GB2435609A

GB2435609A - Hand-held coffee grinder and infusion apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2435609A
Application number: GB0617766A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Richard Norton; Jim Fleming; Mark Colyer; Martin Green; Jens Jacobsen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-03-03
Filing date: 2006-09-08
Publication date: 2007-09-05
Also published as: GB0604290D0; GB0617766D0

Abstract

A hand-held coffee making apparatus designed for making individual measures of coffee beverage directly from coffee beans where coffee is ground directly into the infusion means for immersion into a cup or mug of hot water. The apparatus consists of a hand-held coffee grinder comprising a coffee bean chamber 4 and a grinding chamber 5 housing grinding means 6. Infusion means 7 is detachably mounted to the grinding chamber. Gate means 9 is provided between the grinding means 6 and the infusion means 7 operable between open and closed positions. A central shaft 13 runs through the centre of the coffee bean chamber 4, the grinding chamber 5 and the grinding means 6 ending at its connection with the gate means 9. A quantity of coffee beans 10 may be retained within the coffee bean chamber 4 in preparation for passage to the grinding chamber 5. Various alternative embodiments are disclosed.

Description

A Hand-Held Coffee Grinder and Infusion Apparatus The present invention

relates to a highly portable coffee making apparatus for brewing coffee beverages, which combines the steps of coffee bean storage, grinding and infusion into a simple hand-held and easily operable device. In particular, the hand-held nature of the apparatus enables users to create a high quality beverage quickly and easily by converting coffee beans directly into a freshly brewed cup of coffee without the inconvenience associated with the operation and cleaning of multiple devices.

In general, coffee drinks are made from coffee beans by firstly grinding the beans into a ground coffee form, then percolating or filtering the ground coffee using hot water.

As soon as the coffee beans are ground, the flavour begins to degrade, thus the finest coffee drink comes from freshly ground coffee beans.

Most coffee making products available today require either a separate grinder to be operated firstly by the user to grind the coffee beans into ground coffee, or the user to purchase pre-ground coffee separately. The coffee drink is then made by filtering or percolating the ground coffee in a separate device. Such devices are conventionally sized for commercial operation and are relatively large and expensive. EP 1287773 A is one example of a coffee making percolation device which is sized for commercial application in shops and restaurants.

There are however existing products which enable coffee to be brewed at home or in the office. These products generally take the form of either a plastic funnel arrangement, in their most simplistic form, or a more complicated percolation machine which combines boiling the water with percolation through to a coffee pot or vessel. One example of such a "drip type" percolation machine can be found in EP 133 8231.

This range of products usually require pre-ground coffee to be purchased, water then being percolated through using paper filters. Whether using paper filters in combination with a plastic funnel device or a percolation machine, the process can be time consuming and labour intensive, messy, expensive and inefficient, particularly if only one cup of coffee is desired by the operator.

In order to cater for home or office operators who desire better quality coffee directly from freshly ground beans, mechanisms have been made available for grinding small non-cornniercial quantities of coffee beans. However, these grinding mechanisms are often bulky, highly expensive, difficult to operate and based on dated technology. If the operator wishes to grind his own coffee beans, the shortfalls associated with plastic funnel and percolation machines are only enhanced further. One such device which attempts to combine a percolation machine with an appended grinding device, yet has the shortcomings as described above, can be found in US7063005.

A recent publication, US2006/0l8552l, does however describe an attempt to combine the steps of grinding and infusion into a portable device. Although the apparatus described is portable to a certain extent (see below), the stages of coffee bean retention, coffee bean grinding arid infusion of the grinds take place in separate sections: the apparatus described does not fully integrate the various stages. In failing to do so, the apparatus does not overcome the problems associated with unscrewing and re-attaching sections, transferring coffee grinds from one place to another, infusion of the coffee grinds in a separate chamber, or the time-consuming and messy cleaning operations associated with each stage. Furthermore, the incorporation of a thermally insulating chamber and electrical motor prohibits realistic portability due to weight and fragility, and increases costs dramatically, and the grinding mechanism lacks the features and stages required to produce a homogeneous grade of coffee ground which can then be used to produce a quality freshly brewed cup of coffee.

There are no existing products which are designed to make a single cup or a small serving of quality coffee directly from coffee beans, and which combine, in a fully integrated manner, the stages of grinding, coffee storage and percolation in a light, hand-held and affordable format.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a coffee making apparatus which addresses *these issues by combining portability, low maintenance, coffee bean storage, a coffee grinding mechanism and a direct infusion device in a lightweight and affordable format.

Accordingly, the invention provides a handheld coffee making apparatus, comprising: a housing; a coffee bean chamber for storing coffee beans; a grinding means; and, an infusion means; said grinding means being disposed between the coffee bean chamber and the infusion means and being operable to grind coffee beans disposed in the coffee bean chamber and to discharge ground coffee into the infusion means.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the coffee bean chamber is designed to cater for the storage of enough coffee or coffee beans to make one or two cups of coffee, the grinding means being employed firstly to grind the coffee into coffee grounds. However, the coffee bean chamber may also be used to stow coffee beans in sealed coffee bean sachets, which may later be opened by the user and the coffee beans tipped into the coffee bean chamber ready for grinding.

Such coffee bean sachets may contain varying types or grades of coffee beans chosen by the user to match his or her taste.

In order to produce the right volume of coffee grounds at a desired particulate size such that a quality cup or mug of fresh coffee is brewed when operating the coffee making apparatus, the coffee bean chamber, from which the coffee beans are fed into the grinding means, may benefit from several advantageous methods of feeding. The coffee beans may either fall into the grinding means under the action of gravity, or alternatively, may be forced using a spring loaded plate. Alternatively, a rotatable screw mechanism may be contemplated in order to feed the coffee beans into the grinding means in an ordered manner. Another preferential means involves a combination of alignment and ordering of the coffee beans using an alignment screw shaft and spring loaded plate.

The grinding means itself is preferably housed within a grinding chamber and comprises three stages. In a preferred stage one arrangement, the grinding means includes a guide having a number of wells into which coffee beans may fall.

The coffee beans are retained in position in the wells in preparation for a breaking operation which is performed by one or more non-symmetrical rotating blades rotating on a central shaft. The non-symmetrical nature of the rotating blades preferably ensures that only one coffee bean is broken at a time, thus reducing the torque required to rotate the blades. In an alternative embodiment, static blades may be situated around the wall of the grinding chamber, the guide then being rotated about a central shaft to bring the coffee beans located in the wells into contact with the static blades. The static blades may be spaced at unequal distances, radially and longitudinally relative to the length of the housing, around the wall of the grinding chamber to reduce the number of coffee beans broken at any one time, thus reducing the torque required to rotate the guide. In a still further preferred embodiment of stage one of the grinding means, the spring loaded plate may be used in combination with a series of concentric blades, the cutting edges of said concentric blades being arranged to face substantially, or at a slight angle to, the direction in which the coffee beans are directed by the spring loaded plate. Rotation of the concentric blades about a central shaft then has the effect of breaking the coffee beans into pieces.

In an advantageous further arrangement, the grinding means comprises a stage two operation which serves to grind the broken coffee beans passing from stage one into smaller pieces. In one optional embodiment, stage two comprises an Archimedes screw having a diameter which increases as the coffee beans pass through, having the effect of forcing the broken coffee beans against the wall of the grinding chamber.

The grinding chamber walls are preferably burred throughout stage two of the grinding means to provide a grinding effect as the Archimedes screw is rotated, thus resulting in coffee bean grounds exiting stage two. Alternatively, a conical shaped gear having burrs about its surface as well as that of the grinding chamber walls can be employed to operate in the same manner as the Archimedes screw. In one further optional embodiment, a number of helical rotating gear members can be employed to rotate in unison, thus grinding the broken coffee beans into coffee grounds during stage two.

It may be preferred that, in order to obtain a still finer grade of coffee ground, the grinding means comprises a third stage. The preferred stage three may be formed from a further rotatable conical burr gear which is complemented by a closely matching burred inside grinding chamber face such that the coffee grounds from stage two are ground into finer coffee grounds during rotation of the conical burr gear.

In an optimal arrangement, rotation of the grinding means, stages one to three, within the grinding chamber, may be provided by hand operated rotation of the coffee bean chamber, which is connected to the grinding means via a central shaft, or via a crank handle attached to the central shaft. Preferably, the rotation mechanism may take the form of a ratchet. It may further be desired to rotate the grinding means via operation of an electrical motor.

In a still further desired embodiment, the grinding means may be provided with an adjustment means to enable the user to adjust the size of the coffee grounds exiting stage three of the grinding means to a desired grade.

The invention may further comprise an infusion means which receives coffee grounds from the grinding means in preparation for infusion and percolation of said coffee grounds with hot water when the infusion means is placed in a cup or mug or other similar vessel. In a first embodiment of the invention, the infusion means comprises a mesh filter basket having mesh sized so as to permit water to mix with the coffee grounds whilst also preventing the escape of the coffee grounds from the mesh filter basket. The mesh filter basket is preferably detachably affixed, preferably by threaded or snap-fit means, to the lower part of the grinding chamber to allow the user to easily remove old coffee grounds and to clean the mesh filter basket.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the exit of the grinding means is provided with a stub onto which an open coffee bean sachet, or a disposable filter pocket can be removably attached. The coffee grounds exiting the grinding means are then able to fall into the coffee bean sachet and, upon immersion of the coffee bean sachet or disposable filter pocket into hot water, the coffee grounds are able to mix and percolate into the hot water to create a freshly brewed cup or mug of coffee. When the brewing is complete, the used coffee bean sachet or disposable filter pocket may simply be thrown away.

In a still further preferred embodiment of the invention, the infusion means may comprise a compressible chamber attached to the exit of the grinding chamber, having a mesh filter end, into which coffee grounds descend from the grinding means. Said compressible chamber is preferably capable of translation relative to the housing, along the same longitudinal axis as the housing, and has a seal between the housing and the compressible chamber such that when the apparatus is placed vertically with the compressible chamber and its coffee ground contents immersed in hot water, the housing may gradually descend, under its own weight or assisted by the operator, into the compressible chamber expelling coffee ground percolated hot water from the compressible chamber into the surrounding vessel i.e. cup or mug. Optionally, it may be advantageous for the housing to descend onto or around the compressible chamber, the compressible chamber then being subsumed within the housing.

In order to prevent hot water or other substances flowing back into the grinding chamber and thus into the grinding means during operation of the coffee making apparatus, the invention is preferably provided with a gate means which may be opened to allow passage of coffee grounds into the infusion means, or closed to prevent water seepage into the grinding means. An advantageous solution proposed by this invention involves the application of a sealing member, which may take the form of a sealing disc, which is located on a threaded shaft having an opposite thread to that required to operate the grinding means by rotating the coffee bean chamber. That is; it is preferable if the coffee bean chamber is rotated in one direction to operate the grinding means and grind coffee beans, whereas if rotated in the opposite direction, the effect will be to close the sealing disc against the exit of the grinding means, thus preventing any water or other ingress. A further aspect embodied by this invention involves the operation of two rotatable wheels, each having one or more alignable holes, as the gate means between the grinding chamber and the infusion means. If the user rotates the wheels to align the holes, then the passage between the grinding chamber and the infusion means is open, but if the holes are misaligned, then a seal is created which prevents communication between the grinding chamber and the infusion means.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sealing disc or the rotatable wheels may, by default, be biased in a closed position under a spring force, said bias only being overcome by the user, and the open position achieved, when the grinding means is rotated in the direction required to operate it.

In a yet further embodiment, where the infusion means comprises a disposable filter pocket or bean sachet which may be removably attached to a stub on the lower portion of the grinding means, the stub may take the form of a clamp which is capable of closing the passage from the grinding means to the infusion means and preventing water ingress into the grinding means.

In a further optional arrangement, the gate means may comprise a sealing member attached to a shaft which runs internal to the central shaft, and which protrudes at the top of the housing where it is provided with a pivoted lever. The pivoted lever may be operated between first and second positions in order to push or pull the sealing member against a sealing face at the lower end of the grinding means.

One further advantageous aspect of the invention involves the provision of a stable location feature attached or forming part of the housing to enable the coffee making apparatus to sit securely on the edge of a mug or cup or other vessel -10 -during the percolation process. One method preferably involves the application of one or more foldable arms which, when unfolded, provide a stable mount. A further preferred method, in particular for use in combination with the bean sachet or disposable filter pocket arrangement, constitutes the application of a recess in the lower part of the housing, shaped so as to clip or resiliently mount the coffee making apparatus to the rim.of a cup or mug.

The invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a representation of the apparatus in use; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the internal components of one embodiment of the apparatus; Figure 3 is an external representation of the sections of the apparatus; Figure 4 is an example of a method of filling the apparatus.

Figure 5 is a further example of a method of filling the apparatus.

Figure 6 is an example of how the apparatus can be used for stowage of coffee beans; Figure 7 is an example of how the apparatus can be used in a manual format; Figure 8 is an example of how the apparatus can be used in a second manual format by operation of a crank handle.

Figure 9 is an example of how the apparatus can be operated by an electrical motor; Figure 10 is an example of a preferred method for delivering coffee beans to the grinding means using a -11 -spring feature; Figure 11 is an example of a preferred method for delivering coffee beans to the grinding means using only gravity; Figure 12 is an example of a preferred method for delivering coffee beans to the grinding means using a screw mechanism.

Figure 13 is an example of a preferred method for delivering coffee beans to the grinding means using a spring loaded plate and alignment screw shaft means.

Figure 14 is an example of a stage one process of the grinding means using non-symmetrical blades Figure 15 is an example of a stage one process of the grinding means using static blades Figure 16 is an example of a stage one process of the grinding means using concentric blades Figure 17 is an example of a stage two process of the grinding means using an Archimedes screw; Figure 18 is an example of a stage two process of the grinding means using a burred cone gear; Figure 19 is an example of a stage two process of the grinding means using helical rotating gears; Figure 20 is an example of a stage three process of the grinding means using a conical burr gear; Figure 21 is an example of a gate means utilising a sealing member; Figure 22 is an example of a gate means utilising

rotatable wheels;

Figure 23 is an example of a gate means utilising an internal shaft and pivot lever; Figure 24 is an example of an infusion means comprised of a mesh filter basket; Figure 25 is an example of an infusion means comprised of a disposable filter pocket or bean sachet; Figure 26 is an example of an infusion means comprised of a compressible chamber; Figure 27 is an example of a storage mechanism for the apparatus and a means for locating the apparatus securely on a cup or mug; Figure 28 is an example of a means for locating the apparatus securely on a cup or mug in operation; Figure 29 is an example of a means for locating the apparatus securely on a cup or mug when using a disposable filter pocket or bean sachet; Figure 1 shows a coffee making apparatus 1 which is highly portable and capable of hand operation. The coffee making apparatus 1 comprises at its top end a housing 2 and at its lower end, an infusion means 3.

Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the coffee making apparatus 1. The housing 2 is comprised of a coffee bean chamber 4, and a grinding chamber which houses a grinding means 6. A central shaft 13 runs through the centre of the coffee bean chamber 4, the grinding chamber 5 and the grinding means 6, ending at its connection with the gate means 9. The grinding means 6 and the gate means 9 are resiliently mounted to the central shaft 13. An infusion means 7 is detachably mounted to the grinding chamber 5 via a screw thread 8. Gate means 9 is provided between the grinding means 6 and the infusion means 7, operable between open and closed positions (see below). A quantity of coffee beans 10 may be retained within the coffee bean chamber 4 in preparation for passage to the grinding -13 -chamber 5 to be ground by operation of the grinding means 6.

The grade or refinement of the coffee grounds 11 being expelled from the grinding means 6 into the infusion means 7, may be adjusted by operation of the adjustment means 12.

Figure 3, 4, 5 and 6 show external views of the coffee making apparatus, and in particular, methods for loading and storage of coffee beans 10. Figure 4 shows a lid 14 being pivoted from the top of the coffee bean chamber 4 so as to provide access for the user to the inside of the coffee bean chamber 4 such that the user may empty or fill the coffee bean chamber 4 with coffee beans 10 or even pre-ground coffee if desired. Figure 5 demonstrates a side cap 15 method, which provides access to the coffee bean chamber 4 from the side, and which may preferably be used in combination with the examples shown in Figures 10 or 13. Figure 6 demonstrates the possibility for stowing one or more bean sachets 16, pre-filled with coffee beans 10, within the coffee bean chamber 4. The bean sachet 16 has a removable top 18 which enables the user to pour coffee beans 10 from the bean sachet 16 into the coffee bean chamber 4. The bean sachet 16 may also preferably have a perforated surface 17 for use in accordance with Figure 25.

Figures 7, 8 and 9 demonstrate various embodiments for operating, via rotation, the grinding means 6. Figure 7 shows a user hand rotating the coffee bean chamber 4, which is in turn connected to the grinding means 6 via the central shaft 13. This has the effect of rotating the grinding means 6 and grinding the coffee beans 10 whilst the grinding chamber 5 and infusion means 7 remain static. Figure 8 shows the use of a crank handle 19 connected to the central shaft 13. Rotation -14 -of the crank handle 19 by the user rotates the grinding means 6 via the central shaft 13 connection. Rotation of the crank handle 19 does not require the coffee bean chamber 4 to rotate simultaneously. The crank handle may be stowed in a non-operable position 20 when not in use. Figure 20 shows an electrical motor 75, which may be battery or mains power operated (not shown). The electrical motor 75 is activated by the user by operation of a switch 21. The grinding means 6 and the electrical motor 75 are both mounted to the central shaft 13 in order that the electrical motor 75 may directly power rotation of the grinding means 6.

Figures 10, 11, 12 and 13 provide examples for preferred methods of arranging coffee beans 10 within the coffee bean chamber 4 such that the coffee beans 10 are directed effectively toward the grinding means 6. In Figure 10, a spring loaded plate 22 is disposed within the coffee bean chamber 4, the spring 23 applying a force to the spring loaded plate 22, which in turn acts upon the coffee beans 10 and directs them toward the grinding means 6. Figure 11 describes an embodiment which uses only the force of gravity to direct the coffee beans 10. Figure 12 describes the employment of a screw 24, which when rotated entrains coffee beans 10 and directs them in an ordered fashion toward the grinding means 6. Figure 13 describes a further embodiment which employs a combination of an alignment screw shaft 25 and a spring loaded plate 22 mounted thereto and adapted to include one or more feed guides 26. As a force is applied to the spring loaded plate by the spring 23, the spring loaded plate 22 is forced to rotate along the thread 27 of the alignment screw shaft 25, said feed guides 26 then serving to feed coffee beans 10 in an ordered manner in the direction of -15 -the grinding means 6.

Figures 14, 15 and 16 describe three preferred embodiments for a first stage of the grinding means 6. Figure 14 comprises a static guide 28 having one or more wells 32 into which coffee beans 10 may locate having progressed from the coffee bean chamber 4. Affixed to the central shaft 13 and being rotatable therewith, as described above, is a non-symmetrical blade 29 comprising a thin blade portion 31 and a thick blade portion 30. The thin blade portion 31 and the thick blade portion 30 have blade widths sized so as to ensure that, when the non-symmetrical blade 29 is rotated in its installed position either above or below the guide 28, the thick blade portion 30 is the first to interact with a coffee bean 10. The thin blade portion 31 will not interact with a coffee bean 10 until the non-symmetrical blade 29 has been rotated through an angle which is set according to the angle that is required to be moved through for the thick blade portion 30 to break the outer shell of the coffee bean 10. In this way, the coffee beans 10 are broken one at a time. Alternatively, this first stage embodiment of the grinding means may be optimised by varying the width of the thick and thin blade portions 30, 31, the number of non-symmetrical blades 29 and the angle of rotation as descrtbed above, in order to break any desired number of coffee beans simultaneously.

Figure 15 describes an alternative stage one embodiment where a rotating guide 33, which is mounted to the central shaft 13, brings coffee beans 10 into contact with one or more static blades 34 mounted on the grinding chamber wall 35. The static blades 34 may be unequally radially spaced, and/or -16 -longitudinally spaced apart with respect to the length of the housing 2, such that the number of coffee beans 10 broken at any one time can be optimised by changing the size and position of the static blades 34.

Figure 16 describes a further alternative stage one embodiment which can be utilised in conjunction with the spring loaded plate embodiments as described under Figures 10 and 13. Coffee beans 10 are forced toward a series of one or more concentric blades 36, said concentric blades 36 each being spaced apart outwardly from the central shaft 13 to the grinding chamber wall 35 at a spacing optiinised to balance the torque required to grind the coffee beans 10 and the quantity of coffee grounds 11 required for use. The cutting edges 37 of said concentric blades 36 are arranged to face substantially, or at a slight angle to, the direction in which the coffee beans 10 are directed by the spring loaded plate 22. Rotation of the concentric blades 36 about the central shaft 13 then has the effect of breaking the coffee beans 10 into pieces.

Figures 17, 18 and 19 describe three optimal arrangements for a second stage of the grinding means 6 into which coffee bean fragments pass from the first stage. Figure 17 describes an Archimedes screw 38 mounted to the central shaft 13. The diameter of the Archimedes screw 38 is narrower at the top cylindrical portion 39 than at the bottom cylindrical portion such that when coffee bean fragments are entrained into the Archimedes screw 38 by rotation thereof, the coffee bean fragments are forced against the grinding chamber wall 41 as they progress through. The grinding chamber wall 41 is provided with a roughened or burred surface so as to grind -17 -the coffee bean fragments as they are compressed by the Archimedes screw 38. Figure 18 represents an alternative embodiment where a cone gear 42 having a surface 43 designed to entrain coffee bean fragments, forces the coffee bean fragments against the grinding chamber wall 41 as it is rotated. The grinding chamber wall 41 is provided with a roughened or burred surface so as to grind the coffee bean fragments as they are entrained and compressed by the cone gear 42. Figure 19 relates to a further alternative embodiment in which three or more helical rotating gears 44 are arranged in a splayed formation with an entrance 45 which tapers at its exit 46 to only permit the passage of ground coffee particles through to the third stage. The helical rotating gears 44 are arranged so as to rotate in unison upon rotation of the central shaft 13 and to grind coffee bean fragments from stage two into ground coffee particles which then pass into stage three of the grinding means 6.

Figure 20 exemplifies a preferred fourth stage to the grinding means 6. Coffee grounds from stage three pass into the gap between a conical burr gear 47 and a grinding chamber face 48, the face of the conical burr gear 47 and the grinding chamber face 48 both having a roughened surface or burring. The conical burr gear 47 is resiliently attached to the central shaft 13 such that, when rotated, coffee grounds between the two faces 47 and 48 are ground still further into a desired particle grade fit for use in percolating and brewing coffee.

Figure 21 describes a gate means 9 for ensuring that hot water from theinfusion means 7 stage of the coffee making apparatus 1 does not ingress into the grinding means 6 or the -18 -coffee bean chamber 4. There is provided a sealing member 49 which is attached to a screw thread end 50 of the central shaft 13. Rotation of the central shaft 13 in one direction longitudinally translates the sealing member such that it contacts and seals against either of the grinding chamber wall 52 or the conical burr gear wall 51, depending upon which way the central shaft 13 is rotated or upon the orientation of the thread of the screw thread end 50. In the instant example, when the sealing member 49 is brought into contact with the grinding chamber wall 52 by rotation of the central shaft 13, the gate means 9 is closed and neither water nor coffee grounds may pass between the grinding means 6 and the infusion means 7. When the sealing member 49 contacts the conical burr gear wall 51, the gate means 9 is open.

Figure 22 demonstrates an alternative embodiment for a gate means 9 using two rotatable wheels 53 located beneath the exit to the grinding means 6. The rotatable wheels 53 may each be rotated individually by an operator in order to bring the alignable hole 54 in each rotatable wheel 53 into alignment. When the alignable holes 54 are in alignment, the gate means 9 is open. When the alignable holes 54 are not aligned, the gate means 9 is closed.

Figure 23 describes a still further exemplary embodiment for a gate means 9 where a pivoted lever 55 and internal shaft 56, which runs through the centre of the central shaft 13, are operable to longitudinally translate the sealing member 49 between open and closed positions. In a first position 57, the sealing member 49 is forced into contact with the conical burr gear wall 51 and the gate means 9 is open allowing -19 -coffee grounds to pass from the grinding means 6 into the infusion means 7. In a second position 58, the internal shaft 56 is displaced longitudinally by a set distance within the central shaft 13 so as to move the sealing member 49, which is affixed to the end of the internal shaft 56, by a desired distance to effect contact with the grinding chamber wall 52.

In this second position 58, the gate means 9 is closed and water is prevented from seeping from the infusion means 7 side of the gate means 9 into the grinding means 6 or the coffee bean chamber 4.

Reference is now made to Figures 24, 25 and 26 which describe three example embodiments for the infusion means 7. Figure 24 shows a mesh filter basket 59, having a generally cylindrical structure, which comprises a filter mesh portion 60 and a mounting collar 61, the mesh filter of said filter mesh portion being sized to permit the ingress of water into the mesh filter basket 59, but also to retain coffee grounds 11 within the mesh filter basket 59. In this example, the collar 61 may be provided with a threaded portion 62 in order to allow detachable engagement of the mesh filter basket 59 with a corresponding screw form 8 on a lower portion of the grinding chamber 5. When attached to the housing 2, the mesh filter basket 59 may be immersed into hot water, preferably in a mug or cup 69, to permit mixing of the coffee grounds 11 with the hot water in order to brew a fresh coffee drink.

Figure 25 is an alternative embodiment for an infusion means 7, which employs the attachment of either a disposable filter pocket 63 or a bean sachet 16 to a clamp stub 64 which protrudes from a lower portion of the grinding chamber 6.

both the disposable filter pocket 63 and the bean sachet 16 (when the removable top 18 has been removed by the user) are -20 - elongate envelopes having one open end for attachment to the clamp stub 64, such that coffee grinds 11 from the grinding means 6 may pass into and be retained by the disposable filter pocket 63 or bean sachet 16. Both the bean sachet 16 and the disposable filter pocket have a perforated surface 17, the perforations of which are sized to permit water ingress in order to mix with the coffee grounds 11 therein, whilst also preventing the escape of coffee grounds 11 therefrom. The clamp stub 64 is preferably designed so as to permit coffee grounds 11 to pass from the grinding means 6 into the disposab1e filter pocket 63 or bean sachet 16, and then to sealably clamp to prevent water ingress into the grinding means 6.

Figure 26 is an example of a further optional embodiment for an infusion means 7 comprising a cylindrical compressible chamber 65 having an open end 68, said compressible chamber further being provided with a mesh filter portion 66 to allow the passage of water into and out of the compressible chamber 65. In an uncompressed state, the grinding chamber 5 end of the housing 2 is partially disposed within the open end 68 of the compressible chamber 65 and a sealing portion 67 is provided between the compressible chamber 65 and the housing 2. In operation of the coffee making apparatus 1, coffee grounds 11 fall into the compressible chamber 65 from the grinding means 6 and the coffee making apparatus 1 is then arranged vertically in a cup or mug 69 of hot water with its compressible chamber 65 end immersed. The water penetrates the compressible chamber 65 via the mesh filter portion 66 and mixes with the coffee grounds 11. In order to reach a compressed state, after a set period of time, either under its own weight or under assistance from the user, the housing -21 2 descends into the compressible chamber 65 displacing a volume of coffee infused water from the compressible chamber through the mesh filter portion 66 into the surrounding cup or mug 69. The sealing portion 67 prevents leakage from between the housing 2 and the compressible chamber.

Figures 27, 28 and 29 describe preferred methods for stowing the coffee making apparatus 1 on a storage stand 68, or locating said apparatus on a mug or cup 69. Figures 27 describes a cylindrical storage stand 68 into which the coffee making apparatus 1 may be stowed when not in use. In an optional embodiment, the coffee making apparatus is provided with one or more foldable arms 70, said foldable arms being operable to an open position 72 by a spring mechanism or manual operation, as described in Figure 28, in order to provide a stable mount for the coffee making apparatus 1 by resting on the rim 74 of a cup or mug 69.

Figure 27 describes an optional arrangement where said foldable arms 70 may be retained in a stowed position 71 by the storage stand 68. Figure 29 describes an optional arrangement for a coffee making apparatus 1 which employs a disposable filter pocket 63 or a bean sachet 16 as the infusion means 7, where a location feature is provided in the grinding chamber 5 section of the housing 2 which provides for a snap or push fit for the coffee making apparatus to the rim 74 of a mug or cup 69.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single -22 -embodiment, may also be provided separately, or in any suitable combination.

It is to be recognized that various alterations, modifications, and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

-23 -Claims: 1. A handheld coffee making apparatus, comprising: a

housing; a coffee bean chamber for storing coffee beans; a grinding means; and an infusion means; said grinding means being disposed between the coffee bean chamber and the infusion means and being operable to grind coffee beans disposed in the coffee bean chamber and to discharge ground coffee into the infusion means.

2. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 1 where the coffee bean chamber houses a spring loaded plate which applies positive pressure to ensure the coffee beans are directed forcibly toward the grinding means.

3. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 1 where the coffee bean chamber houses a rotatable screw to substantially position and feed coffee beans in the direction of the grinding means.

4. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 1 where the coffee bean chamber houses a combination alignment screw shaft and spring loaded plate to substantially position and apply a force to the coffee beans in order to direct said coffee beans toward the grinding means.

-24 - 5. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 1 where the coffee bean chamber may also provide for the stowage of coffee beans in one or more bean sachets in preparation for later use.

6. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 1 where the grinding means is comprised of a grinding chamber housing a three stage mechanism.

7. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 6 wherein stage one is one or more rotatable non-symmetrical blades, stage two is a rotatable Archimedes screw, and stage three is a conical burr gear.

8. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 6 where stage one is a series of one or more concentric blades, stage two is a rotatable Archimedes screw and stage three is a conical burr gear.

9. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 6 where stage one is one or more rotatable non-symmetrical blades, stage two is a cone gear, and stage three is a conical burr gear.

10. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 6 where stage one is a series of one or more concentric blades, stage two is a cone gear and stage three is a conical burr gear.

11. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in any preceding claim where the grinding means rotates within the -25 -grinding chamber, about a central shaft, upon manual rotation by the user of the coffee bean chamber.

12. A handheld coffee beverage making apparatus as provided in claims 1 to 10 where the grinding means rotates within the grinding chamber, about a central shaft, upon manual rotation by the user of a crank handle attached to the central shaft.

13. A handheld coffee beverage making apparatus as provided in claims 1 to 10 where the grinding means rotates within the grinding chamber, about a central shaft, upon rotation by an electrical motor.

14. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in any preceding claim where the grinding means is adjustable by an adjustment means.

15. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 1 where the infusion means comprises a mesh filter basket detachable from the housing.

16. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 1 where the infusion means comprises a disposable filter pocket.

17. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 16 where the disposable filter pocket is an open ended bean sachet.

18. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 1 where the infusion means comprises a compressible chamber having a substantially mesh filter end.

-26 - 19. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 18 where the compressible chamber has a diameter either greater or less than that of the housing in order to facilitate the disposal of a sealing portion between the compressible chamber wall and the housing wall, such that the compressible chamber may be translated in a variable longitudinal direction relative to the housing whilst maintaining a seal between said housing and compressible chamber.

20. A handheld coffee making apparatus as provided in claim 1 where said grinding means and said infusion means are separated by a gate means, said gate means having at least an open position permitting the passage of coffee between the grinding means and the infusion means, and a closed position substantially preventing communication between the grinding means and the infusion means.

21. A handheld coffee making apparatus as claimed in claim 20 where the gate means comprises a sealing member mounted on a screw threaded end of the central shaft, and being operable between open and closed positions by rotation of the coffee bean chamber in one direction or the opposite direction respectively, thus preventing or allowing communication between the grinding means and the infusion means.

22. A handheld coffee making apparatus as claimed in claim 20 where the gate means comprises one or more user operable rotatable wheels each having one or more alignable holes so as to permit or restrict communication between the grinding means and the infusion means.

-27 - 23. A handheld coffee making apparatus as claimed in claim 20 where the gate means comprises a sealing member mounted on an internal shaft, said internal shaft being connected to a pivoted lever at the opposite end to the sealing member, the operation of said pivoted lever longitudinally translating said internal shaft relative to the central shaft so as to move the sealing member between open and closed positions, thus preventing or allowing communication between the grinding means and the infusion means.

24. A handheld coffee making apparatus as claimed in claim 1 where the housing is provided with a location feature to enable said housing to locate on a mug or cup.

25. A handheld coffee making apparatus as claimed in claim 1 where the housing is provided with one or more foldable arms to enable said housing to locate on a mug or cup.

26. A handheld coffee making apparatus as claimed in claim 1 where the housing may be stowed in a storage stand.

27. A handheld coffee making apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.