DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to an immersion rod heater. More particularly, the present invention relates to an immersion rod heater with a support member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Typically, an immersion rod heater comprises a housing and a pair of metal tubular elements which extend from the housing. The pair of metal tubular elements extend between a first end adapted to be assembled in the housing and a second end which extends into a coil like structure.
[003] The immersion rod heater when immersed in a bucket or a utensil filled with a liquid such as water, comes in contact with an inner surface of the container, especially the coil like structure of the immersion rod. The disadvantage of such type of immersion rod heater is that the direct contact of the immersion rod with the inner surface of the container will expose the container to electric current and/or heat generated by the tubular member/coil like structure which may deform/ melt the container in case of a plastic container or give out shocks in case of a metal container which is undesirable.
[004] In view of the foregoing, there is a need-felt to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect of the present invention, an immersion rod heater for heating liquid in a container is disclosed. The immersion rod heater comprises a housing, a pair of tubular elements and a support member. The pair of tubular elements extends between a first end and a second end. The first end of the immersion rod heater is assembled in the housing. The second end of the immersion rod heater extends into a coil like structure. The pair of tubular elements are configured to be supplied with electric current causing the tubular elements including the coil like structure to generate heat. The support member is disposed on the pair of tubular elements and adapted to create a gap between an inner surface of the container and the pair of tubular elements including the coil like structure. The gap prevents direct contact between the tubular elements/coil like structure and the inner surface of the container, which in turn, protects the container from being exposed to electric current and/or heat generated by the tubular member/coil like structure.
[006] In an embodiment, the support member comprises an outer frame and a pair of arms extending inwardly from the outer frame. The pair of arms are adapted to receive the pair of tubular elements. In one non-limiting example, each of the pair of arms comprises a through hole. The through holes in the pair of arms are adapted to receive the pair of tubular elements. In another non-limiting example, each of the pair of arms comprises a C-shaped cavity. The C-shaped cavity in the pair of arms is adapted to receive the pair of tubular elements
[007] In an embodiment, the support member is a two part structure. The support member is divided along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the immersion rod to form a two-part structure. The two part structure comprises a first part and a second part. The first part and the second part are detachably attached to each other with means such as, not being limited to, one or more fasteners or one or more snap fit mechanisms.
[008] In an embodiment, the width or diameter of the outer frame is greater than or equal to width or diameter of the coil like structure.
[009] In an embodiment, the outer frame is of circular or polygonal shape.
[010] In an embodiment, the outer frame and the pair of arms are made of same or different material. The materials for outer frame and the pair of arms are selected from a group of material capable of withstanding heat in a range of 200 degree Celsius and 650 degree Celsius. The group of material comprise, not being limited to, Bakelite and Steatite.
[011] In an embodiment, the liquid stored in the container is water, milk, oil and the likes.
[012] In an embodiment, the container is bucket, utensil and the likes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[013] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of an immersion rod heater in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a support member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3a and Figure 3b are perspective and exploded views of a support member respectively, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of the immersion rod heater immersed in a container with liquid, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[014] The present invention provides an immersion rod heater with a support member. The support member is designed such that when the immersion rod is introduced in a container, the support member rests on inner surface of the container and creates a gap between a pair of tubular elements, including a coil like structure of the immersion rod heater, and the container. The present invention thus provide safety from electric shock/melting of the container by avoiding contact of the tubular element/coil like structure of the immersion rod heater with the inner surface of the container.
[015] In one aspect, the present invention provides an immersion rod heater, comprising a housing and a pair of metal tubular elements extending between a first end and a second end, the first end assembled in the housing and the second end extending into a coil like structure, and a support member disposed between the first end and the second end of the tubular elements. The support member rests on inner surface of the container when the immersion rod heater is inserted in the container, and creates a gap between the tubular element/coil like structure of the immersion rod and the container. The present invention thus provide safety from electric shock / melting of the container by avoiding contact of the tubular element/coil like structure of the immersion rod heater with the container.
[016] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of immersion rod heater 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The immersion rod heater is configured to be inserted in a container such as, not being limited to, a bucket or a utensil for heating liquid stored/filled in the container. As shown, the immersion rod heater 100 comprises a housing 102 and a pair of tubular elements 104 which extend from the housing 102 between a first end 104a and a second end 104b. The pair of tubular elements 104 are metal tubular elements, and extend along a longitudinal axis A-A of the immersion rod heater 100. The housing 102 may be made in two halves i.e., a first half 102a and a second half 102b.
[017] The first ends 104a of the tubular elements 104 have flanges adapted to be received in the housing 102. The second end 104b of the tubular elements 104 extend into a coil like structure 110. The immersion rod heater 100 further comprises a power supply cord 120 having phase, earth and neutral wires connected to a plug 122 for connection with the main electric supply via a plug 122. The immersion rod heater 100 also comprises a brass clip to prevent electric shocks.
[018] In an embodiment, the phase and neutral wires of the power supply cord 120 are connected to the flanges of the immersion rod heater 100 and the earth wire is connected to the brass clip. When electric current is supplied to the immersion rod heater 100, the electric current flows through the pair of tubular elements 104 which has a high resistance to the flow of electric current and generates heat, which is turn heats the liquid into which the immersion rod heater is immersed.
[019] In another embodiment, a heating element (not shown) is arranged inside the pair of tubular elements 104 and is in connection with the phase and neutral wires of the power supply cord 120. The earth wire is connected to the brass clip. The pair of tubular elements is generally filled with a material such as a powder which is a good thermal conductor and transmits the heat generated in the heating element to the pair of tubular elements. When alternating current is supplied to the immersion rod heater 100, the electric current flows through the heating element which has a high resistance to the flow of current and in turn generates heat. The material filled between the heating element and the tubular elements 104, being a good thermal conductor, transmits the heat generated by the heating element to the tubular elements 104, which is turn heats the liquid into which the immersion rod heater 100 is immersed. In an embodiment, the pair of tubular elements 104 is made of copper, the heating element is made of nichrome and the material is magnesium oxide (MgO).
[020] In an embodiment, the immersion rod 100 comprises a support member 200, 300 (Refer Figure 2 and Figure 3) to prevent the pair of tubular elements 104, especially the coil like structure 110, to come in contact with the container such as, not being limited to, bucket/utensil 400 (Refer Figure 4) to which the immersion rod 100 is adapted. The support member 200, 300 is configured to be adapted to the tubular elements 104, and the support member 200, 300 extends outwards such that when the immersion rod heater 100 is adapted to the container 400 (Refer Figure 5), the support member 200, 300 rests on inner wall of the container 400 which ensures that the tubular elements 104 and the coil like structure 110 does not come in contact with the container 400. In other words, a gap is created between the tubular elements/coil like structure 104, 110 and the inner surface of the container 400. In an embodiment, a width and/or a diameter of the support member is greater than a width and/or a diameter of the coil like structure 110. In an embodiment, a width and/or a diameter of the support member is equal to a width and/or a diameter of the coil like structure 110.
[021] The support member 200, 300 in an embodiment comprises an outer frame 202, 302 and a pair of arms 204, 304. The pair of arms 204, 304 extends inwardly from the outer frame 202, 302 and, the pair of arms 204, 304 are configured to adapt/receive the tubular elements 104. Each of the pair of arms 204, 304 comprises of an opening 206, 306 for adapting/receiving the tubular element 104. In one non-limiting example, the opening is a through hole. In another non-limiting example, the opening is a C-shaped cavity.
[022] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a support member 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The support member 200 comprises an outer frame 202, and a pair of arms 204. The outer frame 202 of the support member 200 can be of regular shapes as well as irregular shapes. As shown, the outer member 200 has a circular shape. However, the outer frame 202 can have any other regular or irregular shapes, for example any two-dimensional polygonal shape such as square, rhombus, rectangle, triangle, etc. or three-dimensional polygonal shape such as cube; cuboid; cylinder; cone; sphere, prism, pyramid, etc. As shown in the figure, the pair of arms 204 extend inwardly and each arm 204 has an opening 206. The opening 206 is configured to receive the tubular element 104. In this regard, dimension of the opening 206 and outer diameter of the tubular element 104 is such that the support member 200 is securely fitted onto the metal tubular elements 104.
[023] Figure 3a and Figure 3b are perspective and exploded views of a support member 300 respectively, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The support member comprises an outer frame 302, and a pair of arms 304. The outer frame 302 of the support member 300 can be of regular shapes as well as irregular shapes. As shown, the outer frame 300 has a circular shape. However, the outer frame 302 can have any other shapes for example any 2 dimensional or 3 dimensional polygon, for example any two-dimensional polygonal shape such as square, rhombus, rectangle, triangle, etc. or three-dimensional polygonal shape such as cube; cuboid; cylinder; cone; sphere, prism, pyramid, etc. As shown in the figure, the pair of arms 304 extend inwardly and each arm 304 has a cavity 306. The cavity 306 is a C-shaped cavity configured for receiving the tubular element 104. The dimension of each of the C-shaped cavity 306 and dimension of each of the tubular elements 104 is such that the support member 300 is securely fitted onto the tubular elements 104. A bush 308 may also be provided between each of the C-shaped cavity 306 and the metal tubular element 104.
[024] The support member 200, 300 can be made of polymer which can withstand heat in the range of 200° Celsius to 650° Celsius. In one non-limiting example, the support member 200, 300 is made of Bakelite. In another non-limiting example, the support member 200, 300 is made of Steatite. In an embodiment, the outer wall/frame 202, 302 and the arms of the support member 204, 304 can be made with same material or different material. For example, the outer wall/frame 202, 302 can be made of Bakelite and the arms 204, 304 can be made of Steatite. Alternately, outer wall/frame 202, 302 can be made of Steatite and the arms 204, 304 can be made of Bakelite. In a preferred embodiment, the support member 200 is made of Bakelite. In another preferred embodiment, for the support member 300, the outer member 302 is made of Bakelite and the arms 304 or the cavity 306 is made of Steatite.
[025] Further, the support member 200, 300 discussed hereinbefore can be integrally formed. Alternately, the support member 200, 300 can be formed of a two-part structure.
[026] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of the immersion rod heater 100 immersed in a bucket 400 with liquid, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the support member 200, 300 prevents the tubular elements 104 of the immersion rod heater 100, especially the coil-like structure 110, to come in contact with the bucket 400. This will prevent deformation/melting of the bucket 400 in case of a plastic bucket and prevent shocks in case of a metal bucket/utensil.
[027] Referring to figure 1, the immersion rod heater 100 further comprises a water level indicator plate 112 and a hook 114. The water level indicator plate 112 indicates maximum level of water with which a bucket/utensil 400 should be filled when immersion rod heater 100 is inserted into the bucket/utensil 400. The water level indicator plate 112 extends between a first end 112a a second end 112b. The first end 112a of the water level indicator plate 112 is assembled in the housing 102 and the second end 112b of the water level indicator plate 112 is provided between the first end 104a and the second end 104b of the tubular elements 104. The hook 114 is provided to securely arrange the immersion rod heater 100 on the bucket/utensil 400 and is assembled in the housing 102. An ON/OFF indicator 116 such as a LED bulb or a neon bulb is provided on the housing 102 for indicating an ON/OFF status of the immersion rod heater 100 to a user. The ON/OFF indicator 116 is covered with a cover 118 to protect the ON/OFF indicator 116 from external environment.
[028] Advantageously, the present invention prevents tubular elements 104 and/or coil like structure 110 of the immersion rod 100 from touching the container 400, thereby preventing deformation/melting of the container in case of a plastic container and preventing shocks in case of a metal container when the immersion rod heater 100 is immersed in the metal container 400 filled with liquid. Also, the construction of the support member 200, 300 as well as its assembly onto existing designs of immersion rod heater 100 is both simple as well as economical.
[029] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since the modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to the person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the disclosure.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. An immersion rod heater (100) for heating liquid in a container, the immersion rod heater (100) comprising:
- a pair of tubular elements (104) extending between a first end (104a) from a housing (102) to a second end (104b), the second end (104b) extending into a coil like structure (110), the pair of tubular elements configured to be supplied with electric current causing the tubular elements including the coil like structure extending therefrom to generate heat;
- a support member (200, 300) disposed on the pair of tubular elements (104), the support member (200, 300) adapted to create a gap between an inner surface of the container and the pair of tubular elements (104) including the coil like structure (110), the gap prevents direct contact between the tubular elements/coil like structure and the inner surface of the container, thereby protecting the container from being exposed to electric current and/or heat generated by the tubular member/coil like structure.

2. The immersion rod (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support member (200, 300) comprises an outer frame (202, 302) and a pair of arms (204, 304), the pair of arms (204, 304) extending inwardly from the outer frame (202, 302) and adapted to receive the pair of tubular elements (104).

3. The immersion road (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the pair of arms (204, 304) comprises one of: a through hole (206, 306) and a C-shaped cavity (206, 306), the though holes (206, 306) and the C-shaped cavity (206, 306) adapted to receive the pair of tubular elements (104).

4. The immersion rod (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the support member (300) being a two part structure divided along an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (A-A) of the immersion rod (100), the two part structure comprising a first part and a second part detachably attached to each other with at least one of: one or more fasteners and one or more snap fit mechanisms.

5. The immersion rod as claimed in claim 2, wherein the outer frame (202, 302) having width or diameter greater than or equal to width or diameter of the coil like structure.

6. The immersion rod as claimed in claim 2, wherein the outer frame (202, 302) can have a circular or polygonal shape.

7. The immersion rod as claimed in claim 2, wherein the outer frame (202, 302) and the pair of arms (204, 304) being made of same or different material.

8. The immersion rod as claimed in claim 7, wherein the material being selected from a group of materials capable of withstanding heat in a range of 200 degree Celsius and 650 degree Celsius.

9. The immersion rod as claimed in claim 8, wherein the group of materials comprises Bakelite and Steatite.

Dated this 10th day of June 2022.
GM MODULAR PRIVATE LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Janaksinh Jhala)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-2193