DEVICE WITH FUNCTION DRIVEN BY A CHEMICAL REACTION

This invention relates to a device with a function driven by a chemical reaction, for use particularly, but not exclusively, as a beverage heater.

Some foodstuffs cannot be consumed unless they have been cooked, for example raw meat, while others are simply more pleasant when they are hot, for example tea or coffee. Most domestic environments are provided with cookers of one sort or another, and they are widely used to cook and heat foodstuffs for consumption. However, cookers are usually large devices which require a mains gas or electricity supply to operate, and are hence not portable. Therefore, when outside of the domestic environment other heat generating means must be provided to cook or heat foodstuffs.

There are many known ways to generate heat outside of the domestic environment, including camp fires and gas or electrical generator powered stoves. However, such methods are time consuming to arrange, potentially hazardous and require an excess of fuel. They also cannot be employed on the move. Other known methods include simple electrical heating elements which can be powered by portable power supplies, for example from motor vehicle power outlets. Such devices can only be employed to heat up food, rather than to cook it.

As a result of the difficulties with heating or cooking food outside of the domestic environment, most people don't bother and instead make do with cold food. However, in one particular instance the consumer may not accept cold food. It is common for babies to drink bottled milk, and in some cases they will not consume it unless it has been warmed up.

Therefore, several baby bottle warming devices are known, including electrically powered heated sleeves which are wrapped around the bottle, and which can be run from a motor vehicle power outlet. However, such methods are not particularly effective and fail to generate sufficient heat quickly enough. They also require a power source.

It is also known to provide containers which retain heat, so a baby's milk can be heated up in a domestic environment before being transferred to such a container and transported elsewhere. However, such containers cannot retain the heat for long and therefore have a limited use.

In order to overcome these problems US 6123065 in the name of TEGLBJARG discloses inter alia a feeding bottle for infants with a concavity built into its underside, into which is inserted a heating unit which generates heat by mixing water and calcium chloride. The heating unit comprises a first compartment containing calcium chloride and a second compartment containing water, and a breakable seal is disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment. A rod is mounted on a flexible platform at one end of the second compartment, and the flexible platform is pushed in to force the rod through the breakable seal. The basic principal of this idea is sound, but the manner in which it is executed suffers from a number of problems.

Firstly, the heating unit is deliberately arranged so the second compartment containing the water is disposed underneath the first compartment containing the calcium chloride when the heating unit is placed in the concavity. However, this means that when the breakable seal is opened, the baby bottle must be vigorously shaken up and down to force the powdered calcium chloride through the opening in the seal into the second compartment where it can mix with the water.

Secondly, the flexible platform is disposed at the bottom of the heating unit to allow it to be readily accessed. However, this means it is exposed in use, and the device can easily be inadvertently activated.

The present invention is intended to overcome some of the above problems.

Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention a device with a function driven by a chemical reaction, comprises an outer body and a substance mixing container extending into the outer body from one side thereof, in which the substance mixing container comprises a first compartment containing a first substance, a second compartment containing a second substance, and a breakable seal disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment, in which the first compartment is provided with a piercing means, in which the substance mixing container is provided with a resilient section, in which flexure of the resilient section in a first direction forces the piercing means through the breakable seal, and in which the first compartment is arranged innermost inside the outer body.

Therefore, with the present invention the substance mixing container is arranged the opposite way round to in the prior art. In particular, the piercing means is provided in the first compartment, innermost inside the outer body, and as such the breakable seal is pierced in an outwards direction. This is advantageous where the invention is used with a baby bottle, because when the device is activated the baby bottle need only be held the right way up for water in the first compartment to drain into the second compartment and mix with a reactant solid provided therein.

In addition, with the piercing means provided in the first compartment innermost inside the body, no flexible platform is provided on the exposed end of the substance mixing container, which could be inadvertently activated in use.

In a preferred embodiment the mixing of the first substance and the second substance can result in the generation of heat. However, it will be appreciated that the invention also includes versions in which the mixing of the first substance and the second substance can result in the absorption of heat. An example might be a fizzy drinks can which can be cooled to a low temperature to improve the consumption experience.

Either way, the outer body can comprise a housing, and the substance mixing container can be mounted in the housing, and in such a way that it can be movable therein between a stand by position in which the piercing means is not applied to the breakable seal, and an activation position in which the piercing means is forced through the breakable seal. Activation means can be provided, the operation of which moves the substance mixing container from the stand by position to the activation position.

The piercing means can comprise a rod or pin extending from a first end of the first compartment.

In a first version of the invention the resilient section can comprises a deformable platform at the first end of the first compartment, and in the rod or pin can be mounted on the deformable platform. Further, the housing can be provided with an activation rod extending from an inner end thereof, which activation rod can be adapted to act against the deformable platform in the activation position to drive the piercing means through the breakable seal.

In an alternative version of the invention the resilient section can comprise a collapsible side portion of the substance mixing container. To move the substance mixing container into the activation position it is simply compressed inside the housing.

Either way, the activation means can comprise a cap mounted on an annular ring which can be disposed at an opening of the housing and can comprise a rising profile. Rotation of the cap along the rising profile can move the substance mixing container from the stand by position to the activation position. This is advantageous because rotation of the cap is unlikely to be performed inadvertently.

It will be appreciated that the invention includes devices in which the substance mixing container is an integral part of the outer body. However, in a preferred construction the substance mixing container can be removably mountable in the housing, such that it can be replaced with another after it has been used.

In order to allow the substance mixing container to be removed from the housing, the cap can be removably mounted on the annular ring.

In versions of the invention in which the resilient section comprises a collapsible side portion of the substance mixing container, the collapsible side portion can be provided with a removable lock means adapted to prevent the flexure of the resilient section when it is applied. This lock means can be applied during manufacture, and can be removed immediately prior to insertion of the substance mixing container in the housing.

It will be appreciated that the outer body can be anything which can be affected by the chemical reaction inside the substance mixing container. This includes a sold body which is simply heated or cooled for any purpose, for example to warm the hands, or to change its outer appearance. However, in a preferred construction the outer body can comprise a container for carrying a substance to be heated or cooled, for example a baby bottle. The housing can comprise a concavity in an outer surface of the container. The container can have an underside, and the concavity can be provided in said underside.

In versions of the invention in which heat is generated the first substance can be water and the second substance can be calcium oxide. Calcium oxide is preferred over calcium chloride as used in the prior art referred to above, because neat calcium chloride is toxic, and any leakage could be dangerous.

In versions of the invention in which heat is absorbed, any two chemicals which produce an endothermic reaction when mixed can be used, for example water and ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride or the like.

It will be appreciated that steam is a by product of the reaction between water and calcium oxide, and this steam creates a high pressure inside the substance mixing container in use. Therefore, an opening can be provided in the substance mixing container and a steam perishable cover can be provided over said opening. As such, when the device is activated pressurised steam will perish the cover and escape from the substance mixing container.

In this version of the invention the piercing means can comprise a hollow rod provided with apertures along its length adapted to allow the passage of steam, and the above described opening can be provided at an inner end of the hollow rod. Therefore, generated steam can enter the rod at any point along its length and escape from the substance mixing container.

An opening can be provided in the housing which can be adapted to be aligned with the opening in the substance mixing container in the activation position, and pipework can extend from said opening into the container, and to an exhaust aperture provided on the container. With this arrangement the heat of the steam is utilised to further heat the contents of the container. In addition, the pressure generated inside the substance mixing container in use is relieved, and there is no potentially dangerous build up.

It will be appreciated that the substance mixing container can be a consumable item, as once it has been used to heat or cool a substance, or generate steam, it will have to be disposed of, and another used if the process it to be repeated.

Therefore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a substance mixing container is provided which is adapted to form a part of a device with a function driven by a chemical reaction, comprising an outer body and said substance mixing container, in which the substance mixing container is removably mountable in the outer body, in which the substance mixing container comprises a first compartment containing a first substance, a second compartment containing a

second substance, and a breakable seal disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment, in which the first compartment is provided with a piercing means, in which the container is provided with a resilient section, in which flexure of the resilient section in a first direction forces the piercing member through the breakable seal, and in which the first compartment is arranged innermost inside the outer body.

The invention can be performed various ways, but three embodiments will now be described by way of example in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a device with a function driven by a chemical reaction, according to the first aspect of the present invention:

Figures 2a and 2b are side and plan views of a component of the device as shown in Figure 1;

Figures 3a and 3b are side and plan views of a component of the device as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a side view of a substance mixing container for use with a device with a function driven by a chemical reaction, according to the second aspect of the present invention, in a first arrangement;

Figure 5 is a side view of the component shown in Figure 4 in a second arrangement;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view a second device with a function driven by a chemical reaction, according to the first aspect of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1 a device with a function driven by a chemical reaction, in the form of self-heating baby bottle 1, comprises an outer body, in the form of bottle 2, and a substance mixing container, generally designated 3, extending into the outer

body 2 from one side thereof. The substance mixing container 3 comprises a first compartment 4 containing a first substance, in the form of water 5, and a second compartment 6 containing a second substance, in the form of calcium oxide 7. A breakable seal 8 is disposed between the first compartment 4 and the second compartment 6, and the first compartment 4 is provided with a piercing means, in the form of rod 9. The substance mixing container 3 is provided with a resilient section, in the form of deformable platform 10, and as described further below, flexure of the resilient section 10 in a first direction forces the piercing means 9 through the breakable seal 8. As is clear from Figure 1, the first compartment 4 is arranged innermost inside the outer body 2.

The baby bottle 1 comprises a container 11 with an open neck 12 at its top 13. A lid and teat (not shown) can be fitted to the neck 12 in the known way. The baby bottle 1 is further provided with a housing 14, which his essentially a shaped concavity in the underside 15 of the container 11. The housing 14 is actually formed from a separate component which is secured in place during manufacture in an aperture provided in the underside 14 of the container 11.

The housing 14 comprises three cylindrical sections, an innermost section 16, a central section 17 and an outermost section 18, with respectively larger diameters. An activation rod 19 is formed at the inner end 20 of the innermost section 16.

As is clear from Figure 1, the substance mixing container 3 is shaped to fit into the housing 14, and in particular into the innermost section 16 and the central section 17. It is disposable therein in a stand-by position as shown in Figure 1, in which the underside 21 is level with the outermost part of the central section 17 and the activation rod 19 holds the rod 9 just above the breakable seal 8, and as described further below, it is movable further into the housing 14 until it meets the inner end 20 of the innermost section 16 and the activation rod 19 has pushed the rod 9 through the breakable seal 8. It is clear from Figure 1 that space is provided in the housing 14 to allow this movement to take place.

The substance mixing container 3 is constructed from two parts slotted together. The first part 22 comprises a uniform cylindrical section 23, with the deformable platform 10 and the rod 9 closing one end. The first part 22 defines the first compartment 4. The second part 24 comprises a first cylindrical section 25 and a second cylindrical section 26, with respectively larger diameters, such that the first section 25 fits into the innermost section 16 of the housing 14 and the second section 26 fits into the central section 17. At the inner end 27 of the first section 25 a cylindrical flange 28 is provided, which is adapted to fit into the first part 22 of the substance mixing container 3 to secure the two parts 22 and 24 together. An adhesive or a weld (not shown) is used to reinforce the connection. The breakable seal 8 is provided across the flange 28.

The substance mixing container 3 is constructed with this shape to aid the mixing process. In particular, the second section 26 is larger in diameter than the first part 22, so the depth of calcium oxide 7 is shallow and the water 5 can permeate the calcium oxide 7 quickly. If the substance mixing container 3 were the same diameter as the first part 22 along its whole length, it would have to be longer to accommodate the appropriate quantity of calcium oxide 7, and as such the calcium oxide 7 would have a greater depth, and the mixing process would take longer and be less efficient.

In addition, the first part 22 is smaller in diameter than the second section 26 so the body of water 5 container therein can efficiently drain therefrom. If the substance missing container 3 were the same diameter as the second section 26 along its whole length, the breakable seal 8 would be larger, and the water 5 would not drain efficiently through a hole made therein due to surface tension.

In other words, the invention works best with the water 5 contained in a long thin compartment, and the calcium oxide 7 contained therebelow in a wider shallow compartment.

Th e deformable platform 10 comprises a resilient conical structure comprising a plurality of annular ridges 29. The platform 10 can be extended inwardly of the substance mixing container 3 by applying a force to the centre of the platform 10, thereby unfolding the ridges 29. Such movement forces the rod 9 through the breakable seal 8.

Mounted in the outermost section 18 of the housing 14 is annular ring 30. Referring to Figure 2a, the annular ring 30 comprises a pair of curved rising profiles 31 on each side. The rising profiles 31 are identical, and in each case they comprise a lower flat section 32, a central rising section 33, and a flat lock section 34 which is slightly lower than the highest point of the central rising section 33. The flat lock section 34 is also provided with a stopper post 34a. In addition, a small initial rising section 32a is provided prior to the lower flat section 32, the highest point of which is slightly higher than the lower flat section 32.

Referring to Figure 2b, the ring 30 is also provided with a pair of loading slots 35 on each side, which are arranged between the lower flat section 32 of one rising profile 31 and the flat lock section 34 of the other rising profile 31. In addition, the ring 30 is provided with indication indicia 36, which are aligned with parts of the rising profiles 31. In particular, the words "READY" are arranged under the lower flat sections 32, and the words "ACTIVATE" are arranged under the flat lock sections 34.

Referring back to Figure 1, mounted on the annular ring 30 is cap 37, which is shown in more detail in Figures 3a and 3b. Referring to those Figures, it can be seen that the cap 37 is an annular component comprising a twist handle 38 formed in a dome-like concavity 39. At opposite ends of the twist handle 38 are tabs 40, which are adapted to fit through the loading slots 35 on the annular ring 30, and to ride over the rising profiles 31 when the cap 37 is rotated. The top 41 of the cap 37 comprise a flat bearing surface adapted to act against the underside 21 of the substance mixing container 3. Indication arrow 42 is provided on the twist handle 38.

The housing 14, the activation rod 19, the substance mixing container 3, the ring 30 and the cap 37 are all aligned on a central axis A-A of the baby bottle 1.

Therefore, in use the baby bottle 1 works as follows. Cold milk to be consumed is placed in the container 11, and the container 11 is shut with a lid and teat (not shown). If the substance mixing container 3 is not already positioned in the housing 14, it is placed therein. This is achieved by rotating the cap 37 until the tabs 40 are aligned with the loading slots 35, and then removing the cap 37 from the bottle 1 to open the housing 14. (The cap 37 must be pushed inwards slightly to allow the tabs 40 to pass from the flat lock sections 34 to the central rising sections 33, and from the lower flat sections 32 to the initial rising sections 32a.) The substance mixing container 3 is then placed in the housing 14, to the position shown in Figure 1. The deformable platform 10 is engineered such that it takes some force to deform it. As such, merely placing the substance mixing container 3 in the housing 14 will not activate the device, unless an overt force is used.

The cap 37 is then mounted back in the ring 30 by passing the tabs 40 through the loading slots 35, and rotating the cap 37 anti-clockwise such that the tabs 40 ride over the initial rising sections 32a and drop onto the lower flat sections 32. In this position mere rotation of the cap 37 clockwise will not release the cap 37 from the annular ring 30 because the highest point of the initial rising sections 32a is higher than the lower flat sections 32. As such the cap 37 and the substance mixing container 3 are held safely in position. In addition, the tabs 40 are positioned above the words "READY", and as such the arrow 42 points to these words, to indicate that the substance mixing container 3 is in the stand-by position. The baby bottle 1 is now ready for activation, which can be performed at any time. The baby bottle 1 can be transported safely in this arrangement (with or without the milk in the container 11), and will not be inadvertently activated via mere contact with other objects.

To activate the baby bottle 1 and heat the milk in the container 11, the cap 37 is rotated such that the tabs 40 ride up the central rising sections 33, and slot into the flat lock sections 34. This is done by twisting the cap 37 so the arrow 42 points to

the words "ACTIVATE" on the ring 30. As this is done the cap 37 itself rises up into the housing 14, and its top 41 pushes the substance mixing container 3 into the activation position. The activation rod 19 is applied to the centre of the deformable platform 10, which pushes the rod 9 through the breakable seal 8 in a first direction along axis A-A. As soon as this occurs the water 5 in the first compartment 4 drains into the second compartment 6, where it mixes with the calcium oxide 7.

Once the tabs 40 drop into the flat lock sections 34 mere rotation of the cap 37 in either direction will not release the cap 37 from the activation position, because of the stopper posts 34a, and the fact that the highest point of the central rising sections 33 is higher than the flat lock sections 34. The cap 37 can be pushed inwards and rotated clockwise to release the tabs 40 from the flat lock sections 34, but this requires some force because the tabs 40 are forced against the profiles 31 by the inherent resilience of the deformable platform 10. The deformable platform 10 is extended in the activation position, and as such a compression force is applied to the activation rod 19, which forces the tabs 40 down against the profiles 31. Therefore, the tabs 40 are also resiliently held in position. The stopper posts 34a are too high to allow the tabs 40 to travel over them in any position so it is not possible for the cap 37 to fall out of the ring 30 due to an anti-clockwise rotation.

The quantities of water 5 and calcium oxide 7 are such that the resulting exothermic reaction heats the milk in the container 11 to about 70- 75 degrees Celsius in less than a minute. During this process the baby bottle 1 can be shaken up and down to assist the mixing of the water 5 and the calcium oxide 7, and the dissipation of the heat in the milk, although it will be appreciated that far less shaking is required than with known versions. In addition the baby bottle 1 can remain upright throughout, which prevents leakage from the teat (not shown), which is a problem that results with known versions.

Once the exothermic reaction is finished, and the milk has been consumed, the baby bottle can be reused with another substance mixing container 3. The expired substance mixing container 3 is first removed by removing the cap 37 from

the ring 30 as described above, and letting the substance mixing container 3 drop out from the housing 14, then a fresh substance mixing container 3 can be placed therein as described above.

Alternative constructions of substance mixing container and baby bottle are shown in Figures 4 to 6.

Figures 4 and 5 show substance mixing container 50, which operates in a similar fashion to substance mixing container 3 described above, but with a few differences. In particular, the first part 51 of the substance mixing container 50 has a domed non-resilient top 52, and a collapsible side portion 53. The collapsible side portion 53 comprises an annular triangular trough 54 formed in the first part 51, which is defined by top 55, centre 56 and bottom 57 score lines. Compression of the trough 54 reduces the length of the first part 51 such that a rod (not shown) extending from the top end 52 passes through a breakable seal (not visible), which this time is mounted at the bottom end 58 of the first part 51. (The first part 51 and a second part 59 are shown separated from one another in Figures 4 and 5. As such flange 60 at the bottom end 58 of the first part 51 is visible, which slots into the top end 61 of the second part 60, in a reverse of the arrangement described above in relation to baby bottle 1.)

In order to prevent inadvertent compression, and therefore activation, of the substance mixing container 50 prior to use, a locking strip 62 is removably welded across the trough 54. The locking strip 62 has a removal tab 63, the lifting and pulling of which separates the strip 60 from the first part 51, which is done immediately prior to use.

In other respects the substance mixing container 50 is configured and operates like substance mixing container 3 described above. Water (not visible) is provided in the first part 51 and calcium oxide (not visible) is provided in the second part 59. Further, the substance mixing container 50 is adapted to fit into a baby

bottle (not shown) in a similar manner to that shown in Figure 1, and a similar activation means comprising a ring and cap like that described above is provided.

Figure 6 shows baby bottle 70 (only the lower half of which is visible), which operates in a similar fashion to baby bottle 1 described above, but with a few notable differences. Firstly, the substance mixing container 71 is shaped like substance mixing container 50 shown in Figures 4 and 5, and in particular it has collapsible side portion 72, which works like collapsible side portion 53 described above.

However, the first part 73 of the substance mixing container 71 has a flattened top part 74, which is provided an aperture 75. Mounted in the aperture 75 is an inner end 76 of a hollow rod 77. As such, an opening is provided in the substance mixing container 71 in the form of the open inner end 76 of the hollow rod 77. The hollow rod 77 is provided with apertures 78 along its length.

Formed over the inner end 76 of the hollow rod 77 is steam perishable cover 79, which is formed from a wax which is quickly melted by high pressure steam.

The housing 80 is provided with an opening 81 which is arranged above the open inner end 76 of the rod 77. Pipe work 82 extends from the opening 81, and forms a spiral shape around the housing 80. The pipe work 82 leads to an exhaust aperture (not visible) in the underside 83 of the baby bottle 70.

The baby bottle 70 is provided with the same type of activation system as baby bottle 1 described above, and comprises annular ring 84 and cap 85.

Therefore in use the baby bottle 70 is activated by rotating the cap 85, and forcing the substance mixing container 71 into the housing 80, such that the collapsible side portion 72 is compressed and the hollow rod 77 is forced through the breakable seal 86. The water 87 drains onto the calcium oxide 88, and an exothermic reaction takes place which heats the contents of the baby bottle 70. The reaction also creates steam, which builds up to a certain pressure inside the

substance mixing container 73, and melts the steam perishable cover 79. Once an opening has been created the seam naturally escapes through the rod 77 and its open inner end 76, and travels through the opening 81 and into the pipework 82. As the steam passes through the pipework 82 it further heats the contents of the baby bottle 70. By the time the steam reaches the exhaust aperture its pressure and heat have reduced sufficiently for no harm to be caused. Therefore, the pressure built up inside the substance mixing container 73 is relived, and there is no potentially dangerous build up.

As referred to above, the substance mixing containers 3, 50 or 73 are consumable items and can be provided separately of the baby bottles. The second aspect of the present invention defines such isolated substance mixing containers, and items 3, 50 and 73 described above provide support for this aspect of the invention.

The above described embodiments can be altered without departing from the scope of Claim 1. In particular the features of baby bottle 1 are interchangeable with those of baby bottle 70. Therefore, in one alternative embodiment (not shown), the construction shown in Figure 1 is provided with openings and pipework like that shown in Figure 6 so steam generated in use can escape from the substance mixing container.

In another alternative embodiment (not shown) the substance mixing container is simply pushed into the housings to activate it, and no annular ring or cap is provided. In yet other alternative embodiments (not shown) the substance mixing container is integral to the container and cannot be removed. As such the whole device is disposable.

In other alternative embodiments (not shown) other types of container are provided with housings and substance mixing containers like those described above, including beverage containers for tea and coffee and the like, and foodstuffs containers for soup and noodle and rice based meals and the like.

In addition, in other alternative embodiments (not shown) which fall within the scope of Claim 1, the calcium oxide is replaced with a material which produces an endothermic reaction when mixed with the water, such as ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride and the like, and the container is adapted to carry a substance to be cooled. One example is a fizzy drinks can which can be cooled to a low temperature to improve the consumption experience. The mechanisms by which the devices are activated, and their manner of operation are as described above.

In other alternative embodiments (not shown) the outer body comprises a solid body which is heated or cooled for purposes other than heating a subject substance. In one example the outer body is adapted to warm the hands, and in another example the outer body is adapted to change its outer appearance when it is heated or cooled.

Therefore, the present invention provides a device which efficiently mixes substances which produce an endothermic or exothermic reaction to heat or cool a subject substance. With regard to a baby bottle this is advantageous because it does not need to be inverted or shaken hard during use. In addition, an activation mechanism is provided which is safe and easy to use, and is not liable to result in inadvertent activation, or the inadvertent removal of the substance mixing container from its housing.