Container with integral module for heating or cooling the contents and method for its manufacture

Abstract

A container having a container body, a thermic module at one end of the body, and a closure at the other end of the body initiates an internal exothermic (or, alternatively, endothermic) chemical reaction to heat its contents when a user actuates the thermic module. A plastic thermic module body is spin-welded to a plastic container body by rotating one relative to and in contact with the other. The container body has multiple layers, including an inner layer such as a so-called oxygen barrier layer that inhibits oxidation and spoilage of the contents, and spin-welding the container body to the module body seals the otherwise-exposed oxygen barrier layer against air or moisture intrusion. The container includes a rotatable cover adhered to the container end over the closure with heat-sensitive adhesive that prevents a user from accessing the contents until a certain temperature is reached. The thermic module further includes a seal between an inner actuator button and an outer actuator button that seals the thermic module reactants against moisture intrusion prior to use, and is punctured when the thermic module is actuated. The thermic module may also include a filter disposed in interfering relation with the thermic module vents, including a portion between the inner and outer actuator buttons, to block egress of any particles of the solid reactant or the reaction product.