GB2498965A

GB2498965A - Milk frother comprising vessel with a spout for pouring liquid milk and a spout for pouring frothed milk

Info

Publication number: GB2498965A
Application number: GB1201702.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barry Ward; Glyn Hauser; Grant Geeson; Matthew Gossington
Original assignee: Morphy Richards Ltd; Morphy Richards NI Ltd
Current assignee: Morphy Richards Ltd; Morphy Richards NI Ltd
Priority date: 2012-02-01
Filing date: 2012-02-01
Publication date: 2013-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2032-02-01
Also published as: GB201201702D0; GB2498965B

Abstract

A milk frother 700 comprises a vessel 703 for containing milk and a lid (706, Fig.7) which closes off the upper end of the vessel. Internally, the vessel is divided into first 800 and second 801compartments by a screen 802, which allows liquid milk to drain from a first outlet 707, and frothed and/or liquid milk to drain from a second outlet 708. Preferably the outlets are spouts, wherein the second spout 708 is larger than the first 707. The vessel may connect to a base platform (701, fig.7) for cordless operation. In another aspect, a vane member 809 protrudes into an internal compartment of the vessel for folding frothed milk back in on itself. The screen 802 may have a mesh with aperture size configured for allowing milk to drain through the mesh whilst preventing frothed milk from passing through. The milk frother may have an agitator (1002, Fig.10) for agitating milk in the vessel and a heating member for heating the milk.

Description

INTELLECTUAL

PROPERTY OFFICE

Application No. GB1201702.6 TJTTVT Date :31 May 2012

The following terms are registered trademarks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document:

Bodum Dualit Latteccino Hostess

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk

-1-

MILK FROTHER

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to milk frothers, and particularly 5 although not exclusively to milk frothers for making frothed milk for Latte or

Cappuccino type coffee.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Referring to Figure 1 herein, there is illustrated a known Cappuccino io coffee drink. When making Cappuccino coffee, dark espresso type coffee is made in an espresso coffee machine and is poured into a cup, filling the cup to around a third of its volume. This is followed by a similar amount of hot milk. The top third volume of the cup consists of a milk foam, which is often decorated with artistic drawings made with the same milk. Often, a topping is added such as shaved 15 chocolate, brown sugar, cinnamon or other spices.

[0003] An important factor in preparing a cappuccino is the texture and temperature of the milk. Milk is heated and stirred. A micro foam is created by introducing tiny bubbles of air into the milk, giving the milk a smooth foamy velvety

2 0 texture. Attaining the optimum ratio of foam to milk requires close attention.

[0004] Another variation of the drink is the Cappuccino Freddo which is a cold version of a Cappuccino, where a small amount of cold or chilled frothed milk is placed on top of an espresso coffee.

25

[0005] Variations on the Cappuccino drink include the Latte, which is a longer drink having more milk and a varying amount of foam, and the Babyccino, which is a Cappuccino without coffee, that is just hot milk topped with foamed milk, often sprinkled with shaved chocolate or a similar topping.

30

[0006] Each of the above drinks require a foamed or frothed milk to be produced, either hot, ambient temperature, or chilled.

-2-

[0007] Traditionally, Cappuccinos are served in cafes using professional commercial espresso machines and commercial milk frothers. However espresso machines and milk frothers for home use are available.

5

[0008] Known milk frothers for home use include those which are manually powered, and which comprise a glass jug having a lid in which there is a plunger having a paddle at a lower end. In this type of frother, the user vigorously slides the handle up and down, which moves the frother paddle up and down in the milk io in the jug.

[0009] Referring to Figure 2 herein, an example of this type of frother is the Bodum 1446 Latteo Milk Frother which has a borosilicate glass jug. In use, the user fills the jug with milk, places the jug in the microwave oven for around 90

15 seconds, puts the lid on and pumps up and down the plunger for a few seconds, which moves the paddle agitator up and down in the milk, creating a milk foam.

[0010] Referring to Figures 3 and 4 herein, another known type of milk frother has a jug having an electric heating element in the base, and an electric

20 motor powered paddle which extends downwardly from a lid of the jug, on a shaft into the milk. Milk is added to the jug, heated up using the electric heating element, and frothed using the electrically rotating paddle. An example of this type of milk frother is the Dualit Latteccino product which has a 250ml capacity jug, weighs around 0.9kg and is able to prepare up to 240ml of hot milk or 140ml of

2 5 frothed milk. The jug is cordless, drawing its power from a base having a concentric detachable power connector of the Strix ® type. The jug has a nonstick internal coating, for easy cleaning.

[0011] Referring to Figure 4 herein, there is shown schematically

3 0 components of the Dualit Latteccino milk frother including the jug 400, the lid and paddle 401, and the base plate 402. The inside of the jug is a smooth substantially cylindrical surface having a closed off base, which is easy to clean. At the front of

-3-

the jug, there is a spout which allows efficient pouring of the milk/milk froth with the lid on or off.

[0012] When making a Cappuccino, the layering of the ingredients in the 5 cup or mug is important. The bottom third of a drink comprises an espresso coffee which is made in a separate espresso coffee maker. The middle third of the drink comprises hot liquid milk, and the top third of the drink comprises frothed milk. Using the known electric type froth maker within the jug, the liquid milk settles to the bottom and the milk foam/froth rests on top of the milk. However using the jug 10 of a type shown in Figures 3 and 4 to pour the milk/milk froth, when tipping the jug a combination of milk and foam pours out of the jug at the same time either with the lid on or off. To separate the liquid milk from the milk froth requires placing a barrier across the open mouth of the jug, to allow liquid to drain underneath the barrier and to retain the milk froth, until the liquid milk is drained.

15

[0013] A third type of known milk frother for home use comprises a jug having a frothing paddle at the bottom of the jug. The frothing paddle is powered by an electric motor which is housed in a separate base. An example of this type of known milk frother is the Hostess H0250MA milk frother as shown in Figure 5

20 herein. This type is difficult to clean because the paddle is in the bottom floor of the jug and so the jug does not have a clear uninterrupted interior surface.

[0014] There are other known variations of milk frothers, for example the Gordon Ramsey professional hot and cold milk frother device, which comprises a

2 5 jug vessel having an electric heating element on a separate base, and a lid with a downwardly projecting frother.

[0015] Referring to Figure 6 herein, there are also hand held wand type milk frothers comprising an electric motor within handle, a protruding shaft, and a

3 0 paddle on the end of the shaft. These devices do not include a jug. Rather, the user inserts the end of the wand into a cup or pan of heated or cold milk and uses the electrically rotating paddle to agitate the milk into a froth. An example of this

-4-

type of frother is the Aerolatte frother, or the kitchen craft Le'Xpress Frother as shown in Figure 6 herein.

Summary of the Invention 5 [0016] An object of the present embodiments is to produce a convenient and effective milk frother for domestic use which is easy to use, gives better separation of milk and froth, is easy to clean and overcomes the disadvantages of the known milk frothers.

10 [0017] A further objective is to provide a milk frother for domestic use,

which gives a fine creamy consistency and texture to the milk froth, by promoting a small and consistent bubble size within the froth.

[0018] According to a first aspect there of the present invention, there is 15 provided A milk frother for producing frothed milk, comprising:

a vessel for containing milk; and a lid (706) which closes off an upper end of the vessel;

20

characterised by:

a screen (802) which separates the vessel into a first compartment (800) and a second compartment (801);

25

a first outlet (707), positioned to drain liquid milk from said first compartment;

and a second outlet (708) positioned to drain liquid and/or frothed milk from the 3 0 second compartment.

-5-

[0019] According to a second aspect there is provided a milk frother for producing frothed milk, said frother comprising:

a vessel for containing milk;

5

characterised by:

a vane member 809 which protrudes into a internal compartment of said vessel, said vane operable for directing frothed milk back in towards a central 10 region into said vessel.

[0020] Other aspects are as set out in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings 15 [0021] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

2 0 Figure 1 shows a cup of Cappuccino coffee, illustrating the smooth foamed/frothed upper part of the Cappuccino drink;

Figure 2 illustrates schematically a first type of known milk frother for preparing Cappuccino type drinks;

25

Figure 3 illustrates schematically a second known type of milk foamer/frother having a heated jug and an agitator suspended on a shaft;

Figure 4 illustrates schematically components of the second known 3 0 foamer/frother device;

-6-

Figure 5 illustrates schematically a third known type of milk foamer/frother device having an agitator within a base of a jug;

Figure 6 illustrates schematically a fourth type of known milk frother, in the 5 form of a hand held wand type milk frother;

Figure 7 illustrates schematically a first milk frother according to a first specific embodiment, together with a supporting base plate, and drip tray;

10 Figure 8 illustrates schematically in cut away view, inside a jug component of the first embodiment milk frother;

Figure 9 illustrates schematically the jug and base plate of a prototype second embodiment milk frother;

15

Figure 10 illustrates schematically a lid of the prototype second embodiment milk frother; and

Figure 11 illustrates schematically in perspective view, a combined screen 2 o and vane component comprising the first or second embodiment milk frothers.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0022] There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific 2 5 details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

[0023] Referring to Figure 7 herein, there is illustrated in perspective view, a first milk frother 700 according to a first specific embodiment, together with a base

platform 701 for supplying power to the milk frother, and a drip tray 702. In this case, the milk frother 700 is part of a coffee making set, of which the base platform 701 and drip tray 702 comprise other components of the set.

5 [0024] The milk frother 700 comprises an upright jug like vessel 703 for containing milk; a base portion 704 which contains operational controls including an on/off switch 705, as well as a female concentric electrical power connector; and a lid 706 which contains an electric motor and a downwardly extending shaft, at the end of which is positioned a whisk or spring shaped paddle or agitator for

10 agitating and frothing milk in the vessel 703.

[0025] At the upper end of the vessel 703, are provided a pair of spouts 707, 708 respectively, which are positioned on opposite sides to each other at the upper end of the jug. The first spout 707 is of smaller aperture area than second

15 spout 708 which provides a larger outlet. Inside the jug, is provided a filter or screen, segregating off the first spout 707 from the rest of the internal volume of the jug, the screen having a mesh size large enough to allow passage of liquid milk, but small enough to inhibit passage of frothed milk.

2 0 [0026] In use, the user removes the lid 706, and pours milk into the jug.

The user turns the heater in the base of the jug on, using the control 705, to heat up the milk to a predetermined temperature. The user then turns on the motorized frother, by activating a button or switch on the jug, to agitate the milk into a froth. The temperature to which the milk is heated can be pre-set by a set of controls on

2 5 the jug by the user, or can be pre-set by means of a factory set timer in the controls of the jug. Heating of the milk is optional and therefore the milk can be frothed cold, at room temperature or at a desired heated temperature. Similarly, the frothing time can be user controlled, by a variable time set control on the jug, or, the frother could be set up such that pressing a button on the lid or jug or base

3 0 plate activates the motorized agitator, and pressing again (toggling) or releasing the button turns the motorized agitator off.

-8-

[0027] In another variation, activation of a button or switch on the frother can activate the agitator for a pre-determined time, factory set at an optimum time to provide an optimum amount of frothing, which the skilled person will understand can be determined by trial and error and incorporated as a factory installed setting.

5

[0028] Having heated and frothed the milk, the user picks up the jug, keeping the lid on top of the jug and pours the liquid milk out through the smaller spout 707 of the two spouts. The screen inside the jug prevents the frothed milk from flowing out of the smaller spout, and the lid prevents the frothed milk from

10 draining out of the jug. Having drained the liquid milk into one or more cups, depending on how many cups of coffee are being made, the user then pours the jug in the opposite direction so that the frothed milk pours out from the second, larger spout 708. The larger aperture of the larger spout allows the frothed milk to drain from the jug, until the jug is substantially empty. Throughout the tipping 15 operation, the lid remains in place. As an alternative the frothed milk can be poured from the vessel by removing the lid after the milk has been poured from the spout and through the mesh.

[0029] To re-use the jug, the user lifts out the lid, and pours in a fresh 2 0 quantity of milk to repeat the operation. Alternatively, the user can pour the new liquid milk in through the larger spout, avoiding the need to remove the lid.

[0030] For washing the vessel, the user may remove the lid, and wash the vessel and lid with agitator/foamer out underneath a tap.

25

[0031] In a variation embodiment frother, the jug and its electrical connections may be made liquid/waterproof, so that the whole of the jug can be placed in a dish washer for cleaning, including the lid and agitator.

30

[0032] In this embodiment, the base unit 701 has enough space for fitting the milk frother 700 side by side with a Mocha type jug shaped coffee maker. The base platform 701 comprises a first male concentric electrical connection 709 for

-9-

supplying power to the coffee maker and a further concentric male electrical power connector for powering the frother 700. The base platform may be designed such that the milk frother and coffee maker can be interchangeably placed on either the first or second male concentric electrical connectors.

5

[0033] Referring to Figure 8 herein, there is illustrated schematically in cut away view from one side, the frother 700 of Figure 7 herein, with the lid removed. The jug shaped vessel 703 is provided with the first, smaller size spout 707 and the second larger sized spout 708. The interior of the vessel is divided into two

10 compartments, 800, 801 respectively by a screen or filter component 802. The screen or filter 802 locates within the jug, retained by one or a plurality of protrusions 803 in the otherwise substantially smooth cylindrical side wall of the jug. The protrusions are relatively smooth, so as to retain the screen in place, inside the jug, but at the same time making the jug easy to clean, and without any

15 acute or sharp recesses, to avoid collection of dirt, burnt milk or the like. The inside surface of the frother is preferably coated with a non-stick material, to make the frother easy to clean and the base of the frother vessel is clear and unobstructed. The screen 802 can be permanently mounted to the vessel but for ease of cleaning in this embodiment it is removable from the vessel. In some

20 embodiments the screen 802 can be attached to the lid.

[0034] The screen or filter 802 locates in the vessel so as to separate off the second compartment 801 which is near the first spout 707 from the larger first compartment 800 within the main body of the jug. When pouring the vessel, liquid

2 5 milk can pass through the screen 802 and out of the smaller first spout 707, but the screen retains frothed milk or foam in the main compartment 800.

[0035] When tilted in the opposite direction, liquid milk and/or foam/frothed milk can pour out of the relatively larger second spout 708.

30

[0036] The floor 805 of the vessel of the frother is heated by an electrical heating member or element 806, inside base portion 704 of the frother. The

-10-

leading element or member 806 is a conventional element, however other types of members can be used such as an induction type heating member. Also shown in cut away view, is the circular concentric female connector 807 which connects with a corresponding concentric male connector on the base unit 701 to provide power 5 to the device.

[0037] Electrical power to the lid is provided via the concentric connector 807 on the base of the jug unit, through electrical conductors which are incorporated into and buried into the sides of the vessel, and which are accessible

10 via a female electrical connector 808 at an upper end of the jug. The female electrical connector is incorporated into a side wall of the jug, so that when the lid is placed on top of the jug, a protruding male plug on the lid engages the female socket on the top of the jug, to provide power to the electric motor within the lid.

15 [0038] Within the main compartment 800 of the vessel, there is also provided a flat vane 809. In this embodiment, the vane is attached to the screen 802, and is removable with the screen, but the vane could be provided as a separate component.

2 o [0039] In use, the vane serves to fold the foam over on itself as the body of foam rotates within the vessel, thereby promoting a smaller bubble size in the foamed/frothed milk, and therefore a finer texture of foam/froth.

[0040] The combined vane and screen are easily removable from the

2 5 interior of the jug, so that the screen/vane can be rinsed out under a running tap.

[0041] Referring to Figures 9 and 10 herein, there are illustrated schematically components of a second frother according to a second specific embodiment. The second frother comprises a jug type vessel 900 having a base

3 0 901 which houses a female concentric electrical power connector, and one or more control switches for controlling the device; a froth screen or filter 902 which fits inside the vessel; a first outlet 903 for pouring liquid milk; a second outlet 904

-11-

for pouring foamed or frothed milk; a set of electrical connections 905, 906 either side of the vessel at the top of the vessel, and connected to electrical wires running up within the sides of the vessel, in an outer housing or casing of the vessel, so as to appear at the upper end of the vessel, to provide electrical power 5 to the lid.

[0042] A base unit 907 provides a platform which is connectable to mains electricity, and on which the frother can be placed to draw power, so that the jug benefits from cordless operation. The base unit 907 has a male concentric

10 electrical connector 908 which connects with the female concentric connector on the base 901 when the frother is placed on the base unit 907.

[0043] Referring to Figure 10 herein, lid 1000 comprises a substantially circular cover plate 1001 shaped to fit over the top aperture of the vessel 900, and

15 which houses an electric motor, from which protrudes a shaft, at the end of which is positioned a wire and plastics agitator 1002 for frothing the milk; a first outlet 1003 for pouring liquid milk; and a second outlet aperture 1004 for pouring froth or foamed milk. The lid fits on top of the jug vessel, and a set of electrical connections 1005, 1006 one either side of the lid, engage the corresponding

2 0 electrical connections 905, 906 on the jug vessel to provide power to the electric motor in the lid. The smaller first fluid outlet 1003 aligns with a chamber of the vessel 900 on a first side of the screen 902 to provide the first spout, and the second outlet 1004 aligns with the main chamber on the other side of the screen to provide a second outlet spout for foamed or frothed milk.

25

[0044] Use of the prototype second embodiment milk frother is substantially as herein before described as for the first embodiment. The user pours milk into the vessel, either through the larger spout 1004, or with the lid removed. The user then heats up the milk by switching on the heating element in the base of the

3 0 vessel, until the optimum milk temperature is reached. If cold milk froth is being prepared, the heating step may be omitted. With the lid in place, the user activates the agitator motor using a switch either on the lid, on the jug, or on the base

-12-

platform, and the motor turns the shaft and agitator to whisk and stir the milk into a froth. Frothing typically takes 60 to 90 seconds, and the time can be controlled either as a factory preset time, or can be user set, or the time can be determined by the time which a user presses a on/off switch, which when pressed, turns the 5 motor on and which when released, turns the motor off. The liquid swirls around in the vessel and a vane member in the vessel, preferably attached to the screen 902, acts to fold the frothed milk back onto itself, to create a reduced bubble size in the froth. Once the milk is properly frothed, the user pours the liquid milk through the smaller outlet 1003, the screen 903 preventing the frothed milk from draining io out of the smaller outlet. Once the liquid has been drained, the user tips the jug the other way so that the more viscous frothed milk pours out of the larger second outlet 1004. The lid is kept in place when pouring the jug, to prevent the foam draining out at the same time as the liquid milk.

15 [0045] The larger outlet 1004 has a part cylindrical edge 1007 facing opposite a curved edge 1008, to produce a mouth shaped or lemon slice shaped opening, which has length greater than its width. The shape of the second curve 1006 opposite the peripheral circular curve portion 1007 may be modified to give optimum pouring of the foam in a wide layer, having a curved upper surface, so as 20 to give, in the finalized drink, a domed effect to the frothed milk in a cup or glass, giving an optimum presentation of the final drink as shown in Figure 1 herein.

[0046] The agitator 1002 at the end of the shaft, comprises a spiral metal spring formed into an annular ring, wherein a main length axis of the shaft is

2 5 perpendicular to a main plane of the annular spring member. In this embodiment the agitator 1002 is on a shaft extending downwardly from the electric motor in the lid. However, in other embodiments the agitator may be permanently or removeably mounted to a shaft in the floor of the vessel. The shaft may be operatively coupled to a drive unit in the base unit 907 as will be apparent to a

3 0 person skilled in the art. In yet another embodiment the agitator 1002 may be magnetic vanes, paddles or other whisking implements located in the vessel 900 and driven by a magnetic drive in the base unit 907.

-13-

[0047] Referring to Figure 11 herein, there is illustrated schematically in perspective view, a combined screen and vane which fits inside the jug of the first or second embodiment milk frothers.

5

[0048] The screen 1100 comprises an outer rigid frame 1101, substantially in the shape of a cosine shape, having first and second opposite sidesl 102, 1103, a lower bridge portion 1104 connecting the first and second sides at a lower end; and an upper connecting portion 1105 connecting the upper end of the side

10 portions. Overall, the outer frame is shaped so as to closely fit the substantially cylindrical internal wall surface of the frother vessel, so that in use, when the screen is inserted into the frother vessel, a main plane of the screen intersects a main central upright axis of the vessel, and intersects a side wall of the vessel, as shown in Figure 8 herein.

15

[0049] Extending across a width of the screen, there is provided a mesh

1106, having mesh aperture size large enough to allow the passage of liquid milk relatively unimpeded, but small enough to impede the frothed milk.

2 0 [0050] Extended downwardly from the screen is provided a vane member

1107, which, in use, protrudes into the main liquid containing volume of the jug where the frothing takes place.

[0051] A lower end 1108 of the vane has a curved profile, which helps fold

2 5 the foamed milk in a downward direction into the main frothing compartment,

folding the foam back onto the rotating agitator 1002.

[0052] By providing a filter screen between a first compartment and a second compartment in a vessel over the frother, liquid milk can be easily

3 0 separated from frothed milk, achieving a better separation of milk and froth in a

Cappuccino type drink.

-14-

[0053] Liquid milk can pour out of a relatively smaller spout, giving better control of liquid milk, but without any froth, the froth being retained by the screen and lid. On the other hand, foam/froth can be poured out of a relatively larger second aperture on an opposite side of the frother vessel, giving quicker and

5 easier froth pouring. Further, the curved shape of the aperture in the second embodiment frother allows the froth to be poured in a wide layer, so as to spread across the width of a cup in a relatively even manner.

[0054] By providing a vane within the frothing compartment, rotating milk io which has been part frothed is folded back onto itself and back onto the frother/agitator for further frothing, thereby reducing bubble size and producing a smoother and creamier texture of milk froth.

[0055] Since a heating element is provided underneath the base of the jug, 15 this allows for a smooth unimpeded interior surface of the jug, which gives easy cleaning.

[0056] By providing cordless operation using a concentric male/female power connector, and by providing an agitator which is suspended from a lid which

2 0 contains a motor, this provides a low component count, and easy washing and cleaning of the components. In some embodiments, the components may be dishwasher proof, having dishwasher proof electrical connections.

-15-

Claims

1. A milk frother for producing frothed milk, comprising: 5 a vessel for containing milk; and a lid (706) which closes off an upper end of the vessel;

characterised by:

10

15 and a second outlet (708) positioned to drain liquid and/or frothed milk from the second compartment.

2 0 2. The milk frother as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second outlet has a larger sized aperture than an aperture of said first outlet.

3. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said screen (802) has a mesh with a mesh aperture size configured for

2 5 allowing liquid milk to drain through the mesh, whilst preventing frothed milk from passing through the mesh.

4. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said screen is removable from said vessel.

30

-16-

5. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said screen locates inside said vessel such that a main plane of said screen intersects a side wall of said vessel.

5

6. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,

wherein said first compartment is smaller than said second compartment, and said second compartment encompasses the whole of an interior floor portion of said vessel.

10

7. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,

further comprising a vane or paddle member which projects into said main compartment of the vessel, and in use, operates to fold the milk back onto itself.

15

8. The milk frother as claimed in claim 5, wherein said vane or paddle member is removable from said vessel.

9. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lid is removable from said vessel.

20

10. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said vessel has a smooth internal surface, when said screen is removed.

11. The milk frother as claimed in any or of the preceding claims, further

2 5 including an agitator for agitating milk in said vessel.

12. The milk frother as claimed in claim 11, wherein said lid comprises an electric motor, and a shaft extending downwardly from the electric motor, and wherein with the agitator is at the end of the shaft.

30

13. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second outlet comprises an aperture having a periphery comprising a

-17-

first arcuate edge, intersected by a second arcuate edge, so as to form an aperture having a width smaller than its length, and so as to produce a curved effect on an upper portion of a foam or froth as poured out of said second aperture.

5

14. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

said lid comprises a first electrical connector;

10

said vessel comprises a second electrical connector at an upper end of said vessel; and wherein, on placing said lid on said vessel, said first and second electrical

15 connectors engage each other, so as to provide electrical power to said lid.

15. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first outlet comprises a first aperture in said lid; and

20 said second outlet comprises a second aperture in said lid.

16. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first outlet comprises a first spout on a first side of an upper rim of said vessel; and

25

said second outlet comprises a second, larger, spout positioned on a second side of said upper rim of said vessel, said second spout being on an opposite side of said vessel to said first spout.

3 0 17. A milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a heating member for heating the milk.

-18-

18. A milk frother for producing frothed milk, said frother comprising:

a vessel for containing milk;

5 characterised by:

a vane member 809 which protrudes into an internal compartment of said vessel, for folding frothed milk back in onto itself.

10 19. The milk frother as claimed in claim 18, wherein said vane is removable from said vessel.

15

19

AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS

1. A milk frother for producing frothed milk, comprising:

5 a vessel for containing milk; and a lid (706) which closes off an upper end of the vessel;

characterised by:

10

a first outlet (707), positioned to drain liquid milk from said first 15 compartment; and a second outlet (708) positioned to drain frothed milk, or liquid and frothed milk from the second compartment.

20 2. The milk frother as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second outlet has a larger sized aperture than an aperture of said first outlet.

• • •

** 3. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,

wherein said screen (802) has a mesh with a mesh aperture size configured for 25 allowing liquid milk to drain through the mesh, whilst preventing frothed milk from passing through the mesh.

30

20

6. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first compartment is smaller than said second compartment, and said second compartment encompasses the whole of an interior floor portion of said vessel.

7. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a vane or paddle member which projects into said main compartment of the vessel, and in use, operates to fold the milk back onto itself.

10. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,

o wherein said vessel has a smooth internal surface, when said screen is removed.

11. The milk frother as claimed in any or of the preceding claims, further including an agitator for agitating milk in said vessel.

13. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second outlet comprises an aperture having a periphery comprising a first arcuate edge, intersected by a second arcuate edge, so as to form an

21

aperture having a width smaller than its length, and so as to produce a curved effect on an upper portion of a foam or froth as poured out of said second aperture.

5 14. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,

wherein:

said lid comprises a first electrical connector;

10 said vessel comprises a second electrical connector at an upper end of said vessel; and wherein, on placing said lid on said vessel, said first and second electrical connectors engage each other, so as to provide electrical power to said lid.

15

20

* • • • ••

• •

« IC • • •

• • • •

%

O A • • • •

15. The milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first outlet comprises a first aperture in said lid; and said second outlet comprises a second aperture in said lid.

25 said second outlet comprises a second, larger, spout positioned on a second side of said upper rim of said vessel, said second spout being on an opposite side of said vessel to said first spout.

17. A milk frother as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further 30 including a heating member for heating the milk.