Kettle assembly

Abstract

A kettle includes a housing including a housing top, a housing body coupled to the housing top, and a housing base coupled to the housing base and positioned vertically below the housing body. The housing body is structured to hold a fluid. The kettle includes a lighting component disposed in at least one of the housing top or the housing base. The lighting component is configured to selectively emit light to illuminate at least a part of the kettle. The housing body includes a window portion that is partially transparent such that light emitted by the lighting component emits through the window portion.

Description

KETTLE ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This P.C.T. Application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 620,358, filed January 12, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to kettles or kettle assemblies. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a kettle assembly with audio and visual capabilities to promote mindfulness and indicate operation status, and with control capabilities to achieve and maintain a target fluid temperature.BACKGROUND

[0003] Kettles are used to heat a fluid (e.g., water) to a target temperature to create a beverage for consumption.SUMMARY

[0004] One embodiment relates to a kettle. The kettle includes a housing including a housing top, a housing body coupled to the housing top, and a housing base coupled to the housing base and positioned vertically below the housing body. The housing body is structured to hold a fluid. The kettle includes a lighting component disposed in at least one of the housing top or the housing base. The lighting component is configured to selectively emit light to illuminate at least a part of the kettle. The housing body includes a window portion that is partially transparent such that light emitted by the lighting component emits through the window portion.10005] Another embodiment relates to a kettle assembly. The kettle assembly includes a kettle. The kettle includes a housing body including a window portion. The window portion is at least partly semi-opaque. The kettle includes a lighting component provided in the kettle. The lighting component is structured to selectively emit light through the window portion. The kettle includesa heating component to selectively heat a fluid disposed in the housing body. The kettle assembly includes a base defining a receptacle to selectively receive at least a portion of the kettle. The base includes at least one speaker. The kettle assembly includes a controller disposed in at least one of the kettle or the base. The controller is configured to control operation of at least one of the lighting component, the heating component, or the speaker based on operation of the kettle assembly.10006] Still another embodiment relates to a method for operating a kettle assembly. The method includes receiving an input regarding a target temperature for a fluid disposed in a kettle of the kettle assembly. The method includes determining a threshold temperature based on the target temperature. The threshold temperature is less than the target temperature. The method includes initiating an operation of a heating component to increase a fluid temperature of a fluid to the target temperature. The method includes receiving a signal indicative of the fluid temperature. The fluid temperature corresponds to the threshold temperature. The method includes, responsive to the fluid temperature corresponding to the threshold temperature, adjusting the operation of the heating component.

[0007] The present disclosure further relates to various features and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed embodiments. Other ways in which the objects and features of the disclosed embodiments are accomplished will be described in the following specification or will become apparent to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification. Such other ways are deemed to fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments if they fall within the scope of the inventions described herein.[0008| Numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The described features of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and / or implementations. In this regard, one or more features of an aspect of the invention may be combined with one or more features of a different aspect of the invention.Moreover, additional features may be recognized in certain embodiments and / or implementations that may not be present in all embodiments or implementations.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a kettle assembly, according to an example embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the kettle of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the kettle of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the kettle of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a housing base of the kettle of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the kettle of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the kettle of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional view of a portion of the kettle of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the base of the kettle assembly of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of the kettle assembly of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method for controlling operation of a kettle assembly, according to an example embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of another method for controlling operation of a kettle assembly, according to an example embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of another method for controlling operation of a kettle assembly, according to an example embodiment.10022] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of still another method for controlling operation of a kettle assembly, according to an example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

[0024] Referring to the figures generally, various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a kettle assembly. Advantageously, the kettle assembly described herein provides various functions to aid in the heating of a fluid and promoting mindfulness. For example, the kettle assembly can use audio and / or visual cues to create a relaxing environment for a user while preparing a beverage, such as tea. The kettle assembly of the present disclosure may include a kettle with a body portion comprising a semi-opaque window portion (e.g., the window portion may comprise frosted glass) and a light source. The light source emits a light that is dissipated into a space proximate to the kettle assembly via the window portion. As described herein, the window portion / body may be configured or structured as frosted glass. Beneficially, the frosted glass may soften the emitted light to provide a soft light into the space to affect the ambiance of the space. In some embodiments as described herein, the light may dynamically emit differentcharacteristics. For example, the emitted light may transition between different colors (e.g., red to green to yellow, soft blue to magenta to soft pink, etc.) and patterns to indicate various operating characteristics of the kettle assembly. The operating characteristics may include an operation state of the kettle (e.g., a fluid boiling state, a fluid keep warm state, etc.). The kettle assembly may also include an audio system configured to provide or emit audio during the operation of the kettle. For example, the kettle assembly may play music, predefined relaxing sounds (e.g., rainforest, rain, waves), or other sounds while the kettle assembly is operating. The kettle assembly may adjust the emitted audio properties (e.g., content or volume) based on the operation state of the kettle assembly.[0025| The kettle assembly also includes a temperature control system. The temperature control system is configured or structured to heat fluid held by the kettle. The temperature control system may adjust a heating profile to prevent or attempt to prevent overheating of the fluid in the kettle. For example, the temperature control system may adjust the power supplied to the kettle to adjust or control the heat supplied to the fluid to prevent or attempt to prevent overheating of the fluid. In some embodiments, the temperature control system may adjust the heating profile based on an amount of the fluid in the kettle.

[0026] Technically and beneficially, the kettle assembly described herein can control a temperature of a fluid, while also affecting the surrounding environment. For example, the kettle assembly can heat a fluid (e.g., water) to prepare a beverage (e.g., tea) or food (e.g., oatmeal, ramen) for consumption, among other purposes. To heat the fluid, the kettle assembly can control the temperature of the fluid to prevent or attempt to prevent overheating of the fluid or overshooting or undershooting a target temperature. For example, the kettle assembly can provide heat to increase a temperature of a fluid as fast as possible and avoid, substantially avoid, or attempt to avoid a discrepancy between a target temperature and the actual fluid temperature. The kettle assembly also provides visual cues or effects configured to promote a relaxing, or other desirable environment and / or to indicate different operational states of the kettle assembly. For example, the kettle assembly can smoothly transition between different colors being displayed to create the relaxing environment, or the kettle assembly can switch between colorsand / or display sequences to indicate when the kettle assembly switches from a first operation state (e.g., heating) to a second operational state (keep- warm). Similarly, the kettle assembly can also provide audio cues or effects configured to promote a relaxing or other desirable environment, and / or to indicate different operational states of the kettle assembly. For example, the kettle assembly can provide a first audio indicator during a first operating state and a second audio indicator during a second operating state. In some embodiments, the kettle assembly can include preset instructions such that a simple input from a user via a display on the kettle assembly can cause the kettle assembly to create the desired beverage as well as the accompanying environment. In some embodiments, the kettle assembly can incorporate additional functionalities such that the user can personalize the experience by selecting or customizing the heating, audio, and / or visual settings. These and other features and benefits are described more fully herein below.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, a kettle assembly 100 is shown according to an example embodiment. The kettle assembly 100 includes a kettle 102 coupled to or interfacing with a base 104. The kettle 102 is configured to selectively engage or interface with the base 104. The base 104 is configured to provide power to the kettle 102 to heat a liquid (e.g., water) disposed in / held by the kettle 102 to a desired temperature. The heated fluid may be used for various desired applications, such as to make a beverage (e.g., tea or coffee).

[0028] Referring now collectively to FIGS. 2-4, the kettle 102 of FIG. 1 is shown in various views, according to an example embodiment. The kettle 102 includes a housing 202. The housing 202 includes a housing top 204, a housing body 206 positioned vertically below the housing top 204 (i.e., closer to a support surface for the kettle assembly 100; closer to the base 104), and a housing base 208 positioned proximate to the base 104 when the kettle assembly 100 is put together (i.e., vertically below each of the housing top 204 and the housing body 206). The housing body 206 is disposed between the housing top 204 and the housing base 208.

[0029] The housing top 204 may be constructed from a variety of materials. In the example shown, the housing top 204 is at least mostly constructed from a metal-based material. In otherembodiments, a different material and / or combination of materials may be used (e.g., plastic, glass, etc.). The housing top 204 may have any shape. For example, the housing top 204 may have a cylindrical shape. The housing top 204 may define an opening 210 positioned at or near a vertical top of the housing top 204. Fluid may enter the kettle 102 via the opening 210. The kettle 102 may include a lid 212. The lid 212 (e.g., cover) may be disposed at least partly in the opening 210 to close the opening and therefore close the kettle 102 (i.e., to prevent or substantially prevent fluid from leaving the kettle 102 when the kettle 102 is in use). The lid 212 may be or include a release mechanism 214. The release mechanism 214 (e.g., release device, release, etc.) is configured or structured to selectively hold the lid 212 in the close position (i.e., proximate to the housing top 204 to cover the opening 210). In this way, the lid 212 is movable between an open position where the lid 212 is positioned furthest from the opening 210 (i.e., able to be removed from the kettle 102 and is a separate component relative to the kettle 102) to the close position where the lid covers the opening 210. The release mechanism 214 may be a compact lid release mechanism. For example, the release mechanism 214 may include a button that engages with a portion of the lid 212, and that is configured to disengage the lid from the housing top 204 when pressed. Actuation of the release mechanism 214 may disengage the lid 212 from the housing top 204 such that the lid 212 may be removed. Fluid may enter the kettle 102 via the opening 210 with the lid 212 removed. In another embodiments, the lid 212 may be hingedly coupled to the housing top 204. In still other embodiments, the lid 212 may be selectively coupled to the kettle 102 via other structure(s).

[0030] The housing body 206 is configured or structured to hold a majority of the fluid that is provided to the kettle 102. The housing body 206 may be constructed from a variety of materials. In the example shown, the housing body 206, or a portion thereof, is at least partially transparent. For example, the housing body 206 may include at least one window portion 207. Light may emit through the window portion 207. The window portion 207 may comprise the entire housing body 206, or a portion(s) thereof. A user may be able to see through the partially transparent housing body 206 (although visibility may be diminished). In the example shown, the window portion 207 of the housing body 206 is constructed from an at least partially transparent material,such as glass or plastic. More particularly and as shown, the window portion 207 is at least partly constructed from frosted glass. The “frosted” characteristic provides the diminished visibility characteristic. In other embodiments, a fully transparent glass or plastic material may be used. Beneficially, the frosted nature / characteristics of at least a portion of the housing body 206 can turn / change a harsh, direct light into a dissipated, softer light. The softer light can promote a calm, relaxing environment.

[0031] The housing body 206 may have a variety of shapes (e.g., purely cylindrical, cubic, etc.). In the example shown, the housing body 206 has a truncated conical shape that extends from a base to the housing top 204. In this way, a top of the housing body 206 (e.g., the portion disposed closer to the housing top 204) may have a first cross-sectional area and a bottom of the housing body 206 (e.g., the portion disposed further from the housing top 204) may have a second cross- sectional area. The first cross-sectional area may be less than the second cross-sectional area. The housing body 206 may have a sloped surface that extends at least partially between the top and bottom of the housing body 206. The top of the housing body 206 may terminate with a circular cross-sectional shape that matches or substantially matches with a circular cross- sectional shape of the substantially cylindrical housing top 204. The bottom of the housing body 206 may also have a circular or substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, different cross-sectional shapes may be utilized. In some embodiments, a cross- sectional shape of the top of the housing body 206 may be different than a cross-sectional shape of the bottom of the housing body 206.

[0032] The top or top portion of the housing body 206 may couple with the housing top 204. In other embodiments, the housing body 206 and housing top 204 may be an integral component (e.g., a one-piece component). In this embodiment, a metal-based material may be wrapped around the housing top 204, yet the same material (e.g., glass or frosted glass) may be continuous through the two components.

[0033] The housing base 208 may have circular shape that corresponds with the shape and, particularly cross-sectional shape, of the bottom of the housing body 206. In some embodiments,the housing base 208 may have a different cross-sectional shape (e.g., rectangular, square, etc.). In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the housing base 208 may be different than the cross-sectional shape of the bottom of the housing body 206. The housing base 208 may couple with the bottom of the housing body 206. The housing base 208 may be made of a variety of materials, such as, for example, a metal-based material, a rubber-based material, a plasticbased material, a combination thereof. Additional details and description regarding the housing base 208 are provided herein below with respect to FIG. 5.

[0034] The kettle 102 includes at least one user interface element, shown as a handle 216. The handle 216 is coupled with the housing 202. The handle 216 may have a variety of shapes and sizes. In the example shown, the handle 216 is a closed-type handle such that both of a first end 218 and a second end 220 of the handle 216 are coupled with, and particularly in contact with, the housing 202. As shown, the first end 218 may be coupled with the housing top 204 and the second end 220 may be coupled with the housing base 208.

[0035] The kettle 102 includes at least one a fluid outlet, shown as spout 222. The fluid in the kettle 102 may exit the kettle 102 via the spout 222. The spout 222 may extend or project outward and away from a side of the housing top 204. The spout 222 may be positioned opposite the handle 216.

[0036] The kettle 102 includes at least one kettle engagement element 402 (also referred to as a coupler, electrical coupler or coupling element, base coupler, conductor coupler or conducting coupler element). The kettle 102 may be configured to electrically couple with the base 104 via the kettle engagement element 402. The kettle engagement element 402 may be disposed at least partially in the housing base 208 of the kettle 102. As shown, the kettle engagement element 402 is structured as a plurality of concentric rings. The plurality of concentric rings are configured to conduct electricity and, as such, may be constructed at least partly from an electrically conductive material (e.g., metal). In other embodiments, a different type or structure of electrical conducting element may be utilized. Further, the shape and / or size of the conducting elementmay be different in other embodiments (e.g., square shaped, less than or more than the three rings depicted, etc.).

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, the housing base 208 is shown in more detail, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 5 depicts the housing base 208 with the remainder of the kettle 102 removed. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the housing base 208 and part of the housing body. The housing base 208 may define a base cavity 502. The base cavity 502 is configured or structured to receive various components of the kettle assembly 100. As described in more detail herein, the base cavity 502 is configured to receive at least one of a lighting component or a heating component, among other components. For example, the kettle 102 may include at least one heating component or element 504 (also referred to as a heater or heat source). The heating element 504 may be at least partially disposed in the base cavity 502. The heating element 504 can be any type of heating element 504 configured to provide heat (e.g., to the fluid in the kettle 102). For example, the heating element 504 may be a resistive heating element 504. In some embodiments, the heating element 504 may be other types of heating elements 504.

[0038] The kettle 102 may include at least one lighting component 506 (also referred to as a light, lighting element, lamp, and / or similar terms). The lighting component 506 may be at least partially disposed in the base cavity 502. In some embodiments, a lighting component 506 may be disposed in a cavity defined by the housing top 204. The lighting component 506 may be or include a plurality of lights 508. In the example shown, the plurality of lights 508 are structured as light-emitting diode (LED) lights. In other embodiments, a different light structure / type may be used for the lighting component 506. The plurality of lights 508 may be arranged / disposed in a variety of shapes. In the example shown, the plurality of lights 508 are arranged in a ring shape. The ring may at least partly surround the heating element 504 (in the example shown, the ring of lights surrounds a majority of the heating element 504). The lighting component 506 may be disposed between an inner wall of the housing base 208 and the heating element 504. For example, the lighting component 506 may be disposed in the base cavity 502 radially outwardfrom the heating element 504 and extend at least partially circumferentially around the heating element 504.

[0039] At least some of the plurality of lights 508 of the lighting component 506 may be angled at least partially inward toward a center of the housing base 208. At least some of the plurality of lights 508 may be angled at least partially upward toward the housing body 206. In the example shown, at least some of the lights 508 are angled inward and upward to enable illumination of the kettle 102 (or a portion thereof). In other embodiments, the lights 508 may not be angled and a reflective element may be used to direct emitted light onto the kettle 102 (e.g., a mirror, a shiny surface, etc.).

[0040] The kettle 102 may include at least one first plate, shown as bottom plate 510. The bottom plate 510 may be a part of or interface with the heating element 504. Via interaction with the heating element 504, the bottom plate 510 may be heated. The heated bottom plate 510 may interface with the fluid in the kettle 102 to heat the fluid. The bottom plate 510 may include or define a groove 512. The groove 512 may be an annular groove 512. The groove 512 may extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the heating element 504. The groove 512 may be configured to receive a portion of the housing body 206. The groove 512 may form a seal with the portion of the housing body 206 to prevent the fluid from exiting the kettle 102 via the bottom of the housing body 206. In some embodiments, a sealing agent or element may be disposed in the groove 512 to form the seal. For example, an O-ring or other gasket may be disposed in the groove 512.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the housing body 206 may include at least one first portion, shown as outer portion 602, at least one second portion, shown as extension portion 604, and at least one third portion, shown as sealing portion 606. The outer portion 602 may define an outer surface of the kettle 102. The extension portion 604 may extend radially inward from the outer portion 602 toward a center of the housing body 206. The extension portion 604 may be disposed in the kettle 102. For example, the extension portion 604 may extend above a portion of the base cavity 502. The extension portion 604 may separate the base cavity 502 from an inner volume ofthe housing body 206 that receives or holds the fluid. In particular and as shown, the extension portion 604 may extend at least partly above the lighting component 506 disposed in the base cavity 502.

[0042] The sealing portion 606 may be at an end of the extension portion 604. The sealing portion 606 may be configured to be disposed in the groove 512 defined by the bottom plate 510. The sealing portion 606 may be configured or structured to form a seal with the bottom plate 510 in the groove 512 to prevent or substantially prevent fluid from exiting the kettle 102 via the bottom of the housing body 206. For example, the bottom of the housing body 206 may define a housing aperture or opening 608 that exposes the inner volume of the housing body 206. The bottom plate 510 may be configured to be at least partially disposed in the housing opening 608 to close the housing body 206 and retain the fluid. The lighting component 506 may be disposed radially outward from the sealing portion 606. For example, the lighting component 506 may be disposed between the sealing portion 606 and the inner surface of the housing base 208.

[0043] The kettle 102 may include at least one second plate, shown as heating plate 610. The heating plate 610 may be a part of or interface with the heating element 504. The kettle 102 may include at least one heater or heating coil 612. The heating coil 612 may be the heating element 504 or may be a part of the heating element 504 (i.e., there may be multiple components and / or systems that form the heating element 504). Via electrical power, the heating coil 612 may be energized to generate heat to heat the fluid in the kettle 102. The heating plate 610 may be disposed between the heating coil 612 and the bottom plate 510. The heating plate 610 may be heated by the heating coil 612 to then heat the fluid in the kettle 102. Thus, the heating plate 610 may be any material configured to conduct heat. For example, the heating plate 610 may be metal or another heat-conducting material. The heating plate 610 may be configured to transfer the heat from the heating coil 612 to the fluid (e.g., from the heating coil 612 to the bottom plate 510, and then to the fluid). The heating plate 610 may be circumferentially surrounded by the groove 512. The heating coil 612 may be at least partially circumferentially surrounded by the groove 512.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 8, the housing top 204 is shown in more detail, according to an example embodiment. In some embodiments, the housing top 204 and the housing body 206 are separate components that are coupled together. For example, a top end of the housing body 206 proximate the housing top 204 may include an extension portion 604 and a sealing portion 606. The housing top 204 may define a top groove 802. The extension portion 604 may extend at least partially radially inward from the outer portion 602 such that the sealing portion 606 may be disposed in the top groove 802. The sealing portion 606 may form a seal with the top groove 802 to prevent fluid from exiting from the kettle 102 via the top of the housing body 206. In some embodiments, a sealing agent or element may be disposed in the top groove 802 to form the seal. For example, an O-ring or other gasket may be disposed in the top groove 802.

[0045] In some embodiments, a lighting component 506 may be disposed in the housing top 204. For example, a lighting component 506 may be disposed between an inner wall of the housing top 204 and the sealing portion 606 of the housing body 206. In some embodiments, the lighting component 506 may be disposed in the base 104 (e.g., in the base receptacle 902) rather than in the kettle 102. In still other embodiments, the lights may be disposed in the base 104 and kettle 102. The lighting component 506, regardless of location, can be configured to emit light into the housing body 206 such that the light can be dissipated into the space surrounding the kettle assembly 100 via the housing body 206. In other embodiments, the lights 508 may emit light that does not or mostly does not go through the housing body 206 to the surrounding area. Rather, the lights 508 may illuminate a surrounding area of the kettle assembly 100 without the light first passing through the housing body 206. The lights 508 of the lighting component 506 may be operated together or independently. For example, all the lights 508 may display the same color, transition between same colors at the same rate, and / or be actuated with the same frequency or pattern (e.g., solid light, blinking light). In some embodiments, when operated independently, the lights 508 may have different colors, may transition between different colors, and / or may be actuated with different frequencies or patterns.

[0046] With the kettle 102 description in mind, referring now to FIG. 9, a perspective view of a base 104 for the kettle assembly 100 is shown, according to an example embodiment. The base104 may have a shape that corresponds with a shape of at least a portion of the kettle 102. For example, the base 104 may have a substantially circular cross-sectional area to correspond with the housing base 208 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The base 104 is shown to have a wider diameter than any portion of the kettle 102, such that the base 104 may at least partially surround at least a portion of the kettle 102.(00471 The base 104 may define a base receptacle 902. The base receptacle 902 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the kettle 102. In particular, the base receptacle 902 may be configured to receive at least part of the housing base 208 of the kettle 102.10048] The base 104 includes at least one base engagement element 904 (also referred to as a coupler, electrical coupler or coupling element, kettle coupler, conductor coupler or conducting coupler element). The base engagement element 904 may be disposed at least partially in the base receptacle 902. The base 104 may be configured to electrically couple with the kettle 102 via the base engagement element 904. For example, the base engagement element 904 may interface with the kettle engagement element 402 such that the base 104 may provide power to the heating element 504 of the kettle 102. As shown, the base engagement element 904 is structured as a plurality of concentric rings. The plurality of concentric rings is configured to interface, mate, and / or otherwise engage with the kettle engagement element 402. The base engagement element 904 is configured to conduct electricity and, as such, may be constructed at least partly from an electrically conductive material (e.g., metal). In other embodiments, a different type or structure of electrical conducting element may be utilized. Further, the shape and / or size of the conducting element may be different in other embodiments (e.g., square shaped, less than or more than the three rings depicted, etc.).

[0049] In some embodiments, the base 104, and therefore the kettle 102, may be powered by a power source. In one embodiment, the power source is at least one battery (e.g., a rechargeable battery). In this way, the base 104 may be wirelessly powered by the battery. In another embodiment and as shown, the power source is accessible via a wall outlet and is alternatingcurrent (AC) power. In some other embodiments, a combination of battery and wall power is used. In still other embodiments, a different power source is utilized.

[0050] The base 104 has at least one outer base surface. For example, the base 104 may have at least one first outer base surface, shown as upper outer base surface 906, and at least one second outer base surface, shown as lower outer base surface 908. The upper outer base surface 906 may be oriented at an angle relative to the lower outer base surface 908.

[0051] In some embodiments, the base 104 includes at least one control interface or display 910. In one embodiment, the display 910 may be visible only when the kettle assembly 100 is turned on and in use (e.g., operating to heat fluid). In other embodiments, the display 910 may be visible at other desired operating times (e.g., always on when the kettle assembly is receiving AC power irrespective if the fluid is being heated, etc.). The display 910 may be positioned on the upper outer base surface 906. In some embodiments, the display 910 may be positioned elsewhere on the base 104. In some embodiments, the display 910 may be positioned on other parts of the kettle assembly 100. For example, the display 910 may be on the kettle housing 202 (e.g., the housing top 204, housing body 206, or housing base 208) or the handle 216.

[0052] The display 910 may be an input / output device configured to receive input from a user and / or provide an output to the user. The display 910 may include at least one of a status display indicator 912, an operation control element 914, or an operation indicator 916. The status display indicator 912 may provide, for example, information regarding operation of the kettle assembly 100, such as a temperature of a fluid in the kettle 102, a volume (estimated or measured) of fluid in the kettle 102, a setting of an audio output, and / or other information. The operation control element 914 may include interactive elements (e.g., buttons, a touch screen, a combination thereof, etc.) for a user to provide inputs to control the operations of the kettle assembly 100. For example, the operation control element 914 may include an interactive element for the user to adjust a target temperature of the fluid, adjust a volume of a sound, and / or switch between various audio settings (e.g., switch between music tracks). The operation indicator 916 may include an interactive element for the user to select which kettle operation to control or view. Forexample, selection of a first operation indicator 916 may cause a temperature to show on the status display indicator 912 and allow the user to adjust the target temperature of the fluid. Selection of a second operation indicator 916 may cause an audio setting to show on the status display indicator 912 and allow the user to adjust an audio setting (e.g., a volume of emitted sound, what sound is emitted, a combination thereof, etc.). The functionality of the operation control element 914 may be based on the selected operation made by the operation indicator 916.

[0053] In some embodiments, the base 104 includes at least one audio system 917. The audio system 917 can include at least one speaker 918. The base 104 may provide audio indicators to the user via the speaker 918. For example, the base 104 may provide music, vocal instructions (e.g., “The fluid is heated to its target temperature and is ready for use.”), and / or non-word alerts (e.g., alarm, beeping, etc.). In some embodiments, the audio system 917 includes a microphone. The microphone may enable reception of vocal commands to control operation of the kettle assembly. For example, a user may vocally command the kettle assembly 100 to heat the fluid to a target temperature. The speaker 918 and / or microphone may be any type of speaker and / or microphone.

[0054] In some embodiments, the speaker 918 may be positioned on an exterior surface of the base 104. For example, the speaker 918 may positioned on the lower outer base surface 908. In other embodiments, the speaker 918 may be positioned on the upper outer base surface 906. In some embodiments, the speaker 918 may be positioned on an interior surface of the base 104. For example, the speaker 918 may be positioned on an inner base surface 920. A speaker 918 on the inner base surface 920 can direct the audio indicators into the base receptacle 902.[0055| In some embodiments, the speaker 918 may be positioned on the kettle 102. For example, the speaker 918 may be positioned on the housing base 208, the housing body 206, or the housing top 204. In some embodiments, the speaker 918 may be oriented to direct the audio indicators directly out of the kettle 102 to a user. In some embodiments, the speaker 918 may be oriented to direct the audio indicators into the base receptacle 902 (e.g., to influence audio qualities).

[0056] In some embodiments, the speaker 918 may be configured to supply different audio qualities. For example, the speaker 918 may be configured to provide monophonic sound, dual monophonic sound, or stereo sound.

[0057] In some embodiments, the kettle assembly 100 may include a plurality of speakers 918. The speakers 918 can be positioned on the base 104, the kettle 102, or a combination thereof. For example, a first speaker 918 may be positioned on the base 104 and a second speaker 918 may be positioned on the kettle 102. In some embodiments, a speaker 918 may be dedicated for a specific audio indicator or a specific type of audio indicator. For example, a first speaker 918 may be dedicated to provide a first audio indicator (e.g., a sound associated with a user interface or the display 910), a second speaker 918 may be dedicated to provide a second audio indicator (e.g., music), and a third speaker 918 may be dedicated to provide a third audio indicator (e.g., bass response).

[0058] Referring to FIG. 10, a schematic block diagram of the kettle assembly 100 is shown, according to an example embodiment. It should be understood that less than, more than, and / or different components / elements may be included with the kettle assembly 100 in other embodiments such that the depiction in FIG. 10 is not mean to be limiting. The kettle assembly may include at least one controller 1000. The controller 1000 can be disposed in at least one of the kettle 102 or the base 104 of the kettle assembly 100. The controller 1000 may be configured to control the components of the kettle assembly 100 described herein.

[0059] The controller 1000 may include at least one processing circuit 1002. The processing circuit 1002 includes at least one processor 1004 and at least one memory 1006. The processor 1004 may be implemented as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field- programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The memory 1006 may be one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and / or computer code for completing and / or facilitating the various processes described herein. The memory 1006 may be or include non-transient volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and non-transitory computer storage media.The memory 1006 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein. The memory 1006 may be communi cably coupled to the processor 1004 and include computer code or instructions for executing one or more processes described herein.[00601 The controller 1000 may include at least one temperature circuit 1009. The temperature circuit 1009 may be configured to control the heating element 504 to cause a fluid in the kettle 102 to reach a target temperature. For example, the controller 1000 may receive an input from a user indicating a target temperature 1012 for the fluid. The controller 1000 may store the target temperature 1012 in the memory 1006. The controller 1000 may receive the input via the display 910. The temperature circuit 1009 may cause the heating element 504 to actuate to increase the temperature of the fluid to the target temperature 1012.

[0061] In some embodiments, the controller 1000 may wirelessly and remotely receive an input from a user device 1008. The user device 1008 may be any computing device associated with a user that is configured to transmit and / or receive communications. For example, in various embodiments, the user device 106 may include a stationary device (e.g., a desktop computer) or a mobile device, such as a phone (e.g., a smartphone), a mobile computing device (e.g., a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant, etc.), a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, smart glasses, a smart bracelet, etc.), and so on. In the example shown, the user device is a smartphone. As described in more detail herein, a user device 1008 may include a user application 1010 (e.g., a user client application which may be a software application executing on the user device 1008). The user application 1010 may be configured to enable wireless and remote management and control of the kettle assembly 100. In some embodiments, the user application 1010 is structured to generate and provide displays via the user device 1008 that enable the user to view and / or manage control settings associated with the kettle assembly 100. Accordingly, the user application 1010 may be configured to send information to, and receive information from, the kettle assembly 100. For example, the user may indicate the target temperature 1012 via the user application 1010 of the user device 1008.10062] In some embodiments, the user application 1010 includes at least one application programming interface (API) and / or a software development kit (SDK) that facilitates the integration of other applications with the user application 1010. For example, in some embodiments, the user application 1010 is configured to utilize the functionality of a music provider computing system through an API to play music through the speaker 918 of the kettle assembly 100.

[0063] In some embodiments, the user application 1010 is a separate software application downloaded on the user device 1008. The user application 1010 may be downloaded prior to its usage, hard coded into the memory 1006, or be a network-based or web-based interface application such that a provider computing system may provide a web browser to access the user application 1010. Accordingly, the user device 1008 may include software and / or hardware capable of implementing a network- based or web-based application. For example, in some instances, the user application 1010 includes software such as HTML, XML, WML, SGML, PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor), CGI, and like languages.10064] In some embodiments, the controller 1000 may wirelessly and remotely connect with (e.g., pair with) or couple to at least one other appliance 1011. The other appliance 1011 may be any other device or appliance. In some embodiments, the other appliance 1011 may be configured to emit similar lights and / or sounds as the kettle assembly 100. For example, the other appliance 1011 can be a toaster, toaster oven, coffee pot, air fryer, pressure cooker, or slow cooker, among others. The other appliance 1011 can have capabilities similar to the kettle assembly 100 as described herein. For example, the controller 1000 can connect the kettle assembly 100 with the other appliance 1011 and sync them together such that the sounds and / or lights emitted by kettle assembly 100 and the other appliance 1011 can be the same or complimentary, or the cooking, heating, or operating cycles of the kettle assembly 100 and the other appliance 1011 can be timed to coincide with each other. For example, the controller 1000 can cause the kettle assembly 100 and the other appliance 1011 to play the same song at the same time. In some embodiments, the controller 1000 can cause the kettle assembly 100 and the other appliance 1011 to emit the same or complimentary lights. In some embodiments, the controller1000 can cause the kettle assembly 100 to start a heating cycle at a time relative to a heating cycle of the other appliance 1011 such that the heating cycles end at the same (or about the same) time. The controller 1000 can connect any number of other appliances 1011 with the kettle assembly 100. Such a connection can facilitate the creation of a cohesive environment that is created via the kettle assembly 100 and the other appliances 1011.

[0065] The kettle assembly 100 may include at least one sensor 1014. The sensor 1014 may be a temperature sensor 1014 to detect a temperature of the fluid in the kettle 102. The sensor 1014 may be communicably coupled with the controller 1000. For example, the sensor 1014 may transmit a signal to the controller 1000 indicative of the temperature of the fluid in the kettle 102. The temperature circuit 1009 may control the heating element 504 based on the temperature detected by the sensor 1014. In some embodiments, the kettle assembly 100 may include other sensors 1014. For example, the kettle assembly 100 may include a weight sensor 1014 1014 configured to measure or estimate a weight of fluid in the kettle 102. The sensor 1014 may include an ambient light sensor that may detect the ambient light for the lighting circuit to control the emitted light in response (e.g., adjust the brightness of the emitted light based on the detected ambient light level, etc.). The sensor 1014 may be configured to detect other appliances 1011 that the kettle assembly 100 can connect with to sync the sounds, lights, or operations with the other appliances 1011.

[0066] In some embodiments, the controller 1000, via the temperature circuit 1009, may adjust an operation of the heating element 504 based on the detected temperature. For example, the controller 1000 may store operation instructions 1016 in the memory 1006 indicating how to adjust the heating element 504 based on a detected temperature. For example, the operation instructions 1016 may cause the controller 1000 to turn off the heating element 504 upon detection of a temperature of the fluid that meets or exceeds a target temperature 1012. For example, the controller 1000 may receive an input indicating a target temperature 1012. For example, a user may use the display 910 or a user device 1008 to indicate the target temperature 1012. The controller 1000 may actuate the heating element 504 until the sensor 1014 detects a temperature that meets or exceeds the target temperature 1012. Responsive to receiving a signalfrom the sensor 1014 indicating a temperature that meets or exceeds the target temperature 1012, the controller 1000 may turn off the heating element 504.

[0067] In some embodiments, the controller 1000, via the temperature circuit 1009, may adjust the operation of the heating element 504 upon detection of a temperature of the fluid reaching a threshold temperature that is based on a target temperature 1012. For example, the controller 1000 may receive an input indicating a target temperature 1012. The controller 1000 may also receive operation instructions 1016 indicating how to operate the heating element 504. For example, the operation instructions 1016 may include a temperature offset. The controller 1000 may store the operation instructions 1016 including the temperature offset in the memory 1006. The temperature offset may indicate a temperature threshold that is below the target temperature at which to adjust or turn off the heating element 504. The temperature offset may be the same or be different for different target temperaturesl012. The controller 1000 may determine the threshold temperature by subtracting the temperature offset from the target temperature 1012.

[0068] As an illustrative example, a temperature of the fluid in the kettle 102 may continue to rise after the heating element 504 is turned off. As such, the controller 1000 may lower the heat output by the heating element 504 when the fluid temperature reaches a temperature that is lower than the target temperature (e.g., the threshold temperature) to prevent, substantially prevent, or attempt to prevent an overheating of the fluid. The threshold temperature and / or the reduced heat output may be selected based on an amount of fluid in the kettle 102 to prevent, substantially prevent, or attempt to prevent underheating the fluid as well. As such, the kettle assembly 100 can heat the fluid as quickly as possible and avoid, substantially avoid, or attempt to avoid a discrepancy between the target temperature 1012 and the actual fluid temperature.

[0069] The controller 1000 may actuate the heating element 504 until the sensor 1014 detects a fluid temperature that meets or exceeds the threshold temperature. Responsive to receiving a signal from the sensor 1014 indicating a temperature that meets or exceeds with the threshold temperature, the controller 1000 may adjust the heating element 504. For example, the controller 1000 may turn off the heating component or gradually reduce the heat provided by the heatingelement 504 until the temperature reaches the target temperature 1012. Shutting off the heating element 504 or reducing the heating provided by the heating element 504 prior to the temperature of the fluid reaching the target temperature 1012 may prevent overheating of the fluid.

[0070] In some embodiments, the controller 1000, via the temperature circuit 1009, may adjust the operation of the heating element 504 based on an amount of fluid in the kettle 102. For example, the controller 1000 may determine the amount fluid in the kettle 102. In some embodiments, the kettle assembly 100 may include a weight or volume sensor 1014 configured to detect a weight or volume of the fluid in the kettle 102. The weight or volume sensor 1014 may transmit a signal to the controller 1000 indicating the weight or volume of the fluid. The controller 1000 may determine the amount of fluid in the kettle 102 based on the signal received.[00711 As mentioned above, the sensor 1014 may be or include a temperature sensor 1014. The sensor 1014 may be configured to detect a first temperature at a first point in time and a second temperature at a second point in time. For example, the first temperature may be the starting temperature of the fluid (e.g., temperature before actuation of the heating element 504). The second temperature may be the temperature of the fluid after applying heat via the heating component for a predetermined amount of time. For example, the second temperature may be measured after ten seconds of heating. The controller 1000 may receive a first signal indicating the first temperature and a second signal indicating the second signal. The controller 1000 may determine a rate of temperature change of the fluid based on the first temperature and the second temperature. The controller 1000 may estimate an amount of fluid in the kettle 102 based on the rate of temperature change.

[0072] The controller 1000 may adjust the operation of the heating element 504 based on the amount of fluid in the kettle 102. For example, the controller 1000 may have a temperature table 1018 (e.g., a look up table) stored in the memory 1006. The temperature table 1018 may correlate an amount of fluid with a temperature offset. In some embodiments, the controller 1000 may determine a threshold temperature based on the target temperature 1012, the determinedamount of fluid, and the temperature table 1018, and turn off (or otherwise control or adjust) the heating element 504 upon receiving a signal from the sensor 1014 indicating a temperature that meets or exceeds the threshold temperature. In some embodiments, the controller 1000 may gradually reduce power supplied to the kettle assembly, and therefore gradually reduce the heat provided to the fluid via the heating element 504, based on the amount of fluid in the kettle 102.(00731 In some embodiments, the controller 1000, via the temperature circuit 1009, may adjust an operating state of the kettle assembly 100. For example, the controller 1000 may modulate the kettle assembly 100 between an off or standby state, a heating state, and a keep- warm state. For example, prior to receiving an input indicating a target temperature, the kettle assembly 100 may be in a standby state. In the standby state, power may be provided to the kettle assembly 100, but the heating element 504 may not be activated. For example, sounds and light may be emitted, but the heating element 504 may be off. Responsive to receiving an input indicating a target temperature, the controller 1000 may cause the kettle assembly 100 to be in the heating state and actuate the heating element 504 to start heating the fluid. Upon the temperature of the fluid reaching the target temperature 1012, the controller 1000 may cause the kettle assembly 100 to be in the keep- warm state to maintain the fluid at a temperature that meets or exceeds the target temperature 1012. The keep- warm state can be a form of the heating state, but can include controlling the heating element 504 differently than in the heating state when heating from an initial temperature to a target temperature 1012. For example, in the keep- warm state, the controller 1000 can adjust the heat output to maintain the fluid temperature within a predefined temperature range of the target temperature. The controller 1000 may provide a constant or substantially constant lower heat output than when in the heating state or may switch the heating element 504 between an on and off position based on temperature fluctuation of the fluid (e.g., turn the heating element 504 off when the fluid temperature is at the target temperature or threshold temperature, then turn the heating element 504 back on when the fluid temperature falls below a predetermined temperature relative to the target temperature or threshold). The controller 1000 may hold the kettle assembly 100 in the keep- warm state for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., ten minutes, twenty minutes, forty minutes, less than one-hour, etc.). Thecontroller 1000 may automatically return the kettle assembly 100 to the standby state at the end of the predetermined amount of time.

[0074] In some embodiments, the controller 1000 may be configured to pause and then resume an operating state after the kettle 102 is removed from the base 104 and subsequently placed back on the base 104. For example, the kettle 102 may be in a heating state or a keep- warm state. A user may remove the kettle 102 and drain some heated fluid from the kettle 102 for use. Responsive to detecting that the kettle 102 is removed from the base 104, the controller 1000 may temporarily stop the heating state or the keep-warm state and return to a standby state. Subsequently, the controller 1000 may detect that the kettle has returned to the base 104, and the controller 1000 may resume the keep- warm state or the heating state. For example, the controller 1000 may be in a keep- warm state to keep the fluid at a target temperature 1012. The controller 1000 may detect the kettle 102 is removed from the base 104 and commence a standby state. Responsive to detecting the kettle 102 is returned to the base 104, the controller 1000 may determine a temperature of the fluid in the kettle 102. The controller 1000 may resume the keepwarm state when the temperature of the fluid in the kettle is within a predetermined value (e.g., predefined number of degrees) from the target temperature 1012. For example, the controller 1000 may resume the keep-warm state if the fluid is within five degrees of the target temperature 1012. The controller 1000 may initiate a heating state if the fluid is not within the predetermined number of degrees (e.g., is more than 5 degrees below the target temperature 1012).

[0075] The controller 1000 may detect the removal or return of the kettle 102 to the base 104 via various forms of detection. For example, the kettle assembly 100 may include at least one sensor 1014 configured to detect the removal or return of the kettle 102 to the base 104. For example, the sensor 1014 may be or include a weight sensor 1014. The weight sensor 1014 may detect the weight of the kettle 102 with the kettle 102 disposed in the base 104. The weight sensor 1014 may transmit a signal to the controller 1000 indicating the weight. The controller 1000 may determine the kettle 102 is in the base 104 based on the weight. In some embodiments, a sensor 1014 may be configured to detect engagement between the kettle engagement element 402 and the base engagement element 904. For example, the sensor 1014 may be configured to detectwhen the kettle engagement element 402 is connected with or interfaces with the base engagement element 904. The sensor 1014 may transmit a signal to the controller 1000 indicating the connection. The controller 1000 may determine the kettle 102 is in the base 104 based on the signal. In some embodiments, the sensor 1014 may be an infrared sensor 1014. The infrared sensor 1014 may be configured to identify when an object (e.g., the kettle 102) is disposed in the base 104. The infrared sensor 1014 may transmit a signal to the controller 1000 indicating the detection of the object. The controller 1000 may determine the kettle 102 is in the base 104 based on the detection of the object. In some embodiments, the sensor 1014 may be or include magnets that combine to form a circuit. For example, the circuit may be broken or opened when the kettle 102 is removed from the base 104 and may be closed when the kettle 102 is positioned in the base 104. The sensor 1014 may detect when the circuit is open and closed. The sensor 1014 may transmit a signal to the controller 1000 indicating whether the circuit is open or closed. The controller 1000 may determine the kettle 102 is in the base 104 based on whether the circuit is open or closed.

[0076] The controller 1000 may include at least one audio circuit 1020. The audio circuit 1020 may be configured to control audio indicators 1022 provided via the audio system 917 (e.g., speaker 918) of the kettle assembly 100. Audio indicators 1022 may be stored in the memory 1006 of the controller 1000. In some embodiments, audio indicators 1022 may be provided by the user device 1008. For example, the user may select audio indicators 1022 via the user device 1008. The controller 1000 may apply the operation instructions and incorporate the selected audio indicators 1022 from the user device 1008. Audio indicators may include, for example, music, non-musical sounds (e.g., rain, waves, rainforest), guided meditation, alerts or alarms, among others. In some embodiments, the operation instructions 1016 in the memory 1006 may indicate when to provide certain audio indicators. For example, the operation instructions 1016 may cause the audio circuit 1020 to provide a first audio indicator 1022 when a heating cycle begins (e.g., play relaxation music during the heating cycle), provide a second indicator when the fluid reaches a target temperature 1012 (e.g., sound a chime or soft tone to indicate the target temperature 1012 has been reached), and / or provide a third indicator when the fluid begins toboil (e.g., play a different sound during boiling cycle). Transitioning between the audio indicators 1022 may create a soothing environment while also indicating the status of the fluid or the operating state of the kettle assembly 100.

[0077] In some embodiments, the audio circuit 1020 of the controller 1000 may automatically adjust a volume of an audio indicator 1022. The audio circuit 1020 may adjust the volume based on how much noise the kettle will make during the heating state or when the fluid is boiling. For example, the noise made by the kettle 102 may be based on the amount of fluid in the kettle 102. The audio circuit 1020 may adjust the volume of the audio indicator 1022 based on the amount of fluid in the kettle 102. In some embodiments, the audio circuit 1020 may adjust the volume of the audio indicator 1022 based on an operating state. For example, the volume may be lower during the keep-warm state than during the heating state. Adjusting the volume may create a soothing environment while also ensuring that the audio indicators 1022 are audible during each operating state of the kettle assembly 100.

[0078] The controller 1000 may include at least one lighting circuit 1024. The lighting circuit 1024 may be configured to control the lighting component 506 of the kettle assembly 100. For example, the operation instructions 1016 may indicate how to control the lighting component 506. The controller 1000 may activate the lighting component 506 based on the operation instructions 1016. For example, the instructions may indicate that the controller 1000 can cause the lights 508 of the lighting component 506 to illuminate differently for different operating states. For example, the controller 1000 can cause the lights 508 to cycle through various chosen or predefined colors during the heating state. The controller 1000 can cause the lights to smoothly transition between colors. The controller 1000 can cause the lights 508 to remain a constant color during the keep- warm state. In some embodiments, all the lights 508 of the lighting component 506 may emit the same color. In some embodiments, the lights 508 may emit different colors. For example, the color of a first light 508 may be independent of a color of a second light 508.

[0079] In some embodiments, the user can configure the operation instructions 1016. For example, via the user application 1010 of the user device 1008, the user may indicate which lights to illuminate and when, which colors the lights can display and when, and which audio indicators 1022 to play and when.10080] Referring to FIG. 11 , an example method 1100 of controlling operation of the kettle assembly 100 is shown. Method 1100 may include receiving an input indicative of a target temperature 1012 (step 1102). For example, a controller 1000 of the kettle assembly 100 can receive an input from a user. The controller 1000 may receive the input via the display 910 of the kettle assembly 100 or via a user device 1008. For example, the kettle assembly 100 may be communicatively and operatively coupled with an external device (e.g., the user device 1008) via Wi-Fi®, a Bluetooth® or other a short-range communication channel (e.g., NFC, etc.), and / or a different communication protocol, such that information can be transmitted between the kettle assembly 100 and the external device. The user application 1010 may be associated with or linked to the kettle assembly 100 such that the user can provide inputs regarding the operation of the kettle assembly 100 (e.g., via a pairing process or other process to pair the user application with the kettle assembly 100).

[0081] Method 1100 may include determining a threshold temperature (step 1104). The controller 1000 may adjust an operation of the heating element 504 when the fluid temperature reaches the threshold temperature rather than the target temperature 1012 to prevent overheating or underheating the fluid. The threshold temperature may be based on a predetermined temperature offset or may be based on a quantity of the fluid. For example, in some embodiments, the operation instructions 1016 of the controller 1000 may indicate a predetermined temperature offset. The controller 1000 may subtract the temperature offset from the target temperature 1012 to determine the threshold temperature.

[0082] In some embodiments, the controller 1000 may determine the quantity of the fluid to determine the threshold temperature. For example, method 1100 may include the controller 1000 receiving a first signal indicating an initial fluid temperature (step 1106) and receiving a secondsignal indicating a subsequent fluid temperature (step 1108). The controller 1000 may receive the signals from a sensor 1014. The subsequent fluid temperature may be the fluid temperature after a predetermined amount of time. For example, the subsequent fluid temperature may be the fluid temperature after heating the fluid for the predetermined amount of time (e.g., ten seconds).

[0083] Method 1100 may include the controller 1000 determining a rate of temperature change based on the initial fluid temperature and the subsequent fluid temperature (step 1110). Method 1100 may include the controller 1000 determining a quantity of the fluid based on the rate of temperature change (step 1112). With the quantity of the fluid, the controller 1000 may determine the threshold temperature. For example, step 1104 may include the controller 1000 accessing a temperature table 1018 and determining a threshold temperature that corresponds with the quantity of fluid.

[0084] Method 1100 may include the controller 1000 initiating operation of a heating element 504 (step 1114). Initiating the heating element 504 may activate a heating operation of the kettle assembly 100 to increase a fluid temperature of the fluid to the target temperature 1012. During the heating operation, a sensor 1014 of the kettle assembly 100 may be configured to detect the fluid temperature of the fluid in the kettle 102.

[0085] Method 1100 may include the controller 1000 receiving a signal indicating the fluid temperature (step 1116). For example, the controller 1000 may receive the signal from the sensor 1014. Step 1116 may include the controller 1000 comparing the fluid temperature with the threshold temperature and determining the fluid temperature meets or exceeds the threshold temperature.[0086| Method 1100 may include the controller 1000 adjusting an operation of the heating element 504 (step 1118). The controller 1000 may adjust the operation of the heating element 504 responsive to the fluid temperature relative to the threshold temperature. In some embodiments, the controller 1000 may turn off the heating element 504. In some embodiments, the controller 1000 may gradually reduce power thereby reducing the emitted heat from the heating element 504 (e.g., reduce a current and / or voltage supplied to the resistive heatingelement 504). For example, the controller 1000 may reduce the power proportionally based on the quantity of the fluid. For example, with a first amount of fluid, the controller 1000 may reduce the power at a first rate (e.g., X watts / second). With a second amount of fluid that is less than the first amount of fluid, the controller 1000 may reduce the power at a second rate (e.g., Y watts / second). The second rate may be greater than the first rate since the rate of temperature change of a greater amount of fluid is lower than a rate of temperature change of a lesser amount of fluid. Constant control and adjustment of the power output can facilitate precise temperature control of the fluid temperature and can improve efficiency of the kettle assembly 100 by not having to constantly operate at full capacity. Such control can prevent, substantially prevent, or attempt to prevent overshooting or undershooting the target temperature 1012.

[0087] Method 1100 may include the controller 1000 determining that or receiving an indication that the fluid temperature meets or exceeds the target temperature 1012 (step 1120). In this regard, after adjusting the operation of the heating element 504, the fluid temperature may continue to rise to the target temperature 1012 due to temperature hysteresis (i.e., the act of supplying heat causes the fluid to initially heat up and continue to heat up after the providing of heat is ceased or turned down due to a lag / delay in the heat provided by the heating element 504 affecting the fluid temperature). A temperature sensor 1014 can detect the fluid temperature and transmit a signal to the controller 1000 indicating the fluid temperature. The temperature sensor 1014 can send signals at predefined time intervals, continuously, and / or at another pattern / cadence. The controller 1000 can determine the fluid temperature meets or exceeds the target temperature 1012 based on the received information from the temperature sensor 1014. In one embodiment, the controller 1000 analyzes a signal temperature sensor reading relative to the temperature threshold. In another embodiment, the controller 1000 determines a representative sample of temperature sensor 1014 readings / measurements relative to the temperature threshold (e.g., an average over a predefined amount of a time, a maximum over the predefined amount of time, a median over the predefined amount of time, etc.).

[0088] Method 1100 may include the controller 1000 activating a keep- warm operation (step 1122). For example, responsive to the fluid temperature meeting or exceeding the targettemperature 1012, the controller 1000 may initiate or adjust operation of the heating element 504 to maintain or substantially maintain the fluid temperature at the target temperature 1012 (e.g., within a predefined value of the target temperature 1012, such as within three degrees or five degrees Fahrenheit).

[0089] Referring now to FIG. 12, a method 1200 of controlling operation of the kettle assembly 100 is shown, according to an example embodiment. Method 1200 may be a part of method 1100 or may be a separate method of operation for the kettle assembly 100.

[0090] Method 1200 may include the controller 1000 determining that the kettle 102 of the kettle assembly 100 is removed from the base 104 (step 1202). For example, the kettle assembly 100 may include a sensor 1014. The sensor 1014 may be configured to detect the presence of the kettle 102 in the base 104. For example, the sensor 1014 may be a pressure sensor 1014. The sensor 1014 may transmit a signal to the controller 1000 indicating the kettle 102 is not disposed in the base 104 (e.g., based on a pressure reading that is below a predefined value (which can indicate a presence of gravity but not of a mass of the kettle 102)). The controller 1000 may determine that the kettle 102 of the kettle assembly 100 is removed from the base 104 based on the signal received from the sensor 1014.

[0091] Method 1200 may include the controller 1000 ceasing, at least temporarily, operation of at least one component of the kettle assembly 100 (step 1204). The controller 1000 may cease the operation of the at least one component responsive to the kettle 102 being removed from the base 104. The controller 1000 may cease operation of the at least one of the heating element 504, the display 910, the lighting component 506, the speaker 918, or the sensor 1014. The controller 1000 may maintain the cessation of the operation of the at least one component / system during the duration of time that the kettle 102 is removed from the base 104.[0092| Method 1200 may include the controller 1000 determining that the kettle 102 of the kettle assembly 100 is returned to the base 104 (step 1206). For example, the sensor 1014 may transmit a signal to the controller 1000 indicating the kettle 102 is disposed in the base 104. For example, the sensor 1014 may be or include a weight sensor 1014. The weight sensor 1014 may detect theweight of the kettle 102 with the kettle 102 disposed in the base 104. The weight sensor 1014 may transmit a signal to the controller 1000 indicating the weight. The controller 1000 may determine the kettle 102 is in the base 104 based on the weight. In some embodiments, a sensor 1014 may be configured to detect engagement between the kettle engagement element 402 and the base engagement element 904. For example, the sensor 1014 may be configured to detect when the kettle engagement element 402 is connected with or interfaces with the base engagement element 904. The sensor 1014 may transmit a signal to the controller 1000 indicating the connection. The controller 1000 may determine the kettle 102 is in the base 104 based on the signal. In some embodiments, the sensor 1014 may be an infrared sensor 1014. The infrared sensor 1014 may be configured to identify when an object (e.g., the kettle 102) is disposed in the base 104. The infrared sensor 1014 may transmit a signal to the controller 1000 indicating the detection of the object. The controller 1000 may determine the kettle 102 is in the base 104 based on the detection of the object. In some embodiments, the sensor 1014 may be or include magnets that combine to form a circuit. For example, the circuit may be broken or opened when the kettle 102 is removed from the base 104 and may be closed when the kettle 102 is positioned in the base 104. The sensor 1014 may detect when the circuit is open and closed. The sensor 1014 may transmit a signal to the controller 1000 indicating whether the circuit is open or closed. The controller 1000 may determine the kettle 102 is in the base 104 based on whether the circuit is open or closed.|0093] Method 1200 may include the controller 1000 determining an updated and / or changed fluid temperature (step 1208) (e.g., a second fluid temperature subsequent to an initial / first temperature determined immediately before removal of the kettle 102). For example, the sensor 1014 may include at least one temperature sensor. 1014The at least one temperature sensor 1014 may be configured to detect the updated fluid temperature after the kettle 102 is returned to the base 104. The sensor 1014 may transmit a signal to the controller 1000 indicating the updated / changed / second fluid temperature. The controller 1000 may determine the updated fluid temperature based on the signal received from the sensor 1014.

[0094] Method 1200 may include the controller 1000 initiating an updated operation (step 1210) for the kettle assembly 100. For example, the controller 1000 may initiate the updated operation responsive to the kettle 102 being returned to the base 104. The updated operation may be based on whether the updated fluid temperature is within a predetermined range of the target temperature 1012 and / or the initial temperature (the fluid temperature before the kettle 102 was removed). For example, method 1200 may include the controller 1000 determining whether the updated fluid temperature is within a predetermined range from the target temperature 1012 (step 1212). The predetermined range may be stored in the memory 1006 of the controller 1000. If the updated fluid temperature is within the range, method 1200 may include resuming the keepwarm operation (step 1214) (e.g., the updated operation is the keep-warm operation). If the updated fluid temperature is not within the range, method 1200 may include initiating a default operation (step 1216) (e.g., the updated operation is the default operation). In some embodiments, the default operation may be a stand-by mode wherein the heating element 504 is turned off (e.g., the fluid is no longer being heated). In some embodiments, the default operation may be a heating operation to reheat the fluid to the target temperature 1012.

[0095] In some embodiments, the updated operation may be based on how long the kettle 102 was removed from the base 104. For example, method 1200 may include the controller 1000 determining whether the kettle 102 was removed from the base 104 for a predetermined amount of time (step 1218). The predetermined amount of time may be stored in the memory 1006 of the controller 1000. If the amount of time is below the predetermined amount of time, method 1200 may include resuming the keep-warm operation (step 1220) (e.g., the updated operation is the keep- warm operation). If the amount of time is at or above the predetermined amount of time, method 1200 may include initiating a heating operation (step 1222) (e.g., the updated operation is the heating operation).

[0096] Referring now to FIG. 13, another method 1300 for controlling operation of the kettle assembly 100 is shown, according to an example embodiment. Method 1300 may be used to activate and control the audio system 917 of the kettle assembly 100. The audio system 917 can provide music, sounds, instructions, tones, etc. that can create a soothing environment, andcontrol of the audio system 917 can ensure that such audio indicators 1022 are provided at desired times and are audible. For example, certain audio indicators 1022 can be played at or during specific operating states, and the volume of such audio indicators 1022 can be controlled to ensure that the audio indicators 1022 can be heard over noise made by the kettle assembly 100 or other external factors.(00971 The controller 1000 may be configured to control the audio indicators 1022 of the kettle assembly 100. In some embodiments, the audio indicators 1022 may indicate different operations of the kettle assembly 100, different stages of the operations, and / or other information regarding the kettle assembly 100 (e.g., a detected error in operation of the kettle assembly 100 such as the kettle 102 not correctly seated / engaged with the base 104). For example, method 1300 may include the controller 1000 initiating a heating operation (step 1302). Initiating the heating operation may include activating the heating element 504. The heating operation can cause the fluid temperature of the fluid in the kettle 102 to increase.

[0098] Method 1300 may include providing a first audio indicator 1022 (step 1304). The first audio indicator 1022 may indicate a first stage of the heating operation. For example, the first stage may include a range of fluid temperatures (e.g., before the fluid begins to boil). The first audio indicator 1022 may continue for the duration of the first stage, may repeat intermittently during the first stage, or may play at predetermined times during the first stage. For example, the first audio indicator 1022 may be a relaxing song or a plurality of relaxing songs that play during the first stage. In some embodiments, the first audio indicator may be a beep that plays at predetermined times during the first stage (e.g., at specific temperatures, at the beginning and / or the end of the first stage).

[0099] Method 1300 may include providing a second audio indicator 1022 (step 1306). The second audio indicator 1022 may indicate a second stage of the heating operation. For example, the second stage may include a different range of fluid temperatures or a different state (e.g., fluid is boiling). The second audio indicator 1022 may continue for the duration of the second stage, may repeat intermittently during the second stage, or may play at predetermined timesduring the second stage. In some embodiments, the first audio indicator 1022 and the second audio indicator 1022 may be stored in the memory 1006 of the controller 1000. In some embodiments, at least one of the first audio indicator 1022 or the second audio indicator 1022 may be provided by a user device 1008.

[0100] Method 1300 may include the controller 1000 adjusting a volume of an audio indicator 1022 (step 1308). The controller 1000 may adjust the volume of at least one of the first audio indicator 1022 or the second audio indicator 1022. For example, during the second stage (e.g., during boiling), the controller 1000 may increase the volume of the second audio indicator 1022 to overcome the noise generated by the boiling fluid. The controller 1000 may determine the amount of noise generated by the fluid by estimating the quantity of the fluid. The controller 1000 may adjust the volume of the audio indicator 1022 based on the noise generated by the fluid. Such adjustment of the volume may ensure that the audio indicator 1022 is audible over other noise that is being generated by the kettle assembly 100. For example, boiling water may create a certain amount of noise. The controller 1000 may use a sensor 1014 (e.g., a microphone) to detect a decibel level of the boiling fluid and automatically adjust the volume of the audio indicator 1022 to be above the detected decibel level.

[0101] In some embodiments, the audio settings (e.g., which audio indicators 1022 are played, when the audio indicators 1022 are played, and the volume of the audio indicators 1022) can be adjusted or customized by the user. For example, via the user application 1010 of the user device 1008, the user may select desired audio settings. The user selected settings may be stored in the memory 1006. In some embodiments, only a subset of the audio settings may be customizable by the user to ensure that a certain effect is achieved. For example, a user may be able to select a song to play during the heating cycle, but instructions stored in the memory 1006 may dictate the volume of the song. Any combination of settings may be predetermined or customizable.

[0102] Referring now to FIG. 14, another method 1400 for controlling operation of the kettle assembly 100 is shown, according to an example embodiment. Method 1400 may be used to activate and control the lighting component 506 of the kettle assembly 100. The lightingcomponent 506 can provide different colors, different patterns, and / or different transitions between colors that can create a soothing environment. For example, lights 508 of the lighting component 506 can be illuminated with different colors at or during specific operating states. The light emitted by the lights 508 can be emitted to the environment via the housing body 206 of the kettle 102 to create the soothing environment.

[0103] The controller 1000 may be configured to control a lighting component 506 of the kettle assembly. For example, the controller 1000 can cause the lighting component 506 to perform various lighting sequences. The lighting sequences may be, for example, a smooth or relatively smooth transition between various colors to provide an effect of one color bleeding into a next color, maintenance of a single color, flashes of one or more colors (e.g., blinking lights), among others. In one embodiment, a predefined lighting sequence may indicate various one or more operations or operation states of the kettle assembly 100.

[0104] As mentioned above, the lighting component 506 may have a plurality of lights 508. The lights 508 may be LED lights. In some embodiments, the lights 508 may all display the same color. In some embodiments, the lights 508 may display different colors. For example, each of the lights 508, or a subset of the lights 508, may be independently controlled from the remaining other lights 508. For example, a first light 508 may display a first color that is different than a color displayed by a second light 508. In some embodiments, the controller 1000 may operate the lights 508 in different sequences. For example, the controller 1000 may cause a first light to smoothly transition between colors and cause a second light to maintain a stationary color.

[0105] Method 1400 may include the controller 1000 actuating a heating element 504 to initiate a heating operation to increase a fluid temperature of a fluid (step 1402). Method 1400 may include the controller 1000 initiating a first lighting sequence (step 1404). For example, the controller 1000 may initiate the first lighting sequence to indicate that the heating operation has been actuated. For example, the first lighting sequence may include smoothly transitioning between different colors during the heating operation. Further, the lights may emit colors associated with heat, such as predominately red and orange hues. That way, a user may beprovided with a visual cue of what is happening with the kettle assembly 100 (e.g., heating). Often times, users activate electronic components but may forget they did due, for example, multi-tasking. With the visual cues provided by the lights 508 (e.g., red hues for heating, a solid predefined color that is maintained to indicate the fluid is at the target temperature, a blue hue which may be changing or consistent to indicate a loss of fluid temperature, etc.), a user may readily observe and understand how the kettle assembly 100 is operating without manually inspecting it. This may save time and be appealing to the user.

[0106] Method 1400 may include the controller 1000 adjusting the heating element 504 to initiate a keep- warm operation to maintain the fluid temperature (step 1406). Method 1400 may include the controller initiating a second lighting sequence (step 1408). For example, the controller 1000 may initiate the second lighting sequence to indicate the keep- warm operation. For example, the second lighting sequence may include maintaining a stationary color during the keep-warm operation.

[0107] In some embodiments, the light settings (e.g., which lights 508 are on / illuminated, what colors are displayed, the brightness, how or whether to transition between colors, whether the light will be constant or blink in a certain pattern, etc.) can be adjusted or customized by the user. For example, via the user application 1010 of the user device 1008, the user may select desired light settings. The user selected settings may be stored in the memory 1006. In some embodiments, only a subset of the light settings may be customizable by the user to ensure that a certain effect is achieved. For example, a user may be able to select a color to be displayed during an operating state, but instructions stored in the memory 1006 may dictate how bright the light is and when to transition to a different color. Any combination of settings may be predetermined or customizable.

[0108] The various embodiments of the kettle assembly 100 and the various methods of controlling the kettle assembly 100 as described herein can be applied in any combination to provide a soothing or relaxing environment for a user when preparing a beverage (e.g., tea) via the kettle assembly 100. As an illustrative example, a user can activate the kettle assembly 100 toinitiate a water heating process. At the beginning, the water in the kettle 102 may start at a low, initial temperature. The kettle assembly 100 can initiate a heating operation to increase the water temperature from the initial temperature to a target temperature. During the heating operation, the kettle assembly 100 can provide an audio and / or visual effects to create a soothing environment. For example, the kettle assembly 100 may play music, soothing sounds (e.g., rain), a guided meditation as the water is being heated, etc. Also during the heating operation, the kettle assembly 100 may emit colors through the window portion 207 of the housing body 206 to create the soothing environment. The window portion 207 may comprises a semi-opaque feature / element (e.g., frosted glass or plastic) such that the light is dissipated into the surrounding area and is not too harsh of a light. The light during the heating operation may smoothly transition between different colors.

[0109] Once the water temperature reaches a threshold temperature, which is a temperature below the target temperature, the controller 1000 may adjust (e.g., reduce) the power output of the heating element 504 to prevent or attempt to prevent the overheating of the water. When the water temperature reaches the threshold temperature, the audio indicator 1022 may change (e.g., different song, different volume) and / or the operation of the lighting component 506 may change (e.g., different color, quicker transition between colors) to indicate that a different stage of the heating operation has started.

[0110] When the water temperature reaches the target temperature, the kettle assembly 100 may again change the audio indicator 1022 and / or the operation of the lighting component 506 to indicate the target temperature has been reached. Subsequent to reaching the target temperature, the kettle assembly 100 may automatically enter a keep-warm state to maintain a temperature of the water within a certain range of the target temperature. For example, the controller 1000 may intermittently activate the heating element 504 or keep the heating element 504 active at a lower power output to maintain the target temperature within a predefined range of the target temperature. The kettle assembly 100 may provide specific audio indicators 1022 (e.g., chime sound) or operate the lighting component a specific way (e.g., stationary color) to indicate the keep-warm state.

[0111] The user may remove the kettle 102 from the base 104 at any point during the operation of the kettle assembly 100. Removal of the kettle 102 may not interrupt the sound and / or light operations, but may interrupt the heating operation. For example, with the kettle 102 removed from the base 104, the current lighting operation (e.g., stationary single color) may continue to emit through the window portion 207 of the housing body 206 and the current audio indicator (e.g., rainforest sounds) may continue to play, but the heating element 504 may be turned off. For example, the kettle 102 may include a power storage device (e.g., a battery or capacitor) configured to power the lighting component 506 when the kettle 102 is removed from the base 104. The kettle assembly 100 can adjust the audio and light operations when the kettle 102 is returned to the base 104. For example, if the kettle 102 is returned to the base 104 and the water temperature has dropped below a threshold, the controller 1000 may activate a heating operation and adjust the lights 508 and / or audio indicators 1022 accordingly.

[0112] In some embodiments, the kettle assembly 100 may have predetermined heating, lighting, and / or audio settings stored in the memory 1006 such that minimal user interaction is needed to operate the kettle assembly 100. In other embodiments, either via the display 910 or via a user device 1008, at least some of the heating, lighting, and audio settings may be selectable or customizable by the user. For example, the user may determine which color light and what song to provide during the keep- warm operation. The kettle assembly 100 may include predetermined audio indicators 1022 or the user may be able to select various other audio indicators via other sources. For example, the user may select a song from a library on the user device 1008 or a separate provider application to play during the operation of the kettle assembly 100.

[0113] The term “coupled,” as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. Such members may be coupled mechanically,electrically, and / or fluidly. It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the kettle assembly as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only.Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein.10114] The embodiments of the methods and systems have been described with reference to the drawings. The drawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of the present disclosure. However, describing the methods and systems with drawings should not be construed as imposing on the disclosure any limitations that may be present in the drawings. The embodiments described above contemplate methods, systems and program products stored on any non-transitory machine-readable storage media for accomplishing its operations. The embodiments may be implemented, at least partly, using an existing computer processor, or by a special purpose computer processor incorporated for this or another purpose or by a hardwired system.(0115| Embodiments can include program products comprising non-transitory machine-readable storage media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media may be any available media that may be accessed by a computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable storage media may comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which may be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which may be accessed by a computer with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

[0116] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in the general context of method steps which may be implemented in one embodiment by a program product includingmachine-executable instructions, such as program code, for example in the form of program modules executed by machines in networked environments. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, logics, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Machine-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represent examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps.

[0117] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers having processors. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such network computing environments may encompass many types of computers, including personal computers, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and so on. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0118] An exemplary system for implementing the overall system or portions of the disclosure might include a computer including a processing unit, a system memory or database, and a system bus that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit. The database or system memory may include read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). The database may also include a magnetic hard disk drive for reading from and writing to a magnetic hard disk, a magnetic disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk, and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk such as a CD ROM or other optical media. The drives and their associated machine-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of machine-executableinstructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer. User interfaces, as described herein may include a computer with monitor, keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, joystick or other input devices performing a similar function.

[0119] It should be noted that although the diagrams herein may show a specific order and composition of method steps, it is understood that the order of these steps may differ from what is depicted. For example, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Also, some method steps that are performed as discrete steps may be combined, steps being performed as a combined step may be separated into discrete steps, the sequence of certain processes may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete processes may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any element or apparatus may be varied or substituted according to alternative embodiments. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. It is understood that all such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software and web implementations of the present disclosure could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various database searching steps, correlation steps, comparison steps and decision steps.

[0120] The foregoing description of embodiments of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosed solution. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principals of the disclosed solution and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the disclosed solution in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0121] Throughout the specification, numerous advantages of the exemplary embodiments have been identified. It will be understood of course that it is possible to employ the teachings herein without necessarily achieving the same advantages. Additionally, although many features have been described in the context of a particular data processing unit, it will be appreciated that such features could also be implemented in the context of other hardware configurations.

[0122] As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0123] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0124] The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

[0125] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A kettle, comprising: a housing comprising a housing top, a housing body coupled to the housing top, and a housing base coupled to the housing base and positioned vertically below the housing body, the housing body structured to hold a fluid; and a lighting component disposed in at least one of the housing top or the housing base, the lighting component configured to selectively emit light to illuminate at least a part of the kettle; wherein the housing body includes a window portion that is partially transparent such that light emitted by the lighting component emits through the window portion.

2. The kettle of claim 1, wherein the lighting component comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) light disposed in the housing base, the at least one LED light angled at least partially inward toward a center of the housing base.

3. The kettle of claim 2, wherein the at least one LED light is structured as a plurality of LED lights, and wherein the plurality of LED lights are arranged in a ring shape such that the plurality of LED lights at least partially surround the housing body.

4. The kettle of claim 3, further comprising a heating element disposed in the housing base, wherein the plurality of LED lights extends circumferentially around the heating element.

5. The kettle of claim 1, wherein the lighting component comprises a plurality of lights, wherein at least one light in the plurality of lights is structured to emit a different color light relative to at least one other light in the plurality of lights.

6. The kettle of claim 1 , wherein the window portion of the housing body comprises frosted glass.

7. A kettle assembly, comprising: a kettle including: a housing body comprising a window portion, the window portion being at least partly semi-opaque; a lighting component provided in the kettle, the lighting component structured to selectively emit light through the window portion; and a heating component to selectively heat a fluid disposed in the housing body; a base defining a receptacle to selectively receive at least a portion of the kettle, the base comprising at least one speaker; and a controller disposed in at least one of the kettle or the base, the controller configured to control operation of at least one of the lighting component, the heating component, or the at least one speaker based on operation of the kettle assembly.

8. The kettle assembly of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to: receive an input indicative of a target temperature for the fluid disposed in the housing body; determine a threshold temperature based on the target temperature, the threshold temperature being less than the target temperature; initiate operation of the heating component to increase a fluid temperature of the fluid to the target temperature; receive a signal indicative of the fluid temperature, the fluid temperature meeting or exceeding the threshold temperature; and responsive to the fluid temperature meeting or exceeding the threshold temperature, one of reduce a heat output from the heating component or cease the operation of the heating component.

9. The kettle assembly of claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured to: receive a first signal indicative of an initial fluid temperature of the fluid disposed in the housing body;receive, after a predetermined amount of time, a second signal indicative of a subsequent fluid temperature of the fluid; determine a rate of temperature change based on the initial fluid temperature and the subsequent fluid temperature; determine a quantity of the fluid based on the rate of temperature change; and determine the threshold temperature based on the quantity of the fluid.

10. The kettle assembly of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to: receive an input indicative of a target temperature; activate a heating operation to increase a fluid temperature of the fluid to the target temperature; determine the fluid temperature meets or exceeds the target temperature; and responsive to the target temperature meeting or exceeding to the target temperature, activate a keep-warm operation to maintain the fluid temperature within a predefined range of the target temperature.

11. The kettle assembly of claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured to: detect the kettle is removed from the base; temporarily cease operation of at least one component of the kettle assembly; detect the kettle is returned to the base; responsive to detecting the kettle is returned to the base, determine an updated fluid temperature of the fluid; and initiate an updated operation based on the updated fluid temperature.

12. The kettle assembly of claim 11, wherein in response to the updated fluid temperature being within a predetermined range of the target temperature, the updated operation is the keepwarm operation, wherein the fluid temperature is maintained within the predetermined range of the target temperature.

13. The kettle assembly of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to: initiate a heating operation to cause a fluid temperature of the fluid to increase relative to an initial temperature of the fluid; provide a first audio indicator to indicate a first stage of the heating operation; and provide a second audio indicator to indicate a second stage of the heating operation, the second stage comprising the fluid temperature at or proximate to a target fluid temperature.

14. The kettle assembly of claim 13, wherein the controller is further configured to adjust a volume of the first audio indicator or the second audio indicator based on a determined quantity of the fluid.

15. The kettle assembly of claim 13, wherein the first audio indicator and the second audio indicator are received from a remote user device.

16. The kettle assembly of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to: activate the heating component to initiate a heating operation to increase a fluid temperature of the fluid; initiate a first lighting sequence via the lighting component to indicate the heating operation; adjust the heating operation to initiate a keep- warm operation to substantially maintain the fluid temperature; and initiate a second lighting sequence via the lighting component to indicate the adjusted heating operation, the second lighting sequence differing from the first lighting sequence.

17. The kettle assembly of claim 16, wherein: the first lighting sequence includes transitioning between different colors; and the second lighting sequence includes maintaining at least one color for a predefined amount of time.

18. The kettle assembly of claim 17, wherein the lighting component comprises a plurality of LED lights, wherein a color displayed by a first light of the plurality of LED lights is independent from a color displayed by a second light of the plurality of LED lights.

19. A method of operating a kettle assembly, the method comprising: receiving an input regarding a target temperature for a fluid disposed in a kettle of the kettle assembly; determining a threshold temperature based on the target temperature, the threshold temperature being less than the target temperature; initiating an operation of a heating component to increase a fluid temperature of the fluid to the target temperature; receiving a signal indicative of the fluid temperature, the fluid temperature corresponding to the threshold temperature; and responsive to the fluid temperature corresponding to the threshold temperature, adjusting the operation of the heating component.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: receiving a first signal indicative of an initial fluid temperature of the fluid disposed in the kettle; receiving, after a predetermined amount of time, a second signal indicative of a subsequent fluid temperature of the fluid; determining a rate of temperature change based on the initial fluid temperature and the subsequent fluid temperature; determining a quantity of the fluid based on the rate of temperature change; and determining the threshold temperature based on the quantity of the fluid.

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