A device for producing a beverage

Abstract

A device for producing a beverage comprising a tank for receiving a liquid, which tank has a substantially vertical wall and a bottom, a handle, and heating means adapted to heat the liquid. The handle is substantially tubular and comprises an outer sleeve that is mechanically engaged with an inner liner to prevent relative rotational movement of the inner liner and outer sleeve about a longitudinal axis of handle.

Description

[0001] A device for producing a beverage

[0002] The invention relates to a device for producing a beverage, in particular a hot beverage.

[0003] Drinks such as tea and coffee use hot water which may be provided by heating the water in a kettle. Milk and milk-based hot drinks may be prepared using a frother.

[0004] Espresso based coffee drinks such as caffe latte and cappuccino have become increasingly popular and consumers want to be able to easily and reliably produce these drinks. Traditionally, baristas have been trained to use the steam generated by an espresso machine to heat and froth milk in a jug to produce the hot milk and froth required for these drinks. Producing the appropriate amount of hot milk and froth without burning the milk or damaging the jug requires some training or experience. Smaller espresso machines are also much harder to use to treat the milk.

[0005] A number of separate milk frothers have been produced which are suitable for home or small scale commercial use. EP1656866 discloses a frother with a tank to receive a milk-based liquid food with a magnetic beater. A magnetic beater driving system produces a magnetic field which drives the beater in rotation in the tank. The system, beater and a beater positioning unit break or prevent symmetrical circulation of the liquid around a median of vertical axis of the tank. Heating units are disposed in association with the tank for heating the liquid. This is used for preparing foam from a milk-based liquid food product.

[0006] GB2454421 discloses a device for frothing milk that is provided with a rotating heating element to be inserted in the milk. The device is provided with a whisk attachment for producing froth and a paddle attachment for producing a more creamy finish.

[0007] US20230277010 discloses a detachable handle system for a pot, the system including a detachable handle and a lower cap which attaches to the pot. The detachable handle includes a non-corrosive spring-loaded locking system to lock to and unlock from the lower cap, and a push button which causes the detachable handle to lock to and unlock from the lower cap when operated.

[0008] US20170354278 discloses a percolator for brewing a heated beverage has a percolator main body and a handle having a handle body and a flexible removable grip. An inner wall of the removable grip defines a handle cavity to enclose a lengthwise extending portion of the handle body. A first edge and a second edge of the removable grip extend from a grip first end to a grip second end along the length of the removable grip. The first edge and the second edge are separable from each other to define a gap through which the handle body may be selectively inserted into the handle cavity and withdrawn from the handle cavity.

[0009] The present invention therefore seeks to provide a device that can be used for producing a wide range of water and milk-based beverages, that enables the liquid to be easily poured by the user and that has reduced material usage while retaining its integral strength.

[0010] According to the invention there is provided a device for producing a beverage. The device comprises a tank for receiving a liquid, which tank has a substantially vertical wall and a bottom, a handle, and heating means adapted to heat the liquid. The handle is substantially tubular and comprises an outer sleeve that is mechanically engaged with an inner liner to prevent relative rotational movement of the inner and outer sleeve about a longitudinal axis of handle.

[0011] The handle includes a double wall design which can be used to increase the strength of the handle without greatly increasing the weight of the handle. Since the outer sleeve and the inner liner are mechanically engaged with one another so as to prevent relative rotational movement of the inner and outer sleeve about a longitudinal axis of handle, mutual slippage is avoided when the user tips the device by rotating the handle about its longitudinal axis to pour the liquid into a cup. Consequently, the device is easier for the user to hold and pour.

[0012] Preferably, the handle is coupled to the wall of the tank so as to prevent rotation of the handle about its longitudinal axis with respect to the wall of the tank. This also assists the user in reliably pouring liquid from the tank into a vessel such as a cup or mug. Rotation of the handle with respect to the tank can be provided by way of suitable indexing means provided on the handle which engage with indexing means on the side wall. These indexing means are sized and shaped to prevent rotation about the longitudinal axis of the handle, i.e. are anti-rotation means. For example, the indexing means on the handle may be rectangular or square protrusions that engage with rectangular or square openings or indentations located on or in the side wall. Preferably, the inner liner provides the mechanical support member of the handle and carries the load of the tank including any liquid therein during pouring of the liquid, for example into a cup. Preferably, the inner liner provides mechanical support for the outer sleeve.

[0013] Preferably, each of the outer sleeve and the inner liner are substantially tubular.

[0014] Preferably, the inner liner has a length that is greater than a length of the outer sleeve. This relationship assists in the inner liner providing the mechanical support member of the handle.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, in order to prevent relative rotational movement of the inner liner and the outer sleeve about the longitudinal axis of handle, the outer sleeve comprises at least one groove that is formed in an inner surface and has a length that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The at least one groove engages with a respective rib that protrudes from an outer surface of the inner liner, the rib having a length that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, in order to prevent relative rotational movement of the inner liner and the outer sleeve about the longitudinal axis of handle, the outer sleeve comprises at least one rib that protrudes from an inner surface of the outer sleeve, the rib having a length that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the at least one rib engaging with a respective groove formed in an outer surface of the inner liner, the groove having a length that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a handle mount that is engaged with the wall of the tank. The handle may be mounted to the tank by way of the handle mount. The handle may be mounted to the tank by way of the handle mount so as to prevent rotation of the handle about its longitudinal axis with respect to the wall of the tank. This also assists the user in reliably pouring liquid from the tank into a vessel such as a cup or mug. Rotation of the handle with respect to the tank and also with respect to the handle mount can be provided by way of suitable indexing means provided on the handle which engage with indexing means located on the handle mount. These indexing means are sized and shaped to prevent this rotation about the longitudinal axis of the handle, i.e. are anti-rotation means. For example, the indexing means on the handle may be rectangular or square protrusions that engage with rectangular or square openings or indentations located on or in the handle mount.

[0018] Preferably, a first end of the inner liner is mechanically engaged with the handle mount and the outer sleeve is retained on the inner liner and spaced apart from the wall of the tank. In this embodiment, the outer sleeve does not directly carry the load of the tank when the device is held by the handle. This enables the wall thickness of the outer sleeve to be reduced.

[0019] Preferably, the inner liner comprises indexing means that engage with indexing means of the handle mount to align the inner liner at a predetermined position with the handle mount. Preferably, the predetermined position is a predetermined rotational position about the longitudinal axis. The indexing means allows the inner liner to determine the position of a further part of the handle, e.g. a handle cover of the outer sleeve. The indexing means may be provided by at least one protrusion extending from a first end face of the inner liner, the at least one protrusion engaging with a respective slot in the handle mount. The indexing means may also prevent rotation of the inner liner with respect to the handle mount. Since the outer sleeve is engaged with the inner liner so as to prevent relative rotational movement between the outer sleeve and the inner liner and the indexing means prevents rotation of the inner liner with respect to the handle mount, rotation of the handle about its longitudinal axis with respect to the handle mount and tank is prevented.

[0020] Preferably, the inner liner has a nose having an outer surface that is mechanically engaged with an inner surface of the handle mount to prevent rotational movement of the inner liner about the longitudinal axis of the handle and relative rotational movement between the inner liner and the handle mount about the longitudinal axis of the handle. Preferably, the nose is substantially tubular and the handle mount as a corresponding a substantially cylindrical opening that engages with the nose. This increases the length of the engaged surfaces in the longitudinal direction of the handle and increases the strength of the joint between the handle and the handle mount. Preferably, the nose has an outer diameter which is less than the diameter of the reminder of the length of the inner liner, e.g. the section of the length of the inner liner on which the outer sleeve is retained.

[0021] Preferably, in order to prevent relative rotational movement of the inner liner and handle mount about the longitudinal axis of handle, the outer surface of the nose comprises at least one groove that is formed in the outer surface and that has a length that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the at least one groove engages with a respective rib that protrudes from the inner surface of the handle mount, the rib having a length that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, in order to prevent the relative rotational movement of the inner liner and handle mount about the longitudinal axis of handle, the outer surface of the nose comprises at least one rib that protrudes from the outer surface, the rib having a length that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the at least one rib engaging with a respective groove formed in an inner surface of the handle mount, the groove having a length that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0023] Preferably, a first end face of the inner liner has at least one protrusion that engages with a respective slot in the handle mount. This arrangement may be used to provide the indexing means and / or to further increase the strength of the joint between the handle and the side wall of the tank.

[0024] Preferably, the inner liner is attached to the handle mount of the tank by a nut and bolt. The bolt is located within the inner liner and has a length such that its head is located intermediate the length of the inner liner. The head abuts an inner radial surface of the inner liner. The head can be accessed from the second end of the inner liner that opposes the first end that is attached to the handle mount, for example by an alien key (hex key) or a screw driver.

[0025] A nut and washer, preferably a spring washer, is located on the opposing inner side of the wall so as to enable the bolt to secure the inner liner to the handle mount and the wall. Preferably, the nut is a captive nut. The captive nut may be trapped between the side wall and the handle mount. Flats may be formed in the handle mount to prevent relative rotation of the nut with respect to the handle mount. The nut may be a clinch nut or may be formed as an integral part of the handle mount, for example in the form of a thread formed in the handle mount. Alternatively, a separate nut may be welded to the handle mount to prevent relative rotation.

[0026] Preferably, the handle mount comprises a fixing member that is attached to the wall and an interfacing member that is engaged with the fixing member. The indexing means for the inner liner and / or the cylindrical opening for the nose of the inner liner may be formed as part of the interfacing means. This embodiment enables the fixing member and the interfacing means to be made from different materials. For example, the fixing means may be formed or a metal or alloy and the interfacing member from an electrically insulating means such as plastic. This enables the inner liner to be better electrically insulated from the side wall if the side wall is made of an electrically conductive material such as a metal or alloy. Preferably, the interfacing member is electrically insulating and / or thermally insulating. Preferably, the interfacing member is electrically and thermally insulating so as to better electrically insulate the handle from the side all and to better thermally insulate the handle from the side wall. This may be useful if the outer sleeve and the side wall comprise an electrically conductive material such as a metal or alloy.

[0027] The indexing means for the inner liner that are formed in the interfacing member may comprise slots or indentations for engaging with protrusions protruding from the inner liner. In an embodiment, the interfacing member and fixing member each comprise openings for engaging with protrusions protruding from the inner liner. The indexing means may also prevent rotation of the inner liner with respect to the handle mount. Since the outer sleeve is engaged with the inner liner so as to prevent relative rotational movement between the outer sleeve and the inner liner and the indexing means prevents rotation of the inner line with respect to the handle mount, rotation of the handle about its longitudinal axis with respect to the handle mount and with respect to the tank is prevented.

[0028] Preferably, the fixing member comprises indexing means on outwardly facing surface that mechanically engages with indexing means on an inner surface of interfacing member. The indexing means may also prevent rotation of the inner liner with respect to the fixing means. This enables the inner liner and consequently the outer liner which is retained on the inner liner to have the desired orientation around the longitudinal axis of the handle. The indexing means may have the form of a protrusion / slot arrangement. The indexing means may comprise two protrusions which have a different size and / or shape which engage with a respective slot. This arrangement can be used to determine the desire orientation about the longitudinal axis of the handle. This may be useful when assembling a handle that is not rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis, for example with due to a rotationally asymmetric shape or due to an asymmetrical marking. Preferably, the handle further comprises a collar retained between the outer sleeve and the handle mount. The outer sleeve is spaced apart from the handle mount by the collar. Preferably, the collar is formed of a material that is electrically and thermally insulating. This arrangement may be used to further improve the electrical insulation between the outer sleeve and the tank and may be used in embodiments in which the outer sleeve is formed from a metal or alloy. For example, the outer sleeve may be formed of aluminium.

[0029] Preferably, the outer surface of the inner liner comprises a radially protruding surface that abuts with a radially protruding surface that protrudes from the inner surface of the outer sleeve so as to retain the outer sleeve between the radially protruding surface of the inner liner and the collar. In this embodiment, apart from the means to prevent relative rotation of the outer sleeve and inner liner, no additional connection between the outer sleeve and the inner liner is required to determine the position of the outer sleeve on the handle.

[0030] In an embodiment, the collar is omitted. In this embodiment, the outer sleeve may be in contact with the handle mount, for example engaged with the interfacing means of the handle mount.

[0031] Preferably, the radially protruding surface is provided by a protruding end ring that is located at the distal end of the inner liner. The protruding end ring has an outer diameter which is greater than the outer diameter of the inner liner. The outer diameter of the protruding end ring may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the outer sleeve.

[0032] Preferably, the device further comprises a handle cover that is attached to a second end face of the inner liner, the second end face opposing the side wall. The handle cover may be used to prevent liquid from entering the inside of the handle. The cover may be attached to the second face of the inner liner by at least one screw, e.g. two screws, which may be self-tapping. The cover may be spaced apart from the outer sleeve by a protruding end ring of the inner liner. The cover is attached to the second end face provided by the outwardly facing surface of the protruding end ring and the outer sleeve abuts the opposing inwardly facing surface of the protruding end ring.

[0033] The profile and / or surface of the outer sleeve may be selected so as to improve the grip for the user. For example, the outer sleeve may have a curved sided profile or a straight profile. The profile of the inner liner may correspond to that of the outer sleeve, for example the inner liner may have a curved sided profile or a straight profile, respectively. The outer sleeve may have a textured surface to improve grip, for example friction with the user’s hand. Preferably, the outer sleeve is formed of metal and the inner liner is formed of plastic. Preferably, the outer sleeve is fictionally engaged with the inner liner.

[0034] Preferably, the outer sleeve is formed of a metal such as aluminium and the inner liner is formed of an electrically and thermally insulating material such as plastic.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the device is a frother or hot chocolate maker or kettle. In this embodiment, the device further comprises whisk means, which whisk means is adapted to rotate in the liquid to mix the heating liquid. The liquid is the milk or milkbased liquid, e.g. hot chocolate.

[0036] An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings in which:

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the device and exploded perspective view of the handle according to a first embodiment;

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a top cross-sectional view of the handle according to the first embodiment;

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of the handle according to the first embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 4 shows an enlarged perspective view of the handle according to the first embodiment;

[0041] Fig. 5 shows perspective views of the device and exploded perspective view of the handle according to a second embodiment;

[0042] Fig. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of the handle according to the second embodiment;

[0043] Fig. 7 shows a top cross-sectional view of the handle according to the second embodiment, and

[0044] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a whisk for use with the device.

[0045] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device 1 having a tank 2 for receiving a liquid such as water or milk. The tank 2 has a substantially vertical wall 3 and a bottom 4 and has a generally circular outer and inner circumference. The device 1 further has a handle 5, which is substantially tubular and attached to the wall 3. A heating plate 6 is located beneath the base 4 of the tank 2, which heating plate 6 is adapted to heat the liquid in use. The device 1 is also provided with control means 7 adapted to control the actuation of the heating plate 6. The control means 7 can be either a single ECU or independent PCB’s.

[0046] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the handle 5 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 shows a top cross-sectional view of the handle 5 and Figure 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of the handle 5 in the assembled state with the handle 5 attached to the wall 3 of the tank 2. Figure 4 shows a second exploded view of the handle 5.

[0047] Referring to the perspective views of Figures 1 and 4 as well as the cross-sectional views of Figures 2 and 3, the handle 5 has an outer sleeve 8 which is substantially tubular and an inner liner 9 which is also substantially tubular. The outer sleeve 8 and the inner liner 9 are each substantially cylindrical. The outer sleeve 8 is mechanically engaged with the inner liner 9 to prevent relative rotational movement of the inner liner

[0048] 9 and the outer liner 8 about a longitudinal axis 10 of the handle 5. The longitudinal axis of both the outer sleeve 8 and the inner liner 9 is aligned with the longitudinal axis

[0049] 10 of the handle 5.

[0050] The outer sleeve 8 comprises a plurality of ribs 1 1 which extend from the inner surface 12 of the outer sleeve 8 and which have a long direction that extends over the majority of the length of the outer sleeve 8 in a direction that is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis 10 of the handle 5. The plurality of ribs 1 1 may be equally spaced around the circumference of the inner surface 12 of the outer sleeve 8. The inner liner 9 comprises a plurality of grooves 13 which are formed in its outer surface 14 and which have a long direction that extends along substantially the entire length in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 10. The grooves 13 are sized, shaped and arranged so as to mechanically engage with one of the ribs 11 protruding from the inner surface 12 of the outer sleeve 8. In the assembled position, the ribs 1 1 are inserted into a respective groove 13 so as to mechanically engage the outer sleeve 8 with the inner liner 9. Since the ribs 1 1 and grooves 13 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 10 of the handle 5, rotational movement around the longitudinal axis 10, as indicated by the arrow 15, is prevented. Referring to figure 4, a handle mount 16 is provided which comprises a fixing member 17 which is attached to the wall 3 and an interface member 18 which is engaged with the fixing member 17. The fixing member 17 may be formed of metal and the interfacing member 18 may be formed of an electrically and thermally insulating material, such as plastic.

[0051] Referring to figures 2 and 4, the interface member 18 comprises two protrusions 40 which engage with two openings 41 which are located in the wall 3 of the tank 2 The protrusions 40 may have the form of bull horns which extend through the fixing member 17 and the side wall 3 of the tank 2. In other non-illustrated embodiments, the interface member 18 comprises two protrusions 40 which engage with two openings 41 which are located in the fixing member 17 so that the interface member 18 is not directly engaged with the sidewall 3.

[0052] The interface member 18 comprises a tubular distal end section 19 for accepting a first end section 20 of the inner liner 9. The tubular distal end section 19 is substantially cylindrical.

[0053] Referring to the cross-sectional views of figures 2 and 3 and the perspective view of figure 4, the tubular end section 19 of the interface member 18 comprises indexing means 21 in the form of a slot in its base. The indexing means 21 of the handle mount 16 is sized, shaped and arranged to engage with a protrusion 22 extending from a first end face 23 of the inner liner 9. The indexing means 21 , 22 ensure that the inner liner 9 is aligned in a predetermined position about the longitudinal axis 10. In this embodiment, the protrusion 22 is positioned at a lower side of the inner liner 9.

[0054] The first end section 20 of the inner liner 9 has the form of a nose which has a smaller outer diameter than the outer diameter of the body 24 of the inner liner 9 such that the first end section 20 can be inserted into the tubular opening 19 of the interface member 18. The first end section 20 can be considered to be a nose section 20. The nose section 20also has an inner diameter which is less than the inner diameter of the body 24 of the inner liner 9 such that a radial surface 25 is formed between the inner surface of the nose section 20 and the inner surface 26 of the body 24 of the inner liner 9. The nose section 20 also comprises grooves 13’ in its outer surface 14 which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 10 and along the length of the nose section 20 and which are sized shaped and adapted to engage with elongate ribs which protrude from the inner surface 28 of the tubular opening 19 of the interface member 18. These grooves 13’ and protruding ribs engage one another to prevent relative rotational movement between the inner liner 9 and the interface member 18 of the handle mount 16.

[0055] The handle 5 further comprises a collar 29 which is has an inner diameter such that it can slide over the outer surface 30 of the tubular section 19 of the interface member 18. The collar 29 may have a length which substantially corresponds to the tubular section 19 of the interface member 18. The length of the outer sleeve 8 corresponds to the length of the body 24 of the inner liner 9 and is, therefore, shorter than the entire length of the inner liner 9. The collar 29 may be comprise an electrically and thermally insulating material such as a plastic.

[0056] In the assembled position, as shown in figures 2 and 3, the inner liner 9 is attached to the handle mount 16 by means of the indexing means 21 , the anti-rotational means provided by the ribs and grooves 13’ located on the nose section 20 and by a bolt 27 which is inserted through the centre of the tubular inner liner 9 and whose head butts the abutment surface formed between the inner surface of the nose section 20 and the inner surface body 24 of the inner liner 9. The bolt 27 extends through the nose section 20 and opening 19 in the interface member 8 and opening in the fixing member 7 and is connected to the wall 3 of the tank 2 by means of a nut 30 and washer arranged on the inner surface 31 of the wall 4. The parts of the handle 5 are placed in compression by the central bolt 27 in order to maintain structural strength and improve the resistance to bending. The nut 30 is a captive nut and trapped between the side wall 3 and the handle mount 16. Flats may be formed in the handle mount 16 to prevent relative rotation of the nut 30 with respect to the handle mount 16 as the bolt 27 is engaged with the nut 30 so as to attach the inner liner 9 to the handle mount 16. The nut 30 may be a clinch nut. Alternatively, a separate nut 30 may be welded to the handle mount 16 to prevent relative rotation between the nut and the handle mount. Alternatively, the nut 30 may be formed as an integral part of the handle mount 16, for example in the form of a thread formed in the handle mount 16.

[0057] In the assembled state, the outer sleeve 8 is retained on the inner liner 9 by the engagement of the ribs 11 on its inner surface 12 and the respective grooves 13 on the outer surface 14 of the inner liner 9 and between the collar 29 and the second end face 32 of the inner liner 9. The position of the outer sleeve 8 along the longitudinal axis 10 of the handle 5 may be determined by way of a radial surface 33 which is formed between the inner surface 12 of the outer liner 8 at an outwardly facing end 34 of the outer sleeve 8. The ring-shaped surface 33 abuts with an inwardly facing surface 35 of a ring-shaped end section 36 of the inner liner 9 that is located at the outwardly facing end 32. The position of the inner liner 9 with respect to the wall 3 of the tank 2 is determined by its attachment to the handle mount 16. The inwardly facing surface 35 of the ring-shaped end section 36 abuts the surface 33 formed in the inner surface 12 of the outer sleeve 8 thus preventing slidable movement of the outer sleeve 8 with respect to the inner liner 9 so that the outer sleeve 8 is retained between the collar 29 and the surface 35 of the ring-shaped end section 36.

[0058] The handle 5 also comprises a cover 37 which is attached to the outwardly facing end 32 of the inner liner 9 The cover 37 may be attached to the end face 32 of the ringshaped section 36, for example, by two screws 38. Self-tapping screws 38 may be used to attach the handle cover 37 to the inner liner 9, to simplify manufacturing. The cover 37 may include a pin 39 that is located within the inner liner 9. In other embodiments, the cover 37 may be attached using glue or by a resilient connection between an inner protruding nose and the inner surface of the inner liner 9.

[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1 , the handle 5 including the outer sleeve 8 and inner liner 9 have a straight profile. In other embodiments, the handle 5 may have a curved profile for example the curved profile may be sized and shaped to be adapted to the shape of the human hand. The outer surface of the outer sleeve 8 may be textures to improve grip. The outer sleeve 8 could be made from metal, to give a tactile, premium feel to the product.

[0060] The outer sleeve 8 may be manufactured by starting with a form that is a close to the finished item in both size and weight to simplify manufacturing and reduce materials wastage. For example, a metal tube may be further processed to introduce the ribs 11 or groove in the inner surface 12 by, for example extrusion. The outer sleeve 8 may be machined from solid bar, cast, forged, rolled, made form stock tube or extruded. Extrusion has the advantages that tooling is at a minimum; surface finish and accuracy are very good. It also works well with aluminium, a preferred material choice for the outer sleeve. Extruded base material, uses less material than if an outer sleeve 8 is machined from a solid piece of bar. Thus, saving a significant amount of raw material. The extruded part may undergo some post extrusion machining. However, the amount of material removed is less. Thus, saving a significant amount of machining time. In order to thermally and electrically isolate the outer sleeve 8, which may be formed of metal, from the metal tank 2 of the device 1 , the structural inner liner 9 is used which is made from electrically and thermally insulating plastic. The inner liner 9 sits inside the outer sleeve 8 and is attached to the handle mount 16.

[0061] To avoid that the rotational force applied during use and assembly does not get transferred through the handle 5 and onto the mount 16, potentially causing the handle 5 to undo itself and become detached from the tank 2, anti-rotational means are incorporated into the handle 5. This is achieved by adding ribs 1 1 in the inner surface of the outer sleeve 8 that index with the groove 13 in the outer surface of the inner liner 9. The inner liner 9 indexes to the handle mount 16, which in turn indexes to the tank 2.

[0062] To maintain structural strength and resistance to bending, the whole system is placed in compression, by the large central bolt 27 and captive nut 30. The bolt 27 may be M6, which is preferable, although M4 to M8 could be utilised, depending on size and materials used for the tank 2. Access to the bolt 27 is from the end 32 of the handle assembly 5. The bolt 27 is hidden when the handle cover 37 is attached. The single bolt may be provided as a self-assembling part, thus assisting in reducing manufacturing time.

[0063] Figures 5 to 7 illustrate a device 1 for producing a beverage which comprises the tank 2 for receiving the liquid and a handle 5 according to a second embodiment. The device 1 also comprises the heating mean 6, controlling means 7 and, if used as a frother, the magnetic drive means 61 Figure 5 illustrates perspective views, Figure 6 shows a side cross-sectional view and figure 7 shows a top cross-sectional view of the handle 5.

[0064] The handle 5 is substantially tubular and comprises an outer sleeve 8 that is engaged with an inner liner 9 similar to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. The outer sleeve 8 and inner liner 9 provide a double-walled construction. The handle 5 of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the outer sleeve 8 is mechanically engaged with the handle mount 16 and the inner liner 9 is spaced apart from the handle mount 16 and wall 3 of the tank 2, as can be seen in the cross- sectional views of figure 6 and 7.

[0065] The outer sleeve 8 is tubular and in this embodiment substantially cylindrical and has a first end 42 which is engaged with the interfacing member 18 of the handle mount 16. The first end 42 of the outer sleeve 8 has a first end face 43 that comprises a groove 44 which extends radially through the wall thickness. In this embodiment, the groove 44 extends through the wall thickness at two opposing positions of the first end face 43. The groove 44 acts as indexing means. The groove 44 engages with an elongated protrusion 45 protruding from the interface member 18 of the handle mount, the protrusion 45 extends substantially vertically. The indexing means provided by the groove 44 and protrusion 45 prevent rotational movement of the outer sleeve 8 and the handle 5 about the longitudinal axis 10 of the handle 5 and also rotational movement of the handle 5 about the longitudinal axis 10 with respect to the tank 2. The interfacing member 18 has a cylindrical opening which has an inner diameter that is sized and shaped to receive the first end 20 of the outer sleeve 8 and may provide a tight fit. The protrusion 45 is located on the base of the cylindrical opening.

[0066] The interface member 18 comprises a cylindrical tubular opening 19 which has a diameter suitable for accepting the first end 42 of the outer sleeve 8. The base of the cylindrical opening 19 has a central through-hole 46 which aligns with a through-hole 47 in the fixture means 17 and the thread of the nut 30 arranged on the opposing side of the wall 3 of the tank 2. The central through hole 46 extends through the elongated protrusion 45 to form two elongated portions which are engages with a respective elongated groove 44 formed in the end face 43 of the outer sleeve 8. The interfacing member 18 is attached to the fixing means 17 by way of protrusions 40 which extend through openings 41 formed in the wall 3 of the tank 2.

[0067] The inner liner 9 is also substantially cylindrical and comprises a protruding ring 36 at its second end 32 which in the assembled position, as shown in figures 6 and 7, frictionally engages with a radial inner surface 33 formed in the inner surface 12 of the outer sleeve 8 so as to frictionally engage the second end 32 of the inner liner 9 with the second end 34 of the outer sleeve 8. The first end 20 of the inner liner 9 also comprises a radially protruding ring 48. The rings 36, 48 each include an opening 49 which is sized so that the threaded shaft of the bolt 27 can extend through the opening 49 in the first protruding ring 48. The head of the bolt 27 is larger than that shaft such that when the bolt 27 is screwed into the nut 30, the head of the bolt 27 attaches the second end 48 of the inner liner 9 to the handle mount 16 and the sidewall 3. The first end 20 of the inner liner 9 is, however, spaced apart from the handle mount 16. In the section of the length of the handle 5 that is located between the first end 20 of the inner liner 20 and the handle mount 16, the shaft of the bolt 27 is surrounded by the outer sleeve 8 only. The bolt 27 is in this section spaced apart from the outer sleeve 8 and electrically insulated from the outer sleeve 8 by way of the interfacing member 18 of the handle mount 16 and the inner liner 9.

[0068] The inner liner 9 may comprise further reinforcing ribs 50 which protrude from the outer surface 14 around the outer circumference of the inner liner 9. In some embodiments, the inner liner 9 is comprises an opening 51 in the sidewall which extends in the longitudinal direction and which is sized and shaped to allow the bolt 27 including the head to be inserted into the centre of the inner liner 9.

[0069] The tightening of the bolt between the inner liner 9 and the handle mount 16 and the tank 2 may place the handle 5 under compression such that the outer sleeve 8 is retained between the interfacing means 18 and the protruding ring 36 at the second end of the inner liner 9 due to the friction between the protruding ring 36 of the liner 9 and the inner surface 12 of the outer sleeve 9 at its second end and the indexing means provided by the groove 44 / protrusion 45 at the opposing first end of the outer sleeve 9. The remainder of the inner surface 12 of the outer sleeve 9 is spaced apart from the remainder of the inner liner 9. The inner liner 9 may also comprise one or more protruding rings 52 that extend over the open slot 51 to increase the strength of the inner liner 9. These protruding ribs 52 may also comprise a hole 49 through which either the shaft of the bolt 27 can pass or through which an alien key for tightening the bolt 27 can be placed. These openings 49 may, after attachment of the handle 5 onto the tank 2, be filled, for example with silicone. In this embodiment, the protruding ring 36 may also act as the handle cover 37 so that the handle cover 37 is integral with the inner liner 9.

[0070] The outer sleeve 8 may be formed of metal or alloy, for example aluminium, and the inner sleeve 9 may be formed of thermally and electrically insulative material such as plastic. Since, in this embodiment, the metal outer sleeve 8 has a larger length than the plastic inner liner 9, the overall length of the handle 5 may be reduced over that of the first embodiment.

[0071] The outer sleeve 8 is electrically and thermally insulated from the tank 2 by means of the handle mount 16 and, in particular, by the interfacing member 18 which may be formed of an electrically and thermally insulating material, such as plastic. The inner liner 9 may be fabricated by moulding, for example from a plastic such as polypropylene. In embodiments in which the device 1 is a frother or hot chocolate maker, it further comprises whisk means 60. For embodiments in which the device 1 may be used as a frother or hot chocolate maker, the device 1 further comprises a magnetic drive means 61 is provided below the lower surface of the tank 2, which drive means 61 is adapted to impart a drive to the stirrer or whisk means 40 located in the tank without a mechanical connection member intruding through the wall 3 of the tank 2. The stirrer or whisk means 60 is supported on the base of the tank 2 to ensure that it remains centred and that the drive mechanism can impart drive to the stirrer.

[0072] The frother is provided with control means 7 adapted to control the actuation of the heating plate 6 and also, independently, the actuation of the magnetic drive means 61 . The control means 7 can be either a single ECU or independent PCB’s. The magnetic drive means can also have more than one speed so that the liquid is not frothed, if for example follow on baby milk is being made.

[0073] In use, the control means 7 are adapted to turn off the heating plate a predetermined time before the stirrer stops stirring so that the residual heat of the plate can be removed by the action of the stirrer passing the milk over it for the predetermined period of time. The length of time will depend on both the dimensions of the tank, the speed of the stirrer and the desired temperature of the milk. Typically, the predetermined length of time will need to be around 10s. This particular arrangement has the attraction of permitting the milk to be heated to a higher temperature than would otherwise be possible but by the time the milk is poured from the frother the base of the tank will have cooled sufficiently that any residual milk that is left in contact with the tank will not burn. For example, in a frother of the invention it is possible to heat the milk to 75 C, which is suitable for making hot chocolate, whereas in most prior art devices, the milk is only heated to around 60 C as any higher temperature would result in unacceptable levels of milk burning on the surface of the frother.

[0074] Figure 4 shows a whisk means 60 which may be used in the frother. The whisk means 60 comprises an annular upstanding wall 62, which wall is joined by two radial arms 63 to an axial spindle 64. The spindle 64 extends above and below the radial arms 63. A whisk 65 is rotatably mounted on a rotatable drive shaft at the lower end of the spindle 64, which drive shaft is housed within the spindle 64. The radial arms 63 further comprise cover means 66, which extend above the whisk 65 such that it substantially covers the whisk when viewed from above in a vertical orientation. The cover means may be located around 5-10mm above the whisk 65. The cover means 66 prevent powder or flakes such as chocolate powder or baby milk powder or cocoa from settling on the coils of the whisk 65. The cover means 66 protect the spinning whisk in use from the chocolate flakes / powder as they are liable to melt thereby jamming the motor

[0075] In use, the whisk means 60 holds the whisk 45 substantially concentrically with the magnetic drive means located in the main body. The whisk 65 is held above the surface of the bottom 4, typically by about 3mm, thereby avoiding that the surface of the bottom 4 might be scratched by the whisk action. This permits the interior of the tank 2 to be provided with either a polished stainless steel surface or alternatively a non stick coating. This also facilitates the magnetic drive means to run on for 20-30 seconds after the heating element is switched off. This enables the milk to be heated to a higher temperature suitable for hot chocolate drinks. The heat is dissipated throughout the milk and does not burn on the bottom surface of the container.

[0076] The radial arms 63 and cover means 66 will also interrupt the vortex that would develop due to the rotation of the whisk, which advantageously results in a better froth as well as increasing the working volume of the tank. The whisk means are also easily removable and are hence easy to clean. It would also be possible to ensure that the whisk means is dishwasher safe.

[0077] Examples

[0078] 1 . A device for producing a beverage, the device comprising a tank for receiving a liquid, which tank has a substantially vertical wall and a bottom, a handle, and heating means adapted to heat the liquid, wherein the handle is substantially tubular and comprises an outer sleeve that is engaged with an inner liner.

[0079] 2. A device according to example 1 , wherein the outer sleeve has a length that is greater than a length of the inner liner.

[0080] 3. A device according to example 1 or example 2, wherein the outer sleeve is substantially tubular and the inner liner is substantially tubular.

[0081] 4. A device according to any one of examples 1 to 4, further comprising a handle mount that is engaged with the wall of the tank, wherein a first end of the outer sleeve comprises indexing means that engage with indexing means of the handle mount to engage the first end of the outer sleeve with the handle mount and to align the outer sleeve at a predetermined position with respect to the handle mount.

[0082] 5. A device according to example 4, wherein the predetermined position is a predetermined rotational position about the longitudinal axis.

[0083] 6. A device according to example 4 or example 5, wherein the indexing means of the outer sleeve comprises at least one groove that is formed in a first end face of the outer sleeve, the at least one groove engaging with a respective protrusion protruding from a handle mount that is attached to the side wall, or the indexing means of the outer sleeve comprises at least one protrusion that protrudes from a first end surface of the outer sleeve, the at least one protrusion engaging with a respective groove or opening formed in a handle mount that is attached to the side wall.

[0084] 7. A device according to any one of examples 1 to 6 wherein a second end of the outer sleeve that opposes the first end is frictionally engaged with a second end of the inner liner.

[0085] 8. A device according to example 7, wherein at the second end of the inner liner, the outer surface of the inner liner comprises a radially protruding surface that frictionally engages with a radially protruding surface that protrudes from the inner surface of the outer sleeve so as to retain the outer sleeve between the radially protruding surface of the inner liner and the handle mount.

[0086] 9. A device according to any one of examples 1 to 8, wherein a first end of the inner liner that opposes the second end is spaced apart from the wall of the tank.

[0087] 10. A device according to example 9, wherein the first end of the inner liner is attached to the handle mount of the tank by a nut and bolt.

[0088] 11. A device according to any one of examples 4 to 10, wherein the handle mount comprises a fixing member that is attached to the wall and an interfacing member that is engaged with the fixing member. 12. A device according to example 11 , wherein the fixing member comprises indexing means on outwardly facing surface that mechanically engages with indexing means on inner surface of interfacing member.

[0089] 13. A device according to example 1 1 or example 12, wherein the interfacing member is electrically and thermally insulating.

[0090] 14. A device according to any one of examples 10 to 13, wherein the inner liner comprises a plurality of ribs extending around the circumference, wherein the ribs each comprise a through hole through which a shaft of the bolt can be placed.

[0091] 15. A device according to any one of examples 1 to 14, further comprising a handle cover that is attached to a second end face of the inner liner, the second end face opposing the wall of the tank, or further comprising a handle cover that is integral with a second end face of the inner liner, the second end face opposing the wall of the tank.

[0092] 16. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the outer sleeve is formed of metal and the inner liner is formed of plastic.

[0093] 17. A device according to any one of claims 1 to16, wherein the outer sleeve has a curved sided profile or a straight profile

[0094] 18. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising whisk means, which whisk means is adapted to rotate in the liquid to mix the heating liquid.

[0095] 19. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the device is a frother, hot chocolate maker or kettle.

Claims

Claims1 . A device for producing a beverage, the device comprising a tank for receiving a liquid, which tank has a substantially vertical wall and a bottom, a handle, and heating means adapted to heat the liquid, wherein the handle is substantially tubular and comprises an outer sleeve that is mechanically engaged with an inner liner to prevent relative rotational movement of the inner liner and outer sleeve about a longitudinal axis of handle.

2. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the inner liner has a length that is greater than a length of the outer sleeve.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein to prevent the relative rotational movement of the inner liner and the outer sleeve about a longitudinal axis of handle, the outer sleeve comprises at least one groove that is formed in an inner surface and that has a length that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the at least one groove engaging with a respective rib protruding from an outer surface of the inner liner, the rib having a length that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, or the outer sleeve comprises at least one rib that protrudes from an inner surface of the outer sleeve, the rib having a length that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the at least one rib engaging with a respective groove formed in an outer surface of the inner liner, the groove having a length that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a handle mount that is engaged with the wall of the tank, wherein a first end of the inner liner is mechanically engaged with the handle mount and the outer sleeve is retained on the inner liner and spaced apart from the wall of the tank.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the inner liner comprises indexing means that engage with indexing means of the handle mount to align the inner liner at a predetermined position with the handle mount.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined position is a predetermined rotational position about the longitudinal axis.

7. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the inner liner has a nose having an outer surface that is mechanically engaged with an inner surface of the handle mount to prevent relative rotational movement of the inner liner about the longitudinal axis of the handle.

8. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein a first end face of the inner liner has at least one protrusion that engages with a respective slot in the handle mount.

9. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the inner liner is attached to the handle mount of the tank by a nut and bolt.

10. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the handle mount comprises a fixing member that is attached to the wall and an interfacing member that is engaged with the fixing member.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the fixing member comprises indexing means on outwardly facing surface that mechanically engages with indexing means on inner surface of interfacing member.

12. A device according to claim 10 or claim 1 1 , wherein the interfacing member is electrically and thermally insulating.

13. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 12, further comprising a collar retained between the outer sleeve and the handle mount, wherein the collar is electrically and thermally insulating.

14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the outer surface of the inner liner comprises a radially protruding surface that abuts with a radially protruding surface that protrudes from the inner surface of the outer sleeve so as to retain the outer sleeve between the radially protruding surface of the inner liner and the collar.

15. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a handle cover that is attached to a second end face of the inner liner, the second end face opposing the wall of the tank.

Images