WO2007125559A1

WO2007125559A1 - Kitchen utensil, such as a coffee-maker or a pan, with reversible thermochromatic decorations

Info

Publication number: WO2007125559A1
Application number: PCT/IT2007/000094
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mario Rossi
Original assignee: Bialetti Industrie SpA
Current assignee: Bialetti Industrie SpA
Priority date: 2006-04-28
Filing date: 2007-02-14
Publication date: 2007-11-08
Anticipated expiration: 2008-10-28
Also published as: WO2007125552A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a kitchen utensil, such as a coffee-maker or a pan, with reversible thermochromatic decorations. In particular, the coffee- maker comprises a lid (10) having a decorative pattern (20) arranged on the outside surface of the lid, having a reversibly variable aesthetic appearance according to the temperature effective on said decorative pattern.

Description

DESCRIPTION "Kitchen utensil, such as a coffee-maker or a pan, with reversible thermochromatic decorations" [0001]. The present invention relates to a kitchen utensil, such as a coffee-maker or a pan, with reversible thermochromatic decorations. In particular, the present invention relates to a kitchen utensil, such as a coffee-maker or a pan, provided with a lid having reversible thermo-sensitive decorations, that is, decorations reversibly sensitive to temperature .

[0002]. Several embodiments of kitchen utensils with reversible thermochromatic decorations exist. [0003]. For example, an embodiment is shown in document EP 1121576.

[0004]. However, such embodiment exhibits some disadvantages. The habit of most users is to fill the container of the kitchen utensil with the food to be cooked, place the container on the stove, place the lid on the container and proceed to heating.

[0005]. Let's take the example of when fried food is prepared: generally, oil is poured into the container, the container is placed on the stove, a cover is placed on the container and oil is heated until it is deemed as ready for frying; at that point, the food to be fried is poured into the oil and often the lid is placed on the container again to prevent splashes.

[0006]. By using the pan described in the document mentioned above, it is very difficult to understand whether the ideal temperature for cooking has been reached, since the thermo-sensitive decoration is located on the bottom of the container, covered by the food itself. This implies a distortion of the colour taken by the decoration based on the temperature, depending on the type of food that covers the decoration, or the complete impossibility of observing the decoration, hidden by the food.

[0007]. The object of the present invention is to make the view of the thermo-sensitive decoration especially easy to the user.

[0008]. Such object is achieved by a lid according to claim 1. The dependent claims thereof describe embodiment variants . [0009], The features and advantages of the lid according to the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description, made by way of an indicative and non-limiting example with reference to the annexed figures, wherein: [0010]. - figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first kitchen utensil, that is, a coffee-maker, provided with a lid according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a cold configuration;

[0011]. - figure 2 shows the kitchen utensil of figure 1 in a hot configuration; [0012]. - figure 3 shows a perspective view of a further kitchen utensil, that is, a pan, provided with a lid according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a cold configuration; and

[0013], - figure 4 shows the cooking pan of figure 3 in a hot configuration;

[0014]. - figures 5 and 6 show further embodiment variations of coffee-makers according to the present invention.

[0015]. For clarity of description, reference shall first be made to a coffee-maker as kitchen utensil (figures 1 and 2, 5 and 6) .

[0016]. With reference to the annexed figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a coffee-maker for making coffee. [0017]. Coffee-maker 1 comprises a reservoir 2 suitable for containing the preparation liquid, generally water, and suitable for being heated by a heat source, like a gas stove, an electrical resistance plate, a pyroceram plate or an induction plate. [0018]. Reservoir 2 comprises a substantially flat bottom, intended for being placed in contact with the heat source, and a side wall 4 that extends from the bottom and delimiting, at the end opposite the bottom, an insertion opening. [0019]. Coffee-maker 1 further comprises a filter suitable for being inserted in the insertion opening of the reservoir and suitable for containing powder coffee. [0020]. Moreover, coffee-maker 1 comprises a container 6 suitable for being connected to reservoir 2 so as to surmount it, for example screwing thereto.

[0021]. Container 6 comprises an annular reservoir wall 8 which extends between a bottom portion 8a, intended for the connection to reservoir 2, and an upper edge 8b which delimits an access opening to the inside space of the container.

[0022], The inside space, when the container is mounted on the reservoir, is in fluid communication with reservoir 2, through the filter. [0023]. For example, container 6 internally comprises a pipe which protrudes from the bottom of the container, provided with a through inside duct, suitable for placing the reservoir in fluid communication with the container. [0024]^, The pipe extends from the container in a rectilinear manner, for example in central position relative to the inside space of the container, preferably up to the height of the upper edge 8b of the container itself.

[0025]. Moreover, coffee-maker 1 comprises a lid 10 suitable for being superimposed to the container for covering the inside space, generally leaving only one opening 12 free for pouring the coffee and letting the hot coffee steam out.

[0026]. The lid exhibits a peripheral annular edge 14 intended for coupling with shape coupling to the upper edge 8b of the container.

[0027]. Preferably, the coffee-maker comprises a knob 16, arranged for example centrally to lid 10 and connected therewith for opening and/or closing it. [0028]. Preferably, lid 10 is hinged to container 6; for example, the peripheral edge 14 of lid 10 is hinged to the upper edge 8b of container 6.

[0029]. Lid 10 of coffee-maker 1 further comprises a first decorative pattern 20, having its own aesthetic appearance. [0030]. In particular, the aesthetic appearance of the decorative pattern 20 is imparted by a shape, that is, the set of lines that define the representation, and/or by a chromatic appearance, that is, by the colour or by the colours that such representation highlights. [0031]. For lid 10, the aesthetic appearance of the first decorative pattern 20 is variable according to the temperature effective on such decorative pattern. [0032]. In other words, as the effective temperature perceived by the decorative pattern 20 varies, the aesthetic appearance thereof varies, changing the shape of the decorative pattern and/or the colour thereof. [0033]. For example, said decorative pattern 20 is obtained by a reversible thermo-sensitive coat, suitable for changing its colour based on the temperature effective thereon.

[0034]. The decorative pattern 20 of lid 10 extends on the outside surface thereof, that is, on the surface that remains visible once the cover has been placed on the container . [0035]. According to a preferred embodiment, lid 10 comprises an underlying decorative pattern 22, at least partly obtained below the first decorative pattern 20. In other words, the underlying decorative pattern 22 is at least partly covered by the first decorative pattern 20. In said embodiment, the first decorative pattern 20 is obtained by a reversible thermo-sensitive coat suitable for becoming transparent when affected by a temperature higher than a threshold temperature. [0036]^, In other words, in a hot configuration of the lid, wherein said effective temperature is higher than said threshold temperature, the first decorative pattern

20 is substantially transparent, so as to make the underlying decorative pattern 22 visible.

[0037]. Preferably, moreover, in a cold configuration of the utensil, wherein said effective temperature is lower than the threshold temperature, said first decorative pattern 20 is opaque, so as to hide the underlying decorative pattern 22 to the eyes of a user.

[0038]. Preferably, said thermo-sensitive coats exhibit a threshold temperature, in jargon often called colour change temperature, variable between 50⁰C and 80⁰C, preferably between 60⁰C and 70⁰C, even more preferably of about 65⁰C.

[0039]. According to the exemplifying embodiment illustrated in the annexed figures, the first decorative pattern comprises the representation of a lobed annular decoration that surrounds the point of connection of the knob to the lid, black coloured.

[0040]. The underlying decorative pattern 22 on the other hand comprises the representation of a lobed annular decoration, red coloured, of such dimensions as to be covered by the first decorative pattern.

[0041]. In the cold configuration, the first decorative pattern 20 is opaque and only the black decoration is visible (figure 1) . In the hot configuration, the first decorative pattern 20 is transparent, and so the underling decorative pattern 22, that is the red decoration, is visible.

[0042]. When the influence of the heat source ends, the temperature effective on the first decorative pattern 20 decreases so that, dropping below the threshold temperature, the first decorative pattern 20 is visible again and hides the underlying decorative pattern 22. For such reason, the thermo-sensitive coating is called "reversible" .

[0043]. According to a preferred embodiment, moreover, the lid comprises a protective coat layer, placed in contact with the outside environment. In particular, the protective coat layer covers the first decorative pattern 20 and the underlying decorative pattern 22.

[0044]. Advantageously, the thermo-sensitive decoration located on the coffee-maker lid is especially sensitive to temperature variations, and in particular easily detects the dispensing of coffee and hot steam from the pipe inside the container, whose liquid outlet openings are close to the inside surface of the lid. [0045]. According to an embodiment variation, the outside surface of the lid is covered with a base coat layer, located below the underlying decorative pattern. [0046]. In accordance with a further embodiment, the kitchen utensil is a pan 100 and lid 110 is suitable for being associated to container 106 of the pan (figures 3 and 4) .

[0047]. Lid 110 of pan 100 comprises a first decorative pattern 120 and an underlying decorative pattern 122.

[0048]. Innovatively, the lid according to the present invention is provided with a reversible thermo-sensitive decoration clearly visible to the user when the utensil is being used and in particular when the lid is arranged on the container.

[0049]. In a variation of embodiment, the first decorative pattern 20, 120 comprises a plurality of spaced bands, each band made with a different coat, so that such bands become transparent at different values of the threshold temperature. In this way, it is possible to have an indication also of a plurality of effective temperatures reached.

[0050]. In a further variation of embodiment, the first decorative pattern 20, 120 comprises a plurality of layers having different colours and different threshold temperature, so as to become transparent at different values of the temperature reached.

[0051]^, In an even further variation of embodiment, the underlying decorative pattern 22, 122 comprises a plurality of layers having different colours. [0052]. In a variation of embodiment, the underlying decorative pattern 22, 122 consists of the same base coating layer, for example made in red colour, covered by the first decorative pattern, consisting in a coat layer that fully covers the base coat layer.

[0053]. In yet an even further variation of embodiment, the underlying decorative pattern consists of the same outside surface as the lid, for example having the usual colour of aluminium, of steel or of a further material used, covered by the first decorative pattern 20, 120, consisting in a coat layer that covers a portion of the outside surface of the lid.

[0054]. In a further variation, the first decorative pattern 20, 120, below the threshold temperature, exhibits identical colour as the underlying decorative pattern 22, 122, that is of the base coating, so above the threshold temperature, the underlying decorative pattern differing from the first decorative layer in the shape only, appears. [0055]. According to a further advantageous aspect, the lid according to the present invention allows observing a variation of the temperature while cooking or making coffee. [0056]. For example, the stove flame may be adjusted so as to be too weak. While cooking or making coffee, the temperature could drop and good cooking or making a good coffee would be impaired by the fact of having been carried out at too low a temperature. On the other hand, using the lid according to the present invention the user can detect from the appearance of the decorative pattern, that the temperature is too low and can remedy, for example by increasing the flame.

[0057]. According to a further advantageous aspect, the lid according to the present invention allows detecting whether there is an abnormal operation of the heat source, for example if the gas has switched off, since such anomaly causes a decrease of the temperature, detectable also by the appearance of the decorative pattern . [0058]. It is clear that a man skilled in the art can make changes and adjustments to the container according to the present invention in order to meet specific and incidental needs. [0059]. For example, according to a variation of embodiment of the coffee-maker, the decorative pattern is located on the outside surface of the container (figure 5) or on the outside surface of the side surface of the reservoir (figure 6) . [0060]. Also such alternative embodiments are to be regarded as comprised in the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Lid (10, 110) of a kitchen utensil, such as a coffee- maker (1) or a pan (100) , suitable for being associated to a container (6, 106) of said utensil, wherein the lid exhibits an inside surface, facing inwards of the container when the lid is associated to the container, and an outside surface, facing the outside environment ; and wherein the lid comprises a first decorative pattern (20, 120) arranged on the outside surface of the lid, having a reversibly variable aesthetic appearance according to the temperature effective on said decorative pattern.

2. A lid according to claim 1, wherein said first decorative pattern is obtained with a reversible thermo- sensitive coat such that, above a threshold temperature of said coat, said coat is transparent.

3. A lid according to claim 2, wherein said first decorative pattern (20, 120) comprises a plurality of layers, each having its own colour and obtained with a different thermo-sensitive coat to have different threshold temperatures .

4. A lid according to claim 2 or 3, comprising an underlying decorative pattern (22, 122) located below said first decorative pattern (20, 120) .

5. A lid according to claim 4, wherein said underlying decorative pattern (22.122) comprises a plurality of layers, each having its own colour.

6. A lid according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said first decorative pattern (20, 120) comprises a plurality of spaced bands.

7. A lid according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a base coat layer, directly applied to the outside surface, said first decorative pattern being located above said base coat layer.

8. A lid according to claim 7, wherein said first decorative pattern, below the threshold temperature, exhibits identical colour as the base coat layer, and above said threshold temperature, said underlying decorative pattern is visible.

9. A lid according to any one of claims 2 to 8, comprising a protective coat layer that covers said first decorative pattern.

10. A lid according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a knob for gripping and moving the lid, said first decorative pattern being arranged so as to surround the point of connection of the knob to the lid body.

11. A lid according to any one of the previous claims, suitable for being hinged to the utensil container.

12. A coffee-maker for masking coffee comprising a lid (10) made according to any one of the previous claims.

13. A coffee-maker according to claim 12 , comprising a reservoir and the container, said container exhibiting an inside space and surmounting the reservoir, wherein the coffee-maker comprises a pipe provided with a through inside duct suitable for placing the reservoir in fluid communication with the space inside the container for the dispensing of coffee, and wherein the outside surface portion of the lid on which the first decorative pattern is located is close to the openings of the pipe for dispensing the coffee.

14. A cooking pan comprising a lid (100) made in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A coffee-maker for making coffee, comprising: - a reservoir suitable for being arranged on a heat source and for containing liquid for making the coffee; - a container, which surmounts the reservoir, comprising an annular side wall that defines an inside space in fluid communication with the underlying tank; and wherein the coffee-maker comprises a first decorative pattern, arranged on the outside surface of the side wall of the container, having a reversibly variable aesthetic appearance according to the temperature effective on said decorative pattern.

16. A coffee-maker according to claim 15, wherein said first decorative pattern is obtained with a reversible thermo-sensitive coat such that, above a threshold temperature of said coat, said coat is transparent.

17. A coffee-maker for making coffee, comprising: - a reservoir suitable for being arranged on a heat source and for containing liquid for making the coffee, comprising a hole and a side reservoir wall; - a container, which surmounts the reservoir, comprising a side container wall that defines an inside space in fluid communication with the underlying tank; and wherein the coffee-maker comprises a first decorative pattern, arranged on the outside surface of the side wall of the reservoir, having a reversibly variable aesthetic appearance according to the temperature effective on said decorative pattern.

18. A coffee-maker according to claim 17, wherein said first decorative pattern is obtained with a reversible thermo-sensitive coat such that, above a threshold temperature of said coat, said coat is transparent.