Liquid heating vessel with push switch

A liquid heating vessel such as a kettle includes an actuator assembly 800 on a lower portion 19 thereof, the assembly comprising at least one actuator 801 for interfacing with a control 60, wherein the actuator 801 is operable in a linear direction toward the control to switch between operating states. The assembly may include a second actuator 802 concentric with the first such that as actuator 801 is pushed in actuator 802 moves out from body portion 19 (Figure 3). Also disclosed are means for illuminating parts of the vessel and means for sealing parts of the vessel and heating element.

Liquid heating vessel and control

A mechanical actuator assembly for a liquid heating appliance, the assembly may be housed in the appliance sub-base 19 and includes at least one actuator 800 for interfacing with a thermal responsive control 60, wherein the actuator is operable in a linear direction towards the control to switch between operating states. In another aspect, the assembly includes at least two concentric actuators 801, 802 for operating a thermal responsive control, wherein each actuator is operable to operate a different state of the thermal responsive control and wherein movement of the at least two actuators are interlinked. In a further aspect, a means for illuminating a feature on a substantially transparent or translucent body of the vessel is described, comprising projection or diffusion of a light on to an end of the transparent or translucent vessel body.

Appliances and components therefor

Spill inhibiting means for liquid heating vessels

A spill inhibiting apparatus 635i for a liquid heating vessel 1, such as a kettle, comprises at least one channel arranged to allow pouring of liquid from the vessel when the vessel is in a pouring position but to inhibit the flow of liquid from the vessel when the vessel is tipped on its side. Further disclosed are a spill inhibiting apparatus comprising at least two channels, a spill inhibiting apparatus comprising a manifold, a steam chamber 640i and also vessels comprising spill inhibiting apparatus which are disposed to rest with the spout substantially horizontally or substantially facing upward.

Appliances and components therefor

The present application relates to a liquid heating appliance (e.g. a kettle)1b comprising a liquid reservoir 5, a heater 12 for heating liquid in the reservoir and a spout 7 for dispensing liquid from the reservoir. The appliance (1b) further comprising a baffle 730a, located behind the spout for inhibiting or preventing turbulent liquid 735 from spitting and/or ejecting through the spout during heating. The baffle comprises a first surface 765 for deflecting the turbulent liquid towards the back of the reservoir of the appliance and a second surface 747 that extends substantially around and/or along the periphery of the baffle whereby the first surface abuts and/or seals against an inner wall at the front of the liquid reservoir. The liquid to be heated may be water. The appliance may have a reduced height given that less space is necessary above the maximum water level. Other aspects relate to other features of the baffle, steam valve assemblies, and a spill inhibiting apparatus.

Water heating vessel having a valve preventing liquid from being spilt when the vessel is tipped over

A spill inhibiting apparatus for a liquid heating vessel has an aperture 632 to one side thereof for dispensing liquid from the vessel when the vessel is tipped towards the aperture. The apparatus comprises a valve 671 arranged to allow dispensing of the liquid during normal use but to close the aperture when the vessel is accidentally tipped over towards the aperture. The valve is arranged to open the aperture so as to allow venting of the vessel when the vessel is tipped over to one side. A channel 682 may be in fluid communication with the aperture and arranged to allow liquid to flow therethrough during dispensing. The valve may comprise a member 617 movable to close the aperture to prevent liquid from spilling and retention means 623a such as a magnet to retain the member away from the aperture during dispensing. Other aspects relate to other spill inhibiting apparatuses and steam chambers.

Liquid heating vessel having a base through which a heating element can be inserted for assembly

A liquid heating vessel comprises a vessel body 830 having an opening in its base, in which a flange 841a is provided in the proximity of said opening, an element plate 12 having an outwardly extending peripheral lip disposed on its distal end, and a seal 400a for sealing between the element plate 12 and the flange of the vessel body 841. The seal 400a and the element plate 12 are insertable through the flange or opening in the base of the vessel body 830, and said element plate 12 and seal 400a when assembled are supported by the flange 841a. The vessel may comprise a kettle or hot water dispenser. Other aspects of the invention relate to a resilient seal, an actuator assembly and illuminating means for illuminating at least a part of the vessel.