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, vapor, such as steam and hot air, is produced. The vapor is constrained to flow to the exterior of the closure (30) through grooves (62) therein. A sleeve (60) is arranged around the container (10) contiguous to the closure (30) such that the exiting vapor is constrained to flow between the sleeve (30) and the can (10). By this means, a user of the can is protected from coming into contact with the hot steam and air and the heat in the vapor generated can enhance the heating process.

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 closure (30) closes the external cavity (20). When the heating mechanism is operated to mix the chemicals and cause an exothermic reaction, vapor, such as steam and hot air, is produced. The vapor is constrained to flow to the exterior of the closure (30) through grooves (62) therein. A sleeve (60) is arranged around the container (10) contiguous to the closure (30) such that the exiting vapor is constrained to flow between the sleeve (30) and the can (10). By this means, a user of the can is protected from coming into contact with the hot steam and air and the heat in the vapor generated can enhance the heating process.