Electric infuser with infusion accessory including movable gripping device

Abstract

To address the technical problem and provide an electric infusion device having a simple, ergonomic, and economical structure, while at the same time having excellent safety in use.SOLUTION: An electric infuser comprises: a container (4) defining an internal volume (5); an infusion accessory (39) including a body (41) configured to be disposed in the internal volume (5), the body (41) defining an infusion volume (43) configured to contain an infusion object; a gripping device fixed onto a top of the body (41); and a lid (11) configured to close the container (4) and cover the infusion accessory (39). The gripping device (49) is movably mounted relative to the body (41) between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration, and the lid (11) is configured to exert pushing force on the gripping device (49) to keep the gripping device (49) in the lowered configuration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electric infusion machines, in particular electric kettles and electric teapots. [Background technology]

[0002] As is well known, electric infuser has the following features: a container defining an interior volume for containing water, in which the water is heated, in particular brought to a boil; a gripping handle fixed to the container; a spout located on the opposite side of the container from the grip handle relative to a central longitudinal axis of the container; - an infusion accessory such as an infusion basket, comprising a body adapted to be placed on a holder provided on the container and to be positioned at least partially within the interior volume of the container, the body defining an infusion volume adapted to contain an infusion object, the infusion accessory having an opening providing a passageway through which the infusion object can be introduced into the infusion volume; - a lid configured to cover the infusion accessory and close the container; Includes:

[0003] To allow the brewing accessory to be easily removed from the container, the brewing accessory may advantageously be provided with a handle that can extend outside the container and that can be handled by the user.

[0004] However, this configuration of the brewing accessory significantly increases the risk of boiling water spilling out of the container if the container is tipped over, for example, unless a complex and expensive sealing gasket is attached to the lid (because the gripping portion extends between the lid and the upper water inlet opening of the container).

[0005] To address this drawback, the gripping portion of the brewing accessory could be configured to be located entirely within the interior volume bounded by the container, and therefore be located below the lid.

[0006] However, in order to prevent contamination of the water in the event that the handle contains a source of contamination, and to reduce the risk of the user being burned when removing the infusion accessory from the container, it is preferable that the handle attached to the infusion accessory be kept outside the water in the container, even when the container is filled to the full capacity.

[0007] In this case, in order to meet the two criteria mentioned above, that the handle of the brewing accessory be placed on top of the brewing accessory while the entire accessory be positioned under the lid, it is necessary to either increase the dimensions of the container at the expense of the overall height, or reduce the size of the handle at the expense of the ease of handling of the brewing accessory. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or some of these disadvantages. The technical problem underlying the invention is, inter alia, to provide an electric infusion device of simple, ergonomic and economical construction, while at the same time having excellent safety in use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention therefore relates to an electric infusion machine, in particular an electric kettle or teapot, comprising: a container defining an interior volume for containing water and for heating the water therein; a gripping handle fixed to the container; - a spout, - an infusion accessory, such as an infusion basket, a body configured to rest on a holder provided on the container and to be positioned at least partially within the interior volume of the container, the body defining an infusion volume configured to accommodate an infusion object, such as tea, coffee or a plant; a brewing accessory comprising a gripping device fixed to an upper portion of the body, the gripping device having a gripping portion configured to allow a user to handle the brewing accessory, including removing the brewing accessory from the container; - a lid adapted to assume a closed position in which the lid closes the container and at least partially, for example completely, covers the infusion accessory, the lid having a lower surface adapted to be positioned opposite the infusion accessory; 1. An electric infusion machine comprising: The gripping device relates to an electric infuser in which the gripping portion is movably attached to the body between a raised configuration suitable for handling by a user and a lowered configuration, and the lid is configured to apply a pressing force to the gripping device, for example against the gripping portion, when in the closed position to keep the gripping device in the lowered configuration.

[0010] This configuration of the gripping device, in particular its ability to be moved between a lowered and a raised configuration, makes it possible to reduce the bulkiness of the brewing accessory in height when it is placed in the internal volume and when the lid is in the closed position, while still allowing for easy handling thereof, such as when removing the brewing accessory. Such a structure of the brewing accessory also makes it possible to ensure a high sealing performance of the electric infuser when the lid is in the closed position.

[0011] The electric infuser may also comprise one or more of the following features, either alone or in combination:

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the brewing accessory comprises a biasing device configured to resiliently bias the gripping portion towards the raised configuration, the presence of which allows a user to easily grasp the gripping portion when removing the lid from the interior volume of the brewing accessory, and also moves the gripping portion away from the interior volume which may contain boiling water, thereby reducing the risk of the user being burned.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the biasing device is fixed to the body.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the biasing device is arranged facing the inner surface of the bearing.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping device is configured such that the gripping device can occupy an intermediate configuration between a lowered configuration and a raised configuration, and the biasing device is configured such that the gripping device can bias the gripping device to the intermediate configuration.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid is configured to move the gripping device to a lowered configuration when the lid is moved to the closed position.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the container has a central longitudinal axis and the spout is configured to be located on an opposite side of the central longitudinal axis of the container from the grip handle.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device is configured to be positioned opposite the underside of the lid when the lid is in the closed position.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the body comprises an upper opening through which the infusion object can be introduced into the infusion volume.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping portion is configured to be offset relative to the top opening when the gripping device is in the lowered configuration, and configured to be positioned opposite the top opening when the gripping device is in the raised configuration. Such a configuration of the gripping device allows for easy introduction of the infusion object into (and also easy removal of the infusion object from) the infusion volume, as well as stable movement of the infusion accessory when the infusion volume is full.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main body has a support portion configured to rest on a holding portion provided on the container, and the gripping portion is configured to move away from the support portion when the gripping device is in a raised configuration and move closer to the support portion when the gripping device is in a lowered configuration.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bearing is substantially flat.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bearing extends to the level of the upper opening of the body.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the container when the bearing rests on the retainer.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping device is movably mounted relative to the bearing.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the body comprises an infusion portion defining an infusion volume. Advantageously, the infusion portion has a generally cylindrical shape.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the biasing device comprises at least one elastically deformable spring plate fixed to the body by a bearing or the like and configured to bias the gripping device towards the raised configuration.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one elastically deformable spring leaf extends opposite the lower surface of the bearing.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping device comprises at least one operating part, such as an operating finger or operating claw, arranged to cooperate with the biasing device, for example with an upper surface of the at least one elastically deformable spring plate, when the gripping device is in the lowered configuration, and configured to protrude from a respective through-hole provided in the support part.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the biasing device comprises two elastically deformable spring plates arranged on either side of the vertical median plane of the electric infuser passing through the grip handle, for example, approximately on either side of the top opening.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the invention, the biasing device comprises at least one elastically deformable spring plate fixed to the gripping device.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the underside of the lid comprises a bearing surface configured to exert a biasing force on the gripping device to hold the gripping device in a lowered configuration when the lid is in the closed position.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing surface is substantially flat.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing surface is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the container is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping device has two lateral mounting portions spaced apart from one another and movably mounted relative to the body, and the gripping portion connects the two lateral mounting portions to one another.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping device is a gripping handle.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping device is hinged to the body about a hinge axis between a lowered configuration and a raised configuration.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two lateral mounting parts are hinged to the main body via two pivot connections that define hinge axes.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hinge axis is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the container when the brewing accessory rests on the holder.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hinge axis is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the container is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hinge axis is configured to extend transversely above the top opening.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gripping device is provided with an insulating covering, such as an insulating sleeve extending around the gripping portion.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid comprises a barrier protruding from the underside of the lid and configured to be inserted into an upper opening in the body to prevent the infusion object from escaping from the infusion volume.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the barrier has a cylindrical overall shape, for example a circular cross section.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the brewing accessory is removable from the container.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric infusion device comprises an angular indexing device, also called a foolproof device, configured to angularly index the infusion accessory relative to the container so that the holding position is uniquely defined.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the angular indexing device comprises at least one indexing element provided on the container and a corresponding indexing tool provided on the body, the indexing tool being configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element when the brewing accessory is placed on the holder.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric infuser comprises a steam exhaust conduit configured to deliver steam generated within the internal volume when water within the internal volume boils away from the internal volume, such as to the exterior of the electric infuser.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam discharge path comprises: - first and second steam inlets provided on the lid and opening onto an underside of the lid, the first and second steam inlets being configured to be fluidly connected with an interior volume defined by the container, e.g., located above the fill level of the container and on either side of a vertical median plane passing through the grip handle of the electric infusion device; an interior chamber defined by a lid; - a first vapor flow conduit having a first vapor inlet opening fluidly connected with the first vapor inlet and a first vapor outlet opening opening into the interior chamber, and a second vapor flow conduit having a second vapor inlet opening fluidly connected with the second vapor inlet and a second vapor outlet opening opening into the interior chamber; Equipped with.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first steam flow line and the second steam flow line form a spill prevention device, also called an overflow prevention device, configured to prevent water within the internal volume from flowing out through the steam discharge path when the electric infuser is overturned.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam exhaust path comprises at least one steam exhaust port provided in the lid, e.g., one or more steam exhaust ports, that are fluidly connected to the internal chamber defined by the lid, and the at least one steam exhaust port is configured to allow steam contained within the internal chamber to be exhausted outside the lid, e.g., outside the electric infuser.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one steam outlet is configured to be located proximate to the spout.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric infusion device is configured such that when the electric infusion device is tipped over with the grip handle and the first side of the container lying stably on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet is above the water level in the internal volume, and when the electric infusion device is tipped over with the grip handle and the second side of the container lying stably on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet is above the water level in the internal volume, thereby avoiding or at least significantly reducing the risk of boiled water spilling out of the electric infusion device when it is tipped over.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric infusion device is configured such that when the electric infusion device is inverted and the grip handle and the first side of the container lie stably on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet and the second steam outlet opening are above the water level in the internal volume, and when the electric infusion device is inverted and the grip handle and the second side of the container lie stably on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet and the first steam outlet opening are above the water level in the internal volume.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are configured to be located on either side of a vertical median plane of the electric infuser.

[0056] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are located in the rear half of the internal chamber. Such placement of the first and second steam outlet openings reduces the risk of water spilling into the lid (through the first and second steam inlets and the first and second steam flow lines) when a user tilts the electric infusion device forward or downward to pour boiling water into the vessel. Also, if the electric infusion device includes an electromechanical control system, the design allows steam to be easily transported toward the grip handle and toward the electromechanical control system located below, which can stop heating the electric infusion device when steam is detected.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam outlet openings are configured to face away from the pouring spout, i.e., towards the rear of the electric infusion device, which further reduces the risk of water spilling out of the lid (through the first and second steam inlets and the first and second steam flow conduits) when a user tilts the electric infusion device forward or downward to pour boiling water into a vessel.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first vapor flow line and the second vapor flow line are flexible.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first vapor flow line and the second vapor flow line are contained within an interior chamber defined by a lid.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first vapor inlet and the second vapor inlet are located in the front half of the underside of the lid.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam inlets are located near the periphery of the underside of the lid. This placement of the first and second steam inlets further reduces the risk of boiling water spilling out of the electric infusion device if the electric infusion device is tipped over.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the container further comprises an upper water supply opening that opens into the interior volume.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid is configured to be laid out at the level of the upper water supply opening.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises a spout.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid is removable from the container.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric infusion device comprises a fastening device configured to removably, i.e. temporarily and reversibly, attach the lid to the container.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the securing device comprises at least one securing element, such as a securing tab or a securing claw, on the lid and at least one securing element, such as a securing groove, on the container, the at least one securing element being configured to occupy a securing position in which the at least one securing element cooperates with the at least one securing element to attach the lid to the container, and a release position in which the at least one securing element is configured to release the at least one securing element to allow the lid to be removed from the container.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one fastener is movably mounted relative to the lid between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device comprises a return element, such as a return spring, configured to return the at least one fixing element to the fixing position.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric infuser comprises an operating mechanism provided on the lid, the operating mechanism being configured to move the at least one retainer to a release position when the operating mechanism is operated by a user.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the operating mechanism includes an operating device manually operable by a user and configured to move the at least one locking element from a locked position to a released position, the operating device being mounted to be movable between a first operating position and a second operating position, the operating device and its at least one locking element being configured such that moving the operating device from the first operating position to the second operating position effects movement of the at least one locking element from the locked position to the released position. This configuration of the operating mechanism allows the user to remove the lid by simply operating the operating mechanism.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lid includes a dispensing tube configured to convey water within the interior volume to the spout, and the electric infuser includes a shutter attached to the lid, the shutter being movable between a closed position that closes the dispensing tube to prevent the flow of water therethrough and an open position that opens the dispensing tube to allow the flow of water therethrough. Such a lid configuration significantly reduces the risk of water spilling through the spout if the electric infuser is tipped over.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pouring pipe has a water inlet opening at the bottom surface of the lid and a water outlet opening at the outer peripheral surface of the lid.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one steam outlet is located in proximity to the water outlet.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electric infusion device comprises an operating system provided on the lid, the operating system being configured to move the shutter between an open position and a closed position.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the operating system includes an operating button operable by a user and movable between a first button position and a second button position, and the operating system is configured such that the user's movement of the operating button from the first position to the second position causes movement of the shutter from the closed position to the open position.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the operating system comprises a bistable switch (e.g., of the ballpoint pen type) configured such that a user moving an operating button from a first button position to a second button position causes the shutter to move from a closed position to an open position, and a user moving the operating button from the second button position to the first button position causes the shutter to move from the open position to the closed position.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vessel comprises a heated bottom located below the interior volume and configured to heat water within the interior volume.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam flow conduits are formed by a first and second steam flow pipe, respectively, which are advantageously molded integrally into a single body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0080] The invention will be better understood through the following description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of an electric infuser. [Figure 1] 1 is a top perspective view of an electric infuser according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial top perspective view of the electric infuser of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 2 is a partial top perspective view of a container associated with the electric infuser of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section of the electric infuser of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a detail of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the lid of the electric infuser of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the lid of FIG. 6. [Figure 8]FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the lid of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a partial top perspective view of the lid of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a partial top perspective view of the lid of FIG. 6. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a top view of a brewing accessory that accompanies the electric infuser of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a brewing accessory associated with the electric infuser of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the infusion accessory of FIG. 11. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the electric infuser of FIG. 1, showing the electric infuser in a stable position inverted onto a horizontal surface with the grip handle and the left side of the container of the electric infuser supported on the horizontal surface. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the electric infuser of FIG. 1, showing the electric infuser in a stable position inverted onto a horizontal surface with the grip handle of the electric infuser and the right side of the container supported on the horizontal surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0081] It should be noted that the terms "horizontal," "vertical," "bottom," "top," "front," "rear," and "longitudinal" used herein to describe the electric infuser refer to the electric infuser resting flat on a work surface and in use.

[0082] 1 to 15 show an electric infusion machine 2 according to the invention, in particular an electric kettle.

[0083] Hereinafter, an electric infuser is defined as a device capable of heating water to a temperature above 50°C, preferably above 70°C, to infuse the object to be infused.

[0084] The electric infuser 2 comprises a base (not shown) adapted to be powered via a power cord, and a container 4 adapted to rest on the base.

[0085] The container 4 has a central longitudinal axis A that is configured to extend substantially vertically when the container 4 is placed on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the container 4 has an overall shape that is rotated about the central longitudinal axis A.

[0086] The vessel 4 defines an interior volume 5 for containing water, in which the water is heated, in particular brought to a boil. The vessel 4 further comprises an upper water inlet opening 6 opening into the interior volume 5.

[0087] The vessel 4 also includes a heated bottom 7 located below the interior volume and configured to heat the water in the interior volume 5. The heated bottom 7 contains an electric heating element, as is well known, configured to be powered when the vessel 4 is placed on a pedestal.

[0088] The electric infusion device 2 further comprises a grip handle 8 fixed to the container 4 and a spout 9 located on the opposite side of the grip handle 8 with respect to the longitudinal central axis A of the container 4. The spout 9 can be provided on the container 4, for example, and its position can be at the same level as the upper water supply opening 6.

[0089] The electric infuser 2 further comprises a lid 11 adapted to assume a closed position for closing the container 4, in particular the upper water inlet opening 6. The lid 11 has a lower surface 12 adapted to lie opposite the interior volume 5 of the container 4. Advantageously, the electric infuser 2 comprises a sealing ring 13 fixed to the lower surface 12 of the lid 11, the sealing ring 13 being adapted to cooperate sealingly with the container 4.

[0090] The electric infuser 2 also comprises a fastening device adapted to removably, ie temporarily and reversibly, fasten the lid 11 to the container 4 .

[0091] According to the illustrated embodiment, the fixing device comprises two fixing elements 14 (see in particular Figures 6 and 7), such as fixing tabs, provided on the lid 11 and diametrically opposed to each other. Each fixing element 14 is configured to fit within the lid 11 and to protrude outside the lid 11 through a respective through-hole 15 provided in the lid 11. Advantageously, each through-hole 15 opens above the sealing ring 13 on the outer circumferential surface of the lid 11.

[0092] The fixing device further comprises two fixing elements 16 (see FIG. 2), such as fixing grooves, provided on the inner surface of the container 4 close to the upper water supply opening 6. According to the embodiment shown, the fixing devices 14 are more particularly configured to enter into the fixing elements 16, respectively, when the lid 11 is fixed to the container 4.

[0093] According to the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 14 are mounted to slide relative to the lid 11 along a sliding direction between a fixed position, in which each fastener 14 is configured to cooperate with a respective fastening element 16 to secure the lid 11 to the container 4, and a released position, in which each fastener 14 is configured to release a respective fastening element 16 to allow the lid 11 to be removed from the container 4. Advantageously, the sliding direction extends substantially radially relative to a central axis of the lid 11.

[0094] The fixing device may further comprise two return devices 17 (see FIG. 9) housed in the lid 11 and configured to return the fixing devices 14 to their respective fixed positions (see FIG. 9).

[0095] As shown in particular detail in Figures 1 and 6, the electric infuser 2 includes an operating mechanism 18 provided on the lid 11 that is configured to move the retainer 14 to a release position when operated by a user.

[0096] More specifically, the operating mechanism 18 comprises two operating devices 19 (see Figures 1 and 9) that can be manually operated by a user and that are configured to move the locking device 14 from a locked position to a released position. According to the illustrated embodiment, the operating devices 19 comprise two manual operating parts 21 that are each accessible from the top surface of the lid 11 and that are configured to be manually operated by a user.

[0097] The operating device 19 is mounted to slide relative to the lid 11 between a first operating position and a second operating position, and the operating device 19 and the locking device 14 are configured such that movement of the operating device 19 from the first operating position to the second operating position causes movement of the locking device 14 from the locked position to the released position. Advantageously, each operating device 19 and the respective locking device 14 are fixed to each other (and therefore move as one unit), and the two operating devices 19 are configured to move the locking device 14 to the released position by pinching the two manual operating parts 21 together, i.e., by drawing the two manual operating parts 21 towards each other.

[0098] The electric infuser 2 comprises an angular indexing system configured to uniquely define a fixed position of the lid 11 on the container 4. The angular indexing system may, for example, comprise at least one indexing boss 22 (see Figure 3) on the container 4 and an indexing notch 23 (see Figure 8) on the lid 11 configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing boss 22.

[0099] The lid 11 further includes a pouring pipe 24 (see FIG. 5) configured to convey water from the internal volume 5 toward the pouring spout 9. More specifically, the pouring pipe 24 includes a water inlet 25 opening in the front half of the underside 12 of the lid 11, and a water outlet 26 opening in the outer peripheral surface of the lid 11, the water outlet 26 being positioned substantially opposite the pouring spout 9 when the lid 11 is secured to the container 4.

[0100] The electric infuser 2 further comprises a shutter 27 (see Figures 4, 5 and 8) attached to the lid 11 so as to be movable between a closed position in which the shutter 27 closes the dispensing tube 24 and prevents the flow of water therethrough, and an open position in which the shutter 27 opens the dispensing tube 24 and allows the flow of water therethrough.

[0101] The electric infuser 2 also comprises an operating system provided on the lid 11, the operating system being arranged to move the shutter 27 between an open position and a closed position. According to the embodiment shown, the operating system comprises a user-operable operating button 28, the operating button 28 being movable between a first button position and a second button position, the operating system being arranged such that the user's movement of the operating button 28 from the first button position to the second button position causes the movement of the shutter 27 from the closed position to the open position.

[0102] According to the illustrated embodiment, the operating system includes a bistable switch 29 (e.g., of a ballpoint pen type) configured such that when a user moves an operating button 28 from a first button position to a second button position, the shutter 27 moves from a closed position to an open position, and when a user moves the operating button 28 from the second button position to the first button position, the shutter 27 moves from the open position to the closed position. Thus, the first button position and the second button position correspond to stable positions of the operating button 28.

[0103] The electric infuser 2 also comprises a steam outlet configured to deliver steam generated within the internal volume 5 when the water in the internal volume 5 boils to the outside of the internal volume, e.g., to the outside of the electric infuser 2.

[0104] The steam discharge passage particularly comprises a first steam inlet 33 and a second steam inlet 34 provided in the lid 11, the first steam inlet 33 and the second steam inlet 34 opening on the underside 12 of the lid 11 and near the periphery of the underside 12 of the lid 11. When the lid 11 is secured to the container 4 and the container 4 is supported on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet 33 and the second steam inlet 34 open above the full water level of the container 4 within the interior volume 5 defined by the container 4.

[0105] According to the embodiment shown, the first steam inlet 33 and the second steam inlet 34 are arranged on either side of a vertical median plane P of the electric infusion device 2 passing through the spout 9 and the grip handle 8, and are located in the front half of the underside 12 of the lid 11. Advantageously, the first steam inlet 33 and the second steam inlet 34 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical median plane P of the electric infusion device 2.

[0106] As shown in more detail in Figures 8, 10, 14 and 15, the steam exhaust passage is an internal chamber 35 defined by the lid 11; a first steam flow conduit 36 ​​having a first steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the first steam inlet 33 and a first steam outlet opening 360 opening into an interior chamber 35 defined by the lid 11; a second steam flow conduit 37 having a second steam inlet opening fluidly connected to the second steam inlet 34 and a second steam outlet opening 370 opening into the internal chamber 35; Further provided are:

[0107] The first steam flow line 36 and the second steam flow line 37 form a spill prevention device, also called an overflow prevention device, configured to prevent water in the internal volume 5 from flowing out through the steam discharge path when the electric infuser 2 is overturned.

[0108] According to the illustrated embodiment, and particularly as can be seen in Figure 5, the first and second vapor flow conduits 36, 37 are flexible and housed within the internal chamber 35. The first and second vapor flow conduits 36, 37 can be formed, for example, by first and second vapor flow pipes, respectively, that are advantageously integrally molded and thus formed as a single piece. The first and second vapor flow conduits 36, 37 can be configured, for example, to extend substantially horizontally when the vessel 4 is supported on a horizontal surface.

[0109] Advantageously, each of the first and second steam flow conduits 36, 37 has a circular transverse cross section and a substantially constant cross-sectional area along its length.

[0110] The first steam outlet opening 360 and the second steam outlet opening 370 are more particularly configured to be arranged on either side of the median plane P of the electric infuser 2, and advantageously arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane P of the electric infuser 2.

[0111] According to the illustrated embodiment, the first steam outlet opening 360 and the second steam outlet opening 370 are located in the rear half of the internal chamber 35 and are configured to face generally opposite the spout 9, i.e., towards the rear of the electric infuser 2.

[0112] As shown in more detail in Figures 14 and 15, the electric infuser 2 comprises, in more detail: - when the electric infusion device 2 is turned over and the grip handle 8 and the first side, i.e. the left side, of the container 4 are stably supported on a horizontal surface (see Figure 14), the first steam inlet 33 and the second steam outlet opening 370 are positioned above the water level in the internal volume 5; and When the electric infuser 2 is turned over and the grip handle 8 and the second side, i.e. the right side, of the container 4 are stably supported on a horizontal surface (see Figure 15), the second steam inlet 34 and the first steam outlet opening 360 are configured to be located above the water level in the internal volume 5.

[0113] The electric infusion device 2 according to the present invention therefore makes it possible to optimise the full water volume of the container 4, whilst avoiding or at least significantly reducing the risk of boiling water spilling out of the electric infusion device 2 when it is tipped over.

[0114] The steam exhaust path further comprises a plurality of steam exhaust ports 38 provided in the lid 11, the steam exhaust ports 38 being fluidly connected to the internal chamber 35 defined by the lid 11. The steam exhaust ports 38 are configured to allow steam within the internal chamber 35 to be exhausted to the outside of the electric infuser 2.

[0115] According to the illustrated embodiment, the steam outlet 38 opens on the outer peripheral surface of the lid 11 and is located near the water outlet 26. Therefore, the steam outlet 38 is configured to be located close to the spout 9 when the lid 11 is fixed to the container 4. This configuration of the electric infusion device 2 allows steam to be discharged outside the container 4 through the lid 11 and the spout 9.

[0116] The electric infusion device 2 further comprises an infusion accessory 39, such as an infusion basket, arranged at least partially within the interior volume 5 of the container 4, and more particularly adapted to be at least partially immersed in the water within the interior volume 5. Advantageously, the infusion accessory 39 is removable from the container 4.

[0117] The brewing accessory 39 comprises a body 41 adapted to rest on a retaining portion 42 provided on the container 4 and to be at least partially disposed within the internal volume 5 of the container 4. According to the embodiment shown, the retaining portion 42 is formed by two retaining grooves 42.1 (only one of which is visible in the figure) provided on the inner circumferential surface of the container 4. Advantageously, the retaining grooves 42.1 are diametrically opposed relative to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4 and extend circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis A. According to a variant embodiment of the invention, the two retaining grooves 42.1 could also be replaced, for example, by an annular retaining groove or an annular retaining shoulder.

[0118] The body 41 defines an infusion volume 43 configured to contain an infusion object such as tea, coffee or a plant, and has an upper opening 44 suitable for introducing the infusion object into the infusion volume 43.

[0119] According to the embodiment shown, the lid 11 comprises a barrier 45 protruding from the underside 12 of the lid 11 and adapted to be inserted into an upper opening 44 provided in the body 41 to prevent the infusion object from spilling out of the infusion volume 43. Advantageously, the barrier 45 has a cylindrical overall shape, for example with a circular cross section.

[0120] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the main body 41 more specifically comprises a support portion 46 configured to be supported by a holding portion 42 provided on the container 4 and configured to be positioned opposite the lower surface 12 of the lid 11, and an infusion portion 47 that defines the infusion volume.

[0121] According to the illustrated embodiment, the infusion section 47 has an overall cylindrical shape and comprises a cylindrical wall 47.1 with a circular cross section, an upper end defining an upper opening 44, and a lower end opposite the upper end, and a closure 47.2 closing the lower end of the cylindrical wall 47.1.

[0122] 12, the bearing portion 46 is generally flat and is configured to extend generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4 when the bearing portion 46 rests on the holder 42. Advantageously, the bearing portion 46 extends to the level of the top opening 44 of the body 41 and at least partially around the top opening 44.

[0123] The support portion 46 further comprises a passage opening 48 configured to be positioned opposite the shutter 27 and configured to allow movement of the shutter 27 between the open position and the closed position.

[0124] As shown in more detail in Figures 2 and 12, the brewing accessory 39 further comprises a gripping device 49 fixed to the top of the main body 41 and configured to enable a user to handle the brewing accessory 39, including removing the brewing accessory 39 from the container 4.

[0125] According to the embodiment shown, the gripping device 49 comprises two lateral mounting portions 51 spaced apart from one another forming a gripping handle and hinged to the main body 41 via two pivot connections defining a hinge axis B, and a gripping portion 52 configured to mechanically connect the two lateral mounting portions 51 to one another and enable the user to handle the infusion accessory 39.

[0126] Advantageously, the two lateral mounting portions 51 are hinged to bearings 46 provided on the main body 41, with the hinge axis B configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the container 4 when the brewing accessory 39 is placed on the holder 42. The hinge axis B may, for example, be configured to extend transversely above the top opening 44.

[0127] The gripping device 49 is therefore hinged about the hinge axis B relative to the main body 41 between a raised configuration in which the gripping portion 52 is away from the support portion 46 and is suitable for handling by a user, and a lowered configuration in which the gripping portion 52 is closer to the support portion 46 and can, for example, be supported by the support portion 46 (see Figure 5).

[0128] According to the illustrated embodiment, the gripping portion 52 is configured to be offset relative to the upper opening 44 when the gripping device 49 is in the lowered configuration, and is configured to be positioned opposite the upper opening 44 when the gripping device 49 is in the raised configuration.

[0129] As shown in Figure 5, when the lid 11 is in the closed position and the brewing accessory 39 rests on the holder 42, the lid 11 exerts a pressing force against the gripping device 49, for example against the gripping portion 52, so that the gripping device 49 is kept in a lowered configuration.

[0130] To this end, the underside 12 of the lid 11 is provided with a support surface 53 configured to apply a pressing force to the gripping device 49, more particularly, the support surface 53 is configured to apply a pressing force to move the gripping device 49 to a lowered configuration when the lid 11 is moved to the closed position, and to maintain the gripping device 49 in the lowered configuration as long as the lid 11 is secured to the container 4.

[0131] The bearing surface 53 may, for example, be flat and located near the water inlet 25 provided in the lid 11, for example between the water inlet 25 and the barrier 45. Advantageously, the bearing surface 53 is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the container 4 is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0132] Advantageously, the brewing accessory 39 further comprises a biasing device 54 fixed to the body 41, the biasing device 54 being configured to resiliently bias the gripping device 49 towards the raised configuration, and more particularly towards an intermediate configuration between the lowered and raised configurations, when the lid 11 is removed from the container 4. The presence of such a biasing device 54 makes it easier for a user to grasp the gripping portion 52 in order to remove the brewing accessory 39, while also moving the gripping portion away from the interior volume 5 which may contain boiling water.

[0133] According to the embodiment shown, the biasing device 54 comprises two elastically deformable spring plates 54.1 fixed to the support part 46 and extending opposite to the underside of the support part 46. The two elastically deformable spring plates 54.1 are adapted to cooperate with two operating parts 55, such as operating fingers or operating claws, respectively, provided on the two lateral mounting parts 51. Advantageously, the two elastically deformable spring plates 54.1 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the vertical median plane P of the electric infuser 2, for example approximately on either side of the top opening 44.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 12, each operating portion 55 is configured to fit into and protrude through a respective through-hole 56 provided in the support portion 46 and to cooperate with the upper surface of each of the two elastically deformable spring plates 54.1 when the gripping device 49 is moved to the lowered configuration.

[0135] In a variant, the biasing device 54 is fixed to the gripping device 49. The biasing device 54 comprises, for example, two elastically deformable spring plates provided respectively on the two lateral mounting parts 51 and capable of cooperating with the support parts 46 when the gripping device 49 is moved into the lowered configuration.

[0136] More generally, the biasing device 54 may be fixed to the body 41 or, alternatively, to the gripping device 49 .

[0137] According to the illustrated embodiment, gripping device 49 further includes an insulating covering 57, such as an insulating sleeve, extending around gripping portion 52. The presence of such an insulating covering 57 reduces the risk of a user being burned when handling gripping device 49.

[0138] According to the illustrated embodiment, the electric infusion machine 2 further comprises an angular indexing device configured to angularly index the infusion accessory 39 relative to the container 4, which uniquely defines the holding position of the infusion accessory 39 on the container 4, thereby ensuring an optimal position of the infusion accessory 39 and enabling movement of the lid 11 to the closed position.

[0139] As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 12, the angular indexing device comprises at least one indexing element, which may be formed, for example, by a retaining hole 42.1 in the container 4, and at least one indexing tool 58, such as an indexing hole in the support part 46, configured to cooperate with the at least one indexing element when the body 41 rests on the retaining part 42.

[0140] In another embodiment of the present invention not shown, the electric infuser 2 may be provided with an electromechanical control device including a bimetallic element, in which case the steam discharge path may comprise at least one steam discharge port 38 configured to direct steam in the internal chamber 35 towards the bimetallic element, and the electromechanical control device may be configured to trigger a stop of heating of the electric infuser 2 when a large amount of steam surges over the bimetallic element.

[0141] The bimetallic element may be arranged, for example, in the grip handle 8. In that case, the at least one steam outlet 38 is provided at the rear of the lid 11 and is configured to face towards the grip handle 8.

[0142] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the bimetallic element could be located at the bottom of the container 4. In that case, at least one steam outlet 38 is provided at the rear of the lid 11 and is configured to be fluidly connected to a steam pipe laid out in the container 4, the steam pipe being fluidly connected to the bimetallic element.

[0143] It goes without saying that the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments that have been described and shown only by way of example: it is still possible to make changes to the various elements, particularly in terms of their structure, or to replace them with technical equivalents, without thereby leaving the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. a container (4) defining an interior volume (5) for containing water and for heating said water therein; a grip handle (8) fixed to the container (4); A spout (9), A brewing accessory (39) comprising: a body (41) configured to be placed on a holder (42) provided on the container (4) and to be arranged at least partially within the internal volume (5) of the container (4), the body (41) defining an infusion volume (43) configured to contain an infusion object; an infusion accessory (39) comprising a gripping device (49) fixed to an upper part of said body (41), said gripping device (49) having a gripping portion (52) configured to allow a user to handle said infusion accessory (39); a lid (11) adapted to close the container (4) and assume a closed position in which the lid (11) at least partially covers the brewing accessory (39), the lid (11) having a lower surface (12) adapted to be positioned opposite the brewing accessory (39); In an electric infuser comprising: The gripping device (49) is attached to the body (41) so that the gripping portion (52) can move between a raised configuration suitable for handling by a user and a lowered configuration, and the lid (11) is configured to apply a pressing force to the gripping device (49) to keep it in the lowered configuration when the lid (11) is in the closed position.

2. 2. The electric infuser (2) of claim 1, wherein the infusion accessory (39) comprises a biasing device (54) configured to resiliently bias the gripping device (49) towards the raised configuration.

3. 3. An electric infuser (2) according to claim 2, wherein said biasing device (54) comprises at least one elastically deformable spring plate (54.1) fixed to said body (41).

4. 4. An electric infuser (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the main body (41) has a support (46) configured to rest on the holding portion (42) provided on the container (4), and the gripping portion (52) is configured to move away from the support (46) when the gripping device (49) is in the raised configuration and move closer to the support (46) when the gripping device (49) is in the lowered configuration.

5. 5. An electric infuser (2) according to claim 4, wherein said gripping device (49) is movably mounted relative to said bearing (46).

6. 6. An electric infuser (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the underside (12) of the lid (11) comprises a bearing surface (53) configured to apply a pressing force to the gripping device (49) to hold the gripping device (49) in the lowered configuration when the lid (11) is in the closed position.

7. 7. An electric infuser (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gripping device (49) has two lateral mounting parts (51) spaced apart from one another and movably mounted relative to the body (41), the gripping part (52) connecting the two lateral mounting parts (51) to one another.

8. 8. An electric infuser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said gripping device (49) is hinged to said body (41) about a hinge axis (B) between said lowered and said raised configurations.

9. 9. An electric infuser (2) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the hinge axis (B) is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis (A) of the container (4) when the infusing accessory (39) is placed on the holder (42).

10. 10. Electric infuser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping device (49) comprises a thermal insulating coating extending around the gripping portion (52).

11. 11. The electric infuser (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lid (11) comprises a barrier (45) protruding from the lower surface (12) of the lid (11) and adapted to be inserted into an upper opening (44) provided in the body (41) to prevent the infusion object from going out of the infusion volume (43).

12. 12. Electric infuser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the infusion accessory (39) is detachable from the container (4).

13. 13. An electric infuser (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising an angular indexing device configured to give the infusion accessory (39) an angular index relative to the container (4), the device uniquely defining the holding position of the infusion accessory (39) in the container (4).

14. 14. The electric infuser (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a steam outlet configured to deliver steam generated in the internal volume (5) to the outside of the internal volume (5) when the water in the internal volume (5) boils.

15. The steam discharge path is a first steam inlet (33) and a second steam inlet (34) provided on the lid (11) and opening on the lower surface (12) of the lid (11), the first steam inlet (33) and the second steam inlet (34) being configured to be fluidly connected to the internal volume (5) defined by the container (4) and to be arranged on either side of a vertical median plane (P) of the electric infuser (2) passing through the grip handle (8); an internal chamber (35) defined by said lid (11); a first steam flow conduit (36) having a first steam inlet opening fluidly connected with the first steam inlet (33) and a first steam outlet opening (360) opening into the internal chamber (35), and a second steam flow conduit (37) having a second steam inlet opening fluidly connected with the second steam inlet (34) and a second steam outlet opening (370) opening into the internal chamber (35); 15. An electric infuser (2) according to claim 14, comprising:

16. 16. The electric infuser (2) of claim 15, wherein the steam exhaust path comprises at least one steam exhaust port (38) provided in the lid (11) and fluidly connected to the internal chamber (35) defined by the lid (11), the at least one steam exhaust port (38) being configured to allow steam within the internal chamber (35) to be exhausted to the outside of the lid (11).

17. 17. The electric infuser (2) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the electric infuser (2) is configured such that, when the electric infuser (2) is turned over and the grip handle (8) and the first side of the container (4) lie stably on a horizontal surface, the first steam inlet (33) is above the water level in the internal volume (5), and when the electric infuser (2) is turned over and the grip handle (8) and the second side of the container (4) lie stably on a horizontal surface, the second steam inlet (34) is above the water level in the internal volume (5).

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