Abstract: A steam generator device has a first and a second chamber, and walls mutually isolating the two chambers. Reagents which react together to generate steam when in mutual contact are mutually separated by a barrier, and disposed in the first chamber. An opening member forms a first opening between the chambers and a second opening through the barrier. Hence the reagents come into contact via said second opening, the reagents react thereby generating steam, and the steam flows through the first opening into the second chamber.

Abstract: A self-heating container (10) has an internal cavity (22) for its contents and an external cavity (20) for a heating mechanism, for example, comprised of first and second chemically reactive materials which are arranged to be mixed when heating is required. A closure (30) closes the external cavity (20). When the heating mechanism is operated to mix the chemicals and cause an exothermic reaction, vapour, such as steam and hot air, is produced. The closure (30) carries an annular sealing flange (100) which engages with an annular shoulder (102) of the container. The sealing flange (100) seals the external cavity to atmosphere and preserves the reactivity of the chemicals therein. However, the sealing flange (100) is moved away from the shoulder (102) when the generation of the vapour increases the pressure in the external cavity (20) whereby the vapour is vented to atmosphere.

Abstract: A self-heating container (10) has an internal cavity (22) for its contents and an external cavity (20) for a heating mechanism, for example, comprised of first and second chemically reactive materials which are arranged to be mixed when heating is required. A protective cover (52) is engaged on the can over the top end member (14) to prevent access to a ring-pull opener (50). The protective cover (52) has been shrunk onto the can such that it cannot be removed normally. However, when the can and its contents have been heated to the predetermined temperature by operation of the heating mechanism, the protective cover (52) expands in size relative to the can (10) and is removable. The ring-pull opener (50) may then be opened to enable the contents to be dispensed. After opening, the cover (52) may be reengaged on the can to provide an insulated drinking lip which protects the consumer against the heat of the can and provides a more pleasant surface to drink from than the edge of the can itself.