WO2023049223A1 - Improved gasket system for group-portafilter coupling - Google Patents

Improved gasket system for group-portafilter coupling Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023049223A1
WO2023049223A1 PCT/US2022/044309 US2022044309W WO2023049223A1 WO 2023049223 A1 WO2023049223 A1 WO 2023049223A1 US 2022044309 W US2022044309 W US 2022044309W WO 2023049223 A1 WO2023049223 A1 WO 2023049223A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
gasket system
portafilter
gasket
group
compressible
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2022/044309
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Omri Almagor
Original Assignee
Richman, Merle
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 Richman, Merle filed Critical Richman, Merle
Publication of WO2023049223A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023049223A1/en

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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
    • A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
    • A47J31/4403—Constructional details
    • A47J31/446—Filter holding means; Attachment of filters to beverage-making apparatus
    • A47J31/4464—Filter holding means; Attachment of filters to beverage-making apparatus by means of bayonet-type engagement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
    • F16J15/00—Sealings
    • F16J15/02—Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces
    • F16J15/06—Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces
    • F16J15/10—Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces with non-metallic packing
    • F16J15/104—Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces with non-metallic packing characterised by structure

Definitions

  • Various embodiments described herein relate generally to gasket systems that interface a group and a portafilter in a machine for processing at least partially soluble material(s) via solvent(s), including beverages such as espresso.
  • FIG. l is a simplified diagram of a segment of a beverage system that may be employed to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) via improved solvent distribution according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 2A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 2B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 2A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 2C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section AA of the gasket system shown in FIG. 2A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 3 A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 3B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 3C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section BB of the gasket system shown in FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 4A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 4B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 4A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 4C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section CC of the gasket system shown in FIG. 4A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 5A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 5B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 5 A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 6A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 6B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 6C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section EE of the gasket system shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 7A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 7B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 7A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 8A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 8B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 8A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 9A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 9B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 9A according to various embodiments.
  • the present invention provides improved gaskets 50 for interfacing a group 60 and a portafilter 30 for a system 100 configured to produce a desired extraction of substances from materials 5 in the portafilter 30 via the application of solvent(s) from a solvent source 30 of a group 60.
  • materials 5 having substances to be desirably extracted may be placed in a chamber 33 of a portafilter 30 as shown in FIG. 1.
  • a solvent 20A may be introduced into the chamber 33 to engage the material 5 in the chamber 33.
  • a filter system 10 may be placed between the solvent source 20 A and chamber 33.
  • the solvent from the solvent source 20 may be supplied at a pressure greater than gravity. In an embodiment, the pressure may be around 9 Bars (levels of barometric pressure).
  • the bottom of the portafilter 30 includes openings 34 than enable the substances to flow from the basket 33 at a desired pressure.
  • the portafilter is securely coupled to the group 60 via arms 34 that progressively wedge against receivers 62 in the group 60.
  • a compressible resilient gasket system 50 is placed between the portafilter top 37 and group 60 to maintain a seal between both under desired pressure levels.
  • FIG. 2A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system 50A that may be employed in a system 100 to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) 5 according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 2B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system 50A shown in FIG. 2A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 2C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section AA of the gasket system 50A shown in FIG. 2A according to various embodiments.
  • the gasket system 50A may have a cylindrical ring shape sized to fit within a group 60 and engage the top surface 37 of a portafilter 30.
  • the gasket system 50A may include a removable low friction insert 70A and a compressible ring 80A.
  • the compressible ring 80A may be formed from silicon, EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber), natural rubber, or other solvent impermeable, compressible material.
  • the low friction insert 70A may be formed of lower friction material than the compressible ring 80A.
  • the low friction insert 70A may be formed of any material having a coefficient of friction of less than 0.50.
  • the low friction insert 70A may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which has a coefficient of friction of 0.05 to 0.10.
  • PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene
  • the low friction insert 70A may have a flat wall sized to cover at least part of the top of the compressible ring 80A.
  • the low friction insert 70A may also have an inner vertical extension 76A sized to fit into and next to the inner wall 84A of the ring 80A.
  • the low friction insert (LFI) 70A vertical extension 76A may include an outwardly extending lip 72A at its distal end.
  • the compressible ring 80A inner wall 84A may include an inset 82A sized to engage the LFI 70A lip 72A to prevent the unintentional separation of the LFI 70A from the ring 80A when coupled together for use in a system 100.
  • the gasket system 10A may be sized to be an interface between a group 50 and portafilter 30 of a beverage machine 100.
  • the gasket system 10A may have an inner diameter from 32mm to 56mm and an outer diameter of 44mm to 74mm as a function of the components 30, 60 of a system 100, a width from 4mm to 9mm and a height from 2mm to 6mm.
  • the gasket system 50A may be inserted into a system 100 so the LFI 70A nests against the group 60 and the compressible ring 80A engages the portafilter 30 top 37.
  • the gasket system 50A may be inserted into a system 100 so the compressible ring 80A nests against the group 60 and the LFI 70A engages the portafilter 30 top 37.
  • the LFI 70A may rotate against the group 60 while the portafilter 30 top 37 may stay coupled to the compressible ring 80 A due to their differences in coefficient of friction.
  • the compressible ring 80A having a coefficient of friction greater than the LFI 70A. Such rotation of the LFI 70A may substantially reduce the torque required to create a desired seal between the group 60 and the portafilter 30 via the gasket system 50A.
  • FIG. 3 A is a simplified isometric drawing of another gasket system 50B that may be employed in a system 100 to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) 5 according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 3B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system 50B shown in FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 3C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section BB of the gasket system 50B shown in FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments.
  • Gasket system 50B similar to system 50A includes flat LFI 70B on top of a compressible ring 80B. In an embodiment, the LFI 70B bottom surface 72B (or at least portions thereof) is permanently coupled to the ring 80B.
  • the LFI 70B may be coupled to the ring 80B via a waterproof polymer.
  • the gasket system 50B may be inserted into a system 100 so the LFI 70B nests against the group 60 and the compressible ring 80B engages the portafilter 30 top 37.
  • the gasket system 50B may be inserted into a system 100 so the compressible ring 80B nests against the group 60 and the LFI 70B engages the portafilter 30 top 37.
  • a very thin LFI 70D may be employed in a system 50D as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B.
  • the very thin LFI 70D may have a height of about 0.03mm to 0.5mm from its top surface 74D to its bottom surface 72D and about 0.05mm PTFE layer 70D in an embodiment.
  • the LFI 70D bottom surface 72D may be operatively coupled the top surface 82D of the compressible member or ring 80D.
  • the system 50D components 70D and 80D may include indents 88D in the inner walls 85D to conform with particular groups 60 or portafilters 30 (or combination thereof) configurations-interfaces.
  • Other variations of systems 50F such as shown in FIGS.
  • the compressible member 80F may include indents 88F in its outer wall 86F to conform with another, particular groups 60 or portafilters 30 (or combination thereof) configurations-interfaces.
  • the system 50G LFI 70G may also include one or more idents 78D, 78H in an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 8 A and 8B and FIGS. 9 A and 9B.
  • the upper wall 82G of the system 50G member 80G may include a raised lip 83G (in addition to idents 88G).
  • the system 50G LFI 70G may a mating shape 73G to mate with the member 80G upper or engaging wall 82G.
  • FIG. 4A is a simplified isometric drawing of a further gasket system 50C that may be employed in a system 100 to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) 5 according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 4B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system 50C shown in FIG. 4A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 4C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section CC of the gasket system 50C shown in FIG. 4A according to various embodiments.
  • gasket system 50C includes a LFI 70C and a compressible ring 80C.
  • the compressible ring 80C may be sized to nest within a circular channel 76C formed by an inner wall 72C and outer wall 74C of the LFI 70C.
  • the compressible ring 80C may be removable from the LFI 70C.
  • the gasket system 50C may be inserted into a system 100 so the LFI 70C base 73C nests against the group 60 and the compressible ring 80C engages the portafilter 30 top 37.
  • the gasket system 50C may be inserted into a system 100 so compressible ring 80C nests against the group 60 and the LFI 70C base 73C engages the portafilter 30 top 37.
  • FIG. 6A is a simplified isometric drawing of a further gasket system 50E that may be employed in a system 100 to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) 5 according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 5B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system 50E shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 6C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section EE of the gasket system 50E shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments.
  • gasket system 50E includes a LFI 70E and a compressible ring 80E.
  • the compressible ring 80E may include a channel 86E sized to enable the LFI 70E having a diameter 74E to nest therein.
  • the ring 80E circular channel 86E may be formed by an inner wall 82E and outer wall 84E.
  • the LFI 70E may be removable from the compressible ring 80E.
  • the gasket system 50E may be inserted into a system 100 so the compressible ring 80E base 83E nests against the group 60 and the LFI 70E engages the portafilter 30 top 37.
  • the gasket system 50E may be inserted into a system 100 so LFI 70E nests against the group 60 and the compressible ring 80E base 83E engages the portafilter 30 top 37.
  • FIG. 3 A is a simplified isometric drawing of another gasket system 50B that may be employed in a system 100 to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) 5 according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 3B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system 50B shown in FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments.
  • system 100 may be employed in an automated, semi-automated, or manual beverage generation machine including an espresso machine in an embodiment.
  • elements of system 100 and gasket systems 50A-E may be incorporated into brew unit of an automated espresso machine or a portafilter of a semi-automated espresso machine.
  • inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed.
  • inventive concept any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown.
  • This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Gasket Seals (AREA)

Abstract

Embodiments of improved gaskets systems that interface a group and a portafilter in a machine for processing at least partially soluble material(s) via solvent(s), including beverages such as espresso. The gasket system includes a compressible member with a first coefficient of friction and a second member mated to the compressible member with a second coefficient of friction. The second coefficient of friction being less than the first coefficient of friction.

Description

IMPROVED GASKET SYSTEM FOR GROUP -PORTAFILTER COUPLING
Technical Field
[0001] Various embodiments described herein relate generally to gasket systems that interface a group and a portafilter in a machine for processing at least partially soluble material(s) via solvent(s), including beverages such as espresso.
Background Information
[0002] It may be desirable to provide an improved gasket system that interface a group and a portafilter in a machine for processing at least partially soluble material(s) via solvent(s), including beverages such as espresso; the present invention provides such systems and methods.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0003] FIG. l is a simplified diagram of a segment of a beverage system that may be employed to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) via improved solvent distribution according to various embodiments.
[0004] FIG. 2A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments.
[0005] FIG. 2B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 2A according to various embodiments.
[0006] FIG. 2C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section AA of the gasket system shown in FIG. 2A according to various embodiments.
[0007] FIG. 3 A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments. [0008] FIG. 3B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 3C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section BB of the gasket system shown in FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 4A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 4B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 4A according to various embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 4C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section CC of the gasket system shown in FIG. 4A according to various embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 5A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 5B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 5 A according to various embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 6A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 6B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 6C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section EE of the gasket system shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 7A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 7B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 7A according to various embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 8A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments. [0021] FIG. 8B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 8A according to various embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 9A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system that may be employed in a system to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) according to various embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 9B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system shown in FIG. 9A according to various embodiments.
Detailed Description
[0024] The present invention provides improved gaskets 50 for interfacing a group 60 and a portafilter 30 for a system 100 configured to produce a desired extraction of substances from materials 5 in the portafilter 30 via the application of solvent(s) from a solvent source 30 of a group 60. In an embodiment, materials 5 having substances to be desirably extracted may be placed in a chamber 33 of a portafilter 30 as shown in FIG. 1. A solvent 20A may be introduced into the chamber 33 to engage the material 5 in the chamber 33. In an embodiment, a filter system 10 may be placed between the solvent source 20 A and chamber 33.
[0025] In order to extract more substances from materials 5, the solvent from the solvent source 20 may be supplied at a pressure greater than gravity. In an embodiment, the pressure may be around 9 Bars (levels of barometric pressure). The bottom of the portafilter 30 includes openings 34 than enable the substances to flow from the basket 33 at a desired pressure. In order to prevent solvent from exiting from the portafilter 30 other than the openings 34, the portafilter is securely coupled to the group 60 via arms 34 that progressively wedge against receivers 62 in the group 60. In addition, a compressible resilient gasket system 50 is placed between the portafilter top 37 and group 60 to maintain a seal between both under desired pressure levels.
[0026] Commonly a substantial rotational force is applied to the portafilter (via its long handle 38 acting as a lever) to create a sufficient seal between the portafilter 30 top 37 and group 60 via the gasket system 50 acting as an interface. Overtime, the force (of coupling the portafilter 30 to the group 60) may cause damage to the group 60, portafilter 30, or other parts of the system 100, making the system 100 inoperable. The gasket system 50 of the present invention including embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-6C reduce the torque required to create the desired seal between a portafilter 30 and a group 50, thus possibly reducing the possible damage to the group 60 or the portafilter 30.
[0027] FIG. 2A is a simplified isometric drawing of a gasket system 50A that may be employed in a system 100 to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) 5 according to various embodiments. FIG. 2B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system 50A shown in FIG. 2A according to various embodiments. FIG. 2C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section AA of the gasket system 50A shown in FIG. 2A according to various embodiments. [0028] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the gasket system 50A may have a cylindrical ring shape sized to fit within a group 60 and engage the top surface 37 of a portafilter 30. In an embodiment, the gasket system 50A may include a removable low friction insert 70A and a compressible ring 80A. The compressible ring 80A may be formed from silicon, EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber), natural rubber, or other solvent impermeable, compressible material. The low friction insert 70A may be formed of lower friction material than the compressible ring 80A. In an embodiment, the low friction insert 70A may be formed of any material having a coefficient of friction of less than 0.50. In an embodiment, the low friction insert 70A may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which has a coefficient of friction of 0.05 to 0.10.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the low friction insert 70A may have a flat wall sized to cover at least part of the top of the compressible ring 80A. The low friction insert 70A may also have an inner vertical extension 76A sized to fit into and next to the inner wall 84A of the ring 80A. In an embodiment, the low friction insert (LFI) 70A vertical extension 76A may include an outwardly extending lip 72A at its distal end. The compressible ring 80A inner wall 84A may include an inset 82A sized to engage the LFI 70A lip 72A to prevent the unintentional separation of the LFI 70A from the ring 80A when coupled together for use in a system 100. As noted, the gasket system 10A may be sized to be an interface between a group 50 and portafilter 30 of a beverage machine 100.
[0030] In an embodiment, the gasket system 10A may have an inner diameter from 32mm to 56mm and an outer diameter of 44mm to 74mm as a function of the components 30, 60 of a system 100, a width from 4mm to 9mm and a height from 2mm to 6mm. In an embodiment, the gasket system 50A may be inserted into a system 100 so the LFI 70A nests against the group 60 and the compressible ring 80A engages the portafilter 30 top 37. In an embodiment, the gasket system 50A may be inserted into a system 100 so the compressible ring 80A nests against the group 60 and the LFI 70A engages the portafilter 30 top 37.
[0031] In operation, when a portafilter 30 is being coupled to the group 60 having the gasket system 50A, the LFI 70A may rotate against the group 60 while the portafilter 30 top 37 may stay coupled to the compressible ring 80 A due to their differences in coefficient of friction. The compressible ring 80A having a coefficient of friction greater than the LFI 70A. Such rotation of the LFI 70A may substantially reduce the torque required to create a desired seal between the group 60 and the portafilter 30 via the gasket system 50A.
[0032] FIG. 3 A is a simplified isometric drawing of another gasket system 50B that may be employed in a system 100 to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) 5 according to various embodiments. FIG. 3B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system 50B shown in FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments. FIG. 3C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section BB of the gasket system 50B shown in FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments. Gasket system 50B, similar to system 50A includes flat LFI 70B on top of a compressible ring 80B. In an embodiment, the LFI 70B bottom surface 72B (or at least portions thereof) is permanently coupled to the ring 80B. The LFI 70B may be coupled to the ring 80B via a waterproof polymer. In an embodiment, the gasket system 50B may be inserted into a system 100 so the LFI 70B nests against the group 60 and the compressible ring 80B engages the portafilter 30 top 37. In a further embodiment, the gasket system 50B may be inserted into a system 100 so the compressible ring 80B nests against the group 60 and the LFI 70B engages the portafilter 30 top 37.
[0033] A very thin LFI 70D may be employed in a system 50D as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B. In an embodiment the very thin LFI 70D may have a height of about 0.03mm to 0.5mm from its top surface 74D to its bottom surface 72D and about 0.05mm PTFE layer 70D in an embodiment. The LFI 70D bottom surface 72D may be operatively coupled the top surface 82D of the compressible member or ring 80D. The system 50D components 70D and 80D may include indents 88D in the inner walls 85D to conform with particular groups 60 or portafilters 30 (or combination thereof) configurations-interfaces. Other variations of systems 50F such as shown in FIGS. 7 A and 7B the compressible member 80F may include indents 88F in its outer wall 86F to conform with another, particular groups 60 or portafilters 30 (or combination thereof) configurations-interfaces. The system 50G LFI 70G may also include one or more idents 78D, 78H in an embodiment such as shown in FIGS. 8 A and 8B and FIGS. 9 A and 9B. As also shown in FIGS. 8 A and 8B, the upper wall 82G of the system 50G member 80G may include a raised lip 83G (in addition to idents 88G). The system 50G LFI 70G may a mating shape 73G to mate with the member 80G upper or engaging wall 82G.
[0034] FIG. 4A is a simplified isometric drawing of a further gasket system 50C that may be employed in a system 100 to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) 5 according to various embodiments. FIG. 4B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system 50C shown in FIG. 4A according to various embodiments. FIG. 4C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section CC of the gasket system 50C shown in FIG. 4A according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, similar to gasket systems 50A and 50B, gasket system 50C includes a LFI 70C and a compressible ring 80C. The compressible ring 80C may be sized to nest within a circular channel 76C formed by an inner wall 72C and outer wall 74C of the LFI 70C. In an embodiment, the compressible ring 80C may be removable from the LFI 70C.
[0035] In an embodiment, the gasket system 50C may be inserted into a system 100 so the LFI 70C base 73C nests against the group 60 and the compressible ring 80C engages the portafilter 30 top 37. In another embodiment, the gasket system 50C may be inserted into a system 100 so compressible ring 80C nests against the group 60 and the LFI 70C base 73C engages the portafilter 30 top 37.
[0036] FIG. 6A is a simplified isometric drawing of a further gasket system 50E that may be employed in a system 100 to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) 5 according to various embodiments. FIG. 5B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system 50E shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments. FIG. 6C is a simplified cross-sectional drawing across section EE of the gasket system 50E shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 6A-4C, similar to gasket systems 50A-D, gasket system 50E includes a LFI 70E and a compressible ring 80E. The compressible ring 80E may include a channel 86E sized to enable the LFI 70E having a diameter 74E to nest therein. The ring 80E circular channel 86E may be formed by an inner wall 82E and outer wall 84E. In an embodiment, the LFI 70E may be removable from the compressible ring 80E.
[0037] In an embodiment, the gasket system 50E may be inserted into a system 100 so the compressible ring 80E base 83E nests against the group 60 and the LFI 70E engages the portafilter 30 top 37. In another embodiment, the gasket system 50E may be inserted into a system 100 so LFI 70E nests against the group 60 and the compressible ring 80E base 83E engages the portafilter 30 top 37.
[0038] FIG. 3 A is a simplified isometric drawing of another gasket system 50B that may be employed in a system 100 to produce consumable extractions from at least partially soluble material(s) 5 according to various embodiments. FIG. 3B is a simplified exploded view of the gasket system 50B shown in FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments.
[0039] In an embodiment, the system 100 may be employed in an automated, semi-automated, or manual beverage generation machine including an espresso machine in an embodiment. For example, elements of system 100 and gasket systems 50A-E may be incorporated into brew unit of an automated espresso machine or a portafilter of a semi-automated espresso machine.
[0040] Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
[0041] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted to require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may be found in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:
1. A gasket system that interfaces a group and a portafilter in a machine for processing at least partially soluble material via solvent; the gasket system including: a compressible member having a first coefficient of friction; and a second member shaped to be mated to the compressible member and having a second coefficient of friction, wherein the second coefficient of friction is less the first coefficient of friction and one or the compressible member and the second member is shaped to directly interface with the group and the other of the compressible member and the second member is shaped to directly interface with the portafilter.
2. The gasket system of claim 1, wherein the compressible member and the second member are ring shaped.
3. The gasket system of claim 1, wherein the second member is substantially incompressible.
4. The gasket system of claim 1, second member has a coefficient of friction from 0.05 to 0.10.
5. The gasket system of claim 4, wherein the compressible member is formed from a solvent impermeable, compressible material.
6. The gasket system of claim 4, wherein the compressible member is formed of one of silicon, EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber), and natural rubber.
7. The gasket system of claim 5, wherein the second member has a height as between the group and portafilter when interfaced therebetween from 0.03mm to 0.5mm.
8. The gasket system of claim 5, wherein the second member has a thickness as between the group and portafilter when interfaced therebetween from 0.03mm to 0.05mm.
9. The gasket system of claim 5, wherein the second member is formed of a thermoplastic polymer.
10. The gasket system of claim 5, wherein the second member is formed of Poly tetrafluoroethyl ene .
11. The gasket system of claim 5, wherein the combination of the compressible member and the second member form a ring-shaped gasket having an inner diameter from diameter from 32mm to 56mm.
12. The gasket system of claim 11, wherein the combination of the compressible member and the second member form a ring-shaped gasket having an outer diameter of 44mm to 74mm.
13. The gasket system of claim 12, wherein the combination of the compressible member and the second member form a ring-shaped gasket having a width from 4mm to 9mm between the inner and outer diameters.
14. The gasket system of claim 13, wherein the combination of the compressible member and the second member form a ring-shaped gasket having a height as between the group and portafilter when interfaced therebetween from 2mm to 6mm.
15. The gasket system of claim 5, wherein when the gasket system is interfaced between the group and the portafilter, the second member engages the group and the compressible member engages the portafilter.
16. The gasket system of claim 15, wherein when the portafilter is rotatably coupled to the machine, the second member rotates against the group while the compressible member remains engaged to the portafilter.
17. The gasket system of claim 5, wherein when the gasket system is interfaced between the group and the portafilter, the compressible member engages the group and the second member engages the portafilter.
18. The gasket system of claim 17, wherein when the portafilter is rotatably coupled to the machine, the second member rotates against the portafilter while the compressible member remains engaged to the group.
PCT/US2022/044309 2021-09-22 2022-09-22 Improved gasket system for group-portafilter coupling WO2023049223A1 (en)

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US202163246872P 2021-09-22 2021-09-22
US63/246,872 2021-09-22

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030072859A1 (en) * 1999-12-13 2003-04-17 Priley Anthony P. Apparatus for brewing tea with an espresso machine
GB2386543A (en) * 2002-02-05 2003-09-24 Steam Tea Company Ltd Tea production
US20140216266A1 (en) * 2011-04-18 2014-08-07 Reneka International Injection unit having a resilient suspension device for the group head of a so-called espresso coffee machine

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030072859A1 (en) * 1999-12-13 2003-04-17 Priley Anthony P. Apparatus for brewing tea with an espresso machine
GB2386543A (en) * 2002-02-05 2003-09-24 Steam Tea Company Ltd Tea production
US20140216266A1 (en) * 2011-04-18 2014-08-07 Reneka International Injection unit having a resilient suspension device for the group head of a so-called espresso coffee machine

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