GB2459713A

GB2459713A - A kettle having a hinged filter unit

Info

Publication number: GB2459713A
Application number: GB0808078A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chun Ming Cheung
Original assignee: Technical Development Co
Current assignee: Technical Development Co
Priority date: 2008-05-02
Filing date: 2008-05-02
Publication date: 2009-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2028-05-02
Also published as: GB2459713B; GB0808078D0

Abstract

A kettle having a hinged filter unit comprises a receptacle (Figure 1, 9) having a pouring lip (Figure 1, 10) and an upwardly facing opening closable by a lid 8, wherein the lid may be opened by depressing an actuation lever 7. A heating element is positioned adjacent to the receptacle (Figure 1, 9). The receptacle (Figure 1, 9) is mounted to a body portion 5 from which a handle 3 extends laterally. The filter unit 14 extends downwardly from the front portion of the lid 8, and is supported by a hinge 15. The filter unit may be moved between a forward position in which it engages with the wall of the receptacle (Figure 1, 9) to a rear position in which water may be poured through the pouring lip (Figure 1, 10) into the receptacle (Figure 1, 9). The filter unit 14 is arranged to be locked into the forward position by manual engagement of a fingerplate 29. The filter unit 14 comprises a peripheral seal 16 and one or more cross members 18 supporting a mesh or a screen 17. The kettle may also comprise a halogen lamp, a baffle plate (Figure 7, 50) to restrict the escape of steam from the spout, and a thermostatic switch.

Description

KETTLE FILTER

This invention relates to a filter for a kettle, particularly but not exclusively for an electric kettle, especially to a kettle incorporating a glass, vitreous or ceramic flask or receptacle for boiling water. Such filters are used to remove residues resulting from the precipitation of minerals when using hard water having a high mineral content.

Previously known kettles (comprising a receptacle for water, a heating element and a handle) include a mesh or screen filter to filter water poured from the kettle. Such a filter may comprise a filter plate fixed across the spout. A fixed arrangement is disadvantageous because the filter cannot be removed for cleaning or replacement. Attachment of a filter plate to a glass, vitreous or ceramic receptacle by means of adhesive presents manufacturing difficulties due to the need to allow the adhesive to cure. For example, a conventional curing time of 24 hours significantly adds to production costs.

Prior kettles have incorporated a hinged filter which hangs downwardly from the lid. A problem with such an arrangement is that the filter does not tightly engage the irmer wall of the receptacle if allowed to hang freely, and if biased outwardly towards the receptacle, for example by means of a spring, the filter may impede closure of the lid.

According to the present invention, a kettle comprises: a receptacle for water, the receptacle having an outlet from which water may be poured; a heating element adjacent the receptacle, the receptacle having an upwardly facing opening, closable by a lid;; a handle; the lid pivotally secured to the handle; a filter unit being secured to the lid by a hinge; * ** the filter unit being moveable between a closed position wherein the unit engages a wall of the receptacle so that water poured from the kettle passes through the filter, and an open *** * position wherein the unit is in spaced relation to the wall of the receptacle so that water poured : 3é . from the kettle does not pass through the filter; and locking means adapted so that the filter unit may be releasably locked in the closed position.

The use of locking means confers several advantages. The filter unit can be used to remove mineral deposits from hard water without the need for incorporating attachment means integral with the receptacle structure. For example, a glass flask need not have ribs, runners or apertures formed into the glass to retain the filter unit in contact with the glass wall. Ribs, slots, apertures or other formations moulded into the glass can weaken the structure. Furthermore, the absence of fixing or sealing means improves the appearance and ease of cleaning of a kettle incorporating a glass flask. This is particularly advantageous if the kettle is of a kind wherein the glass is illuminated during use, for example a kettle of the kind manufactured under the trade mark ILLUMA (trade mark of Morphy Richards Limited). Any superficial ribs or other formations in the glass would be highlighted by transmission of light through the glass vessel in use, detracting from the clean appearance of the article. Accordingly, the filter arrangement of the present invention finds particular application in relation to an electric kettle wherein a glass flask or other receptacle is illuminated by a lamp disposed within the handle adjacent the exterior surface of the glass flask. In such an arrangement, light is transmitted through the glass wall illuminating the edges of the glass structure. Unnecessary edges due to fixing ribs, slots or apertures may create an unsightly appearance.

In a preferred embodiment, the kettle filter comprises a lamp adapted to illuminate the receptacle. The lamp is preferably located adjacent the receptacle between the handle or bottle body and the receptacle.

The filter unit may comprise a generally U or V shaped engagement member adapted to engage an inner surface of the flask in the proximity of the water outlet, the engagement member being shaped to seal the filter unit to the flask so that all water poured from the flask is filtered.

The engagement member may extend along the flask engaging surface of the unit, a mesh or screen extending from the member. In this way the filter screen is supported the member. * ** * * *

The locking means may comprise a catch or over center arrangement adapted upon *** actuation to lock the filter unit in the closed position. A button or fingerplate located on an upper : . part of the filter unit may be arranged to cause the filter unit to rotate about the hinge or pivot * into the closed position to engage the locking means holding the filter into engagement with the flask wall. The fingerplate may face forwardly so that rearward pressure causes the lower part of the filter unit to rotate forwardly as the fingerplate is moved rearwardly.

in a kettle in which the lid may be opened by a lever, button or manual switch located at or adjacent the top of the handle, the lever, button or switch is preferably arranged to also unlock the unlocking means, releasing the filter plate to move to the open position. In such an embodiment, operation of the actuation lever, button or switch may simultaneously open the lid and release the filter lock. This permits the lid to be lifted freely from the flask without impediment due to the locked filter unit. The lever is preferably arranged to be actuated by a user's thumb.

The kettle may also include one or more locking members arranged, when actuated to extend from the lid into engagement with a concave or bell-shaped surface of the inner wall of the flask. In a preferred embodiment, one or more, preferably two, latch members are each urged outwardly from a guideway or runner within the lid in a forward direction to engage under the lip of the flask near the spout. The latch members are preferably located on a side of the lid opposite to the hinge in order to provide secure locking of the lid in the closed position. The catches may provide a snap fit for the lid as it is closed onto the flask, the catches being withdrawn by actuation of the lever, button or switch in order to release the lid.

A thermostatic safety cut-out device may be provided. This may be located in the base of the kettle, communicating with an upper part of the receptacle so that steam is allowed to contact the cut-out device in the event of overheating.

In preferred embodiments, the lid substantially seals the mouth of the receptacle or flask except for an opening adjacent the outlet or spout, so that steam is retained within the kettle to conserve energy and to ensure efficient actuation of the thermostatic safety device in the event of *:: overheating. This makes for more responsive operation of the safety device in the event of overheating. * I.

The construction of the filter and lid has various preferred requirements. *

The mechanism and moveable components of the lid and filter are preferably of robust * * construction to withstand repeated exposure to steam and boiling water.

The lid is preferably thin, having a small vertical dimension in order to minimise weight and to present a pleasing visual impression.

A damping mechanism is preferably provided to prevent sudden opening of the lid in use.

The damping mechanism, for example a damper gear filled with oil, may be located within the lid remote from contact with steam, for example, at the rear. The damping mechanism preferably prevents sudden opening of the lid and risk of splashing.

The filter unit may be detachable, this not only facilitates cleaning and replacement, but allows the kettle to be adapted for use in situations when the water has a low mineral content.

The filter unit may be stowed against the underside of the lid when not required for use.

A rebate may be provided on the underside of the lid to accommodate the filter unit when stowed.

The invention is further described by means of example, but not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a kettle in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the kettle with the glass receptacle removed; Figure 3 is a side elevation of the kettle shown in Figures 1 and 2 with casings for the handle and lid removed; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the arrangement shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a rear elevation of the arrangement shown in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a plan view of the alTangement shown in Figure 3; and Figure 7 is a side elevation of an alternative kettle with the casings for the handle and lid removed; and Figure 8 is a plan view of the arrangement shown in Figure 7. *. * * S...

* ** The drawings illustrate kettles in accordance with this invention. The same reference . numerals are used to denote like components in each drawing.

A side elevation of a first kettle is shown in Figure 1. The kettle comprises a lower portion 1 removably engageable upon a base unit 4. The lower portion 1 and base unit 4 incorporate a conventional axially located power connector (not shown). An onloff switch 2 extends from the base to allow the kettle to be turned on and off when mounted on the base 4. A glass flask-like receptacle 9 extends upwardly from the lower portion 1 and is mounted in a side body portion 5. A handle 3 extends laterally from the body portion 5. An upper casing 6 for the handle includes an actuation lever 7 extending rearwardly from the casing. A lid 8 covers the upwardly directed opening of the flask 9. The lid 8 may be opened by depressing the actuation lever 7 as described in more detail below. A spout having a pouring lip 10 extends forwardly from the mouth of the flask 9 to define an outlet for the bottle.

Figure 2 shows the kettle with the glass flask 9 removed for clarity. A heating element 12 is located below the location of the base of the flask 9. A blue or white coloured halogen lamp (not shown) is located within the side body portion 5 so that the flask 9 and water contained within the flask are illuminated when the kettle is in use. The lid 8 contains a lower sealing member 13 adapted to substantially close the mouth of the flask 9 with the exception of the pouring aperture adjacent the lip 10.

A filter unit is generally indicated at 14. The filter unit hangs downwardly from the front portion of the lid, being supported by a hinge 15. The filter unit may be moved between a forward position in which it engages the wall of the flask to a rear position in which water may be poured from a tap through the pouring aperture into the flask. Since the flask 9 is concave or bell-shaped, the filter unit 14 is shaped to extend outwardly and forwardly from the hinge 15.

Use of a non-pivoted fixed filter unit would prevent easy opening and closing of the lid 8 due to obstruction of the filter unit. For the present embodiment of this invention, the filter unit 14 is arranged to be locked into the forward position as shown in Figure 2 by manual engagement of a fingerplate 29 (Figure 3). The fingerplate 29 is located above the hinge 15 so that the filter unit is caused to rotate anti-clockwise as shown in Figure 3.

The filter unit 14 comprises a peripheral seal 16 adapted to engage the glass, thereby *: 3�. preventing passage of water and possible escape of mineral deposits between the filter and the glass flask 9 as water is poured from the bottle. The filter unit 14 further comprises one or more cross-members 18 supporting a mesh or screen 17. The mesh or screen 17 is tensioned by the * peripheral seal 16 and cross-members 18 affording a robust and reliable construction and *** permitting use of a fine mesh or screen size. * *. * *

Figures 3 to 6 show the kettle with the casing of the upper handle 6 and the casing of the lid 8 removed.

Depression of the actuation lever 7 causes retraction of catch members 24, allowing the lid to be opened by the action of springs 34 acting on hinge rods 36 located at the rear of the base of the lid. The base 25 carries apertures and formations to locate the various components of the actuation mechanism.

The actuation mechanism is mounted on the lid base 28. An articulated linkage 19 extends forwardly from a pivotal connection to the lever 7 and is pivotally connected to a pusher member 20, the pusher member extending axially forwardly within the lid. Depression of the actuator 7 causes the pusher member 20 to be pushed forwardly. A pair of catch linkages 23 are pivotally mounted on pegs 22 extending upwardly from the lid base 25. The inner axially extending ends of the linkages 23 include downwardly extending pegs (not shown) received in sockets 36 at the forward end of the pusher member 20. Depression of the lever 7 causes the pusher member 20 to extend forwardly rotating the catch linkages 23 about the pegs 22, causing the outer ends of the linkages 23 to move rearwardly towards the handle. Catch member 24 located in runners or guideways in the base 25 are attached to the outward ends of the linkages 23 by means of pins 30. In this way, the catch members 24 are withdrawn from contact with the flask 9 by a user manually pressing down on the actuation lever 7. The forward ends of the catch members 24 engage the inner surface of the upper portion of the glass flask 9, securing the lid in a closed position.

The lid is biased into an open position by the springs 34 acting on a toothed gear segment 33. An oil filled damper gear 35 engages the toothed segment 33 to damp the rotation of the gear 33 preventing sudden opening of the lid after the catches 24 have been released. In this way the lid may be released by depression of the push lever 7. Releasing the push lever 7 allows the springs 34 to urge the catches forwardly so that the lid may be closed with a snapfit into the rim of the glass flask. * * ***.

* *, Use of the filter unit is now described. In a starting position the filter unit 14 may hang freely from the hinge 15. In this position water may be poured through the lip 10 of the spout.

* Alternatively, the lid may be opened to allow free access for water into the flask. In this position 3. the flask may be cleaned. **** * *

In order to move the filter unit forwardly into engagement with the inner surface of the flask, the fingerplate 29 is pushed by a user's finger so that the filter plate rotates into engagement with the glass. A snap catch 31 extending axially rearwardly of the upper portion of the filter plate engages a complementary rebate or socket in the front portion of pusher rod 20.

In this position the filter plate is held in the closed position. When a user wishes to open the lid, depression of the actuator lever 7 withdraws the pusher rod 20 from engagement with the catch 31 releasing the filter plate so that the filter plate may hang freely from the forward portion of the lid. In this way, depression of the actuation lever 7 releases the lid from locking engagement with the mouth of the flask and also releases the filter unit allowing it to swing freely as the front edge of the lid is raised, thus depression of the actuation lever 7 conveniently unlatches the lid and releases the filter unit 14, allowing the passage of the filter unit from within the flask as the lid is raised. The lid and filter unit are conveniently engaged with the flask without need for mouldings or other formations on the inner surface of the flask, thereby avoiding any weakening of the glass structure, improving ease of manufacture of the glass flask and forwarding a clean appearance when the flask is illuminated in use.

The lid may incorporate a rebate on the lower surface (not shown) so that the filter unit may be stowed against the lower surface when not required for use. Alternatively or in addition, the filter unit may be detachable to facilitate cleaning or removal if not required for use, for example if the water used is free from dissolved minerals.

Figures 7 and 8 show an alternative embodiment of the invention which is generally similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 6 but which includes a baffle plate 50 to restrict the escape of steam from the spout in order to improve the steam pressure within the Q., flask. This serves to reduce the response time of the thermostatic switch. *.S.

The thermostatic switch may be located in the base of the kettle, being connected to the space in the flask above the water level by a passageway or tube extending from the upper part of the body portion 53 to a lower part thereof adjacent the base. Rapid response of the : . thermostatic switch is important for safe functioning of the kettle and it is convenient to locate *. the switch in the base of the kettle close to the heat element and power supply for ease of manufacture. A response time of less than 20 seconds is achieved with the second embodiment of this invention.

The baffle plate 50 extends forwardly of the hinge 54 of the filter unit 51 to a location adjacent the interior of the spout of the flask. In use the escape of steam is hindered but not prevented, increasing the steam pressure within the flask. The escape of steam is further prevented by provision of an upper solid plate 52 integral with the screen or mesh filter 55 of the filterunit5l.

The baffle also serves to reduce the risk of scalding a users finger when closing the catch in use.

The actuation mechanism shown in Figure 8 may be compared to Figure 6 of the first embodiment. The actuation lever 57 is depressed to retract the catch member 58 allowing the lid to be opened by the action of springs in the same way as for the first embodiment.

An articulated linkage 59 extends forwardly from a pivotal connection to a lever 57 and is pivotally connected to a pusher member 60, the pusher member extending axially forwardly within the lid. Depression of the lever 57 causes the pusher member 60 to be pushed forwardly.

A pair of arms 61 extend laterally from the front end of the pusher member 60 and terminate in upwardly extending pegs 65. A pair of linkages 62 mounted on a pivot 63 secured to the casing.

As the pusher member 60 is urged forwardly the outward ends of the linkages 62 are rotated rearwardly. Catch members 58 have upwardly extending pegs 64 received in slots in the linkage 62 so that the catch members 58 are caused to be retracted rearwardly as the pusher member 60 extends forwards. This arrangement provides a secure and reliable actuation mechanism for opening the lid upon depression of the lever 57.

*3** In order to reset the filter and baffle 50 to the starting position the finger plate 66 is * * depressed by a users finger until it becomes latched in the rear position ready for use. The second embodiment of this invention confers the advantages of the first embodiment together with a facility for a shorter response time of the thermostatic switch. In addition the actuation mechanism is robust and reliable in use. *

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Claims

CLAIMS1. The present invention describes a kettle comprising: a receptacle for water, the receptacle having an outlet from which water may be poured; a heating element adjacent the receptacle, the receptacle having an upwardly facing opening, closable by a lid;; a handle; and the lid permanently secured to the handle; a filter unit being secured to the lid by a hinge; the filter unit being moveable between a closed position wherein the unit engages a wall of the receptacle so that water poured from the kettle passes through the filter, and an open position wherein the unit is in spaced relation to the wall of the receptacle so that water poured from the kettle does not pass through the filter; and locking means adapted so that the filter unit may be releasably locked in the closed position.
2. A kettle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter unit is adapted to engage an inner surface of the receptacle in the proximity of the water outlet.
3. A kettle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the filter unit comprises an engagenient member shaped to seal the filter unit to the receptacle.
4. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the filter unit includes a baffle arranged to partially block the spout in use. * *.

5Q*
5. A kettle as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the filter unit includes a sealing member * ,,. extending along the receptacle engaging surface of the unit and a mesh screen extending from the member. ***

*
6. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the locking means comprises a . catch adapted upon actuation to lock the filter unit in the closed position. I... * **o
7. A kettle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the catch includes a button or fingerplate located upwardly of the filter unit.
8. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lid may be opened by a lever adjacent the top of the handle, further arranged to unlock the locking means, releasing the filter plate.
9. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, including one or more locking members arranged to engage an inner wall of the receptacle.
10. A kettle as claimed in claim 9, wherein one or more latch members extend forwardly within the lid to engage the flask adjacent the spout.
11. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle is a glass flask.
12. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the filter unit is detachable.
13. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the filter unit may be stowed against the underside of the lid.
14. A bottle as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a lamp arranged to illuminate the receptacle.
15. A kettle substantially as bereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. * S. * S S * *** S * SI.. * .. * I * *S. SI I.. * S. * . * all. *S*S*AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWSCLAIMS1. A kettle comprising: a receptacle for water, the receptacle having an outlet from which water may be poured; a heating element adjacent the receptacle, the receptacle having an upwardly facing opening, closable by a lid;; a handle; and the lid permanently secured to the handle; a filter unit being secured to the lid by a hinge; the filter unit being moveable between a closed position wherein the unit engages a wall of the receptacle so that water poured from the kettle passes through the filter, and an open position wherein the unit is in spaced relation to the wall of the receptacle so that water poured from the kettle does not pass through the filter; and locking means so that the filter unit may be releasably locked in the closed position.2. A kettle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter unit is adapted to engage an inner surface of the receptacle in the proximity of the water outlet.3. A kettle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the filter unit comprises an engagement member shaped to seal the filter unit to the receptacle.4. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the filter unit includes a baffle arranged to partially block the spout in use.5. A kettle as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the filter unit includes a sealing member extending along the receptacle engaging surface of the unit and a mesh screen extending from the member. * S. * * * * 0*6. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the locking means comprises a : * * catch to lock the filter unit in the closed position.7. A kettle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the catch includes a button or fingerplate located upwardly of the filter unit.8. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lid may be opened by a lever adjacent the top of the handle, further arranged to unlock the locking means, releasing the filter plate.9. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, including one or more locking members arranged to engage an inner wall of the receptacle.10. A kettle as claimed in claim 9, wherein one or more latch members extend forwardly within the lid to engage the flask adjacent the spout.11. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the receptacle is a glass flask.12. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the filter unit is detachable.13. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the filter unit may be stowed against the underside of the lid.14. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a lamp arranged to illuminate the receptacle.15. A kettle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. * .S * * * * S. *... * S *S.. * S. * * . * S. * S. * S S *SS.