GB2403129A

GB2403129A - Cup and lid with storage means

Info

Publication number: GB2403129A
Application number: GB0414206A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeremy Thomas Vernon Pickering
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-04-11
Filing date: 2001-04-11
Publication date: 2004-12-29
Anticipated expiration: 2021-04-11
Also published as: GB2403129B; GB0109121D0; GB0414206D0; GB2374274B; GB2374274A

Abstract

An apparatus for providing a hot beverage in a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a cup (Fig 1,1) having heating means (Fig 1,5) in which the beverage is prepared. The cup is seated in a cup receiving base (Fig 1,3) through which power is supplied to the heating means via a connection to the vehicle. The lid 222 comprises a plurality of blister portions 223 containing ingredients (eg instant coffee, sugar and milk powder; hot chocolate; tea, sugar and milk powder; dried soup; or baby food). A serrated wire 226 is attached to the inner face of lid 222 adjacent to the blister portion 223 and terminates with ring pull 227.

Description

PREPARING HOT DRINKS IN A VEHICLE

The present invention relates to apparatus for use in the preparation of hot liquids. More particularly it relates to apparatus for use in the preparation of hot drinks. Most particularly it relates to apparatus for use in preparing hot drinks in a vehicle.

Generally a person travelling in a vehicle, such as a long distance lorry driver or a day tripper, who requires a hot drink is limited in their options.

One option is to stop at a roadside cafe or garage to purchase a drink. However, this option is only practical if such an establishment is close by and open for business and the person has the time to stop.

If the person has been forward thinking they may have prepared an insulated flask of hot drink to bring with them. However, although insulated flasks are quite effective the length of time over which they keep drinks at the required temperature is limited. Further, since the choice of drink has to be made before the person leaves home, the drink in the flask may not correspond to the drink which the user would like at a particular time.

Alternatively, the person may have simply prepared an insulated flask of a hot liquid which can be mixed with other ingredients to prepare the refreshment of choice. For example, the flask may be filled with hot water or milk for subsequent mixing with tea, coffee, chocolate mix or the like. However, carrying the hot liquid in this manner requires the user to transfer the liquid to another container such as a cup, where it is mixed with the ingredients. This procedure may result in spillage of the ingredients and hot liquid which may soil or damage the interior of the vehicle. More seriously spilt or splashed hot liquid may scald the user.

A further drawback is that the flask only has limited capacity and once it is empty, the user must hunt for a cafe or the like if a further drink is required.

Several in-vehicle drink making apparatus have been developed in an attempt to overcome these problems. One example is a mini-kettle which can be used to heat water and for which power is drawn from the vehicle. One drawback of using a mini-kettle is that the once a liquid has been heated within the kettle, it must be transferred to the user's cup and mixed with the required ingredients to prepare the drink. Thus this arrangement sul'fers from many of the disadvantages and drawbacks of the flask of hot liquid.

Additionally, there is not only the risk of scalding when transferring the boiling liquid from the kettle to the cup, but also a risk of injury from the steam which is given off as the liquid comes to the boil within the kettle. Furthermore whilst a kettle may be suitable for heating water, it generally can not be used for heating a thick liquid such as smooth soups or baby food or a liquid which contains solids, such as chunky soups or casseroles.

An alternative apparatus that has been suggested is a wand type heater element which is placed directly into a cup of liquid to heat the liquid to the desired temperature. A disadvantage of this type of apparatus is that unless the user holds the wand in the appropriate position throughout the heating process, rather than rest the wand on the side of the cup, it may fall out or cause the cup to tip over. This occurs as the wands generally have a high centre of gravity. This may cause at least part of the contents of the cup to spill. In extreme cases the whole cup may overturn spilling the contents in the vehicle or over the user.

A further difficulty associated with the wand type heaters is that it is generally not possible to tell when the liquid has been heated to the correct temperature. This may cause overheating to occur which again may result in the user being scalded. Furthermore, once the liquid has been heated the wand must be cooled and cleaned before it can be stored.

As it takes some time for the heating element to cool, there is a risk that the user may be burned or the interior of the vehicle may be damaged.

A further disadvantage of both types of apparatus is that generally they are costly to manufacture and hence their purchase price tends to be significant.

There is therefore a need for an in-vehicle apparatus that can readily provide a hot liquid while minimising the risk of injury to the user or damage to the vehicle.

Furthermore, there is a need for an in-vehicle apparatus that can provide a hot beverage on demand quickly, while minimising the risk of spillage of ingredients during its preparation.

I;or ease of reference the terms "hot liquid" and "hot beverage" will encompass not only traditional drinks such as tea and coffee, but also thick liquids such as soup and baby food and solid containing liquids such as casseroles.

I'hus according to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for preparing hot liquids in a vehicle comprising: a cup having heating means for heating liquids held therein, and cup electrical connection means; a cup receiving base having base electrical connection means; and a vehicle connection means for connecting the cup receiving base to the battery of the vehicle; and a lid, sized and shaped to securely seal the liquid inside the cup, the lid, the cup or both the lid and the cup comprise fixing means for securing the lid to the cup, the lid further comprises ingredient storage means which enable ingredients to be supplied to the cup without necessitating removal of the lid wherein when the at least one cup is seated in the cup receiving base the cup electrical connection means communicates with the base electrical connection means is connected to the vehicle, power is provided to the heating means.

Since the liquid is heated in the cup, the risk of spillage is minimised. In order to further protect the user, the cup is preferably produced from heat resistant material, most particularly heat resistant plastics material. In one arrangement, to provide improved insulation, the cup may have a double wall arrangement to further reduce the transmission of heat from the interior to the exterior of the apparatus.

In conventional heating apparatus, such as kettles, the heating element is positioned at the base and the heating means in the cup of the present invention may be an element of this type. When the liquid to be heated is water, or another non-viscous liquid, heated liquid is free to be convected and thorough heating of the liquid is achieved. However, if a viscous liquid is to be heated, the part closest to the element may be less mobile and regional heating, i.e. so called "hot spots", may occur. Therefore to achieve thorough heating of the liquid, the user must stir the liquid during the heating process.

In order to overcome such problems, in a preferred arrangement of the present invention the heating means may extend up the walls of the inner surface of the cup. Most particularly, the heating means extends about the inner surface of the cup in order that the liquid is heated thoroughly and hot-spots are prevented.

Preferably, the heating means comprises a heating element of copper wire. More preferably, the heating means comprises 5 amp copper wire. It is envisaged that the wire may be arranged in any suitable pattern about the interior surface of the cup. However, a preferred arrangement is a spiral pattern. One advantage of this arrangement is that it provides a large surface area of heating element in contact with the liquid such that localised overheating is prevented.

Whilst copper wire is most preferred, other conducting elements may be used. In one alternative, this is made of a foil sheet, precut and perforated to give a continuous heating element.

Whilst the spiral pattern is most preferred, other patterns may be used such as a horizontal zigzag pattern or a linked horizontal pattern similar to the arrangement used in a vehicle heated rear window element. If the pattern used causes the wires to cross, insulation means may be present at the points of crossing. In one alternative arrangement, substantially the whole of the element may be electrically insulated. Thus, the heating means is preferably insulated copper wire.

The heating element and the insulating material, where present, are preferably produced from material which will not effect, or be effected by, the liquid to be heated.

Alternatively, the element and/or the insulation may be coated with material which meets these criteria. In one example, the heating element may be plated with a material which meets those criteria.

Where the cup is formed with the double walled arrangement described above, the heating element may be placed within the walls. This arrangement may be aesthetically more acceptable to the user. In this arrangement, the interior wall of the double walled arrangement will be formed from a heat conducting material and the external wall of heat insulating material.

It is important to the correct functioning of the apparatus that when the cup is seated in the cup receiving base the cup and base electrical connection means are in correct alignment such that power can flow to the heating element. In a preferred arrangement, the apparatus may include a means which ensure perfect connection every time the apparatus is used.

For example, the cup and the base may comprise alignment means to ensure correct alignment when the cup is received and seated in the base. In one arrangement, one of the cup and the base may include a flange which will interconnect with a socket located in the other of the cup and the base when the connection means are correctly aligned.

Additionally or alternatively, the cup and base may be furnished with visual indicators to assist the user to align the cup and base.

The vehicle connection means may be of any suitable arrangement but is preferably an arrangement, such as a plug which may be inserted into the cigarette lighter part of the vehicle.

I'he apparatus of the present invention includes a lid which is sized and shaped to securely seal the liquid inside the cup. The lid is preferably made from a heat insulating material.

The use of a lid will minimise the risk of spillage and further protect the user from scalding by preventing spillage and separating the user from the steam formed during the heating process. The presence of the lid will also further minimise the risk of spillage.

It is important that the lid securely fits to the top of the cup. Preferably, the lid forms a water-tight seal with the cup to prevent any leakage of liquid. The cup includes fixing means, which may comprise clips located close to its rim which can be used to secure the lid once it is in position. The lid, the cup or both the lid and the cup comprise fixing means to secure the lid to the cup. Most preferably the fixing means comprises snap-to-fit lips.

In one arrangement the lip of the lid forms a channel or groove within which the rim of the cup may be seated.

In use, steam will be produced as the liquid is heated. Where the lid is present, steam production will cause pressure to build up within the apparatus. Therefore it is desirable to provide pressure release means. The pressure release means is preferably located in the lid. The pressure release means may simply comprise a hole in the lid. However, if the apparatus is knocked, liquid may escape from the cup through the hole. Therefore, the pressure release means preferably comprises a pressure release grommet. This enables pressure to be released from the apparatus when a build up has occurred, but liquid within the apparatus is prevented from escaping. The pressure release means may be located at any position in the lid, but preferably it is placed in the centre.

The apparatus preferably additionally includes temperature indicator means. The temperature indicator means is preferably included in the cup. This temperature indication means is designed to indicate to the user when the liquid has been heated to a temperature suitable for consumption. For example the temperature indicator means may show a change of colour to indicate that the correct temperature has been reached. Thus in one arrangement, the temperature indication means may be black at temperatures lower than the desired temperature and may change to red when the liquid reaches the desired temperature. Preferably the temperature indicator means changes colour at temperatures of about 55 C or more.

Further in a most preferred arrangement, the temperature indicator means undergoes a second colour change as a warning if the temperature of the liquid approaches a level which could potentially cause injury to the user.

The apparatus preferably includes fuse means. The fuse means is preferably located in the cup receiving base.

Alternatively or additionally a fuse may be incorporated in the cup electrical connection means. This fuse means is preferably a thermal fuse. Thus, if the temperature of the liquid approaches a dangerous level the thermal fuse will prevent continuation of the heating process by cutting off the supply of current to the heating means in the cup. Preferably, the thermal fuse prevents liquids heated in the cup from exceeding a temperature of 80 C.

in the most preferred arrangement, once a liquid temperature of 80 C has been reached, the heating means is irreversibly disabled, thus requiring the provision of a new cup for future use. However, in an alternative arrangement the disablement of the heating means is only temporary, such that the cup may be reused.

It is further the aim of the present invention to overcome the hygiene and spillage problems noted with prior art arrangements. The lid of the apparatus includes storage means for containing the ingredients appropriate to the preparation of a particular beverage. For example, the storage means in the lid may include: instant coffee, sugar and milk powder; hot chocolate; tea, sugar and milk powder; dried soup; or baby food. One benefit of this arrangement is that the ingredients can be supplied by the manufacturer in the amount required for a single serving of beverage. Thus the user is relieved of the burden of carrying the ingredients and then transferring them from the carrying containers to the cup.

The user may purchase a set of lids each containing ingredients. 'l'hese may be ingredients for different beverages. This will enable the user to readily carry a range of drinks ingredients and to select a particular beverage at a particular time by choosing a particular lid to use with the apparatus. At a later time, the user may select a lid corresponding to a different beverage and reuse the apparatus to prepare a different drink. Each new lid may be used with the same cup and base. Alternatively, a fresh lid and a fresh cup may be used with the same base on each occasion.

The lid is constructed such that the ingredients can be supplied to the cup without the need to remove the lid from the cup. This eliminates the possibility of the liquid spilling from the cup while the ingredients are added to the liquid. It also eliminates the possibility of the user being scalded by hot liquid splashing out of the cup when the ingredients are added.

Preferably the ingredient storage means are one or more blister pockets in the lid. In this arrangement, the ingredients are encased by the blisters. The blisters may have a reinforced outer surface which forms part of the top surface of the lid, and a weakened inner surface which forms part of the bottom surface of the lid. The weakened inner surface may simply be perforated to created lines of weakness or it may be comprised if a material which is easily split or torn. The contents of the blisters may be added to the hot liquid held in the cup by the user exerting pressure on the outer surface which will cause the contents of the blister to exert pressure against the weakened inner surface. Upon application of sufficient pressure the contents will burst through the weakened inner wall and be deposited into the liquid below.

Alternatively, and preferably, the blisters comprise opening means. The opening means may comprise cutting or slicing means for rupturing the blisters.

Yet a further preferred feature designed to prevent accidental spillage of liquid from the apparatus is the provision of self-adhesive feet on the underside of the base. This enables the user to secure the apparatus in the vehicle, particularly in a cup holder, so that the apparatus is not disturbed by the motion of the vehicle. In this way the apparatus is suitable not only for safe use in a stationary vehicle, but also one that is moving.

In a most preferred arrangement, the cup receiving base and vehicle connection means will be of a non-disposable nature and will be retained by the user for multiple cycles of use.

In one aspect of the invention the cup is also of a non-disposable nature and only the lid part of the apparatus is to be discarded after each use. Thus, the apparatus may be provided as a set comprising a single base and cup along with a plurality of disposable lids.

However, this aspect of the invention is the least convenient for the user as the cup must be cleaned before use on each occasion.

In an alternative aspect of the present invention both the cup and the lid may be disposable.

À In this aspect the cup and the lid may be provided by the manufacturer as a single unit, containing suitable ingredients and liquid, the unit simply being unwrapped and seated into the base in order to commence heating. Conversely, the apparatus may be provided as a set comprising a single base along with an assortment of disposable cups and lids.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure I is a cross-sectional side view of the apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the underside of the cup depicted in Figure l; Figure 3 is a plan view of the underside of the base depicted in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of one lid arrangement; and Figure 5 is a top plan view of the lid depicted in Figure 4.

With reference to Figures I to 3, it can be seen that the apparatus of the current invention comprises a cup l, a lid 2, a cup receiving base 3 and cigarette lighter connector means 4.

Cup I and base 3 may be comprised of heat resistant plastics which may be readily and cost-effectively formed and which provides protection to the user of the apparatus from the heat of the beverage contained within cup 1.

Heating element 5 is attached to the inner surface of the wall of cup 1 in a spiral pattern.

The element 5, is preferably glued to the inner surface of the wall. This arrangement minimises the risk of the formation of "hot spots" during the heating process. Heating element 5 comprises 5 amp copper wire which has been plated. Electrical connectors 6 are positioned on the outer face of the bottom of the cup and are connected to heating element 5. Electrical connectors 6 include a thermal fuse 7 (Figure 2).

The spiral pattern in which the wire comprising heating element 5 is attached to the inner wall of cup I necessitates that part of the wire must overlap other parts of the wire in order that one end connects to an electrical connector 6. Therefore, insulation 8 is included at the points of cross over to prevent the heating element 5 from short circuiting.

Cup I also includes a thermal indicator 9 which is located on the exterior of the cup in order to indicate when the liquid has reached a particular temperature. The thermal indicator is a colour changing heat sensor which shows temperatures of 55 C or more.

Lid 2 is sized and shaped to securely seal the liquid inside the cup. The internal rim l O of lid 2 is furnished with an internally extending ridge. Cup l has a flexible lip 11 with a groove which complements the ridge of rim 10. When lid 2 is placed on cup 1, by applying pressure with lid 2, lip 11 can be caused to flex in order to allow the ridge of rim to be seated in the groove of lip 11 and thus secure lid 2 to cup 1. In the centre of lid 2 there is a pressure release grommet 12 which prevents a build up of pressure from developing within the apparatus as the liquid contained therein is heated.

Base 3 has electrical spring connectors 13,14 which are designed to connect with cup electrical connectors 6 when cup 1 is seated within base 3. Base connector 13 communicates with cigarette lighter connector means 4 via fuse 15. Base connector 14 communicates directly with cigarette lighter connector means 4. The base 3 includes feet 16. Feet 16 may be furnished with adhesive pads to enable the apparatus to be secured to a surface. Alternatively the feet may simply be tacky to minimise the risk of slipping. This prevents the movement of the vehicle causing the apparatus to move around.

Base 3 and cup 1 both further include alignment means 17, 18. This ensures the correct alignment of cup 1, as it is inserted into base 3, so that cup electrical connectors 6 contact base electrical connectors 13, 14.

Cigarette lighter connector means 4 communicates with base electrical connectors 13, 14 so that a 12 volt electrical supply may be supplied to the apparatus.

In use, cup 1 is supplied ready filled with the liquid for the drink and with lid 2 secured there upon. When a hot beverage is required cup I is seated within base 3, using alignment means 17, 18 to ensure that cup electrical contacts 6 come into contact with base electrical contacts 13, 14. Cigarette lighter connector means 4 is inserted into the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle, which provides an electrical source. Current runs from the source through the apparatus to heater element 5 by virtue of the contact of cup electrical contacts 6 with base electrical contacts 13, 14. Heater element 5 heats the beverage held within the cup and when the temperature of the liquid reaches 55 C thermal indicator 9 changes colour. When the desired liquid temperature is achieved the cigarette lighter connector means 4 is removed from the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. The cup 1 can then be removed from base 3, lid 2 removed and the drink consumed.

Should the temperature of the liquid reach a temperature of 80 C the thermally fused cup electrical connectors 6 will cease to allow current to flow through the apparatus. This prevents over heating of the liquid. Once this threshold has been passed and the current supply has ceased, heating cannot be resumed. Therefore, cup 1 cannot be used again to heat the liquid contained therewithin. Once the beverage has been consumed cup 1 and lid 2 may be disposed of or, provided that the thermal fuse is not blown, can be refilled by the user with his own ingredients, subject to hygiene conditions. Otherwise, base 3 is retained I'or future use with a fresh cup I and lid 2.

Figures 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment of the lid 222 of the apparatus. The lid 222 has the internal rim 210 and pressure release grommet 212 features exhibited by the first embodiment. However, lid 222 further comprises a plurality of blister portions 223 which are designed to contain ingredients for the preparation of a beverage. Each blister portion 223 has an upper surface 224 and a lower surface 225. The outer face of upper surface 224 forms a part of the top surface of lid 222. The outer face of lower surface 225 forms a part of the bottom surface of lid 222. A serrated wire 226 is attached to the inner lace of lid 222 at a location adjacent to the blister portion 223. The wire 226 passes over 3 the outer face of lower surface 225 and passes through lid 222 to terminate with ring-pull 227. Wire 226 passes through lid 222 at a position which is opposite to the position of attachment to the inner face of lid 222. Thus, wire 226 forms a loop surrounding at least a part of blister portion 223.

The apparatus is supplied to the user with blisters 223 ready filled with appropriate ingredients for a particular beverage. It may also be supplied ready assembled with a liquid contained within cup 1. Alternatively, the apparatus may be sold unassembled and thus the user will be required to fill cup l with an appropriate liquid and secure lid 222 in place.

However, it is preferred that the apparatus be sold as a sealed unit requiring no other preparation by the user than removal of the packaging and connection to the power source.

When heat sensor 9 indicates that the liquid contained within cup I is of the correct temperature, ring pulls 227 are pulled by the user in a direction away from the lid 222. As t a result serrated wire 226 is caused to slice through surface 225. This allows the contents of blister 223 to fall into the heated liquid below to form the required beverage. While the contents of blister portions 223 are being dispensed into the liquid held in cup l, the cup 1 is turned in a circular motion in order to facilitate mixing of the ingredients with the liquid. Alternatively, the blisters 223 may be opened, and the beverage mixed, prior to the heating oi the liquid contained within cup 1. In this way, the beverage is mixed and heated within a contained unit. This reduces the risk of spillage, improving the safety and desirability of the procedure for the preparation of a beverage within a vehicular environment.

Further, it is envisaged that, subject to guidance regarding hygiene, cup I and base 3 could be reused with an unlimited number of lids 222, or alternatively, base 3 is used with fresh cups l and lids 222 on each occasion.

CLAIMS: 1. Apparatus for preparing hot liquids in a vehicle comprising: a cup having heating means for heating liquids held therein, and cup electrical connection means; a cup receiving base having base electrical connection means; and a vehicle connection means for connecting the cup receiving base to the battery of the vehicle; and a lid, sized and shaped to securely seal the liquid inside the cup, the lid, the cup or both the lid and the cup comprise fixing means for securing the lid to the cup, the lid further comprises ingredient storage means which enable ingredients to be supplied to the cup without necessitating removal of the lid wherein when the at least one cup is seated in the cup receiving base the cup electrical connection means communicates with the base electrical connection means is connected to the vehicle, power is provided to the heating means.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the fixing means comprises snap-to-fit lips.

3. Apparatus according to Claim I or Claim 2, wherein the ingredient storage means comprises blisters in which ingredients are encased.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein the lid further comprises opening means for opening the blisters.

5. Apparatus according to any one of Claims I to 4, wherein the heating means comprises a copper wire.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the wire is arranged in a spiral pattern about the interior of the cup.

7. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the cup and the base both further comprise alignment means to ensure the cup electrical connector means contact the base electrical connector means when the cup is received and seated in the base.

8. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the cup and the base are both comprised of heat resistant plastic.

9. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the vehicle connection means connects with the cigarette lighter part of the vehicle.

10. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the indicator means indicates temperatures of 55 C or more.

11. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the cup electrical connector means incorporates a thermal fuse.

12. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 to 11, wherein the lid further comprises a pressure release means.

13. Apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein the pressure release means comprises a pressure release grommet. 14. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 to 13, wherein the cup and

lid are disposable.

15. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the base further comprises self-adhesive feet.

16. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein a thermal fuse prevents liquids heated in the cup from exceeding a temperature of 80 C.

17. An apparatus according to Claim 16, wherein once a temperature of 80 C has been reached, the heating means is irreversibly disabled.

Claims

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows to MISAIMS: I.

Apparatus for preparing hot liquids in a vehicle comprising: a cup having heating means for heating liquids held therein, and cup electrical connection means; a cup receiving base having base electrical connection means; and a vehicle connection means for connecting the cup receiving base to the battery of the vehicle; and a lid, sized and shaped to securely seal the liquid inside the cup, the lid, the cup or both the lid and the cup comprise fixing means for securing the lid to the cup, the lid further comprises ingredient storage means which enable ingredients to be supplied to the cup without necessitating removal of the lid wherein when the at least one cup is seated in the cup receiving base the cup electrical connection means communicates with the base electrical connection means, and said base electrical connection means is connected to the vehicle, power is provided to the heating means.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the fixing means comprises snap-to-fit lips.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the ingredient storage means comprises blisters in which ingredients are encased.
4. Apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein the lid further comprises opening means for opening the blisters.
5. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating means comprises a copper wire.
6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the wire is arranged in a spiral pattern about the interior of the cup.
7. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the cup and the base both further comprise alignment means to ensure the cup electrical connector means contact the base electrical connector means when the cup is received and seated in the base.
8. Apparatus according to any one of Claims I to 7, wherein the cup and the base are both comprised of heat resistant plastic.
9. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the vehicle connection means connects with the cigarette lighter part of the vehicle.
10. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the indicator means indicates temperatures of 55 C or more.
Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the cup electrical connector means incorporates a thermal fuse.
12. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 to 11, wherein the lid further comprises a pressure release means.
13. Apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein the pressure release means comprises a pressure release grommet.
14. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 2 to 13, wherein the cup and lid are disposable.
15. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the base further comprises self-adhesive feet.
16. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein a thermal fuse prevents liquids heated in the cup from exceeding a temperature of 80 C.
17. An apparatus according to Claim 16, wherein once a temperature of 80 C has been reached, the heating means is irreversibly disabled.