US20070187421A1 - Method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher - Google Patents

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

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• 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.
FIELD
• This invention relates generally to fluid mixing containers. More particularly, this invention relates to steaming pitchers adapted for controlling fluid flow therein.
BACKGROUND
• 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• 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.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS
• 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS
• A steaming pitcher according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 1 and includes a top opening8, openinternal cavity6,flat sidewalls18, and handle5. The inventive steaming pitcher includes one or more structural members defining a flow receiving surface1, adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. The flow receiving surface1 is connected to a substantially smooth arcuateflow directing surface2, which is in turn connected to a substantiallysmooth launching surface4. In this embodiment, the flow receiving surface1 and launchingsurface4 is defined by two curved sides of the steaming pitcher, while theflow directing surface2 is defined by a curved bottom or base of the steaming pitcher. Additionally, in this embodiment, the flow receiving surface1 connects smoothly to theflow directing surface2 which connects smoothly to the launchingsurface4, 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 inFIG. 2, showing steamingwand10 inserted into the pitcher and deliveringpressurized steam plume11 fromtip60 into the volume offluid12 to be steamed in the pitcher. The pitcher is typically held byhandle5 by a user during use. The volume of steam delivered by steamingwand10 into thefluid12 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 plume11 contacts the wall of the steaming pitcher may typically be controlled by a user by varying the relative position of the steamingwand10 within the pitcher. Thesteam plume11 upon entering thefluid12 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 wand10. Typically, the direction of the fluid flow changes only when the fluid encounters the inner surfaces of the steaming pitcher. The flow receiving surface1 of the inventive steaming pitcher is adapted to receive the incoming flow of steam and fluid from the tip of the steamingwand10 at a substantially oblique angle. In particular, flow receiving surface1 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 surface1 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 bycurved flow path15 from the flow receiving surface1 to the substantially smooth arcuateflow directing surface2 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 byangle152 ofFIG. 15. Returning now toFIG. 2, the flow of fluid then further continues alongflow directing surface2 in the general direction offlow path17 to the substantiallysmooth launching surface4. The direction of fluid flow across the launchingsurface4 is substantially tangential to the launchingsurface4, and the fluid flow is then launched and separates from the launchingsurface4 under the force of gravity, and follows an arcingtrajectory26 falling into the openinner cavity6 of the steaming pitcher. The trajectory of the fluid leaving the launchingsurface4 may be controlled by varying the volume (and typically therefore also the velocity) of thesteam plume11 entering the fluid12, such that with adjustment of the volume flow of steam into the fluid, the fluid leaving the launchingsurface4 may fall back into the remaining fluid in the pitcher at the flow receiving surface1, 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 fluid12 by observing the substantially positionally stable fluid flow pattern within the pitcher wherein the fluid and steam flow leave thelaunching surface4 and fall to rejoin theincoming steam plume11 at or substantially adjacent to the flow receiving surface1.
• In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), a steaming pitcher similar to that described inFIG. 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 byangle152 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 surface150 ofFIG. 15, wherein exemplary obtuseinternal angle152 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 inFIG. 3 and includes atop opening44, openinternal cavity41, andflat sidewalls31. The inventive steaming pitcher also includes a central ridge-shapedflow receiving surface30 adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. Flow receivingsurface30 is shown connected to substantially smooth arcuateflow directing surfaces32, and34 on either side of the pitcher, which are in turn connected to substantially smooth launching surfaces36 and38 respectively. In this example,flow receiving surface30 is shown smoothly connected to flow directingsurfaces32 and34 which are in turn shown smoothly connected to launchingsurfaces36 and38 respectively, without an abrupt or substantial change in wall angle between the surfaces. In this embodiment, the launching surfaces36 and38 are defined by two curved sides of the steaming pitcher, while theflow directing surfaces32 and34 are defined by portions of the double curved bottom or base of the steaming pitcher. Another view of this embodiment of the inventive steaming pitcher in use according to a method of the invention is shown inFIG. 4, showing steamingwand10 inserted into the pitcher and deliveringpressurized steam plume11 into the volume offluid12 in the pitcher. The flow of steam is shown incident on theflow receiving surface30 at a substantially oblique angle, and the steam and fluid flow proceeds in the direction generally shown bycurved flow paths48 and49 from theflow receiving surface30 along theflow directing surfaces32 and34 to the launching surfaces36 and38, respectively. The direction of fluid flow across the launching surfaces36 and38 is substantially tangential to the launching surfaces, and the fluid flow is then launched and separates from launchingsurfaces36 and38 under the force of gravity, and typically follows arcingtrajectories40 and42 respectively, falling into the openinner cavity41 of the steaming pitcher. By adjustment of at least one of the volume flow of steam into the fluid, and the location of the steamingwand10, the fluid may be caused to fall back into the pitcher substantially at or substantially adjacent to flow receivingsurface30, 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 opening51, openinternal cavity53, and flow receivingsurface52 adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. The inventive pitcher also has a substantially smooth arcuateflow directing surface54 defined by a rounded bottom of the pitcher, and substantiallysmooth launching surface58. A view of this embodiment of the inventive steaming pitcher in use according to a method of the invention is shown inFIG. 6, showing steamingwand10 inserted into the pitcher and delivering pressurized steam plume111 into the volume offluid12 in the pitcher. The flow of steam is incident on theflow receiving surface52 at a substantially oblique angle, and the steam and fluid flow proceeds in the general direction shown bycurved flow paths68 from theflow receiving surface52 along theflow directing surface54 to the launchingsurface58. The pitcher is tilted relative to the direction of gravitational force byangle60, so that the fluid flow moving substantially tangential to the launchingsurface58 is launched and separates from launchingsurface58 under the force of gravity, following arcingtrajectory62, falling into the openinner cavity53 of the steaming pitcher generally towardsflow receiving surface52. By adjustment of at least one of the volume flow of steam into the fluid, and the location of steamingwand10, the fluid may be controlled to fall back into the pitcher substantially at theflow receiving surface52 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 opening71, openinternal cavity77 and central substantially conicalflow receiving surface70 adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. The inventive pitcher also has a substantially smooth toroidalflow directing surface74 connected to flow receivingsurface70 forming a rounded toroidal portion of the bottom of the pitcher, and substantially smoothcircumferential launching surface76 extending around the pitcher like a band and smoothly connected to flow directingsurface74. Another view of this embodiment of the inventive steaming pitcher in use according to a method of the invention is shown inFIG. 8, showing steamingwand10 inserted into the pitcher and deliveringpressurized steam plume11 into the volume offluid12 in the pitcher. The flow of steam is shown incident on the substantially conicalflow receiving surface70 at a substantially oblique angle and the flow of steam and fluid moves radially outward from the center of theflow receiving surface70 in the generally toroidal flow direction shown byflow path82 from theflow receiving surface70 along theflow directing surface74 to thecircumferential launching surface76. The direction of the fluid flow is substantially tangential to the launchingsurface76 and the fluid flow is then launched and separates from launchingsurface76 under the force of gravity, following inward arcingtrajectory86, falling into the openinner cavity77 generally towardflow receiving surface70 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 steamingwand10, the fluid may be caused to fall back into the pitcher at the central conicalflow receiving surface70 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 inFIG. 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 surface170 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 ofFIG. 7 is shown inFIG. 9, wherein steamingwand10 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 surface70 and the flow of steam and fluid moves generally radially outward from the point of incidence onflow receiving surface70. This results in an asymmetrical toroidal flow pattern across theflow directing surface74 and towards thecircumferential launching surface96 on the side of the pitcher nearest to the steamingwand10. The direction of the fluid flow is substantially tangential to the launchingsurface96 on that side of the pitcher and the fluid flow is then launched and separates from launchingsurface96 under the force of gravity, following arcingasymmetrical trajectory77, falling into the openinner cavity97 of the steaming pitcher in an asymmetrical toroidal flow pattern. However, the launchingsurface99 on the side of the pitcher opposite the steamingwand10 acts instead as a flow receiving surface whereby fluid flow from launchingsurface96 is incident onflow receiving surface99, and returns to thesteam plume11 viaflow directing surface74 as shown byflow direction arrow92, 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 ofFIG. 7 is shown inFIG. 10, wherein steamingwand10 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 surface100. The flow of steam and fluid moves generally inward from the point of incidence onflow receiving surface100. This results in an asymmetrical toroidal flow pattern across the toroidalflow directing surface74 and inwards towards the centralconical launching surface108. The direction of the fluid flow is substantially tangential to theconical launching surface108 and the fluid flow is then launched and separates from launchingsurface108 under the force of gravity, followingoutward trajectory104 in an asymmetrical outward toroidal flow pattern. Fluid flow from launchingsurface108 that is incident onflow receiving surface100 returns directly to steamplume11, whereas fluid flow that is incident onflow receiving surface101 located opposite from steamingwand10 returns to steamplume11 viaflow directing surface74 and launchingsurface108 as shown byflow direction arrow106, 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 steamingwand10, 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 inFIGS. 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 surface110 is asymmetric relative to the rest of the pitcher.
• A further embodiment of the present inventive steaming pitcher with upward tapering sidewalls is shown inFIGS. 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 opening131, openinternal cavity137, and central substantially conicalflow receiving surface130 adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle. This inventive steaming pitcher also includes a substantially smooth toroidalflow directing surface134 defined by a rounded toroidal portion of the bottom of the pitcher smoothly connected to theflow receiving surface130, and substantially smoothcircumferential launching surface136 extending around the pitcher like a band and smoothly connected to theflow directing surface134.Spout138 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 steamingwand10 deliveringpressurized steam plume11 into the volume offluid12 in the pitcher. Also similar toFIG. 8, fluid flow within the pitcher follows generally in the direction offlow arrow82 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 steamingwand10, the fluid may be controlled to fall back into the pitcher in the general direction ofarrow86 towards the central conicalflow receiving surface130 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 surface140, whileFIG. 15 shows a faceted ridge-shapedflow receiving surface150 wherein the angles between the facets such asangle152, are obtuse, such as greater than about 135 degrees. Both ridge-shapedflow receiving surfaces140 and150 may be used as a centrally located flow receiving surface in conjunction with a flat-sided pitcher design similar to that shown inFIG. 1 to receive and divert an incident fluid and steam flow into two directions. In such an application,flow receiving surfaces140 or150 may be attached or otherwise suitably situated in a flat sided steaming pitcher, thus providing additional flow control features in an existing steaming pitcher design.
• FIGS. 16,17 and18 show additional standalone or retrofittable flow control features or inserts according to the present invention.FIG. 16 shows a standalone conicalflow receiving surface160.FIG. 17 shows a standalone pyramidalflow receiving surface170, andFIG. 18 shows a standalone faceted pyramidalflow receiving surface180, wherein the internal angles between facets are preferably obtuse, such as greater than about 135 degrees. Standaloneflow receiving surfaces160,170 and180 are suitable for use in combination with conventional generally cylindrical steaming pitchers with flat bottoms and particularly suitable for use with conventional flat-bottom steaming pitchers with bell-shaped sidewalls such as the steamingpitcher190 shown inFIG. 19. InFIGS. 17 and 18 the exemplaryflow receiving surfaces170 and180 are shown having 4 facets and 11 facets respectively, whereas in other embodiments, similar such generally pyramidal flow receiving surfaces may have any desired number of facets. Standalone flow control features comprising a flow receiving surface adapted to receive an incoming flow of steam at a substantially oblique angle may be applied to an existing steaming pitcher by attaching or otherwise situating the flow receiving surface generally in the center of the bottom of the pitcher, thus providing some of the benefits of improved fluid flow development and control according to the present invention. In one example, a flow control feature comprising a flow receiving surface such asexemplary features160,170 or180, may be attached to the center of the flat bottom of a conventional steaming pitcher by chemically bonding, welding or magnetically attaching the flow control feature to the conventional steaming pitcher, such as by employing mutually attractive magnets attached to the flow control feature and to the bottom of the steaming pitcher.
• 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 surfaces160,170 or180 asflow receiving surface192, the retrofitted bell-shapedpitcher190 includes atop opening194, an openinternal cavity195 and aflow receiving surface192. The illustrated retrofitted bell-shaped pitcher also has a substantially smoothflow directing surface193 and a substantiallysmooth launching surface191, 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 as140,150,160,170 or180 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 ofpitcher190 comprisingtop opening194 and handle198 may be interchanged to provide additional flexibility for the desired function of thepitcher190 without requiring the replacement of the entire pitcher. Similarly,FIG. 20 shows a multi-piece pitcher comprising separatelyinterchangeable top206, middle200 and bottom208 portions providing yet further flexibility to select design features suited for a particular intended usage. For example, thebottom section208 comprises central conicalflow receiving surface203 and toroidalflow directing surface204 flow control features of the present invention, themiddle section200 comprises a circumferential launching surface flow control feature, both of which are interchangeable withtop section206 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 facetedflow receiving surface180 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 toclaim 1 additionally comprising a flow directing surface.

3. The steaming pitcher according toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 3 wherein the launching surface is substantially smooth.

7. The steaming pitcher according toclaim 2 wherein at least one of the flow receiving surface and flow directing surface comprises two or more facets.

8. The steaming pitcher according toclaim 7 wherein an internal angle between the flow receiving surface and flow directing surface is an obtuse angle.

9. The steaming pitcher according toclaim 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 toclaim 7 wherein an internal angle between two adjoining facets of the flow directing surface is an obtuse angle.

11. The steaming pitcher according toclaim 10 wherein the internal angle between adjoining facets of the flow directing surface is greater than 135 degrees.

12. The steaming pitcher according toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 17, wherein the steaming pitcher additionally comprises a flow directing surface.

19. The method of controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher according toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 17 wherein the volume of fluid to be steamed comprises milk.

23. The method of controlling fluid flow in a steaming pitcher according toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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.

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