GB2484750A

GB2484750A - Rechargeable fluid heating device

Info

Publication number: GB2484750A
Application number: GB201017969A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Haroon Ali
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-10-23
Filing date: 2010-10-23
Publication date: 2012-04-25
Also published as: GB201017969D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable device providing means of heating water and other objects such as baby bottles. The device may be rechargeable and a heating portion is separable from a heat delivery portion.

Description

HEATING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a heating device, more particularly the invention relates to a heating device for fluid and containers, ideally water and baby bottles.

Ba ground There are many occasions when it is convenient to have boiled water in locations that may not provide the easy facility for provision of such. For example if on holiday or on a picnic or otherwise outside, or simply where no power point is available.

In such circumstances it is often not desirable to breast feed. Therefore when travelling with baby it may often be desirable similarly to have access to bottle warming facilities for infants to have their milk and other drinks.

It is frequently very preferable for infants to be provided with warmed food, which is often pre-prepared or purchased and stored or available in glass or plastic containers.

In addition a convenient means of combining the above facilities in a variety of locations would be advantageous.

Prior Art

Bottle warmers are known safe alternative to jugs of hot water, and avoid hot spots caused by microwave heating. Thermostatic control gives the possibility to avoid over heating/boiling.

Portable kettles are known, as are portable heating systems for bottles and baby bottles, such as travel bottle warmers, being mostly electric bottle warmers. The most common are powered from a vehicle's 12 volt lighter socket, being similar to a mini electric blanket. The advantages to these types are that they are easy to use and can be used many times without running out of power as practically unlimited power is available from the car battery.

The disadvantages are however that it is possible to overheat the bottle and needs to be constantly supervised, and that they can only be used in or very near to the car.

In addition, most car circuits can deliver a maximum of only 100 watts, so only low power heaters can be used. An inverter can be used to convert a car's 12 volt DC to or 240 volts AC. This means that a standard home bottle warmer can be run off a car's lighter socket. Some home warmers have purpose-built inverter adapters for use in cars.

However, the disadvantages to this are that it is possible to overload the lighter circuit and blow a fuse, and additionally inverters can create electrical noise, possibly damaging the bottle warmer's electronics.

Japanese patent application JP 2007 000 331 (SHIMADA) discloses an electric water heater having a solar battery and a secondary battery means which can continue to be charged by the solar battery even when an AC power source is blocked. Thus, the secondary battery means can be charged not only by a DC power source but also by the solar battery, thereby the secondary battery means can continue to be charged effectively using the supplied.power from the solar battery even when the AC power source is blocked.

International patent application WO 2006 405 40 (COMPTON) discloses an apparatus for warming food for babies and infants preferably comprising a base housing including at least one rechargeable battery, electronic control circuitry, means for retaining the battery and providing electrical connections between the battery and the control circuitry. Furthermore a flexible housing depending from the base housing adapted to retain a food container to be warmed and a flexible heating element contained within the housing and adapted to surround the food container in use, the heating element being connected to said control circuitry.

Chinese granted utility model CN 2 745 570 (LI ZHONGBIN) relates to a feeding bottle characterised in that the feeding bottle is a temperature sensor and alerting device on achievement of a specified temperature.

United States patent application US 5 208 896 (KATAYEV) discloses an electrically warmed baby bottle and recharging system. The baby bottle is a container made of an electrically non-conductive material with a heating wire embedded in its walls.

Mounted below the container is a temperature regulation system including a thermostat, a rechargeable battery and an on-off switch enclosed within a water-tight housing. The electrically warmed baby bottle fits into a battery charger which is designed with plug prongs which enter the water-tight housing through self-sealing ports so as to recharge the battery.

in the kitchen, a common means for effectively and uniformly heating objects is known by the French term bain-marie' and relies on heating of the water that surrounds an object, said object being situated in for example a saucepan half filled with water. In the alternative objects are steamed' by suspension in a perforated or holed cradle (such as colander or sieve) above heated water, which releases hot vapour to heat the object(s).

Advantageously therefore the present invention provides a user-defined temperature regulated electric heating device, that allows for the uniform heating of objects as well as fluid, being uniquely self-contained and portable.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a heating device with a pre-determined plurality of temperature settings, having: a rechargeable electric heat delivery portion; and a separable fluid heating portion with a detachable cradle for holding an object in said heating portion.

The heating device in the preferred embodiment is in a typical kettle format, with the heating portion providing water storage and heating, and the heat delivery portion being a base with male connectors supplying electrical current through to an electrical element in the heating portion.

The rechargeable nature of the heat delivery portion may be as a result of solar, kinetic or other renewable energy, but in the preferred embodiment is supplied by a power cell charged by electrical current. This may be from an AC mains current such as domestic power supplies, or other electrical energy supply.

Standard power lead connections may be provided, such that replacement or temporary leads are easily available and need not be carried or transported with the device. Vehicle power leads for connection to vehicle power or cigarette sockets may be provided.

In the alternative or in addition, there may be a storage section in the heat delivery portion where a lead may be stored when not in use.

In the preferred embodiment the cradle is capable of holding the object largely static, whilst allowing the ingress and/or circulation of heated water and/or vapour. This is ideally achieved by provision of mesh sides to the cradle. This mesh may be of a very large gauge to provide maximum opportunity for circulation of water or may be of a narrow gauge to only allow circulation of vapour. It is preferable that water may pass through the mesh, in order that the water is not displaced overly by insertion of the cradle into the heating portion.

ideally the cradle corresponds to the shape of the interior of the heating portion, in some embodiments constituting largely the length and/or breadth of the portion.

The cradle has a larger neck or mouth cross section than in any other section. This may be by reason of tabs provided to seat the cradle in or on the heating portion, or the provision of a ridge to do likewise.

ln the preferred embodiment the temperature monitoring is conducted inside the heating portion, in order that various water levels may be effective, in that recording the temperature input at the heat delivery portion will take no account of the effect of in the heating portion.

In some embodiments the cradle may comprise the means for measuring the temperature, in that the external or internal temperature of the cradle determines the attainment of the required temperature level as programmed by the user.

In this way uses of the heater with varying water levels may be standardised. Where this is the case sensors or connectors may be provided at the tabs or ridge or lip or other means of seating the cradle in or on the heating portion.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an side view of a preferred embodiment of the device; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the heat delivery portion of the preferred embodiment; Figure 3 is an isometric view of the heating portion of the preferred embodiment; Figures 4 show isometric views of a cradle 6 and lid B of the preferred embodiment; and Figures 5 show two views of the heat delivery portion of the preferred embodiment.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment of the Invention The preferred embodiment of the heating device (100) has a kettle format fluid heating portion (2), with the heat delivery portion (1) containing a power cell and with centrally placed temperature control (4) with optional buttons (41), indications (42) and control gauge 43.

The heat delivery portion in the preferred embodiment (1) is charged by or provided with electrical energy by a power lead or cable (3).

The handle 21 may be formed as a whole cast piece with the fluid heating portion (2), or may be removable or retractable to aid portability.

A quantity gauge (7) is provided, preferably composed of clear material such as plastic, allowing manual regulation of the fluid quantity held internally within the fluid heating portion (2). In some embodiments this may also signal measurement of quantities relating to safe use of objects within the cradle (6), which allows the placement and removal of object(s) (not shown) into the interior of the heating portion (2).

The cradle (6) is a perforated and ideally lipped bucket formed ideally of metallic material, and/or coated in plastics capable of withstanding boiling water and water vapour such that limescale build-up may be minimised.

A lid (not shown) is provided with a similar method of attachment to the heating portion 2, in order that the lid may be attached in absence of the cradle equally.

In Figure 2 the heat delivery portion (1) is shown, disconnected from the heating portion 2 (not shown). The connector for attachment of heating portion I is shown at 10, with the handle 21 of heating portion 2 fitting into the recess 12, said recess being lipped (11) in a way that combined forms a secure means of placing the heating portion 2, such that the device is correctly and reliably formed each time.

The connector 10 may comprise a heating element or electrical attachment, the connection may be male or female in various embodiments. It may also comprise further functions such as relay of temperature.

The pictured control mechanism is an analogue or digital dial (4) corresponding to indications of temperature (43). This dial may correspond to the heat delivery period and/or temperature. A display 42 may further correspond to the temperature of the interior of the heating portion, in order that monitoring of the object(s) that is/are heated in the cradle (not shown) may be possible. An indicator 41 may be provided to correspond to the attachment of the cradle. Alternatively or in addition this indicator may comprise a button that has an effect on the temperature, period of heating, heat delivery or other functions.

Feet (13) are provided to enable the device to be stood on an uneven surface safely, further the portable nature of the device 100.

Figure 3 shows the fluid heating portion 2. The cradle (6) is inserted and removed from the heating portion 2 from above following the direction of the indicated arrow.

In the preferred embodiment the cradle 6 attaches to the heating portion 2 by means of tabs (60) which extend beyond the lip of the cradle 6 and overhang the heating portion 2, in such a way that the cradle 6 is prevented from entering the heating portion 2. Further embodiments may utilise other means of preventing the cradle falling into the heating portion.

In the pictured embodiment the tabs 60 may have electrical or electronic functions, such as an electrical connection that enables regulation of temperature, such as the internal temperature of cradle 6. In the alternative or in addition the tabs 60 may form a contact point enabling or disabling certain functions.

Figures 4 show the cradle 6 and lid 8. The lid includes the seating tabs 60 that may correspond with or complement the tabs (60) on the cradle (6).

Figures 5 of the preferred embodiment shows the electrical power input lead socket (30) and the power on/off button at 44.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A heating device with a plurality of pre-determined temperature settings, having: a rechargeable electric heat delivery portion; and a separable fluid heating portion with a detachable cradle for holding an object in said heating portion.
2. A heating device according to claim 1 having the rechargeable portion charged by a vehicle power supply.Amendment to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A portable heating device comprising: a heat delivery portion incorporating at least one electrical energy store; a fluid heating portion for containing a fluid to be heated, operatively yet releasably connected to the heat delivery portion; means to control and monitor temperature of the fluid within the fluid heating portion; and a holder for a foodstuffs container, configured to be suspended inside the fluid heating portion, whereby in use the fluid in the fluid heating portion delivers thermal energy to the foodstuffs container.* 2. A portable heating device according to claim I wherein the at least one electrical energy store in the heat delivery portion provides electrical current to at least one electrical element within the fluid heating portion.
3. A portable heating device according to claims 1 and 2 wherein the at least one electrical energy store is a rechargeable battery. * S
4. A portable heating device according to claim 3 wherein the rechargeable battery is configured to be releasably attached to a domestic power supply through a S...* power supply lead.S..... * .
5. A portable heating device according to claim 3 wherein the rechargeable C'. battery is configured to be releasably attached to a vehicle power supply through a power supply lead to a cigarette lighter socket.
6. A portable heating device according to claims 4 and 5 wherein the heat dehvery portion incorporates means to store the power supply lead.
7. A portable heating device according to claim 3 wherein the rechargeable battery is operatively connected to a solar charging means, arranged to convert solar power into electrical energy, and to transfer the energy to the rechargeable battery.
8. A portable heating device according to claim 7 wherein the solar charging means comprises at least one photovoltaic cell. 1].
9. A portable heating device according to claim 3 wherein rechargeable battery is operatively connected to a kinetic charging means, arranged to convert kinetic energy arising from physical movement of the device into electrical energy, and to transfer the energy to the rechargeable battery.
10. A portable heating device according to any preceding claim wherein the holder for a foodstuffs container is a cradle.
11. A portable heating device according to claim 10 wherein the cradle suspends the foodstuffs container within the interior of the fluid heating device, such that the foodstuffs container resides entirely or partially below the surface of the fluid within the fluid heating device.
12. A portable heating device according to claims 10 and 11 wherein the cradle is mesh-sided. * *r:
13. A portable heating device according to claims 10 and 11 wherein the cradle comprises perforated walls and/or base. S. .*

S

** .0S *
14. A portable heating device according to claims 10 to 13 wherein the cradle is **° provided with a suspension means, to suspend the cradle within the fluid heating *:. portion.
15. A portable heating device according to claim 14 wherein the suspension means comprises a plurality of tabs that catch on an edge of an opening to the fluid heating portion.
16. A portable heating device according to claim 14 wherein the suspension means comprises a rim that catches on the edge of the opening to the fluid heating portion.17. A portable heating device according to any of the preceding claims wherein, the fluid heating portion incorporates temperature monitoring means.
17. A portable heating device according to claims 10 to 16 wherein the cradle incorporates temperature monitoring means.
18. A portable heating device according to claim 17 wherein at least one temperature sensor is incorporated within the cradle.
19. A portable heating device according to claim 18 wherein the at least one temperature sensor is incorporated within the suspension means.
20. A portable heating device according to claims 10 to 16 wherein the cradle is made of metal.
21. A portable heating device according to claim 20 wherein the metal is coated with a plastic.::
22. A portable heating device according to any preceding claim wherein the fluid :°: heating portion is provided with a handle. eS�s

.
23. A portable heating device according to claim 22 wherein the handle is *s.

* removable. **** ****
24. A portable heating device according to claim 22 wherein the handle isretractable.
25. A portable heating device according to claim 22 wherein the handle is moulded within the fluid heating means and forms an integral part of the fluid heating means.
26. A portable heating device according to any preceding claim wherein the fluid heating portion is provided with a window, configured to show the level of fluid within the fluid heating means.
27. A portable heating device according to claim 26 wherein the window incorporates a quantity gauge.
28. A portable heating device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the fluid heating portion is provided with a lid, configured to cover the opening when the cradle has been removed.
29. A portable heating device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the heat delivery portion and the fluid heating portion are operatively yet releasably secured to each other through a connector means.
30. A portable heating device according to claim 29 wherein the connector means relays electrical power from the heat delivery portion to the fluid heating portion, and relays temperature sensor readings from the fluid heating portion to the heat delivery portion.:°:
31. A portable heating device according to any of the preceding claims wherein r°: the heat delivery portion incorporates a temperature control mechanism that comprises an analogue and/or digital dial.

* * *** * 31. A portable heating device according to claims 22 to 25 wherein the heat **° delivery portion incorporates a recess in which to locate the handle of the fluid *:. heating portion.
32. A portable heating device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the heat delivery portion is provided with a plurality of stabilising feet.
33. A portable heating device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the foodstuffs container is a baby feeding bottle.
34. A portable heating device, substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.