GB2397214A

GB2397214A - Thermally insulated kettle

Info

Publication number: GB2397214A
Application number: GB0300755A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Hirst
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-01-14
Filing date: 2003-01-14
Publication date: 2004-07-21
Also published as: GB0300755D0

Abstract

A kettle including a vacuum sealed vessel (5, Fig 1) with a silvered/mirrored interior (9, Fig1) to thermally insulate the contents. The lid (1, Fig 1) provides further insulation and is such that it can be sealed to allow the kettle and its content to be made transportable without spillage. The kettles heating element (11, Fig1) is such that it is contained within the vessel, without compromising the vacuum or the water tightness. The incorporation of the thermal insulation as described will allow the kettle to heat its contents quicker and more efficiently that a conventional kettle and will allow the heated fluid to remain hot for a prolonged period, reducing the energy required to re-heat the fluid. The sealing lid allows the kettle to perform its second function as a portable flask. The kettle is 'cordless' being removable from its base (15) through which power is supplied.

Description

23972 1 4

Title of Invention: Thermally Insulated Kettle

Description

When a conventional kettle is used to heat fluid (for example water), generally the user will overfill the kettle and heat more water than required. The excess hot water is then left in the kettle until it is next used. During this time the water has time to cool and the thermal energy transferred in heating the fluid is dissipated into the surroundings and is effectively lost. This leads to a very inefficient heating process.

The design described herein is based on a thermally insulated kettle. The insulation takes the form of already established techniques including a vacuum vessel, silvered lining for the vessel and insulated supports and lid. The combination of these properties to the conventional kettle, including the heating element will enable water to boil faster using less energy than a conventional kettle. Additionally, it will allow the remaining fluid left in the kettle after use, to remain hot for an increased duration, so that next time the kettle is used some residual heat will remain in the water, taking less time to re-boil and significantly reducing the energy consumed.

The design of the 'Thermally Insulated Kettle' is such that the water in the kettle can be heated, and then the lid can be sealed. The kettle can then be lifted from its base; the design is such that the sealed kettle is suitably portable. Therfore the kettle has the dual function and can be used in the way of a conventional thermally insulated flask.

Features Refer to diagram figure 1.

Glass or plastic vacuum cavity to provide insulation against conducted heat dissipation [ref. 5].

À Silvered (mirrored) surface on vessel visible from the inside of the fluid carrying vessel, providing insulation against radiated heat dissipation fief. 9].

À Thermal supports and lid to provide insulation for conducted and convected heat dissipation [ref. 1, 4 & 13].

À Sealable spout [ref. 2].

À Heating element internal to vacuum vessel, with water tight sealed [ref. 11 & 12].

À Detachable power cable and/or power source base to make kettle easily portable [ref.14 & 15].

À Water tight lid for filling and pouring, allowing hot fluid to be sealed inside the kettle [ref. 1 & 3].

Insulated outer casing and handle to allow pouring and safe caring of the device and mechanical protection to vacuum vessel [ref. 7 & 8].

Page I of 2

Claims

Claims 1. A kettle including a vacuum sealed vessel to thermally insulate

the contents.
2. A kettle as claimed in Claim 1 where the vacuum vessel has a silvered/mirrored interior to thermally insulate the contents.
3. A kettle as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 where the heating element is contained inside the vacuum vessel without compromising the effectiveness of the vacuum.
4. A kettle as claimed in Claim 3 where a seal between the heating element and the vacuum vessel is provided such that it is watertight so that the content of the kettle do not pass through.
5. A kettle as claimed in Claim 3 and Claim 4 where the electrical connection to the heating element is made within the seal as described in claim 4.
6. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim where the fluid caring vessel can be sealed by means of a lid and be made portable for transporting the fluid.
7. A kettle as claimed in Claim 6 where the lid allows the steam to escape during heating and boiling before it is sealed.
8. A kettle as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7 where the lid provides further insulation.
9. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim with insulated supports to hold the vacuum vessel and associated parts fast within an outer casing.
10. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claims where the outer casing is such to afford mechanical protection to the vacuum vessel and associated elements.
11. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claims including an On/Off switch that can be either manually and/or temperature activated.
12. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claims including a carrying handle
13. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claims including a power cable connection point.
14. A kettle as claimed in Claim 13 where the power connection forms part of a detachable base.
15. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claims including a spout.
16. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claims, which is made from metal, plastics material, glass or wood, or from any combination of these materials.
17. A kettle substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawing. _ it_