IES940483A2 - Coffee brewing and dispensing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A coffee brewing and dispensing machine (10) comprises an external housing (11) containing brewing means for producing freshly 5 brewed filter coffee and an urn for storing the brewing coffee at the correct temperature. The machine (10) also includes a timer associated with the brewing means for calculating the amount of time which has passed since the coffee was brewed and signalling means associated with the timer for indicating that the coffee should be replaced. The 10 signalling means is activated when a predetermined time, measured by the timer, has elapsed since the coffee was brewed. The machine (10) has a front door (12) incorporating an illuminated panel, such that the front surface (13) of the door (12) can be used for advertising or information purposes. The door (12) can be opened to allow access to 15 the interior of the machine (10), thereby maintaining the functional nature of the front of the machine (10) while eliminating the functional appearance thereof

Description

LODGED Coffee brewing and dispensing machine This invention relates to machines for brewing and dispensing beverages, in particular, coffee. In particular, the invention relates to coffee brewing machines employing a filter above an um which receives and stores the coffee for serving therefrom via one or more taps.

Coffee brewing and dispensing machines are known having an external housing containing a water reservoir, with cold water being fed into the reservoir at the bottom, and having a heating element for heating the water within the reservoir. The reservoir has an outlet at the top and the coffee um is mounted within the reservoir. A filter containing ground coffee is either mounted within the um or suspended above the um, and the machine comprises a pump for pumping very hot or boiling water from the outlet (which is normally situated at the top of the reservoir) onto the filter, such that the water seeps through the ground coffee and drips into the um as coffee. Since the um is immersed in very hot or boiling water, the coffee within the um will be kept very hot but never receives a sufficient amount of heat to begin boiling (operating as a bain-marie). One or more outlets lead from the bottom of the um to the exterior of the housing to allow the dispensing of brewed coffee through, for example, a mechanically- or electricallyoperated tap. In some machines, an outlet also leads from the reservoir to allow hot or boiling water to be dispensed via a tap.

Coffee brewing machines are known (especially for use in self25 service restaurants), having dispensing taps on opposite sides of the housing (double-sided machines). Thus, a member of staff can use the machine from behind the counter while a customer simultaneously uses the machine from the opposite side of the counter.

The operation of such machines is well known in the art. Before the coffee is brewed, fresh filter paper containing ground coffee must be inserted above die um and the water in the reservoir must be heated.

When the water is sufficiently hot, the brewing operation may be OPEN TO PUBLIC INSPECTION Ί I 3 /7 A 7 /K UNDER IWTCk.................

SECTION 28 AND RULE 23 5 JNL. No....... θ g A 0 A Β 3 started by pressing a button, for example, or it may start automatically when the water reaches a sufficient temperature. Hot water is pumped from the top of the reservoir and is dripped, sprinkled or sprayed onto the filter (containing the filter paper and coffee). The pump is controlled by electrical means, such as a timer or a sensor, to continue pumping until the um is full of fresh coffee. On many machines, a half brew” option is also available, wherein the pump only operates to half fill the um. Such a feature is desirable because many infusions (such as coffee and tea) become spoilt if they are not consumed within a certain amount of time after brewing. A half brew feature allows the operator to reduce the amount of coffee wasted by brewing a smaller amount of coffee at times when less consumption is expected. If the coffee has been held for too long, the machine must be emptied and a fresh volume of coffee brewed. The use of the half brew feature ensures that less coffee is wasted if the machine must be emptied. In order to make the most efficient use of this feature, however, it is necessary that the operator is aware that the coffee is liable to become spoilt or stale and that he/she knows when the coffee should be replaced.

The majority of commercial coffee machines are bought by the suppliers of the coffee beans or of the ground coffee. As most restaurants, hotels and bars supply freshly brewed coffee, the coffee supply market is both large and competitive. Many of the firms supply machines free of charge to the suppliers of their coffee. This serves a two-fold purpose: firstly, it increases the share of coffee supplied by such companies, and secondly, the machines may carry the trade mark or trade name of the coffee supplier, and if the machine is visible, it acts as an advertising medium.

In such circumstances, the coffee suppliers have a strong interest in ensuring that the coffee which is supplied from their machines is of a high quality. If the operator is not aware that the quality of the coffee deteriorates over time or if the operator does not ensure that only high quality coffee is dispensed (either by guessing that the coffee should be replaced or by tasting the coffee periodically), then the drop in the S 9 4 η ζ. 8 3 quality of the coffee reflects badly on both the establishment in which it is served and the suppliers of the coffee, whose name is likely to be displayed on the machine.

For these reasons, it is an object of the present invention to provide a coffee brewing and dispensing apparatus which will alert the operator thereof that the coffee contained therein is becoming or has become stale and that a fresh brew of coffee is required.

A further problem experienced with double-sided machines having taps for dispensing coffee and/or hot water on the operator’s side (front side) of the machine, i.e. the side having the control panel and access to the filter, and on the opposite (reverse) side of the machine, is that while such machines are particularly suitable for counter service (where customers can serve their own coffee from the machine on the counter and the operator can control and refill the machine and serve coffee from the opposite side of the counter), they are not particularly suitable if the machine is moved to a location where the reverse side of the machine is concealed. This might be the case where the machine is installed in a kitchen, on a back bar or in some position where only the operator's side is accessible. In such a case, a single-sided machine would be more suitable and installing a double-sided machine may be problematic because of the location of the taps which may become damaged or which may take up an excessive amount of space.

If the proprietor of the machine wishes to change the location of the machine, then the presence of taps on the reverse side will influence and possibly limit the choice of locations.

Some machines have an illuminated panel on the customer's side of the double-sided machine. This panel typically carries an advertisement for the proprietor, coffee supplier, machine manufacturer, etc. If the machine is moved to a position where the reverse (customer) side is concealed, then the advertising potential of the machine is severely reduced or lost altogether. Again, this is a reason for reluctance to change the location of the machine from double-sided to single-sided service.

Coffee brewing machines are not only moved within the same establishment, they are often moved from one establishment to another. This is particularly the case when the coffee supplier retains ownership of the machine and wishes to replace it or remove it from a particular establishment (in which case it would be moved to a different location). Thus, a change in the location of a machine may occur many times throughout die machine's lifetime.

For these reasons, it is a further object of the invention to provide a machine which can be converted from a double-sided service machine to a single-sided service machine without necessitating a factory overhaul.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a machine having an illuminated panel on the operator's side of the machine, such that most of the area can be used for advertising purposes whilst still allowing the control panel to be located on the front side and allowing unrestricted access to the filter from the front of the machine.

Thus, the present invention provides a coffee brewing and dispensing machine comprising an external housing containing brewing means for producing freshly brewed filter coffee, and storage means for storing a volume of filtered coffee at the desired temperature, the brewing means being in communication with the storage means such that the freshly brewed coffee is collected in the storage means for dispensing therefrom via an outlet, and a timer associated with the brewing means for calculating the amount of time which has passed since the coffee was brewed and signalling means associated with the timer for indicating that the coffee should be replaced due to a predetermined amount of time having passed since the coffee was brewed.

The term coffee” as used herein also denotes tea and other beverages and infusions produced by a brewing process.

Thus, the skilled person will appreciate that a coffee brewing and dispensing machine according to the invention is provided with an automatic warning mechanism, in the form of the timer and signalling means associated with the brewing means. Thus, a signal can be provided (such as a flashing light or audible alarm) at a predetermined time after the coffee has been brewed to indicate that the urn should be emptied and a fresh brew should be made.

This removes any necessity for the operator to remember that the coffee may have become stale, since he or she will automatically be informed when the quality of the coffee begins to disimprove, thus ensuring that high quality coffee can be served at all times. This is of considerable importance to the customer, to the restaurant or cafe management and to the coffee supplier, whose trade mark or trade name is likely to be on display upon the machine.

Preferably, the machine further comprises a door mounted on the outlet side of the housing, thereby allowing access to the brewing means, said door comprising an illuminated panel for the display of information.

As will be further illustrated below, the provision of a door having an illuminated panel as part of the external housing allows the front of the machine (i.e. the operator's side) to be used for advertising or information purposes to the fullest extent without compromising the ease of use of the machine. Normally, a substantial part of the operator's side of the machine cannot be used for advertising purposes, since the external appearance of the front side of the machine is usually quite functional, in order to allow the machine to be refilled and used as easily as possible.

Further, preferably, the machine comprises a second outlet for dispensing the coffee from the coffee storage means, said first and S 9 40483 second outlets being positioned on opposite sides of the external housing, and a fixed illuminated panel mounted on the side having the second outlet.

By providing outlets on opposite sides of the machine, the coffee can be dispensed both by the customer (on the reverse side) and the operator (on the front side). In many cases, the machine is also provided with hot water taps situated beside the coffee outlets so that tea can be made, for example, by both customers and staff.

Suitably, the customer's outlet can be disabled from the operator's side, for example, when the coffee storage means is being emptied before a fresh brew is provided, or if the machine has to be left unattended.

The outlets can be conventional (Tomlinson) taps, push button operated electrical valves, or any suitable alternative.

Suitably, the second outlet and fixed illuminated panel are mounted on the housing such that they can be removed and replaced on-site by a blank panel, thereby allowing the machine to be converted from a double-sided dispensing machine to a single-sided dispensing machine and vice versa.

As will be illustrated below, an external housing having a door on the front side of the machine, and an outlet or outlets on the opposite side of the machine which are adapted for removal, provide a machine which is very versatile in terms of the situations in which it can used. It can be used for double-sided dispensing (such as by a member of staff behind the counter using the front side of the machine and members of the public on the other side of the counter using the reverse side of the machine) or single-sided dispensing (such as against a wall or in a recess with the second tap removed and with the supplier's advertising material visible on the illuminated panel on the front side of the machine).

If the machine is provided with a hot water tap or taps or further coffee outlets on the reverse side thereof, then any such extra outlets are also suitably adapted for removal.

Suitably, the machine is provided with full brew and half brew functions and is provided with controlling means to allow a half brew cycle to begin when the volume of coffee in the machine drops below a predetermined level.

Thus, if the coffee storage means comprises a 12-litre um, the brewing means will allow a full brew cycle, i.e. where 12 litres of hot water are filtered into the um, and a half brew cycle, i.e. where 6 litres of water are filtered into the um. A sensor in the um will detect when the level of coffee drops below, for example, 2.5 litres, at which stage the half brew cycle automatically begins. The operator, therefore, can ensure that a continual supply of coffee is provided by replacing the filter and ground coffee after each brew. Once this is done the operator does not need to decide when the next brew should begin; the next brew is automatically carried out when less than 2.5 litres of coffee remain in the um.

Suitably, the timer is automatically reset whenever a fresh brew is made. By providing an automatically reset timer, there is less room for human error or forgetfulness. This is particularly desirable when designing a coffee brewing and dispensing machine, which is preferably as fully automated as possible in order to allow a constant supply of fresh coffee without constant attention being required to maintain this supply.

The invention will be further illustrated by the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a coffee brewing and dispensing machine according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the coffee brewing and dispensing machine illustrated in Fig. 1 with the door open; and Fig. 3 is an exploded diagram of the coffee brewing and dispensing machine illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

In Fig. 1, there is illustrated, generally at 10, a coffee brewing and dispensing machine according to the invention comprising an external housing 11 having a door 12 allowing access to the interior of the machine 10, said door 12 incorporating an illuminated panel such that the front surface 13 (indicated by diagonal hatching) can be used to display information or advertising material.

The machine 10 has a coffee outlet, in the form of a Tomlinson tap 14, and a hot water Tomlinson tap 15. Situated above door 12 is a control panel 16 incorporating a number of conventional controls 17, together with a red light 18 which flashes when more than two and a half hours have elapsed since the brewing cycle began. A push button switch 19 is used to select an auto brew function. When the volume of coffee stored in the machine is less than 2.5 litres, the brewing cycle begins again automatically if the auto brew function is selected. A key switch 20 enables or disables a second coffee outlet and a second hot water outlet (not shown) situated on the reverse side of the machine.

Fig. 2 illustrates the same machine as illustrated in Fig. 1, but in Fig. 2, the door 12 is open. Thus, it can be seen that when the door 12 is open, access is allowed to the interior of machine 10, wherein a filter basket 21 is suspended from basket rails 22. The basket 21 is held in position above an urn which is bathed in a reservoir of very hot or boiling water. Both the urn and reservoir are hidden behind front panel 23.

The filter basket 21 contains ground coffee within a filter paper, and, during die brewing cycle, very hot or boiling water is dripped through basket 21 via a ducting system (not shown) which begins at the reservoir hidden behind front panel 23 and ends above filter basket 21 in a top section 24 of machine 10. A filter plate 25 is situated below filter basket 21 and above the um, in order to stop ground coffee from contaminating the coffee within the um if the filter within basket 21 breaks. During normal service, door 12 is held closed by two spring loaded catches 26 which engage with housing 11 so that the illuminated panel 13 within door 12 normally conceals the interior of machine 10. When the door 12 is open, a sight glass 27 is visible. Sight glass 27 is in hydraulic communication with the um so that, in equilibrium, the volume of coffee within the um can be judged from the height of the coffee in sight glass 27. When door 12 is closed, only the bottom 28 of sight glass 27 is visible which, nevertheless, allows the operator to notice if the um is almost empty and needs refilling (when the auto brew function is disabled).

In Fig. 3, the machine illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 can be seen in an exploded view. The door, indicated generally at 12, comprises a housing 29, two perspex panels 30, and a plastics sheet 31 which advertises the supplier of the coffee. A frame 32 holds perspex panels 30 and plastics sheet 31 in place in housing 29. Housing 29 contains an electric light 33 which illuminates plastics sheet 31 from behind so that the advertising material is clearly visible when the door 12 is closed. Front panel 23 conceals a reservoir 34 within which an um 35 is suspended. Reservoir 34 receives water from an external supply and also contains a heating element which keeps the water at or close to boiling point.

The reverse side of machine 10 is also provided with a fixed illuminated panel, indicated generally at 36. Panel 36 comprises a housing 37, perspex panels 38, a plastics sheet 39 and a frame 40. Housing 37 supports an electric light.

Below fixed illuminated panel 36 is a bottom panel 41 having two holes 42 through which electric push buttons protrude when the panel 41 is in position, and having two outlet holes 43 which allow coffee to be dispensed from the um 35 and hot water to be dispensed from the reservoir 34. The pipes leading from the um 35 and the reservoir 34 to outlet holes 43 are not shown. The operation of the buttons which protrude through holes 42 can be disabled by the key switch illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 which is located on control panel 16 (shown in blank in Fig. 3).

The pipes leading from the reservoir 34 and the um 35 on the reverse side of the machine lead to electrically operated valves controlled by the buttons which protrude through holes 42. The pipes are adapted to be blocked off upon removal of the electrically operated valve assembly, such that the reverse side of the machine loses its capacity to dispense coffee and hot water.

Illuminated panel 36 can be removed, as can bottom panel 41, and if the pipes are blocked off, the reverse side of the machine 10 can be sealed by a blank panel. It will be appreciated that a technician can thereby convert the machine 10 from double-sided to single-sided operation without necessitating a factory overhaul. Suitably, every machine comes supplied with a blank panel, such that the blank panel is stored for immediate conversion, if necessary.

When the fixed illuminated panel 36 has been removed and bottom panel 41 has been removed, both being replaced by a blank panel, the machine can be safely located in a recess or against a wall with no possibility of damaging the reverse side, and with no danger of overheating occurring.

Claims (5)

1. Claimg:1. A coffee brewing and dispensing machine comprising an external housing containing brewing means for producing freshly brewed filter coffee, and storage means for storing a volume of filtered 5 coffee at the desired temperature, the brewing means being in communication with the storage means such that the freshly brewed coffee is collected in the storage means for dispensing therefrom via an outlet, and a timer associated with the brewing means for calculating the amount of time which has passed since the coffee was brewed and 10 signalling means associated with the timer for indicating that the coffee should be replaced due to a predetermined amount of time having passed since the coffee was brewed.

2. A coffee brewing and dispensing machine according to Claim 1, further comprising a door mounted on the outlet side of the 15 housing, thereby allowing access to the brewing means, said door comprising an illuminated panel for the display of information.

3. A coffee brewing and dispensing machine according to Claim 2, further comprising a second outlet for dispensing the coffee from the coffee storage means, said first and second outlets being 20 positioned on opposite sides of the external housing, and a fixed illuminated panel mounted on the side having the second outlet.

4. A coffee brewing and dispensing machine according to Claim 3, wherein the second outlet and fixed illuminated panel are mounted on the housing such that they can be removed and replaced 25 on-site by a blank panel, thereby allowing the machine to be converted from a double-sided dispensing machine to a single-sided dispensing machine and vice versa.

5. A coffee brewing and dispensing machine according to Claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with particular reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1-3 of the accompanying Drawings.