US20070187421A1 - Method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher Download PDFInfo
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- US20070187421A1 US20070187421A1 US11/706,078 US70607807A US2007187421A1 US 20070187421 A1 US20070187421 A1 US 20070187421A1 US 70607807 A US70607807 A US 70607807A US 2007187421 A1 US2007187421 A1 US 2007187421A1
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- flow
- steaming
- pitcher
- steaming pitcher
- fluid
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- 238000010025 steaming Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 191
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 163
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 25
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 claims description 8
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 abstract description 11
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000013353 coffee beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 4
- 235000015114 espresso Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 235000007164 Oryza sativa Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000015115 caffè latte Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000015116 cappuccino Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000013043 chemical agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019219 chocolate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013365 dairy product Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004090 dissolution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000003599 food sweetener Nutrition 0.000 description 1
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- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000020124 milk-based beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
- A47J31/4489—Steam nozzles, e.g. for introducing into a milk container to heat and foam milk
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23C—DAIRY PRODUCTS, e.g. MILK, BUTTER OR CHEESE; MILK OR CHEESE SUBSTITUTES; MAKING THEREOF
- A23C3/00—Preservation of milk or milk preparations
- A23C3/02—Preservation of milk or milk preparations by heating
- A23C3/03—Preservation of milk or milk preparations by heating the materials being loose unpacked
- A23C3/033—Preservation of milk or milk preparations by heating the materials being loose unpacked and progressively transported through the apparatus
- A23C3/037—Preservation of milk or milk preparations by heating the materials being loose unpacked and progressively transported through the apparatus in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. steam
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
- A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
- B01F35/50—Mixing receptacles
- B01F35/53—Mixing receptacles characterised by the configuration of the interior, e.g. baffles for facilitating the mixing of components
- B01F35/531—Mixing receptacles characterised by the configuration of the interior, e.g. baffles for facilitating the mixing of components with baffles, plates or bars on the wall or the bottom
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
- A47J27/14—Cooking-vessels for use in hotels, restaurants, or canteens
- A47J27/16—Cooking-vessels for use in hotels, restaurants, or canteens heated by steam
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J43/00—Implements for preparing or holding food, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A47J43/04—Machines for domestic use not covered elsewhere, e.g. for grinding, mixing, stirring, kneading, emulsifying, whipping or beating foodstuffs, e.g. power-driven
- A47J43/07—Parts or details, e.g. mixing tools, whipping tools
- A47J43/0727—Mixing bowls
Abstract
A steaming pitcher comprising a flow receiving surface adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle provides enhanced control of fluid flow inside the steaming pitcher to enhance mixing and heating of the fluid by the incoming steam. The steaming pitcher may also comprise flow directing and launching surfaces to assist in control of fluid flow patterns. A flow control kit with a flow receiving surface may be installed in an existing flat-bottom steaming pitcher to provide aspects of fluid flow control. The flow receiving, flow directing and launching surfaces of the steaming pitcher may be substantially smooth, faceted, or a combination thereof.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/772,834, filed on Feb. 13, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- This invention relates generally to fluid mixing containers. More particularly, this invention relates to steaming pitchers adapted for controlling fluid flow therein.
- Steaming pitchers are known in the art for use in mixing steam with fluids, particularly dairy products such as milk, for use in the preparation of hot beverages such as espresso coffee drinks or steamed milk drinks. Typically a conventional steaming pitcher is partially filled with fluid, such as milk, and mixed with pressurized steam such as from a steaming wand of an espresso coffee machine to make in the pitcher heated fluid mixed or frothed by the steam. In the process of mixing and heating the milk with the steam, air is typically entrained into the mixture to form froth or foam, preferably in the form of very small bubbles in the milk, which is desirable for preparation of many mixed coffee beverages such as lattes or cappuccino, for example. Conventional steaming pitchers known in the art are typically made of stainless steel or other suitable metal and of generally cylindrical shape with a closed substantially flat bottom and open top, and a handle for holding by a user. Conventional steaming pitchers typically have sidewalls which extend upwards from a substantially flat bottom or base, and are either substantially straight (cylindrical shape), chined (dual-angled), or slightly bell shaped above the substantially flat bottom. Examples of conventional steaming pitchers known in the art may be found in the illustrations and descriptions of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,792,848, 6,324,963 and D501,354.
- In the use of a steaming pitcher, it is desirable that the steamed fluids prepared in the steaming pitcher be homogeneously mixed and heated by the steam, particularly in the case where milk is to be mixed with another fluid such as a flavoring syrup for example during the steaming process. Homogeneous mixing and heating of the fluids in the steaming pitcher is also desirable to improve the uniformity of froth or foam in the fluid mixture which preferably comprises very small bubbles of air entrained into the fluids by the flow of steam into the fluids and by the resulting flow of fluids inside the pitcher. The use of conventional steaming pitchers as known in the art, particularly by unskilled users, may commonly result in undesirable unevenly mixed and heated steamed fluids, due to one or more limitations in the design of conventional steaming pitchers. Specifically, when using a conventional steaming pitcher, the pressurized steam jet from a steaming wand typically reflects in a random or uncontrolled manner off the flat bottom of the conventional pitcher towards the surface of the fluid resulting in incomplete, uneven or inefficient mixing of the fluid, and the loss of steam to the atmosphere. Further, the rate of steam and fluid flow near the walls of the conventional pitcher or in areas near sharp angles between surfaces such as the bottom and the sidewalls may be much less than in the center of the fluid, resulting in incomplete or inefficient mixing or uneven heating of the fluid. Also, in using a conventional steaming pitcher with a steaming wand there is typically no discernable or distinct fluid flow pattern visible to the user from the top of the pitcher that indicates to the user that the flow rate of steam and location of the steaming wand are appropriate and resulting in effective mixing of the fluid.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved steaming pitcher that overcomes some of the limitations of the steaming pitchers known in the art.
- An inventive steaming pitcher is provided according to one embodiment of the invention comprising a bottom connected to a sidewall surface defining a top opening and an open internal cavity and a flow receiving surface at least a portion of which is adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. The steaming pitcher may also comprise one or more of a flow directing surface and a launching surface adapted to launch a flow of fluid moving substantially tangentially to the launching surface inside the steaming container.
- According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher is provided employing a steaming pitcher comprising a bottom connected to a sidewall surface defining a top opening and an open internal cavity and a flow receiving surface, at least a portion of which is adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. The inventive method comprises providing a volume of fluid to be steamed within the steaming pitcher, directing the incoming flow of steam into the volume of fluid such that a combined flow of fluid and steam is incident upon the flow receiving surface and adjusting the volumetric rate of the incoming flow of steam such that the combined flow of fluid and steam circulates within the steaming pitcher in a substantially positionally stable flow pattern relative to the pitcher.
- According to a further embodiment of the invention, a steaming pitcher flow control kit is provided, comprising a flow control feature having a flow receiving surface at least a portion of which is adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle, wherein the flow control feature is adapted for insertion in a steaming pitcher comprising a substantially flat bottom surface. The steaming pitcher flow control kit may also comprise instructions for inserting the flow control feature and attaching the flow control feature to the substantially flat bottom of the steaming pitcher.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steaming pitcher with flat sides having flow control surfaces, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inventive steaming pitcher shown inFIG. 1 , depicting fluid flows inside the inventive pitcher during the steaming process. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a steaming pitcher with flat sides and flow control surfaces, according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the inventive steaming pitcher shown inFIG. 3 , depicting fluid flows inside the inventive pitcher during the steaming process. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a steaming pitcher with a substantially round bottom and substantially round cross-section having flow control surfaces, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the inventive steaming pitcher shown inFIG. 5 depicting fluid flows inside the inventive pitcher during the steaming process. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a steaming pitcher with curved sides and substantially round cross-section having flow control surfaces, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the inventive steaming pitcher shown inFIG. 7 depicting fluid flows inside the inventive pitcher during the steaming process when a steaming wand is held substantially centered in the steaming pitcher. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inventive steaming pitcher shown inFIG. 7 depicting fluid flows inside the inventive pitcher during the steaming process when a steaming wand is held substantially off-center in the steaming pitcher, and substantially away from the wall of the steaming pitcher. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inventive steaming pitcher shown inFIG. 7 depicting fluid flows inside the inventive pitcher during the steaming process when a steaming wand is held substantially against the wall of the steaming pitcher. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a steaming pitcher with asymmetrically curved sides having flow control surfaces, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a steaming pitcher with curved, inwardly tapered sides and substantially round cross-section having flow control surfaces, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the steaming pitcher shown inFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a ridge shaped flow control feature for use in a steaming pitcher, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a faceted ridge shaped flow control feature for use in a steaming pitcher, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a substantially conical flow control feature for use in a steaming pitcher, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a substantially pyramidal flow control feature for use in a steaming pitcher, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a faceted substantially pyramidal flow control feature for use in a steaming pitcher, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a two-piece steaming pitcher with curved sides and substantially round cross-section having an insert flow control feature with a flow control surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a two-piece steaming pitcher with curved sides and substantially round cross-section having flow control surfaces, according to an embodiment of the present invention. - A detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the above Figures may be found in the following section. Some similar features shown in multiple Figures have been indicated with similar reference numerals.
- A steaming pitcher according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 1 and includes a top opening 8, openinternal cavity 6,flat sidewalls 18, and handle 5. The inventive steaming pitcher includes one or more structural members defining a flow receiving surface 1, adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. The flow receiving surface 1 is connected to a substantially smooth arcuateflow directing surface 2, which is in turn connected to a substantiallysmooth launching surface 4. In this embodiment, the flow receiving surface 1 and launchingsurface 4 is defined by two curved sides of the steaming pitcher, while theflow directing surface 2 is defined by a curved bottom or base of the steaming pitcher. Additionally, in this embodiment, the flow receiving surface 1 connects smoothly to theflow directing surface 2 which connects smoothly to the launchingsurface 4, without an abrupt or substantial change in wall angle between the surfaces. - A view of the first embodiment of the inventive steaming pitcher in use according to a method of the invention is shown in
FIG. 2 , showing steamingwand 10 inserted into the pitcher and deliveringpressurized steam plume 11 fromtip 60 into the volume offluid 12 to be steamed in the pitcher. The pitcher is typically held byhandle 5 by a user during use. The volume of steam delivered by steamingwand 10 into thefluid 12 in the steaming pitcher may typically be controlled by a user such as by controlling a knob or valve of an espresso coffee machine. The location at which thesteam plume 11 contacts the wall of the steaming pitcher may typically be controlled by a user by varying the relative position of the steamingwand 10 within the pitcher. Thesteam plume 11 upon entering thefluid 12 creates generally linear motion of the fluid in the direction of the incoming steam, as the steam mixes with and propels the fluid in the vicinity of the tip of thesteaming wand 10. Typically, the direction of the fluid flow changes only when the fluid encounters the inner surfaces of the steaming pitcher. The flow receiving surface 1 of the inventive steaming pitcher is adapted to receive the incoming flow of steam and fluid from the tip of the steamingwand 10 at a substantially oblique angle. In particular, flow receiving surface 1 is oriented largely tangential to the direction of steam-fluid flow, and the steam-fluid flow gently changes direction as it travels along the flow receiving surface 1 and remains more fully developed and controllable, rather than scattering or reflecting in a random or uncontrolled manner such as when contacting a surface closer to perpendicular to the direction of flow. - The flow of fluid then continues in the direction shown by
curved flow path 15 from the flow receiving surface 1 to the substantially smooth arcuateflow directing surface 2 and remains developed and controlled, rather than undesirably scattering or reflecting randomly from contacting abrupt changes in surface angle along the path of the fluid flow, such as internal angles between surfaces that are less than about 135 degrees, and more particularly, less than about 120 degrees. An example of an angle between surfaces which is desirably greater than about 135 degrees so as to reduce scattering or reflecting flow disturbances is shown byangle 152 ofFIG. 15 . Returning now toFIG. 2 , the flow of fluid then further continues alongflow directing surface 2 in the general direction offlow path 17 to the substantiallysmooth launching surface 4. The direction of fluid flow across the launchingsurface 4 is substantially tangential to the launchingsurface 4, and the fluid flow is then launched and separates from the launchingsurface 4 under the force of gravity, and follows an arcingtrajectory 26 falling into the openinner cavity 6 of the steaming pitcher. The trajectory of the fluid leaving the launchingsurface 4 may be controlled by varying the volume (and typically therefore also the velocity) of thesteam plume 11 entering the fluid 12, such that with adjustment of the volume flow of steam into the fluid, the fluid leaving the launchingsurface 4 may fall back into the remaining fluid in the pitcher at the flow receiving surface 1, resulting in a relatively smooth and continuous flow of fluid and steam in the pitcher, which may desirably result in thorough and efficient mixing and heating of the fluid in the pitcher. In this manner, a user may be able to visually determine that a correct volume of steam is being introduced into the steaming pitcher to thoroughly mix and heat the fluid 12 by observing the substantially positionally stable fluid flow pattern within the pitcher wherein the fluid and steam flow leave thelaunching surface 4 and fall to rejoin theincoming steam plume 11 at or substantially adjacent to the flow receiving surface 1. - In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), a steaming pitcher similar to that described in
FIG. 1 above comprises a top opening, open internal cavity, flat sidewalls, and flow receiving surface adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. The steaming pitcher may also comprise a flow directing surface and launching surface. In this embodiment, the flow receiving surface may be connected to the flow directing surface by one or more obtuse internal wall angles, such as internal angles greater than about 135 degrees (an example of an obtuse internal angle between surfaces greater than about 135 degrees is shown byangle 152 ofFIG. 15 ), so as to approximate a substantially smooth connection and provide for developed and controlled flow of fluid from the flow receiving surface to the flow directing surface. Similarly, the flow receiving or flow directing surfaces may comprise one or more facets connected by obtuse internal wall angles such as internal angles of greater than about 135 degrees. Each such facet may comprise a curved or substantially planar surface, or a combination thereof. The flow directing surface may be connected to the launching surface by an obtuse internal angle, such as a change in internal pitcher wall angle of greater than about 120 degrees, and more particularly greater than about 135 degrees, so as to approximate a substantially smooth flow path and provide for developed and controlled fluid flow across the flow directing surface to the launching surface of the pitcher. An example of a flow receiving surface comprising six facets with obtuse internal angles between facets is shown asflow receiving surface 150 ofFIG. 15 , wherein exemplary obtuseinternal angle 152 is desirably greater than about 120 degrees, and more particularly greater than about 135 degrees. In further alternative inventive embodiments, flow receiving surfaces, flow directing surfaces and launching surfaces may comprise any number of facets, wherein each facet may comprise a curved or substantially planar surface, or combination thereof. - A steaming pitcher according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 3 and includes atop opening 44, openinternal cavity 41, andflat sidewalls 31. The inventive steaming pitcher also includes a central ridge-shapedflow receiving surface 30 adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. Flow receivingsurface 30 is shown connected to substantially smooth arcuateflow directing surfaces flow receiving surface 30 is shown smoothly connected to flow directingsurfaces surfaces flow directing surfaces FIG. 4 , showing steamingwand 10 inserted into the pitcher and deliveringpressurized steam plume 11 into the volume offluid 12 in the pitcher. The flow of steam is shown incident on theflow receiving surface 30 at a substantially oblique angle, and the steam and fluid flow proceeds in the direction generally shown bycurved flow paths flow receiving surface 30 along theflow directing surfaces surfaces trajectories inner cavity 41 of the steaming pitcher. By adjustment of at least one of the volume flow of steam into the fluid, and the location of the steamingwand 10, the fluid may be caused to fall back into the pitcher substantially at or substantially adjacent to flow receivingsurface 30, resulting in a substantially positionally stable fluid flow pattern visible to a user providing an indication to the user that the steam volume flow is suitable for thorough mixing and heating of the fluid. -
FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the present inventive steaming pitcher with a substantially round cross-section, including atop opening 51, openinternal cavity 53, and flow receivingsurface 52 adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. The inventive pitcher also has a substantially smooth arcuateflow directing surface 54 defined by a rounded bottom of the pitcher, and substantiallysmooth launching surface 58. A view of this embodiment of the inventive steaming pitcher in use according to a method of the invention is shown inFIG. 6 , showing steamingwand 10 inserted into the pitcher and delivering pressurized steam plume 111 into the volume offluid 12 in the pitcher. The flow of steam is incident on theflow receiving surface 52 at a substantially oblique angle, and the steam and fluid flow proceeds in the general direction shown bycurved flow paths 68 from theflow receiving surface 52 along theflow directing surface 54 to the launchingsurface 58. The pitcher is tilted relative to the direction of gravitational force byangle 60, so that the fluid flow moving substantially tangential to the launchingsurface 58 is launched and separates from launchingsurface 58 under the force of gravity, following arcingtrajectory 62, falling into the openinner cavity 53 of the steaming pitcher generally towardsflow receiving surface 52. By adjustment of at least one of the volume flow of steam into the fluid, and the location of steamingwand 10, the fluid may be controlled to fall back into the pitcher substantially at theflow receiving surface 52 resulting in a substantially positionally stable fluid flow pattern visible to a user, providing an indication to the user that the steam volume flow is suitable for thorough mixing and heating of the fluid. -
FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the present inventive steaming pitcher with a substantially round cross-section, including atop opening 71, openinternal cavity 77 and central substantially conicalflow receiving surface 70 adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. The inventive pitcher also has a substantially smooth toroidalflow directing surface 74 connected to flow receivingsurface 70 forming a rounded toroidal portion of the bottom of the pitcher, and substantially smoothcircumferential launching surface 76 extending around the pitcher like a band and smoothly connected to flow directingsurface 74. Another view of this embodiment of the inventive steaming pitcher in use according to a method of the invention is shown inFIG. 8 , showing steamingwand 10 inserted into the pitcher and deliveringpressurized steam plume 11 into the volume offluid 12 in the pitcher. The flow of steam is shown incident on the substantially conicalflow receiving surface 70 at a substantially oblique angle and the flow of steam and fluid moves radially outward from the center of theflow receiving surface 70 in the generally toroidal flow direction shown byflow path 82 from theflow receiving surface 70 along theflow directing surface 74 to thecircumferential launching surface 76. The direction of the fluid flow is substantially tangential to the launchingsurface 76 and the fluid flow is then launched and separates from launchingsurface 76 under the force of gravity, following inward arcingtrajectory 86, falling into the openinner cavity 77 generally towardflow receiving surface 70 of the steaming pitcher in a generally toroidal flow pattern. By adjustment of at least one of the volume flow of steam into the fluid, and the location of steamingwand 10, the fluid may be caused to fall back into the pitcher at the central conicalflow receiving surface 70 resulting in a substantially positionally stable and generally toroidal fluid flow pattern visible to a user to indicate that the steam volume flow is suitable for thorough mixing and heating of the fluid. - In an alternative embodiment (not shown) of the invention, a steaming pitcher similar to that described in
FIG. 7 , above, comprises a top opening, open internal cavity and a central substantially pyramidal flow receiving surface adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. This inventive pitcher may also have a faceted flow directing surface extending outwards from the central flow receiving surface, and launching surface. In this embodiment, facets of the central pyramidal flow receiving surface may be connected to facets of the flow directing surface by one or more obtuse internal pitcher wall angles, such as internal wall angles greater than about 120 degrees, and more particularly greater than about 135 degrees so as to approximate a substantially smooth connection between surfaces and provide for developed and controlled flow of fluid from the flow receiving surface to the flow directing surface. Similarly, the flow receiving and flow directing surface may each comprise multiple facets connected by obtuse internal pitcher wall angles, such as internal wall angles greater than about 120 degrees and more particularly greater than about 135 degrees. Each such facet may comprise a curved or substantially planar surface, or a combination thereof. Further, the flow directing surface may also be connected to the launching surface by an obtuse internal pitcher wall angle such as an internal angle greater than about 120 degrees and more particularly greater than about 135 degrees, so as to approximate a substantially smooth flow path providing for developed and controlled fluid flow across the flow directing surface to the launching surface of the pitcher. An example of a substantially pyramidal flow receiving surface comprising four facets is shown asflow receiving surface 170 ofFIG. 17 , as further described below. In further related alternative inventive embodiments, flow receiving surfaces, flow directing surfaces and launching surfaces may comprise any number of facets, wherein each facet may comprise a curved or substantially planar surface, or combination thereof. - An alternative application of the embodiment of the invention of
FIG. 7 is shown inFIG. 9 , wherein steamingwand 10 is positioned substantially off-center in the steaming pitcher, but substantially away from the wall of the steaming pitcher. In this alternative application, the flow of steam is incident on only one portion of the substantially conicalflow receiving surface 70 and the flow of steam and fluid moves generally radially outward from the point of incidence onflow receiving surface 70. This results in an asymmetrical toroidal flow pattern across theflow directing surface 74 and towards thecircumferential launching surface 96 on the side of the pitcher nearest to the steamingwand 10. The direction of the fluid flow is substantially tangential to the launchingsurface 96 on that side of the pitcher and the fluid flow is then launched and separates from launchingsurface 96 under the force of gravity, following arcingasymmetrical trajectory 77, falling into the openinner cavity 97 of the steaming pitcher in an asymmetrical toroidal flow pattern. However, the launchingsurface 99 on the side of the pitcher opposite the steamingwand 10 acts instead as a flow receiving surface whereby fluid flow from launchingsurface 96 is incident onflow receiving surface 99, and returns to thesteam plume 11 viaflow directing surface 74 as shown byflow direction arrow 92, thus completing the asymmetrical toroidal flow pattern within the pitcher. By adjustment of the volume flow of steam into the fluid, the fluid may be controlled to circulate and fall back into the pitcher in a substantially positionally stable and generally asymmetrical toroidal fluid flow pattern visible to a user to indicate to the user that the steam volume flow is suitable for thorough mixing and heating of the fluid. - A further alternative application of the embodiment of the invention of
FIG. 7 is shown inFIG. 10 , wherein steamingwand 10 is shown positioned substantially against one part of the wall of the steaming pitcher. In this alternative application, the flow of steam is incident at a substantially oblique angle on the outside wall of the pitcher which acts as aflow receiving surface 100. The flow of steam and fluid moves generally inward from the point of incidence onflow receiving surface 100. This results in an asymmetrical toroidal flow pattern across the toroidalflow directing surface 74 and inwards towards the centralconical launching surface 108. The direction of the fluid flow is substantially tangential to theconical launching surface 108 and the fluid flow is then launched and separates from launchingsurface 108 under the force of gravity, followingoutward trajectory 104 in an asymmetrical outward toroidal flow pattern. Fluid flow from launchingsurface 108 that is incident onflow receiving surface 100 returns directly to steamplume 11, whereas fluid flow that is incident onflow receiving surface 101 located opposite from steamingwand 10 returns to steamplume 11 viaflow directing surface 74 and launchingsurface 108 as shown byflow direction arrow 106, thus completing the asymmetrical toroidal flow pattern within the pitcher. By adjustment of at least one of the volume flow of steam into the fluid and the position of the steamingwand 10, the fluid may be caused to circulate and fall back into the pitcher in a substantially positionally stable and generally asymmetrical toroidal fluid flow pattern visible to a user to indicate that the steam volume flow is suitable for thorough mixing and heating of the fluid. - In addition to the asymmetric toroidal flow patterns shown and described in
FIGS. 9 and 10 , the overall shape of a toroidal embodiment of the inventive steaming pitcher may be asymmetric in orientation. For example, an alternative asymmetrical toroidal embodiment of the inventive steaming pitcher is shown inFIG. 11 , wherein toroidalflow directing surface 110 is asymmetric relative to the rest of the pitcher. - A further embodiment of the present inventive steaming pitcher with upward tapering sidewalls is shown in
FIGS. 12 and 13 . Similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 8 , the steaming pitcher embodiment shown inFIGS. 12 and 13 includes a substantially round cross-section, including atop opening 131, openinternal cavity 137, and central substantially conicalflow receiving surface 130 adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. This inventive steaming pitcher also includes a substantially smooth toroidalflow directing surface 134 defined by a rounded toroidal portion of the bottom of the pitcher smoothly connected to theflow receiving surface 130, and substantially smoothcircumferential launching surface 136 extending around the pitcher like a band and smoothly connected to theflow directing surface 134.Spout 138 is formed into a portion of the upward tapering sidewalls of the pitcher, and is shown with a relatively narrow spout opening in the pitcher sidewall, such as is suitable for use in the decorative pouring of steamed milk from the pitcher where fine control of a poured stream is desired.FIG. 13 shows the inventive steaming pitcher in use similar toFIG. 8 , wherein steamingwand 10 deliveringpressurized steam plume 11 into the volume offluid 12 in the pitcher. Also similar toFIG. 8 , fluid flow within the pitcher follows generally in the direction offlow arrow 82 in a generally toroidal flow pattern. By adjustment of at least one of the volume flow of steam into the fluid, and the location of steamingwand 10, the fluid may be controlled to fall back into the pitcher in the general direction ofarrow 86 towards the central conicalflow receiving surface 130 resulting in a substantially positionally stable and generally toroidal fluid flow pattern visible to a user to indicate to the user that the steam volume flow is suitable for thorough mixing and heating of the fluid. -
FIGS. 14 and 15 show standalone or retrofittable flow control features or inserts according to the present invention suitable for use as flow receiving surfaces in steaming pitchers with two flat sides, and two curved, bell-shaped or faceted sides, such as the steaming pitcher shown inFIG. 1 .FIG. 14 shows a smooth ridge-shapedflow receiving surface 140, whileFIG. 15 shows a faceted ridge-shapedflow receiving surface 150 wherein the angles between the facets such asangle 152, are obtuse, such as greater than about 135 degrees. Both ridge-shapedflow receiving surfaces FIG. 1 to receive and divert an incident fluid and steam flow into two directions. In such an application,flow receiving surfaces -
FIGS. 16 , 17 and 18 show additional standalone or retrofittable flow control features or inserts according to the present invention.FIG. 16 shows a standalone conicalflow receiving surface 160.FIG. 17 shows a standalone pyramidalflow receiving surface 170, andFIG. 18 shows a standalone faceted pyramidalflow receiving surface 180, wherein the internal angles between facets are preferably obtuse, such as greater than about 135 degrees. Standaloneflow receiving surfaces pitcher 190 shown inFIG. 19 . InFIGS. 17 and 18 the exemplaryflow receiving surfaces exemplary features -
FIG. 19 shows the retrofit of a conventional substantially flat bottom steaming pitcher with a standalone flow control feature or insert comprising a flow receiving surface adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. In particular, upon the addition of a standalone flow receiving surface such asflow receiving surfaces flow receiving surface 192, the retrofitted bell-shapedpitcher 190 includes atop opening 194, an openinternal cavity 195 and aflow receiving surface 192. The illustrated retrofitted bell-shaped pitcher also has a substantially smoothflow directing surface 193 and a substantiallysmooth launching surface 191, thus providing aspects of an embodiment of the present invention for realizing improved fluid flow control during steaming relative to the unimproved substantially flat bottom and bell-walled conventional pitcher design. Standalone flow control features according to the invention comprising a flow receiving surface such as 140, 150, 160, 170 or 180 may also be supplied as a steaming pitcher flow control kit for retrofitting an existing generally flat-bottom steaming pitcher. Such a flow control kit may also include instructions specifying how to install the flow control feature in an existing steaming pitcher. - In an optional embodiment, the upper portion of
pitcher 190 comprisingtop opening 194 and handle 198 may be interchanged to provide additional flexibility for the desired function of thepitcher 190 without requiring the replacement of the entire pitcher. Similarly,FIG. 20 shows a multi-piece pitcher comprising separatelyinterchangeable top 206, middle 200 and bottom 208 portions providing yet further flexibility to select design features suited for a particular intended usage. For example, thebottom section 208 comprises central conicalflow receiving surface 203 and toroidalflow directing surface 204 flow control features of the present invention, themiddle section 200 comprises a circumferential launching surface flow control feature, both of which are interchangeable withtop section 206 to allow the selection of flow control design features as required by the user, without the requirement to replace the entire steaming pitcher. - In another embodiment of the invention, generally spiral orientation of facets such as shown in faceted
flow receiving surface 180 inFIG. 18 may be implemented in the faceted flow directing or flow launching surfaces of a steaming pitcher according to the invention. In such a manner, the generally concentrically spiraling orientation of facets of the flow receiving and flow directing or launching surfaces of the steaming pitcher may provide a spiral character to the directed flow pattern of fluid flow in the steaming pitcher during use. - In any of the above described embodiments of the invention, dissolvable solids or additional fluids, or combinations thereof may be added to the primary fluid being steamed in the steaming pitcher for mixing with the primary fluid. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, dissolvable solids such as chocolate, sweeteners or other confectionery, or other fluids such as flavoring syrup or liqueurs for example may be added to milk or other primary fluids for mixing in the steaming pitchers of the present invention.
- The embodiments of the present invention described above are not intended to be limited to use in steaming fluids for beverage purposes. In another embodiment of the present invention, a fluid mixing container is provided including a bottom surface connected to a sidewall surface defining a top opening and an open internal cavity and a flow receiving surface adapted to receive an incoming flow of gas at a substantially oblique angle. The fluid mixing container according to this embodiment may also have a substantially smooth arcuate flow directing surface and/or a substantially smooth launching surface comprising at least a portion of the sidewall surface and adapted to launch a flow of fluid moving substantially tangentially to the launching surface inside the fluid mixing container. Alternatively, flow receiving, flow directing or launching surfaces of the fluid mixing container may be faceted, comprising one or more facets which may be curved or substantially planar surfaces, or a combination thereof. The fluid mixing container may be used to mix any suitable fluids by means of introducing a flow of a suitable mixing gas to the fluid mixing container containing the fluids. For example, the fluid mixing container of the present embodiment may be used to improve mixing of fluid chemical agents by introducing a flow of an inert gas. In another embodiment, a flow of gas may be used to mix a fluid or mixture of fluids with a suitable dissolvable solid in the inventive fluid mixing container, such as to improve the dissolution of the solid in the fluid or mixture of fluids for example. In yet another embodiment, the fluid mixing container may be used to mix multiple gases together without the presence of a liquid fluid. In a further embodiment, the fluid mixing container may be used to mix or clean a non-dissolvable solid with an incoming fluid stream wherein the container may comprise one or more drain apertures to allow excess incoming fluid to escape, such as in a fluid mixing container for washing rice with an incoming flow of water, for example.
- As will be obvious to one skilled in the art, numerous variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments disclosed above without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that the form of the present invention described in the embodiments detailed above and shown in the accompanying Figures is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
Claims (27)
1. A steaming pitcher with a bottom connected to a sidewall surface defining a top opening and an open internal cavity, comprising:
a flow receiving surface, at least a portion of which is adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle.
2. The steaming pitcher according to claim 1 additionally comprising a flow directing surface.
3. The steaming pitcher according to claim 1 additionally comprising a launching surface adapted to launch a flow of fluid moving substantially tangentially to the launching surface inside the steaming container.
4. The steaming pitcher according to claim 2 additionally comprising a launching surface adapted to launch a flow of fluid moving substantially tangentially to the launching surface inside the steaming container.
5. The steaming pitcher according to claim 2 wherein the flow receiving and flow directing surfaces each comprise at least one of:
a substantially smooth curved surface and a substantially planar surface.
6. The steaming pitcher according to claim 3 wherein the launching surface is substantially smooth.
7. The steaming pitcher according to claim 2 wherein at least one of the flow receiving surface and flow directing surface comprises two or more facets.
8. The steaming pitcher according to claim 7 wherein an internal angle between the flow receiving surface and flow directing surface is an obtuse angle.
9. The steaming pitcher according to claim 8 wherein the internal angle between the flow receiving surface and the flow directing surface is greater than 135 degrees.
10. The steaming pitcher according to claim 7 wherein an internal angle between two adjoining facets of the flow directing surface is an obtuse angle.
11. The steaming pitcher according to claim 10 wherein the internal angle between adjoining facets of the flow directing surface is greater than 135 degrees.
12. The steaming pitcher according to claim 1 wherein the flow receiving surface comprises a two sided ridge oriented along a line passing through the center of the bottom of the steaming pitcher.
13. The steaming pitcher according to claim 1 wherein the flow receiving surface is substantially conical and is centered on the center of the bottom of the steaming pitcher.
14. The steaming pitcher according to claim 2 wherein the flow directing surface is substantially toroidal and is centered on the center of the bottom of the steaming pitcher.
15. The steaming pitcher according to claim 1 wherein the flow receiving surface is substantially pyramidal, comprising three or more facets, and is centered on the center of the bottom surface of the steaming pitcher.
16. The steaming pitcher according to claim 1 wherein the flow receiving surface is structurally separate from the bottom surface of the steaming pitcher.
17. A method of controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher wherein the steaming pitcher comprises a bottom connected to a sidewall surface defining a top opening and an open internal cavity and a flow receiving surface, at least a portion of which is adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at substantially oblique angle, the method comprising:
providing a volume of fluid to be steamed within the steaming pitcher;
directing the incoming flow of steam into the volume of fluid such that a combined flow of fluid and steam is incident upon the flow receiving surface;
adjusting at least one of the volumetric rate and location of the incoming flow of steam such that the combined flow of fluid and steam circulates within the steaming pitcher in a substantially positionally stable flow pattern relative to the pitcher.
18. The method of controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher according to claim 17 , wherein the steaming pitcher additionally comprises a flow directing surface.
19. The method of controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher according to claim 18 , wherein the steaming pitcher additionally comprises a launching surface adapted to launch a flow of fluid moving substantially tangentially to the launching surface inside the steaming container.
20. The method of controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher according to claim 19 wherein the flow receiving and flow directing surfaces each comprise at least one of:
a substantially smooth curved surface and a substantially planar surface.
21. The method of controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher according to claim 20 , wherein the flow pattern comprises flow originating from the flow receiving surface, passing across the flow directing surface to the launching surface where the flow leaves the launching surface and falls substantially towards the flow receiving surface.
22. The method of controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher according to claim 17 wherein the volume of fluid to be steamed comprises milk.
23. The method of controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher according to claim 17 wherein the substantially positionally stable flow pattern is visible to a user looking into the steaming pitcher through the top opening.
24. The method of controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher according to claim 23 wherein the substantially positionally stable flow pattern is visually distinct to the user, and indicates that the flow of steam is incident on the flow receiving surface.
25. The method of controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher according to claim 17 wherein the volume of fluid to be steamed additionally comprises solid matter which may be dissolved in the fluid.
26. A steaming pitcher flow control kit comprising a flow control feature having a flow receiving surface at least a portion of which is adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle, wherein the flow control feature is adapted for insertion in a steaming pitcher comprising a substantially flat bottom surface.
27. The steaming pitcher flow control kit according to claim 26 additionally comprising instructions for inserting the flow control feature and attaching the flow control feature to the substantially flat bottom of the steaming pitcher.
Priority Applications (3)
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US14/025,793 US9629496B2 (en) | 2006-02-13 | 2013-09-12 | Steaming pitcher methods and devices |
US15/459,603 US10398255B2 (en) | 2006-02-13 | 2017-03-15 | Steaming pitcher methods and devices |
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US11/706,078 US20070187421A1 (en) | 2006-02-13 | 2007-02-13 | Method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher |
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US9629496B2 (en) | 2017-04-25 |
US10398255B2 (en) | 2019-09-03 |
US20140016429A1 (en) | 2014-01-16 |
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