GB2464291A

GB2464291A - Liquid heating device

Info

Publication number: GB2464291A
Application number: GB0818484A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Alfred Chamings
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-10-09
Filing date: 2008-10-09
Publication date: 2010-04-14
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-09
Also published as: GB0818484D0; GB2464291B

Abstract

A device 1 for heating a liquid 15 in a drinking vessel 5 comprises a heating section 7 positioned such that in use the heating element 7 heats the liquid 15 whilst the liquid 15 is in the drinking vessel 5. Preferably the device 1 also comprises a splash shield 18 movable relative to the heating section 7, support means 30 to support the device 1 on an external surface 24, and a heat shield 11 to reduce the transfer of heat to a section of the vessel 5.

Description

LitTiuid Heating Device Liquid heating devices such as keftles are well known kitchen appliances used to boil water for hot drinks. Typically consisting of a water chamber, a heating element and a thermostat switch, the user estimates the amount of water required and partially fills the kettle, switches the kettle on, and the thermostat automaticalty switches off when the water reaches the desired temperature.

The main disadvantage of the prior art described above is that it relies on the users estimate of the water required. If too little water is provided in the kettle, the user must refill the kettle, which is annoying and slows down the drink making process. This is so inconvenient that the user generally puts more than the required amount of water in the kettle.

This has two disadvantages. Firstly the water takes longer to reach the required temperature. Secondly, it uses more energy than is required.

There is also known in the art keftles which have an internal reservoir and a separate boiling chamber. The user estimates how much water is required each time the kettle is boiled. This relies on the user being able to estimate how much water is required.

There is also known in the art appliances which heat the required amount of water by pumping on demand water over a heating elcment. These have the disadvantage that the element is gcnerally enclosed and thus difficult to maintain or clean, and are therefore susceptible to damage through lime scale build up. Furthermore these devices are noisy.

There is furthermore known in the art appliances which pump on demand water through a heating conduit or pipe. The main disadvantage of these devices is that they cannot boil the water, as boiling the water in the confined pipe would lead to dangerous expulsions of steam, vapour and liquid from the outlet. They are also prone to damage from lime scale deposits within the conduit.

There is also known in the art devices which comprise a heating element and a hook to rest the device on the drinking edge of a drinking vessel. These have the disadvantage that they cannot use a high power element as found in standard kettles, as the hot liquid may dangerously spill out of the vessel, or the vessel may crack as nothing prevents the element touching the vessel in use.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid heating device for use with a drinking vessel is provided, the drinking vessel comprising a base, a generally vertical side, and a drinking edge, the device comprising a heating section wherein in use the heating section is submersed in the liquid whilst the liquid is in the drinking vessel.

Preferably the heating section extends in a generally downward direction from the device.

The heating section preferably is capable of boiling the liquid, and preferably comprises a heating element rated at at least 800 Watts, more preferably at least 1000W, even more preferably at least 1300W, more preferably still at least 1500W, and even more preferably still at least 2000W.

The device preferably further comprises a splash shield, wherein in use the splash shield is located vertically above at least some of the liquid. The term splash shield' is used herein to describe a physical barrier which prevents liquid, and preferably gas, passing through it.

The splash shield is provided so as to restrict the path of liquid leaving the drinking vessel, for example a mug, as the liquid is heated, becomes agitated and begins to boil. At this point the convection currents and the steam bubbles created make the liquid turbulent, and liquid, steam and water vapour may be released from the liquid surface.

Preferably the splash shield may therefore be positioned within any path of a trajectory which liquid or steam from the liquid may take when leaving the vessel. For example, it may be positioned between the liquid and a handle attached to the device, or may be vertically above the liquid and the mug so as to prevent liquid moving from the drinking vessel via a generally upward direction.

Preferably the splash shield is movably connected to the device relative to the heating section.

Preferably the splash shield is slideably connected to the device, and as the device is placed in the drinking vessel it rests on the drinking edge and slides up relative to the heating section as the heating section is lowered into the drinking vessel. In another embodiment, the heating section is movably, and slidably, coupled to the device.

Preferably the splash shield contacts the drinking vessel. This may be at the drinking edge of the drinking vessel. Furthermore in a preferred embodiment it may contact the drinking vessel so as to substantially prevent liquid moving between the drinking vessel and the splash shield. This may also create a generally gas proof seal between the drinking vessel and the device. In an alternative embodiment to the seal, the shield section may comprise a sponge material section, allowing gas through but blocking any direct trajectory for liquid to pass between the drinking edge and the device, therefore catching the liquid.

In another preferred embodiment the splash shield may contact the inner face of the generally vertical side of the drinking vessel and the device. This has the advantage of shielding the drinking edge from the steam and vapour created when the liquid is heated.

Preferably the device further comprises a gas conduit to allow gas to move from the drinking vessel to the surrounding environment.

In other preferred embodiments, a switch may be provided to automatically turn the device on when the splash shield is moved in an upward direction. This would automatically start the heating process when the device is positioned on the drinking vessel.

A heat sensor may also be provided, wherein power to the heating section is reduced, possibly turned off completely, when the heat sensor senses a certain temperature. The heat sensor may be provided within the gas conduit. Alternatively a whistle may be S provided, sounding when gas moves through the conduit at above a certain speed.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid heating device further comprises spacing means the device further comprises spacing means provided in use between the heating section and the drinking vessel. The spacing means preferably prevent the heating section contacting the drinking vessel. This has the advantage of reducing the risk of damage to the vessel, for example cracking through rapid or localised temperature change. The spacing means may comprise a base spacer located in use between the heating section and the base of the drinking vessel. This could be made of a relatively low thermal conductivity material, and may be attached to the heating section.

In another preferred embodiment, the spacing means would comprise a spacer section provided in use between the heating section and the side of the drinking vessel. The spacer section would be wider than the heating section, in at least one and preferably at least two directions. It may also surround a part of the heating section.

Spacing means may also be provided in these and other preferred embodiments which maintain minimum distances between the heating section and the base or side of the drinking vessel. In one preferred embodiment, the spacing means comprises a coupling which contacts the generally vertical side of the drinking vessel at at least 3 points surrounding the heating section.

In anther preferred embodiment, the device may also further comprise support means to support the device on an external surface. This may be a generally flat surface, or possibly a ridged surface of a kitchen draining board. The support means may be sized such that the heating section is supported above and away from the external surface.

Preferably the heating section is supported at least 0.5 cm, and more preferably at least 1cm away from the flat surface. Typically this would support the heating section in use above the base of the drinking vessel. The support means could take the form of one leg with a foot, or preferably at least 3 legs contacting the support surface at their base, and connected together at their upper end. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the heating section is movably, and preferably slidably, connected to the device relative to the support means.

In a further envisaged preferred embodiment of the present invention a liquid heating device is provided, further comprising a heat shield section which in use contacts the inner surface of the generally vertical side of the drinking vessel. In a preferred embodiment the heat shield is flexible.

The heat shield may be curved to fit within and substantially against the inner facing surface of the generally vertical side wall of the drinking vessel.

This heat shield preferably reduces the flow of liquid or gas, or preferably both, between the heat shield section and the side of the drinking vessel. Preferably the heat shield is positioned on the device such that in use at least a portion of it is above the surface of the liquid and located between the liquid and a section of the side of the drinking vessel.

Preferably the heat shield section contacts the side of the drinking vessel along at least one fifth of the circumference of the side, more preferably along at least one quarter of the circumference, and more preferably still at least one third of the circumference of the side.

In a further preferred embodiment at least part of the heat shield of the device contacts the side of the drinking vessel below the surface of the liquid. This may reduce the flow of liquid next to the portion of the side of the vessel which is in contact with the heat shield, thus reducing heat dissipation to the side.

n accordance with the present invention, a method of heating a liquid is provided, comprising the steps of placing the liquid in a drinking vessel, and then boiling the liquid using a heating device as described herein.

References to drinking vessel' herein describe any liquid container from which liquid is directly drunk, such as a cup or mug, rather than for example a standard kettle. The term drinking edge' refers to an edge on the drinking vessel which a person contacts when drinking from the drinking vessel.

Drawings The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of the mug with a liquid heating device in use in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the mug and device of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a 3D view of a heat shield in accordance with the present invention.

A first preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

With reference to Figure 1, a liquid heating device shown generally at 1 is shown in position to be used in a drinking vessel 5 already partially filled with water 15. The drinking vessel 5 is a mug having a generally vertical cylindrical side wall 10, a drinking edge 6 around the open top of the side wall 10 and a generally circular flat base 8.

The device 1 comprises three equally spaced legs 30, each leg vertically extending downwards from individual generally horizontally radially extending arms 31. The arms 31 are connected generally in the middle of the device 1 at their end furthermost from the legs 30.

A cylindrical support stem 12 is provided centrally and on the lower side of the device 1 and extending vertically downwards from the device 1 from where the arms 31 meet. A heat sensor 26 is provided on the support stem 12. A stop ring 28 is provided around the lower end of the support stem 12. A heating element 7 extends downwards from the lower end of the support stem 12.

A handle stem 32 extends radially and horizontally away from where the arms 31 meet, attached to a handle 34. An electronic switch 17 is provided on the handle 34. An electric power chord 36 is provided in the back of the handle 34.

The device 1 further comprises a slideable lid 9, comprising a splash shield 18 and a centrally located collar 14 enclosing a stem hole 16. The lid 9 is provided below the arms 31, and the collar 14 is located around and movable relative to the support stem 12. A vapour hole 13 is provided within the collar 14 to allow vapour to leave the device in use.

In this embodiment the vapour hole 13 is provided as an extension to the stem hole 16.

However, it is envisaged that the vapour hole 13 may be provided entirely separate to the stem hole 14 in other embodiments of the present invention. The support stem 12 is located within the central hole 16. Preferably as in this example, the support stem 12 has the same cross section along at least a section of its length so as to allow the lid 9 to be able to slide up and down relative the support stem 12.

A thin disc shaped spacer 25 is provided at the lower end of the heating section 7. The spacer 25 is plastic and wider in diameter than the heating element 7 and centrally located on and facing the heating element 7.

A heat shield in the form of a rubber lip 11 is provided near the outer edge of the splash shield 18 of the lid 9 and on the underside of the splash shield 18. With reference to Figure 3, the lip 11 comprises a lip body 20 comprising a thin rectangle of flexible material, and a lip tab 22 comprising a smaller rectangle of thin flexible material located centrally on one of the long sides of the lip body 20. The lip tab 22 is connected to the lid 9 perpendicular to the radius of the splash shield 18 such that the longer sides of the lip body extend circumferentially in relation to the lid 9 when bent by the mug 5. In this situation the lip body 20 extends approximately around one fifth of a full circumference ofthelid9.

It should be noted that in Figure 3 the lip 11 is shown in its un-flexed state, and in Figure 2 the lip is shown pressed against, and thus shaped by, the side 10 of the mug 5.

To use the device 1, the user fills the mug 5 with the desired amount of water 15 and places the mug 5 on a flat surface 24. The user then lifts the device 1 by the handle 34 and vertically lowers the device 1 down over the mug 5 until the legs 30 rest on the surface 24.

Before lowering the device 1, the lid 9 rests on the stop ring 28. As the device 1 is lowered, the underside of the splash shield 18 contacts the mug 5, in this example contacts the drinking edge 6. As the device continues to be lowered, this pushes and slides the lid 9 up the support stem 12, until the legs 30 touch and rest on the surface 24.

In alternative embodiments it is envisaged that the splash shield 18 may not contact the vessel 5, but instead may be supported above the vessel 5 to reduce splashes in a generally vertical direction, or a side splash shield to the side of the vessel 5 to prevent splashing in a radial direction, towards a handle 34 for example, or both.

The user also moves the device 1 in a sideways direction from the centre of the device towards the centre of the lip 11. This has the effect of making the lip 11 contact the side of the mug 5. As the lip 11 is made of flexible material, it deforms to the curve of the side 10 ofthe mug 5.

n the present example the lip 11 is short enough to stay above the desired level of water 15. However in other embodiments or dependant upon the required water level, it may be the case that the lip 11 is long enough to enter the water 15.

As the device 1 is lowered the spacer 25, heating section 7 and then support stem 12 enter the water 15 respectively. The legs 30 are effectively longer than the support stem 12, heating section 7 and spacer 25 combined, and with the example mug 5 shown, the difference is greater than the thickness of the base 8 of the mug 5, so the spacer 25 does not contact the base 8.

Instructions to the user may state that if all 3 legs 30 do not touch the surface 24 when the device 1 is in place for a particular mug, then the user should not use that mug 5 with the device 1. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, it is envisaged that the heating element 7 is slidably connected relative to the support means, in this example the legs 30, and in use the spacer 25 rests on the base 8 of the mug 5 when the support means is in place.

When the device is in place ready for use, as shown in Fig 1, the user activates the switch 17 which provides power to the heating element 7 from the power chord 36. The water 15 is heated by the element 7. Currents within the liquid 15 are generated and parts of the liquid 15 boil, and the surface of the liquid 15 becomes agitated. This agitation is reduced where the lip 11 contacts the mug 5. The lip also reduces the amount of water vapour contacting the drinking edge 6. This has the advantage of keeping the drinking edge 6 relatively cool.

Although it is possible that some liquid may spit out of the vapour hole 13, this amount will be negligible. In the current example the vapour hole 13 is a simple straight channel, however to avoid liquid passing through the vapour hole 13, the hole 13 may be shaped or internal baffles provided to block a direct trajectory between the liquid 15 and the outside environment.

The splash shield 18 of the lid 9 prevents gas and liquid passing through it. Any excess gas or water vapour generated can escape to the environment via the vapour hole 13.

Once the water 15 reaches a predefined temperature, the heat sensor 26 deactivates the switch 17 and cuts power to the heating element 7.

S

The user then lifts the device 1 via the handle 34 and places it out of the way on the surface 24.

Typically thc user may then insert into the water 15 instant coffee granules or, preferably, ateabag.

n this example, both the support stem 12 and heating element 7 are a solid cylindrical shape of equal diameter along its length, however, it is envisaged that other shape heating elements 7 may be used.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the heat sensor 26 is not present, and the vapour hole 13 is shaped such that the volume of vapour or steam passing out through the hole 13 when the water reaches the desired temperature causes the device 1 to whistle.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, not shown, the spacer 25 is not provided. Instead, the heating element 7 is prevented from contacting the side 10 of the mug 5 when in use by a spacer such as a ring located centrally on the underside of the lid 9, with a larger diameter than the heating element 7.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the splash shield 18 is formed of a gas permeable sponge material. This material is suitably dense to generally prevent liquid travelling out of the device 1 in one direction or trajectory from the liquid, but does allow vapour to escape.

an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the heating element 7 is activated on immersion into the liquid. th another alternative embodiment, the element 7 is activated as the spacer 25 contacts the base surface 10.

In the above and alternative embodiments of the present invention, the splash shield 18 is of a smaller diameter than shown and is flexible, such that it can contact the inner surface of the vessel 5. This has the advantage that it reduces the heat transfer to the entire drinking edge 6 by reducing the amount of steam or vapour passing over the edge 6.

The main advantage of the present invention is that it does not require the user to estimate how much water is required, as the cup is filled to the required amount before boiling.

This avoids heating excess water thus saving time and energy. Additionally, the drinking vessel 5 is heated during the heating of the water, therefore keeping the drink warmer for longer.

Although the above embodiments have been used with water, it is envisaged that other liquids may be used, for example soup.

Claims

Claims 1. A liquid heating device for use with a drinking vessel, the drinking vessel comprising a base, a generally vertical side, and a drinking edge, the device comprising a heating section wherein in use the heating section heats the liquid whilst the liquid is in the drinking vessel.
2. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating section comprises a heating element rated at at least 800 Watts.
3. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a splash shield.
4.. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 3, wherein in use the splash shield is located vertically above at least some of the liquid in the drinking vessel.
5. A liquid heating device as claimed claim 3 or 4, wherein the splash shield is movably connected to the device relative to the heating section.
6. A liquid heating device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein in use the splash shield contacts the drinking vessel.
7. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 6, wherein in use the splash shield contacts the drinking vessel so as to substantially prevent liquid moving between the drinking vessel and the splash shield.
25. A liquid heating device as claimed in any of claims 3 to 7, wherein the device further comprises a gas conduit to allow gas to move from the drinking vessel to the surrounding environment.
9. A liquid heating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating device further comprises spacing means provided in use between the heating section and the drinking vessel.
10. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the spacing means comprises a spacer located in use between the heating section and the base of the drinking vessel.
11. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the spacing means S comprises a spacer section provided in use between the heating section and the side of the drinking vessel.
12. A liquid heating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising support means to support the device on an external surface.
13. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the support means is sized such that the heating section is supported above and away from the external surface.
14. A liquid heating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a heat shield section which in use contacts the inner surface of the generally vertical side of the drinking vessel.
15. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the heat shield section is flexible.
16. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein in use the heat shield section contacts the inner surface of the drinking vessel along at least one fiflh of the circumference of the inner surface.
17. A liquid heating device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the heat shield section contacts the side of the drinking vessel below the surface of the liquid.
18. A method of heating liquid, comprising the steps of placing the liquid in a drinking vessel, and then boiling the liquid using a heating device as claimed in any one of claims ltol7.
19. A liquid heating device as described herein, with reference to and as shown in the attached drawings.Amendments to claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A liquid heating device adapted for heating liquid in a drinking vessel, the heating device comprising a heating element for heating the liquid provided in the drinking vessel, the device further comprising a splash shield, wherein the splash shield is movable relative to the heating element.2. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the splash shield is movable upwards.3. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the splash shield is slidably coupled to the heating device.4. A liquid heating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in use the splash shield is located vertically above at least some of the liquid in the drinking vessel.5. A liquid heating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in use the splash shield contacts the drinking vessel.6. A liquid heating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in use the splash shield rests on the drinking edge of the drinking vessel.7. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 6, wherein in use the splash shield contacts the drinking vessel so as to substantially prevent liquid moving between the drinking vessel and the splash shield.8. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 7, wherein in use the splash shield contacts the drinking vessel so as to create a generally gas proof seal between the splash shield and the drinking vessel.*.. 30 * * * ** * .*S * **** * .S* *. * ******* * S. * .S9. A liquid heating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising support means to support the device on an external surface.10. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the support means is sized such that the heating element is supported above and away from the external surface.11. A liquid heating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a heat shield section which in use contacts the inner surface of the generally vertical side of the drinking vessel.12. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the heat shield section is flexible.13. A liquid heating device as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein in use the heat shield section contacts the inner surface of the drinking vessel along at least one fifth of the circumference of the inner surface.14. A method of heating liquid, comprising the steps of placing the liquid in a drinking vessel, and then boiling the liquid using a heating device as claimed in any one of claims I to 13.15. A liquid heating device as described herein, with reference to and as shown in the attached drawings. * ** * S * * S. *S*. * 55*5S*.s**' * SS** S. 55 * 0* * . * *S. ** **. .: 16