A self-heating or self-cooling system and method for providing instant cooling or heating to a product or a surrounding area. The system can include an outer container that is configured to slidably receive an inner container. A piercing member extends from a bottom wall of the outer container and is configured to pierce, break or rupture a sealed end of the inner container so that at least two separate liquids can mix to either create an exothermic reaction that produces heat or an endothermic that absorbs heat or has a cooling effect. The inner and outer containers can be lock in a closed position when the inner container is pushed into the outer container. A sealing arrangement is configured between an interior surface of the outer container and an exterior surface of the inner container to prevent leakage of fluid from the interior chamber of the outer container.

A container for heating tortillas, quesadillas, pitas, or similar food articles in a toaster. The food articles have a moisture content by weight ranging from 30% to 52% prior to heating in the toaster. The container comprises an upright structure adapted to removably fit into the vertical slot of a conventional toaster and be supported by the toaster during a toaster heating cycle. The upright structure has a front and back connected to a hinged or metal ring bound bottom. The sides consist of a stainless-steel wire frame with vertical grate front and back which provides apertures for passing heat from the toaster to the food article located inside the container. The container is openable to permit removal of the food article after heating.

A box for handling a heated dish comprising a plurality of surfaces defining a volume sized to enclose the dish, with one of the surfaces being an operative surface. The box further comprises a score line on the operative surface that defines a removable portion sealing an opening in the operative surface, which is dimensioned to suspend the dish within the volume. A method of manufacturing the box includes identifying cutting lines and crease lines on a box template. The crease lines define a plurality of surfaces of the box, one of which is an operative surface. The method further includes identifying a score line that is on the operative surface and defines a removable portion dimensioned to accommodate the dish. The method further includes cutting a stock material with a cutting die to produce a cut material, and folding the cut material along the crease lines, forming the box.

A temperature control device for a container includes a base, a projection extending from the base and temperature control substance contained within an inner chamber of the projection. The base has a bottom wall, at least one side wall, and a top wall from which the projection extends. The projection includes a side wall, a bottom wall and a top wall which together define an inner chamber in which the temperature control substance is located. Preferably, the temperature control substance is one of a phase changing material or an activated carbon. The device is configured to connect with a bottom wall opening of a container to provide temperature control to the contents located within the container.

Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for preparing food. In some embodiments, a food preparation device may include a container that includes a cavity that may define an internal volume of the container. The food preparation device may also include a first plate coupled to a first end of the container. The first plate may include at least one hole configured to receive the at least one food ingredient. Also included may be a second plate coupled to a second end of the container and a mixing device coupled to the first plate. The mixing device may be configured to mix at least a portion of the internal volume of the container. The food preparation device may also include a heat transfer device coupled to the container. The heat transfer device may be configured to exchange thermal energy with the internal volume of the container.

A temperature control device for a container includes a base, a projection extending from the base and temperature control substance contained within an inner chamber of the projection. The base has a bottom wall, at least one side wall, and a top wall from which the projection extends. The projection includes a side wall, a bottom wall and a top wall which together define an inner chamber in which the temperature control substance is located. Preferably, the temperature control substance is one of a phase changing material or an activated carbon. The device is configured to connect with a bottom wall opening of a container to provide temperature control to the contents located within the container.

Containers for food, and methods and systems for making and using the same. An exemplary container for food can include an insulated tray including one or more sub-units and one or more heat sink units configured to store the food and fit in the tray. An alternative container can include a container base and a receptacle fitting in the container base, the container base including one or more thermal function pieces therein for maintaining a temperature of the receptacle. An alternative container can include a serving base defining one or more slots for holding the food items, respectively, and a cover configured to cooperate with the serving base, wherein at least the serving base, or at least the cover, includes a thermal function piece, the thermal function piece including a phase-change material. An exemplary method for using the container includes treating the phase-change material to an initial temperature.

A temperature control device for a container includes a base, a projection extending from the base and temperature control substance contained within an inner chamber of the projection. The base has a bottom wall, at least one side wall, and a top wall from which the projection extends. The projection includes a side wall, a bottom wall and a top wall which together define an inner chamber in which the temperature control substance is located. Preferably, the temperature control substance is one of a phase changing material or an activated carbon. The device is configured to connect with a bottom wall opening of a container to provide temperature control to the contents located within the container.

Containers for food, and methods and systems for making and using the same. An exemplary container for food can include an insulated tray including one or more sub-units and one or more heat sink units configured to store the food and fit in the tray. An alternative container can include a container base and a receptacle fitting in the container base, the container base including one or more thermal function pieces therein for maintaining a temperature of the receptacle. An alternative container can include a serving base defining one or more slots for holding the food items, respectively, and a cover configured to cooperate with the serving base, wherein at least the serving base, or at least the cover, includes a thermal function piece, the thermal function piece including a phase-change material. An exemplary method for using the container includes treating the phase-change material to an initial temperature.

Containers for food, and methods and systems for making and using the same. An exemplary container for food can include an insulated tray including one or more sub-units and one or more heat sink units configured to store the food and fit in the tray. An alternative container can include a container base and a receptacle fitting in the container base, the container base including one or more thermal function pieces therein for maintaining a temperature of the receptacle. An alternative container can include a serving base defining one or more slots for holding the food items, respectively, and a cover configured to cooperate with the serving base, wherein at least the serving base, or at least the cover, includes a thermal function piece, the thermal function piece including a phase-change material. An exemplary method for using the container includes treating the phase-change material to an initial temperature.