FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly relates to a jug. More specifically, but not exclusively it relates to a jug for use on an aircraft for serving beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Jugs are commonly used for transporting and serving beverages to a consumer. It is common on aircraft to have jugs for the purpose of serving liquids such as tea, coffee, juice and water or any other beverages for consumption by passengers. Jugs commonly consist of a handle attached to a container portion that can contain a volume of liquid within. It is common on aircraft to have a jug that is substantially enclosed with a lid to prevent any of the liquids splashing out of the jug whilst being carried. It is also common for jugs to have a pouring spout to facilitate the pouring of fluids from the jug.

The handles of common jugs are designed to be carried by a single hand.

The design of jugs used on aircraft is constrained by the limits of space on an aircraft. As such many aircraft jugs are specifically designed to fit or be used within a particular aircraft galley or service arrangement. As such, many aircraft jugs are not ergonomically designed for a user but rather designed to fit into a set dimensional space.

J ^u g ^{s on} board aircraft need to be sufficiently large so that the jug does not have to be continuously refilled when serving. Because of the large size and subsequent weight of the jugs cabin crew can often develop injuries with their wrists and arms.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is also known as cumulative trauma disorder, occupational overuse syndrome or work related upper limb disorder. It is a syndrome to refer various kind of injury to muscles, tendons and nerves.

RSI is caused by repetition of physical movement, which often accumulatively places excessive stress on muscles, tendons, nerves and other soft body tissues. In relation to this project, a continuously high wrist loading and wrist bending which lead to local nerves becoming inflamed and trapped, resulting in wrist pain and tingling sensation in the fingers.

Specifically the ailments produced by this type of task are known as De Quervain's Syndrome, Intersection Syndrome and less likely but still possible Carpal Tunnel

Syndrome. Some airlines may serve more than 500 cups of tea or coffee per crew member on a long haul flight. Some servings being by way of using a left hand and some using a right hand. This can result in such injuries as mentioned above to be easily sustained by persons.

Commercial jugs such as those used on an aircraft must be suitable for us within commercial dishwashing systems. They must be able to withstand the high temperatures and suitably drain any excess fluids to avoid dirt build up.

Aircraft when in flight are prone to moving around and normally travel with a certain degree of pitch. This means that the cabin of an aircraft may not be horizontal when in flight. Therefore, a jug designed for use in a horizontal condition is less suitable than one that is configured for use in an inclined condition. Common airline jugs are designed for us in a horizontal condition only.

Figure 1 shows an example of a coffee jug used by Air New Zealand Ltd for its domestic services. The handle diameter is very thin and is not cylindrical. The handle presents itself at a reasonable angle relative to the user in a neutral (non pouring) condition but the handle is not parallel to the body of the jug. This can see contact at for example near the top of the jug with the fingers of the user which can be very uncomfortable if the jug is full of hot liquid. Moving the jug from the neutral position to a pouring position requires a large degree of rotation. This means that the hand is in a tensed position for a longer period of time.

Figure 2 shows an example of a coffee jug used by Air New Zealand Ltd for its international services. Its handle is also very thin and becomes narrower at the bottom of the handle. The angle of the handle is ergonomically incorrect which significantly increased the risk of RSI. The top of the handle where the thumb rests almost comes to a point where the index finger is compressed. This can also result in increased thumb pressure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide improvements in or relating to jugs which overcomes or at least ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention may be said to be a jug comprising:

a container portion that includes a base and a cylindrical sidewall extending from the base, the upper edge of the sidewall forming an upper lip about a container portion opening,

wherein the base is substantially in a first plane and the upper lip is substantially in a second plane,

and wherein the first and second planes are not parallel, and

wherein the first plane is not perpendicular to the cylindrical axis.

Preferably the angle between the first plane and the cylindrical axis is between 83 and 87 degrees.

Preferably the angle between the first plane and the cylindrical axis is 85 degrees. Preferably the jug has a handle.

Preferably the handle is integrally formed with the container portion.

Preferably the handle is elongate.

Preferably the handle includes straight section.

Preferably the straight section of the handle is parallel to the cylindrical axis.

Preferably the straight section extends from proximate the base to proximate the upper lip and is of an extent to allow a hand of a user to grasp the handle at multiple positions along its length.

Preferably the handle is sufficiently large enough to accommodate two hands griping it simultaneously..

Preferably the jug is made from materials suitable for being cleaned in a

dishwasher..

Preferably the container portion includes a wall portion that externally is thermally more insulated from the containment side of the wall portion, than other portions..

Preferably the thermally more insulated portion is of a shape and size to allow a person to grasp the jug by the container portion..

Preferably the thermally more insulated portion covers substantially all of the handle.

Preferably the thermally more insulated portion covers substantially all of the base.. Preferably the handle is of a suitable shape and configuration to allow a user to easily and comfortably grip the handle with one hand..

Preferably the handle is substantially hollow.

Preferably the handle has apertures at the top and bottom of the handle to allow fluids to pass there through.

Preferably the apertures are configured to allow fluids to drain out of the handle when being washed.

Preferably the jug has a pour spout.

Preferably the pour spout projects from the upper lip of the jug.

Preferably the pour spout is located diametrically opposite the handle.

Preferably the pour spout is integrally formed with the container portion.

Preferably the jug includes a lid.

Preferably the lid is configured such that it covers at least part of the opening. Preferably the jug has a pour spout and wherein the lid is configured such that fluids in the container portion can only exit the container portion via the pour spout when the lid is engaged.

Preferably the lid is connected to the container portion via a hinged coupling.

Preferably the hinged coupling is configured such that the lid can be rotated of the top of the container portion to allow the container portion to be filled with a fluid..

Preferably the lid rotates through an angle of at least 120 degrees..

Preferably the lid has a lock to selectively prevent it from opening.

Preferably the lock can be engaged or disengaged by the thumb of a user whilst holding the handle.

Preferably the lid has tabs that extend over the upper lip for facilitating the lifting of the lid..

Preferably the tabs are only large enough to accommodate the tip of a finger.

Preferably the lid is configured to hold a coffee plunger.

Preferably the plunger has a shaft slidably engaged and extending through the lid.. Preferably the plunger has a filter at one end of the shaft for preventing coffee grains or the like from passing there through..

Preferably the filter forms a seal with the internal surface of the sidewall or walls. Preferably the jug has a transparent viewing section to allow a user to determine the volume of liquid in the jug.. In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a jug comprising:

a container portion that includes a base and a sidewall or walls projecting from the base to an upper edge of the sidewall, forming an upper lip that includes a pour spout, wherein the base is substantially in a first plane and the upper lip is substantially in a second plane,

and wherein the first and second planes are not parallel and converge at a line and the pour spout is positioned at a part of the upper lip proximate most the line.

Preferably the angle between the first plane and the second plane is between 3 and 7 degrees.

Preferably the angle between the first plane and the second plane is 5 degrees. Preferably the jug has a handle.

Preferably the handle is integrally formed with the container portion.

Preferably the handle is elongate and includes a substantial straight section.

Preferably the straight section of the handle is perpendicular to the second plane.

Preferably the handle is sufficiently large enough to accommodate two hands griping it simultaneously..

Preferably the jug is made from materials suitable for being cleaned in a

dishwasher..

Preferably the container portion includes a wall portion that externally is thermally more insulated from the containment side of the wall portion, than other portions..

Preferably the thermally more insulated portion is of a shape and size to allow a person to grasp the jug by the container portion..

Preferably the thermally more insulated portion covers substantially all of the handle.

Preferably the thermally more insulated portion covers substantially all of the base.. Preferably the handle is of a suitable shape and configuration to allow a user to easily and comfortably grip the handle with one hand..

Preferably the handle is substantially hollow..

Preferably the handle has apertures at the top and bottom of the handle to allow fluids to pass into and drain out of the handle..

Preferably the apertures are configured to allow fluids to drain out of the handle when the jug is inverted..

Preferably the handle is located on the opposite side to the pour spout. Preferably the pour spout projects from the upper lip of the container portion. Preferably said sidewall or walls project from the base to an upper edge, in a parallel manner such that their cross section does not vary over height from base.

Preferably the first plane and second plane are at an angle of between 2 to 15 degrees to each other and preferably 5 degrees.

Preferably the straight section is at an angle of between 75 to 87 degrees to the first plane.

Preferably the pour spout is integrally formed with the container portion..

Preferably the container portion has a lid..

Preferably the lid is configured such that it covers at least part of the opening of the jug- Preferably the lid is configured such that fluids in the jug can only exit the jug via the pour spout when the lid is engaged..

Preferably the lid is connected to the jug via a hinged coupling..

Preferably the hinged coupling is configured such that the lid can be rotated of the top of the jug exposing the internal volume of the container portion..

Preferably the lid rotates through an angle of at least 120 degrees..

Preferably the lid has a lock to prevent it from opening..

Preferably the lock can be engaged or disengaged by the thumb of a user..

Preferably the lid has tabs that extend over the upper lip for facilitating the lifting of the lid..

Preferably the tabs are only large enough to accommodate the tip of a finger..

Preferably the lid is configured to accommodate a plunger..

Preferably the plunger has a shaft slidably engaged and extending through the lid.. Preferably the plunger has a filter proximate one end of the shaft for preventing coffee grains or the like from passing there through..

Preferably the filter forms a seal with the internal surface of the sidewall or walls.. Preferably the jug has a transparent viewing section to allow a user to determine the volume of liquid in the jug.

In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a jug that comprises: a container portion and an elongate hollow handle engaged to the container portion at or towards at least one of an upper region thereof and a lower region thereof, said hollow handle including an aperture at or towards its upper end and at or towards it's lower end to allow a liquid to pass into and drain out of the hollow handle.

In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a jug that comprises a container portion and a graspable handle engaged to the container portion, said container portion including a wall portion that externally is thermally more insulated from the containment side of the wall portion, than other portions,

said thermally more insulated portion being of a shape and size to allow a person to comfortably grasp the jug by the container portion when it contains hot coffee or tea.

Preferably the container portion includes a base.

Preferably the container portion includes a sidewall or walls projecting from the base to an upper edge of the sidewall.

Preferably the upper edge of the sidewall or walls forms an upper lip.

Preferably the upper edge includes a pour spout,

Preferably the base is substantially in a first plane.

Preferably the upper lip is substantially in a second plane.

Preferably the first and second planes are not parallel and converge at a line to which the pour spout projects.

Preferably the angle between the first plane and the second plane is between 3 and 7 degrees.

Preferably the angle between the first plane and the second plane is 5 degrees.

Preferably the handle is integrally formed with the container portion.

Preferably the elongate axis of the handle is perpendicular to the second plane. Preferably the handle is sufficiently large enough to accommodate two hands griping it simultaneously.

Preferably the jug is made from materials suitable for being cleaned in a dishwasher.

Preferably the container portion includes a wall portion that externally is thermally more insulated from the containment side of the wall portion, than other portions.

Preferably the thermally more insulated portion is of a shape and size to allow a person to grasp the jug by the container portion.

Preferably the thermally more insulated portion covers substantially all of the handle.

Preferably the thermally more insulated portion covers substantially all of the base. Preferably the handle is of a suitable shape and configuration to allow a user to easily and comfortably grip the handle with one hand.

Preferably the apertures are configured to allow fluids to drain out of the handle when the jug is inverted.

Preferably the handle is located on the opposite side to the pour spout.

Preferably the pour spout projects from the upper lip of the container portion.

Preferably the pour spout is integrally formed with the container portion.

Preferably the container portion has a lid.

Preferably the lid is configured such that it covers at least part of the opening of the

Preferably the lid is configured such that fluids in the jug can only exit the jug via the pour spout when the lid is engaged.

Preferably the lid is connected to the jug via a hinged coupling.

Preferably the hinged coupling is configured such that the lid can be rotated of the top of the jug exposing the internal volume of the container portion.

Preferably the lid rotates through an angle of at least 120 degrees.

Preferably the lid has a lock to prevent it from opening.

Preferably the lock can be engaged or disengaged by the thumb of a user.

Preferably the lid has tabs that extend over the upper lip for facilitating the lifting of the lid.

Preferably the tabs are only large enough to accommodate the tip of a finger.

Preferably the lid is configured to accommodate a plunger.

Preferably the plunger has a shaft slidably engaged and extending through the lid.

Preferably the plunger has a filter proximate one end of the shaft for preventing coffee grains or the like from passing there through.

Preferably the filter forms a seal with the internal surface of the sidewall or walls.

Preferably the jug has a transparent viewing section to allow a user to determine the volume of liquid in the jug.

In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a jug that comprises a. a container portion to contain a liquid comprising

i. a base to allow the jug to be stably supported on a bench, ii. side wall or walls projecting from the base to an upper opening of the container portion at which a dispensing spout is presented, said side walls projecting at an angle from the base such that when supported on the bench, the side walls are not perpendicular to the bench,

b. a handle engaged to the container portion, the handle including a straight section that is separated from adjacent side wall of the container portion sufficient to allow a hand to grasp the handle yet not contact the container portion and is parallel to said adjacent side wall.

Preferably the straight section extends a substantial distance between the base and the upper opening such that a person's hand can grasp the handle in different positions on the handle in order to readjust their grasp as desired, when the level of liquid in the container portion changes.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a prior art view of a jug and hand,

Figure 2 is a prior art view of a jug and hand,

Figure 3 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the jug,

Figure 4 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the jug,

Figure 5 is a font elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the jug,

Figure 6 is a back elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the jug,

Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the jug, Figure 8 is a back perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the jug, Figure 9 is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the jug,

Figure 10 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the jug,

Figure 11 is a back elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the jug, Figure 12 is a font elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the jug, Figure 13 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the jug, Figure 14 is a back perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the jug, Figure 15 is a cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the jug through line A-A in figure 4,

Figure 16 is a cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the jug through line A-A in figure 4 with the lid 170 removed, and

Figure 17 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the jug through line B-B in figure 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 2-8 show a preferred embodiment of the jug 100. The main container portion 101 of the jug 100 comprises a base 110 and at least one sidewall 120 extending from the base 110.

The base 110 in the preferred embodiment lies substantially within a first plane 111. In the preferred embodiment the base 110 is configured to support the jug on a flat support surface such that the first plane 111 is parallel with the support surface.

In the preferred embodiment the sidewall 120 is a cylindrical sidewall 120 that extends upwards from the base 110. In the preferred embodiment the cylindrical sidewall 120 has a cylinder axis 121. In an alternative embodiment the sidewalls 120 could form any shape suitable for containing liquid such as a square, rectangle, or any other polygon or curved cross sectional shape.

In a preferred embodiment the sidewalls extend upwards and end with an upper edge 122 which form an upper lip 130. In a preferred embodiment the upper lip 130 lies substantially within a second plane 131. Also in a preferred embodiment the first plane 111 and the second plane 131 are not parallel to each other. In the preferred embodiment the first plane 111 is not perpendicular to the cylinder axis 121. The second plane 131 is perpendicular to the cylinder axis 121. In this respect when the jug is positioned on a flat support surface the base 110 and therefore the first plane 111 are parallel to the flat support surface. Because the base is parallel to the flat support surface the cylinder axis 121 is not perpendicular to the flat support surface i.e. the cylinder axis 121 forms an angle a with the base. In the preferred embodiment this also means that the second plane 131 is also not parallel with the flat support surface i.e. the upper lip 130 is inclined at an angle to the base 110 and therefore the flat support surface. In a preferred embodiment the angle a is the same angle as the pitch of an aircraft in flight. A common pitch for commercial aircraft in flight is approximately 85 degrees. In a preferred embodiment the angle a is 85 degrees. Alternatively the angle a could be anywhere between 83 degrees and 87 degrees.

In a preferred embodiment the jug 100 also includes a pour spout 140. The pour spout 140 in a preferred embodiment is configured to assist in the pouring of fluids from the container portion 101 of the jug 100. In a preferred embodiment the pour spout 140 projects outwards from the upper lip 130 and is integrally formed with the sidewall or walls 120. Alternatively the pour spout 140 projects from any part of the container portion 101.

In an alternative embodiment the first plane 111 and the second plane 131 both converge at a line. In this alternative embodiment the convergence line is perpendicular to the direction of projection of the pour spout 140.

In a preferred embodiment the jug 100 also includes a handle 150. In the preferred embodiment the handle 150 is positioned on the opposite side of the jug 100 to the pour spout 140. In the preferred embodiment the handle 150 is elongate and is formed as an integral part of the container portion 101. Alternatively the handle 150 is attached to the jug 100 using standard securing means such as bolts, screws, rivets, welding, or adhesives. In the preferred embodiment the handle extends from an upper region of the container portion 101 proximate the upper lip 130 to a lower region of the container portion 101 proximate the base 110.

In a preferred embodiment the handle is hollow 153 and includes apertures 154 at or towards its upper end 151 and at or towards its lower end 152. The apertures 154 are configured such that the fluid can flow in through one of the apertures 154 into the hollow 153 of the handle 150 and drain out another aperture 154. The apertures 154 and the hollow 153 of the handle 150 are configured such that when the jug 100 is inverted and placed in a dishwasher, the fluids from the dishwasher flow through the handle 150 cleaning it but so that they don't pool or settle within the hollow 153 of the handle 150.

In a preferred embodiment the jug 100 is made from dishwasher safe materials and the container portion 101 is formed as a single component. In the preferred embodiment the container portion 101 also includes a transparent or translucent viewing portion such that a user can determine the volume of liquid remaining within the jug 100.

In a preferred embodiment at least part of the jug is thermally more insulated than other parts. In the preferred embodiment the jug has a secondary wall 160 that covers at least part of the container portion's 101 external surface. The secondary wall 160 creates a second layer of thermal protection decreasing the thermal conductivity of heat from a hot fluid within the jug 100, to the external surface of the jug 100 that is covered by the secondary wall 160. In the preferred embodiment the secondary wall 160 covers at least the base 110 and the handle 150 such that a user can hold the jug by the base and/ or the handle and less heat is transferred from a hot fluid within the jug to the user's hand.

Alternatively the secondary wall 160 covers substantially the entire external surface of the container portion 101.

In a preferred embodiment the jug 100 includes a lid 170 that is hinged from the container portion 101. In a preferred embodiment the lid 170 is hinged from the upper region of the container portion 101. The lid in a preferred embodiment is configured to cover substantially all of the opening of the container portion 101 whilst still allowing fluids to be poured from the container portion 101 via the pour spout 140. The lid 170 includes in a preferred embodiment at least one tab 171 for assisting in the lifting of the lid 170 of the top of the jug 100. The tabs 171 can be configured on the outer edges of the lid 170 so that a user can hook their finger and/ or fingernail underneath and apply an upward leverage force to the lid 170.

To help prevent the lid 170 from opening unintentionally, in a preferred

embodiment the lid 170 also includes a lock 180. In a preferred embodiment the lock 180 is a positively engaged and disengaged sliding catch mechanism that when engaged prevents the lid 170 from lifting. Alternatively the lock 180 could be any means that prevents the lid 170 from opening without a user releasing it.

In the preferred embodiment the lock has a thumb grip 181 for engaging or disengaging a catch member 182. The catch member 182 interferes with the lid 170 to prevent it from opening.

In an alternative embodiment the jug also includes a plunger 190. In the alternative embodiment the plunger 190 comprises a filter 191 connected to a shaft 192. In the preferred alternative embodiment the shaft 192 extends through the lid 170 of the jug 100 and can be slid in and out through the lid 170. In the preferred alternative embodiment the shaft 192 is perpendicular to the filter 191. The filter 191 is substantially the same cross sectional shape and area as the cross section of the container portion 101 and forms a seal with the inner wall of the container portion 101. In the preferred embodiment the filter is sized to prevent coffee grains from passing there through whilst still allowing fluids to pass. In the preferred alternative embodiment the shaft 192 can be used to push the filter 191 down through the container portion trapping any coffee grains or the like in the bottom of the container portion 101 and preventing them from being poured out of the jug 100.

The jug is of a design to allow it to be used for both right hand serving and left hand serving. It offers good thermal efficiency to help keep the liquid hot for a sufficient period of time but also to protect the user and others from coming into contact with any hot surfaces.

The handle runs almost the entire length of the pot, which allows for the user to grip it in different positions as the level of liquid, and hence centre of gravity changes.

Rather than the handle being inclined to an upright container portion to suit the grip of the user, the whole jug leans forward to present the handle parallel the adjacent container wall yet with an angle, when sitting on a bench. This also presents the spout in a manner to overhang the base.

The current invention may hence specifically address RSI by way of the following ■ Keep a comfortable hand and wrist posture.

^■ Increase surface area in grip

^■ Keep limbs and joints at the halfway point through their range of

movement.

^■ Reduce leverage on joints through adjustment to compensate for changing distribution of weight.

^■ Improve the handle and relationship between the handle and the centre of gravity to reduce mechanical loading on wrist and hand joints.

^■ The handle diameter is around 35mm

^■ Multiple grip positions are facilitated to reduce the risk of RSI and enhance comfort

^■ The jug is designed on a lean so that the hand at an appropriate (neutral) position for pick up.

^■ The lean reduces strain and/ or duration of maximum strain as the neutral hand position is achieved during most of the time when the jug is not in a pouring position and because of the shorter arc of rotation in going from the neutral position to the pouring position.