At a glance
| Patent number | CN108372980B (application CN201810163655) |
| Type | China invention patent (发明专利) - protects methods, structures and technical solutions |
| Original title | Thermal insulation and environmentally friendly food packaging box (一种保温环保食品包装盒) |
| Patent owner | Shandong Wheat Song Environmental Protection Technology Co Ltd |
| Inventors | Liu Ruixia |
| Filing date | 2018-02-28 |
| Grant date | 2019-07-23 |
| Status (China) | In force in China until at most 2038-02-28 (if annual fees are paid) |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 5 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN108372980B) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 - a thermal insulation and environmental protection food packaging box comprising an outer box, an inner liner, and a box cover. The inner liner is arranged inside the outer box, and its rim is completely bonded along the edge to form a closed cavity between the liner and the outer box. The box cover fits over the outer box. A self-heating sheet can be set inside the closed cavity. The claim also details a preparation method for a metal-organic framework compound involving specific chemical reagents, solvents, reaction times, temperatures, and washing steps.
Claim 2 - the food packaging box further includes a temperature sticker pasted on the box cover.
Claim 3 - the temperature sticker can display temperatures in the range of 40-80° C.
Claim 4 - the self-heating sheet can be arranged either between the outer box and the bottom of the inner liner, or between the outer box and the side wall of the inner liner.
This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.
What this means for US production
This patent was filed only in China and is currently in force in China until at most 2038-02-28 (if annual fees are paid), meaning making or selling this specific design in China needs the owner’s permission. It has no US or other foreign counterpart.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. Insulated food containers and self-heating packaging are active fields. Sharkninja Operating Llc holds several later US design patents citing this document (USD1100567S1, USD1101472S1, USD1101481S1), indicating other companies hold later US/foreign patents in this field. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review covering self-heating cavities and temperature-indicating lids is required before launching in the US.
- Chemical composition of the heating element. Claim 1 specifies a metal-organic framework compound prepared with particular solvents and reagents. If you intend to produce the self-heating sheet exactly as described, the chemical formulation must be evaluated for safety and regulatory compliance in food-adjacent applications.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Length, width, and depth of the outer box and liner to be confirmed in design |
| Materials | Outer box and liner plastics or coated papers to suit the target market |
| Bonding method | Heat sealing, adhesives, or ultrasonic welding for the rim joint |
| Heating element | Placement at the bottom or side wall; alternative commercial self-heating pads |
| Temperature sticker | Inclusion or exclusion; specific temperature ranges to be confirmed in design |
| Cover design | Snap-fit, hinged, or friction-fit lid profiles |
Things to plan for (US market)
- FDA 21 CFR - materials contacting food, including the inner liner and any adhesives used in the bonding rim, must comply with US food contact regulations.
- California Prop 65 - the self-heating chemicals, plastics, and temperature sticker inks must be screened for listed substances.
- Heating sheet labeling and shipping - the patent’s sheet is an iron-powder, salt and activated-carbon mix, similar to air-activated hand warmers; it needs “do not eat” and burn-risk warnings, and the carrier should confirm how boxes with sheets inside are shipped.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - define dimensions, materials, heating element placement, and order volumes.
- Design - engineer the outer box, liner, rim bonding profile, and cover fit.
- Prototype - produce samples to test the seal integrity of the closed cavity, heat retention, and temperature sticker accuracy.
- Pilot run - conduct drop tests, food-contact migration tests, and thermal duration tests.
- Production - mold or form the box and liner, apply the bonding process, insert the heating sheets, attach stickers, and pack.
Quantities & timeline
Tooling requires molds for the outer box and inner liner, plus dies for the box cover if thermoformed or stamped. The bonding station for the rim must be calibrated to ensure a completely sealed cavity. Certification tests for FDA food contact and thermal performance dictate the pilot phase duration. Send us your target dimensions, material preferences, heating element specifications, estimated quantities, and delivery schedule and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
