Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CABINET DESIGN OF FILTER HOLDER FOR PRESSURIZED ESPRESSO MACHINES
This invention claims priority of U.S. Serial No. 10/745,440, Filed
December 23, 2003 and European Patent Application No. 03029686.7,
Filed December 23, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein
in their entireties by reference into this application.
Throughout this application, various publications are referenced.
Disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby
incorporated by reference into this application to more fully
describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the design of a brewing head unit
of a cof fee machine comprising locking means for detachable attachment
of a cabinet- or drawer-like filter holder to the brewing head unit
of the coffee machine.
BACRGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The locking mechanisms employed or used by most existing pump espresso
or steam espresso machines are not very user friendly. It is very
cumbersome. for the user to locate and to attach the filter holder
unit onto the locking mechanism on the brewing head unit of a coffee
machine effortlessly. As a general trend, the filter holder units
which have so tar been in common use for espresso machines have a
brewing tray which is provided with a radially projecting handle and
has inserted into a pot-shaped filter insert. For example, see U.S.
Pat . No . 5 , 913 , 962 . With such design, the user would need to put the
coffee ground into the stainless steel filter then place or insert
the filter into the filter holder. Next, the user would need to find
the fitting slot (s) on the brewing head unit, attach the filter unit
to the brewing head unit, and turn the filter unit to lock the filter
unit onto the brewing head unit. Frequently, the user spends a lot
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' of time attempting to locate the locking position on the brewing head
unit.
Moreover, traditional pump espresso or steam espresso machine uses
either a boiler or a thermal block heating system which is mounted
on top of the brewing head or shower and locking mechanism. With this
design, the hot water from the heating system would flow directly
to the filter.
The drawbacks relating to mounting the boiler or the thermal block
heating system on or above the brewing head unit include design
limitations on placement of the locking mechanism. Other limitations
or drawbacks of the placing the heating system on top of the brewing
head unit include:
1. The weight of the heating system on the top will increase the force
required to open the brewing head, which is not user friendly.
2. G~hen the heating system is fixed on top of the brewing head unit,
it creates a constraint on the design of the locking mechanism.
In the present invention, the filter holder (movable part ) is placed
on the bottom or is separated from the brewing head assembly or
unit. Also, in the present invention, the movable part of the
locking assembly is on the top and the fixed part is located on
the bottom, so the user can slide in or swing-in the filter holder
unit into the brewing head unit visually.
The present invention relates to a simpler mechanism for locking the
filter holder comprising pivotable upper brewing head section and
a lower brewing head section fixedly attached to the brewing head
assembly or unit. The said lower brewing head section comprises a
housing which can be adapted to receive various types filter holders
and/or capsules.
The present invention further relates to the design of a brewing head
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~~ f unit of a coffee machine which has a cabinet filter holder and a boiler
or heating system which is not placed on the top of the brew head
unit . Another aspect of the invention, the boiler or the heating system
as described above is separated from the brewing head unit . In a further
aspect of the invention, the boiler or the heating system can be placed
side by side with the brewing head locking mechanism.
The boiler and brew head of the invention are operatively connected
by Teflon or other suitable hose. The primary~advantage of having
a boiler or heating system which is separate from the brewing heat
unit is that the brew head unit does not have to carry the weight
of the boiler so that the design of the locking mechanism is more
flea~ible, ,versatile and/or dynamic.
Essegielle S.r.l, et al., European Patent Application No. 97118294.4,
Filed October 21, 1997 relates to a device wherein the coffee pan
is attached to a boiler located above the coffee pan by inserting
the coffee pan along a sliding guide and rotating the coffee pan.
However, the Essegielle, et al. device still requires the boiler to
be place on top of the brew head. Essegielle, et al discloses a two
step process for placing or inserting and locking the coffee pan.
Essegielle,, et al further discloses a coffee pan which slides into
the annular body and a handle which is turned with the annular body
to lock the coffee pan to the boiler . The present invention only requires
the detachable cabinet filter holder to be placed in the cof fee machine .
A handle is rotated downward to lock the brewing head to form a water-
andpressure-tight seal . Moreover, in the present invention, the boiler
is not placed on the top of the brew head.
It is another object of the present invention to take away from the
user all the hassles of inserting the filter holder into the brewing
head unit . , The present invention relates to a new design which uses
easy to fit cabinet design to act as the filter holder. The user has
a very simple task to perform, namely to fit the filter into the filter
holder visually. There is no longer any need for the user to search
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.~~"blindly for the locking position. This cabinet design. concept can
be applied to all types of pressurized espresso machines. There are
at least 5 ways to place the cabinets into the machines and they can
be performed as follows:
1. Slide the cabinet filter holder into the brewing head unit from
the front;
2. Slide the cabinet filter holder into the brewing head unit from
the sides;
3. Slide the cabinet filter holder into the brewing head unit from
the rear;
4. Swing the cabinet filter holder in or out about a pivot fixed to
the brewing head unit; or
5. Insert the cabinet filter holder into the brewing head unit from
the top.
In another aspect of the invention, a motor is used to operate the
locking mechanism and/or the cabinet filter holder without any manual
intervention so that the entire movement of the cabinet filter holder
unit or the locking or the opening of the brewing head assembly or
unit would require less effort and, thus, more convenient for the
user. In a further aspect of the invention, the movement of the cabinet
and/or the locking mechanism is provided by a motor which is operated
by a remote control.
Table 1 below summarizes the key differences between the filter holder
mechanism according to the existing state of the art and claimed cabinet
filter holder of the present invention.
TABLE 1. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE FILTER HOLDER MECHANISM ACCORDING
TO THE EXISTING STATE OF THE ART AND THE CLAIMED CABINET FILTER HOLDER
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a .~;~ ~ z. . ..... ..... . . . _.___ _ .__
Existixzg PressurizedCabinet Filter
Filter Holder Holder Mechanism
Mechanism
Boiler or thermal It needs to be on The boiler or thermal
top
block of the brew head and block doesnot have
to
above the filter be on the top of
the
holder. brew head.
It can even be
separated from the
brewing head
assembly or unit
or
placed side by side
with the locking
mechanism.
Filter holder The user would first The new cabinet can
be
fitting need to search it slide in from the
blindly and then front, side or rear,
would need to lock or swing out, or
the
holder in place by inserted from the
turning it from left top. The movement
of
to right or right the cabinet can be
to
left. automated by a motor
to drivelcontrol
the
movement. The said
motor can be operated
by remote control.
Way to place of the Search blindly. Direct/immediately
filter holder in visible
place
Locking method Lock by swing fit Rotate to Lock system
of
the filter holder.
Fond et al. , U. S. Patent No. 5, 649, 472, relates to a system for
extracting a substance contained in a sachet, which includes a lower
member containing the sachet housing, a water supply member and a
locking lever. The lower member and the water supply member are closed
or locked by engaging the hooks on the arm of the locking lever on
the corresponding rods . The main purpose of the Fond et al is to provide
a method and device for extracting substances for the preparation
of a beverage contained in a sealing flexible sachet without opening
the sachet before placing it in the sachet holder . The present invention
can use or brew coffee grounds contained within a sachet or coffee
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- :~~. ~ . .,::,~- .:~:: .,:,. .. . .. ,~~ ,. ....... .......
grounds without a sachet having a pre-determined shape. The lower
member of the Fond et al device is fixed, whereas the present invention
has an upper member, i.e., rotate to lock assembly, which can move
upward to allow a lower member, i.e., the filter holder assembly to
be retrieved.
Mariller et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,490,966, relates to a device for
extracting the contents in a capsule consisting of two independent
and identical clamping elements, where each clamping element contains
half of a housing for the capsule, and a lever system for moving both
clamping simultaneous between open and closed positions. The Mariller
device places a capsule in vertical position; therefore requires the
clamping members to produce greater clamp force to form a water-tight
seal. In contrast, the brewing head of the present invention can use
a coffee pod or capsule placed in the horizontal position. The brewing
head of the present invention does not require two clamping members .
To form a pressure- and water-tight seal, a movable upper member is
lowered against the detachable stationery filter holder assembly.
Kollep et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,698,332, relates to a device for
extracting, a substance for the preparation of a drink, which includes
a fixed piece and a second piece movable relative to the first piece
about an axis of rotation lying at the rear to two pieces . The front-end
of the two .pieces contain a cavity for the substance to be extracted,
and the device also includes a system for opening and closing the
two pieces. However, the lower part of the Kollep et al device is
fixed and cannot be removed for cleaning.
Dome1 SA/AG et al., European Patent Application No. 93101764, filed
February 5, 1993, relates to a drawer device containing a
container/filter holder. The container/filter holder can be raised
upward with a handle in a non-rotating way against a facing gasket
fixed above the drawer device to form a water-tight seal. The drawer
in Domel et al is locked by rotating the control body. The movement
of the container-filter holder is vertical but the vertical movement
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. requires the rotation of the control body. In contrast, the brewing
head of the present invention only moves the upper member, i . a . , the
rotate to lock assembly. The lower member, i.e., the support base,
of the brewing head of the present invention is fixed, but the filter
holder assembly containing the filter can be removed completely for
cleaning. Furthermore, the Domel et al device is only designed for
coffee bags. The present invention is designed to use both ground
coffee and coffee bag.
Torriani, U.S. Patent No. 1,750,068, relates to a device containing
a circular filter-carrier adapted to slide in and out of a window.
The filter-carrier is locked by rotating a collector below the
filter-carrier to force the filter-carrier upward against the upper
portion of the brew head. The device in Torriani patent has the design
of a traditional espresso machine. The filter carrier can slide in
and out, but to lock the filter carrier still requires blindly turning
the tread on the collector.
Hatz, U.S. Patent No. 811,979, relatestoadeviceforpreparingcoffee,
which includes a pressure cooker for forcing heated water to the coffee
percolator by stream pressure. The Hatz device uses a different method
to prepare. the coffee. Hatz uses a pressure cooker instead of a boiler
system. Hatz also uses a preculator instead of the filter holder.
The pressure cooker requires a stove or heating device to heat up
the water. The coffee machine of the present invention uses electricity
to bring the water to boil.
The foregoing objects and advantages of the present invention are
illustrative of those that can be achieved by the present invention
and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible
advantages which can be realized. Thus, these and other objects and
advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description
herein or can be learned from practicing the invention, both as embodied
herein or as modified in view of any variation which may be apparent
to those skilled in the art . Accordingly, the present invention resides
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,t-~ ~ ~ ~.w .~. ,._. .. . .. .~~. .. .......
in the novel methods, arrangements, combinations and improvements
herein shown and described.
SUN~2ARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with these and other obj ects of the invention, a brief
summary of the present invention is presented. Some simplifications
and omission may be made in the following summary, which is intended
to highlight and introduce some aspects of the present invention,
but not to limit its scope. Detailed descriptions of a preferred
exemplary embodiment adequate to allow those of ordinary skill in
the art to make and use the invention concepts will follow in later
sections.
According to an aspect of the invention, the design and uses of a
cabinet filter holder for the brewing head assembly or unit of a coffee
machine is disclosed.
According to another aspect of the invention, the boiler or heating
system is.separated from the brewing head assembly or unit.
According to another aspect of the invention, the filter holder assembly
or unit can be inserted into the brewing head assembly or unit by
sliding the filter holder unit or assembly from the front or side,
swing the filter holder assembly or unit in or out of the brewing
head unit on a pivot, and inserting the filter holder assembly or
unit vertically from the top.
According to another aspect of the invention, the design of the locking
mechanisms for locking the cabinet filter holder assembly or unit
in the brewing head assembly or unit is disclosed.
According to another aspect of the invention, the design of the locking
mechanism capable of locking the filter holder assembly or unit in
the brewing head assembly and capable of sustaining, advantageously
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at least 5 bars of pressure is disclosed.
According to another aspect of the invention, the design of the locking
mechanism capable of locking the filter holder assembly or unit in
the brewing head assembly and capable of sustaining, advantageously
at least 10 bars of pressure is disclosed.
According to another aspect of the invention, the design of the locking
mechanism capable of locking the filter holder assembly or unit in
the brewing head assembly and capable of sustaining, advantageously
at least 15 bars of pressure is disclosed.
According to another aspect of the invention, the design of the locking
mechanism capable of locking the filter holder assembly or unit in
the brewing head assembly and capable of sustaining, advantageously
at least 20 bars of pressure is disclosed.
According to another aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism
of the invention is motor-driven and/or operated by the use of remote
control.
Although the present invention has been described in detail with
particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it should be
understood that the invention is capable of other different embodiments,
and its details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects .
As is readily apparent to those skilled in the art, variations and
modifications can be affected while remaining within the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure,
description, and figures are for illustrative purpose only, and do
not in any way limit the invention which is defined only by the claims .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The invention relates to a sliding cabinet filter holder and a 2 to
15 bar locking mechanism.
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The accompanying drawing illustrates diagrammatically non-limitative
embodiment of the invention as follows:
One embodiment of this invention, hereinafter referred to as
Construction I, is shown in Figure 1 to Figure 5.
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional illustration of the brewing head assembly
orunit of Construction I in the closed position. A: Top view. B: Side
view.
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional illustration of the brewing head assembly
or unit of Construction I in the opened position.
Figure 3 is an explode view of the brewing head assembly or unit of
Construct.~on I, comprising a rotate to lock assembly, a sealing assembly,
a slide filter holder assembly, a separated boiler and a hose for
delivering pressurized and/or heated water/steam from the boiler to
the coffee chamber.
Figure 4 is isometric view of the brewing head assembly or unit of
Construction I in the opened position.
Figure 5 is isometric view of the brewing head assembly or unit of
Construction I in the closed position.
Another embodiment of this invention, hereinafter referred to as
Construction II, is shown in Figure 6 to Figure 10.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional illustration of the brewing head assembly
or unit of Construction II in the closed position. A: Top view. B:
Side view.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional illustration of the brewing head assembly
or unit of Construction II in the opened position. A: Top view. B:
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Side view.
Figure 8 is an explode view of the brewing head assembly or unit of
Construction II, comprising a rotate to lock assembly, a sealing
assembly, a slide filter holder assembly, a separated boiler and a
hose for delivering pressurized and/or heated water/steam from the
boiler to the coffee chamber.
Figure 9 is isometric view of the brewing head assembly or unit of
Construction II in the opened position.
Figure 10-is isometric view of the brewing head assembly or unit of
Construction II in the closed position.
Another embodiment of this invention, hereinafter referred to as
Construction III, is shown in Figure 11 to Figure 16.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional illustration of the brewing head assembly
or unit of construction III in the opened position. A: Top View. B:
Side View.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional illustration of the brewing head assembly
or unit of construction III in the closed position. A: Top View. B:
Side View.
Figure 13 is a explode view of the brewing head assembly or unit of
construction III, comprising a rotate to lock assembly, a sealing
assembly, a slide filter holder assembly, a separated boiler and hose
for delivering pressurized and/or heater water/steam from the boiler
to the coffee chamber.
Figure 14 is isometric view of the brewing head assembly or unit of
construction III in an opened position and shower the shown the filter
holder slide into the brewing head assembly or unit of construction.
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Figure 15 is isometric view of the brewing head assembly or unit of
construction III in the closed position.
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional illustration of the brewing assembly
or unit of construction III in closed position. The section view will
shown the stopper on the rotation pole to make the moving rod stopped
on the inter lock position. A: Top View. B: Side View.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of this invention to provide a cabinet design of
the filter holder. This invention provides a boiler or heating system
which is separate from the brewing head unit of the coffee machine
and a locking mechanism.
This invention provides a locking mechanism which is advantageous
over prior art in that the filter holder unit does not need to be
turned for it to lock. We only need slide in the filter holder and
rotate down the handle. It is easier to operate and more efficient
than the traditional turning lock mechanism.
I. Rotate to Lock Assembly of Construction I
This invention provides a brewing head assembly or unit (See Figure
1-5) of a coffee maker comprising: a rotate to lock assembly, a sealing
assembly and a filter holder assembly or unit, operatively linked
to sustain pressure of at least 5 bars. In an embodiment, the
above-described rotate to lock assembly, sealing assembly, and filter
holder assembly or unit are operatively linked and are capable of
sustaining advantageously at least 10 bars of pressure. In another
embodiment, the above-described rotate to lock assembly, sealing
assembly, and filter holder assembly or unit are operatively linked
and are capable of sustaining advantageouslyat least 15 bars of pressure .
In a further embodiment, the above-described rotate to lock assembly,
sealing assembly, and filter holder assembly or unit are operatively
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~~ linked and are capable of sustaining advantageously at least 20 bars
of pressure.
This invention provides a rotate to lock assembly comprising handle
12 movably joined to a rotate plate 11, a rotate rod 10 and a top
frame 1 by a fixed pin 13, at a position as indicated by arrow D in
Figure 4. A back connection plate 8 is fixed on one end to the top
frame, at the positions as indicated by arrows B and D in Figure 4,
and movably joined to a support base 14 on another end, at a position
as indicated by arrow A in Figure 4. A front connection plate 9 is
moveably j oined to rotate plate on one end, at a position as indicated
by arrow C in Figure 4, and to the support base 14 on another end,
at a position as indicated by arrow E. In an embodiment, the rotate
to lock assembly is as shown in Figure 3.
This invention provides a sealing assembly comprising a seal ring
4, which is inserted between a water connection plate 2 and a water
spreader 6..A water outlet valve 3, which contains a water outlet
spring 5, is inserted through the center of the water spreader 6,
seal ring 4, and the water connection plate 2. The water outlet valve
3, the water outlet spring 5, the seal ring 4, the water spreader
7 are fixedly attached to the water connection plate 2 by a water
outlet valve holder 7 . The water connection plate is fixedly attached
to the top frame. The water connection plate 2 contains an opening
31 for connecting the water connection plate 2 to ahose 20 for delivering
heated and/or pressurized fluid from a boiler 19 through the sealing
assembly to the brewing chamber . In an embodiment, the sealing assembly
is as shown in Figure 3.
The water outlet valve holder 7 is the nut which holds the water spreader
6, water outlet spring 5, seal ring 4, and the water outlet valve
3 to the water connection plate 2.
This invention provides a filter holder assembly/unit comprising a
filter 15, filter handle 16, filter holder 17 and coffee chamber 18.
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In an embodiment, the filter holder assembly is as shown in figure
3.
The operations of the locking mechanism of an embodiment of the present
invention, i.e., Construction I, are as follows:
To prevent the leakage of water, the silicone rubber seal ring is
used on the brew head to form a water- and/or pressure-tight connection
between the water connection plate 2 and the filter 15. The silicone
rubber seal ring 4 is fixed between the water connection plate 2 and
water spreader 5 by the water outlet valve holder 7.
To unlock the cabinet filter holder 17, the handle 12 rotates upward
in the direction of arrow X, the rotate rod 10 and the rotate plate
11, which, are operatively linked, move from the upright position
i
backwards to an inclined position. The opening angle of the brew head
is about 45 to 55 degrees. After opening the brewing head assembly
or unit, the filter holder can be slide into the support base 14 in
the direction of arrow Y, or pulled out of the support base 14.
To close and/or lock the brewing head assembly or unit, the handle
is moved downward. The rotate pin, rotate plate 11 and front connection
plate 9 moves upright, and the brew head is locked. Once locked, the
silicone rubber seal ring 4 sits on the filter 15 . The water connection
plate 2 in,the locked position will make the seal ring 4 deform on
the filter 15. This deformation creates a seals to prevent water from
leaking from the flange of the filter 15.
The upright position of the rotate plate 11, rotate pin and the front
connection plate 9 can sustain at least 20 bars of pressure exerted
on the filter 15 so it will not leak when at least 20 bars of pressure
is applied. In the closed position, the coffee machine can start to
brew coffee.
Figure 3 shows the exploded view of one aspect, i.e., Construction
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I, of the invention to~show the components of the rotate to lock assembly,
sealing assembly and filter holder assembly.
As shown in Figure 3 , the metal handle 12 rotate upward for un-locking
the brewing head assembly or unit . The handle is linked to the rotate
plate 11, rotate rod 10 , front connection plate 9 and the back connection
plate 8 by a fix pin 13 . A11 the parts move until the front connection
plate is in the horizontal position. The top frame 1 will make an
inclination angle of between about 45 to 55 degrees to the support
base 14 when the brewing head unit is in the opened position.
The sealing assembly comprises a top frame 1, a water connection plate
2, a seal ring 4, a water outlet valve 3, a water outlet spring 5,
a water spreader 6 and a water outlet valve holder 7 . The water outlet
valve holder 7 is the nut which holds the water spreader 6, water
outlet spring 5, seal ring 4, and the water outlet valve 3 to the
water connection plate 2. Then the sealing assembly is fixed to the
top frame 1 by at least one screw. A water outlet valve 3 and water
outlet spring 5 is used to prevent water or fluid from flowing out
from the water spreader to the coffee under low pressure during the
water heating stage. Hot water is released when the pump pressure
is greater than the force being exerted by water outlet spring, which
is around at least 5 Bar. V~Then hot water makes contact with the coffee,
the pump pressure will increase to at least 10 to 20 bars . Then the
coffee will flow out to the cup.
To brew coffee, the filter holder assembly or unit needs to slide
into the brewing head unit. The filter holderassembly/unit is comprised
of the metal filter 15, filter handle 16, filter holder 17 and coffee
chamber 18. The coffee is placed into the coffee filter, and then
the filter holder is inserted into the filter holder. The coffee chamber
18 collects the coffee and then flow to the cup.
II. Rotate to Lock Assembly Construction II
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This invention provides a brewing head assembly or unit, i.e., See
Figure 6-10, of a coffee maker comprising: a rotate to look assembly,
a sealing assembly and filter holder assembly, operatively linked
to sustain pressure of at least 5 bars. In an embodiment, the
above-described rotate to lock assembly, sealing assembly, and filter
holder assembly are operatively linked, and are capable of sustaining
advantageously at least 10 bars of pressure. In another embodiment,
the above-described rotate to lock assembly, sealing assembly, and
filter holder assembly are operatively linked and are capable of
sustaining advantageously at least 15 bars of pressure . In a further
embodiment, the above-described rotate to lock assembly, sealing
assembly, and filter holder assembly are operatively linked and are
capable of sustaining advantageously at least 20 bars of pressure.
This invention provides a rotate to lock assembly, comprising a handle,
a top frame, a connecting plate, a hinge pin, a cam pin and a support
base. In an embodiment, the rotate to lock assembly is as shown in
Figure 8.~
This invention provides a sealing assembly, comprising a seal ring,
a water connection plate, a water outlet valve, a water outlet spring,
a water spreader, and a water outlet valve holder . In an embodiment,
the sealing assembly is as shown in Figure 8.
This invention provides a filter holder assembly or unit, comprising
a filter, a filter handle, a filter holder and a coffee chamber. In
an embodiment, the filter holder assembly or unit is as shown in Figure
8.
The operation of the locking mechanism of an embodiment of the present
invention, i.e., Construction II, is as follows:
To prevent the leakage of water from the brewing head, a silicone
rubber seal ring 7 is used on the brewing head unit. The silicone
rubber seal 7 is fixed between a water connection plate 4 and a water
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spreader 9 by a water outlet valve holder 8. See Figure 8.
To operate the rotate to lock assembly, a handle 10 is rotated upwards
in the direction of arrow W until the handle 10 is 90 degrees with
the horizontal. See Figure 9. A cam pin 11 is linked to the handle
10, at a position as indicated by arrow H in Figure 9. When the cam
pin 11 rotates, it causes the connection plate 3 to rise up in the
direction of arrow U. The connection plate 3 is linked to the top
frame 1 by two hinge pins 2 on both side, at the positions as indicated
by arrows I and K. The clamp force on the filter holder 16 is released
by lifting the connection plate 3 with the cam pin 11 and handle 10.
Once the brewing head assembly or unit is in the opened position,
the user can insert or slide-in the filter holder assembly or unit
in the direction of arrow V, or pull out the filter holder assembly
or unit. See Figure 8.
To brew coffee, the filter holder assembly or unit is inserted into
the cabinet filter holder housing located on the support base 12 of
the brewing head assembly or unit . Then the handle 10 is rotated downward
to the locked or closed position. See Figure 10. The cam pin 11 will
force the connection plate 3 downward. The connection plate 3 and
campin 11 configurationwill create a clamp force capable of maintaining
pressure- and/or water-tight seal up to at least 20 bars against the
filter holder assembly. The filter holder is sealed by a seal ring
7 and with the clamp force created by the cam pin 11 and the connection
plate 3.
Figure 8 is the exploded view of the brewing head assembly or unit
of Construction II showing the components of the rotate to lock assembly,
the sealing assembly and the filter holder assembly.
As shown in Figure 8, the metal handle 10 rotates upward to unlock
the brewing head unit. The handle is linked to cam pin 11 and the
connection plate 3 by a screw. When the handle moves, the cam pin
11 will rotate. The irregular shape of the cam pin will cause the
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iconnection plate 3 to rise up because the connection plate 3 is connected
to the top frame 1 by the hinge pin 2 on both sides . The connection
plate will also cause the top frame 1 to rise up slightly. The inclination
angle between the top frame 1 and the support base 12 is about 10
degrees. This angle is just enough for the filter holder assembly
or unit to slide in and out of the brewing head unit. After the filter
holder assembly or unit is inserted into the brewing head unit, the
handle can be rotated downward to lock the filter holder assembly
or unit.
The sealing assembly of the brew head assembly or unit of Construction
II is composed of a top frame 1, a water connection plate 4, a seal
ring 7 , a water outlet valve 5, a water outlet spring 6, a water spreader
9 and a water outlet valve holder 8. The water outlet valve holder
8 is the nut which holds the water spreader 9, water outlet spring
6, seal ring 7, and water outlet valve 5 to the water connection plate
4. The sealing assembly is fixed to the top frame 1 by one or more
screw. Water outlet valve 5 and water outlet spring 6 is used to prevent
water leakage from the water spreader 9 under low pressure during
the water heating stage. Hot water is released when the pump pressure
is greater than the force exerted by the water outlet spring 6, which
is around 5 Bar. When the hot water makes contact with the coffee,
the pump pressure will increase to at least 10 to 20 bars. Then the
coffee will flow out to the cup.
To brew coffee, the user needs to slide the filter holder assembly
or unit into the brewing head assembly or unit. The filter holder
assembly or unit is comprised of a filter 15, a filter handle 14,
filter holder 16 and the coffee chamber 13. The coffee is placed on
the filter 15, and then the filter 15 is inserted into the filter
holder 16. The coffee chamber 13 collects and releases the brewed
coffee.
In another aspect of the invention, a motor is operatively linked
to the rotate plate, rotate rod and front connection plate of
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Construction I or cam pin and connection plate of Construction II.
The motor, which duplicates the functions performed by the handle,
can be adapted by one of ordinary skill in the art to rotate the rotate
plate and rotate rod to of the front connection plate of Construction
I or the cam pin of Construction II to lock or unlock the brewing
head assembly. A set of gears may be connected to the cabinet filter
holder unit and the motor so that the movement of the cabinet filter
holder is made automatic without manual intervention . In an embodiment,
a button is pressed to open the rotate and lock assembly to allow
the user to place the filter with coffee into the cabinet filter holder
assembly o'r unit. The user then press a button to operate the motor
used to slide in the cabinet and close the lock and/or the brewing
head unit . In another aspect of the invention, the motor can be operated
by remote.control.
III. Rotate to Lock Assembly of Construction III
This invention provides a brewing head assembly or unit, as illustrated
in Figures 11-16, of a coffee maker comprising : a rotate to lock assembly,
a sealing assembly and a filter holder assembly or unit, operatively
linked to sustain pressure of at least 5 bars . In an embodiment, the
above-described rotate to lock assembly, a sealing assembly and a
filter holder assembly or unit, operatively linked to sustain pressure
of at least 10 bars. In an embodiment, the above-described rotate
to lock assembly, a sealing assembly and a filter holder assembly
or unit, operatively linked to sustain pressure of at least 15 bars .
In further embodiment, the above-described rotate to lock assembly,
a sealing assembly and a filter holder assembly or unit, operatively
linked to sustain pressure of at least 20 bars of pressure.
This invention provides a rotate to lock assembly, comprising a handle
13, a rotation pole 20 having a protruding member 20A, a moving rod
22, a support base 17 having two protruding members 17A, a copper
shaft 23, a slider plate 1 having upper protruding member 1A and lower
protruding member 1B, a slider plate holder 15, a shower head 14 and
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1~'°Z~:~- L r' thrt ~.=<.t~ m:tr. to .~_ :c ,;~,t~ ~~ is::r ar:.-
four brushing short 3. The handle 13 and the rotation pole 20 are
moveably j oined to the protruding member 17A of the support base 17,
at a position as indicated by arrow A in Figure 14. One end of the
moving rod 22 is moveably j oined to the protruding member 20A of the
rotation pole 20 by a copper shaft 23, at a position as indicated
by arrow B in Figure 14, and the other end of the moving rod 22 is
movably joined to the upper protruding member 1A of the slider plate
1, at a position as indicated by arrow C in Figure 14. The slider
plate 1 is guided by the slider plate holder 15 with four brushing
short 3, which are moveably joined to the upper and lower protruding
member 1A and 1B, respectively, at a position as indicated by arrow
D in Figure 14. The slider plate holder 15 is attached to the support
base 17. The shower head 4 is attached to the bottom of the slider
plate 1. In an embodiment, the rotate to lock assembly is as shown
in Figure ,13 .
This invention provide a sealing assembly comprising a seal ring 24,
when is installed on to the shower head 4 . A water spreader 6 is fixedly
attached to shower head 4 by spreader holder 6. In an embodiment,
the seal ring is fabricated from silicon rubber, or elastomeric or
other suitable material capable of providing' water-tight and/or
pressure-tight seal under pressure and/or elevated temperature.
Suitable materials which can be used to fabricate the seal ring are
readily determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art . In another
embodiment, the sealing assembly is as shown in Figure 13.
This invention provides a filter holder assembly or unit, comprising
a filter 7, filter basket 8 and a filter handle 10. In an embodiment
the filter is fabricated frommetal, plastic or other suitablematerial .
Suitable materials which can be used to fabricate the filter are readily
determinable by one of ordinary skill in the art . In another embodiment,
the filter holder assembly or unit is as shown in Figure 13.
The operation of the locking mechanism of an embodiment of the present
invention, i.e., Construction III, is as follows:
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To prevent the leakage of the water from the brewing head, a silicone
rubber seal ring 24 is used on the brewing head assembly or unit.
The silicone rubber sealing ring 24 is fixed onto the shower head
4. See Figure 13.
To operate the rotate to lock assembly, a handle 13 is rotated upwards
in the direction of arrow E, as shown in Figure 14, until the metal
handle 13 is approximate 100 degrees with the horizontal. See Figure
14. A rotation pole 20 is moveably linked to each side of the handle
13 at a position as indicated by arrow A in Figure 14 . When the rotation
pole 20 rotates, it causes the moving rod 22 to swing up in the direction
of arrow F, as shown in Figure 14 . The upward movement of the moving
rod 22 causes the slider plate 1 to move upward, as indicated by arrow
G in Figure 14. The shower head 4, which is attached to the bottom
of the slider plate 1 also moves upward with the slider plate 1. See
Figure 14. The clamp force on the filter holder 11 is released by
lifting the shower head 4 with the rotation pole 20 and the handle
13 . Once the brewing head assembly or unit is in the opened position,
the user can insert or slide-in the cabinet filter holder assembly
or unit in the direction of arrow H, as shown in Figure 14, or pull
out.the filter holder assembly or unit. See Figure 14.
To brew coffee, the cabinet filter holder 11 is inserted into the
support base 17 of filter holder assembly or unit. The cabinet filter
holder 11 is supported by a filter holder support plate 18 attached
to the bottom of the support base 17. The cabinet filter holder 11
can also be supported by guides located on either side of the cabinet
filter holder 11, i.e., see 11A, and corresponding recesses or
protrusions located on the support base 17. Then the handle 13 is
rotated downward in the direction of arrow K, as shown in Figure 14,
until the handle is 0 degree or parallel with the horizontal to the
locked or closed position. The rotation pole 20 has a stopper to make
the moving rod 22 stop at a pre-selected position, for example to
stop or hold the handle 13 at about 90 degree with the horizontal.
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See Figure 15 and 16. The downward movement of the handle 13 causes
the rotation pole 20 and the moving rod 22 to swing or move downward.
And causes the slider plate and the sealing assembly or unit to also
i
move downward and lower into the filter basket 8. See Figure 15. Once
the sealing assembly or unit is lowered into the filter basket 8,
the compression force exerted on the sealing ring 24 by the shower
head 4 through the rotate to lock assembly on the filter basket 8
will form water- and/or pressure-tight seal between the filter basket
8 and the shower head 4. In an embodiment, the sealing ring can seal
up to at least 20 bars . During the brewing cycle, the hot water and/or
steam is released from the boiler 19 and/or heating system when the
pump is turn on. The steam and/or hot water are delivered into the
area between the shower head 4 and the filter basket 8 by a suitable
tube. The pressure, i.e., from the pump, will make the shower head
move upward in the direction of arrow L, as shown in Figure 16B, which
also causes the moving rod swing upward in the direction of arrow
M, as shown in Figure 16B. The stopper 30, as shown in Figure 16B,
on the rotation pole will prevent the moving rod 22 from swinging
upward completely. The stopper 30 ensures that the inter-locking force
on the shower head 4 is maintained so that the sealing assembly or
unit can not be un-lock.
To brew coffee, the user needs to slide the filter holder assembly
or unit into the brewing head assembly or unit. The filter holder
assembly or unit is comprised of a filter 7, a filter basket 8, filter
handle 10, a foam system 9 and a cabinet filter holder 11. The coffee
is placed on the filter basket 8, and then the filter is inserted
into the cabinet filter holder 11. The filter holder collects and
releases the brewed coffee.
In another aspect of the invention, a motor is operatively linked
to the rotation pole 20 of the brewing head of Construction III. The
motor, which duplicates the functions performed by the handle, can
be adapted by one of the ordinary skill in the art to rotate the rotation
pole 20 of the brewing head of Construction III to lock or un-lock
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~~.'the brewing head assembly. A set of gears may be connected to the
cabinet filter holder assembly or unit and the motor so that the movement
of the cabinet filter holder assembly or unit is made automatic without
manual intervention. In an embodiment, a button is pressed to open
the rotate to lock assembly to allow the user to place the filter
7 with coffee into the cabinet filter holder assembly or unit. The
user then press a button to operate the motor used to slide in the
cabinet filter holder and close the lock and/or the brewing head unit .
In another aspect of the invention, the motor can be operated by a
remote control.
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