GB2234808A

GB2234808A - Vacuum flask

Info

Publication number: GB2234808A
Application number: GB9015463A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Luigi Giovenzana
Original assignee: QUATTRO ELLE SpA
Current assignee: QUATTRO ELLE SpA
Priority date: 1989-07-19
Filing date: 1990-07-13
Publication date: 1991-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2010-07-13
Also published as: FR2649880B3; IT8921456V0; GB2234808B; IT216761Z2; GB9015463D0; FR2649880A3; DE9010151U1

Abstract

A vacuum flask, which serves to contain beverages and keep them at almost constant temperature, comprises a flask body which is hollowed out in its lower part to form a beaker holder space closed at the base by a plate. The plate is fastened, preferably by means of self-tapping screws, to the flask body to be removable. Articulated to the body is a flap (5) for closure of the beaker holder space. The flap (5), in open setting, also has the function of supporting the beaker (3) when it is being filled from tap (10). <IMAGE>

Description

VACUUM FLASK The present invention relates to a vacuum flask, for example a flask which serves to contain beverages and keep them at almost constant temperature.

It would be desirable to provide a vacuum flask which makes it possible to support a beaker, during filling thereof, independently of the support surface on which the flask is set down. It would also be desirable for a vacuum flask to be able to store a plurality of beakers in hygienic manner.

According to the present invention there is provided a vacuum flask comprising a flask body which is hollowed out in the lower portion thereof to form a storage space for beakers, the space being closed at the base of the flask body, and a flap attached to the flask body and movable between a closed position in which it closes an access opening of the storage space and an open position in which it opens the access opening and forms a stand for a beaker.

Preferably the beaker storage space is closed at the base by a plate which is fastened, for preference by means of self-tapping screws, to the flask body to be removable, the flap being articulated to the body for closure of the beaker storage space.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a front view of a vacuum flask embodying the present invention, with a flap of a beaker storage space shown closed; Fig. 2 is an inverted plan view of the vacuum flask of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1, but with the flap open; Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, but with a beaker disposed in filling position; and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the flask.

Referring now to the drawings there is shown a vacuum flask comprising a flask body in which a beaker holder space 1, closed off at the base by a plate 2, is hollowed out in the lower part. The space 1 extends through the entire lower part of the flask body and can contain, for example, fifteen beakers 3 laid down on their sides.

The plate 2,which defines the base of the space 1, is secured to the flask body by means of four self-tapping screws 4. The removability of the plate 2 facilitates maintenance and cleaning of the space 1.

A pivotable flap 5, which in its rest setting closes the beaker holder space 1, is articulated at one of the shorter sides of the plate 2. The flap 5 is provided with two lugs 6 and 7 which, in the rest setting of the flap 5, resiliently engage in two small recesses (not visible in the drawings) provided in the flask body. A further small recess 8 in the flask body facilitates gripping of the flap 5 for opening thereof. When it is open, as in Fig. 4, the flap 5 also functions as a support for a beaker 3, which in this manner is supported, especially during the filling thereof, independently of the support surface on which the vacuum flask is set down. The flap 5 for closure of the space 1 and a cock 10 for dispensing of beverage contained in the vacuum flask are accommodated in a protected manner in a recess 9 of the flask body. In the upper part, the vacuum flask has a screw closure 11 for introduction of the beverage. For the transport of the vacuum flask, there is provided a handle 12, which is articulated at the upper end of the flask body. In its rest setting, illustrated in the drawings, the handle 12 harmoniously completes the geometric form of the flask, so that it effectively occupies no additional space.

Claims

1. A vacuum flask comprising a flask body which is hollowed out in the lower portion thereof to form a storage space for beakers, the space being closed at the base of the flask body, and a flap attached to the flask body and movable between a closed position in which it closes an access opening of the storage space and an open position in which it opens the access opening and forms a stand for a beaker.

2. A vacuum flask as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage space is closed at the base of the flask body by a plate removably secured to the body.

3. A vacuum flask as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plate is secured by self-tapping screws.

4. A vacuum flask as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage space is dimensioned to accommodate a plurality of beakers lying on their sides.

5. A vacuum flask as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flask body is provided with a cock for dispensing the contents of the body, the cock and flap being arranged in a recess of the body.

6. A vacuum flask as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a handle pivotably connected to the flask body and movable into and out of a rest setting in which it completes a geometric form of the body.

7. A vacuum flask substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.