GB2501300A

GB2501300A - An ecological and selectable temperature kettle

Info

Publication number: GB2501300A
Application number: GB1206888.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Iain Alan Mclean
Original assignee: PAY DAY DESIGN Ltd
Current assignee: PAY DAY DESIGN Ltd
Priority date: 2012-04-19
Filing date: 2012-04-19
Publication date: 2013-10-23
Anticipated expiration: 2032-04-19
Also published as: GB2501300B; GB201206888D0

Abstract

A kettle comprising a water temporary retention vessel 231 charged with a smaller volume of water than that received by a water heating chamber 300 of the kettle wherein the vessel 231 is not in fluid communication with the water heating chamber 300 during a heating operation. The relatively cooler water in the vessel 231 is mixed with the water heated within the water heating chamber 300 during a water dispensing operation resulting in water which has a temperature below the boiling point. This reduces the quantity of time and energy required to produce hot water as not all the water will be heated. Preferably, the water heating chamber 300 and the water temporary retention vessel 231 receive water from a water reservoir 206 wherein water is siphoned 600 from the reservoir 206 to the vessel 231 and then overflow from the vessel 231 fills the chamber 300.

Description

Improvements in and Relating to Ecological and Selectable Temperature Kettles

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to liquid heating vessels, and particularly but not exclusively to electric water heating vessels such as kettles and the like.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Typica domestic electric kettles heat the water they contain to boiling point, which is 100 Celsius at sea level, applying power to a heating element in thermal contact with the contained water until a switching system detects boiling of that same liquid via the presence of steam at pressure. Typically, kettle manufacturers employ a hollow steam tube' to allow steam to travel from and above the boiling water to a temperature sensing means such as a thermocouple. The temperature sensing means detects the presence of the steam and provides a signal to allow the switching of the power to the heating element. Said steam tube is typically in a vertical orientation, running from above the maximum water level down and into the kettle base, and the temperature sensing means is typically in the lower part of the kettle and typically proximal to the power switch.

This type of kettle control system (a control system configured to detect boiling) is popular because it is reliable, easy to manufacture and accordingly inexpensive. There are disadvantages to using control systems configured to detect boiling with prior art kettles though, the main one being that water at the resultant temperature of 100 Celsius is often too hot for use in beverage making. Therefore extra energy and time may be consumed in producing water that is often too hot for the intended purpose, and the excessively hot water may produce beverages with sub-optimal flavour. In particular, the flavours of coffees and green teas are widely recognised to be harmed by over-heated water.

Prior art selectable temperature kettles exist with complicated control systems that allow the user to select a desired maximum water temperature that is less than 100 Celsius. These kettles cannot just use a simple steam tube and temperature sensing means for less than 100 Celsius temperatures because the heat must switch off before a significant quantity of steam at pressure has been produced. Therefore, these kettles must instead rely on a more complicated sensing system with associated control circuitry. Accordingly, kettles with this type of control system are more complicated, more expensive to produce and buy, and more likely to fail.

Another problem is that green teas often suit cooler water temperatures than these kettles can provide.

Accordingly, there is a need for an inexpensive, reliable kettle system for production of heated water more suitable for the production of heated water for beverages.

A primary aim of example embodiments of the present invention is to provide improved energy efficiency through the avoidance of wasteful overheating of water.

Example embodiments of the present invention also aim to provide one, some, or all of the following advantages over prior art selectable temperature kettles.

1. Reduced cost of manufacture in providing kettles that may produce cooler water though employing inexpensive heat control systems, e.g. a steam tube.

2. Improved reliability through employment of more reliable heat control systems, e.g. a steam tube.

3. Improved ease of use for the user through employment of simpler heat control systems, e.g. a steam tube.

4. A wider range of temperature control, through employment of an variable and customisable cooling system.

5. Multi-purpose ability without any complication -the user may have fully boiled water or advantageously cooled water simply through choosing the method of filling.

6. Ease of design integration with any system capable of metering water from a water reservoir into the water heating chamber of that kettle -improving energy efficiency yet further for that system.

SUMMARYOFTHE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a kettle) comprising: a water temporary retention vessel arranged within the kettle; said water temporary retention vessel being charged with a volume of water during water heating chamber diverted charging operations, the volume of water retained by the water temporary retention vessel being smaller than the volume of water received by a water heating chamber during the same water heating chamber diverted charging operations; said volume of water retained within the water temporary retention vessel not being in fluid communication with the volume of water within the water heating chamber during water heating operations; the substantial majority of said volume of water within the water temporary retention vessel being combined with the volume of water within the water heating chamber during water dispensing operations, said water dispensing operations including a tilting of the kettle body about a substantially horizontal axis.

Suitably, the volume of water within the water temporary retention vessel is sourced from a water transfer means, the water transfer means comprising an inlet aperture in fluid communication with a water reservoir.

Suitably, the water transfer means comprises an outlet aperture in fluid communication with the water temporary retention vessel, said communication not being via another vessel.

Suitably, the water temporary retention vessel is adjustable in terms of the maximum volume of water it may contain whilst the kettle is in a resting or heating orientation.

Suitably, the water transfer means comprises an outlet aperture in fluid communication with a flow splitter means, said flow splitter means being capable of guiding a majority of the water it receives to the water heating chamber of the kettle and a minority of the water it receives to the water temporary retention vessel.

Suitably, the flow splitter means is adjustable in that the proportion of water routed to the water temporary retention vessel may be varied by the user Suitably, the flow splitter means may be adjusted to split between 4.5% and 45% of the water it receives to the water temporary retention vessel and the remainder to the water heating chamber.

Suitably, the flow splitter means comprises a vessel comprising a weir in fluid communication with the water heating chamber of the kettle and a bleed aperture in fluid communication with the water temporary retention vessel.

Suitably, the water temporary retention vessel has a maximum volume between 12m1 and liSmI.

Suitably, the kettle may further comprise a valve controlling flow through the water transfer means, said valve being disposed at least partly within the volume of the water temporary retention vessel and being actuated from a normally closed position to an open position through an increase in water levels within the water temporary retention vessel, said increase in water levels within the water temporary retention vessel producing a significant buoyant force on a buoyant portion of the valve disposed within the volume of the water temporary retention vessel.

Suitably, the valve is pivotally attached to any part of the kettle that remains in a static position relative to the water transfer means during water transfer operations, the pivot working in a substantially horizontal orientation and being disposed between the centre of mass of the valve and an outlet aperture of the water transfer means.

Suitably, the valve varies its restriction to flow from the outlet aperture of the water transfer means through a rotation of the valve about the pivot.

Suitably, an outlet aperture of the water transfer means becomes submerged in water during water transference operations and remains submerged during water heating operations, thereby substantially preventing gas flows through said outlet aperture during water heating operations.

Suitably, the kettle further comprises a steam tube comprising a plurality of steam tube inlets, one such steam tube inlet becoming substantially closed off to gas flows due to submergence of the inlet in water during water transfer operations, remaining closed off during water heating operations and becoming open again to a gas flows during water dispensing operations.

Suitably, the water transfer means is a siphon.

Suitably, the kettle further comprises an electric heating element and/or a heat transfer plate thermally coupled to the interior of the water heating chamber.

Suitably the kettle comprises a cordless power base.

The energy and time saved is primarily a function of the spout temperature. Where the temperature of the water at the spout is approx 90 degrees Celsius there will be an associated saving in energy and time of approximately 11.2% over a prior art kettle heating the entire water volume to 100 Celsius. For an 80 degrees Celsius spout temperature the saving will be approximately 22%. These values being calculated for a tap water temperature of 12 degrees Celsius.

The spout temperature is primarily a function of the water volume that is retained in the water temporary retention vessel versus the water volume that is heated to 100 degrees Celsius in the water heating chamber.

Spout temperatures of approximately 90 degrees Celsius may be achieved through a split of approximately 11%/89% between the two vessels. Spout temperatures of approximately 80 degrees Celsius may be achieved through a split of approximately 22%/78% between the two vessels. These values being calculated for a tap water temperature of 12 degrees Celsius.

Although a few example embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. For example, the kettle of the second embodiment comprises a water reservoir of one or two cups capacity and a siphonic water transfer assembly. However it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that reservoirs of alternative capacities may be employed, or that alternative water transfer means may be employed, said alternative water transfer means including valves, pumps, gravity feeds and water filters. Further, the kettle of the second embodiment employs a weir vessel with a bleed aperture as the means to split flow between the water heating chamber and the water temporary retention vessel; however it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that alternative flow splitter means are possible. Further still, other embodiments may exist where a valve operating on the water transfer means is arranged within the flow splitter means, that valve being actuated by levels within the flow splitter means.

Further yet, other embodiments may exist where the water temporary retention vessel is detachably connectable to the kettle or water reservoir such that water temporary retention vessels of alternative volume ranges may be employed. Further yet still, other embodiments may exist where the volume of the water temporary retention vessel is adjustable through a tilting of that vessel relative to the kettle body, that tilting either being externally or internally selectable by the user.

The figures of the kettle of first and second embodiments show a water temporary retention vessel being disposed below a water reservoir and above a water heating chamber, such that some water may feed by gravity from the water reservoir down in a negative z direction through a water transfer means to the water temporary retention vessel, for subsequent transfer to the water heating chamber. However, it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments exist where the water temporary retention vessel may not need to be disposed lower in the kettle than the water reservoir -for example any embodiments where the water transfer means is a powered pump.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above mentioned and other features, aspects and advantages of example embodiments of the present invention are described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the present invention. The drawings contain 17 figures.

Each example embodiment comprises an upwardly open body comprising a water heating chamber formed therein, the base of the body comprising a heating element with associated electric connection and control equipment. The element and associated electrical equipment are not shown in any of the schematic figures for reasons of clarity.

Figures 1A to 1G are schematic sectioned views of a kettle in a first embodiment of the present invention, the sections being bisections of the kettle along an XZ plane.

Figure 1A is a schematic sectioned view of the kettle of the first embodiment, wherein the kettle is in a resting or heating orientation.

Figure lB is a schematic sectioned view of the kettle of the first embodiment, wherein the kettle is transferring water from a water reservoir through a water transfer siphon assembly and into the kettle body.

Figure 1C is a schematic sectioned view of the kettle of the first embodiment after the completion of the water transfer operations shown in Figure 1B, wherein a volume of water in a water heating chamber has reached boiling point, and where a water level within a weir vessel is preventing steam from travelling through the water transfer siphon assembly.

Figure 1D1 is a schematic sectioned view of the kettle of the first embodiment after completion of the water heating operations of Figure 1C, wherein the kettle has been tilted to an ultimate mix angle and where a substantial majority of the water retained by a water temporary retention vessel and the weir vessel has poured into the water heating chamber.

Figure 1D2 shows detail area 1DD of Figure 1D1 in more detail and using a larger scale than it is shown in Figure 1D1.

Figure iF is a schematic sectioned view of the kettle of the first embodiment, wherein the kettle has been tilted beyond the angle shown in Figure 1D1 and to an initial pouring angle for a maximum beverage charge, and where any increase in the tilt angle may result in water being emitted from a kettle spout.

Figure iF is a schematic sectioned view of the kettle of the first embodiment, wherein the kettle is receiving water from a tap and through the spout.

Figure 16 is a schematic sectioned view of the kettle of the first embodiment after completion of the water heating chamber undiverted charging operations shown in Figure iF, wherein the water in the water heating chamber has reached boiling point, and where steam may exit both through the spout and through the water transfer siphon assembly.

Figures 2A to 2E are schematic sectioned views of a kettle in a second embodiment of the present invention, the sections being bisections of the kettle along an XZ plane.

Figure 2A1 is a schematic sectioned view of the kettle of the second embodiment, wherein the kettle is in a resting or heating orientation.

Figure 2A2 shows detail area 2AD of Figure 2A1 in more detail and using a larger scale than it is shown in Figure 2A1.

Figure 2B is a schematic sectioned view of the kettle of the second embodiment, wherein the kettle is in a water charging orientation.

Figure 2C1 is a schematic sectioned view of the kettle of the second embodiment after completion of the water reservoir charging operations shown in Figure 2B and where the water transfer operations are just beginning.

Figure 2C2 shows detail area 2CD of Figure 2C1 in more detail and using a larger scale than it is shown in Figure 2C1.

Figure 2D1 is a schematic sectioned view of the kettle of the second embodiment, continuing the water transfer operations of Figure 2C1, wherein water transfer from the water reservoir through the water transfer siphon assembly is fully established.

Figure 2D2 shows detail area 2DD of Figure 2D1 in more detail and using a larger scale than it is shown in Figure 2D1.

Figure 2E is a schematic sectioned view of the kettle of the second embodiment after the water transfer operations of Figures 2C and 2D and after water heating operations (not shown), wherein the kettle has been tilted to an ultimate mix angle and where a substantial majority of the water retained by a water temporary retention vessel has poured into a water heating chamber.

Figure 3 is a schematic sectioned view of a kettle in a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the kettle is in a resting or heating orientation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, terms such as X axis', Y axis' and Z axis' (vertical) are used herein to clarify directions and orientations.

As used herein) the Z axis is defined as being parallel to the direction of gravitational force on earth, the X axis is defined as being orthogonal to the Z axis and running from the centreline of the handle side to the centreUne of the spout side of the example embodiment kettle, the kettle being in a resting or heating orientation at the time. The V axis is defined as being orthogonal to both the Z axis andY axis.

As used herein, the phrase spout side' is defined as the substantially vertical portions of the example embodiment kettle running vertically down the Z axis from the spout and handle side' is defined as the substantially vertical portions of the example embodiment kettle running from the upper portions of the handle vertically down the Z axis towards the kettle base and opposite the spout side.

As used herein, the phrase resting or heating orientation' is defined as the orientation of the example embodiment kettle when a major axis of the kettle is substantially parallel to the Z axis and the kettle is substantially upright. Furthermore, the resting or heating orientation is an orientation where the kettle may be at rest or may be in the act of heating water.

As used herein, the term upper' is defined as portions of the part being described where those portions are generally greater in a positive Z direction, and the term lower' is defined as those portions of the part being described where those portions are generally greater in a negative Z direction, As used herein, the phrase positive Z' is defined as the direction that is opposite to the direction of gravity and equivalent to up', whereas negative Z' is defined as the direction that is opposite to positive Z and equivalent to down'.

As used herein, the phrase positive X' is defined as the direction that is parallel to the X-axis and running from the handle side to the spout side, whereas negative X' is defined as the direction that is opposite to positive x'.

As used herein, the phrase positive N" is defined as the direction 90 degrees clockwise of the positive X axis when ooking down the Z axis (in a negative Z direction) and negative Y' is defined as the direction that is opposite to positive Y'.

S

As used herein the term level' is in relation to the Z axis. An increasing level is a level that is moving in a positive Z direction.

As used herein, the terms clockwise' and anti-clockwise' are to be interpreted within the context of the Figure that is being referred to in the associated text, unless otherwise specified.

As used herein, the phrase water charging orientation' is defined as the orientation of the example embodiment kettle where the kettle is tilted about the Y axis, such that an acute angle (substantially equivalent to a water charging angle) is formed between a major axis of the kettle and the Z axis and where the handle side of the kettle is greater in the positive Z direction than the spout side of the kettle.

Furthermore, the water charging orientation is an orientation where the kettle may be receiving water from,

for example, a tap.

As used herein, the phrase water heating chamber diverted charging operations' is defined as comprising those operations required to charge a water heating chamber of a kettle, where a flow of water enters a water temporary retention vessel of the kettle in addition to a flow of water entering the water heating chamber of the kettle. Typically, for an embodiment kettle not comprising a water reservoir, water heating chamber diverted charging operations begin with the placement of the kettle proximal to a source of water (e.g. a tap) and end when a desired volume of water has been introduced to the water heating chamber and water temporary retention vessel. Typically, for an embodiment kettle comprising a water reservoir, water heating chamber diverted charging operations are effected through water transfer operations from the water reservoir.

As used herein, the phrase water heating chamber urdiverted charging operations' is defined as comprising those operations required to charge a water heating chamber of a kettle, where no flow of water enters any water temporary retention vessel that may be arranged within the kettle. Typically, water heating chamber undiverted charging operations begin with the placement of the kettle proximal to a source of water (e.g. a tap) and end when a desired volume of water has been introduced to the water heating chamber.

As used herein, the phrase water reservoir charging operations' is defined a comprising those operations required to charge a water reservoir of a kettle, where a water heating chamber of the kettle does not receive substantial quantities of water at the same time. Typically, water reservoir charging operations begin on the placement of the kettle proximal to a source of water (e.g. a tap) and end when a desired volume of water has been introduced to the water reservoir.

As used herein, the phrase water transfer operations' is defined as comprising those operations required to transfer a desired quantity of water from a water reservoir of a kettle to a water heating chamber and a water temporary retention vessel of the kettle, where a flow of water enters the water temporary retention vessel of a kettle in a addition to a flow of water entering the water heating chamber.

As used herein, the phrase water heating operations' is defined as the user instigated application of heat to the water in the water heating chamber of a kettle until such time that the water therein reaches a desired temperature, the kettle being in a resting or heating orientation at the time of heating.

As used herein, the phrase water dispensing operations' is defined a comprising those operations required to dispense a desired quantity of water from a kettle. Typically, water dispensing operations includes a tilting of the kettle about theY axis until water is emitted from a spout, and may include the removal of the kettle from a detachable power base prior to tilting.

Figure 1A shows selected parts of a kettle of a first embodiment, the kettle comprising a kettle body 100, a spout 120, a handle 110, a water reservoir 206, a water transfer siphon assembly 600, a siphon outlet aperture 240, a weir vessel 230, a bleed aperture 232, a weir high wall 233, a water temporary retention vessel 231, a weir low wall 234, a water heating chamber 300, a steam tube 310, and a maximum beverage charge level 500 running from point AX to point BX.

Figure lB shows the kettle of the first embodiment transferring water from the water reservoir 206, through the water transfer siphon assembly 600, out of the siphon outlet aperture 240 and into the weir vessel 230.

Suitably, the water transfer siphon assembly 600 or siphon outlet aperture 240 may be sized so that water transfer rates do not exceed the capabilities of the weir vessel 230 and are within a known range. A water transfer rate that exceeds the capabilities of the weir vessel 230 is defined as one where water levels in the weir vessel 230 may reach or exceed the weir high wall 233 level during water transfer operations. The water exits the siphon outlet aperture 240 substantially directly into the weir vessel 230, filling the volume of the weir vessel 230 such that the water level therein has reached the level of the weir low wall 234. At the same time or before this level is reached the water level will have reached the level of the bleed aperture 232, causing a bleed flow 225 which will begin to charge the water temporary retention vessel 231. As the water level rises further, water will flow over the weir low wall 234 as heating chamber charge flow 226, preventing the water level from reaching the level of the weir high wall 233. The steam tube 310 has the steam tube crest 311 arranged at a higher level than the weir low wall 234 so that no water flows down the steam tube 310.

The heating chamber charge flow 226 will begin to charge the water heating chamber 300. Suitably, the flow rate through the bleed aperture 232 is in a range that is a fraction of the range of flow rates through the water transfer siphon assembly 600. Accordingly, the water temporary retention vessel 231 may temporarily retain a volume that is substantially proportional to the volume received by the water heating chamber 300.

Figure 1C shows the kettle of the first embodiment, wherein a majority of the water in the water heating chamber 300 has reached boiling point due to application of heat thereby producing steam and raising the pressure within the water heating chamber 300 (and all internal portions of the kettle in gaseous communication with the water heating chamber 300). Steam enters the steam tube upper inlet 312 and travels down the steam tube 310 as signal steam 319 to the temperature sensing means (not show), effecting the removal of further heat to the water heating chamber 300. The siphon outlet aperture 240 is below the level of the water in the weir vessel 230 and so does not allow steam to pass through the water transfer siphon assembly 600. No steam passes up into the steam tube 310 through the steam tube lower inlet 313 because the steam tube lower inlet 313 is below the level of the water in the weir vessel 230. The steam tube 310 and steam tube upper inlet 312 are sized such as to provide timely switching off of the heating to the water heating chamber 300 given the range of pressures resultant from boiling water in the water heating chamber 300 where the spout 120 is the only significant outlet for pressurised steam.

Figure 1D1 shows the kettle of the first embodiment, wherein the kettle body 100 has been rotated anti-clockwise about the Y axis such that a major axis (A-A) of the kettle body 100 has achieved the ultimate mix angle 510. The ultimate mix angle 510 is the angle between the Z axis and the major axis (A-A) of the kettle body 100 wherein the substantial majority of any water previously retained by the weir vessel 230 and water temporary retention vessel 231 has poured into the water heating chamber 300. Water may have poured from the water temporary retention vessel 231 before the kettle body 100 has reached the ultimate mix angle 510, the angle at which this pouring commences being dependent on a combination of the volume of water that was retained by the water temporary retention vessel 231 and the geometry of the same vessel. Mixing of the heated water 301 with the cool water 228 from the two said vessels 230 and 231 occurs in the water heating chamber 300 resulting in heated water having a temperature that is less than 100 degrees Celsius.

Figure 1D2 shows the detail area 1DD of Figure 1D1, showing that at least one wall portion of the weir vessel 230 and at least one wall portion of the water temporary retention vessel 231 are preferably arranged relative to the major axis (A-A) of the kettle body 100 at an ultimate mix angle complementary angle 505, such that the substantial majority of water held or retained by said vessels may be poured into the water heating chamber 300 (see Figure 1D1) when the kettle body 100 has reached or exceeded the ultimate mix angle 510.

The angle chosen for the ultimate mix angle complementary angle 505 may be preferably be between zero degrees and ninety degrees, where angles nearer ninety degrees are preferabe to those angles nearer zero, such that mixing may occur earlier during water dispensing operations. Earlier mixing allows more time for homogenisation of temperature throughout the water in the water heating chamber 300.

The addition of the ultimate mix angle 510 and the ultimate mix angle complementary angle 505 preferably results in an angle substantially equivalent to ninety degrees.

Figure 1E shows the kettle of the first embodiment after achieving the orientation shown in Figures 1D1 & 1D2, wherein the kettle body 100 has been tipped to an initial pouring angle 520. The initial pouring angle 520 is the minimum angle that pouring can occur at if the water level in the water heating chamber 300 was less than or equal to the maximum beverage charge level 500 (See Figure 1A). Any increase in the kettle body 100 angle relative to the Z axis results in pouring of water from the spout 120. The ultimate mix angle 510 is preferably smaller or equal in angle to the initial pouring angle 520.

Figure iF shows the kettle of the first embodiment, wherein the kettle is being charged with tap water 410 from a tap 400 and through the spout 120. Charging the kettle by this method does not result in any water retention by the weir vessel 230. Accordingly the siphon outlet aperture 240 and the steam tube lower inlet 313 are open and in gaseous communication with the water heating chamber 300.

Figure 1G shows the kettle of the first embodiment, wherein a majority of the water in the water heating chamber 300 has reached boiling point due to application of heat thereby producing steam and raising the pressure within the water heating chamber 300 (and all internal portions of the kettle in gaseous communication with the water heating chamber 300). The pressure inside the kettle body 100 may be less than it would be if the siphon outlet aperture 240 was closed to the egress of steam, though the steam tube lower inlet 313 is simultaneously open thereby allowing a plurality of entry points for steam into the steam tube 310 (the steam tube upper inlet 312 also being open). Having both steam tube inlets open increases the flow rates possible through the steam tube 310 for any given pressure differential across the steam tube 310 and so the reduced pressure of the steam within the kettle body 100 (when charged through the spout) during boiling is compensated for by extra performance from the steam tube 310. Accordingly, the kettle can be relied on to switch the power off at or near the onset of boiling, no matter how the kettle was charged. A kettle charged in this manner may produce water of approximately 100 degrees Celsius. Accordingly the user has the ability to choose what temperature range they want from the water, charging the kettle through the spout when requiring the hottest water -perhaps for cleaning purposes.

It can be seen from the preceding text that a kettle of the first embodiment may retain a volume within the water temporary retention vessel 231 that is substantially proportional to the volume received by the water heating chamber 300, such that the cooling effect of water retained by the water temporary retention vessel 231 is substantially consistent across the range of volumes that may be supplied by the water reservoir 206.

Figure 2A1 shows selected parts of a kettle of a second embodiment, comprising a kettle body 100, a water heating chamber 300, a water reservoir 206, on area 2AD, and a steam tube 310. Figure 2A2 shows area 2AD in greater detail and at a larger scale than shown in Figure 2A1.

Figure 2A2 shows area 2AD of Figure 2A1, comprising a water transfer siphon assembly 600, a water temporary retention vessel 231, a normally closed buoyant valve 700 (said normally closed buoyant valve 700 being shown in a closed position on this figure) and a siphon bypass aperture 740. The normally closed buoyant valve 700 is pivotally attached, using a pivot 720, to the lower portions of the water transfer siphon assembly 600 and arranged at least partly within the full volume of the water temporary retention vessel 231.

The full volume being defined within this figure as the volume between the CX-DX line and the bounding walls and floor of the water temporary retention vessel 231. The normally closed buoyant valve 700 is normally closed in that gravity acting on said valve causes an anti-clockwise torque about theY axis (centred on the pivot 720) which holds a closure plate 730 over the siphon outlet aperture 240, thereby substantially preventing passage of liquids and gases through the water transfer siphon assembly 600. The pivot 720 is arranged to be between the centre of mass 760 of the normally closed buoyant valve 700 and the siphon outlet aperture 240 (between' in terms of location on the X axis). The normally closed buoyant valve 700 includes a buoyant portion comprising preferably of a plurality of buoyancy chambers 710. The buoyancy chambers 710 may be downwardly open in the negative Z direction. The siphon outlet aperture 240 is arranged within the water temporary retention vessel 231 such that the siphon outlet aperture 240 lies below (in a negative Z direction) the CX-DX line and will therefore lie below (in a negative Z direction) the water level when the water temporary retention vessel 231 is filled to the CX-DX line. The maximum volume that the water temporary retention vessel 231 may contain is preferably chosen to give a desired range of water temperatures at the spout. In other embodiments, said maximum volume may be selectable by the user through height/level adjustment of a wall portion of the water temporary retention vessel 231.

Figure 2B shows the kettle of the second embodiment, wherein the water reservoir 206 is receiving tap water 410 from a tap 400, the kettle body 100 being at a water charging angle 530 during the reception of the tap water 410. Water is passing through the siphon bypass aperture 740 as bypass flow 750 because the water level in the water reservoir 206 is sufficiently high to reach the siphon bypass aperture 740. Any bypass flow 750 passing through the siphon bypass aperture 740 wiN drop into the water temporary retention vessel 231 causing the water level therein to rise until reaching the Z direction level of a water temporary retention vessel tilted wall lip 236. Any further flow of water into the water temporary retention vessel 231 will result in water flowing over the water temporary retention vessel tilted wall lip 236 and into the water heating chamber 300.

The normally closed buoyant valve 700 and the water temporary retention vessel 231 are arranged such that no significant buoyant force can occur on the normally closed buoyant valve 700 at such times the kettle body is oriented at or near the water charging angle 530. A significant buoyant force is defined as a quantity of buoyancy required to overcome the torque resultant from the arrangement of the pivot 720 (see Figure 2A2) being between the centre of mass 760 (see Figure 2A2) of the normally closed buoyant valve 700 and the siphon outlet aperture 240 (see Figure 2A2), when that buoyancy is assisted by any pressure above atmospheric pressure that may be present within the water transfer siphon assembly 600. The pressure within the water transfer siphon assembly 600 will be above atmospheric pressure any time the siphon inlet apertures 601 (see Figure 2A2) are below the level of the water within the water reservoir 206. In other words, a significant buoyant force is a force capable of rotating the normally closed buoyant valve 700 clockwise about the pivot 720 (see Figure 2A2), thereby reducing the restriction to gas flow and water flow through the water transfer siphon assembly 600 that the normally closed buoyant valve 700 otherwise provides.

Accordingly the normally closed buoyant valve 700 remains closed during such time the kettle body 100 is at a water charging angle 530, thereby allows the user enough time to accurately charge the water reservoir 206 with a desired quantity of water, the bypass flow 750 being of a small enough flow rate so as not to significantly affect the accuracy of the water reservoir charging operations.

Figures 2C1 and 2C2 show the kettle of the second embodiment where the kettle body 100 has now been rotated clockwise about a V axis such that the kettle body 100 is now in the resting or heating orientation.

Waterflows are schematically depicted by arrows within Figure 2C2. Referring to Figure 2C2 it can be seen that any water present within the water temporary retention vessel 231 has found a new level within that said vessel and may now apply a significant buoyant force to the normally closed buoyant valve 700. Additionally, further bypass flow 750 will continue to enter the water temporary retention vessel 231 through the siphon bypass aperture 740 resulting in a significant buoyant force acting on the normally closed buoyant valve 700 that can only increase. The normally closed buoyant valve 700 has rotated clockwise about the pivot 720 as a result of this significant buoyant force thereby removing some of the restriction to gas flow and water flow through the water transfer siphon assembly 600. Water enters the water transfer siphon assembly 600 and starts to drain into the water temporary retention vessel 231. Thus, the automatic process of opening the normally closed buoyant valve 700 begins1 a process that accelerates towards fully opening the normally closed buoyant valve 700.

Figures 2D1 and 2D2 show the kettle of the second embodiment. Figure 2D2 shows area 2DD of Figure 2D1 in greater detail and at a larger scale than shown in Figure 2D1. Additionally, Figure 202 schematically depicts water flows that may involve the water transfer siphon assembly 600 and the water temporary retention vessel 231. Said water flows are schematically depicted by arrows within this figure. In Figures 2D1 and 202 the normally closed buoyant valve 700 has rotated clockwise about the pivot 720 to a fully open position as a result of this significant buoyant force thereby removing a majority of the restriction to water flow through the water transfer siphon assembly 600 which therefore rapidly empties the water reservoir 206. Any water flowing from the water temporary reservoir 206 that cannot be accommodated within the water temporary retention vessel 231 will overflow and drop into the water heating chamber 300. The siphon outlet aperture 240 (see Figure 2A2) is arranged within the water temporary retention vessel 231, such that the siphon outlet aperture 240 will be below the level of the water in the water retention vessel 231 where water has overflowed into the water heating chamber 300 and where the kettle body 100 was in a resting or heating orientation at the time. Any water not transferred by the water transfer siphon assembly 600 will drop into the water temporary retention vessel 231 via the siphon bypass aperture 740.

Note that the position of the pivot 720 relative to the siphon outlet aperture 240 can be arranged to produce more or less restriction to flow for any given angle of the normally closed buoyant valve 700. For example arranging the pivot 720 higher up the water transfer siphon assembly 600 in the positive 7 direction will allow greater flow rates than a pivot position relatively lower in the Z direction for any given angle of the normally closed buoyant valve 700.

On completion of the water transfer operations shown in Figures 2C & 2D, the user will typically instigate water heating operations (not shown). Note that steam will not be able to pass through the water transfer siphon 600 due to the submergence of the siphon outlet aperture 240. Accordingly, the pressure generated may be substantially consistent for a given quantity of boiling water no matter whether the water temporary retention vessel 231 is substantially empty and the normally closed buoyant valve 700 is closed, or whether the water temporary retention vessel 231 is charged with water and the siphon outlet aperture 240 submerged. This allows the kettle to detect boiling with consistency, no matter how the kettle is being used.

Figure 2E shows the kettle of the second embodiment, where the kettle is oriented at an ultimate mix angle 510 and where any water retained within the water temporary retention vessel 231 may pour into the water heating chamber 300 during the early stages of water dispensing operations giving advantageous cooling to the water in the water heating chamber 300, said ultimate mix angle 510 being due to due to the arrangement of at least one wall portion of the water temporary retention vessel 231 at an ultimate mix angle complementary angle 505. For a kettle of the second embodiment the ultimate mix angle complementary angle 505 may preferably be chosen to give a ultimate mix angle 510 that is equal to or greater than the water charging angle 530 (see Figure 2B).

The angle chosen for the ultimate mix angle complementary angle 505 may be preferably be between zero degrees and the angle complementary to the water charging angle 530 (see Figure 2B), where angles nearer the angle complementary to the water charging angle 530 are preferable to those angles nearer zero, such that mixing may occur earlier during water dispensing operations. Earlier mixing allows more time for homogenisation of temperature throughout the water in the water heating chamber 300. The addition of the ultimate mix angle 510 and the ultimate mix angle complementary angle 505 preferably results in an angle substantially equivalent to ninety degrees.

It can be seen from the preceding paragraphs therefore that a water temporary retention vessel 231 may perform multiple functions within an embodiment. In the second embodiment of the kettle for example, the water temporary retention vessel 231 may be utilised in the control of a valve system in addition to providing advantageous cooling to the water within the water heating chamber 300.

Figure 3 shows a kettle of a third embodiment, wherein water enters a weir vessel 230 substantially directly from a beverage making charge assembly 800, the beverage making charge assembly 800 itself receiving tap water 410 from a tap 400. As with the kettle of the first embodiment, a proportion of the water entering the weir vessel 230 charges a water retention vessel 231, said proportion of water ultimately being recombined with the water in a water heating chamber 300 during water dispensing operations and after water heating operations. Suitably, the beverage making charge assembly 800 may be sized so that water transfer rates through the beverage making charge assembly 800 do not exceed the capabilities of the weir vessel 230 and are within a known range.

Accordingly for a kettle of the third embodiment, the water temporary retention vessel 231 may temporarily retain a volume that is substantially proportional to the volume received by the water heating chamber 300, the volume received by the water heating chamber 300 not being limited to the capabilities of any water reservoir-as no water reservoir is present within this embodiment. Therefore the cooling effect may be substantially consistent for a larger range of volumes introduced to the water heating chamber 300 than those introduced from embodiments employing a water reservoir.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstracts and drawings), and br all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A kettle, comprising: a water temporary retention vessel arranged within the kettle; said water temporary retention vessel being charged with a volume of water during water heating chamber diverted charging operations, the volume of water retained by the water temporary retention vessel being smaller than the volume of water received by a water heating chamber during the same water heating chamber diverted charging operations; said volume of water retained within the water temporary retention vessel not being in fluid communication with the volume of water within the water heating chamber during water heating operations; the substantial majority of said volume of water within the water temporary retention vessel being combined with the volume of water within the water heating chamber during water dispensing operations, said water dispensing operations including a tilting of the kettle body about a substantially horizontal axis.
2. A kettle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the volume of water within the water temporary retention vessel is sourced from a water transfer means, the water transfer means comprising an inlet aperture in fluid communication with a water reservoir.
3. A kettle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the water transfer means comprises an outlet aperture in fluid communication with the water temporary retention vessel, said communication not being via another vessel.
4. A kettle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the water temporary retention vessel is adjustable in terms of the maximum volume of water it may contain whilst the kettle is in a resting or heating orientation.
5. A kettle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the water transfer means comprises an outlet aperture in fluid communication with a flow splitter means, said flow splitter means being capable of guiding a majority of the water it receives to the water heating chamber of the kettle and a minority of the water it receives to the water temporary retention vessel.
6. A kettle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the flow splitter means is adjustable in that the proportion of water routed to the water temporary retention vessel may be varied by the user.
7. A kettle as claimed in claimS, where the flow splitter means may be adjusted to split between 4.5% and 45% of the water it receives to the water temporary retention vessel and the remainder to the water heating chamber.
8. A kettle as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the flow splitter means comprises a vessel comprising a weir in fluid communication with the water heating chamber of the kettle and a bleed aperture in fluid communication with the water temporary retention vessel.
9. A kettle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the water temporary retention vessel has a maximum volume between 12m1 and llSml.
10. A kettle as claimed in any of claims 2 to9, further comprising a valve controlling flow through the water transfer means, said valve being disposed at least partly within the volume of the water temporary retention vessel and being actuated from a normally closed position to an open position through an increase in water levels within the water temporary retention vessel, said increase in water levels within the water temporary retention vessel producing a significant buoyant force on a buoyant portion of the valve disposed within the volume of the water temporary retention vessel.
11. A kettle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the valve is pivotally attached to any part of the kettle that remains in a static position relative to the water transfer means during water transfer operations, the pivot working in a substantially horizontal orientation and being disposed between the centre of mass of the valve and an outlet aperture of the water transfer means.
12. A kettle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the valve varies its restriction to flow from the outlet aperture of the water transfer means through a rotation of the valve about the pivot.
13. A kettle of as claimed in any of claims 2 to 12, wherein an outlet aperture of the water transfer means becomes submerged in water during water transfer operations and remains submerged during water heating operations, thereby substantially preventing gas flows through said outlet aperture during water heating operations.
14. A kettle of claim 13 when dependent on any of claims 2 toO, further comprising a steam tube comprising a plurality of steam tube inlets, one such steam tube inlet becoming substantially closed off to gas flows due to submergence of the inlet in water during water transference operations, remaining closed off during water heating operations and becoming open again to gas flows during water dispensing operations.
15. A kettle as claimed in any of claims 2 to 14, wherein the water transfer means is a siphon.
16. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an electric heating element and/or a heat transfer plate thermally coupled to the interior of the water heating chamber.
17. A kettle as claimed in any preceding claim, having a cordless power base.