AU2003200670A1

AU2003200670A1 - A safety device for a container

Info

Publication number: AU2003200670A1
Application number: AU2003200670A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Patrick Douglas Hill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-02-26
Filing date: 2003-02-26
Publication date: 2003-09-11

Description

26/02 '03 WED 16:55 FAX 61299255911 GRIFFITH HACK I1004

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): PATRICK DOUGLAS HILL Invention Title: A SAFETY DEVICE FOR A CONTAINER The following :statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: 26/02 '0 WED 1B:35 FAX 61299253911 GRIFFITH HACK i00 2 A sAPE2Y DEVICE FOR A COrrAINER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a safety device for a container having an opening which permits vapour from a heated liquid that may be stored in the container to *scape therefrom.

BACKGROUND OFr THE INVENTION Existing containers which are capable of holding a heated liquid (f or example. kettles and cooking pots) typically have at least one opening which permits vapour from the heated liquid to escape from the container. This opening is usually located either in the lid of the container, but may also be located in a wall of the container itself, such as the opening in the top of a cooking pot.

A major drawback of this opening is that if the container is knocked over, the heated liquid stored in the container can readily pass from the opening. An such, there iu a significant risk to users of existing containers that they may be scalded by the heated liquid which passes through the opening.

SUIDIRY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a safety device for a container having an opening which permits vapour from a heated liqui~d that may ha stored in the container to escape therefrom, the safety device including-.

a body which can be associated with the container so as to cover the opening, wherein the body h2as a porosity that permits the vapour to pass through the body so that the vapour can escape from the container, whilst being 4.k2JM~i\4UU 4L9\450 499\45IPaOdC 26/02/03 26/02 '03 WED 16:53 FAX 61299255911 GRIFFITH HACK 00 -3substantially impervious to the heated liquid so as to lesion the likelihood of the heated liquid inadvertently passing freely through the opening.

Thus, a user of the container is loe likely to be scalded by the heated liquid, which if it were not for the body, might otherwise pass through the opening if the container were knocked over or otherwise moved.

Preferably, the body is arranged to be securely located on the container.

Even at~re preferably, the body can be placed into a cage attached to the container so as to be securely located on the container.

Preferably, the body can be removably located on the container.

Thus, a user of the container can remove the body from the container so that it can, for example, be replaced with a new body, or washed and cleaned.

Preferably, the body is arranged to be located on a lid of the container, the lid being such that the opening is located therein.

Preferably, the body can be made from a synthetic sponge type material which is capable of absorbing the heated liquid so as to lessen the. likelihood of the heated liquid inadvertently passing through the opening.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container, including: an opening which permits vapour from a heated liquid that may be stored in the container to escape therefrom; and J.\speq~i\400o 40\06O 491\43IO09dc 14102/03 26/02 '03 WED 16:56 FAX 61299255911 GRIFFITH HACK (1J007 a body which can be associated with the Container so as to cover the opening, wherein the body hag a porosity that permits the vapour to pass through the body so that the vapour can escape from the container, whilst being substantially impervious to the heated liquid so as to lessen the likelihood of the heated liquid inadvertently passing freely through the Opening.

Thus, a user of the container is less likely to be scalded by t'he heated liquid, which if it were not for the body, might otherwise. pass through the opening if the container were knocked over or otherwise moved.

Preferably, the container includes securing means for securely locating the body on the container.

Even more preferably, the securing means includes a cage attached to the container, wherein the body can be placed into the cage.

Preferably, the body can be removed from the container.

Preferably, the container includes a lid in which the opening is located wherein the body is located on the lid such that it Covers the Opening.

Preferably, the lid includes a lip which is arranged to bear against a wall defining a further opening in the container.

Thus, by bearing against the wall defining the surface of the opening, the lid advantageously forms a O7L\UpqcfL\Oa uII\.S0 499\4K609.IoC 26/QZ/QJ 26/02 '03 WED 16:58 FAX 61299255911 GRIFFITH HACK 008 5 seal which also lessens the amount of heated liquid which can inadvertently escape via the further opening, which could otherwise scald the user of the container.

Preferably, the container includes holding means for holding the lid in a closed position.

Thus, holding the lid in the closed position lessens the likelihood of the lid inadvertently opening, which could otherw:Lse allow the heated liquid to escape from the further openiLng and scald the user thereof.

Even more preferably, the holding means includes a clip which can engage the container and the lid.

Preferably, the container further includes stirring means which permits a user of the container to stir a liquid in the container without having to remove the lid.

Thus, allowing a user to stir the contents of the container without having to remove the lid lessens the likelihood of the user being scalded by the rush of vapour which could come from the container if the user had to remove the lid.

Even more preferably, the stirring means includes a stirring portion located in the container and moving means for moving the stirring portion.

Even more preferably, the moving means includes a handle on an outside of the container and which is coupled to the stirring portion, wherein moving the handle causes the stirring portion to move.

Even more preferably, the moving means includes an electric motor coupled to the stirring portion, wherein applying electricity to the electric motor to rotate the 451\SO 99\B6as.dcc 32/02/03 26/02 '03 WED 16:56 FAX 61299235911 GRIFFITH HACK [MJoog motor, which in turn causes the motor to move the stirring portion.

Preferably, the body can be made from a synthetic S sponge type material which can absorb the heated liquid so as to lessen the likelihood of the heated liquid inadvertently passing through the opening.

Preferably, the lid can be made from a Bs-through material which permits a user of the oontai-ner to view the contents thereof.

Thus, allowing a user to view the contents of the coatainer without having to remove the lid lessens the likelihood of the user being scalded by the rusuh of vapour which could coma from the container if the user had to remo ve the lid.

Preferably, where there is a securing means f or securely locating the body on the container the securing means is located on the lid.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a. lid for a container, including: an aperture which permits vapour from a heated liquid that may be stored in the container to escape therefrom, the lid including a safety device of the above type; and a body arranged to be located on the lid so as to cover the aperture, wherein the body has a porosity that permits the vapour to pass through the body so that the vapour can escape from the container, whilst being substantially impervious to the heated liquid so as to lessen the likelihood of the heated liquid inadvertently passing freely through the aperture.

Jr:\Saia\400 4S3\IsQ appA69.dot 26102103 26/02 '03 WED 16:56 FAX 61299255911 GRIFFITH HACK a ]010 -7 Thus, a user of the container is less likely to be scalded by the heated liquid, which if it were not for the body might otherwise pass through the aperture if the container were knocked over or otherwise moved.

Preferably, the lid further includes securing means for securely locating the body on the lid.

Even more preferably, the securing means includes a cage attached to the lid, wherein the body can be placed into the cage.

Preferably, the body can be removed from the lid.

Thus, a user of the container can re ve the body from the container so that it can, for example, be replaced with a new body, or washed and cleaned.

Preferably, the lid includes a lip arranged to bear against a wall defining an opening in ths container.

Preferably, the lip bearing against the wall defining the opening can font a seal which also lessens the amount of heated liquid which can inadvertently escape from the container, which could otherwise scald the user of the contakiner.

Preferably, the lid includes holding means for holding the lid in a closed position.

Thus, balding the lid in the closed position lessens the likelihood of the lid inadvertently opening, which could otherwrise allow the heated liquid to escape from the opening and scald the user thereof.

Ju %Mci4aD 499\460 499\46601.dzm jS/02fO3 26/02 '03 WED 16:57 FAX 61299255911 GRIFFITH HACK WC1oii -8- Preferably, the body can be made from a synthetic sponge type nkaterial which can absorb the heated liquid so as to lessen the likelihood of the heated liquid inadvertently passing through the aperture.

Preferably, the lid can be made from a se-through material which permits a user of the container to view the contents theireof.

Thus, allowing a user to view the contents of the container without having to remove the lid lessens the likelihood of the user being scalded by the rush of vapour which could come from the container if the user had to renmve the l id.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail, by way of examle, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure I illustrates a container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 illustrates a container according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a body shown in Figure 1.

A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION As can. be seen in figures 1 and 2, the containers 1 and 3 can be in the form of, for example, a cooking pot 1 or kettle 3. The containers 1 and 3 can include openings which allow vapour to escape from the containers 1 and 3.

In order to lessen the likelihood of a heated liquid that %ped\49O 4§9\490 499%4$009.d=v 26193/Q3 26/02 '03 WED 16:57 FAX 61299255911 GRIFFITh HACK ~I012 26/02 '03 WED 16:57 FAX 61299255911 GRIFFITH HACK Q 012 may be stored in the containers 1 and 3 from inadvertently passing from the openings 5, the containers 1 and 3 also include a body 7. The body 7 has a porosity that permits the vapour to pass through the body 7uso that the vapour can escape tram the containers 1 and 3, whilst being substantially impervious to the heated liquid so as to lessen the likelihood of the heated liquid inadvertently passing from the openings S. The body 7 is preferably made from a synthetic sponge type material which can absorb the heated liquid. The body 7 may also be made from other materialu such as a fine mesh made front metal or plastics.

In all cases the material should be chosen to withstand the boiling temperatures expected of the liquids in the containers.

The body 7 is usually located on an underside of a lid 9 of the containers 1 and 3, as this is where the openings 5 are located. However, in situations where the openings 5 are located in the containers 1 and 3 per sin, rather than the associated lid 9, the body 7 could also be located on the containers 1 and 3 per se. it is also possible that the body 7 forms the lid itself, and as such is of a size which spans the opening through which the heated liquid can be poured.

As illu~strated in figure 3, the body 7 is preferably securely located on the lid 9 (not shown in figure 3) by a cage 10 which is attached to the lid 9. The body 7 can simply be placed into the cage 10. It is also envisaged that other means for securing the body 7 to the containers 1 and 3 could be employed. One such means may be the use of double sided tape having one side which can be stuck to the body 7 and another side which can be stuck to the containers 1 and 3.

Whatever means is employed to secure the body 7 to the container. 1 and 3. it is preferably that the means J.\"Qi%4UVo 499\4h40 t9P\41609.4 24/LiZ/al 26/02 '03 WED 16:57 FAX 61299255911 GRIFFITH HACK 01 10 allow a user to remove the body 7 f rom the containers 1 and 3 when required. The ability to remove the body 7 allows the uaser to replace the body '7 when necessary. For example the body 7 could be damaged and may need to be replaced with a new body 7, or the user may wish to simply wash the body 7 to clean it.

In addition to the openings 5 which permit vapour to escape from the containers 1 and 3, the containers 1 and 3 include another opening 11 through which the heated liquid can be poured from the containers 1 and 3. To lessen the likelihood of the heated liquid passing between the lid 9 (when in a closed position) and the other opening 11, the lid 9 preferably Includes a lip 13 (see figure 2) which is capable of bearing against an inner surface 15 which defines the opening 11. The lip 13 could be made from, for example, a synthetic'resilienit rubber material that will withstand the boiling temperatures expected of the liquids in the container.

To lessen the chance of the lid 9 inadvertently opening, the containers 1 and 3 may also include holding means for holding the lid 9 in the cloned position.

Preferably, the holding means includes a clip 17 (see figure 1) which engages the side walls of the containers 1 and the lid 9. Alternatively, the holding means could include a pin 19 (see figure 2) which is receivable in holes (not illustrated) located in the container 3 and lid 9 operating mechanism 21.

It is also desirable that the lid 9 be made from a see-through material so that a user can see the contents of the conttiner 1 without having to remove the lid 9. The see-through lid 9 adds to the safety of the container 1 because the user is unlikely to be scalded by the rush of vapour which can leave the container 1 when the lid 9 is removed.

3.\8puCL\400 499\450 49fl43609.dcc M1(03/03 26/02 '03 WED 16:57 FAX 61299255911 GRIFFITH HACK 1014 11 The container I may also include stirring means 22 which permits a user of the container 1 to stir the contents of the container 1 without having to remove the lid 9. Preferably, the stirring means includes a stirring portion 23 located in the container 1 (see figure 1) and moving means 25 for moving the stirring portion 23. It is preferable that the moving means 25 be an electric motor coupled to the stirring portion 23. The stirring portion 23 being moved by the motor when electricity is applied to the electric motor. Alternatively, the moving means could simply be a handle (not illustrated) coupled to the stirring portion 23. Whereby a user could move the handle to move the stirring portion 23.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described herein. It should be understood that the present invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention described herein.

Jt\pci\4MO 4t9\450 4m\c4B iB.dOC 26/02/03

Claims

1. A safety device for a container having an opening which permits vapour from a heated liquid that may be stored in the container to escape therefrom, the safety device including: a body which can be located on the container so as to cover the opening, wherein the body has a porosity that permits the vapour to pass through the body so that the vapour can escape from the container, whilst being substantially impervious to the heated liquid so as to lessen the likelihood of the heated liquid inadvertently passing freely through the opening.

2. The safety device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body is arranged to be securely located on the container.

3. The safety device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the body can be placed into a cage attached to the container so as5 to be securely located on the container.

4. The safety device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body can be removably located on the container.

The safety device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is arranged to be located on a lid of the container, the lid being such that the opening located therein.

6. The safety device an claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body can be made from a synthetic sponge type material which is capable of absorbing th. heated liquid so as to lessen the likelihood of the heated liquid inadvertently passing through the opening. L PfAsO 63!9\dISQO.dc 26/02/03 26/02 '03 WED 16:58 FAX 61299255911 GRIFFITH HACK Z016 11

7. A container, including: an opening which permits vapour from a heated liquid that may be stored in the container to escape therefrom; and a body which can be associated with the container so as to cover the opening, wherein the body has a porosity that permits the vapour to pass through the body so that the vapour can escape from the container, whilst being substantially impervious to the heated liquid so as to lessen the likelihood of the heated liquid inadvertently passing freely through the opening.

8. The container as claimed in claim 7, further including securing means for securely locating the body on the container.

9. The container as claimed in claim 8, wherein the securing means includes a cage attached to the container, wherein the body can be placed into the cage.

The container as claimed in any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the securing means is located on the lid.

11. The container as claimed in any one of claims 7-10, wherein the body can be removed from the container.

12. The container as claimed in any one of claims 7-11, further including a lid in which the opening is located, wherein the body is located on the lid such that it covers the opening.

13. The container as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lid includes a lip which is arrange to bear against a wall defining a further opening in the container.

14. The container as claimed in any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the lid can be made from a see-through J;\SecL\400 499\45S 4pp\4LSes.dac 2s/02/o0 26/02 '03 WED 16:58 FAX 6129925M91 GRIFFITH HACK 16017 1 312 material which permits a user of th6 container to view the contents thereof.

The container as claimed in any one of claims 12 or 13, further including holding means for holding the lid in a closed position.

16. The Container as claimed in claim 15, wherein the holding means further includes a clip which can engage the container and the lid.

17. The container as claimed in any one of claims 7-16, further including stirring means which permits a user of the container to stir a liquid in the container without having to remove the lid.

18. The container as claimed in claim 17, wherein the stirring means includes a stirring portion located in the container and moving means for moving the stirring portion.

19. The container as claimed in claim 18, wherein the moving means include, a handle on an outside of the container and which is coupled to the stirring portion. wherein moving the handle causes the stirring portion to move.

The container as claimed in claim 18, wherein the moving means include. an electric motor coupled to the stirring portion, wherein applying electricity to the electric motor to rotate the motor, which in turn causes the motor to move the stirring portion.

21. The container as claimed in any one of claims 7-20, wherein the body can be made from a synthetic sponge type material which can absorb the heated liquid so as to lessen the likelihood of the heated liquid inadvertently Oi Sqeei\GOO 499\4t50 49P\U109.dee 2lID/013 1 26/02 '03 WED 16:58 FAX 61299255911 GRIFFITH BACK Z 0.18 1-3 passilng through the opening.-

22. A lid for a container, including. an aperture which permits vapour from a heated liquid that imay be stored in the container to escape therefrom, the lid including a safety device of the above type; and a body arranged to be located on the lid somes to cover the aperture, wherein the body has a porosity that permits the vapour to pass through the body so that the vapour can escape from the container, whilst being substantially impervious to the heated liquid so as to lessen the likelihood of the heated liquid inadvertently passing freely through the aperture.

23. The lid as claimed in claim 22, further including securing meas for securely locating the body on the lid.

24. The lid as claimed in claim 23, wherein the securing means includes a cage attached to the lid, wherein the body can be placed into the cage.

The lid as claimed in any one of claims 22-24, wherein the body can be removed from the lid.

26. The lid as claimed in any one of claims 23-25, further including a lip arranged to bear against a wall defining an opening in the container.

27. The lid as claimed in any one of claims 22-26, further including holding means for holding the lid in a closed position.

28. The lid as claimed in claim 27, wherein the holding means includes a clip which can engage the container and the lid. Jm\Bpec1\400 499\450 499\4BEOBdoc 2S/1/02 26/02 '03 WED 16:59 FAX 61299255911 GRIFFITH RACK i019 -14-

29. The lid as claimed in any one of claims 22-28, wherein the body can be made from a synthetic sponge type material which can absorb the heated liquid so as to lessen the likelihood of the heated liquid inadvertently passing through the opening.

The lid as claimed in ay one of claims 22-29, wherein the lid can be made from a see-through material which permits a user of the container to view the contents thereof.

31. A safe-ty device for a container, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.

32. A container, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.

33. A lid for a container, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 25 day of February 2003 PATRICK DOUGLAS HILL By their Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH RACK c.\TEMw\4ff101.do 25/03/03