Hot plate for cups and related items

Abstract

The device of the present invention is a stored heat warming utensil. It includes a heat storage element having a bottom surface and a top surface, a an outer container, and a vessel for a liquid, most typically a cup. The outer container has an opening in its top and an interior surface with a flange member for supporting the heat storage element. The heat storage member is positioned within the outer container and supported on said flange member. The drink vessel is dimensioned to be received within the outer container and be supported on the heat storage element. The outer container can be a ceramic member. A heat source, such as a candle can be provide d to provide continuing heat to the heat storage element. The heat source is positioned within the heat source retaining section, and is shielded from the user by said outer container. The heat storage device is a soft metamorphic rock composed primarily of mineral talc. It is common known as soapstone and steatite. Heat transfer from the heat storage element to the cup requires that the drink vessel have its bottom surface in thermal contact with said heat storage device. The contour of said drink vessel bottom surface and said heat storage device top surface are substantially the same, whereby said heat storage device and said drink vessel are in effective heat transfer contact over the major portion of the drink vessel bottom surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.