EP1940269A1 - Container for a powdered or ground ingredient suitable for being housed in a device for producing a hot beverage - Google Patents

Container for a powdered or ground ingredient suitable for being housed in a device for producing a hot beverage

Info

Publication number
EP1940269A1
EP1940269A1 EP05813603A EP05813603A EP1940269A1 EP 1940269 A1 EP1940269 A1 EP 1940269A1 EP 05813603 A EP05813603 A EP 05813603A EP 05813603 A EP05813603 A EP 05813603A EP 1940269 A1 EP1940269 A1 EP 1940269A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
powdered
ground
ingredient
moving bottom
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05813603A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Francesco Ranzoni
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bialetti Industrie SpA
Original Assignee
Bialetti Industrie SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bialetti Industrie SpA filed Critical Bialetti Industrie SpA
Publication of EP1940269A1 publication Critical patent/EP1940269A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/06—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor
    • A47J31/0657—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor for brewing coffee under pressure, e.g. for espresso machines
    • A47J31/0663—Filters or strainers for coffee or tea makers ; Holders therefor for brewing coffee under pressure, e.g. for espresso machines to be used with loose coffee
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/24—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure
    • A47J31/30—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under steam pressure
    • A47J31/303—Coffee-making apparatus in which hot water is passed through the filter under pressure, i.e. in which the coffee grounds are extracted under pressure with hot water under steam pressure classical type of espresso apparatus, e.g. to put on a stove, i.e. in which the water is heated in a lower, sealed boiling vessel, raised by the steam pressure through a rising pipe and an extraction chamber and subsequently is collected in a beverage container on top of the water boiling vessel

Definitions

  • the object of the present invention is a container for a powdered or ground ingredient suitable for being housed in a device for producing a hot beverage. According to a further aspect, the object of the present invention is a device for producing a hot beverage, particularly coffee, cappuccino and the like.
  • the present invention particularly relates to the field of devices known as moka and suitable to provide coffee or other types of hot beverages in a conventional manner.
  • moka is meant a device that operates by heating an amount of water within the boiler and delivering the same under pressure to a collection container by passing through a layer of powdered coffee.
  • the problem at the heart of the present invention is that the kinetic energy of the liquid being delivered has been considered as a factor affecting the organoleptic characteristics of the beverage, and a container for a grounded or powdered ingredient and a device for producing hot beverages have been provided, which have such structural and operating features to overcome said drawbacks cited with reference to the prior art.
  • the problem at the heart of the present invention is to provide a container for a grounded or powdered ingredient and a device for producing hot beverages that allow obtaining- " high kinetic energy for the liquid being delivered. roOlO] .
  • This problem is solved by means of a container for a powdered or ground ingredient which is suitable for being housed in a device for producing a hot beverage in accordance to claim 1.
  • the dependent claims relate to further embodiments of the container according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view _of an embodiment of a container for a ground or powdered ingredient which is suitable to be housed in a device for producing a hot beverage in accordance to the present invention
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the container from Fig. 1;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the container from Fig. 1; [0015] .
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a top view of the container from Fig. 1;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a possible embodiment of a container for a ground or powdered ingredient suitable for being housed in a device for producing a hot beverage in accordance with the present invention
  • Fig. 6 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the container from Fig. 5 when assembled, in a first operating condition
  • Fig. 7 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the container from Fig. 5 when assembled, in a second operating condition
  • Pig. 8 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of an exemplary device for producing a hot beverage comprising a container for a ground or powdered ingredient according to a possible embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 9 illustrates the container from Fig. 3 associated to a capsule containing the ground or powdered ingredient ; [0021] .
  • Fig. 10 illustrates a side view of the capsule partially visible in Fig. 9;
  • Fig. 11 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a possible embodiment of a container for a ground or powdered ingredient that is suitable for being housed in a device for producing a hot beverage in accordance with the present invention
  • Fig. 12 illustrates the container from Fig. 11 associated with a capsule containing the ground or powdered ingredient.
  • a device for producing a hot beverage This device is generally known as moka and is suitable to provide various types of beverages, coffee and cappuccino among the others.
  • the device 10 comprises a boiler 312 " and a collection container 14 that is associated with the boiler. Conventionally, the collection container is screwed on an open mouth 15 of the boiler.
  • the device 10 further comprises a container 16 for a powdered or ground ingredient, such as coffee, which is inserted in the boiler open mouth.
  • the container 16 comprises a bowl 18 which is extended beneath by a tube 20 which is for example connected to the bowl through a flared portion 22.
  • the container 16 further comprises an edge 24 suitable to rest on the upper edge of the open mouth 15 of boiler 12, preferably a seal 25 being placed therebetween. [0029].
  • the container 16 is inserted within the boiler such that the tube 20 extends within the boiler.
  • the collection container 14 is screwed to the boiler 12 above the container 16, such as illustrated in Pig. 8.
  • With 26 has been designated an accommodation chamber for the powdered or ground ingredient. This accommodation chamber is defined by the container 16, which is inserted in the boiler open mouth, and a bottom 28 of the collection container 14. [0031] .
  • the accommodation chamber 26 is defined by the bottom 28 of the collection container 14, by a bottom 30 of the bowl 18 and side walls 32 of the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient. [0032] .
  • the bottom 30 of the bowl consists of a disk being provided with a plurality of small holes 34 (only some of them have been illustrated in the figures) .
  • the bottom 28 of the collection container is defined by a disk being provided with a plurality of openings 36.
  • the container 16 for the ground or powdered ingredient, the accommodation chamber 26, and a delivery pipe 38 that opens into the collection container 14 define means for defining a connection path between the boiler and the collection container.
  • a liquid contained therein, generally water rises along said path to the collection container, by passing through the powdered or ground ingredient and extracting the flavor therefrom.
  • the device 10 comprises a valve 40 being housed at the end of the delivery pipe 38.
  • the valve 40 comprises a plug, not illustrated, which is suitable to close the delivery pipe 38 until a particular pressure is reached within the boiler.
  • a plunger-shaped end 42 can be seen which extends outside the valve body. This plunger-shaped end is also preferably a calibrated weight of the plug.
  • the plug When a particular pressure is reached within the boiler, the plug is lifted and the liquid contained within the boiler can quickly raise to the collection container.
  • the plug moves in a vertical direction, within the valve body, between a closed (lowered) and open (raised) position.
  • the valve .40 comprises means, not illustrated, for locking the plug in the delivery pipe open position.
  • the valve 40 can comprise at least an outlet pipe 43 that opens into the collection container at a lower level than at the outlet from the delivery pipe 38.
  • means are provided to increase the volume of the accommodation chamber 26 between a rest volume, corresponding to-a non- assembled configuration of the device, and a work volume corresponding to an assembled configuration of the device .
  • assembled configuration of the device is meant the configuration in which the collection container 14 is screwed to the boiler 12 containing the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient (Fig. 8) ' .
  • non-assembled configuration is meant the configuration in which the collection, container is not screwed to the boiler.
  • the work volume of the accommodation chamber 26 if preferably 15% greater than the rest volume thereof.
  • the bottom 30 of the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient is movable along the side walls 32 of the container between a rest position, corresponding to a non-assembled configuration of the device, and a work position, corresponding to an assembled configuration of the device.
  • the volume of the accommodation chamber 26 is at least partially defined by the moving bottom, and is, in the rest position of the moving bottom 30, less than the volume of the accommodation chamber 26, in the work position of the moving bottom 30.
  • the bottom 30 is movable in a vertical direction. Particularly, the bottom 30 is movable between the rest position, where the bottom is arranged at a preset height, and the work position, where the bottom is arranged at a lower height than the rest position.
  • the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient comprises means for holding the bottom 30 in the rest position.
  • these means comprise elastic means being inserted between the bottom and bottom walls of the container, such as the flared portion 22.
  • the elastic means comprise a helical spring 44 being internally placed on the side of the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient.
  • the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient comprises means for defining the rest position of its bottom 30.
  • these means comprise at least- one projection of the side walls 32 extending towards the inside of the accommodation chamber 26.
  • the projection is obtained by locally folding the side walls of the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient.
  • the projection is an annular fold 46 of the side walls 32 of the accommodation chamber 26.
  • the device 10 comprises means for moving the bottom 30 of the container 16 from the rest position to the work position at the assembled configuration of the device.
  • these means comprise at least one rigid member 48 that is placed between the moving bottom 30 of the container for the ground or powdered ingredient and the bottom 28 of the collection container 14. [0046] .
  • This rigid member has the same length as the distance between the moving bottom 30, in the work position, and the bottom 28 of the collection container.
  • This length is greater than the distance from the moving bottom 30, in the rest position, and the bottom 28 of the collection container without the rigid member,
  • the length of the rigid member 48 is such as to interfere with the moving bottom 30 and bring it from the -rest position to the work position in the assembled condition of device 10.
  • the rigid member 48 is arranged at a peripheral edge 50 of the moving bottom 30.
  • a preferred example is the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 11 and 12.
  • the rigid member 48 is defined by at least one projection 54 extending from the moving bottom 30 past the side walls 32 of the container 16, in the rest position of the moving bottom 30.
  • three projections 54 are provided at the same distance along the peripheral edge of the moving bottom.
  • the at least one projection 54 extends from the peripheral edge 50 of the moving bottom 30 along the side walls 32 of the container 16 and is integral with the moving bottom 30 upon moving from the rest position to the work position, and vice versa. In the rest position of the moving bottom 30, the projection 54 at least partially extends past the side walls 32 of the container 16.
  • the at least one projection is made as one piece from the bottom and folded by the same.
  • the -rigid element 48 is defined by a peripheral wall 52 that is associated with the container 16 and extends from the peripheral edge 50 of the moving bottom 30 along the side walls 32 of the container 16.
  • the peripheral wall 52 is a cylindrical wall similar to the side walls 32. [00523.
  • the peripheral wall 52 is integral with the moving bottom 30 upon movement from the rest position to the work position, and vice versa. In the rest position of the moving bottom 30, the peripheral wall 52 at least partially extends past the side walls " 32 of- the container 16.
  • the peripheral wall 52 comprises at least- one projection 54- extending past the side walls 32 of the container 16, in the rest position of the moving bottom 30.
  • the projection 54 may comprise a folded end 56 inwardly of the container 16 (Fig. 1-4) .
  • the peripheral wall is made as one piece with the moving bottom 30.
  • the peripheral wall 52 is nestingly associated with the moving bottom 30.
  • the peripheral wall 52 comprises at least one annular rib 58 suitable to be abutted against this projection of the side walls 32 (annular fold 46) .
  • the container 16 for a powdered or ground ingredient is suitable for being housed between the boiler 12 and the collection container 14 and at least partially define said connection path.
  • the rigid element 48 (projection 54 and/or peripheral wall 52) extends past the height of the side walls 32 of the container 16 for interfering with the bottom 28 of the collection container and pushing the moving bottom 30 downwards, at the assembled configuration of the device (Fig. 8) .
  • the container 16 comprises side walls 32 having a greater height than that of the side walls of a prior art container suitable to produce the same amount of beverage.
  • a first portion 32a of the side walls 32 defines the volume of powdered or ground ingredient (e.g. coffee) suitable to the type of device, while a second portion 32b of the walls 32 defines the housings area for the spring 44 and the movement area of the moving bottom 30.
  • the moving bottom 30 and the at least one projection 54 (optionally the peripheral wall 52) slide between the rest and work positions, and vice versa, along the side walls 32 that define both a guide and a containment element.
  • the operation of the device will be described below, with reference to the same being arranged for producing cappuccino.
  • the boiler 12 is filled with a preset amount of water and the container 16 is inserted within the boiler open mouth.
  • a preset amount of coffee is arranged within the container 16, for example by filling the volume available with the bottom 30 being in the rest position.
  • a pod or capsule 60 may be used which contains a preset amount of coffee. This capsule 60 is suitable for being housed within the container 16, preferably by resting on the projections 54 (Fig. 9) .
  • the collection container 14 is then screwed to the boiler and at the same time the rigid member 48 (particularly the projections 54 and/or the peripheral wall 52) interferes with the bottom 28 of the collection container by pushing the bottom 30 of the container 16 downwards .
  • a preset amount of milk is filled in the collection container and the valve 40 is applied on the delivery pipe 38.
  • the plug of the valve 40 is set in the lowered, i.e. closed, position of the delivery pipe.
  • the boiler is then heated in a conventional manner until the pressure within the boiler exceeds a preset value corresponding to the pressure capable of raising the plug.
  • the latter is automatically locked in the raised position, thereby both the water and steam contained within the boiler are quickly ejected in the milk thus generating a turbulence that aids in forming the foam.
  • the present invention allows improving the effectiveness of the transformation of the energy accumulated within the boiler, before delivery, in kinetic energy upon delivery, thereby improving the organoleptic features of "the beverage under the same conditions within the boiler.
  • the present device particularly when provided with the valve 40, can be used for producing coffee, either with or without foam, or cappuccino.
  • a type of beverage can be selected as desired by selecting the position of the plug. By arranging the plug in the lowered position where it closes the outlet of the delivery pipe 38, the delivery of the . liquid contained within the boiler takes place when the pressure within the boiler has reached a threshold value at which the plug is caused to raise and the delivery pipe is opened.
  • the liquid passing through the connection path between the boiler and collection container is subjected to small loss of head, thereby the energy being stored -within the boiler before the plug is opened is effectively turned into kinetic energy.
  • the accommodation chamber 26 does not have any obstacle and can be used with capsules or pods for a simpler arrangement of the device.
  • the rigid member can be fixed to the bottom of the collection container in all the possible embodiment.
  • such device may be provided in which the rigid member is defined by at least one projection and/or a peripheral wall being associated with a bottom of the collection container, at the peripheral edge of the container moving bottom for a ground or powdered ingredient, and suitable to -extend along the side walls 32 of the container 16 for a ground or powdered ingredient.
  • the rigid member can be embodied by the capsule containing the ground or powdered ingredient, which is rested on the moving bottom 30 (or interacting with an optional moving bottom of the collection container) .
  • the rigid member can "be optionally embodied by a peripheral wall without projections and having such a height as to interfere with the bottom of the collection container, when the device is being assembled.
  • the moving bottom can be that of the collection container or both.
  • the helical spring 44 can be replaced by any means suitable to hold the bottom 30 in the rest position.
  • other types of elastic means or other arrangements of the same are feasible.
  • [0082] To the preferred embodiment of the container and device such as described above, those of ordinary skill in the art, aiming at satisfying contingent and specific needs, will be able to carry out a number of modification, adaptations and replacements of elements with others functionally equivalent, without however departing from the scope of the following claims.

Abstract

A container (16) for a ground or powdered ingredient is suitable for being housed in a device (10) for producing a hot beverage, between a boiler (12) and a collection container (14).The container (16) at least partially defines an accommodation chamber (16) for the ground or powdered ingredient and comprises a bottom (30) moving along side walls (32) of the container (16) between a rest position, corresponding to a non-assembled configuration of the device, and work position, corresponding to an assembled configuration of the device. The volume of the accommodation chamber (26) is at least partially defined by the moving bottom, and in the rest position of the moving bottom (30) is less than the volume of the accommodation chamber (26) in the work position of the moving bottom (30). A peripheral wall (52) and/or a projection (54) extends from the peripheral edge of the moving bottom (30) along the side walls (32) of the container (16).

Description

DESCRIPTION
"Container for a powdered or ground ingredient suitable for being housed in a device for producing a hot beverage" [0001] . The object of the present invention is a container for a powdered or ground ingredient suitable for being housed in a device for producing a hot beverage. According to a further aspect, the object of the present invention is a device for producing a hot beverage, particularly coffee, cappuccino and the like.
[0002] . The present invention particularly relates to the field of devices known as moka and suitable to provide coffee or other types of hot beverages in a conventional manner. With reference to the production of coffee, by moka is meant a device that operates by heating an amount of water within the boiler and delivering the same under pressure to a collection container by passing through a layer of powdered coffee.
[0003] . In other words, as the temperature increases, the pressure within the boiler will increase until reaching a value at which the water contained therein rises up to the upper container, by passing through a layer of powdered coffee thereby extracting the aroma therefrom. [0004] . Some known devices are provided with a valve applied to the end of the delivery pipe of the collection container. A plug within the valve closes the delivery pipe until a predetermined pressure is reached within the boiler, which is higher than the delivery pressure when the valve- is not provided. A number of valves further provide means for locking the plug in the open (raised) position for allowing the liquid and steam to be delivered preferably through a pipe ending below the surface of the beverage, in order to obtain frothy beverages, such as cappuccino.
[0005] . Known devices have some drawbacks mainly due to the fact that the effectiveness of the transformation occurring between the energy accumulated within the boiler and the kinetic energy of the fluid rising from the boiler to the collection container has never been considered as being particularly important .
[0006] . In other words, the effect exerted by the value of the kinetic energy of the fluid being delivered on the organoleptic characteristics of the obtained beverage has never been taken into account .
[0007] . The Applicant has uncommonly found that high kinetic energy of the fluid positively affects the organoleptic characteristics of the beverage. This effect is even more apparent with devices provided with valves, such as described above, particularly for the production of cappuccino, since the turbulence generated in the milk increases, thereby a more creamy, more uniform and more persistent foam is obtained.
[0008] . The problem at the heart of the present invention is that the kinetic energy of the liquid being delivered has been considered as a factor affecting the organoleptic characteristics of the beverage, and a container for a grounded or powdered ingredient and a device for producing hot beverages have been provided, which have such structural and operating features to overcome said drawbacks cited with reference to the prior art.
[0009] . Particularly, the problem at the heart of the present invention is to provide a container for a grounded or powdered ingredient and a device for producing hot beverages that allow obtaining-"high kinetic energy for the liquid being delivered. roOlO] . This problem is solved by means of a container for a powdered or ground ingredient which is suitable for being housed in a device for producing a hot beverage in accordance to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to further embodiments of the container according to the present invention.
[0011] . Further characteristics and the advantages of the container according to the invention will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, which is given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the annexed figures, in which: [-0012] . Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view _of an embodiment of a container for a ground or powdered ingredient which is suitable to be housed in a device for producing a hot beverage in accordance to the present invention; [0013] . Fig. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the container from Fig. 1;
[0014] . Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the container from Fig. 1; [0015] . Fig. 4 illustrates a top view of the container from Fig. 1;
[001.6] . Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a possible embodiment of a container for a ground or powdered ingredient suitable for being housed in a device for producing a hot beverage in accordance with the present invention;
[0017] . Fig. 6 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the container from Fig. 5 when assembled, in a first operating condition; [0018] . Fig. 7 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the container from Fig. 5 when assembled, in a second operating condition;
[0019] . Pig. 8 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of an exemplary device for producing a hot beverage comprising a container for a ground or powdered ingredient according to a possible embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] . Fig. 9 illustrates the container from Fig. 3 associated to a capsule containing the ground or powdered ingredient ; [0021] . Fig. 10 illustrates a side view of the capsule partially visible in Fig. 9;
[0022] . Fig. 11 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a possible embodiment of a container for a ground or powdered ingredient that is suitable for being housed in a device for producing a hot beverage in accordance with the present invention;
[0023] . Fig. 12 illustrates the container from Fig. 11 associated with a capsule containing the ground or powdered ingredient. [0024] . With reference to said figures, with 10 has been generally indicated a device for producing a hot beverage. This device is generally known as moka and is suitable to provide various types of beverages, coffee and cappuccino among the others. [0025]. Such as illustrated in Fig. 8, the device 10 comprises a boiler 312" and a collection container 14 that is associated with the boiler. Conventionally, the collection container is screwed on an open mouth 15 of the boiler. [0026] . The device 10 further comprises a container 16 for a powdered or ground ingredient, such as coffee, which is inserted in the boiler open mouth. [0027] . The container 16 comprises a bowl 18 which is extended beneath by a tube 20 which is for example connected to the bowl through a flared portion 22.
[0028] . In accordance with an embodiment, the container 16 further comprises an edge 24 suitable to rest on the upper edge of the open mouth 15 of boiler 12, preferably a seal 25 being placed therebetween. [0029]. In the assembled position of the device 10, the container 16 is inserted within the boiler such that the tube 20 extends within the boiler. In addition, the collection container 14 is screwed to the boiler 12 above the container 16, such as illustrated in Pig. 8. [0030] . With 26 has been designated an accommodation chamber for the powdered or ground ingredient. This accommodation chamber is defined by the container 16, which is inserted in the boiler open mouth, and a bottom 28 of the collection container 14. [0031] . Particularly, the accommodation chamber 26 is defined by the bottom 28 of the collection container 14, by a bottom 30 of the bowl 18 and side walls 32 of the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient. [0032] . In accordance with a possible embodiment, the bottom 30 of the bowl consists of a disk being provided with a plurality of small holes 34 (only some of them have been illustrated in the figures) .
[0033]. In accordance with a feasible embodiment, the bottom 28 of the collection container is defined by a disk being provided with a plurality of openings 36.
[0034] . In accordance with a possible embodiment, the container 16 for the ground or powdered ingredient, the accommodation chamber 26, and a delivery pipe 38 that opens into the collection container 14 define means for defining a connection path between the boiler and the collection container. When the boiler is heated, a liquid contained therein, generally water, rises along said path to the collection container, by passing through the powdered or ground ingredient and extracting the flavor therefrom.
[0035] . In accordance with a possible embodiment, the device 10 comprises a valve 40 being housed at the end of the delivery pipe 38. The valve 40 comprises a plug, not illustrated, which is suitable to close the delivery pipe 38 until a particular pressure is reached within the boiler. In Fig. 8 a plunger-shaped end 42 can be seen which extends outside the valve body. This plunger-shaped end is also preferably a calibrated weight of the plug. [0036] . When a particular pressure is reached within the boiler, the plug is lifted and the liquid contained within the boiler can quickly raise to the collection container. Preferably, the plug moves in a vertical direction, within the valve body, between a closed (lowered) and open (raised) position. [0037]. Preferably, the valve .40 comprises means, not illustrated, for locking the plug in the delivery pipe open position. Furthermore, the valve 40 can comprise at least an outlet pipe 43 that opens into the collection container at a lower level than at the outlet from the delivery pipe 38.
[0038] . In accordance with a possible embodiment, means are provided to increase the volume of the accommodation chamber 26 between a rest volume, corresponding to-a non- assembled configuration of the device, and a work volume corresponding to an assembled configuration of the device .
[0039] . With reference to what has been described above, by assembled configuration of the device is meant the configuration in which the collection container 14 is screwed to the boiler 12 containing the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient (Fig. 8)'. On the other, hand, by non-assembled configuration is meant the configuration in which the collection, container is not screwed to the boiler. Preferably, reference is made to a non-assembled- configuration in which the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient is either inserted within the boiler or released.
[0040] . In accordance with a possible embodiment, the work volume of the accommodation chamber 26 if preferably 15% greater than the rest volume thereof.
[0041] . In accordance with a possible embodiment, the bottom 30 of the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient is movable along the side walls 32 of the container between a rest position, corresponding to a non-assembled configuration of the device, and a work position, corresponding to an assembled configuration of the device. The volume of the accommodation chamber 26 is at least partially defined by the moving bottom, and is, in the rest position of the moving bottom 30, less than the volume of the accommodation chamber 26, in the work position of the moving bottom 30.
[0042]. Considering the normal use of the device 10, i.e. considering that this device is rested on a horizontal plane, the bottom 30 is movable in a vertical direction. Particularly, the bottom 30 is movable between the rest position, where the bottom is arranged at a preset height, and the work position, where the bottom is arranged at a lower height than the rest position.
[0043] . In accordance with a possible embodiment, the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient comprises means for holding the bottom 30 in the rest position. Advantageously, these means comprise elastic means being inserted between the bottom and bottom walls of the container, such as the flared portion 22. Preferably, the elastic means comprise a helical spring 44 being internally placed on the side of the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient.
[0044] . In accordance with a possible embodiment, the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient comprises means for defining the rest position of its bottom 30. Advantageously, these means comprise at least- one projection of the side walls 32 extending towards the inside of the accommodation chamber 26. Preferably, the projection is obtained by locally folding the side walls of the container 16 for the powdered or ground ingredient. In accordance with a possible embodiment, such as illustrated in the figures, the projection is an annular fold 46 of the side walls 32 of the accommodation chamber 26. [0045] . In accordance with a possible embodiment, the device 10 comprises means for moving the bottom 30 of the container 16 from the rest position to the work position at the assembled configuration of the device. Advantageously, these means comprise at least one rigid member 48 that is placed between the moving bottom 30 of the container for the ground or powdered ingredient and the bottom 28 of the collection container 14. [0046] . This rigid member has the same length as the distance between the moving bottom 30, in the work position, and the bottom 28 of the collection container.
This length is greater than the distance from the moving bottom 30, in the rest position, and the bottom 28 of the collection container without the rigid member,
[0047] . In other words, the length of the rigid member 48 is such as to interfere with the moving bottom 30 and bring it from the -rest position to the work position in the assembled condition of device 10. Advantageously, the rigid member 48 is arranged at a peripheral edge 50 of the moving bottom 30. [0048] . A preferred example is the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 11 and 12. In accordance with this embodiment, the rigid member 48 is defined by at least one projection 54 extending from the moving bottom 30 past the side walls 32 of the container 16, in the rest position of the moving bottom 30. Preferably, three projections 54 are provided at the same distance along the peripheral edge of the moving bottom.
[0049] . The at least one projection 54 extends from the peripheral edge 50 of the moving bottom 30 along the side walls 32 of the container 16 and is integral with the moving bottom 30 upon moving from the rest position to the work position, and vice versa. In the rest position of the moving bottom 30, the projection 54 at least partially extends past the side walls 32 of the container 16.
[0050] . In accordance with the embodiment such as illustrated in Fig. 11 and 12, the at least one projection is made as one piece from the bottom and folded by the same. [0051] . In accordance with the embodiment such as illustrated in Fig. 1-4 or 5-7, the -rigid element 48 is defined by a peripheral wall 52 that is associated with the container 16 and extends from the peripheral edge 50 of the moving bottom 30 along the side walls 32 of the container 16. Advantageously, the peripheral wall 52 is a cylindrical wall similar to the side walls 32. [00523. The peripheral wall 52 is integral with the moving bottom 30 upon movement from the rest position to the work position, and vice versa. In the rest position of the moving bottom 30, the peripheral wall 52 at least partially extends past the side walls" 32 of- the container 16. t0053] . In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1-4 or 5-7, the peripheral wall 52 comprises at least- one projection 54- extending past the side walls 32 of the container 16, in the rest position of the moving bottom 30. Preferably, three or four projections 54 are provided at the same distance from each other along the upper edge of the peripheral wall. A projection 54 may comprise a folded end 56 inwardly of the container 16 (Fig. 1-4) .
[0054] . Preferably, the peripheral wall is made as one piece with the moving bottom 30. Alternatively, the peripheral wall 52 is nestingly associated with the moving bottom 30. In accordance with a possible embodiment in which at least one annular fold" 46 of the side walls 32 extends inwardly of the accommodation chamber 26 to define the rest position of the moving bottom 30, the peripheral wall 52 comprises at least one annular rib 58 suitable to be abutted against this projection of the side walls 32 (annular fold 46) .
[0055] . When applied on devices for the production of a hot beverage, the container 16 for a powdered or ground ingredient is suitable for being housed between the boiler 12 and the collection container 14 and at least partially define said connection path.
[0056] . Generally, in the rest position of the moving bottom 30, the rigid element 48 (projection 54 and/or peripheral wall 52) extends past the height of the side walls 32 of the container 16 for interfering with the bottom 28 of the collection container and pushing the moving bottom 30 downwards, at the assembled configuration of the device (Fig. 8) .
[0057] . Referring particularly to the figures, the container 16 comprises side walls 32 having a greater height than that of the side walls of a prior art container suitable to produce the same amount of beverage. In fact, a first portion 32a of the side walls 32 defines the volume of powdered or ground ingredient (e.g. coffee) suitable to the type of device, while a second portion 32b of the walls 32 defines the housings area for the spring 44 and the movement area of the moving bottom 30. [0058] . In accordance with the embodiment such as illustrated in the figures, the moving bottom 30 and the at least one projection 54 (optionally the peripheral wall 52) slide between the rest and work positions, and vice versa, along the side walls 32 that define both a guide and a containment element. [0059] . The operation of the device will be described below, with reference to the same being arranged for producing cappuccino.
[0060] . The boiler 12 is filled with a preset amount of water and the container 16 is inserted within the boiler open mouth. A preset amount of coffee is arranged within the container 16, for example by filling the volume available with the bottom 30 being in the rest position.
[0061] . A pod or capsule 60 may be used which contains a preset amount of coffee. This capsule 60 is suitable for being housed within the container 16, preferably by resting on the projections 54 (Fig. 9) .
[0062] . The collection container 14 is then screwed to the boiler and at the same time the rigid member 48 (particularly the projections 54 and/or the peripheral wall 52) interferes with the bottom 28 of the collection container by pushing the bottom 30 of the container 16 downwards .
[0063] . A preset amount of milk is filled in the collection container and the valve 40 is applied on the delivery pipe 38. The plug of the valve 40 is set in the lowered, i.e. closed, position of the delivery pipe. The boiler is then heated in a conventional manner until the pressure within the boiler exceeds a preset value corresponding to the pressure capable of raising the plug. The latter is automatically locked in the raised position, thereby both the water and steam contained within the boiler are quickly ejected in the milk thus generating a turbulence that aids in forming the foam.
[0064] . Generally, the operation of a device of the type described above provides that, when the liquid contained in the boiler is heated, the pressure and temperature values therein increase until this stored energy turns into kinetic energy of the liquid along the delivery path. Contrary to what has been thought so far, it has been noticed that the higher the kinetic energy of the liquid, the better are the organoleptic characteristics of the beverage, particularly when the beverage is cappuccino, such as will be described below.
[0065] . The present invention allows improving the effectiveness of the transformation of the energy accumulated within the boiler, before delivery, in kinetic energy upon delivery, thereby improving the organoleptic features of "the beverage under the same conditions within the boiler. [0066] . The present device, particularly when provided with the valve 40, can be used for producing coffee, either with or without foam, or cappuccino. [0067] . When the valve 40 equipped with means for locking the plug in the open position is provided, a type of beverage can be selected as desired by selecting the position of the plug. By arranging the plug in the lowered position where it closes the outlet of the delivery pipe 38, the delivery of the . liquid contained within the boiler takes place when the pressure within the boiler has reached a threshold value at which the plug is caused to raise and the delivery pipe is opened.
[0068] . In other words, with the provision of the plug a greater energy can be stored within the boiler, whereby a greater kinetic energy for the liquid being delivered is obtained. It has been uncommonly found that the effectiveness of this transformation is even more important when the device is used for producing cappuccino, by using a valve 40 provided with means for locking the plug in the raised (open) position and a pipe that ends below the surface of the beverage contained within the collection container.
[0069] . The more the energy accumulated within the boiler is effectively turned into kinetic energy for the liquid/steam contained within the boiler, the more the turbulence is great, which can be generated within the milk, and hence the amount, persistency and consistency of the foam obtained are also greater .
[0070] . Particularly, due to the present invention, the liquid passing through the connection path between the boiler and collection container is subjected to small loss of head, thereby the energy being stored -within the boiler before the plug is opened is effectively turned into kinetic energy.
[0071] . The liquid being delivered is subjected to an important loss of head when passing through the layer of ground or powdered ingredient (coffee) . This is due both to the nature of this layer and the effect of the liquid. In fact, an increased loss of head corresponds to an increased level of compactness of the powdered ingredient, which level of compactness depends both on the characteristics of the powder and the pressure applied by the user, and increases when the powder is wetted by the liquid raising up along the tube 20 since the wet powder layer is expanded. [0Q72] . Due to the original provision of a accommodation chamber with a varying volume, the rest volume, i.e. that filled by the user, is lower than work volume thereby leaving about 15% expansion volume for the powder layer soaked with liquid. [0073] . However, this allows providing a rest volume corresponding to the ingredient volume required for the volumetry of the device, such that the user is provided with a precise reference.
[0074] . Furthermore, by means of the original shape of the rigid element 48, which is advantageously made with at least one projection and optionally a peripheral wal-1 of the moving bottom, the movement of the bottom can be guided and the ingredient can be contained more efficiently. [0075] . The accommodation chamber 26 does not have any obstacle and can be used with capsules or pods for a simpler arrangement of the device.
[0076] . It is understood that variations and/or additions may be provided to what has been described and illustrated above.
[0077] . In accordance with further embodiments, the rigid member can be fixed to the bottom of the collection container in all the possible embodiment. For example, such device may be provided in which the rigid member is defined by at least one projection and/or a peripheral wall being associated with a bottom of the collection container, at the peripheral edge of the container moving bottom for a ground or powdered ingredient, and suitable to -extend along the side walls 32 of the container 16 for a ground or powdered ingredient.
[0078] . According to a possible embodiment, the rigid member can be embodied by the capsule containing the ground or powdered ingredient, which is rested on the moving bottom 30 (or interacting with an optional moving bottom of the collection container) . [0079T. The rigid member can "be optionally embodied by a peripheral wall without projections and having such a height as to interfere with the bottom of the collection container, when the device is being assembled. [00-80] . Alternatively to what has been depicted in the figures, the moving bottom can be that of the collection container or both.
[0081] . The helical spring 44 can be replaced by any means suitable to hold the bottom 30 in the rest position. For example, other types of elastic means or other arrangements of the same are feasible. [0082] . To the preferred embodiment of the container and device such as described above, those of ordinary skill in the art, aiming at satisfying contingent and specific needs, will be able to carry out a number of modification, adaptations and replacements of elements with others functionally equivalent, without however departing from the scope of the following claims.
*** * ***

Claims

1. A container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient that is suitable for being housed in device (10) for producing a hot beverage, between a boiler (12) and a collection container (14) of the device, said container
(16) for a powdered or ground ingredient at least partially defining an accommodation chamber (26) for said powdered or ground ingredient and comprising a moving bottom (30) along side walls (32) of the container (16) between a rest position, corresponding to a non-assembled configuration of the device, and a work position, corresponding to an assembled configuration of the device, wherein the volume of said accommodation chamber (26) is at least partially defined by said moving bottom, and in the rest position of the moving bottom (30) , is less than the volume of said accommodation chamber (26) in the work position of the moving bottom (30) , characterized in that at least one rigid member (48) is suitable to be placed between the moving bottom (30) of the container (16) and a bottom (28) of the collection container (14) , said rigid member (48) having such a length to interfere with the bottom (28) of the collection container (14) and with the moving bottom (30) and pushing the latter from the rest position to the work -position in the assembly condition of the device (10) , this rigid member (48) being arranged at a peripheral edge (50) of the moving bottom (30) .
2. The container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient according to claim 1, wherein said rigid member (48) is defined by a peripheral wall (52) that is associated with the container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient and that extends from the peripheral edge of the moving bottom (30) along the side walls (32) of the container and, in the rest position of the moving bottom (30) , at least partially past the same.
3. The container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient according to claim 2, wherein said peripheral wall (52) comprises at least one projection (54) extending past the side walls (32)" of the- container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient, in a rest position of the moving bottom (30) .
4. The container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient according to claim 3, wherein said peripheral wall (52) comprises three projections (54) that are placed at the same distance from each other along the upper edge of the peripheral wall .
5. The container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient according to claim 3, wherein said peripheral wall (52) comprises four projections (-54) that are placed at the same distance from each other along the upper edge of the peripheral wall.
6. The container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said at least one projection (54) comprises an end folded (56) inwardly of the container (16) for a ground or powdered ingredient.
7. The container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said peripheral wall (52) is nestingly associated with said moving bottom (30) .
8. The container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said peripheral wall (52) is made as one piece with the moving bottom (30) .
9. The container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein said peripheral wall (52) comprises at least one annular rib (58) that is suitable to be abutted against at least one projection of these side walls (32) that extends inwardly of said accommodation chamber (26) of the ground or powdered ingredient to define said rest position of said moving bottom (30) .
10. The container according to claim 9, wherein said projection is obtained by locally folding the side walls (32) of the container (16) for said ground or powdered ingredient .
11. The container according to claim 9 or 10, wherein - said projection is an annular fold (46) of the side walls
(32) of the accommodation chamber (26) .
12. The container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient according to claim 1, wherein said rigid member (48) is defined by at least one projection (54) that is associated with the container (16) for a ground or powdered ingredient and that extends from the peripheral edge of the moving bottom (30) along the side walls (32) of the container and, in the rest position of the moving bottom (30), at least partially past the same.
13. The container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient according to claim 12, wherein three projections (54) are provided at the same distance from each other along the peripheral edge of the moving bottom.
14. The container according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means for holding this bottom (30) in the rest position.
15. The container according to claim 14, wherein said means for holding said bottom (30) in the rest position comprise elastic means being inserted between said bottom (30) and -bottom walls of said container (16) .
16. The container according to claim 15, wherein said elastic means comprise a helical spring (44) that is internally placed on the side of the side walls (32) of the container (16.) for said powdered or ground ingredient.
17. The container according to one of preceding claims, wherein said rigid member (48) is embodied by a capsule
(60) containing the powdered or ground ingredient, said capsule (60) being inserted in said accommodation chamber (26) .
18. The container according to claim 17, wherein a peripheral wall (52) extends from said moving bottom (30) and wherein said capsule (60) at least partially rests on an upper edge of said peripheral wall (52) .
19. The container according to claim 18, wherein said peripheral wall (52) comprises at least one projection (54) , said capsule (60) resting thereon.
20. The container according to claim 17, wherein said capsule (60) at least partially rests on at least one projection (54) that is associated with the container (16) .
21. A device (10) for producing a hot beverage comprising a boiler (12) , a collection container (14) being associated with the boiler (12) , means for defining a connection path between the boiler (12) and the collection container (14) , and a container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient according to one of preceding claims, which is suitable for being housed between the boiler (12) and the collection container (14) and at least partially defining said connection path.
22. The device (10) for producing a hot beverage according to claim 21, wherein said rigid member (48) is defined by a peripheral wall (52) being associated with a bottom (28) of the collection container (14) , at the peripheral edge of the moving bottom (30) , and suitable to extend along the side walls (32) of the container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient.
23. The device (10) for producing a hot beverage according to claim 21, wherein said rigid member (48) is defined by at least one projection (54) being associated with a bottom (28) of the collection container (14) , at the peripheral edge of the moving bottom (30) , and suitable to extend along ~the side walls (32) of the container (16) for a powdered or ground ingredient.
EP05813603A 2005-10-25 2005-10-25 Container for a powdered or ground ingredient suitable for being housed in a device for producing a hot beverage Withdrawn EP1940269A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IT2005/000618 WO2007049307A1 (en) 2005-10-25 2005-10-25 Container for a powdered or ground ingredient suitable for being housed in a device for producing a hot beverage

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1940269A1 true EP1940269A1 (en) 2008-07-09

Family

ID=36616768

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05813603A Withdrawn EP1940269A1 (en) 2005-10-25 2005-10-25 Container for a powdered or ground ingredient suitable for being housed in a device for producing a hot beverage

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1940269A1 (en)
TW (1) TW200735825A (en)
WO (1) WO2007049307A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1390735B1 (en) * 2008-07-18 2011-09-15 Novara MOKA-TYPE COFFEE MAKER WITH ADJUSTABLE DOSER.
IT201600107633A1 (en) * 2016-10-26 2017-01-26 Sandro Daniele Removable half inserted manually into a coffee maker
IT201700121191A1 (en) * 2017-10-25 2019-04-25 Link Service Snc Di Nicolò Damico & C DEVICE FOR FACILITATING THE FILLING OF A COFFEE MACHINE FILTER
DE202020100237U1 (en) 2020-01-17 2020-03-26 Lucas-Lionel Jäkel Use with thermally insulated handle for devices according to the riser principle for the preparation of a hot beverage, especially espresso cans
EP4090205B1 (en) 2020-01-17 2024-01-10 Lucas-Lionel Jäkel Percolator-type device for preparing hot drinks, especially coffee and/or tea

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1151641B (en) * 1982-06-11 1986-12-24 Alfredo Cavalli FILTER-BREAKING GROUP STRUCTURE, ESPECIALLY FOR FAMILY-TYPE COFFEE MACHINES
IT1287771B1 (en) * 1996-10-10 1998-08-18 Caffe Molinari S P A MOKA TYPE MACHINE, FOR ESPRESSO COFFEE OR OTHER SIMILAR BEVERAGES

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2007049307A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW200735825A (en) 2007-10-01
WO2007049307A1 (en) 2007-05-03

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