WO2016073428A1

WO2016073428A1 - Espresso maker with external source for hot water

Info

Publication number: WO2016073428A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/058755
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dov Z. Glucksman; Gary P. Mcgonagle; Laura J. Nickerson
Original assignee: Appliance Development Corporation
Priority date: 2014-11-06
Filing date: 2015-11-03
Publication date: 2016-05-12
Also published as: IL251610A0

Abstract

A system for making espresso comprising an espresso making module (1) and a water supplying module (2). The espresso making module is selectably connectable to the water supplying module. The water supplying module comprises means (23, 25) for supplying water of user-variable temperature to the espresso making module when connected thereto. The espresso making module comprises means for receiving drinking vessels of various heights comprising a height-adjustable vessel support mechanism (40), means (50) for receiving and containing an espresso cartridge (3) for infusion with said user variable temperature water to create espresso beverage, means (100) for pressurizing and delivering said espresso beverage to said vessels in user-variable quantities, and means (80) for delivering said user-variable temperature water to said vessels.

Description

Title:

ESPRESSO MAKER WITH EXTERNAL SOURCE FOR HOT WATER Related Application;

This application claims priority to US Provisional App No 62/075919 filed on 06-Nov-2014, the entire teachings thereof being incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention;

The invention relates to an apparatus for producing a hot beverage, such as espresso. More specifically, the invention relates to an espresso maker that co-operates with a hot water dispensing appliance and produces an espresso drink by infusing ground coffee, pre-packaged in a hermetically sealed cartridge.

Background of the Invention;

Espresso is made by forcing very hot water under high pressure through finely ground, compacted coffee. Tamping down the coffee promotes the water's even penetration of the grounds. This process produces an almost syrupy beverage by extracting both solid and dissolved components with a foamy "crema" top finish. The "crema" is produced by emulsifying the oils in the ground coffee into a colloid, which does not occur in other brewing methods. There is no universal standard defining the process of extracting espresso, but there are several published definitions which attempt to place constraints on the amount and type of ground coffee used, the temperature and pressure of the water, and the rate of extraction. Generally, one uses an espresso machine to make espresso.

The technical parameters outlined by the Italian Espresso National Institute for making a Certified Italian Espresso, are as follows:

Element Parameter

Portion of ground coffee 7 ± 0.5 g (0.25 ± 0.02 oz.)

Exit temperature of water from unit 88 ± 2 °C (190 ± 4 °F)

Temperature in cup 67 ± 3 °C (153 ± 5 °F)

Entry water pressure 9 ± l bar (131 ± 15 psi)

Percolation time 25 seconds ± 5

Volume in cup (including froth) 25 ± 2.5 mL (0.85 ± 0.08 US fl. oz.) The science and physical requirements for producing a good espresso and its accompanying crema are well known to those versed in the art. They include selecting the right type of coffee beans, roasting them to the proper degree, grinding them to a very fine particle size, measuring the exact amount of coffee, tamping to the correct volumetric density, delivering water at high pressures of approximately 130 psi-145 psi (9-10 bars) and at an exact temperature, and for a duration of no longer than 25-30 seconds. Failure to meet any of these requirements can result in coffee that may be lacking in taste, too bitter to the taste, or that may be lacking sufficient crema.

In order to simplify the process and to allow the consumer to produce good quality espresso at home companies have come up with espresso cartridges that include pre measured properly ground espresso coffee where the user inserts these cartridges into an espresso machine. A typical espresso cartridge is illustrated, for example in US Patents 7,153,530 and 7,658,141, the teachings both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

In recent years the market experienced the proliferation of counter top appliances that deliver filtered, chilled and heated water on demand, as illustrated, for example, in US Patents 7,470,364, 7,645,381 and 7,978,769 the teachings all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The present invention combines the advantages of the pre-packaged cartridge with the availability of external sources for hot water to offer the consumer a low cost, compact apparatus for producing espresso that meets the needs of the modern consumer.

Summary of the Invention;

While not limited thereto, the invention may be embodied in or practiced using a method and/or apparatus for infusing espresso beverages under pressure and temperature needed to produce the desired quality while using water at the appropriate temperature, from an external source and using ground coffee provided in sealed cartridges. Brief Description of the Drawings;

The various objects, advantages and novel features of this invention will be more fully apparent from reading of the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

Figure 1 A is an isometric view of an espresso maker according to or for use in practicing the invention, shown in an espresso making mode;

Figure IB is an isometric view of the espresso maker of Figure 1A, shown in a water delivery mode;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of a counter top appliance for delivering purified hot or chilled water;

Figure 3 A is an isometric view of the espresso maker of Figure 1A positioned in front of the appliance of Figure 2 delivering espresso into a cup;

Figure 3B is an isometric view of the espresso maker of Figure 1A positioned in front of the appliance of Figure 2 delivering cold water into a water glass;

Figure 4A is a cross sectional view of the espresso maker of Figure 1A taken along the lines 4A-4A of Figure IB;

Figure 4B is a cross sectional view of the espresso maker of Figure 1A taken along the lines 4B-4B of Figure 1A;

Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of the espresso maker of Figure 1A positioned in front of appliance of Figure 2, taken along the lines 5-5 of Figure 3B;

Figure 6 is another cross sectional view of the espresso maker of Figure 1A positioned in front of the appliance of Figure 2, taken along the lines 5-5 of Figure 3B;

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the espresso maker of Figure 1A positioned in front of t h e a ppliance of Figure 2, taken along the lines 7-7 of Figure 3 A;

Figure 8 is another cross sectional view of the espresso maker maker of Figure 1A positioned in front of t h e a ppliance of Figure 2, taken along the lines 7-7 of Figure 3 A;

Figure 9A is a cross sectional view of the pressurizing vessel of the espresso maker of Figure 1 A;

Figure 9B is another cross sectional view of the pressurizing vessel Figure 9A; and

Figure 10 is an isometric view of an air compressor used to pressurize the pressurizing vessel of Figure 9A. Description of Exemplary Embodiments;

An exemplary espresso maker 1 according to or for use in practicing the invention is shown in Figures 1A and IB. Figure 1A shows the espresso maker being used to infuse a cup of espresso; whereas Figure IB shows the espresso make as hot or cold water is being delivered into a glass 6 which sits on a platform 40 attached to the front wall 31 of the espresso maker.

Figures 1A and IB illustrate, in particular, enclosure 10, which consists of a base portion 20 and a main housing portion 30 permanently connected to each other. The base portion 20 is a horizontally extended structure that may enclose an air compressor 100 used to pressurize hot water for infusion of the espresso.

The base portion 20 supports a cup platform 40 consisting of a well portion (not shown), for containing liquid that might be spilled during the operation of the espresso maker, covered by a perforated plate 42; two vertical walls 43 are found to the left and right of the well portion; and two outwardly extending horizontal walls 44 are connected to the tops of vertical walls 43. These horizontal walls rest of two side members 21 of the base portion. Two recesses 22 are provided in the base members 21 , underneath the horizontal walls 44 to provide space for the user fingers needed for lifting the cup platform 40.

The main housing 30 is a vertically extended structure including a front wall 31, two side walls 32, a top 33 and a rear wall 34, for enclosing all of the components of the espresso maker 1. The front wall 31 includes first and second elongated openings 35' and 35", allowing the free movement of two arms 51 ' and 51" supporting a cross bar 52. The arms are connected to a linkage mechanism (shown in Figures 4 A and 4B) for raising or lowering a cartridge platform 60. The front panel includes a third opening 36 for viewing the hot water level in a transparent pressurizing vessel 70 used for pressurizing hot water needed for infusion. Shown are markings 71 ' 71" and 71 "' associated with specific water volumes. The front wall 31 also includes a fourth opening 37 through which a diverter trough 80 extends for delivery of hot or chilled water directly into a glass. The front wall includes a fifth opening 38 for access to the cartridge platform 60 for insertion and removal of a cartridge 3 containing coffee to be infused. The front wall also includes three sets of small elongated openings 39', 39", and 39"', designed to support the cup platform 40 at different heights. The cup platform is used to support a cup 5 or a glass 6 at different heights according to the size of the glass. A control panel 7 featuring a push-button switch 8 and a signal-light 9 is positioned at the lower, right side of the main housing. Reference is now made to Figure 2, which illustrates a typical countertop appliance 2 designed to deliver purified water at pre-programmed temperatures ranging from 4 degrees Centigrade up to near boiling temperature, depending on which button the user depresses. The appliance typically contains a water purification system; water-heater, a water refrigeration system and various controls as required for the operation of the appliance and for its safety aspects. The appliance is also provided with an electric cord for providing electric power needed for the operation of the equipment. The appliance may also be permanently plumbed to a water-supply, or the user may be required to refill it with water as needed.

User interface features of the appliance as shown in Figure 2 include a water outlet 23, a display 24 for communicating information to the user and four buttons 25, designated: HOT, COLD, BOIL and ΜΓΧ. The buttons control electric valves located in the enclosure so that hot water (at a pre-programmed temperature) is delivered from the spout for as long as the HOT button is depressed by the user. The same would pertain to the COLD button. Whereas when activating the MIX button would result in two valves operating in a manner that water at pre-set temperature would be delivered. The BOIL button is there for the user to select extra hot water, in the range of 95-98 C.

Further reference is made to Figure 3A and Figure 3B which illustrate espresso maker 1 placed in front of appliance 2 in a manner that allows the user to access the buttons 25 of the appliance, and where the water outlet 23 of the appliance is positioned within the espresso maker, above the diverter trough 80, as will be discussed further on in detail. Figure 3 A shows the espresso maker delivering infused beverage into a cup 5, whereas Figure 3B shows cold water being delivered from appliance 2 through espresso maker 1 into a glass 6 supported on a cup support platform 40. In Figure 3 A, the two arms 51 ' and 51" connected by a cross bar 52 are shown in their lowered position, corresponding with the cartridge platform 60 being raised and pushing the cartridge 3 against the bottom of the pressurizing vessel 70 ready for the infusion process to take place; and the diverter trough 80 shown in its retracted position. Figure 3B shows the two arms 51 and 51" connected by a cross bar 52 in their raised position, corresponding with the cartridge platform 60 being lowered and the diverter trough 80 extending forwards for delivery of hot or chilled water directly into a glass 6. In Figure 3 A the cup platform 40 rests on the base portion 20 of the espresso maker; whereas in Figure 3B the cup platform 40 is supported by hooks extending from its back and engaging two of the six small elongated openings 39 and securing it firmly to the front of the espresso maker. It should be understood that the cup support 40 may be positioned at different heights as needed, by selecting different sets of mounting openings.

Further reference is made to Figure 4A and Figure 4B, which are cross sectional views of the espresso maker 1 taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 1. Figure 4 shows the right hand set of a manually operated mechanism 50 designed to concurrently raise and lower the cartridge support structure while also moving the diverter trough 80 forwards and backwards. The left hand set (not shown) is a mirror image of the right hand set. The mechanism 50 is moved from a first to a second position by the user. In the first position (shown in Figure 4A) the arm 51" is in its upper most position resulting in the cartridge support structure being lowered; and the diverter trough 80 is in its extended position, whereby water from appliance 2 can be diverted through the diverter trough 80 into a glass 6. In the second position the cartridge support structure 60 is raised, to insert the cartridge into its position in the pressurizing vessel 70; the diverter trough 80 is in its retracted position, whereby water from the Appliance can flow directly into the pressurizing vessel.

The operation of the mechanism 50 is explained here in detail:

As arm 51" pivots in a counter clockwise direction about pin 55" (as shown in Figure 4B) it pulls member 53" upwards, which in turn lifts member 54" to which it is attached through pin 57". Member 54" is restrained by a track formed by the members 58" and 59" to move vertically and to raise cartridge platform 60 until it bottoms against the lower face of the pressurizing vessel 70.

The air compressor 100 is shown inside the base 20 of the espresso maker 1. The motor 101 is shown behind the compressor cylinder 106, also shown is the reduction gear 103 and the cam 104, as is the air outlet 107 (the compressor 100 is shown in more detail in Figure 10.

Further Reference is made to Figure 5 which is a cross sectional view of the espresso maker 1 and Appliance 2. Figure 5 shows the base portion and a main housing portion of the espresso maker, the base includes a circle representing the DC motor 101 driving the air compressor. The main housing contains the \ pressurizing vessel 70 with upper and lower apertures. The upper aperture 72 and the lower aperture 73 are open, as there is no cartridge sealing the lower aperture. Also shown is the cartridge support structure 60. The cartridge support structure comprises a main housing 61 with a circular central well 62, covered by a disc 63 with small perforations 64 and with its upper face featuring a multitude of truncated pyramids 65, with very sharp edges, designed to perforate the lower face of the cartridge 3 when internal water pressure is applied to the lower face (this feature is known in the art and will therefore not be described in detail). The rim of the disc includes a seal 66 for sealing the disc 63 to the lower face of the cartridge 3. The diverter trough 80 is shown in its extended position, in which position water from the Appliance spout 23 is channeled for delivery into the glass 6 (arrows indicate water flow). The diverter trough 80 is an elongated channel comprising a base portion 81 surrounded by a wall 82, and a downwards reaching spout 83. In the middle of the trough is an aperture 84 surrounded by a cylindrical wall 85. The portion of the diverter trough extending outside the front 31 is covered by a member 86. A seal 90 is shown inside the pressurizing vessel. The seal and its operation will be described further on.

Reference is now made to Figure 6 in which the espresso maker 1 is shown in a cross sectional view with the pressurizing vessel having its upper and lower apertures open. Also shown is a cartridge 3 resting on the cartridge support structure 60. Figure 6 also shows one of the two arms 51" and the cross bar 52 in their raised position, corresponding to the cartridge support structure being in its lowered position and the diverter trough 80 in its extended position. The diverter trough is still in the same location as it was in Figure 5, since the lever arms 5 and 51" are still in their raised position. Seal 90 is also shown inside the pressurizing vessel 70.

Reference is now made to Figure 7 which is a cross section of the espresso maker 1 and Appliance 2 in operational alignment. The base 20 shows a circle representing the air compressor motor 101. The main housing 30 contains the pressurizing vessel 70 with its upper aperture 72 open whereas the lower aperture 73 is closed by a cartridge 3 held in place by cartridge support platform 60. Figure 7 also shows one of the two arms 51" and the cross bar 52 in their lowered position, corresponding to the cartridge support structure 60 being in its raised position, and the diverter trough 80 in its retracted position where the aperture 84 is positioned above the pressurization vessel upper aperture 72; seal 90 is open. Arrows indicate water flow from the Appliance spout 23 through the aperture 84 of the diverter trough 80 and into the pressurizing vessel 70. The top of the cartridge 3 is pierced by two piercing pins 97, in a manner known in the art.

Reference is now made to Figure 8 in which the espresso maker 1 is shown with the pressurizing vessel 70 with its upper aperture 72 closed by the seal 90, and the lower aperture 73 is closed by the cartridge 3 firmly held in place by the cartridge support structure60 the lower face of the cartridge is sealably secured to the disc 63. Figure 8 shows one of the twoarms51" and the cross bar 52 in their lowered position, corresponding to the cartridge support structure 60 being in its elevated position, and the diverter trough 80 in its retracted position. Figure 8 also shows the upper aperture seal 90 in full contact with the lower lip of the aperture 72. Arrows show the direction of flow of hot water from the pressurizing vessel 70 through the cartridge 3 and into the cup.

Figure 9A and 9B illustrate the same cross sectional views of the pressurizing vessel 70 of the espresso maker 1 according to the invention; except that in Figure 9A the seal 90 is shown in an open position and in Figure 9B it is shown in a closed position. The Pressurizing vessel 70 comprises a cylindrical wall 74 made of transparent plastic suitable for continued operation at temperatures at around 100 C, such as Tritan T-2001 Co-Polyester manufactured by Eastman Chemicals, being approved by FDA for food contact. An integrally molded member with a funnel shaped depression terminating in an aperture 72 forms a horizontal partition between the main portion of the cylinder 70 and the upper portion thereof. The lower portion of the cylinder 76 is wider than the main portion of the cylinder. A disc 77 with an aperture is seated in the step formed between the main portion and the lower portion of the cylinder. The disc is held in place by a plug 78 molded of Tritan T-2001 Co-Polyester, comprising a cavity 79 shaped to receive cartridge where the lower edge of the cavity includes a flexible silicone ring 109 corresponding in size with the cartridge flange for providing a seal during the infusion process. The top of the cavity 79 communicates with the interior of the pressurizing vessel through the aperture 73. The plug 78 fits tightly and is secured to the lower part 76 of the cylindrical body by fasteners or other methods known in the art the cavity 79 of the plug 78 includes two puncturing pins 97, designed to puncture the top of the cartridge 3 when it is seated in cavity 79, to allow water under pressure to enter the cartridge.

Owing to the fact that a relatively small amount of water is being used to brew a cup of espresso the water, delivered from the Appliance into the pressurizing vessel would normally cool down significantly by contacting the mass of the plastic which would absorb heat from the hot water. It became therefore advantageous to maintain the pressurizing vessel at a raised temperature at all times, which is achieved by providing the pressurizing vessel 70 with electrical heaters, one of the heaters 108 is shown attached to the exterior of the cylindrical main body, in a manner known to the art. As shown in Figure 8, the pressurizing vessel must be sealed during the infusion process, however as shown in Figure 7 the top aperture 72 must be kept open while water is being delivered into the pressurizing vessel. Since the pressurization of the vessel 70 is achieved by pumping compressed air into the chamber it was found advantageous to use that compressed air to close the seal 90 prior to the pressurizing the water, this is achieved in the following manner: The compressed air is delivered from the air compressor 100 through a flexible tube (not shown) into a horizontal tube 91 connected to a vertical tube 92 which contains a rod 93 in sliding relationship to the vertical tube 92. The rod supports the seal assembly 90 comprising a seal carrying structure 94 and a seal pad 95. The rod 93 acts as a piston, and rises as air under pressure is delivered into tube 92. The vertical tube 92 is provided with two vents 96, at a mid-point up the tube; thus when the rod's lower end passes the vents 96 the compressed air will be delivered into the interior of the pressurizing vessel 70. When that happens the pressure in the pressurizing vessel will augment the force provided by the piston 93 to ensure the seal 90remains shut, during the infusion operation.

Figure 10 is an isometric view of the air compressor 100 according to the invention. The air compressor comprises a Permanent-Magnet DC motor 101 with a pinion 102 driving a reduction gear 103 that is attached to a single cam disc 104. The cam disc drives a piston (not shown) through a connecting rod 105. The piston slides back and forth in a Cylinder 106 which is also provided with a set of valves, in a manner known in the art, to compress air which is subsequently delivered into the pressurizing vessel through a flexible hose (not shown) attached to the nipple 107. Pumps of this nature are known to be very compact and inexpensive; and can deliver pressures of up to 20 bars.

As described in the preceding paragraphs the espresso maker 1 is designed to operate in conjunction with a typical counter top Appliance 2 capable of supplying chilled water, hot water and near boiling water. Once the espresso maker lis placed in front of the Appliance 2 so that the Appliance spout 23 is aligned with the flow diverter 80 the user can continue to obtain hot and cold water from the Appliance, and is also able to produce a cup of espresso by infusion from a cartridge 3 designed to be used in conjunction with the espresso maker 1.

The following paragraphs describe the user interface with the espresso maker:

To make a cup of espresso the user lifts the lever arms by the rod 52 and places a fresh cartridge 3 on the platform 60. Next the user lowers the lever arms by depressing the rod 52 thereby lifting the platform 60 and the cartridge 3 into the cavity 79 of the plug 78 to seal the bottom of the pressurizing vessel, also puncturing the top of the cartridge through contact with sharp pins 97 positioned in the plug. Concurrently the flow diverter 80 is being positioned so that water from the Appliance spout 23 will flow into the pressurizing vessel 70.Next the user presses and holds the BOIL water button 25 and observes the water level rise through the transparent wall of the pressurizing vessel 70 till a desired water level is reached (typically 25- 45 ml are used for a "short" espresso and 60-80 ml are used for a "long" espresso) the face of the vessel includes markings 71 '; 71";7 " indicating different water level. Since the vessel is already pre-heated the water in the vessel will be maintained at the appropriate infusion temperature. Next the user places a cup 5 under the outlet spout 67 and momentarily presses the start button 8, which turns on the pump 100. As described above the compressed air will first seal the pressurizing vessel aperture 72, and then will build up pressure in the pressurizing vessel 70. A calibrated pressure switch, known in the art, will maintain a predetermined pressure in the vessel. The pressure in the vessel drives the water into the cartridge 3 through the puncture holes created by pins 97, where it will apply sufficient force on the lower face of the cartridge to perforate the lower face of the cartridge in places where it comes in contact with the sharp edges of the truncated pyramids to permit the infused espresso to flow through the perforations 64 in the disc 63 and into the well 62 and from there into the cup 5.When the user observed that the infusion process is completed the user will press the start button 8 again to stop the pump. All the remaining air in the vessel will be bled through the cartridge to cool it down and dry out the content of the cartridge to assist in its removal and disposal.

To fill a glass of chilled water the user ensures that the lever is at its raised position, after that the user places a glass 6 on support platform 40, which the user may be positioned at the appropriate level. Then the user depresses and holds the COLD button until the desired amount of water was delivered. Same would apply if hot or mixed temperature water is desired.

The above and other aspects of the invention will be appreciated from the detailed description and drawings. It should be understood that although aspects of the invention have been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, aspects of the invention are not limited to the embodiments described, but should only be limited by the claims included herewith, including all equivalent interpretations entitled thereto. Also, aspects of the invention may be used alone, or in any suitable combination with other aspects of the invention.

Claims

Claims;

1. In a system for making espresso, the improvement comprising; an espresso making module (1) and a water supplying module (2), the espresso making module being selectably connectable to the water supplying module, wherein;

the water supplying module comprises means (23, 25) for supplying water of user- variable temperature to the espresso making module when connected thereto; and

the espresso making module comprises means for receiving drinking vessels of various heights comprising a height-adjustable vessel support mechanism (40), means (50) for receiving and containing an espresso cartridge (3) for infusion with said user variable temperature water to create espresso beverage, means (100) for pressurizing and delivering said espresso beverage to said vessels in user-variable quantities, and means (80) for delivering said user-variable temperature water to said vessels.