DESC:Complete Specification

“PORTABLE SELF-CONTAINED DEVICE FOR WARMING APPLICATIONS”

Cross references to related applications: This complete specification is filed pursuant to application for patent No. 201741023487 filed on 04-July-2017 with provisional specification, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

Field of the invention
This invention relates generally to appliances for warming of food and beverages. More particularly, the present invention outlines a self-contained portable device characterized in having its construction, assembly, and operability aligned towards effective on-board evolution of chemically-derived heat energy and correspondingly its transfer to a food or beverage item held within a receptacle provided within thermal proximity of said self-contained device.

Background of the invention and description of related art
Food items require to be warmed, specifically if there is a difference between the time they are prepared, the time they are served, and the time they are actually consumed. Appreciably, bridging inherent temperatures while transitioning fore and aft the aforesaid scenarios, or the temperatures at which said food items are stored, is a critical necessity faced globally both on domestic as well as industrial scales. Thus there exists a pressing need to have some means capable of effectively addressing this necessity.

Prior art devices such as typically seen in US2543524, US5816646, US3602691 and US3808401 include insulated receptacles, hot plates or warmers, and heated lunchboxes using conventional heating wires or coils. However, these only serve to simply prolong heat content, or elongate the period in which the user considers the temperature appropriate for eating, but cannot maintain the temperatures arrived at without causing the food item held therein to overcook or otherwise lose palatability and/ or nutritional value over increasing holding time. Therefore, it is necessary to have some means in which these undesired effects are at least minimized, if not totally avoided at all.

As will be readily understood, it is rather difficult and/ or inconvenient to locate suitable heat source/s to warm food items / beverages. Access to equipment such as utensils, stoves, cook tops, means nothing unless utility power or fuel is had to operate the same. Overall, these methods are cumbersome, time-consuming, as well as additive with respect to infrastructure and costs involved. Therefore, it is necessary to have some means in which these constraints are at least minimal, if not absent at all.

Application of chemistry or electrochemistry to the instant application environment of the present invention is not unknown. For example, devices such as the ones claimed in US4873769, US4510919, US4771761, US4809673, US5355869, and US5465707 are directed around utilization of heat generated by an exothermic reaction between a liquid and a chemical for the purpose of heating food items. However, these proposed devices, without exception, are either silent on or otherwise fall short of being truly portable, convenient to use, simple, safe, non-toxic, and lightweight.

As can be much appreciated, dietary needs of infants are simple being largely constituted of fluids (milk and water) but complex to provide considering that these foods cannot be served cold neither hot, but just right temperature. Importantly, as the stomach and intestines of a newborn are not fully developed and more sensitive than those of an adult, the temperature of milk for babies is recommended to be maintained ideally at physiological body temperature which is around 37°C. Consequently, vessels such as bottles / sippers / feeding bottles which are frequently used to hold and / or transport said fluids for later consumption cannot be used directly for serving babies without having any means for heating contents of said vessels. Conventional double boilers and microwaves, though apt for adult food-warming applications, are entirely inapplicable for newborns, as these techniques are harsh, inaccurate as to the final temperature achieved, and thus not recommended by physicians as well as utterly complex to implement for mothers tending alone to one or more infants.

A brief online survey reveals few products designed for warming baby bottles. Examples are a) iiamo baby bottle warmer (https://iiamo.com); b) BambinOz Instant Heat Bottle Warmer (http://www.bambinoz.com); and c) WarmZe BottleSOC (https://www.warmze.com). Though functional, these are not without shortcomings. For example, the iiamo baby bottle warmer has a complex construction including a conical heating element that needs to be introduced internally within a specially-designed cavity in the bottle being warmed – hence this warmer cannot work with other bottle/s or containers. The BambinOz Instant Heat Bottle Warmer has a simpler construction, but yet requires the user to deal with two components – the insulating cover and heating gel pad - separately, which creates a complex usage pattern difficult to undertake especially when having a fidgety infant on hand. Moreover, size of the insulating cover restricts dimensions of bottles that can be held inside. The WarmZe BottleSOC is not too different from the BambinOz Instant Heat Bottle Warmer in a sense, that the rigid insulating cover is substituted by a more pliable sock / sleeve design that provides a more snug fit around the bottle being warmed. However, the user needs to wrap the sock / sleeve first around the bottle to be warmed, then lift a first layer / skirting to place the heating pad, and then fold the first layer / skirting back for use – which in itself, is a complex usage pattern.

Furthermore, it is not practically easy to maintain or heat milk or baby formula in a bottle, which are usually made of heat insulating materials such as plastics and glass, without risk of mal-heating or deleterious effects on its nutritive and palatable quotient. Consequently, bulky thermos flasks and baby bottle warmers (essentially water baths that work on principle of gentle indirect heating or pouches having embedded heating elements) are an essential part of newborn care, especially in parts of the world having cold climates. However, thermos flasks are too bulky to carry, and quality baby bottle warmers are not affordable to all strata of society. Besides, operation of a baby bottle warmer is time consuming as it requires addition and preheating of water before a baby bottle can be placed in it. Moreover, baby bottle warmers require electricity to work, the assured availability of which cannot be assumed, especially if traveling or in underdeveloped countries.

Often, babies do not consume all contents of their feeding bottles at one go. Many babies require extended periods for feeding. None of the means recited above make it possible to warm up or maintain warm temperature of milk inside a baby bottle during feeding for extended or between discontinuous periods.
Hence, there is an acute need in the art to have some means that can alleviate at least some of the disadvantages of the conventional state-of-art devices for warming baby bottles.

Prior art, therefore to the limited extent presently surveyed, does not list a single effective solution embracing all considerations mentioned hereinabove. Particularly, slow heating or warming resulting in long waiting times is a drawback inherent to most, if not all, prior art technologies. Also, no truly efficient and cost-effective device for warming food items / beverages instantaneously is found in the art today for the want of reliable heating sources and/or sustainable environment-friendly chemicals should the latter be used for generation of energy for heating / warming said food items / beverages. Therefore, an acute necessity-to-invent is preserved for the present inventors who, as result of their focused research, have come up with novel solutions for resolving all needs of the art once and for all

A better understanding of the objects, advantages, features, properties and relationships of the present invention will be obtained from the following detailed description which sets forth an illustrative yet-preferred embodiment.

Objectives of the present invention
The present invention is identified in addressing at least all major deficiencies of art discussed in the foregoing section by effectively addressing the objectives stated under, of which:

It is a primary objective to provide a non-electric, lightweight, portable, on-the-go, self-contained device for warming contents of a baby feeding bottle.

It is another objective further to the aforesaid objective(s) that said device is capable of applying heat evenly to bottles being warmed, at a controlled rate that allows quick heating without damaging contents held within the bottle.

It is another objective further to the aforesaid objective(s) that said device is compact, and portable enough to fit into a purse.

It is another objective further to the aforesaid objective(s) that said device requires minimal manual manipulation while using it which a user can easily manage while attending to an infant and other baggage on-the-go.

It is another objective further to the aforesaid objective(s) that said device is pliable enough for snugly fitting around most, if not all, sizes and geometries of baby feeding bottles commercially available in the market.

It is another objective further to the aforesaid objective(s) that said device is dimensionally compatible with most, if not all, sizes and geometries of baby bottles commercially available in the market.

It is another objective further to the aforesaid objective(s) that said device comprises eco-friendly materials and causes no deleterious impact on the environment when discarded after use.

It is another objective further to the aforesaid objective(s) that said device is relatively inexpensive to procure and operate.

The manner in which the above objectives are achieved, together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent, reside in the detailed description set forth below in reference to the accompanying drawings and furthermore specifically outlined in the independent claims. Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

Brief description of drawings
The present invention is explained herein under with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the self-contained on-the-go baby feeding bottle warmer device as per a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic front view of the warming element that is received in the self-contained on-the-go baby feeding bottle warmer device of the present invention.

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the warming element shown in FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is an isometric view of the warming element shown in FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 5 shows a typical baby feeding bottle intended to receive the device shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 6 shows the baby feeding bottle of FIGURE 5 being wrapped, during use, with the device shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 7 is a graph showing kinetics of warming action upon milk held in a baby-feeding bottle, when heated using the device shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURES 8 (a to e) showcase alternative embodiments of the warming element shown in FIGURE 2.

The above drawings are illustrative of particular examples of the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope thereof. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use solely in conjunction with their explanations in the following detailed description. In above drawings, wherever possible, the same references and symbols have been used throughout to refer to the same or similar parts. Though numbering has been introduced to demarcate reference to specific components in relation to such references being made in different sections of this specification, all components are not shown or numbered in each drawing to avoid obscuring the invention proposed.

Summary of the present invention
The present invention attempts to resolve the wants of art, by meeting the objectives stated hereinabove. Specifically, a non-electric, lightweight, portable, self-contained on-the-go baby feeding bottle warmer device is provided which allows a user to quickly and easily heat contents of a baby feeding bottle on-the-go. Said device includes two components - first, a wrap / sleeve for snugly receiving a baby bottle, and second, a warming element made of flexible, pliable material that, when received in conjunction with the wrap / sleeve, generates heat to allow a user to quickly and easily heat contents of said baby feeding bottle on-the-go. The warming element contains eco-friendly reactants that can be primed by air for generating heat, which then can be conveyed, via convection and conduction evenly to contents of the baby bottle around which the baby bottle warmer is wrapped.

Attention of the reader is now requested to the detailed description to follow which narrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention and such other ways in which principles of the invention may be employed without parting from the essence of the invention claimed herein.

Definitions and interpretations
Before undertaking the detailed description of the invention below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect, with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.

Detailed description
Principally, general purpose of the present invention is to assess disabilities and shortcomings inherent to known systems comprising state of the art and develop new systems incorporating all available advantages of known art and none of its disadvantages. Accordingly, a single illustrative embodiment of the present invention recited hereinafter outlines inventive aspects relating to the application of electrochemically-derived heat energy for instantaneous warming of food items / beverages, particularly having fluid or near-fluid consistency, while in transit or otherwise in absence of conventional means for heating.

Attention of the reader is now made to a yet-preferred best mode of performing the present invention. The narration to follow is intended to generalize the manner in which principles of the present invention may be employed.

Accompanying FIGURE 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the non-electric, lightweight, portable, self-contained on-the-go device (000) for warming contents of a baby feeding bottle provided as per the present invention. It can be seen here that construction of the device (000) comprises concentrically arranged components that internalize / encapsulate a baby-feeding bottle / receptacle / container (001) made of suitable shape, material such as Bisphenol-A free plastic, and adequate proportions for holding a beverage, particularly such as water or milk. It shall be understood that the bottle (001) may be selected among any bottle available in the market or optionally bundled along with the device (000). Accordingly, alternative embodiments are envisioned wherein the device (000) is provided as an integrative design with the bottle (001) or as a wrap-around belt / blanket / jacket / sleeve for use with a suitable bottle (001).

With continued reference to the accompanying FIGURE 1, it can be seen that the wrap-around belt / blanket / jacket / sleeve comprises multiple layers (002, 003 and 004). Layers (002 and 004) are made of a specially manufactured material, particularly an intelligent combination of selectively-permeable multilayered spun-bound and melt blown films of polypropylene or other related materials with some optional coatings, which is hydrophobic and otherwise impervious to solids and liquids but selectively allows vapor and air to flow through. For this purpose, an optional hydrophobic polymer lamination is carried out over these layers to control the airflow rate and also contain some of the reaction products within the packaging for facilitating the exothermic reaction to be manifested for application of the present invention

With continued reference to the accompanying FIGURE 1, it can be seen that exothermic reaction setup in active layer (003) is enclosed within the cavity formed between the layer (002) and an externally-received concentric holder / casing (004). Active layer (003) is responsible for themochemical or electrochemical evolution of heat and vapors. The holder / casing (004) serves to hold the active layer (003) tightly against the primary layer (002) and hence the receptacle (001). Optionally, an heat-insulating sleeve (005), made of an elastomeric material such as chloroprene or other polymeric materials, is introduced for enclosing the components recited hereinabove. Sleeve (005) may be with or without corrugation for structural rigidity and controlled airflow and access (of heated air to surface of the bottle). It shall be noted that all components of device (000) recited hereinabove are suitably dimensioned to assume portable proportions but pliable enough for snugly fitting around most, if not all, sizes and geometries of baby feeding bottles commercially available in the market. Here, widths substantially equaling at least the height of said bottles, and lengths substantially equaling at least the circumference of the same are assumed, which arrangement is provided with the cooperatively-fastening members chosen among a zip, Velcro, and push buttons for resulting into a releasably fasten-able jacket around the bottle to be warmed.

In independent embodiments of the present invention, the sleeve (005) is dimensioned to accommodate baby feeding bottles commercially available in the market along with a possible provision, such as a zip / press buttons etc. for opening and closing the sleeve (005) before, during, and after use. Materially, the sleeve (005) is compatible for washing in wet conditions. An optional antimicrobial treatment and hypoallergenic treatment is contemplated for improving its suitability and acceptance for mass use. In the preferred embodiment recited herein, the warming element and the sleeve (005) are not integral and therefore only the warming element is disposable which solely requires to be replaced for each instance of using the on-the-go device, however in at least one alternative embodiment, the warming element and the sleeve (005) are integral and therefore their resultant combination is disposable which requires to be replaced for each instance of using the on-the-go device (000).

For electrochemical generation of heat the active material (003) is made from a combination of iron, a bio-origin source of carbon, an insulator, and an optional activated carbon component and arranged to have significant surface area for optimum dissipation of heat generated via reaction between the ingredients comprising said active material (003). Special clay / sand is used as an active insulator along with a chloride-based material as a catalyst. All aforesaid materials are mixed well in a specific composition and sealed as layer (003) between the layers (002) and (004). De-ionized water is used as an activator. The heating element is vacuum packed in a pouch / sachet made of multilayered vacuum-packing compatible material such as polyethylene or polypropylene and so on. For further understanding of the reader, the ingredients, and their functionalities are as under-

Primary reactant: Acts as an electrode, undergoes an exothermic reaction upon access to air and results in heat energy along with water vapor
Carbon source: Forms an electrochemical cell in combination with the primary reactant and also helps distribute the heat across the sample uniformly
Initiator: A source of H+ and OH- ions, such as water, this initiates the exothermic reaction for warming application as proposed herein
Catalyst: An alkali or alkaline earth metal chloride or other compound that helps to generate H+ and OH- ions in the initiator and accelerates the reaction is used
Dielectric Material: Used to store the heat generated within the system without quickly losing it to the environment
Odor control compound: such as menthol, or curcumin based compounds which release a preferred / pleasant odor under control of the heat released during course of exothermic reaction for warming application as proposed herein
Porous absorbent material: Can naturally or through physicochemical modifications hold enough quantities of initiator, such as water, or the odor control compound and release over the duration of the use of the warmer device proposed herein

According to one aspect of the present invention, the exothermic reaction manifested using ingredients of the active material (003) are selected from those involving formation of hydroxides and then eventually formation of ferric oxide, of which initialization is via exposure to air. Importantly, it is critical that flux of such reactions is directed at hydroxide formation while getting most of the iron oxidized. Evolution of H2 is an advantage as it slows down corrosion rate for direct oxidation reactions.

It shall be appreciated that a variety of chemical reactions taught in classical theory can be harnessed for purpose of the present invention, said reaction(s) being typified in having spontaneous (but not necessarily fast) negative delta G values. Higher delta S values indicate good possibility of rise in temperature. The present inventors particularly recommend harnessing reactions where hydroxides are formed, and by which hydroxides are converted to oxides with release of water. An exemplary set of reactions occurring is showcased in Example 2 later in this document.

Operation of device (000), as enabled by the foregoing unique construction and assembly, in the preferred embodiment, characteristically enjoins electrochemically derived heat energy for warming food items in absence of conventional means for heating. It is intended that the exothermic reaction initiates, when external pouch is ruptured and air reaches contents of the active element held there-within. Here, heat energy generated by the active layer (003) is transferred to contents held within the baby feeding bottle (001) principally via direct conduction. Furthermore, the exothermic reaction so arranged results in generation of water vapors which augment the heat transfer process by condensing externally on walls of the baby feeding bottle (001) to thereby result in transfer of latent heat from condensed water vapor to the baby feeding bottle (001). Additionally, transfer of the electrochemically-derived heat is also manifested via convection currents / eddies of water vapor being circulated around the baby feeding bottle (001). Use of corrugated surfaces on internal walls of layers (005) and (002) is contemplated herein to serve in increasing the residency and therefore heat dissipation from the water vapors to the baby feeding bottle (001).

As mentioned in the foregoing narration, reactants for the exothermic reaction outlined above are vacuum packed in a pouch / sachet (not shown in the drawings) made of multilayered vacuum-packing compatible material such as polyethylene or polypropylene and so on. Once this packet is opened via manual rupture (of perforations / cuts pre-arranged on the pouch / sachet) reaction between the ingredients held there-within ensues, thereby providing instantaneous heat without involving any conventional sources of heat energy. In independent trials conducted by the present inventors, instantaneous generation and efficient transfer of heat, therein achieving quick warming of the food item / beverage to a temperature of about 35oC to 55oC has been observed, typically a temperature difference of 20oC from the un-warmed state, thereby overcoming deficits inherent to prior art. FIGURE 7 is a graph showing warming action upon milk.

According to another aspect of the present invention, aforementioned components of device (000) are selected having biodegradable ingredients of natural origin. Source of carbon and mineral used for generation and storage of heat respectively are of natural / biological origin compared to products conventionally-employed for similar applications as the present invention.

Industrial applicability and best mode of performing the present invention
Driven by the changing lifestyle and the necessity to travel with infants and toddlers there is a growing need for a portable feeding bottle warmer that can warm the baby milk (or water) to the right temperature for feeding a baby. Accordingly, the present invention has been reduced to practice by the inventors named herein in format of an air-activated, instant, portable, non-electric and ready to use feeding bottle warmer that can warm the baby milk to the right temperature. More specifically, reference is now made to certain examples that showcase an illustrious non-limiting yet-preferred embodiment of the present invention, being an on-the-go warmer for baby feeding bottles.

Example 1: Construction of wrap / sleeve
Referring to the accompanying FIGURE 1, it can be seen that the on-the-go device (000) for warming baby feeding bottles comprises a wrap / sleeve (005) having a sheet like construction that can be wrapped around a baby feeding bottle (001). Said wrap / sleeve (005) is made of moisture resistant or easy wash material. This wrap / sleeve (005) also serves for product aesthetics, hence can be provided with user-defined stylish, colourful and trendy finishing. Dimensions of the on-the-go warming device (000) are intended to classically jacket the fluid-storage space / body of a baby feeding bottle (001) shown in FIGURE 5. A height of 4 inches is shown, which can be scaled up or down depending on size, shape, and area of the bottle to be contacted.

It shall be understood that the -the-go device (000) for warming baby feeding bottles proposed herein is activated by air, hence must have the wrap / sleeve (005) designed to allow air circulation about the warming element made of layers (002, 003 and 004). It should be noted that the wrap / sleeve (005) is designed for re-use while the warming element is one-time single use and may be conveniently replaced with a new one for each instance of use of the device (000).

Example 2: Active layer
As mentioned in the foregoing narration, ingredients of the active layer (003) are mixed well in a specific composition and sealed as layer (003) between the layers (002) and (004). A preferred composition is provided in Table 1 below.
Species Ingredient Quantity Range (%)
Primary reactant Iron in powdered form / filing / dust 1/2 to 5/7
Carbon source Activated carbon (incompletely burnt wood / coal) 1/7 to 2/7
Initiator (A source of H+ and OH- ions, such as water) Water / glycol-water mixture As defined by stoichiometry of the probable reactions
Catalyst (An alkali or alkaline earth metal chloride or other compound) Any Grp I or GRp II halide salts; KCl 1/20 to 1/2
Dielectric Material Any mineral silicate, silica, diatomaceous earth, vermiculites 1/20 to 1/10
Odor control compound (such as menthol, or curcumin based compounds) menthol, or curcumin based compounds 1/100
Porous absorbent material Silica-based absorbent materials, glues, deliquescent materials 1/10 to 1/5

Table 1

Chemical reactions designed to occur via ingredients of the active layer:
"Fe(S)+ H2O(l) ? Fe2O3 + H2(g)" …………………….. (1)
"?Go298 = -14.26kJ/mol" , "?So298 = +94.16J/(Mol*k)"

"Fe(S)+ 2H2O(l) ? Fe2(OH)2(s) + H2(g)" …………………….. (2)
"?Go298 = -15.72kJ/mol" , "?So298 = +51.36J/(Mol*k)"

"Fe(S)+ 3H2O(l) ? Fe2(OH)3(s) + " 3/2 "H2(g)" …………………….. (3)
"?Go298 = +6.42kJ/mol" , "?So298 = +63.45J/(Mol*k)"

"2Fe(S)+ 3H2O(l) ? Fe2O3(s) + " 3"H2(g)" …………………….. (4)
"?Go298 = -30.78kJ/mol" , "?So298 = +214.29J/(Mol*k)"

"2Fe(OH)2(S) ? Fe3O4(s) + " 2"H2O(l) + H2(g)" …………………….. (5)
"?Go298 = -19.68kJ/mol" , "?So298 = +152.15J/(Mol*k)"

"2Fe(OH)2(S) ? Fe2O3(s) + " 3"H2O(l) " …………………….. (6)
"?Go298 = -43.62kJ/mol" , "?So298 = +88.05J/(Mol*k)"

Thermodynamics of oxidation of Fe2+ ions with O2 in aqueous phase:
"Fe2+(aq) + O2(aq) + H+(aq) ? Fe3+(aq) + HO2(aq) " …………………….. (7)
"?Go298 = +86.95kJ/mol"

"2Fe2+(aq) + O2(aq) + 2H+(aq) ? 2Fe3+(aq) + H2O2(aq) " …………………….. (8)
"?Go298 = +12.8kJ/mol"

"7Fe2+(aq) + O2(aq) + 4H+(aq) ? 4Fe3+(aq) + 2H2O(aq) " …………………….. (9)
"?Go298 = -177.40kJ/mol"

Reaction of pure iron with ferric cations Fe3+ in aqueous phase:
"Fe(s) + 2Fe3+(aq) ? 3Fe2+(aq)" …………………….. (10)
"?Go298 = -233.5kJ/mol" , "?So298 = +273J/(Mol*k)"

Example 2: Protocol of use
The on-the-go device (000) for warming baby feeding bottles taught by the present invention is designed for utmost easy usage, preferably within a smooth operation that can be completed preferably with one hand with minimum number of steps. Accordingly, the user is expected to follow the general protocol sequence below-
Fill bottle with say 200 ml of fluid of interest (milk or water).
Close the bottle with its nipple and cap (for baby feeding bottles).
Ensure that both the baby bottle warmer and outer surface of the bottle are dry / wipe with absorbent cloth if otherwise.
Tear open a packet containing the heating element with the help of V-cut provided in the packaging.
Unfold the heating element and wait for about 45 seconds to 1 minute for the exothermic reaction to initiate. During this stage, the heating element may be kept on the floor or suitable surface, rather than holding in hand, as it tends to get very hot, up to 90oC.
Remove the protection layer on the adhesive strip (optionally provided on surface of the layer 002 facing the bottle), wrap the bottle with the heating element, ensure snug fit with the help of adhesive.
Place the wrapped bottle inside the sleeve and close the sleeve with the help of Velcro, zip and adhesive as may be provided for snug sealed fit with the bottle.
Ensure the sleeve with bottle is placed vertically on a flat surface
Milk should ready in about 15 minutes for consumption by the baby

Example 4: Alternative embodiments
The on-the-go warmer shown in FIGURE 1 for baby bottles can be designed alternatively for different sizes, shapes, and areas of the bottle to be contacted, by varying the pockets facing the areas of the bottle to be contacted. Spaces in-between said pockets form a lattice through which heated air flows and heats the bottle held within. The present inventors recognize that design of said lattice is instrumental in deciding residency of heated air, avoiding or removing condensate that may otherwise be generated as a result of heating the baby bottle and also the ability to snugly wrap around the bottle to be heated. The accompanying FIGURES 8 (a to d) show few of these alternative embodiments where, in FIGURE 8(a) the pockets are arranged in two rows with each pocket assuming a 2” X 2.5” rectangular geometry. In another embodiment shown at FIGURE 8(b), the pockets are arranged in a single row longitudinally parallel arrangement having each pocket of 4” X 0.8” vertical bar geometry. In yet another embodiment shown at FIGURE 8(c), the pockets are arranged in two rows with each pocket assuming a 2” X 1” rectangular geometry. In yet another embodiment shown at FIGURE 8(d), the pockets are arranged in a single row with each successive pocket assuming a 2” X 1” rectangular geometry. Non-linear patterns such as one shown in FIGURE 8(e) which further help to increase the residency of water vapors are contemplated to be covered as an additional embodiment of the present invention.

The inventors intend three distinct modes of implementation of the present invention, identified by that-

the sleeve (005) and warming element are separate, that is, the warming element and the sleeve (005) are not integral and therefore only the warming element is disposable which solely requires to be replaced for each instance of using the on-the-go device (000)
the sleeve (005) and warming element are integral / conjoined, that is the warming element and the sleeve (005) are integral and therefore their resultant combination is disposable which requires to be replaced for each instance of using the on-the-go device (000)
Same as b), but the sleeve (005) and warming element are integral / conjoined in a manner allowing the bottle to rupture seal of the warming element while being pushed into the sleeve.

The reader shall appreciate that many more patterns, designs, and arrangements of pockets are possible apart from the ones mentioned above, all of which are intended to be covered as equivalents and / or their combinations under ambit of the present invention.
As evident from the foregoing narration, the present invention is a novel device designed to harness, and therein effectively transfer, chemically/electrochemically generated heat energy for advantageously establishing an on-the-go baby bottle warming device. It is important to note in the present invention, that efficient transfer of heat, than its generation, are responsible for success in implementation and therein scoring above combined teachings of prior art. Table 2 below is a compilation of test data, demonstrating an increase in temperature of 200 milk contained in a feeding bottle as attained by the baby bottle warmer proposed herein, when having various alternative forms and arrangements of the pockets.

Pocket / Cell size Weight per cell (g) Temperature log (oC)
@ 0 min (room temperature) @ 10 min @ 20 min @ 30 min
1” × 1”, 7 cells, 4 strips 2 23.1(31.3) 38.9
(?T = 15.8) 35.1
2” × 1”, 7 cells, 2 strips 5 22.9 (30.2) 42.9
(?T = 20.0) 43.0 40.8
2” × 1”, 5 cells,2 strips 5 19.4 (31.8) 35.7
(?T = 16.3) 35.6 35.8
2” × 2.5”, 3 cells, 2 strips 15 16.0 (32.0) 35.2
(?T = 19.2) 39.8 40.0
2” × 2.5”, 3 cells, 2 strips
(No support sheet) 15 18.5 (32.0) 33.8
(?T = 15.3) 36.4 35.3
4” × 0.8”, 1 cell,
8 strips(vertical) 10 16.0 (32.0) 35.2
(?T = 19.2) 52.8 48.9
4” × 1”, 6 cells,
1 strips (6 vertical) 10 24.2
(31.7) 38.2
(?T = 14.0) 38.5 37.9
4” × 1”, 7 cells,
1 strips (7 vertical) 10 22.2
(31.7) 42.8
(?T = 20.6) 47.8 47.8
4” × 0.8”, 1 cell,
8 strips (vertical) 10 16.0
(32) 35.2
(?T = 19.2) 52.8 48.9

Table 2

From the foregoing narration, an able device for instantaneous warming of food items, particularly liquids such as milk and water, as may be held in a baby feeding bottle is thus provided with improved functionality, durability (under storage), and cost-effectiveness than any of its closest peers in state-of-art.

As will be realized further, the present invention is capable of various other embodiments and that its several components and related details are capable of various alterations, all without departing from the basic concept of the present invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive in any form whatsoever. Modifications and variations of the system and apparatus described herein will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are intended to come within ambit of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

It shall be generally noted that at least a major portion of the foregoing disclosures of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in files or records of the receiving Patent Office(s), but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. ,CLAIMS:1] An non-electric on-the-go device (000) for warming contents of a receptacle, comprising:

a) Releasable warming means, being a disposable warming element in particular, consisting of two selectively-permeable layers (002) and (004) for snugly wrapping around at least a substantial portion of an exterior wall of the receptacle in which contents to be heated are held;

b) an active layer (003) sandwiched between the selectively-permeable layers (002) and (004) which, when exposed to air, exhibits a controlled exothermic chemical reaction of which the heat output is directed toward warming contents of the receptacle jacketed by the warming element; and

c) releasable insulating means, being a reusable sleeve (005) in particular, for snugly jacketing at least a substantial portion of the disposable warming element while in use to thereby contain the heat generated for warming contents of the receptacle using the device (000).

Characterized in that-
- the reusable sleeve (005) is made of pliable material that allows it to be releasably received in a snug fit around the disposable warming element to thereby contain the disposable warming element in snug fit association with the receptacle as well as contain heat output of said disposable warming element while the non-electric on-the-go device (000) is in use;

- the active layer (003) is packaged into compartments within the disposable warming element that are suitably designed to allow optimal thermal transfer, via a blend of conduction and convection, from the disposable warming element to the receptacle;
- at least a majority of ingredients making up the active layer (003) and products of the controlled exothermic chemical reaction are eco-friendly; and

- inner surfaces of the reusable sleeve (005) and the disposable warming element are arranged to have surface structures designed for increasing residency of heated air and vapour occurring both between the disposable warming element and the receptacle and between the disposable warming element and the reusable sleeve (005) for efficient heating of contents of the receptacle.

2] The non-electric on-the-go device (000) for warming contents of a receptacle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receptacle is a common art baby-feeding bottle (001) chosen among sizes and geometries commonly available in the market.

3] The non-electric on-the-go device (000) for warming contents of a receptacle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the layers (002) and (004) are made from a composite hydrophobic material selected among multilayered spun-bound and melt blown films of polypropylene that is impervious to solids and liquids but selectively allows vapor and air to flow through.

4] The non-electric on-the-go device (000) for warming contents of a receptacle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reusable sleeve (005) is made from a moisture-resistant and easy-to-wash fabric chosen among chloroprene, neoprene, silicone, leather, velvet, their equivalents and their combinations.

5] The non-electric on-the-go device (000) for warming contents of a receptacle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reusable sleeve (005) and disposable warming element have their respective widths substantially equaling at least the height of the receptacle in which the contents to be heated are held.

6] The non-electric on-the-go device (000) for warming contents of a receptacle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reusable sleeve (005) and disposable warming element have their respective lengths substantially equaling at least the circumference of the receptacle in which the contents to be heated are held.

7] The non-electric on-the-go device (000) for warming contents of a receptacle as claimed in claim 1, wherein opposite ends of the reusable sleeve (005) and disposable warming element are provided with cooperatively-fastening members chosen among a zip, Velcro, and push buttons for releasably locking them in place respectively while the device (000) is in use.

8] The non-electric on-the-go device (000) for warming contents of a receptacle as claimed in claim 1, wherein alternatively-

a) the warming element and the sleeve (005) are not integral and therefore only the warming element is disposable which solely requires to be replaced for each instance of using the on-the-go device (000); and

b) the warming element and the sleeve (005) are integral and therefore their resultant combination is disposable which requires to be replaced for each instance of using the on-the-go device (000).

9] The non-electric on-the-go device (000) for warming contents of a receptacle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the active layer (003) includes a vacuum-packed arrangement consisting of-

a) 1/2 to 5/7 portion of a primary reactant, particularly finely divided iron, that acts as an electrode and undergoes an exothermic reaction upon access to air to thereby result in generation of heat energy along with hot water vapor;

b) 1/7 to 2/7 portion of a carbon source, particularly activated carbon, that forms an electrochemical cell in combination with the primary reactant and also helps distribute the heat across the liquid uniformly;

c) An initiator, particularly selected among de-ionized water and mixture of glycol and water, that initiates the exothermic reaction;
d) 1/20 to 1/2 portion of a catalyst, particularly a Grp I or GRp II halide salt, that helps ion generation in the initiator to thereby accelerate the exothermic reaction;

e) 1/20 to 1/10 portion of a dielectric material, particularly selected among mineral silicates, silica, diatomaceous earth, and vermiculites, to store the heat generated as a source of latent heat to the system;

f) 1/100 portion of a odor controlling substance, particularly chosen among menthol and curcumin based compounds, for releasing a pleasant odor under control of the heat released during course of exothermic reaction; and

g) 1/10 to 1/5 portion of a porous material, particularly chosen from silica-based absorbent materials, glues, deliquescent materials, to hold and provide sustained release of the initiator and the odor controlling substance.

10] The non-electric on-the-go device (000) for warming contents of a receptacle as claimed in either one of the claims 1 or 9, wherein the warming element containing the active layer (003) is originally vacuum-packed in an air-impervious disposable pouch designed for tear-to-use application by inclusion of perforations, particularly a V-shaped cut, thereby allow a user to manually rupture said pouch and bring the active layer in contact with air to initiate generation of heat at the time of using the device (000)

11] The non-electric on-the-go device (000) for warming contents of a receptacle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve (005) is optionally supported by a corrugated cellulosic sheet for structural rigidity.

12] The non-electric on-the-go device (000) for warming contents of a receptacle as claimed in claims 1 and 9, wherein compartments in the warming element for holding the active layer (003) are arranged to assume one among the following configurations:

a) 7 cells of size 1inch × 1inch arranged in 4 strips where each cell holds 2g of the active layer (003);

b) 7 cells of size 2inch × 1inch arranged in 2 strips where each cell holds 5g of the active layer (003);

c) 5 cells of size 2inch × 1inch arranged in 2 strips where each cell holds 5g of the active layer (003);

d) 3 cells of size 2inch × 2.5inch arranged in 2 strips where each cell holds 15g of the active layer (003);

e) 1 cells of size 4inch × 0.8inch arranged in 8 strip where each cell holds 10g of the active layer (003);

f) 6 cells of size 4inch × 1inch arranged in 1 strip where each cell holds 10g of the active layer (003);

g) 7 cells of size 4inch × 1inch arranged in 1 strip where each cell holds 10g of the active layer (003); and

h) 1 cell of size 4inch × 0.8inch arranged in 8 strips where each cell holds 10g of the active layer (003).