GB2417673A

GB2417673A - Modification to Coffee or Espresso machines

Info

Publication number: GB2417673A
Application number: GB0423910A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alistair Mccallum-Toppin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-09-02
Filing date: 2004-10-28
Publication date: 2006-03-08
Also published as: GB0419470D0; GB0423910D0

Abstract

The traditional construction of counter top coffee or espresso machines typically has the water heating chamber behind the water dispensing devices. This takes up counter top area. In the present invention the water heating chamber C is positioned below the water dispensing devices A either to their front or rear to reduce the area in plan required by the machine. The machine may include an integral drip tray, shut-off valves to isolate the water dispensing devices from the water heating chamber and additional storage at high level.

Description

241 7673 Modification to water heating machines typically used in the

preparation of hot beverages

Description;

Background:

Apphcation refers to a modification to the traditional construction of counter top coffee or espresso machines typically used in the retail beverage industry The modification is to the positioning of the water heating chamber as a means of decreasing the counter top area covered by the said machine.

Reason for modification: Traditionally the water heating chamber of a coffee or espresso machine is placed directly behind the water dispensing device(s). This configuration typically has the drawback of utilising a large area of the counter top which has proved restrictive in retail applications.

Modification: The modification is to position the water heating chamber below the water dispensing device(s) or counter top thereby reducing the area in plan required to position the machine.

Essential features: The water heating chamber is positioned below the water dispensing device(s) either to the front or rear of the water dispensing device(s) to reduce the area in plan required by the said machine.

Important (but not essential) features: The water heating chamber and any control devices placed to the front of the water dispensing device(s) should be made water proof or safe from the ingress of liquid.

Typically this can be achieved by the placing of a drip tray above the water heating chamber and the thoughtful construction of the water heating chamber casing.

Detailed description:

The typical construction and application of the modification will now be detailed with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Sheet 1 figure 1 shows an isometric view of a constructed machine, Sheet 2 figure I shows the side view of a constructed machine; Sheet 3 figure 1 shows the front view of a constructed machine; Sheet 4 figure 1 shows a typical construction of the water heating chamber casing as an exploded view; figure 2 shows a typical construction of the water heating chamber casmg, Typically the modification will be applied as shown on sheet 1/4 figure 1, whereby the water heating chamber (C), of known construction, is below and forward of the water dispensing devce(s) (A), of known construction.

The Configuration shown on sheets 1,2 & 3/4 indicates a typical example of the placing of the control devices, of known construction, in that they are contained in a section of the water heating chamber casing created by the front panel (sheet 4/4 figure 1 (K)) and the control device mounting plate (sheet 4/4 figure 1 (H)) Included in the shown configuration are the additions of a storage tray (sheet 1 & 2/4 figure 1 (L)) and a series of shut off valves (sheets 1 & 2/4 figure 1 (M)). The Storage Tray would typically be used to aid the production of beverages by allowing easy access to sugar, tea or chocolate for example. The shut off valves would allow the isolation of the water dispensing device(s) (sheets 1, 2 & 3/4 figure 1 (A)) from the water heating chamber (sheets 1, 2 & 3/4 figure 1 (C)) to aid the maintenance and repair of the machine.

In this example the Water dispensing device(s) (A) are mounted on a suitably rigid assembly which is in turn mounted on the Water heating chamber (C) casing (sheet 4/4 figure 1 and 2).

Sheet 4/4 figure 1 indicates an example of construction of the water heating chamber casing to aid the prevention of liquid ingress into water sensitive areas and devices used in the construction of typical machines. The casing is so constructed that directly under the water dispensing device(s) (sheets 1, 2 & 3/4 figure 1 (A)) is positioned a drip tray (sheet 4/4 figure 1 & 2 (D)). Indicated below the drip tray (sheet 4/4 figure 1 & 2 (D)) after a suitable gap (i.e. 75mm maintained by a suitable drip tray support (sheet 4/4 figure 1 & 2 (E))) for the passage of a suitable waste pipe, is the top plate of the water heating chamber casing (sheet 4/4 figure 1 & 2 (G)). The plate is so constructed as to form an inverted tray over the side panels (sheet 4/4 figure 1 & 2 (I)), rear panel (sheet 4/4 figure 1 & 2 (F)) and front panel (sheet 4/4 figure 1 & 2 (K)). The base of the casing is formed by base panel (sheet 4/4 figure 1 & 2 (I)) which is also an inverted tray construction.

Claims

Claims; 1. Where the water heating chamber of a typical coffee or espresso

machine is so constructed that it is positioned below the water dispensing device(s) either to the front or rear of the water dispensing devce(s) to reduce the area in plan required by the said machine.
2 A construction as claimed in claim 1 the water heating chamber casing is so constructed that the ingress of liquid to water sensitive devices is prohibited.
3 A construction as claimed in claim 1 with the addition of suitable shut off valves to allow the isolation of the water dispensing device(s) from the water heating chamber.