring catchment. The member 3 may then be in part or in whole a spring 18 which is not substantially in contact with at least one interior face of the capsule 1. At least one support 4 may be provided as a catchment for parts of the spring to flex under tension. The supports becomes more spatially separate as a result of the sections or section adopting its or their natural position. The parts of the spring 18 may disengage from the support 4 and be released, so that the spring 18 may uncoil or partially uncoil into contact with the interior face or faces of the capsule 1.

Combinations of the above described release mechanisms may be employed in the same capsule 1.

If the apparatus of the present invention is for cooling, then the relative coldness of the member 3 may draw away heat through the capsule membrane from the surrounding liquid, gas or both 6. If the apparatus of the present invention is for heating, then the relative coolness of the surrounding liquid, gas or both 6 may absorb heat energy through the capsule membrane from the member 1.

The section or sections 2 may be connected, bonded or fastened together or to an interconnecting member or members 64 to provide a formation that may be flexed like a spring in order to close the aperture 9 and release to open or widen the aperture 9. A spring 63 may be connected, bonded, or fastened to the section or sections 2 or interconnecting member or members 64 to enhance or provide the spring-like properties of the formation. Indeed a spring 63 may also fulfil the function of an interconnecting member. For example in Figure 46 a spring 63 interconnects sections and also provides the function of a spring. An interconnecting member 64 may be connected to a section by virtue of them both comprising one single manufactured part. Interconnecting member or members 64 and or spring 63 may be of a 'C or other cross-sectional shape or other shape to better facilitate section or section area movement along axis 16. The section or sections 2 may be manufactured separately and then fastened/connected together or to interconnecting member or members during manufacture of the capsule 1. Alternatively, the section or sections 2 may be manufactured already connected together or to an interconnecting member or members, for example this combined formation may be produced as one injection moulded part, or as a die cast part, or as a steel pressed part.

Figure 46 shows two capsule sections 2 becoming separated on activation of the apparatus.

Figure 47 and 48 show the apparatus having a single capsule section 2, and having areas that become more distanced from one another on activation of the apparatus. Figure 47 is a top down view of the apparatus and Figure 48 shows a side-angle view of the apparatus.

Figured 49 and 50 show the apparatus having a single capsule section 2 and an initial trigger valve 12. No other valve is provided. Figure 49 is a side view of the apparatus and Figure 50 shows a top-down view of the apparatus. When the initial trigger valve 12 is actuated causing aperture 11 to be revealed, fluid for example, may be drawn into the capsule 1 through aperture 11 from the surrounding liquid, gas or both 6. Such fluid may then come into c thermal contact with both the temperature-changing member 3 and at least one interior face of the capsule. 1. Where the apparatus is for cooling, the relative coldness of the member 3 may draw away heat energy through the capsule membrane from the surrounding liquid, gas or both 6. Where the apparatus is for heating, the relative coolness of the surrounding liquid, gas or both 6, may absorb heat energy through the capsule membrane from the temperature-changing member 1.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, depending on the strength and or rigidity of the capsule 1 structure, areas of the capsule section 2 may, or may not, become more distanced from one another.

This alternative embodiment of the invention may be useful for applications where the apparatus is, for example, anchored and submerged in a product that is fluid, so that the fluid is always readily available to the initial trigger valve 12. This embodiment may maximise the time-period of cooling or heating by the apparatus in two ways. Firstly, the aperture 11 may be so small as to provide a very low-volume passage of fluid into the capsule 1. This may cause a time-delay before sufficient thermal contact between the temperature-changing member 3 and at least one interior face of the capsule 1 has been achieved in order to significantly change the temperature of the product. Secondly, if the aperture 11 is small, the relatively large area of the capsule 1 , may present a significant material barrier to the subsequent transfer of heat, to or from the product, and thereby slowing the cooling or heating of the product.

The capsule 1 and/or the member 3 may be provided with one or more layers of silver or other reflective material. In the cooling application, the reflective material reflects other forms of radiation such for example as infrared radiation away from the member 3. This other radiation may convert to heat energy if absorbed into the member 3. In the heating application of the apparatus of present invention, the reflection may contain such radiation that might otherwise be emitted from the member 3. Thus, in both the cooling application and the heating application of the present invention, the use of the reflective material may better preserve the thermal temperature of the member 3.

The apparatus of the invention may comprise sections 2 of the capsule 1 that substantially or partially oppose one another, or a single section having areas that mutually, partially or fully oppose one another. The section 2 or an area of section 2 may have a flattened external appearance, in order more effectively to focus the ambient pressure of the external environment 6 into pressure substantially along one or more axes of movement 16, so that the sections or areas of the same section of the capsule 1 may be responsive to change in the ambient pressure of the environment 6 by moving along the general axis 16 accordingly. Each section 2 or section area may have its own separate axis of movement.

In order to minimise thermal contact between the member 3 and the interior face or faces of the capsule 1 , the member 3 may be of a shape that has conical or thorn-like protrusions extending away from the outer surface of the member 3. Other shapes for these protrusions may be employed. These protrusions would support the remainder of the member 3 substantially away from the inside of the capsule 1. Alternatively, one or more interior faces of the capsule 1 may have supports 4 that may be in between the interior of the capsule 1 and the member 3. The or each support 4 may be made of a material that has a low thermal conductivity to promote the inhibition of heat exchange between the member 3 and the external environment 6 whilst the capsule 1 is in its inactive state.

When the process of separation of the sections 2 is triggered, the section or sections 2 may separate and flex in order to allow the point of contact to travel along the axis 19. A trigger for this process of separation may be provided in the form of at least one lip 21 that forms a deliberate area of weakness in the seal between two or more of the sections 2 or two or more areas of the same section. At the lip 21 , the spring force of the capsule 1 seeking to separate the sections 2 or areas of the same section, and the external pressure seeking to hold the sections 2 or areas of the same section together, may be very finely imbalanced. Only a small reduction in ambient external pressure may be sufficient to separate the sections 2 or areas of the same section at the lip. This then causes an intake of fluid, gas or both from the external environment 6, thereby causing the sections 2 or areas of the same section to adopt their natural positions.

Optionally, one or more protrusions, flaps or wings 22 may be provided as a safety mechanism, as part of or attached to the exterior of the capsule 1 , or more specifically to the component sections or section 2. Each protrusion, flap or wing 22 may fold back to position 20 and against the exterior face of the capsule 1. This allows the capsule 1 to be inserted through an opening 25 in a container 23, for example a bottle. Once inside the container 3, the protrusions, flaps or wings 22 adopt their natural position, so that the combined form of the capsule 1 and the protrusions, flaps or wings 22 may not even under some duress, exit again through the same opening. This renders the container 23 safe to drink from directly, without risk of accidentally ingesting the combined form. The protrusions, flaps or wings 22 may extend in other directions or angles or be of other shapes, in order safely to prevent the capsule from exiting the container 23. The container 23 may be other than a bottle.

If desired, the gasket 7 may be an elastic body of rubber or other suitable material. However, the specific constructions of the gasket 7 shown in Figures 26, 27 and 7 may enhance the properties as follows.

The tubular form of the gasket 7 may provide a spring-like elastic resistance to inward pressure from the edges 27.

Adjoining walls of the gasket 7 may form a substantially vertical support, relieving inward elastic pressure from points 31. This may diminish the outward pressure at point 29, when the capsule sections or areas of the same section have substantially fully closed about the gasket 7. This thereby reduces the outward angular leverage at point 29, in the same manner as locking a human leg back at the knee joint in order to minimise the expenditure of energy required to hold the human body upright. The gasket 7 may, under varying degrees of pressure from the edges 27, demonstrate a tendency to be in either a closed state or an open state, with a tendency away from in-between states.

The gasket 7 may allow a fine force ratio to be set between the spring force of the capsule 1 seeking to separate the sections 2 or areas of the same section and the external ambient pressure seeking to hold the sections 2 or areas of the same section together. This fine force ratio may ultimately -enable a change of state between open and closed positions to be induced by small changes in ambient external pressure.

Figure 7 shows an example of the gasket 7 wherein a part 28 of the gasket 7 elastically joins other parts of the gasket 7, and is stretchable to provide extra spring-like elastic resistance against the inward pressure at the edges 27. This example of the gasket 7 may be employed for applications where the gasket 7 may require more resistance.

The apparatus of the present invention may utilise optional bi-metal multi-layered compositions for the initial trigger valve activator 15 and/or the main valve activators 2. Such constructions make use of a differential in thermal coefficient of expansion.

More specifically, the initial trigger valve activator 15 may comprise two or more layers of material bonded together to form a single sheet that is responsive in a similar fashion to the bi-metallic strip of a thermostat, wherein the strip flexes in response to changes in its temperature. Such a composition of the initial trigger valve activator 15 would, for a cooling application, allow a safe guard against the capsule being activated by the user unsealing a pressurised container if the external environment in that container is already sufficiently cold. Conversely, for a heating application, such a composition would guard against the capsule being activated by the user unsealing a pressurised container if the external environment in the container were already sufficiently hot. This does not mean to say that the capsule would never be activated. Indeed, the capsule may be activated thereafter, when the temperature of the external environment has risen or lowered past a trigger temperature.

For cooling applications, the composition may be such that the combined output force of the flexing of the multi-material layered activator 15 and the back pressure force of the activator 15 caused by being under tension out of its natural position, would be sufficient to cause the activator 15 to move and/or to adopt its natural position. This would then activate the capsule only when the temperature of the external environment was above a certain value.

For heating applications, the composition may be such that the combined outward force of the flexing of the multi-material layered activator 15 and the back pressure force of the activator 15 caused by being under tension out of its natural position, would be sufficient to cause the activator 15 to move and/or adopt its natural position. This would thereby activate the capsule only when the temperature of the external environment was lower than a certain value.

For the cooling application, the composition of the activator 15 may be as depicted in Figure 17. In Figure 17, the layer of material with the greater thermal coefficient of expansion is innermost towards the capsule. As such, this layer would respond to a raise in the ambient temperature of the external environment 6 by expanding more than the outer layer of the activator 15, thereby resulting in a force on the activator 15 seeking to flex the activator 15 outward.

For the heating application, the composition of the activator 15 may be as depicted in Figure 18. In Figure 18, the layer of material with the greater ,. , thermal coefficient of expansion is outermost towards the external environment 6. As such, this layer would respond to a lowering of the ambient temperature of the external environment 6 by contracting more than the innermost layer of the activator 15, thereby resulting in a force on the activator 15 seeking to flex the activator 15 outward.

The section or sections 2 may also benefit from such a construction as described above in two ways. Firstly, where the section or sections 2 is or are fulfilling the function of the main valve activator 8, the sections or section 2 may be made of multi-materials composed to flex in the manner mentioned above in order to add a temperature safeguard against the activation of the capsule. Secondly, after activation of the capsule 1 , the flexing action of the sections or section 2 may provide a regulatory control over exposure of the external environment 6 to the member 3. This regulatory control may be by partially, substantially, or fully closing off the aperture 9 when the temperature of the external environment 6 in a cooling application lowers beyond a certain value. In a heating application, this may happen when the temperature of the external environment 6 is raised beyond a certain value. Thus, the multi- material layer composition of the main valve activator 8 may facilitate the capsule 1 not only to perform as a cooler or heater, but also as a temperature regulator for the selective heating or selective cooling of the external environment, where an optimum target temperature or temperature range for the external environment 6 is desirable.

The sections or section 2 of the always sealed embodiments of the capsule 1 may also have a multi-material layer composition. Thus, after the capsule 1 is activated, the sections or section 2, by their action of flexing in response to temperature change, may regulate heat exchange through the membrane of the sections or section 2. This may be effected by selectively drawing the interior face or faces of the section or sections or section 2 into and out of contact with the member 3. Alternatively, this may be effected via an internal mechanical linkage which draws the member 3 into and out of contact with the interior face or face of the sections or section 2. Alternatively, a membrane may be employed within the capsule 1 of such a multi-material layer composition, such that the membrane flexes into and out of contact with the interior face or faces of the capsule 1 in order to bring the member 3 in the capsule 1 into and out of thermal contact with the capsule 1 , and thereby into and out of indirect thermal contact with the external environment 6.

The general tendency of solid materials to become less flexible as they become cooler and conversely more flexible as they become warmer, may also be exploited in the dynamics of the capsule in the following ways. (i) In the cooling application, to guard against the capsule 1 being activated by a user unsealing a pressurised container if the external environment 6 in that container is already so cool that the sections or section 2 is or are not yet at a warm enough temperature to be flexible to adopt their natural position revealing the aperture 9 and activating the capsule 1.

(ii) Also for the cooling application, to guard against the capsule 1 being activated by the user unsealing a pressurised container if the external environment 6 in that container is already so cool that the initial trigger valve activator (if provided) is not yet at a warm enough temperature to be flexible enough to adopt its natural position and thus not revealing the aperture 9 and so not activating the capsule 1 at that time.

Application examples of such temperature regulation of the external environment may, where the external environment 6 is a beverage, be to keep the beverage cool within a certain temperature range, or to keep a drink hot within a certain temperature range. An example of a beverage needing to be kept cool for drinking is lemonade. An example of a beverage needing to be kept hot for drinking is coffee or tea. Alternatively, the application of the present invention may be to regulate the temperature of a beverage such for example as stout beer, that at the time of consumption may, by some consumers, be desired to be at or around a particular temperature. The apparatus of the present invention of the type that becomes unsealed when activated may be produced as follows.

(i) Cool or heat the member 3 depending upon intended application. The cooling may be achieved, for example by submerging the member 3 in liquid nitrogen. The heating may be achieved, for example by applying a flame to the member 3.

(ii) Place the member 3 into the capsule 1 , or assemble the capsule 1 around the member 3.

(iii) Place the capsule 1 into the chamber 43 through an air-tight door in the chamber 3, closing the door afterwards as shown in Figure 19.

(iv) Lower the column 42 to seal off the chamber 43 as shown in Figure 20.

(v) Force the piston 44 away from the chamber 43 to evacuate the chamber 43, or to partially evacuate the chamber 43, of air, gases or fluids as shown in Figure 21.

(vi) Lower the column 42 until the column 42 has forced the capsule into the inactive position as shown in Figure 22.

(vii) Return the piston 44 to its original position as shown in Figure 23. (viii) Keep any valve activator or valve activators closed with direct finger or instrument pressure, remove the inactive capsule 1 through the air-tight door of the chamber 43, closing the door afterward, as shown in Figure 24.

The always sealed type of the apparatus of the present invention may be produced as follows, wherein reference to Figures showing an unsealing version of the apparatus can be envisaged as showing a version of the always sealed apparatus.

(i) Cool or heat the member 3 depending on intended application. The cooling may be effected by submerging the member 3 in liquid nitrogen. The heating may be effected by applying a flame to the member 3.

(ii) Assemble the capsule 1.

(iii) Place the assembled capsule 1 into the chamber 43 through the air-tight door the chamber 43. Close the door afterwards as shown in Figure 19.

(iv) Lower the column 42 to seal chamber 43 as shown in Figure 20.

(v) Force the piston 44 away from the chamber 43 in order to evacuate or partially evacuate the chamber 43 and the capsule 1 of air, gases or fluids as shown in Figure 21. (vi) Lower the column 42 until the column 42 has forced the capsule 1 into the inactive position as shown in Figure 22.

(vii) Return the piston 44 to its original position as shown in Figure 23.

(viii) Keep the capsule 1 in its inactive state by applying direct finger or instrument pressure on the sections or areas of the same section 2 of the capsule 1. Remove the inactive capsule 1 through the air-tight door of the chamber 43. Close the door afterwards as shown in Figure 24.

The capsule 1 may be provided in various types of container such for example as a can or bottle. One method, i.e. ice-clamping, has already been described above. Another method of doing this may be to briefly cool the capsule 1 , for example by dipping it quickly in liquid nitrogen, or cooling it in some other way to cause the valve activator or activators to be too rigid to activate immediately, thereby allowing a window of time to introduce the capsule 1. Some carbon dioxide or other liquid gas may be added into the container 10 before the container 10 is sealed, to naturally warm up, and form an ambient pressure within the container 10.

Another method is to introduce the capsule 1 in to the container 10 within a pressurised environment.

The member 3 may be made of metal or a plastics material. The member 3 may for example be a capsule, and for example may be filled with water for a cooling application. The member 3 may be a solid metal such for example as iron for a heating application.

The capsule 1 may be stored at room temperature if the or each valve activator has a fastening around the valve activator, for example a rubber band, to apply sufficient pressure on the activator to prevent unwanted activation.

A reduction in ambient pressure as a trigger to activate the capsule 1 may be substituted by a reduction in a direct pressure on the valve activator or activators. For example, activation of the capsule 1 may be triggered by the release of a fastening that is around the valve activator or activators, for example via a mechanical linkage from the fastening to a moveable tab or cap or other part of the container 10. Increasing pressure may alternatively be used to a reduction in pressure.

The activation of the capsule 1 may have an alternative trigger in the form of a mechanical linkage from a moveable tab or cap or other part of the container 10 to a nipple inside the capsule 1. This mechanical linkage may be such that when the tab or cap is moved, the nipple is pulled out of the capsule, parting the sections or areas of the same section 2 in order to trigger activation.

Inactive capsules 1 may be storable at room temperature for as long as their valve activators are held closed by direct pressure, for example by a surrounding fastening or clamp such for example as a rubber band. This means that the capsules 1 may be made available commercially, as a multi- purpose heating or cooling means in their own right, for a consumer to decide on their application.

Further variation thermo shells of the type that become unsealed follow.

Figures 39 and 40 show the present invention of the type that becomes unsealed when activated, and also having an initial trigger valve and reservoir.

Figures 41 to,44 shows the present invention of the type that becomes unsealed when activated, and also having a reservoir for the main valve.

Figures 37 to 38 and 45 show the present invention of the type that becomes unsealed when activated, and also having one or more reservoir in the form of a bag.

In product applications where it may be advantageous or important to have control of the type of material (gas, fluid or other) that is inducted through the initial trigger valve/s 12 and/or the main valve/s 8, one or more reservoir/s 55 may be provided from which such material may flow through the valve/s. One example of an application scenario where such control may be a requirement, may be in a cooling application, wherein a fluid incoming into the capsule 1 may freeze on contact with the temperature-changing member 3 and in becoming a solid may block the passage for induction of the rest of the material required to complete the activation of the thermo-shell, thus impeding or prematurely halting the process of activation. Provision for reservoir/s 55 solves this problem by restricting the initial inflow through the valve/s 12 and/or 8 to be from the reservoir. The contents of such reservoir or reservoirs 55 may be inducted exclusively or not as required depending on the desired application, through the valve/s.

An area for a reservoir 55 for an initial trigger valve 12 for example, may be provided as a hollow between the initial trigger valve activator 15 and the opposing face/s of the capsule 1. In its inactivated state, the initial trigger valve activator 15 may be sealing off the aperture 11 also allowing provision for a reservoir 55 area. As the initial trigger valve activator 15 moves away from the aperture 11 during activation, in doing so it provides access for the contents of the reservoir 55 to subsequently be inducted through the aperture 11.

Figure 39 shows an example embodiment of an initial trigger valve 12 and reservoir 55 where the initial trigger valve activator 15 may during all stages of thermo-shell activation be sealed against the exterior face of the capsule 1 , in order to ensure no material from the external surrounding environment 6 may pass between said members directly from the external surrounding environment 6 and into the aperture 11 during the process of activation.

The initial trigger valve activator 15 may be under spring like tension due to being flexed out of its natural form whilst sealing off the aperture 11.

The material in the reservoir 55 may be set to a particular pressure. The advantage of this may be twofold. Firstly, in application scenarios where for example the size of the thermo-shell and its reservoir 55 may be limited, and in order to ensure the required amount of material to activate the thermo- shell is available in the reservoir 55, this material may be pressurised to fit into the volume available. Secondly, the material in the reservoir 55 may provide a back-pressure against the initial trigger valve activator 15 so that reliance on the spring tension from the initial trigger valve activator 15 being flexed out of its natural form may not be necessary. It may be especially desirable to have the contents of the reservoir 55 set to a particular pressure, for example in application scenarios where the initial trigger valve activator 15 may be of a material that may for example be brittle and not conducive to excessive deformation.

Figure 40 shows another variation of the initial trigger valve activator 15 that may also allow material from the external surrounding environment 6 through the aperture 11 if access to said material is also provided, where sufficient other material from the reservoir 55 may pass through the aperture 11 during the process of activation, to ensure full activation of the thermo- shell.

The apparatus of the present invention of the type that becomes unsealed when activated, and also having an initial trigger valve and reservoir, may be produced as follows.

(i) Cool or heat the member 3 depending on intended application. The cooling may be achieved, for example by submerging the member 3 in liquid nitrogen. The heating may be achieved by applying a flame to the member 3. (ii) Place the member 3 into the capsule 1 , or assemble the capsule 1 around the member 3.

(iii) Place the capsule into the chamber 43 through an air tight door in the chamber 3, closing the door afterwards as shown in Figure 19.

(iv) Lower the column 42 to seal off the chamber 43 as shown in Figure 20.

(v) Lower the column 42 until the column is in contact with the initial trigger valve activator. (The initial trigger valve activator may be on the top area of the capsule so that the shaft 42 comes into contact with it).

(vi) Force the piston 44 away from the chamber 43 to evacuate the chamber 43 or partially evacuate the chamber 43 of air, gases or fluids as shown in Figure 21.

(vii) Further lower the column 42 until the column has forced the capsule into the inactive position as shown in Figure 22.

(viii) Return the piston 44 to its original position as shown in Figure 23.

(ix) Keep any valve activator/s closed with direct finger or instrument pressure, remove the inactive capsule 1 through the air-tight door of the chamber 43, closing the door afterward, as shown in Figure 24.

One or more reservoirs 55 may be provided fully or partially externally for the main valve or valves 8 and/or for the initial trigger valve or initial trigger valves 12.

The reservoir 55 may for example be a bag 56 or other form of container. Example embodiments incorporating a bag 56 are shown in Figures 37 and 38. The reservoir 56 as a bag may be of a water-resistant composition for example plastic. The reservoir 56 as a bag may contain some air or other gas or fluid, with the bag edges sealed airtight around the edges of the activator 2 or 15 with which it operates, so that when the activator moves to reveal aperture 9 or 11 , the air, gas or fluid from the bag may be drawn through said aperture.

Where the reservoir may for example be a bag 56, this bag 56 may envelope or partially envelope the thermo-shell. An example embodiment incoφorating an enveloping bag is shown in Figure 45. In such cases air, gas or fluid in the bag 56 may be situated in fold/s 57 so as to be over or along the edges 62 of the section/s or activator/s 2 or 15 where these section/s or activator/s may move away from its/their opposing face/s, so that said air, gas, or fluid is accessible for induction into by the intended valve/s 8 or 12 or both.

In order to organise such fold/s 57 containing air/gas/fluid to be over or along specific edges or areas of the apparatus of the present invention for induction into valve/s, other area/s 58 of the bag 56 may be glued or otherwise affixed flush over one or more surfaces of the thermo-shell, in order to restrict the position of the air, gas, or fluid to be in the required position/s 7.

Indeed a fold 7 of the bag 56 along the seal of a main valve 8 may be inducted through the valve 8 and into contact with the temperature-changing member 3, and effect temperature change of the product indirectly via thermal contact with the membrane of the bag, if so desired. Accordingly Figures 38 and 45 show example embodiments wherein membrane of the bag is in contact with the temperature-changing member 3. Such a fold may not necessarily contain material, as long as there is enough of the fold 7 present for it to reach the temperature-changing member 3, to effect temperature change of the product.

The main valve 8 may have a reservoir 55 that may for example be an area between the main valve 8 and an extended main valve 59. Figures 41 to 44 show an example of such an embodiment for the present invention, of the type that becomes unsealed. These Figures are numbered in chronological order of activation stages. During activation of the thermo-shell the section/s 2 of the main valve 8 may reveal the aperture 9 before the extended section/s 59 reveal aperture 61 , so that some or all of the material from the reservoir 55 may be inducted through the aperture 9 before any other material is inducted. Such an embodiment may be required in situations where an initial inflow of material form the external surrounding environment 6, via the aperture 9, may otherwise freeze together the interior faces of the section/s 2, inhibiting the smoothness of activation of the thermo-shell. It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Also, individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use their drawings, and they may be used in all or other aspects of the invention. For the entire invention, it is mentioned by way of example that the temperature insulator means is preferably at least a partial vacuum. Also for the entire invention, the insulator means is preferably in the capsule, but the insulator means could be outside the capsule or formed as an integral part of the capsule.

For embodiments of the invention of the type that become unsealed and that implement a reservoir, the reservoir may provide a solution where the product to be cooled or heated may be of a viscosity such that it cannot easily pass through aperture/s 9 or 11 (for example where the product is custard) or where the product contains solids that might cover or block aperture/s 9 or 11 (for example where the product is a soup incorporating food chunks) that may otherwise inhibit the smooth activation of the thermo- shell.

If desired in all embodiments of the invention, the temperature- changing member, for example the temperature-changing member 3, may house a heating or cooling means. Thus, for example, the temperature- changing member might house heated means and an oxygen supply to mitigate against any heat lost from the temperature-changing member whilst the apparatus is inactivated. Similarly, for a cooling application, the temperature-changing member may house cooling means, for example a refrigerant and space for evaporation, in order to mitigate against any heat absorbed by the temperature-changing member whilst the apparatus is inactivated.