Built-in electric heating structure for a travel mug or thermos bottle

• US 6,852,954 B1
• Filed: 12/23/2002
• Issued: 02/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: J Sheng Company Limited (J. Sheng)
• Original Assignee: J Sheng Company Limited (J. Sheng)
• Inventors: Liu, Chih-Hsiang, Li, Shu-Fen
• Primary Examiner(s): PELHAM, JOSEPH MOORE
• Application Number:
  US10/326,312
• Time in Patent Office: 778 Days
• Field of Search: 219/387, 219/429, 219/435, 219/436, 219/438, 219/441, 439/135, 439/136, 439/528
• US Class Current: 219/436
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 36/2472 of the cordless type, i.e. whereby the cup can be plugged into an electrically-powered base element
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 41/005 comprising heat or cold producing means, i.e. energy transfer from outside the vessel

Abstract

A travel mug has an outer case, an inner case, a film heater, a temperature control device, and a power source connector. The inner case is fitted into the outer case in conjunction with a spacer, thereby resulting in formation of an air space insulation between the inner case and the outer case. The film heater is fastened to the bottom end of the inner case and is connected to an electrical receptacle of the outer case by a wire which is also connected with the temperature control device located in proximity of the film heater. The receptacle is connected to a power source by the power source connector.

Claims

1. A travel mug comprising:

an outer case having an electrical receptacle affixed thereto;

an inner case formed of a heat-conductible material, said inner case fitted into said outer case, said inner case having an upper portion extending outwardly of a top end of said outer case, said upper portion having a diameter less than a diameter of said outer case, said inner case affixed to said outer case by a threaded connection at a bottom thereof;

a spear disposed between a top end of said inner case and said top end of said outer case so as to define an air space between an inner wall of said outer case and an outer wall of said inner case, said air space having no insulation material therein;

a handle affixed to said upper portion of said inner case and extending outwardly therefrom so as to be in spaced relation to an outer wall of said outer case;

a pliable film heater attached to an outer surface of a bottom end portion of said inner case and connected to said receptacle of said outer case by a wire;

a temperature control device located in proximity to said film heater and connected to said wire; and

a power source connector means for connecting said electrical receptacle to a power source, said power source connector means comprising a plug having a protective shield, said plug being fitted into said electrical receptacle of said outer case such that said protective shield is removably fitted over said electrical receptacle.

2. The travel mug of claim 1, wherein said electrical receptacle of said outer case has a protective cover whereby said protective cover is removably fitted over said electrical receptacle and is fastened to one end of a strap, said strap being fastened at another end to said outer case.

3. The travel mug of claim 1, wherein said inner case is formed of a metal material.

4. The travel mug of claim 1, wherein said inner case is formed of a plastic material.

5. The travel mug of claim 1, said power source connector means for connecting to an electrical circuit of a motor vehicle outlet.

6. The travel mug of claim 1, said power source connector means for connecting to an electrical circuit of an office or household outlet.