# US 12,593,945 B2 · System and method for providing a hot towel > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,593,945 B2 - Document ID: US12593945B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/879,551 - Filed: 2022-08-02 - Published: 2023-02-09 - Granted: 2026-04-07 - Earliest claimed: 2021-08-03 - Applicants: Nicholas J. Hott - Inventors: Nicholas J. Hott - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12593945B2 ## CPC - A47K 10/02: Towels (paper towels A47K10/16) - B65D 33/2508: {using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor} - B65D 75/008: {Standing pouches, i.e. "Standbeutel"} - B65D 2207/00: Standing packages - A47K: SANITARY EQUIPMENT; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, e.g. TOILET ACCESSORIES - B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES ## Abstract A system comprises a container, a water-activated heating element, and a towel. Water can be poured into the container to activate the water-activated heating element. The towel can be placed in the container with the activated water-activated heating element. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A system comprising: a container defining an interior; a towel disposed within the interior of the container; and a water-activated heating element disposed within the interior of the container, wherein portions of the interior occupied by the towel and the water-activated heating element are in fluid communication to permit steam generated by the water activated heating element to contact the towel. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, further comprising water in a pre-use condition in which the water is water is sealed within a single use bag and separated from the water-activated heating element. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the towel comprises terrycloth or microfiber or a combination thereof. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the water-activated heating element comprises magnesium, iron, and a salt. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the water-activated heating element has a mass of at least 20 grams. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a pouch having a press-seal zipper closure. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The system of claim 6, wherein the pouch has an expandable base that permits the pouch to stand up. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The system of claim 6, wherein the pouch has an opening and a press seal zipper closure that is configured to close the opening. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a utensil for removing the towel from the container. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The system of claim 9, wherein the utensil comprises a pair of tongs. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the towel is moist. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the towel is impregnated with at least one additive. ### Claim 13 A kit comprising: a towel; at least one water-activated heating element; and a container defining an inner volume that is configured to simultaneously receive the towel and the at least one water-activated heating element so that steam generated by the at least one water-activated heating element can be absorbed by the towel. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the towel has a width from about 6 inches to about 24 inches and a length from about 6 inches to about 24 inches. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, further comprising a spacer that is configured to be positioned within the interior of the container between the water-activated heating element and the towel to maintain a spaced relationship between the water-activated heating element and the towel. ### Claim 16 A method comprising: pouring a first quantity of water into an interior of a container to activate a water-activated heating element disposed within the interior of the container; and allowing steam generated from the water-activated heating element to contact a towel in the interior of the container. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16, further comprising wrapping the water-activated heating element in the towel, wherein placing the towel in the container comprises placing the towel within the container with the water-activated heating element wrapped therein, wherein pouring the first quantity of water into the container to contact the water-activated heating element comprises pouring the water onto the towel with the water-activated heating element wrapped therein. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16, wherein the container is a pouch, wherein the interior of the container is a pocket defined by the pouch, wherein the method further comprises placing the towel and the water-activated heating element in the pocket of the pouch. ### Claim 19 (depends on 13) The kit of claim 13, wherein the at least one water-activated heating element comprises a plurality of water-activated heating elements. ### Claim 20 (depends on 13) The kit of claim 13, wherein the container is a pouch, wherein the interior of the container is a pocket defined by the pouch, wherein the system further comprises: packaging; and water in a pre-use condition in which the water is sealed within a capsule and separated from the water-activated heating element, wherein each of the towel, the at least one water-activated heating element, the container, and the water is disposed within the packaging.