Once again, batteries are redefining an industry with Hot Bento leading the charge into Food & Beverage. As technology improves battery performance and capacity, new uses continue to unfold. Hot Bento is a fully portable, self-heating meal container that provides new flexibility for Active Consumers while catering to strong, emerging meal trends.
Americans:
want to eat healthier
want food to be fast and convenient-as easy as putting gas in a car worry about food safety and security
care about sustainability and eliminating plastic waste 68% of workers bring lunch
over 50% of students bring lunch
prepared food is one of the fastest growth areas in C stores and Grocery
a shared microwave is the most germ laden surface in an office
most airlines have severely curtailed food service
humans have evolved to prefer hot food
hot food releases more energy
The seed for Hot Bento was planted at Outdoor Retailer in 2016. A large majority of exhibitors were offering water bottles-the most ubiquitous product at the show. While there were different sizes, colors, shapes and caps, the functionality was virtually the same for all. Inventor Joe Ganahl wondered “how can we enter this market with a product that is meaningfully different?”
The idea for Cauldryn was born-a bottle that could fully boil, 212°, water from a battery. Many engineers advised “don’t bother-boiling water is too energy intensive, not practically possible”. After extensive research and multiple prototypes, the pundits were proven wrong. In addition to heating cold water all the way to boil, Cauldryn can maintain a selected temperature all day. Set via manual or APP controls, Cauldryn is driven by battery, AC or 12V DC power.
Cauldryn is produced under license for a strategic partner. Applying the patented technology to food was such an exciting proposition that International Innovations, Inc. decided to launch themselves. Once again, extensive research and multiple prototypes were required to develop the finished product. Hot Bento is sleek, rugged and easy to use-like carrying a portable microwave. New Patents are pending with launch scheduled for September 2021.
A stainless-steel meal container with non-stick coating and watertight lid is encased in a polypropylene structure that houses battery pack, PCBA and heating system. Designed for portability, the Power button has protective ridges and a double tap start to help prevent accidental turn on.
Generating heat requires a lot of energy. Focusing battery power into heat generation is a challenging proposition. Electrical energy must be converted into heat energy with sophisticated PCBA’s connected to thermosensors. As with any high current Lithium-ion power system, extensive safety measures must be employed.
Hot Bento utilizes:
No content auto off Over/under current protection Over/under voltage protection
Short circuit protection Charge regulation
Individual cell PTC protection and safety valve
Plastics are all shock resistant and flame retardant. Multi point QA and QC is performed to ensure top quality.
About International Innovations:
Founded in 1995, International Innovations, Inc., dba Innospec, has long been focused on developing unique products that bring new performance and functionality to a wide range of products. Focus has been on Food & Beverage, Health, Sporting Goods, Optics. Conceptualization and Initial Design is coordinated through Honolulu office. Development and Production through Shenzhen office.
