WO2021168429A1

WO2021168429A1 - Modularized cereal container and method of use

Info

Publication number: WO2021168429A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/019083
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew LOUGHNANE; Tyler ZIMMER
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-02-20
Filing date: 2021-02-22
Publication date: 2021-08-26
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-20

Abstract

A system and method for preparing a quantity of food at a desired temperature range. A container having an interior surface, a free edge forming an opening, and an interior volume defined by the interior surface and the opening is provided. A barrier within the container divides the container interior volume into at least two portions with dry foodstuffs located in one portion. A selectively actuatable thermic module, which may be endothermic or exothermic, is physically associated with the container and is in thermal contact with a rupturable flexible container retaining a base liquid within a second portion of the container. Once the thermic module is actuated, the temperature of the base liquid is altered and the base liquid is released from the flexible container. The barrier is then removed to combine the dry foodstuffs with the temperature altered base liquid.

Description

MODULARIZED CEREAL CONTAINER AND METHOD OF USE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/978 978 filed on Feb. 20, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to a self-contained module for breakfast cereal and method of use thereof. The module includes a container that is separated into two major portions by a physical barrier, one portion containing dry foodstuffs such as cereal and the other containing liquid such as water. An energy transfer module is provided in thermal communication with the liquid. The energy transfer module, once actuated, causes a desired thermal shift in the liquid, following which the physical barrier is removed to form an admixture of the dry foodstuffs and thermally shifted liquid.

BACKGROUND

Certain foods are preferably enjoyed when mixed with a liquid that is either cold or warm. For example, dry cereal is typically mixed with cold milk. However, milk is prone to spoilage when not maintained at a sufficiently cold temperature. Therefore, consumption of cereal is typically limited to home or work environments where adequate refrigeration may be available.

Similarly, hot cereal or instant soup require a source of hot water. While such hot water may be found through the use of dedicated hot water taps or microwave ovens, such are not always available.

Thus, there is a need to provide a portable system that provides a thermal shift in a liquid for optimal enjoyment of certain foodstuffs without the requirement of specialized refrigeration or heating equipment or infrastructure.

SUMMARY

In an aspect of the disclosure, a system for preparing a quantity of food at a desired temperature range is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system includes a container having an interior surface, a free edge forming an opening, and an interior volume defined by the interior surface and the opening, a barrier, selectively disposable within the container interior, for dividing the container interior volume into at least two portions, and a selectively actuatable thermic module physically associated with the container. In an embodiment, the container is cylindrical.

In another embodiment, the barrier is planar.

In yet another embodiment, the barrier is retained within the container and against the interior surface thereof by cooperating physical features formed on the interior surface of the container.

The container may further comprise a bottom surface where the barrier extends from the bottom surface to a point proximate the free edge forming the opening.

In an embodiment, the module further includes a lid configured for being releasably fit to the free edge of the container. The lid and the free edge may have mutually cooperating threads.

In another embodiment, the container and barrier are formed of plastic or compostable material. The compostable material may be a plant-based compostable material selected from bagasse from sugar cane or wheat straw fiber.

Further, the barrier may be formed of a liquid-soluble material.

The module may further comprise a quantity of dry cereal within a first of the at least two portions and a quantity of dry milk within a second of the at least two portions.

Also, the module may further comprise a flexible container for retaining a base liquid, the flexible container and the thermic module being configured for thermal conduction therebetween upon actuation of the thermic module. The flexible container may be configured for being selectively ruptured to release the base liquid into the interior volume, and the flexible container may be a plastic bag. The thermic module may be within the flexible container or on an exterior surface of the flexible container.

In another embodiment, the thermic module comprises a quantity of a chemical and a quantity of heat transfer liquid separated by a pierceable membrane. The thermic module may be an endothermic module, wherein the quantity of chemical is a quantity of ammonium nitrate, and wherein the heat transfer liquid is a quantity of heat transfer water, the selective actuation of the thermic module being the selective mixing of the quantity of ammonium nitrate with the heat transfer water.

Alternatively, the thermic module may be an exothermic module, wherein the quantity of chemical is a quantity of magnesium sulfate, and wherein the heat transfer liquid is a quantity of heat transfer water, the selective actuation of the thermic module being the selective mixing of the quantity of magnesium sulfate with the heat transfer water.

The thermic module may be disposed upon the interior surface of the container or upon an exterior surface of the container. In another aspect of the disclosure, a method of preparing a quantity of food at a desired temperature range is disclosed. The method may include providing a container having an interior surface, a free edge forming an opening, and an interior volume defined by the interior surface and the opening, a barrier, selectively disposable within the container interior, for dividing the container interior volume into at least two portions, a quantity of dry foodstuffs within a first of the at least two portions, a flexible container retaining a quantity of a base liquid within a second of the at least two portions, the flexible container configured for being selectively ruptured to release the base liquid into the interior volume, and a selectively actuatable thermic module physically associated with the container, the thermic module comprising a quantity of chemical and a quantity of heat transfer liquid separated by a pierceable membrane, the flexible container and the thermic module being configured for thermal conduction therebetween upon actuation of the thermic module. The method may further include dispersing the quantity of chemical into the heat transfer liquid to initiate a thermal reaction, agitating the quantity of base liquid within the flexible container to facilitate heat transfer between the base liquid and the thermal reaction of the thermic module and to form heat transferred base liquid thereby, dispensing the heat transferred base liquid from the flexible container into the second of the at least two portions, and removing the barrier to combine the quantity of dry foodstuffs with the quantity of heat transferred base liquid.

In an embodiment, the method further includes a step of providing a lid configured for releasably sealing the free edge of the container prior to the step of agitating.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of providing a quantity of dry milk within the second of the at least two portions, the quantity of dry foodstuffs is a quantity of dry cereal and the quantity of the base liquid is a quantity of water. Further, the thermic module is an endothermic module, the quantity of chemical is a quantity of ammonium nitrate, the heat transfer liquid is a quantity of heat transfer water, the actuation of the thermic module being the mixing of the quantity of ammonium nitrate with the heat transfer water, and the agitating of the quantity of base liquid within the flexible container to facilitate heat transfer between the base liquid and the thermal reaction of the thermic module and to form heat transferred base liquid thereby includes agitating the quantity of water within the flexible container to facilitate chilling the quantity of water and to form cold water thereby.

In yet a further embodiment, the step of dispensing the heat transferred base liquid from the flexible container into the second of the at least two portions includes dispensing the quantity of cold water into the quantity of dry milk to form a quantity of cold milk; the step of removing the barrier to combine the quantity of dry foodstuffs with the quantity of heat transferred base liquid includes combining the quantity of dry cereal with the quantity of cold milk.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosed technology are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modularized cereal container, in an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flexible container for use with the modularized cereal container of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is flowchart illustrating a method of use of the modularized cereal container of FIG. 1, in an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the embodiments described.

In the following description, some specific details are included to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art, however, will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment,” or “another embodiment” means that a referent feature, structure, or characteristic described regarding the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” or “another embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It should be noted that, as used in this description, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, numbered lists appearing herein do not imply any limit, closed set, ordering, or priority.

Aspects of the embodiments recognize that it is desirable to alter the temperature of a liquid which, when combined with a quantity of dry foodstuffs, produces an appetizing dish. Y et, providing or maintaining such an altered temperature typically requires specialized equipment or infrastructure.

One aspect of the embodiments is that a user can cause the temperature of liquid to change at will without the need for such specialized equipment or infrastructure. Once so changed, the liquid may be selectively introduced to the quantity of dry foodstuffs to produce an appealing meal or serving.

According to an embodiment, a self-contained module for breakfast cereal and method of use thereof is disclosed. The module comprises all elements required to enjoy a serving of breakfast cereal and cold milk without refrigeration or an external supply of energy or milk, water or other liquid. While in an illustrated embodiment the present disclosure includes a serving of breakfast cereal, it is understood that, in other embodiments, the presently disclosed system and method may be employed in conjunction with a variety of foodstuffs that are typically enjoyed with cold milk. Further, while the presently disclosed embodiment demonstrates the ability of the self-contained module to provide a quantity of cold milk, the same system and method may be utilized in conjunction with a variety of powdered drinks, such as protein powder, weight-loss powders, infant formula, etc. Further alternative embodiments are described through this document.

Various aspects of at least one embodiment of the present invention are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the drawings have not necessarily been drawn accurately or to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity or several physical components may be included in one functional block or element. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the drawings to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. For purposes of clarity, however, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. The figures are provided for the purposes of illustration and explanation and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. With respect to FIG. 1, a self-contained breakfast cereal module 100 is illustrated. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a substantially cylindrical container 106, this is for illustrative purposes only and it is understood that a variety of physical geometries may be employed for reasons including ease of manufacturability, ease of filling, crush-resistance, aesthetics, etc.

The container 106 of the module 100 is separated into two major portions by a physical barrier 102. The barrier may be planar, as shown in FIG. 1, or of any suitable geometry as required or desired. While not shown, the barrier may be retained within the module by cooperating physical features formed on the interior walls of the container, such as parallel linear ribs extending inwardly, forming a track on either side of the container interior wall in which the barrier may travel in a vertical direction. As shown, the barrier extends from a bottom interior surface of the container to a point proximate an upper edge 104 of the container, though the barrier vertical height may vary depending upon the implementation. Also, while not illustrated, physical features may be provided on one or both side of an upper edge of the barrier to facilitate the grip of a user during a barrier removal process. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, a lid 116 is also provided for releasably fitting about the upper edge. Such a lid may be releasably affixed to the container such as through mutually cooperating threads, mutually cooperating projections and recesses, or friction fit. In an alternative embodiment, the lid may be replaced with a removable film that is affixed to the upper edge.

The container 106, lid 116 and/or barrier 102 may be formed of plastic such as polyethylene (PE) or of a plant-based, compostable material, such as bagasse from sugar cane or wheat straw fiber, which may be lined, such as with corn-based polylactic acid, a plastic resin derived from plants. Alternatively, the container, lid and/or barrier may be made of washable, reusable plastic or metal. The container may be transparent, translucent, or opaque, may be colored or tinted, may be textured, and may be printed upon or may receive a label.

In an alternative embodiment, the barrier 102 is formed of a molded, dried and liquid- soluble material. For example, the barrier may be formed of a sugar-based material that is capable of breaking down and mixing with the water or other liquid 118 in the flexible container 112. In such an embodiment, the barrier, formed of rigidified powdered milk, may obviate the need for a layer of powdered milk 110; rather, the barrier itself is soluble in the chilled water and dissolves as cold milk is formed. Savory powders may be rigidified as well, depending upon the application. Cereal 108 is disposed within one of the two major portions of the container 106 formed by the barrier 102. In the illustrated embodiment, individual pieces of the cereal are substantially spherical, though the module of the present disclosure may be utilized with cereals of differing form factors. While approximately one-third of the respective major portion is shown as containing cereal, more or less volume may be occupied.

The major portion of the container 106 on the opposite side of the barrier 102 retains several components. On a lower surface of the container, a layer of powdered milk 110 is provided. The depth of the powdered milk may depend upon the quantity of reconstituted milk required per respective serving of cereal.

A flexible container 112, such as a plastic bag, containing water 118 is disposed on the powdered milk 110. The flexible container may be specifically shaped in accordance with the interior geometry of the container inner walls forming the respective major portion and with the respective side of the barrier 102, or the container may simply be sufficiently pliable to adapt to these surfaces. The plastic bag may be unitary in structure or may be provided with a weakened or perforated portion that is torn or opened for the purpose of dispensing the water contained therein into the powdered milk.

In an embodiment in which the flexible container 112 is specifically shaped, there may be no need for a barrier. Here, the cereal 108 or other food may simply be loaded into the container 106 after the shaped flexible container has been installed.

Also illustrated in FIG. 1 is a thermic module 120. In a first embodiment, the thermic module is an endothermic module. Included within this module is a pack of heat transfer water 122 and an associated chemical pack 124. In a preferred embodiment of an endothermic module, the chemical pack contains a quantity of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3). The heat transfer water pack and the chemical pack are in mutual contact and may share a common wall therebetween. This common wall may be formed of a plastic layer that is thinner relative to the rest of the plastic containing the heat transfer water and the chemical, such that the intermediate wall may be ruptured upon the application of manual pressure by a user through the poking of a finger onto the chemical pack. The common wall may alternatively be provided with a weakened region or regions that are susceptible to rupture upon the application of external pressure.

In an alternative embodiment, the chemical pack 124 is formed within the heat transfer water pack 122, rather than outside and adjacent to it. In this embodiment, the plastic enclosing the chemical may be thinner or more easily tom or ruptured as compared to the plastic enclosing the heat transfer water. Thus, the interior chemical pack may be ruptured into the heat transfer water through manual squeezing of the thermic module 120.

The thermic module 120 may be disposed on an outer surface of the container 106 if the container wall is made of a material that is sufficiently heat conductive. Alternatively, the endothermic module may be disposed on an inner surface of the container adjacent the flexible container 112. This embodiment then places the endothermic module in direct contact with the flexible container of water for improved thermal conduction.

Further still, as shown in FIG. 2, the thermic module 120 may be disposed within and affixed to an interior side wall of the flexible container 112 of water 118. In this embodiment, the chemical pack 124 may be external or internal to the heat transfer water pack 122, though providing the chemical pack within the heat transfer water pack may be easier to implement and may provide a degree of safety by avoiding direct exposure of the chemical pack to the water within the flexible container. As above, a variety of techniques for facilitating the selective exposure of the retained chemical into the heat transfer water are envisioned.

Providing the thermic module 120 within the flexible container 112 of water 118 provides several advantages. First, the thermic module need not be affixed to or otherwise specifically arranged relative to the container 106 wall. Second, the flexible container may be extracted from the container to facilitate the rupturing of the barrier between the chemical pack 124 and the heat transfer water pack 122, as well as to facilitate the agitation of the water within the flexible container so that the contents are sufficiently exposed to the endothermic module for optimal heat transfer

Once the water 118 in the flexible container 112 is adequately chilled, the flexible container is opened to dispense the water into the powdered milk 110. The water and powdered milk may be mixed through agitation, stirring, or other known means. The lid 116 is preferably releasably affixed to the upper edge 104 of the container 106 and is formed of a material that is complimentary to the material of which the container 106 is fabricated. With a removably affixed lid, the chilled water may be dispensed into the powdered milk, the lid may be reattached to the upper edge of the container, and the module may be agitated to reconstitute the milk without leakage.

Once the milk 110 has been reconstituted in the cold water 118, the barrier 102 may be manually removed from the container 106 and the cereal 108 and milk may be mixed. As noted above, an alternative embodiment of the barrier may dissolve in the cold water. While not shown, a spoon of plastic, bamboo or other compostable material, metal, etc. may be affixed to the container exterior or interior. For example, if sufficient headroom exists above the cereal, a foreshortened spoon may be loosely disposed above or in the cereal or may be affixed to a portion of the container interior wall, to the barrier 102, or to the lid 116.

With reference to FIG. 3, the present disclosure also pertains to a method of use 200 of a self-contained breakfast cereal module 100 such as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. The method includes a step of dispensing 202 ammonium nitrate from the chemical pack 124 into the heat transfer water pack 122. As discussed above, this step may be accomplished in a variety of ways, including manually squeezing the thermic module 120 whereby a film or barrier intermediate the chemical pack and the heat transfer water pack is ruptured and the ammonium nitrate and heat transfer water are mixed, resulting in an endothermic chemical reaction.

Next, the water 118 in the flexible container 112 is agitated 204 in order to expose the water to the chilled contents of the thermic module 120. This step may be accomplished by removing the flexible container from the module container 106 and manually agitating it. Alternatively, the entire container 106 may be shaken.

Once the water 118 in the flexible container 112 is suitably cold, the flexible container 112 is opened and the cold water is dispensed 206 into the powdered milk 110 to reconstitute the milk. The flexible container may be opened by tearing it, which may be facilitated by a score or other area of weakness in the flexible container material. Alternatively, a spoon (not illustrated) may be used to poke a hole in the flexible container. Reconstitution of the milk may be facilitated by swirling or shaking the container, preferably with the lid in place, or by using the spoon, if provided, to stir the cold water and milk powder.

Lastly, the barrier 102 is manually removed 208 from the container 106, enabling the cereal to spread into the portion of the container previously occupied by the milk powder and combining the cereal with the cold, reconstituted milk. The prepared cereal is then ready for enjoyment.

In an alternative embodiment of the presently disclosed system and method, the thermic module 120 is an exothermic module which may be provided according to the various embodiments described herein. For example, the chemical pack 122 in an exothermic module may contain a chemical compound such as magnesium sulfate which, when mixed with water in the heat transfer water pack 124, causes an exothermic reaction as ionic bonds break. In an embodiment employing an exothermic module in place of an endothermic module, the water 118 in the flexible container 112 is heated as it is agitated proximate the exothermic module. The resulting heated water can then be used to reconstitute the powdered milk 110 to produce warm milk. The cereal 108 in this embodiment can thus be instant oatmeal, instant cream of wheat, or any other cereal typically prepared or enjoyed with warm milk. Alternatively, rather than powdered milk, this exothermic embodiment can be used with powdered soup mix or bouillon to form a heated liquid base. Cereal may then be replaced with dried vegetables and/or animal or plant proteins such that a warm soup is attainable.

In yet further embodiments, powdered milk or other desiccated liquids are omitted completely, and any powdered liquid is premixed with the cereal or other foodstuff to be wetted. For example, in the exothermic embodiment described immediately above, the powdered milk 110 may be omitted and instant oatmeal, premixed with powdered milk or other dairy product, is provided in place of cereal 108.

Further still, the water in the flexible container 112 may be replaced with other liquids to be cooled (in the endothermic embodiment) or heated (in the exothermic embodiment) in response to actuation of the respective thermic module 120. This embodiment may be used with or without a powdered liquid such as powdered milk 110 as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

An alternative embodiment includes a pouch or other receptacle disposed with respect to an outer surface of the container 106 or lid 116. This pouch may be used to receive plastic associated with the flexible container 112 and thermic module 120. In a preferred embodiment, the remainder of the self-contained module 100, including the container 106, lid 116, and barrier 102 (and spoon, if provided), is formed of recyclable, compostable, or consumable materials. The pouch and associated contents are thus easily removed for separate waste processing.

The foregoing description has been directed to particular embodiments. However, other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of their advantages. It will be further appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that modifications to the above-described system and method may be made without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the invention should not be viewed as limited by the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, various features of the described embodiments may be used without the corresponding use of other features. Thus, this description should be read as merely illustrative of various principles, and not in limitation of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A module for preparing a quantity of food at a desired temperature range, comprising: a container having an interior surface, a free edge forming an opening, and an interior volume defined by the interior surface and the opening; a barrier, selectively disposable within the container interior, for dividing the container interior volume into at least two portions; and a selectively actuatable thermic module physically associated with the container.

2. The module of claim 1, wherein the container is cylindrical.

3. The module of claim 1, wherein the barrier is planar.

4. The module of claim 1, wherein the barrier is retained within the container and against the interior surface thereof by cooperating physical features formed on the interior surface of the container.

5. The module of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a bottom surface and wherein the barrier extends from the bottom surface to a point proximate the free edge forming the opening.

6. The module of claim 1, further comprising a lid configured for being releasably fit to the free edge of the container.

7. The module of claim 6, wherein the lid and the free edge have mutually cooperating threads.

8. The module of claim 1, wherein the container and barrier are formed of plastic or compostable material.

9. The module of claim 8, wherein the compostable material is a plant-based compostable material selected from bagasse from sugar cane or wheat straw fiber.

10. The module of claim 1, wherein the barrier is formed of a liquid-soluble material.

11. The module of claim 1, further comprising a quantity of dry cereal within a first of the at least two portions and a quantity of dry milk within a second of the at least two portions.

12. The module of claim 1, further comprising a flexible container for retaining a base liquid, the flexible container and the thermic module being configured for thermal conduction therebetween upon actuation of the thermic module.

13. The module of claim 12, wherein the flexible container is configured for being selectively ruptured to release the base liquid into the interior volume.

14. The module of claim 12, wherein the flexible container is a plastic bag.

15. The module of claim 12, wherein the thermic module is within the flexible container or on an exterior surface of the flexible container.

16. The module of claim 1, wherein the thermic module comprises a quantity of a chemical and a quantity of heat transfer liquid separated by a pierceable membrane.

17. The module of claim 16, wherein the thermic module is an endothermic module, wherein the quantity of chemical is a quantity of ammonium nitrate, and wherein the heat transfer liquid is a quantity of heat transfer water, the selective actuation of the thermic module being the selective mixing of the quantity of ammonium nitrate with the heat transfer water.

18. The module of claim 16, wherein the thermic module is an exothermic module, wherein the quantity of chemical is a quantity of magnesium sulfate, and wherein the heat transfer liquid is a quantity of heat transfer water, the selective actuation of the thermic module being the selective mixing of the quantity of magnesium sulfate with the heat transfer water.

19. The module of claim 1, wherein the thermic module is disposed upon the interior surface of the container or upon an exterior surface of the container.

20. A method of preparing a quantity of food at a desired temperature range, comprising: providing a container having an interior surface, a free edge forming an opening, and an interior volume defined by the interior surface and the opening, a barrier, selectively disposable within the container interior, for dividing the container interior volume into at least two portions, a quantity of dry foodstuffs within a first of the at least two portions, a flexible container retaining a quantity of a base liquid within a second of the at least two portions, the flexible container configured for being selectively ruptured to release the quantity of base liquid into the interior volume, and a selectively actuatable thermic module physically associated with the container, the thermic module comprising a quantity of chemical and a quantity of heat transfer liquid separated by a pierceable membrane, the flexible container and the thermic module being configured for thermal conduction therebetween upon actuation of the thermic module; dispersing the quantity of chemical into the heat transfer liquid to initiate a thermal reaction; agitating the quantity of base liquid within the flexible container to facilitate heat transfer between the base liquid and the thermal reaction of the thermic module and to form heat transferred base liquid thereby; dispensing the heat transferred base liquid from the flexible container into the second of the at least two portions; and removing the barrier to combine the quantity of dry foodstuffs with the quantity of heat transferred base liquid.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of providing a lid configured for releasably sealing the free edge of the container prior to the step of agitating.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of providing a quantity of dry milk within the second of the at least two portions, wherein the quantity of dry foodstuffs is a quantity of dry cereal and the quantity of the base liquid is a quantity of water.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the thermic module is an endothermic module, wherein the quantity of chemical is a quantity of ammonium nitrate, wherein the heat transfer liquid is a quantity of heat transfer water, the actuation of the thermic module being the mixing of the quantity of ammonium nitrate with the heat transfer water, and wherein the agitating of the quantity of base liquid within the flexible container to facilitate heat transfer between the base liquid and the thermal reaction of the thermic module and to form heat transferred base liquid thereby comprises agitating the quantity of water within the flexible container to facilitate chilling the quantity of water and to form cold water thereby.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of dispensing the heat transferred base liquid from the flexible container into the second of the at least two portions comprises dispensing the quantity of cold water into the quantity of dry milk to form a quantity of cold milk and wherein the step of removing the barrier to combine the quantity of dry foodstuffs with the quantity of heat transferred base liquid comprises combining the quantity of dry cereal with the quantity of cold milk.