Patent Description:
Foodstuff packaging including foodstuff contained therein are known. While existing foodstuff packaging including foodstuff contained therein perform adequately for their intended purpose, improvements to foodstuff packaging including foodstuff contained therein are continuously being sought in order to advance the arts. in the state of the art are known documents.

One aspect of the disclosure provides an assembly as set out in claim <NUM>.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. The second foodstuff material may be selected from the group consisting of: granola, muesli, oats, seeds, nuts and cereal.

In some implementations, the first foodstuff material may be selected from the group consisting of: chocolate and fudge.

In some examples, the first foodstuff material may include ice cream.

In some examples, the heating element may include a first portion and a second portion that is detachably-connected to the first portion. The first portion of the heating element may include an inner surface, an outer surface and one or more passages formed in the outer surface of the first portion of the heating element. The second portion of the heating element may include an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the second portion of the heating element may be disposed adjacent the outer surface of the first portion of the heating element. The inner surface of the first portion of the heating element may be disposed adjacent the outer surface of the base portion of the foodstuff container.

In some implementations, the first portion of the heating element may define a cavity that contains a chemically-activated material. More particularly, the chemically-activated material may be an oxygen-activated material. The second portion of the heating element may be a removable film member. Upon removing the removable film member of the heating element from the first portion of the heating element, the one or more passages formed in the outer surface of the first portion of the heating element may arrange the chemically-activated material in direct fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere for permitting oxygen to chemically react with the chemically-activated material for causing the first portion of the heating element to generate heat.

In some examples, the chemically-activated material includes zinc. When the oxygen chemically reacts with the zinc, the zinc may become zinc oxide.

Both of the first foodstuff and the second foodstuff are contained within the foodstuff-receiving cavity of the foodstuff container.

The foodstuff packaging includes a foodstuff separator arranged within the foodstuff-receiving cavity of the foodstuff container for separating the foodstuff-receiving cavity into: a first foodstuff-receiving cavity portion that is sized for receiving an amount of the first foodstuff and a second foodstuff-receiving cavity portion that is sized for receiving an amount of the second foodstuff.

The foodstuff separator includes an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface connecting the upper surface to the lower surface. The foodstuff separator may also be defined by a thickness extending between the upper surface of the foodstuff separator and the lower surface of the foodstuff separator. The foodstuff separator includes a plurality of passages that extend through the thickness of the foodstuff separator for arranging the first foodstuff-receiving cavity portion in fluid communication with the second foodstuff-receiving cavity portion.

In some examples, the heating element is attached to the foodstuff container. In other examples, the heating element is formed with the foodstuff container. In yet other examples, not according to the invention, the heating element is formed with the closure.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method for assembling an assembly, as set out in claim <NUM>.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure, not according to the invention, provides a method for utilizing an assembly. The method may include: providing foodstuff packaging including a foodstuff container defining a foodstuff-receiving cavity, a heating element attached to a surface of the foodstuff container. The heating element may include a first portion and a second portion that is detachably-connected to the first portion. The first portion of the heating element includes chemically-activated material. The method may also include detachably-removing the second portion of the heating element from the first portion of the heating element for permitting oxygen from surrounding atmosphere to chemically react with the chemically-activated material for causing the first portion of the heating element to generate heat. The method may also include transferring the heat generated by the first portion of the heating element from the heating element to the foodstuff container. The method may also include further transferring the heat generated by the first portion of the heating element from the heating element to a first foodstuff by way of the foodstuff container. The first foodstuff may be contained within the foodstuff-receiving cavity of the foodstuff container. The method may also include utilizing the heat that is transferred to the first foodstuff for transitioning the first foodstuff from a substantially solid state to a substantially liquid state. The method may also include comingling the first foodstuff that is in the liquid state with the second foodstuff that is contained within the foodstuff-receiving cavity of the foodstuff container for forming a comingled foodstuff within the foodstuff-receiving cavity of the foodstuff container.

This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the method also includes removing a closure from the foodstuff packaging for accessing the comingled foodstuff within the foodstuff-receiving cavity of the foodstuff container.

In some implementations, the method includes: stirring or shaking the comingled foodstuff within the foodstuff-receiving cavity of the foodstuff container; and consuming the comingled foodstuff that is contained within the foodstuff-receiving cavity of the foodstuff container.

In some examples, the second foodstuff material is selected from the group consisting of: granola, muesli, oats, seeds, nuts and cereal, not being limited by the first foodstuff.

In some implementations, the first foodstuff includes a foodstuff material is selected from the group consisting of: chocolate and fudge, not being limited by the second foodstuff material.

With reference to <FIG>, an assembly <NUM> is shown. The assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of members defining foodstuff packaging (see, e.g., reference numerals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a first foodstuff (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) and a second foodstuff (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>). When the assembly <NUM> is assembled (see, e.g., <FIG> or <FIG>), the first foodstuff <NUM> may be separated from, and not comingled throughout, the second foodstuff <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> may be subsequently activated (see, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>) by a user U (see, e.g., <FIG>) in order to cause a portion (see, e.g., reference numeral 14a) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to impart heat (see, e.g., reference letter H in <FIG>) to the first foodstuff <NUM>; the heat H imparted to the first foodstuff <NUM> may cause the first foodstuff <NUM> to transition or phase change (e.g., melt) from a first state (e.g., solid) to a second state (e.g., liquid). With the assistance of gravity, in the second state the first foodstuff <NUM> may seep or ooze into the second foodstuff <NUM> such that the first foodstuff <NUM> is comingled throughout the second foodstuff <NUM> while the first foodstuff <NUM> and the second foodstuff <NUM> are contained within another portion (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in order to define a comingled foodstuff (see, e.g., reference letter F in <FIG>, <FIG>) that is contained within the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The user U may then remove (see, e.g., <FIG>) another portion (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in order to gain access (see, e.g., <FIG>) to the portion (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that contains the comingled foodstuff F in order to subsequently consume (see, e.g., <FIG>) the comingled foodstuff F.

Referring to <FIG>, the assembly <NUM> may include a foodstuff container <NUM>, a heating element <NUM>, a first foodstuff <NUM>, a second foodstuff <NUM>, and a closure <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate a first methodology for assembling the assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate a second methodology for assembling the assembly <NUM>. The heating element (<NUM>) in one possible embodiment could be attached to the foodstuff container (<NUM>) and can be formed either with the foodstuff container or with the closure (<NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, the foodstuff container <NUM> may include a base portion <NUM> connected to a sidewall portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I and an outer surface <NUM>O. The sidewall portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I, an outer surface <NUM>O, and a distal end surface <NUM>D that connects the inner surface <NUM>I to the outer surface <NUM>O.

The inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> define a foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>. Access to the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> is formed by an opening <NUM> defined by the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> and the distal end surface <NUM>D of the sidewall portion <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> includes a first portion 14a and a second portion 14b. Referring to <FIG>, the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM> includes an inner surface 14aI, an outer surface 14ao, and one or more passages 14aP formed in the outer surface 14ao. The second portion 14b of the heating element <NUM> includes an inner surface 14bI and an outer surface 14bo. The inner surface 14bI of the second portion 14b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface 14ao of the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM>. The inner surface 14aI of the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface <NUM>O of the base portion <NUM>. The second portion 14b of the heating element <NUM> may be a removable film member that is discarded into a trash receptacle T once the inner surface 14bI of the second portion 14b of the heating element <NUM> is selectively-detached from (and no longer disposed adjacent to) the outer surface 14ao of the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM>.

The first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM> further defines a cavity <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> may include a chemically-activated material <NUM>. For example, the chemically-activated material <NUM> may be disposed within the cavity <NUM>. The chemically-activated material <NUM> may include an air-activated material, and more particularly, an oxygen-activated material, such as, for example, zinc. When the inner surface 14bi of the second portion 14b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface 14ao of the first portion 14a, the second portion 14b may prevent fluid communication between the cavity <NUM> and the atmosphere A through the one or more passages 14aP formed in the outer surface 14ao of the first portion 14a. In particular, when the inner surface 14bi of the second portion 14b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface 14ao of the first portion 14a, the one or more passages 14aP may be prevented from fluidly communicating with surrounding atmosphere A (thereby preventing oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages 14aP formed in the outer surface 14ao of the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM> for subsequently contacting the chemically-activated material <NUM>). However, as will be described in the following disclosure at <FIG>, <FIG>, a user U may selectively activate the chemically-activated material <NUM> by removing the second portion 14b of the heating element <NUM> from the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM> in order to permit the oxygen O from the surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages 14aP formed in the outer surface 14ao of the first portion 14a and into the cavity <NUM> such that the oxygen O may come into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. When the oxygen O comes into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>, a chemical reaction takes place (e.g., the zinc defining the chemically-activated material <NUM> becomes zinc oxide), which causes the chemically-activated material <NUM> to generate heat.

Referring to <FIG>, the first foodstuff <NUM> (e.g., chocolate, fudge or the like) may be deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>. In an example, as seen in <FIG>, the first foodstuff <NUM> may be deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> in a liquid state or a solid state. If the first foodstuff <NUM> is in liquid state when it is deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>, the first foodstuff <NUM> may be extruded into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> from an extruder or first foodstuff hopper Hc.

Referring to <FIG>, after a predetermined period of time, the first foodstuff <NUM> may be permitted to cure in order to permit the first foodstuff <NUM> to transition from a liquid state to a solid state. In an example, when the first foodstuff <NUM> is cured into a solid state, the first foodstuff <NUM> may stick to but may also be removably attached to at least a portion of the inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>. In some instances, when the first foodstuff <NUM> is cured into a solid state, the first foodstuff <NUM> may be attached to or disposed over (i) all of the inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> and (ii) a portion of the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> that extends away from the inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM>.

As seen in <FIG>, when the first foodstuff <NUM> has cured into a solid state, the first foodstuff <NUM> may be defined by an upper surface <NUM>I, a lower surface <NUM>O and a side surface <NUM>S connecting the upper surface <NUM>I to the lower surface <NUM>O. The first foodstuff <NUM> may also be defined by a thickness T<NUM> extending between the upper surface <NUM>I and the lower surface <NUM>O. Furthermore, if the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> defines the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> to have a substantially cylindrical shape, the side surface <NUM>S of the first foodstuff <NUM> may define the first foodstuff <NUM> to have a diameter D<NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, after the first foodstuff <NUM> has cured into a solid state, the second foodstuff <NUM> may be deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>. The second foodstuff material <NUM> may include one or more of, but is not limited to: granola, muesli, oats, seeds, nuts, cereal or the like. Although the second foodstuff <NUM> is shown to include a plurality of pieces or units of foodstuff, the second foodstuff <NUM> may include one piece or one unit of foodstuff that is deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM>.

In some examples (with respect to the present embodiment and subsequent embodiments described in the present disclosure with respect to assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the second foodstuff <NUM> may be defined as a "low moisture" food material. Conversely, an exemplary "high moisture" food material may be defined to include, for example, ice cream, chocolate, fudge or the like. Therefore, in some instances, when the second foodstuff <NUM> includes, for example, one or more of granola, muesli, oats, seeds, nuts, cereal or the like, such foodstuff is known to have a relatively low moisture content, and, therefore, may be deemed or defined as being an exemplary "low moisture" foodstuff material. Accordingly, in some instances, the second foodstuff <NUM> may include a "low moisture" foodstuff material, and, in being differentiated from the first foodstuff <NUM>, the second foodstuff <NUM> may be deemed or defined in the negative context as not being a "high moisture" foodstuff material. Furthermore, in other examples, the first foodstuff <NUM> and the second foodstuff <NUM> may be defined as having approximately the same moisture content.

In an example, as seen in <FIG>, the second foodstuff <NUM> may deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> from a second foodstuff hopper HG. The second foodstuff <NUM> may be contained with the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> and arranged upon and over the upper surface <NUM>I of the first foodstuff <NUM> such that that second foodstuff <NUM> is separated from, and not comingled or mixed with, the first foodstuff <NUM>.

As seen in <FIG>, the second foodstuff hopper HG may meter any desirable amount of the second foodstuff <NUM> into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM>. In some instances, the second foodstuff hopper HG may meter an amount of the second foodstuff <NUM> that is approximately equal to a remainder of a volume of the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> that is not occupied by the first foodstuff <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the closure <NUM> includes at least a base portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I and an outer surface <NUM>O.

Optionally, the closure <NUM> may also include a sidewall portion <NUM> connected to the base portion <NUM>. The sidewall portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I, an outer surface <NUM>O, and a distal end surface <NUM>D that connects the inner surface <NUM>I to the outer surface <NUM>O.

The inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> define a container-receiving cavity <NUM>. Access to the container-receiving cavity <NUM> is formed by an opening <NUM> defined by the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> and the distal end surface <NUM>D of the sidewall portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some instances, if the closure <NUM> is not formed with the sidewall portion <NUM> such that the closure <NUM> includes only the base portion <NUM>, the inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> of the closure <NUM> may be removably attached to the distal end surface <NUM>D of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>. Attachment of the inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> of the closure <NUM> to the distal end surface <NUM>D of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> may be conducted in any desirable methodology such as, for example, ultrasonic welding, a friction-fit connection or the like. However, if the closure <NUM> is formed with and includes the sidewall portion <NUM>, the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the closure <NUM> may include a threaded surface (not shown) that cooperates with a corresponding threaded surface (not shown) formed upon a portion of the outer surface <NUM>O of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> in order to removably attach the closure <NUM> to the foodstuff container <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> an alternative methodology for assembling the assembly <NUM> is described. The alternative methodology for assembling the assembly <NUM> of <FIG> is substantially similar to the methodology for assembling the assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. The methodology for assembling the assembly <NUM> of <FIG> does, however, differ from the methodology for assembling the assembly <NUM> of <FIG> as shown and described below at <FIG>; therefore, the following description related to the methodology associated with the assembling of the assembly <NUM> at <FIG> is limited to the disclosure found at <FIG> (i.e., the remaining disclosure associated with the assembly of the assembly <NUM> at <FIG> is substantially the same as the disclosure associated with the assembly of the assembly <NUM> at <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, the first foodstuff <NUM> (e.g., chocolate, fudge or the like) may be deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>. In an example, as seen in <FIG>, the first foodstuff <NUM> may be deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> in a pre-cured, substantially solid form (rather than in liquid form as described above at <FIG>). If the first foodstuff <NUM> is in a pre-cured, substantially solid form when it is deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>, the first foodstuff <NUM> may be metered from a first foodstuff hopper HC that may include, for example, a magazine of prefabricated first foodstuff <NUM> members that are in a pre-cured, substantially solid form.

Referring to <FIG>, the first foodstuff <NUM> may be removably attached to or, alternatively, disposed over at least a portion of the inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>. In some instances, the first foodstuff <NUM> may be attached to or disposed over all of the inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> and a portion of the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> that extends away from the inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a method of utilizing the assembly <NUM> of <FIG> is described. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer surface 14bo of the second portion 14b of the heating element <NUM> may be first optionally arranged upon a support surface S such that the assembly <NUM> is arranged in a "right-side-up" orientation upon the support surface S. Then, as seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer surface <NUM>O of the base portion <NUM> of the closure <NUM> may be arranged upon the support surface S such that the assembly <NUM> is arranged in an "up-side-down" orientation upon the support surface S.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, once the assembly <NUM> is arranged in the "up-side-down" orientation upon the support surface S, the second portion 14b of the heating element <NUM>, which may be a removable film member, is then selectively-detached from the outer surface 14ao of the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, once removed from the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM>, the second portion 14b of the heating element <NUM> may be discarded into a trash receptacle T.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, once the second portion 14b of the heating element <NUM> is selectively-detached from the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM>, the chemically-activated material <NUM> contained within the cavity <NUM> of the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM> is selectively activated. Activation of the chemically-activated material <NUM> contained within the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM> occurs when oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A is permitted to be in fluid communication with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. As described above, when the inner surface 14bI of the second portion 14b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface 14ao of the first portion 14a, the one or more passages 14aP formed in the outer surface 14ao of the first portion 14a are not permitted to be in fluid communication with surrounding atmosphere A (thereby not permitting oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages 14aP formed in the outer surface 14ao of the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM> for subsequently contacting the chemically-activated material <NUM>). However, once the second portion 14b of the heating element <NUM> is removed from the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM> as described above, an oxygen barrier formed by the second portion 14b of the heating element <NUM> no longer exists, and, as a result, oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A is permitted to pass through the one or more passages 14aP formed in the outer surface 14ao of the first portion 14a such that the oxygen O may come into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. When the oxygen O comes into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>, a chemical reaction takes place (e.g., the zinc defining the chemically-activated material <NUM> becomes zinc oxide), which causes the chemically-activated material <NUM> to generate heat H (see, e.g., <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the heat H generated by the chemically-activated material <NUM> of the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM> is passed through the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> such that the heat H is ultimately imparted into and absorbed by the first foodstuff <NUM>. Comparatively, as seen in <FIG>, the heat H causes the first foodstuff <NUM> to transition from a substantially solid state (see, e.g., <FIG>) to a melted, substantially liquid state (see, e.g., <FIG>). As seen in <FIG>, as the first foodstuff <NUM> transitions to a melted, substantially liquid form, the first foodstuff <NUM>, with the assistance of gravity, detaches from one or more of the inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> such that the first foodstuff <NUM> vertically seeps or oozes downwardly and into the second foodstuff <NUM> such that the first foodstuff <NUM> is comingled throughout the second foodstuff <NUM> to define a comingled foodstuff F that is contained within foodstuff container <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the container <NUM>, the heating element <NUM> and the closure <NUM> is then returned to the "right-side-up" orientation upon the support surface S that that the outer surface 14ao of the first portion 14a of the heating element <NUM> is arranged upon the support surface S. Then, as seen in <FIG>, the closure <NUM> may be selectively-removed from the foodstuff container <NUM> such that a user U (see, e.g., <FIG>) may access the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> that contains the comingled foodstuff F. If desired, as seen in <FIG>, the user U may arrange a utensil (e.g., a spoon SP) within the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> for mixing or stirring the comingled foodstuff F. Alternatively, the closure <NUM> could remain attached to the foodstuff container <NUM> and the comingled foodstuff F could be shaken. Then, as seen in <FIG>, the user U may consume the comingled foodstuff F.

In view of the above-described functionality of the heating element <NUM>, it is seen that the first foodstuff <NUM> is heated H by a portion (i.e., the heating element <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> provides a "self-heating" function that avoids the use of a non-packaging, external heat source (e.g., a microwave oven, a gas oven, an electric oven, a stove, fire or the like) for imparting heat to the first foodstuff <NUM>. Furthermore, the arrangement of the heating element <NUM> in an opposing relationship with respect to the first foodstuff <NUM> (due to the arrangement of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> between the heating element <NUM> and the first foodstuff <NUM>) substantially limits the heat H generated by the heating element <NUM> to be mostly received by the first foodstuff <NUM> and not the second foodstuff <NUM>.

Aside from the benefit provided by the "self-heating" functionality of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that avoids the use of a non-packaging external heat source to generate heat for melting the first foodstuff <NUM>, use of some external heat sources (e.g., a microwave oven) may damage and/or ruin the second foodstuff <NUM> when the first foodstuff <NUM> and the second foodstuff <NUM> are both contained within foodstuff packaging (such as the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> associated with the assembly <NUM>). For example, should a microwave oven be utilized to impart heat to the first foodstuff <NUM>, the first foodstuff <NUM> may, as desired, transition from a liquid state to a solid state; however, if the second foodstuff <NUM> is, for example, a "low moisture" food product, the second foodstuff <NUM> may undesirably burn (as a result of having very little or no moisture, which may be evaporated upon being heated) when microwave energy is imparted into the second foodstuff <NUM>. Therefore, although some of the heat H generated by the heating element <NUM> may be imparted into the second foodstuff <NUM>, the heat H from the heating element <NUM> may merely warm the second foodstuff <NUM> while also avoiding any damage / burning of the second foodstuff <NUM>, which would otherwise occur if a non-packaging external heat source (e.g., a microwave oven) were to be utilized for heating the first foodstuff <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary assembly, which is shown generally at <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of members defining foodstuff packaging (see, e.g., reference numerals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a first foodstuff (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) and a second foodstuff (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>). When the assembly <NUM> is assembled (see, e.g., <FIG>), the first foodstuff <NUM> may be separated from, and not comingled throughout, the second foodstuff <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> may be subsequently activated (see, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>) by a user U (see, e.g., <FIG>) in order to cause a portion (see, e.g., reference numeral 114a) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to impart heat (see, e.g., reference letter H in <FIG>) to the first foodstuff <NUM>; the heat H imparted to the first foodstuff <NUM> causes the first foodstuff <NUM> to phase change (e.g., melt) from a first state (e.g., solid) to a second state (e.g., liquid). With the assistance of gravity, in the second state the first foodstuff <NUM> vertically seeps or oozes into the second foodstuff <NUM> such that the first foodstuff <NUM> is comingled throughout the second foodstuff <NUM> while the first foodstuff <NUM> and the second foodstuff <NUM> are contained within another portion (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in order to define a comingled foodstuff (see, e.g., reference letter F in <FIG>, <FIG>) that is contained within the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The user U may then remove (see, e.g., <FIG>) another portion (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in order to gain access (see, e.g., <FIG>) to the portion (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that contains the comingled foodstuff F in order to subsequently consume (see, e.g., <FIG>) the comingled foodstuff F.

Referring to <FIG>, the assembly <NUM> may include a foodstuff container <NUM>, a heating element <NUM>, a first foodstuff <NUM>, a second foodstuff <NUM>, a closure <NUM>, and a foodstuff separator <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate a methodology for assembling the assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the foodstuff container <NUM> may include a base portion <NUM> connected to a sidewall portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> may include an inner surface <NUM>I and an outer surface <NUM>O. The sidewall portion <NUM> may include an inner surface <NUM>I, an outer surface <NUM>O and a distal end surface <NUM>D connects the inner surface <NUM>I to the outer surface <NUM>O.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> may include a first portion 114a and a second portion 114b. Referring to <FIG>, the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM> includes an inner surface 114aI, an outer surface 114ao and one or more passages 114aP formed in the outer surface 114aO. The second portion 114b of the heating element <NUM> includes an inner surface 114bI and an outer surface 114bo. The inner surface 114bI of the second portion 114b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface 114ao of the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM>. The inner surface 114aI of the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface <NUM>O of the base portion <NUM>. The second portion 114b of the heating element <NUM> may be a removable film member that is discarded into a trash receptacle T once the inner surface 114bI of the second portion 114b of the heating element <NUM> is selectively-detached from (and no longer disposed adjacent to) the outer surface 114ao of the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM>.

The first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM> further defines a cavity <NUM> that may include a chemically-activated material <NUM>. For example, the chemically-activated material <NUM> may be disposed within the cavity <NUM>. The chemically-activated material <NUM> may include an air-activated material, and more particularly, an oxygen-activated material, such as, for example, zinc. When the inner surface 114bI of the second portion 114b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface 114ao of the first portion 114a, the second portion 114b may prevent fluid communication between the cavity <NUM> and the atmosphere A through the one or more passages 114aP. In particular, when the inner surface 114bi of the second portion 114b is disposed adj acent the outer surface 114ao of the first portion 114a, the one or more passages 14aP are prevented from fluidly communicating with surrounding atmosphere A (thereby not permitting oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages 114aP formed in the outer surface 114ao of the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM> for subsequently contacting the chemically-activated material <NUM>). However, as will be described in the following disclosure at <FIG>, <FIG>, a user U may selectively activate the chemically-activated material <NUM> by removing the second portion 114b of the heating element <NUM> from the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM> in order to permit the oxygen O from the surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages 114aP formed in the outer surface 114ao of the first portion 114a and into the cavity <NUM> such that the oxygen O may come into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. When the oxygen O comes into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>, a chemical reaction takes place (e.g., the zinc defining the chemically-activated material <NUM> becomes zinc oxide), which causes the chemically-activated material <NUM> to generate heat.

Referring to <FIG>, the first foodstuff <NUM> (e.g., chocolate, fudge or the like) may be deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>. In an example, as seen in <FIG>, the first foodstuff <NUM> may be deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> in a pre-cured, substantially solid state. If the first foodstuff <NUM> is in a pre-cured, substantially solid state when it is deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>, the first foodstuff <NUM> may be metered from a first foodstuff hopper HC that may include, for example, a magazine of prefabricated first foodstuff <NUM> members that are in a pre-cured, substantially solid form.

The first foodstuff <NUM> may be defined by an upper surface <NUM>I, a lower surface <NUM>O and a side surface <NUM> connecting the upper surface <NUM>I to the lower surface <NUM>O. The first foodstuff <NUM> may also be defined by a thickness T<NUM> extending between the upper surface <NUM>I and the lower surface <NUM>O. Furthermore, if the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> defines the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> to have a substantially cylindrical shape, the side surface <NUM>S of the first foodstuff <NUM> may define the first foodstuff <NUM> to have a diameter D<NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, after the first foodstuff <NUM> is deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>, the foodstuff separator <NUM> may be deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>. The foodstuff separator <NUM> may include an upper surface <NUM>I, a lower surface <NUM>O and a side surface <NUM> connecting the upper surface <NUM>I to the lower surface <NUM>O. The foodstuff separator <NUM> is also defined by a thickness T<NUM> extending between the upper surface <NUM>I and the lower surface <NUM>O. As seen in <FIG>, the lower surface <NUM>O of the foodstuff separator <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to, or, in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to the upper surface <NUM>I of the first foodstuff <NUM>.

The side surface <NUM>S of the foodstuff separator <NUM> may include a radially-outwardly-extending projection <NUM>S-P. As seen in <FIG>, the radially-outwardly-extending projection <NUM>S-P may be registered within a recess <NUM>I-R formed in the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> for radially connecting the foodstuff separator <NUM> to the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>. When the foodstuff separator <NUM> is connected to the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>, the foodstuff separator <NUM> separates the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> into a first foodstuff-receiving cavity portion 126a that is sized for receiving an amount of the first foodstuff <NUM> and a second foodstuff-receiving cavity portion 126b that is sized for receiving an amount of the second foodstuff <NUM>.

Once the foodstuff separator <NUM> is connected to the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>, the foodstuff separator <NUM> may retain the first foodstuff <NUM> between the lower surface <NUM>O of the foodstuff separator <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>. Furthermore, if the lower surface <NUM>O of the foodstuff separator <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the upper surface <NUM>I of the first foodstuff <NUM>, the foodstuff separator <NUM> may secure the lower surface <NUM>O of the first foodstuff <NUM> adjacent to the inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> in order to promote a transfer of heat H from the heating element <NUM>, through the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> and to the first foodstuff <NUM>.

As seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the foodstuff separator <NUM> also includes a plurality of passages <NUM> that may extend through the thickness T<NUM> of the foodstuff separator <NUM>. As will be described in the following disclosure, when the first foodstuff <NUM> transitions from a substantially solid state to a substantially liquid state as a result of the application of heat H from the heating element <NUM> by way of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>, the plurality of passages <NUM> formed by the foodstuff separator <NUM> may permit the first foodstuff to seep, ooze or flow-through the plurality of passages <NUM> formed by the foodstuff separator <NUM> such that the first foodstuff <NUM> may flow out of the first foodstuff-receiving cavity portion 126a and into the second foodstuff-receiving cavity portion 126b.

Referring to <FIG>, after the foodstuff separator <NUM> is connected to the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>, the second foodstuff <NUM> may be deposited into the second foodstuff-receiving cavity portion 126b of the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>. In an example, as seen in <FIG>, the second foodstuff <NUM> may deposited into the second foodstuff-receiving cavity portion 126b of the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> from a second foodstuff hopper HG. The second foodstuff <NUM> is contained with the second foodstuff-receiving cavity portion 126b of the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> and arranged upon and over the upper surface <NUM>I of the foodstuff separator <NUM> such that that second foodstuff <NUM> is separated from, and not comingled with, the first foodstuff <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the second foodstuff hopper HG may meter any desirable amount of the second foodstuff <NUM> into the second foodstuff-receiving cavity portion 126b of the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM>.

Optionally, the closure <NUM> may also include a sidewall portion <NUM> connected to the base portion <NUM>. The sidewall portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I, an outer surface <NUM>O and a distal end surface <NUM>D that connects the inner surface <NUM>I to the outer surface <NUM>O.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a method of utilizing the assembly <NUM> of <FIG> is described. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer surface 114bo of the second portion 114b of the heating element <NUM> may be arranged upon a support surface S such that the assembly <NUM> is arranged in a "right-side-up" orientation upon the support surface S. Then, as seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer surface <NUM>O of the base portion <NUM> of the closure <NUM> may be arranged upon the support surface S such that the assembly <NUM> is arranged in an "up-side-down" orientation upon the support surface S.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, once the assembly <NUM> is arranged in the "up-side-down" orientation upon the support surface S, the second portion 114b of the heating element <NUM>, which may be a removable film member, is then selectively-detached from the outer surface 114ao of the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, once removed from the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM>, the second portion 114b of the heating element <NUM> may be discarded into a trash receptacle T.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, once the second portion 114b of the heating element <NUM> is selectively-detached from the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM>, the chemically-activated material <NUM> disposed within the cavity <NUM> of the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM> is selectively activated. Activation of the chemically-activated material <NUM> contained within the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM> occurs when oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A is permitted to be in fluid communication with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. As described above, when the inner surface 114bI of the second portion 114b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface 114ao of the first portion 114a, the one or more passages 114aP formed in the outer surface 114aO of the first portion 114a are not permitted to be in fluid communication with surrounding atmosphere A (thereby not permitting oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages 114aP formed in the outer surface 114ao of the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM> for subsequently contacting the chemically-activated material <NUM>). However, once the second portion 114b of the heating element <NUM> is removed from the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM> as described above, an oxygen barrier formed by the second portion 114b of the heating element <NUM> no longer exists, and, as a result, oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A is permitted to pass through the one or more passages 114aP formed in the outer surface 114ao of the first portion 114a such that the oxygen O may come into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. When the oxygen O comes into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>, a chemical reaction takes place (e.g., the zinc defining the chemically-activated material <NUM> becomes zinc oxide), which causes the chemically-activated material <NUM> to generate heat H (see, e.g., <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the heat H generated by the chemically-activated material <NUM> of the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM> is passed through the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> such that the heat H is ultimately imparted into and absorbed by the first foodstuff <NUM>. Comparatively, as seen in <FIG>, the heat H causes the first foodstuff <NUM> to transition from a substantially solid state (see, e.g., <FIG>) to a melted, substantially liquid state (see, e.g., <FIG>). As seen in <FIG>, as the first foodstuff <NUM> transitions to a melted, substantially liquid form, the first foodstuff <NUM>, with the assistance of gravity, detaches from one or more of the inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> such that the first foodstuff <NUM> vertically flows through the plurality of passages <NUM> formed by the foodstuff separator <NUM>. In so doing, the first foodstuff <NUM> may flow out of the first foodstuff-receiving cavity portion 126a and into the second foodstuff-receiving cavity portion 126b such that the first foodstuff <NUM> seeps or oozes downwardly and into the second foodstuff <NUM>. The first foodstuff <NUM> is comingled throughout the second foodstuff <NUM> to define a comingled foodstuff F that is contained within foodstuff container <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the container <NUM>, the heating element <NUM> and the closure <NUM> is then returned to the "right-side-up" orientation upon the support surface S such that the outer surface 114ao of the first portion 114a of the heating element <NUM> is arranged upon the support surface S. Then, as seen in <FIG>, the closure <NUM> may be selectively-removed from the foodstuff container <NUM> such that a user U (see, e.g., <FIG>) may access the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> that contains the comingled foodstuff F. If desired, as seen in <FIG>, the user U may arrange a utensil (e.g., a spoon SP) within the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> for mixing or stirring the comingled foodstuff F. Alternatively, the closure <NUM> could remain attached to the foodstuff container <NUM> and the comingled foodstuff F could be shaken. Then, as seen in <FIG>, the user U may consume the comingled foodstuff F.

In view of the above-described functionality of the heating element <NUM>, it is seen that the first foodstuff <NUM> is heated H by a portion (i.e., the heating element <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> provides a "self-heating" function that avoids the use of a non-packaging, external heat source (e.g., a microwave oven, a gas oven, an electric oven, a stove, fire or the like) for imparting heat to the first foodstuff <NUM>. Furthermore, the arrangement of the heating element <NUM> in an opposing relationship with respect to the first foodstuff <NUM> (due to the arrangement of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> between the heating element <NUM> and the first foodstuff <NUM>) substantially limits the heat H generated by the heating element <NUM> to be mostly received by the first foodstuff <NUM> and not the second foodstuff <NUM>.

Aside from the benefit provided by the "self-heating" functionality of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that avoids the use of a non-packaging external heat source to generate heat for melting the first foodstuff <NUM>, use of some external heat sources (e.g., a microwave oven) may damage and/or ruin the second foodstuff <NUM> when the first foodstuff <NUM> and the second foodstuff <NUM> are both contained within foodstuff packaging (such as the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> associated with the assembly <NUM>). For example, should a microwave oven be utilized to impart heat to the first foodstuff <NUM>, the first foodstuff <NUM> may, as desired, transition from a liquid state to a solid state; however, if the second foodstuff <NUM> is an exemplary "low moisture" food product, the second foodstuff <NUM> may undesirably burn (as a result of having very little or no moisture, which may be evaporated upon being heated) when microwave energy is imparted into the second foodstuff <NUM>. Therefore, although some of the heat H generated by the heating element <NUM> may be imparted into the second foodstuff <NUM>, the heat H from the heating element <NUM> may merely warm the second foodstuff <NUM> while also avoiding any damage / burning of the second foodstuff <NUM>, which would otherwise occur if a non-packaging external heat source (e.g., a microwave oven) were to be utilized for heating the first foodstuff <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, an assembly <NUM> is shown. The assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of members defining foodstuff packaging (see, e.g., reference numerals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a first foodstuff (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) and a second foodstuff (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>). When the assembly <NUM> is assembled (see, e.g., <FIG>), the first foodstuff <NUM> may be separated from, and not comingled throughout, the second foodstuff <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> may be subsequently activated (see, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>) by a user U (see, e.g., <FIG>) in order to cause a portion (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to impart heat (see, e.g., reference letter H in <FIG>) to the first foodstuff <NUM>; the heat H imparted to the first foodstuff <NUM> may cause the first foodstuff <NUM> to transition or phase change (e.g., melt) from a first state (e.g., solid) to a second state (e.g., liquid). With the assistance of gravity, in the second state the first foodstuff <NUM> may seep or ooze into the second foodstuff <NUM> such that the first foodstuff <NUM> is comingled throughout the second foodstuff <NUM> while the first foodstuff <NUM> and the second foodstuff <NUM> are contained within another portion (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in order to define a comingled foodstuff (see, e.g., reference letter F in <FIG>, <FIG>) that is contained within the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The user U may then remove (see, e.g., <FIG>) another portion (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in order to gain access (see, e.g., <FIG>) to the portion (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that contains the comingled foodstuff F in order to subsequently consume (see, e.g., <FIG>) the comingled foodstuff F.

Referring to <FIG>, the assembly <NUM> may include a foodstuff container <NUM>, a heating element <NUM>, a first foodstuff <NUM>, a second foodstuff <NUM>, and a closure <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate a first methodology for assembling the assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the foodstuff container <NUM> may include a base portion <NUM> connected to a sidewall portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I and an outer surface <NUM>O. The sidewall portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I, an outer surface <NUM>O, and a distal end surface <NUM>D that connects the inner surface <NUM>I to the outer surface <NUM>O. Furthermore, a portion <NUM>L-P of a length <NUM>L of the sidewall portion <NUM> may extend beyond the outer surface <NUM>O of the base portion <NUM> thereby defining a cavity <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> includes a first portion 214a and a second portion 214b. Referring to <FIG>, the first portion 214a of the heating element <NUM> is defined by the cavity <NUM> formed by the foodstuff container <NUM> and a chemically-activated material <NUM> disposed therein. The foodstuff container <NUM> may further include a heating element retainer portion <NUM> connected to and extending from the portion <NUM>L-P of the length <NUM>L of the sidewall portion <NUM> that extends beyond the outer surface <NUM>O of the base portion <NUM>. The heating element retainer portion <NUM> therefore may contribute to the formation of the first portion 214a of the heating element <NUM> whereby the heating element retainer portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I, an outer surface <NUM>O. One or more passages <NUM>P may extend through the heating element retainer portion <NUM> from the outer surface <NUM>O to the inner surface <NUM>I. The second portion 214b of the heating element <NUM> includes an inner surface 214bI and an outer surface 214bo. The inner surface 214bI of the second portion 214b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer portion <NUM>. The second portion 214b of the heating element <NUM> may be a removable film member that is discarded into a trash receptacle T once the inner surface 214bI of the second portion 214b of the heating element <NUM> is selectively-detached from (and no longer disposed adj acent to) the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer portion <NUM>.

The chemically-activated material <NUM> may include an air-activated material, and more particularly, an oxygen-activated material, such as, for example, zinc. When the inner surface 214bI of the second portion 214b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer portion <NUM>, the second portion 214b may prevent fluid communication between the cavity <NUM> and the atmosphere A through the one or more passages <NUM>P extending through the heating element retainer portion <NUM>. In particular, when the inner surface 214bI of the second portion 214b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer portion <NUM>, the one or more passages <NUM>P may be prevented from fluidly communicating with surrounding atmosphere A (thereby preventing oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages <NUM>P for subsequently contacting the chemically-activated material <NUM>). However, as will be described in the following disclosure at <FIG>, <FIG>, a user U may selectively activate the chemically-activated material <NUM> by removing the second portion 214b of the heating element <NUM> from the first portion 214a of the heating element <NUM> in order to permit the oxygen O from the surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages <NUM>P and into the cavity <NUM> such that the oxygen O may come into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. When the oxygen O comes into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>, a chemical reaction takes place (e.g., the zinc defining the chemically-activated material <NUM> becomes zinc oxide), which causes the chemically-activated material <NUM> to generate heat.

As seen in <FIG>, when the first foodstuff <NUM> has cured into a solid state, the first foodstuff <NUM> may be defined by an upper surface <NUM>I, a lower surface <NUM>O and a side surface <NUM> connecting the upper surface <NUM>I to the lower surface <NUM>O. The first foodstuff <NUM> may also be defined by a thickness T<NUM> extending between the upper surface <NUM>I and the lower surface <NUM>O. Furthermore, if the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> defines the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> to have a substantially cylindrical shape, the side surface <NUM>S of the first foodstuff <NUM> may define the first foodstuff <NUM> to have a diameter D<NUM>.

Optionally, the closure <NUM> may also include a sidewall portion <NUM> connected to the base portion <NUM>. The sidewall portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I, an outer surface <NUM>O, and a distal end surface <NUM>D connecting the inner surface <NUM>I to the outer surface <NUM>O.

In a substantially similar as described above at <FIG>, an alternative methodology for assembling the assembly <NUM> may include depositing pre-cured (rather than in liquid form as described above at <FIG>) the first foodstuff <NUM> (e.g., chocolate, fudge or the like) into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>. If the first foodstuff <NUM> is in a pre-cured, substantially solid form when it is deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>, the first foodstuff <NUM> may be metered from a first foodstuff hopper HC (see, e.g., <FIG>) that may include, for example, a magazine of prefabricated first foodstuff <NUM> members that are in a pre-cured, substantially solid form.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a method of utilizing the assembly <NUM> of <FIG> is described. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer surface 214bo of the second portion 214b of the heating element <NUM> may be first optionally arranged upon a support surface S such that the assembly <NUM> is arranged in a "right-side-up" orientation upon the support surface S. Then, as seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer surface <NUM>O of the base portion <NUM> of the closure <NUM> may be arranged upon the support surface S such that the assembly <NUM> is arranged in an "up-side-down" orientation upon the support surface S.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, once the assembly <NUM> is arranged in the "up-side-down" orientation upon the support surface S, the second portion 214b of the heating element <NUM>, which may be a removable film member, is then selectively-detached from the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer portion <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, once removed from the first portion 214a of the heating element <NUM>, the second portion 214b of the heating element <NUM> may be discarded into a trash receptacle T.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, once the second portion 214b of the heating element <NUM> is selectively-detached from the first portion 214a of the heating element <NUM>, the chemically-activated material <NUM> contained within the cavity <NUM> of the first portion 214a of the heating element <NUM> is selectively activated. Activation of the chemically-activated material <NUM> contained within the first portion 214a of the heating element <NUM> occurs when oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A is permitted to be in fluid communication with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. As described above, when the inner surface 214bI of the second portion 214b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer portion <NUM>, the one or more passages <NUM>P of the heating element retainer portion <NUM> are not permitted to be in fluid communication with surrounding atmosphere A (thereby not permitting oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages <NUM>P of the heating element retainer portion <NUM> for subsequently contacting the chemically-activated material <NUM>). However, once the second portion 214b of the heating element <NUM> is removed from the first portion 214a of the heating element <NUM> as described above, an oxygen barrier formed by the second portion 214b of the heating element <NUM> no longer exists, and, as a result, oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A is permitted to pass through the one or more passages <NUM>P of the heating element retainer portion <NUM> such that the oxygen O may come into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. When the oxygen O comes into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>, a chemical reaction takes place (e.g., the zinc defining the chemically-activated material <NUM> becomes zinc oxide), which causes the chemically-activated material <NUM> to generate heat H (see, e.g., <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the heat H generated by the chemically-activated material <NUM> of the first portion 214a of the heating element <NUM> is passed through the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> such that the heat H is ultimately imparted into and absorbed by the first foodstuff <NUM>. Comparatively, as seen in <FIG>, the heat H causes the first foodstuff <NUM> to transition from a substantially solid state (see, e.g., <FIG>) to a melted, substantially liquid state (see, e.g., <FIG>). As seen in <FIG>, as the first foodstuff <NUM> transitions to a melted, substantially liquid form, the first foodstuff <NUM>, with the assistance of gravity, detaches from one or more of the inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> such that the first foodstuff <NUM> vertically seeps or oozes downwardly and into the second foodstuff <NUM> such that the first foodstuff <NUM> is comingled throughout the second foodstuff <NUM> to define a comingled foodstuff F that is contained within foodstuff container <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the container <NUM>, the heating element <NUM> and the closure <NUM> is then returned to the "right-side-up" orientation upon the support surface S that that the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer portion <NUM> is arranged upon the support surface S. Then, as seen in <FIG>, the closure <NUM> may be selectively-removed from the foodstuff container <NUM> such that a user U (see, e.g., <FIG>) may access the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> that contains the comingled foodstuff F. If desired, as seen in <FIG>, the user U may arrange a utensil (e.g., a spoon SP) within the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> for mixing or stirring the comingled foodstuff F. Alternatively, the closure <NUM> could remain attached to the foodstuff container <NUM> and the comingled foodstuff F could be shaken. Then, as seen in <FIG>, the user U may consume the comingled foodstuff F.

In view of the above-described functionality of the heating element <NUM>, it is seen that the first foodstuff <NUM> is heated H by a portion (i.e., the heating element <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> provides a "self-heating" function that avoids the use of a non-packaging, external heat source (e.g., a microwave oven, a gas oven, an electric oven, a stove, fire or the like) for imparting heat to the first foodstuff <NUM>. Furthermore, the arrangement of the heating element <NUM> in an opposing relationship with respect to the first foodstuff <NUM> (due to the arrangement of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> between the chemically-activated material <NUM> of the heating element <NUM> and the first foodstuff <NUM>) substantially limits the heat H generated by the heating element <NUM> to be mostly received by the first foodstuff <NUM> and not the second foodstuff <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, an assembly <NUM> is shown. The assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of members defining foodstuff packaging (see, e.g., reference numerals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a first foodstuff (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM> at, e.g., <FIG>) and a second foodstuff (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>). When the assembly <NUM> is assembled (see, e.g., <FIG>), the first foodstuff <NUM> may be separated from, and not comingled throughout, the second foodstuff <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> may be subsequently activated (see, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>) by a user U (see, e.g., <FIG>) in order to cause a portion (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to impart heat (see, e.g., reference letter H in <FIG>) to the first foodstuff <NUM>; the heat H imparted to the first foodstuff <NUM> may cause the first foodstuff <NUM> to transition or phase change (e.g., melt) from a first state (e.g., solid) to a second state (e.g., liquid). With the assistance of gravity, in the second state the first foodstuff <NUM> may seep or ooze into the second foodstuff <NUM> such that the first foodstuff <NUM> is comingled throughout the second foodstuff <NUM> while the first foodstuff <NUM> and the second foodstuff <NUM> are contained within another portion (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in order to define a comingled foodstuff (see, e.g., reference letter F in <FIG>, <FIG>) that is contained within the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The user U may then remove (see, e.g., <FIG>) another portion (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in order to gain access (see, e.g., <FIG>) to the portion (see, e.g., reference numeral <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that contains the comingled foodstuff F in order to subsequently consume (see, e.g., <FIG>) the comingled foodstuff F.

Referring to <FIG>, the assembly <NUM> may include a foodstuff container <NUM>, a heating element <NUM>, a first foodstuff <NUM> (see <FIG>), a second foodstuff <NUM>, and a closure <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate a first methodology for assembling the assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the foodstuff container <NUM> may include a base portion <NUM> connected to a sidewall portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I and an outer surface <NUM>O. The sidewall portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I, an outer surface <NUM>O, and a distal end surface <NUM>D that connects the inner surface <NUM>I to the outer surface <NUM>O. In some instances, the distal end surface <NUM>D of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> may project radially inwardly beyond the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> thereby forming closure-supporting-ledge <NUM>.

In an example, as seen in <FIG>, the second foodstuff <NUM> may deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> from a foodstuff hopper HG. The second foodstuff <NUM> may be contained with the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> and arranged upon and over the inner surface <NUM>I of the base portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM>. As will be explained in the following disclosure, prior to activating the heating element <NUM>, the first foodstuff <NUM> is contained within the closure <NUM>, and, therefore, as seen in <FIG>, the second foodstuff <NUM> is initially separated from, and not comingled or mixed with, the first foodstuff <NUM>.

As seen in <FIG>, the foodstuff hopper HG may meter any desirable amount of the second foodstuff <NUM> into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM>. In some instances, the foodstuff hopper HG may meter an amount of the second foodstuff <NUM> that is approximately equal to a volume of the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> less a volume of the first foodstuff <NUM> that is contained within the closure <NUM> prior to activating the heating element <NUM>. The second foodstuff material <NUM> may include one or more of, but is not limited to: granola, muesli, oats, seeds, nuts, cereal or the like. Although the second foodstuff <NUM> is shown to include a plurality of pieces or units of foodstuff, the second foodstuff <NUM> may include one piece or one unit of foodstuff that is deposited into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an exemplary view of the closure <NUM> is shown. The closure <NUM> includes a first cavity 329a and a second cavity 329b. The first cavity 329a of the closure <NUM> is defined by a heating element retainer portion <NUM>, a base portion <NUM> and a sidewall portion <NUM>. The second cavity 329b of the closure <NUM> is defined by a first foodstuff retainer portion <NUM>, the base portion <NUM> and the sidewall portion <NUM>. A chemically-activated material <NUM> is disposed within the first cavity 329a, and the first foodstuff <NUM> is disposed within the second cavity 329b. As will be described in the following disclosure, the heating element retainer portion <NUM> and the chemically-activated material <NUM> contributes to the formation of a first portion 314a of the heating element <NUM>.

The sidewall portion <NUM> is connected to each of the heating element retainer portion <NUM>, the first foodstuff retainer portion <NUM> and the base portion <NUM>. The sidewall portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I, an outer surface <NUM>O, an upper end portion 334u, a lower end portion <NUM>L and an intermediate portion <NUM>M.

The heating element retainer portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I and an outer surface <NUM>O. The heating element retainer portion <NUM> is connected to and extends from the upper end portion 334u of the sidewall portion <NUM>. One or more passages <NUM>P may extend through the heating element retainer portion <NUM> from the outer surface <NUM>O to the inner surface <NUM>I.

The base portion <NUM> includes an upper surface 332u and a lower surface <NUM>L. The base portion <NUM> is connected to and extends from the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> proximate the intermediate portion <NUM>M of the sidewall portion <NUM>.

The first foodstuff retainer portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I and an outer surface <NUM>O. The first foodstuff retainer portion <NUM> is connected to and extends from the lower end portion <NUM>L of the sidewall portion <NUM>. One or more passages <NUM>P may extend through the first foodstuff retainer portion <NUM> from the outer surface <NUM>O to the inner surface <NUM>I.

The inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM>, the inner surface <NUM>I of the heating element retainer portion <NUM> and the upper surface 332u of the base portion <NUM> defines the first cavity 329a that contains the chemically-activated material <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM>, the inner surface <NUM>I of the first foodstuff retainer portion <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM>L of the base portion <NUM> defines the second cavity 329a that contains the first foodstuff <NUM>.

The closure <NUM> may include an outwardly-extending projection <NUM> that extends away from the outer surface <NUM>O of the sidewall portion <NUM>. The outwardly-extending projection <NUM> may include an upper surface 331u and a lower surface <NUM>L. Referring to <FIG>, the lower surface <NUM>L of the outwardly-extending projection <NUM> is disposed adjacent the distal end surface <NUM>D of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> that forms closure-supporting-ledge <NUM>. Attachment of the outwardly-extending projection <NUM> of the closure <NUM> to the closure-supporting-ledge <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> may be conducted in any desirable methodology such as, for example, ultrasonic welding, an adhesive connection or the like. In other examples, a portion of the outwardly-extending projection <NUM> of the closure <NUM> may be formed with the closure-supporting-ledge <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> to thereby form a hinged lid connection of the closure <NUM> and the foodstuff container <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second portion 314b of the heating element <NUM> is shown. The second portion 314b of the heating element <NUM> includes an inner surface 314bI and an outer surface 314bo. As seen in <FIG>, the inner surface 314bI of the second portion 314b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer <NUM>. The second portion 314b of the heating element <NUM> may be a removable film member that is discarded into a trash receptacle T once the inner surface 314bI of the second portion 314b of the heating element <NUM> is selectively-detached from (and no longer disposed adjacent to) the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer <NUM>.

The chemically-activated material <NUM> may include an air-activated material, and more particularly, an oxygen-activated material, such as, for example, zinc. When the inner surface 314bI of the second portion 314b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer <NUM>, the second portion 314b may prevent fluid communication between the cavity <NUM> and the atmosphere A through the one or more passages <NUM>P extending through the heating element retainer <NUM>. In particular, when the inner surface 314bI of the second portion 314b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer <NUM>, the one or more passages <NUM>P may be prevented from fluidly communicating with surrounding atmosphere A (thereby preventing oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages <NUM>P for subsequently contacting the chemically-activated material <NUM>). However, as will be described in the following disclosure at <FIG>, <FIG>, a user U may selectively activate the chemically-activated material <NUM> by removing the second portion 314b of the heating element <NUM> from the first portion 314a of the heating element <NUM> in order to permit the oxygen O from the surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages <NUM>P and into the cavity <NUM> such that the oxygen O may come into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. When the oxygen O comes into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>, a chemical reaction takes place (e.g., the zinc defining the chemically-activated material <NUM> becomes zinc oxide), which causes the chemically-activated material <NUM> to generate heat.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a method of utilizing the assembly <NUM> of <FIG> is described. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second portion 314b of the heating element <NUM>, which may be a removable film member, is then selectively-detached from the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, once removed from the first portion 314a of the heating element <NUM>, the second portion 314b of the heating element <NUM> may be discarded into a trash receptacle T.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, once the second portion 314b of the heating element <NUM> is selectively-detached from the first portion 314a of the heating element <NUM>, the chemically-activated material <NUM> contained within the cavity <NUM> of the first portion 314a of the heating element <NUM> is selectively activated. Activation of the chemically-activated material <NUM> contained within the first portion 314a of the heating element <NUM> occurs when oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A is permitted to be in fluid communication with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. As described above, when the inner surface 314bI of the second portion 314b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer <NUM>, the one or more passages <NUM>P of the heating element retainer <NUM> are not permitted to be in fluid communication with surrounding atmosphere A (thereby not permitting oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages <NUM>P of the heating element retainer <NUM> for subsequently contacting the oxygen-activated material <NUM>). However, once the second portion 314b of the heating element <NUM> is removed from the first portion 314a of the heating element <NUM> as described above, an oxygen barrier formed by the second portion 314b of the heating element <NUM> no longer exists, and, as a result, oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A is permitted to pass through the one or more passages <NUM>P of the heating element retainer <NUM> such that the oxygen O may come into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. When the oxygen O comes into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>, a chemical reaction takes place (e.g., the zinc defining the chemically-activated material <NUM> becomes zinc oxide), which causes the chemically-activated material <NUM> to generate heat H (see, e.g., <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the heat H generated by the chemically-activated material <NUM> of the first portion 314a of the heating element <NUM> is passed through the base portion <NUM> of the closure <NUM> such that the heat H is ultimately imparted into and absorbed by the first foodstuff <NUM>. Comparatively, as seen in <FIG>, the heat H causes the first foodstuff <NUM> to transition from a substantially solid state (see, e.g., <FIG>) to a melted, substantially liquid state (see, e.g., <FIG>). As seen in <FIG>, as the first foodstuff <NUM> transitions to a melted, substantially liquid form, the first foodstuff <NUM>, with the assistance of gravity, vertically seeps or oozes downwardly through the one or more passages <NUM>P of the first foodstuff retainer portion <NUM> and into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> that contains the second foodstuff <NUM> such that the first foodstuff <NUM> is comingled throughout the second foodstuff <NUM> to define a comingled foodstuff F that is contained within foodstuff container <NUM>.

Then, as seen in <FIG>, once a user U (see, e.g., <FIG>) has determined that most / all (or a desired amount) of the first foodstuff <NUM> has been evacuated from the closure <NUM>, the user U may selectively-remove (or, alternatively, pivot away if the closure <NUM> is partially attached in a hinged configuration) the closure <NUM> from the foodstuff container <NUM> such that the user U may access the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> that contains the comingled foodstuff F. If desired, as seen in <FIG>, the user U may arrange a utensil (e.g., a spoon SP) within the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> for mixing or stirring the comingled foodstuff F. Alternatively, the closure <NUM> could remain attached to the foodstuff container <NUM> and the comingled foodstuff F could be shaken. Then, as seen in <FIG>, the user U may consume the comingled foodstuff F.

In view of the above-described functionality of the heating element <NUM>, it is seen that the first foodstuff <NUM> is heated H by a portion (i.e., the heating element <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> provides a "self-heating" function that avoids the use of a non-packaging, external heat source (e.g., a microwave oven, a gas oven, an electric oven, a stove, fire or the like) for imparting heat to the first foodstuff <NUM>. Furthermore, the arrangement of the heating element <NUM> in an opposing relationship with respect to the first foodstuff <NUM> (due to the arrangement of both of the chemically-activated material <NUM> of the heating element <NUM> and the first foodstuff <NUM> being contained within exclusive cavities 329a, 329b that are separated by the base portion <NUM> of the closure <NUM>) substantially limits the heat H generated by the heating element <NUM> to be mostly received by the first foodstuff <NUM> and not the second foodstuff <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an exemplary view of the closure <NUM> is shown. The closure <NUM> includes a first cavity 429a and a second cavity 429b. The first cavity 429a of the closure <NUM> is defined by a heating element retainer portion <NUM>, a base portion <NUM> and a sidewall portion <NUM>. The second cavity 429b of the closure <NUM> is defined by a first foodstuff retainer portion <NUM>, the base portion <NUM> and the sidewall portion <NUM>. A chemically-activated material <NUM> is disposed within the first cavity 429a, and the first foodstuff <NUM> is disposed within the second cavity 429b. As will be described in the following disclosure, the heating element retainer portion <NUM> and the chemically-activated material <NUM> contributes to the formation of a first portion 414a of the heating element <NUM>.

The sidewall portion <NUM> is connected to each of the heating element retainer portion <NUM>, the first foodstuff retainer portion <NUM> and the base portion <NUM>. The sidewall portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I, an outer surface <NUM>O, an upper end portion 434u, a lower end portion <NUM>L and an intermediate portion <NUM>I.

The heating element retainer portion <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM>I and an outer surface <NUM>O. The heating element retainer portion <NUM> is connected to and extends from the upper end portion 434u of the sidewall portion <NUM>. One or more passages <NUM>P may extend through the heating element retainer portion <NUM> from the outer surface <NUM>O to the inner surface <NUM>I.

The base portion <NUM> includes an upper surface 432u and a lower surface <NUM>L. The base portion <NUM> is connected to and extends from the inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM> proximate the intermediate portion <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM>.

The inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM>, the inner surface <NUM>I of the heating element retainer portion <NUM> and the upper surface 432u of the base portion <NUM> defines the first cavity 429a that contains the chemically-activated material <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM>I of the sidewall portion <NUM>, the inner surface <NUM>I of the first foodstuff retainer portion <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM>L of the base portion <NUM> defines the second cavity 429a that contains the first foodstuff <NUM>.

The closure <NUM> may include an outwardly-extending projection <NUM> that extends away from the outer surface <NUM>O of the sidewall portion <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM>O of the first foodstuff retainer portion <NUM>. The outwardly-extending projection <NUM> may include an outer surface <NUM>O and an inner surface <NUM>I. The inner surface <NUM>I of the outwardly-extending projection <NUM> of the closure <NUM> may include a threaded surface (not shown) that cooperates with a corresponding threaded surface (not shown) formed upon a portion of the outer surface <NUM>O of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> in order to removably attach the closure <NUM> to the foodstuff container <NUM>. Alternatively, the inner surface <NUM>I of the outwardly-extending projection <NUM> of the closure <NUM> may be removably-attached to and cooperate with the outer surface <NUM>O of the sidewall portion <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> in other configurations (e.g., a friction-fit connection, a snap-fit connection or the like) in order to removably attach the closure <NUM> to the foodstuff container <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second portion 414b of the heating element <NUM> is shown. The second portion 414b of the heating element <NUM> includes an inner surface 414bI and an outer surface 414bo. As seen in <FIG>, the inner surface 414bI of the second portion 414b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer <NUM>. The second portion 414b of the heating element <NUM> may be a removable film member that is discarded into a trash receptacle T once the inner surface 414bI of the second portion 414b of the heating element <NUM> is selectively-detached from (and no longer disposed adjacent to) the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer <NUM>.

The chemically-activated material <NUM> may include an air-activated material, and more particularly, an oxygen-activated material, such as, for example, zinc. When the inner surface 414bI of the second portion 414b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer <NUM>, the second portion 414b may prevent fluid communication between the cavity <NUM> and the atmosphere A through the one or more passages <NUM>P extending through the heating element retainer <NUM>. In particular, when the inner surface 414bI of the second portion 414b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer <NUM>, the one or more passages <NUM>P may be prevented from fluidly communicating with surrounding atmosphere A (thereby preventing oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages <NUM>P for subsequently contacting the chemically-activated material <NUM>). However, as will be described in the following disclosure at <FIG>, <FIG>, a user U may selectively activate the chemically-activated material <NUM> by removing the second portion 414b of the heating element <NUM> from the first portion 414a of the heating element <NUM> in order to permit the oxygen O from the surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages <NUM>P and into the cavity <NUM> such that the oxygen O may come into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. When the oxygen O comes into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>, a chemical reaction takes place (e.g., the zinc defining the chemically-activated material <NUM> becomes zinc oxide), which causes the chemically-activated material <NUM> to generate heat.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a method of utilizing the assembly <NUM> of <FIG> is described. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second portion 414b of the heating element <NUM>, which may be a removable film member, is then selectively-detached from the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, once removed from the first portion 414a of the heating element <NUM>, the second portion 414b of the heating element <NUM> may be discarded into a trash receptacle T.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, once the second portion 414b of the heating element <NUM> is selectively-detached from the first portion 414a of the heating element <NUM>, the chemically-activated material <NUM> contained within the cavity <NUM> of the first portion 414a of the heating element <NUM> is selectively activated. Activation of the chemically-activated material <NUM> contained within the first portion 414a of the heating element <NUM> occurs when oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A is permitted to be in fluid communication with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. As described above, when the inner surface 414bI of the second portion 414b of the heating element <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface <NUM>O of the heating element retainer <NUM>, the one or more passages <NUM>P of the heating element retainer <NUM> are not permitted to be in fluid communication with surrounding atmosphere A (thereby not permitting oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A to pass through the one or more passages <NUM>P of the heating element retainer <NUM> for subsequently contacting the chemically-activated material <NUM>). However, once the second portion 414b of the heating element <NUM> is removed from the first portion 414a of the heating element <NUM> as described above, an oxygen barrier formed by the second portion 414b of the heating element <NUM> no longer exists, and, as a result, oxygen O from surrounding atmosphere A is permitted to pass through the one or more passages <NUM>P of the heating element retainer <NUM> such that the oxygen O may come into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>. When the oxygen O comes into contact with the chemically-activated material <NUM>, a chemical reaction takes place (e.g., the zinc defining the chemically-activated material <NUM> becomes zinc oxide), which causes the chemically-activated material <NUM> to generate heat H (see, e.g., <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the heat H generated by the chemically-activated material <NUM> of the first portion 414a of the heating element <NUM> is passed through the base portion <NUM> of the closure <NUM> such that the heat H is ultimately imparted into and absorbed by the first foodstuff <NUM>. Comparatively, as seen in <FIG>, the heat H causes the first foodstuff <NUM> to transition from a substantially solid state (see, e.g., <FIG>) to a melted, substantially liquid state (see, e.g., <FIG>). As seen in <FIG>, as the first foodstuff <NUM> transitions to a melted, substantially liquid form, the first foodstuff <NUM>, with the assistance of gravity, vertically seeps or oozes downwardly through the one or more passages <NUM>P of the first foodstuff retainer portion <NUM> and into the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> that contains the second foodstuff <NUM> such that the first foodstuff <NUM> is comingled throughout the second foodstuff <NUM> to define a comingled foodstuff F that is contained within foodstuff container <NUM>.

Then, as seen in <FIG>, once a user U (see, e.g., <FIG>) has determined that most / all (or a desired amount) of the first foodstuff <NUM> has been evacuated from the closure <NUM>, the user U may selectively-remove the closure <NUM> from the foodstuff container <NUM> such that the user U may access the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> that contains the comingled foodstuff F. If desired, as seen in <FIG>, the user U may arrange a utensil (e.g., a spoon SP) within the foodstuff-receiving cavity <NUM> of the foodstuff container <NUM> for mixing or stirring the comingled foodstuff F. Alternatively, the closure <NUM> could remain attached to the foodstuff container <NUM> and the comingled foodstuff F could be shaken. Then, as seen in <FIG>, the user U may consume the comingled foodstuff F.

In view of the above-described functionality of the heating element <NUM>, it is seen that the first foodstuff <NUM> is heated H by a portion (i.e., the heating element <NUM>) of the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the foodstuff packaging <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> provides a "self-heating" function that avoids the use of a non-packaging, external heat source (e.g., a microwave oven, a gas oven, an electric oven, a stove, fire or the like) for imparting heat to the first foodstuff <NUM>. Furthermore, the arrangement of the heating element <NUM> in an opposing relationship with respect to the first foodstuff <NUM> (due to the arrangement of both of the chemically-activated material <NUM> of the heating element <NUM> and the first foodstuff <NUM> being contained within exclusive cavities 429a, 429b that are separated by the base portion <NUM> of the closure <NUM>) substantially limits the heat H generated by the heating element <NUM> to be mostly received by the first foodstuff <NUM> and not the second foodstuff <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
foodstuff container (<NUM>) including a base portion (<NUM>) and a sidewall portion (<NUM>) defining a foodstuff-receiving cavity (<NUM>);
a chemically-activated heating element (<NUM>) operable to generate heat disposed adjacent to an outer surface (<NUM>O) of the base portion (<NUM>);
a first foodstuff (<NUM>) disposed within the foodstuff-receiving cavity (<NUM>) adjacent to an inner surface (<NUM>I) of the base portion (<NUM>), the first foodstuff (<NUM>) operable to transition from a first state to a second state upon application of the heat; and
a second foodstuff (<NUM>) disposed within the foodstuff-receiving cavity (<NUM>) and characterized in that:
the sidewall portion (<NUM>) includes an inner surface (124I) having a recess (124IR),
the assembly further includes a separator (<NUM>) disposed within the cavity (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>) and including (i) a upper surface (<NUM>I), (ii) a lower surface (<NUM>O) formed on an opposite side from the upper surface (<NUM>I), (iii) a side surface (<NUM>S) connecting the upper surface (<NUM>I) to the lower surface (<NUM>O), (iv) a plurality of passages extending through the separator (<NUM>) from the upper surface (<NUM>I) to the lower surface (<NUM>O), and (v) a radially-outwardly-extending projection (150SP, <NUM>) extending from the side surface (<NUM>S) and registered within the recess (124IR) of the inner surface (124I) of the foodstuff container (<NUM>), wherein the separator (<NUM>) separates the cavity (<NUM>) into a first cavity portion (126a) including the first foodstuff (<NUM>) and a second cavity portion (126b) including the second foodstuff (<NUM>),
wherein in the first state the first foodstuff (<NUM>) is separated from the second foodstuff (<NUM>) by the separator (<NUM>) and the first foodstuff (<NUM>) is operable to pass through the separator (<NUM>) via the plurality of passages (<NUM>) when in the second state.