Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02868198 2014-10-23
HEAD ASSEMBLY FOR BREWING APPARATUS
FIELD
[0001] The specification relates generally to machines for brewing
beverages,
and specifically to a head assembly for a brewing apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Single-serving beverage dispensing machines, or brewing
apparatuses, are commonly used in office and residential settings. Such
machines provide quick, convenient and freshly prepared beverage servings. In
general, beverages are produced in such machines from disposable cartridges
containing soluble products such as coffee grounds or tea leaves.
[0003] The brewing process in such machines generally involves the
injection
of hot water under pressure into the cartridge, through the beverage product,
and
out of the cartridge into a cup or mug. This process necessitates the
placement
of a cartridge in the machine, and may require the ejection of a previous,
spent
cartridge. In addition, the new cartridge generally must be punctured in two
locations ¨ one to inject water, and the other to extract brewed beverage.
These
various mechanical operations can require a user to make multiple movements
and involve complex structures, resulting in poor ergonomics and increased
risk
of mechanical failure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Embodiments are described with reference to the following
figures, in
which:
[0005] Figure 1 depicts an isometric view of a head assembly for a
brewing
apparatus, according to a non-limiting embodiment;
[0006] Figure 2 depicts an isometric view of the head assembly of Figure
1 in
an open position, according to a non-limiting embodiment;
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[0007] Figure 3 depicts an exploded isometric view of the lid portion
of the
head assembly of Figure 1, according to a non-limiting embodiment;
[0008] Figure 4 depicts a side elevation view of the lid portion of the
head
assembly of Figure 1, according to a non-limiting embodiment;
[0009] Figure 5 depicts an isometric view of the head assembly of Figure 1
assembled with a cover, according to a non-limiting embodiment;
[0010] Figure 6 depicts certain components of the lid portion and base
portion
of the head assembly of Figure 1, according to a non-limiting embodiment;
[0011] Figure 7 depicts certain components of the base portion of the
head
assembly of Figure 1, according to a non-limiting embodiment;
[0012] Figures 8A and 8B depict the components of Figure 7 in various
positions, according to a non-limiting embodiment;
[0013] Figure 9 depicts a side elevation view of certain components of
the lid
portion and base portion of the head assembly of Figure 1, according to a non-
limiting embodiment;
[0014] Figure 10 depicts an isometric view of a shuttle component of
the head
assembly of Figure 1, according to a non-limiting embodiment; and
[0015] Figure 11 depicts an isometric view of the head assembly of
Figure 1
in an installed orientation, according to a non-limiting embodiment;
[0016] Figure 12 depicts an isometric view of a brewing apparatus with a
head
assembly according to another non-limiting embodiment;
[0017] Figure 13 depicts an isometric view of the head assembly of
Figure 12,
according to a non-limiting embodiment; and
[0018] Figures 14A, 14B and 14C depict a cover and latch of the head
assembly of Figure 12, according to a non-limiting embodiment
[0019] Figure 15 depicts an isometric view of a head assembly for a
brewing
apparatus according to a further non-limiting embodiment;
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[0020] Figure 16 depicts an isometric view of certain components of the
head
assembly of Figure 15, according to a non-limiting embodiment;
[0021] Figures 17A and 17B depict isometric views of a pinion gear and
associated components from the head assembly of Figure 15, according to a
non-limiting embodiment;
[0022] Figure 18 depicts an isometric view of a head assembly for a
brewing
apparatus according to a further non-limiting embodiment;
[0023] Figures 19A and 19B depict isometric views of certain components
of
the lid portion of Figure 18;
[0024] Figures 20A and 20B depict a latch mechanism of the lid portion of
Figure 18 in a raised position and a lowered position; and
[0025] Figures 21A and 21B depict an ejection mechanism of the head
assembly of Figure 18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Figure 1 depicts a brewing apparatus head assembly 100, also
referred to herein as head 100. Briefly, a brewing apparatus receives beverage
cartridges, containing, for example, dried ground coffee, tea, juice crystals,
soup
mix and the like. Having received a cartridge, the apparatus injects water at
various temperatures and pressures (depending on the beverage being brewed)
into the cartridge and collects brewed liquid from the cartridge, for
dispensing into
a cup. Some components of the brewing apparatus are not shown in Figure 1,
such as a water reservoir, power source and the like. It is contemplated that
head
100 can be used in conjunction with any suitable forms of such components, as
will occur to those skilled in the art. In general, head 100 includes the
structures
for receiving cartridges, injecting water and collecting brewed liquid.
[0027] In the discussion below, terms such as "upper", "lower" and the
like are
made in reference to the apparatus in the installed, ready-to-use position,
which
is reflected in the Figures.
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[0028] Head 100 includes a base portion 104 having an outer wall 106
defining the sides thereof, and a lid portion 108 coupled to base portion 104.
Base portion 104 is fixed (e.g. immovably attached to the remainder of the
apparatus), while lid portion 108 is movable. In particular, lid portion 108
is
rotatable between an open position for receiving a cartridge, and a closed
position for sealing the cartridge within the apparatus (specifically, within
head
100). Lid portion 108 is rotatable about an axis 110, which can be provided by
a
hinge connecting lid portion 108 to base portion 104.
[0029] In Figure 1, lid portion 108 is shown in the closed position.
Turning to
Figure 2, lid portion 108 is shown in the open position. As seen in Figure 2,
lid
portion 108 is rotated about axis 110 so as to swing upwards from base portion
104, exposing an upper surface 112 of base portion 104. Upper surface 112 has
an opening defined therein for receiving a cartridge (not shown) in a
cartridge
holder 114. Thus, when lid portion 108 is in the open position, base portion
104 is
able to receive a cartridge, and when lid portion 108 is in the closed
position, the
cartridge, seated within cartridge holder 114, is sealed within head 100. Lid
portion 108 carries an injection pin (not shown) for puncturing a cartridge in
holder 114, and can also include a seal (e.g. a rubber or silicone ring)
around the
injection pin. The injection pin, in the present example, has a flat tip
rather than a
pointed tip. However, it is contemplated that a wide variety of injection pin
designs can be used.
[0030] Base portion 104 and lid portion 108 can be manufactured from any
suitable combination of materials, including plastics (e.g. ABS), metals (e.g.
aluminum) and the like. As will be discussed in detail below, lid portion 108
is
configured to transition from the open position to the closed position and to
lock
onto, or engage with, base portion 104, in response to a force applied to lid
portion 108 by way of a single movement (for example, of a user's hand).
[0031] Turning now to Figure 3, an exploded view of lid portion 108 is
shown.
Lid portion 108 includes a base plate 300, a tower 304, a lever 308 and a
sliding
lock 312. As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, base plate 300 connects to base
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portion 104 when head 100 is fully assembled. In addition, base plate 300
supports tower 304, level 308 and lock 312. Base plate 300 can include one or
more (three are shown in Figure 3) raised pylons 314 for anchoring springs
connected to base portion 104. The springs (not shown) bias lid portion
towards
the open position.
[0032] Lock 312 is slideably coupled to base plate 300. The nature of
the
coupling is not particularly limited. In the present example, lock 312
includes a
substantially planar member 315 supporting two pairs of raised members 316 (a
first pair is identified in Figure 3), each raised member defining an eyehole
320
therethrough. Planar member 315 is arranged, in the assembled configuration,
substantially parallel to base plate 300. A bar 324 is fastened to each pair
of
raised members 316. For example, one or both of the eyeholes 320 can be
threaded, and an end of bar 324 can include corresponding threads, as seen in
Figure 3. Further, base plate 300 includes one or more raised members 328 for
each bar 324 ¨ each raised member 328 includes an eyehole for slideably
receiving bar 324.
[0033] Thus, when lid portion 108 is assembled, lock 312 is coupled to
base
plate 300 as a result of bars 324 protruding through raised members 328 and
being fixed to raised members 316. Lock 312 can therefore slide in the
direction
of the longitudinal axis of bars 324, as bars 324 slide through raised members
328. In other words, lock 312 is configured to slide in a fixed direction in a
plane
substantially parallel to base plate 300.
[0034] Lock 312 is slideable between a locked position for engaging
base
portion 104 when lid portion 108 is in the closed position, and an unlocked
position for releasing base portion 104. In the locked position, lock 312 is
displaced along base plate 300 towards tower 304 and the "rear" end of base
plate 300, where lid portion 108 connects to base portion 104. In the unlocked
position, lock 312 is displaced towards the opposing "front" end of base plate
300
and away from tower 304.
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,
[0035] As seen in Figure 3, lock 312 includes a pair of hooks 332
depending
from planar member 315 of lock 312. Base plate 300, meanwhile, includes a
corresponding pair of apertures 336 defined therethrough for receiving hooks
332. Referring now to Figure 4, a side view of lid portion 108 is shown, in
which a
hook 332 can be seen protruding through base plate 300 via an aperture 336. As
will now be apparent to those skilled in the art, when lock 312 transitions
between the locked and unlocked positions by sliding in direction A, hooks 332
will also slide in direction A and engage corresponding structures on base
portion
104.
[0036] In particular, referring briefly to Figure 2, upper surface 112 of
base
portion 104 has an opening 116 defined therethrough corresponding to each
hook 332. When lock 312 is in the unlocked position, hooks 332 extend through
openings 116 but do not engage base portion 104 (that is, hooks 332 can be
readily removed from openings 116). When lock 312 is in the locked position,
however, hooks 332 extend through openings 116 and underneath upper surface
112, such that hooks 332 cannot be removed from openings 116 until lock 312
returns to the unlocked position.
[0037] It is contemplated that hooks 332 can include slanted surfaces
at the
ends thereof, so as to pull lid portion 108 towards base portion 104 as lock
312
slides into the locked position. As a result, the pressure of the seal between
lid
portion 108 and base portion 104 can be increased. In the present example, the
seal generated between lid portion 108 and a cartridge within holder 114, when
lid portion 108 is in the closed position, can withstand pressure of about 50
PSI.
[0038] Returning to Figure 3, the movement of lock 312 between the
locked
and unlocked positions is provided by lever 308. Lever 308 has a first end 340
for
connecting to lock 312. In the present example, a pin 344 is received through
the
opening at first end 340, although it is contemplated that any suitable means
of
connecting first end 340 to lock 312 may be used. Lever 308 also includes an
axis point 348, about which lever 308 can pivot, and a second end 352.
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[0039] Lever 308 is supported by tower 304. In particular, axis point
348 is
rotatably coupled to tower 304 at support 356 (for example, by way of a screw
or
pin received through each side of support 356 and through an opening at axis
point 348). Additionally, lever 308 can include two articulating members, as
shown in Figure 3, with a first member defining first end 340, and a second
member defining axis point 348 and second end 352. As seen in Figure 3, the
first and second members can rotate relative to one another at joint 360.
[0040] Turning again to Figure 4, the operation of lever 308 will now
be
apparent to those skilled in the art. When a force is applied to second end
352 of
lever 308, substantially in the direction labelled "F", second end 352 is
displaced
downwards and lever 308 rotates about axis point 348. The rotation causes
first
end 340 to pull "back" towards tower 304, thus sliding lock 312 into the
locked
position. Conversely, when the force applied to second end 352 is removed,
lever 308 can rotate in the opposite direction to slide lock 312 "forwards"
(to the
right in Figure 4) into the unlocked position. In some examples (not shown),
one
or both of lever 308 and lock 312 can be biased towards the unlocked position
by
springs.
[0041] In order to facilitate the application of a force to second end
352, head
100 also includes a cover. Referring now to Figure 5, head 100 is shown in an
assembled state, include a cover 500. Cover 500, also referred to as a shell,
substantially encloses lid portion 108, and is rotatably coupled to lid
portion 108.
For example, a fastener 504 (and an opposing fastener on the other side of
cover
500, not shown) can extend through cover 500 to be received in tower 304 (in
particular, in an opening 364, shown in Figure 3).
[0042] In operation, a force in the direction F (as also seen in Figure 4)
is
applied to the upper part of cover 500, when lid portion 108 is in the open
position. As a result, the interior of cover 500 contacts second end 352 and
causes lid portion 108 to travel to the closed position, as shown in Figure 5
(the
force required to rotate lever 308 is high enough that lever 308 does not
rotate
before lid portion 308 is in the closed position).
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[0043] Once lid portion 108 is in the closed position, continuing
application of
the force rotates cover 500 about an axis defined by fasteners 504, such that
cover 500 continues to "close" until it reaches its closed position. Thus,
cover 500
continues to press downwardly on second end 352 after base plate 300 has
contacted upper surface 112 of base portion 104 (that is, after lid portion
108 has
reached its closed position). This causes lever 308 to rotate and pull lock
312
into the locked position, in which hooks 332 engage base portion 104 and
prevent lid portion 108 and base portion 104 from being separated. Second end
352 includes a bearing surface, which can be provided by a roller bearing 366
(shown in Figures 3 and 4) for facilitating motion of the interior of cover
500
against lever 308. Other structures can also provide the bearing surface
instead
of roller bearing 366, such as a surface provided with a low-friction material
(not
shown).
[0044] Cover 500 can be maintained in the closed position by a latch
508,
shown in detail in the inset of Figure 5. Latch 508 comprises a button 512
accessible from the outside of cover 500, and a latch arm 516 internal to
cover
500. Latch arm 516 engages upper surface 112 (for example, by way of a lip
formed on upper surface 112), and pressing button 512 rotates latch arm 516
away from upper surface 112 so as to release cover 500 (and, by extension, lid
portion 108).
[0045] As will now be discussed in connection with Figure 6, head 100
is also
configured to eject a spent cartridge from cartridge holder 114 when lid
portion
108 moves from the closed position to the open position. Lid portion 108 is
shown in Figure 6, excluding tower 304, lever 308 and lock 312 for
illustrative
purposes. Some internal components of base portion 104 are also shown,
though outer wall 106 of base portion 104 is omitted.
[0046] As seen in Figure 6, base plate 300 of lid portion 108 is
rigidly coupled
to an articulated arm 600. In the present example, the rigid coupling is
accomplished by way of a pair of holes 602 extending from the outer edge of
base plate 300 through the proximal end (that is, the end closest to base
plate
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300) of arm 600. Fasteners, such as bolts or screws, are inserted through
holes
602 to rigidly couple arm 600 to base plate 300. It will now be apparent that
other
suitable arrangements of holes and fasteners can also serve to couple arm 600
and base plate 300. Other means of coupling arm 600 to base plate 300 are also
contemplated. For example, arm 600 can be glued or welded to base plate 300,
or arm 600 can be integrally formed with base plate 300.
[0047] Arm 600 includes a first member 604, and a second member 608,
rotatably coupled to each other at a joint 612. A distal end 616 of arm 600
(that
is, the end furthest from the connection to lid portion 108) includes a
fastener,
such as a bolt or screw, or other protuberance which travels in a guide
channel in
outer wall 106 of base portion 104. The guide channel is not shown in Figure
6,
but can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, labelled 120. Joint 612 can also include a
protuberance which travels in a groove on the inner surface of base portion
104
(not shown).
[0048] Thus, due to the rigid connection between arm 600 (specifically,
first
member 604 of arm 600) and base plate 300, when lid portion 108 moves to the
open position in the direction labelled "B", joint 612 is caused to move in
the
direction "C" and distal end 616 is caused to move, constrained by guide
channel
120, in the direction "D". As a result of moving in direction "D", distal end
616 will
strike a dog 620, as will be discussed in greater detail in connection with
Figure
7.
[0049] Referring now to Figure 7, arm 600 and cartridge holder 114 are
shown in isolation from the remainder of head 100. Cartridge holder 114 is
shown holding a cartridge 700. As discussed above, the opening of lid portion
108 causes distal end 616 of arm 600 to travel in direction "D" and strike dog
620. Dog 620 is rotatably coupled to holder 114, and includes a rim 704
configured to strike a surface 708 of holder 114 so as to prevent further
rotation
of dog 620 relative to holder 114 in one direction. In other words, dog 620 is
prevented from rotating relative to holder 114 in a counter-clockwise
direction as
shown in Figure 7 once rim 704 has come into contact with surface 708.
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However, dog 620 can rotate freely relative to holder 114 in a clockwise
direction
as shown in Figure 7. In some examples (not shown), dog 620 can be
articulated, such that a first portion is fixed to cartridge holder 114, and a
second
portion is rotatably coupled to the first portion (rather than the entirety of
dog 620
being rotatable relative to holder 114).
[0050] When distal end 616 strikes dog 620, therefore, rim 704 will
contact
surface 708 and dog 620 will be prevented from further rotation relative to
holder
114. However, holder 114 is rotatably mounted within base portion 104, and
rotates about the same axis as dog 620. Therefore, once rim 704 has contacted
surface 708, as distal end 616 continues to travel in direction "D", both dog
620
and holder 114 rotate together in direction "E".
[0051] Referring now to Figure 8A, arm 600 is shown following the
opening of
lid portion 108. As a result of distal end 616 travelling through guide
channel 120,
distal end 616 has caused dog 620 and holder 114 to rotate so as to tip
cartridge
700 out of holder 114. The ejected cartridge can be collected, for example in
a
storage bin (not shown) connected to base portion 104.
[0052] It is contemplated that the axis of rotation of holder 114 can be
placed
off-centre (in the present example, closer to the "back" of head 100, where
lid
portion 108 and base portion 104 connect) so as to facilitate the rotation of
holder
114 back to a resting position (that is, in a direction opposite to "E") for
receiving
a new cartridge. To that end, a weight 800 can also be coupled to holder 114
to
facilitate such rotation. As seen in Figure 8B, second end 616 descends away
from holder 114 and dog 620, allowing holder 114 to return to the resting
position. Dog 620 is free to rotate in the clockwise direction shown, in order
to
allow distal end 616 of arm 600 to return to the position shown in Figure 7 as
lid
portion 108 is moved into the closed position.
[0053] It will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that other
mechanisms
are also suitable for implementing the cartridge ejection discussed above. For
example, instead of dog 620 being rotatable, dog 620 can be fixed to holder
114
and distal end 616 can include a member that is rotatable in one direction
only.
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Therefore, distal end 616 can tip holder 114 as lid portion 108 is opened and
the
member contacts dog 620, but will not disturb holder 114 as lid portion is
closed
again because the member at distal end 616 will rotate upon contact with dog
620, to allow the member to pass dog 620 without causing holder 114 to rotate.
[0054] Referring now to Figure 9, head 100 is also configured to ready a
newly received cartridge for brewing as lid portion 108 is closed. In
particular,
head 100 includes a shuttle 900 mounted within base portion 104. Shuttle 900
is
slideable within base portion 104 along rails 904 (one shown in Figure 9) and
includes a yoke 908 configured to engage hooks 332 of lock 312. Thus, as lock
312 slides to the locked position, as discussed above, shuttle 900 slides from
a
resting position in direction "G" to a brewing position, towards holder 114
and the
cartridge supported therein.
[0055] Referring now to Figure 10, shuttle 900 is shown in more detail.
In
particular, both rails 904 are shown in Figure 10, as is yoke 908. It is
contemplated that yoke 908, or any other portion of shuttle 900, can be
coupled
to one or more springs for biasing shuttle 900 towards the resting position
(corresponding with the open position of lid portion 108).
[0056] Shuttle 900 supports a hollow extraction pin 1000 for puncturing
cartridge 700 and allowing brewed liquid to exit cartridge 700. The brewed
liquid
is guided by a channel 1004 into a cup or other receptacle (not shown) below
shuttle 900.
[0057] As shown in Figure 9, shuttle 900 does not slide in parallel
with base
plate 300 of lid portion 108. Instead, shuttle 900 slides on an angle with
respect
to base plate 300 (the direction "G" is not horizontal as illustrated in
Figure 9,
while base plate 300 is horizontal), due to the angle of rails 904. The angle
is not
particularly limited, and in general is selected in order to prevent
extraction pin
1000 from puncturing a filter within cartridge 700. Filters are often conical
or
triangular in shape within cartridges, and thus extraction pin 1000 is less
likely to
puncture the filter if it punctures cartridge near the bottom thereof.
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[0058] Returning to Figure 10, extraction pin 1000 can also be bent
downwards, away from lid portion 108 such that it punctures cartridge 700
closer
to the bottom thereof, as shown in the magnification of extraction pin 1000.
Further, a set screw (not shown) can be provided to adjust the distance that
extraction pin 1000 extends from shuttle 900.
[0059] Therefore, the transition of lid portion 108 from the closed
position to
the open position serves to eject a spent cartridge, and the following
transition of
lid portion 108 back to the closed position serves to lock lid portion 108 and
base
portion 104 together and puncture a newly inserted cartridge (both by the
injection pin and extraction pin 1000), readying head 100 for brewing.
[0060] Variations to the above are contemplated. For example, holder
114
can be removable, such that a variety of different holders can be used with
head
100, for accommodating a variety of cartridge configurations (such as soft pod
cartridges, shelled cartridges, and the like).
[0061] In addition, although Figures 1 and 2 show head 100 in a
substantially
horizontal orientation (that is, upper surface 112 of base portion 104 is
substantially horizontal), it is contemplated that in use, head 100 can be
installed
on the brewing apparatus at an angle, to facilitate the placement of cartridge
700
into holder 114. For example, head 100 can be installed such that upper
surface
112 is at an angle of between about -20 and about -35 from horizontal (that
is,
20 to 35 degrees below horizontal). An example of such angled installation is
shown in Figure 11.
[0062] In another variation, lid portion 108 can include a splash guard
around
the seal surrounding the injection pin. For example, the splash guard can
include
a wall depending downwardly from base plate 300, towards base portion 104.
[0063] Turning now to Figure 12, a further variation of head assembly
100 will
be described. Figure 12 illustrates a brewing apparatus 1200 including a head
assembly 1204 (also referred to as head 1204). Brewed liquid exiting from head
1204 is collected in a cup 1208. As mentioned above, head 1204 is angled
downwardly from the horizontal; such an orientation can improve the ergonomics
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of operating head 1204. In other embodiments, however, head 1204 can be
placed horizontally. Brewer 1200 also includes a display 1212 , such as an LCD
display, which can be used to present and select brewing options and the like.
[0064] Head 1204 is shown in isolation from the remainder of brewer 1200
in
Figure 13. A cover (to be discussed in greater detail below) of head 1204 is
also
omitted in Figure 13, to show the internal components of head 1204. In
particular,
head 1204 includes base portion 1304 fixed to the remainder of brewer 1200,
and having substantially the same components and structure as base portion
104, described above. Certain minor differences between base portion 1304 and
base portion 104 will be discussed further below.
[0065] Head 1204 also includes a lid portion 1308. Lid portion 1308 is
coupled
to base portion 1304, and is rotatable about an axis 1310 between an open
position for receiving a cartridge, and a closed position for sealing the
cartridge
within the apparatus (specifically, within head 1204). Axis 1310 is provided
by a
hinge connecting lid portion 1308 to base portion 1304.
[0066] Lid portion 1308 includes a base plate 1312, which is
substantially as
described above in connection with base plate 300. Lid portion 1308 also
includes a spring 1313 connected to base plate 1312 and extending upwards
from base plate 1312, as well as a lock 1314. Lock 1314 includes a planar
member 1315 and raised members 1316 with eyeholes 1320, as described
above in connection with planar member 315, and raised members 1316 defining
eyeholes 320, respectively. Raised members 1316 are configured to receive bars
1324 (only one shown in Figure 13) which pass through corresponding raised
members 1328 fixed to base plate 1312. Hooks 1332 (one shown in Figure 13)
depend from planar member 1315 in the same manner as hooks 332 described
above, for extending through apertures in base plate 1312 and engaging with
structures of base portion 1304.
[0067] Thus, lock 1314 is slideably coupled to base plate 1312 in the
same
manner as lock 312 was coupled to base plate 300. Lock 1314 is therefore
slideable between a locked position and an unlocked position, as discussed
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earlier. However, the actuation of lock 1314 differs somewhat from that of
lock
312. Rather than tower 304 and lever 308, lock 1314 is actuated by a pair of
articulated arms 1340 (only one shown in Figure 13 to avoid obstructing the
view
of other parts). Each arm 1340 is connected at one end to base plate 1312, and
at an opposing end to lock 1314 (for example by way of raised members and
pins). Arm 1340 has a joint or hinge 1344 in between the two ends, allowing
arm
to bend about hinge 1344. A downwards force "F" applied to arm 1344 thus
straightens arm 1344, pushing lock 1314 into the locked position (since the
end
coupled to base plate 1312 near the front of head 1204 cannot move, the end of
arm 1344 coupled to lock 1314 moves). Such a force can be applied, for
example, to a roller bearing 1348 connected to arm 1340 at hinge 1344.
Removing the force "F" allows arms 1340 to bend and lock 1314 to slide back
towards the unlocked position. Lock 1312 can be biased, for example by springs
(not shown), towards the unlocked position.
[0068] The force mentioned above for sliding lock 1314 into the locked
position is supplied by movement of a cover 1400, illustrated in Figures 14A
and
14B. Cover 1400 is rotatable with respect to base portion 1304 about the same
axis 1310 as lid portion 1308. For example, fasteners can be used to connect
cover 1400 to base portion 1304 by extending through apertures 1404 shown in
Figure 14B. As seen in Figure 12, cover 1400 supports display 1212.
[0069] Figure 14A shows a bottom view of cover 1400, and reveals that
cover
1400 includes a pair of ledges 1408 extending downwardly and into the interior
of
cover 1400. Figure 14B shows the protrusion of one of ledges 1408 into the
space within cover 1400 more clearly. As will now be apparent, when cover 1400
is connected to the remainder of head 1400 as shown in Figure 12, ledges 1408
are disposed above arms 1340, and specifically above roller bearings 1348.
Thus, downwards motion of cover 1400 in relation to lid portion 1308 results
in
ledges 1408 contacting and applying downwards pressure on roller bearings
1348.
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[0070]
It will also now be apparent that as in the case of cover 500, cover
1400 is permitted to move independently of lid portion 1308 to a certain
degree.
Figures 14A and 14B show a recession 1416 defined by the interior wall of
cover
1400, for receiving an end of spring 1313. Spring 1313 is therefore connected
at
one end to base plate 1312, and at the other end to cover 1400. Thus, when lid
portion 1308 is in the open position, downwards pressure on cover 1400 is
transferred to lid portion 1308 via spring 1313 until lid portion 1308
contacts base
portion 1304 (that is, until lid portion 1308 reaches the closed position).
Cover
1400 subsequently continues to move downwards, compressing spring 1313 and
moving lock 1314 to the locked position. Cover 1400 can be held in its closed
position by a latch 1420 shown in Figures 14B and 14C. Latch 1420 includes a
catch 1424, which engages base portion 1304, and a button 1428 which, when
pressed, rotates latch relative to cover 1400 about a hinge point 1432,
releasing
catch 1424.
[0071] When
catch 1424 is released, spring 1313 (which was compressed
during the closing of cover 1400) pushes cover 1400 upwards relative to lid
portion 1308, allowing lock 1314 to release (that is, slide to the unlocked
position). Lid portion 1308 and cover 1400 can then be rotated upwards
together,
bringing lid portion 1308 towards the open position to receive another
cartridge.
The same cartridge ejection functionality described above in connection with
head 100 is provided to head 1200.
[0072]
Turning now to Figure 15, another variation of head assembly 100, and
particularly of the locking mechanism, will be described. Figure 15 shows a
head
assembly 1500, omitting the brewing apparatus to which head assembly 1500 is
mounted. The nature of the brewing apparatus is not particularly limited. For
example, head assembly 1500 can be used with brewing apparatus 1200, in
place of head assembly 1204.
[0073]
Head assembly 1500 includes a base portion 1504 which is as
described above in connection with base portion 104. Head assembly 1500 also
includes a cover 1508 which, like cover 1400, is rotatable relative to base
portion
CA 02868198 2014-10-23
1504, about an axis 1510 (similar to axis 1310 shown in Figure 13). Coupled to
cover 1508 is a handle 1512. Handle 1512 is rotatable relative to cover 1508
about an axis 1514 (defined, for example, by fasteners coupling handle 1512 to
cover 1508).
[0074] Referring to Figure 16, head assembly 1500 is shown with cover 1508
omitted to reveal a lid portion 1516. Lid portion 1516 is connected to base
portion
1504, and rotates relative to base portion 1504 (for example, about axis 1510)
between open and closed positions, as discussed earlier. Lid portion 1516 is
shown in the closed position in Figure 16. Lid portion 1516 is also connected
to
cover 1508, such that cover 1508 and lid portion 1516 move together about axis
1510. However, some motion is permitted between cover 1508 and lid portion
1516, as will be discussed below.
[0075] Lid portion 1516 includes a base plate 1518 with features
similar to
those of base plate 300 discussed above (pylons 314 are not shown, but can be
included in embodiments where lid portion 1516 is biased towards the open
position using springs connected to base portion 1504). Base plate 1518
supports a sliding lock 1520. Lock 1520 is slideable between locked and
unlocked positions as discussed above in connection with locks 312 and 1314,
and is connected to base plate 1518 using raised members and bars, as
discussed in connection with locks 312 and 1314. Further, lock 1518 includes
hooks (not shown) similar to hooks 332 for engaging base portion 1504 in the
locked position.
[0076] The mechanism provided to slide lock 1520 between the locked and
unlocked positions, however, differs from those discussed previously.
Specifically, lock 1520 includes a pair of toothed racks 1524 (one rack
obscured
by handle 1512 in Figure 16) on an upper surface thereof. For each rack 1524,
a
pinion gear 1528 is fixed to handle 1512, such that gear 1528 rotates with
handle
1512. Gear 1528 includes teeth configured to engage with the teeth of rack
1524,
and as a result, when handle 1512 is rotated, gear 1528 also rotates, and the
16
CA 02868198 2014-10-23
engagement of gear 1528 with rack 1524 causes rack 1524 to slide along base
plate 1518.
[0077] Thus, it will now be apparent that from the position shown in
Figures
15 and 16, lifting handle 1512 in the direction "B" will first release lock
1520 by
rotating gears 1528 and sliding lock 1520 to the unlocked position. Further
movement of handle 1512 in direction "B" results in handle 1512 and cover 1508
moving together about axis 1510, to bring lid portion 1516 to the open
position.
Closing and locking lid portion 1516 reverses the above process: downwards
pressure applied to handle 1512 rotates handle 1512 and cover 1508 together
about axis 1510 until lid portion 1516 reaches the closed position.
Subsequently,
continued pressure on handle 1512 rotates handle 1512 relative to cover 1508,
causing lock 1520 to slide to the locked position.
[0078] In the embodiment shown in Figures 15 and 16, therefore, handle
1512
is permitted a certain degree of movement independent of cover 1508 and lid
portion 1516. The extent to which handle 1512 can rotate about cover 1508
independently of the rotation of cover 1508 about base portion 1504 is
determined by structures associated with gears 1528.
[0079] Referring now to Figure 17A, gear 1528 and associated components
are shown in greater detail. Gear 1528 is fixed to handle 1512 by way of an
aperture 1700 which receives an axle 1704. Axle 1704 is in turn fixed to a
fastener 1708, to which handle 1512 (not shown) is fixed. Axle 1704 and
fastener
1708 are rotatably connected to a track 1708, which is fixed to the interior
of
cover 1508. Track 1708 defines a channel in which a bolt 1712 is configured to
slide between raised and lowered positions. Figure 17A shows bolt 1712 in the
lowered position, while Figure 17B shows bolt 1712 in the raised position.
Bolt
1712 is biased towards the lowered position by a spring 1714 connecting bolt
1712 and track 1708.
[0080] Bolt 1712 includes a pin 1716 protruding outwards, towards gear
1528.
Gear 1528 includes a slot 1720 defined therein (slot 1720 extends through gear
1528 in the illustrated embodiment, but in other embodiments slot 1720 can be
17
CA 02868198 2014-10-23
implemented as a groove that does not extend straight through gear 1528),
which receives pin 1716. At one end, slot 1720 is angled to provide a pit
1724.
As seen in Figure 17A, when bolt 1712 is in the lowered position, pin 1716
extends into pit 1724, thus preventing rotation of gear 1528. Because gear
1528
cannot rotate, axle 1704, fastener 1708 and handle 1512 are also prevented
from
rotating.
[0081] Rotation of gear 1528 and handle 1512 is enabled when bolt 1712
is
displaced upwardly, into the raised position. Such displacement occurs when a
lower end 1728 of bolt 1712 contacts base plate 1518 of lid portion 1516 as
lid
portion 1518 and cover 1508 rotate towards the closed position. Once lid
portion
1518 has reached the closed position, cover 1508 continues to rotate about
axis
1510, thus pressing lower end 1728 of bolt 1712 onto base plate 1518. As a
result, spring 1714 is compressed and bolt 1712 slides from the lowered
position
to the raised position, shown in Figure 17B. Pin 1716 is thus raised out of
pit
1724, and permitted to slide along slot 1720. Handle 1512 is therefore freed
to
rotate relative to cover 1508, which causes gear 1528 to rotate (see Figure
17B),
sliding lock 1520 to the locked position.
[0082] Referring to Figure 18, another variation is illustrated. Figure
18
depicts a head assembly 1800 for mounting on a brewing apparatus (not shown)
such as apparatus 1200 shown in Figure 12. Head assembly 1800 includes a
base portion 1804 and a lid portion 1808 comprising a cover 1810. In contrast
to
the previous head assemblies described herein, such as head assembly 1500,
cover 1810 may be fixed to lid portion 1808, such that little or no movement
of
cover 1810 relative to lid portion 1808 is permitted.
[0083] As with the previously described head assemblies herein, lid portion
1808 is rotatably coupled to base portion 1804 (e.g. at an axis similar to
axis 110
described earlier). Lid portion 1808 can therefore rotate about that axis, in
response to certain forces applied thereto, between an open position in which
the
upper surface of base portion 1804 is exposed (e.g. see Figure 2) and a closed
18
CA 02868198 2014-10-23
portion in which the upper surface of base portion 1804 is covered by lid
portion
1808 (as illustrated in Figure 18).
[0084] Lid portion 1808 can include a display 1812 (which may
incorporate a
touch screen) mounted within cover 1810. In other examples, however, display
1812 may be omitted. Lid portion 1808 also includes a handle 1816 that is
rotatable relative to lid portion 1808 about an axis 1818, which is connected
to
certain internal components of lid portion 1808, as will be discussed in
further
detail below. Base portion 1804 can be substantially as described above in
connection with previous base portions herein, with the exception of certain
modifications described below.
[0085] Turning now to Figures 19A and 19B, a partial view of head
assembly
1800 is provided, in which base portion 1804, cover 1810, display 1812 and
handle 1816 are omitted to reveal certain internal components of lid portion
1808.
Lid portion 1808 can be substantially as described above in connection with
previous lid portions herein, with the exception of certain modifications
described
below.
[0086] Lid portion 1808 thus includes a base plate 1904 supporting a
moveable lock 1908. While previous locks described herein slide along the
upper
surface of their respective base plates by way of raised members and bars
(e.g.
raised members 1316 and 1328, along with bars 1324), lock 1908 omits such
structures in favour of at least one pin 1912 on each of two opposing sides of
lock 1908. In the present example, two pins 1912 are provided on either side
of
lock 1908. As shown in Figure 19A, base plate 1904 includes a track 1916 into
which pins 1912 insert when lock 1908 is installed on base plate 1904. The
opposite side of base plate 1904 bears a similar track. Although track 1916 is
shown as an elongated aperture extending through the side of base plate 1904,
in other examples, track 1916 may simply be an elongated depression on the
inner surface of that side, rather than an aperture extending straight through
the
side of base plate 1904.
19
CA 02868198 2014-10-23
[0087] Lock 1908 is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked
position. In both positions, hooks 1920 extend through apertures in base plate
1904, in a manner described above in connection with hooks 332 and apertures
336, to engage structures within base portion 1804. Those structures can be
substantially as described above in connection with openings 116 in base
portion
104, as well as yoke 908. The mechanism employed to move lock 1908 between
the locked position and the unlocked position comprises at least one pinion
gear
1924 rotatably coupled to a respective support 1928 rising from base plate
1904.
Two supports 1928 are shown in Figure 19A, but only one pinion 1924 is shown
for simplicity ¨ it is contemplated that both supports 1928 bear pinions 1924.
Toothed racks 1932 corresponding to pinions 1924 are provided on lock 1908.
Pinions 1924, in addition to being supported by supports 1928, are rotatable
relative to supports 1928 about axis 1818 (which, it will be recalled, is the
same
axis about which handle 1816 rotates).
[0088] Handle 1816 is therefore coupled to pinions 1924 at axis 1818. The
application to handle 1816 of a force in the direction labelled "C" in Figure
18,
causes handle 1816 to rotate about axis 1818, which in turn causes pinions
1924
to rotate about axis 1818. Pinions 1924 are engaged with racks 1932, and thus
the rotation of pinions 1924 drives racks 1932 (and by extension the entirety
of
lock 1908) towards the locked position (in direction "D" shown in Figure 19A).
Movement of handle 1816 in the opposite direction to direction "C" acts to
reverse the direction of movement of lock 1908, transitioning lock 1908
towards
the unlocked position in which hooks 1920 may be withdrawn from base portion
1804 and lid portion 1808 may be moved towards the open position.
[0089] Lid portion 1808 also includes a latching mechanism for securing
lock
1908 in the unlocked position until lid portion 1808 is in the closed
position. In
other words, the latching mechanism prevents lock 1908 from locking when lid
portion 1808 is in the open position, or between the open and closed
positions.
The latching mechanism of lid portion 1808 contrasts with the mechanism shown
in Figures 17A and 17B, which also prevents the locking of lock 1520 until lid
portion 1516 is in the closed position.
CA 02868198 2014-10-23
[0090] The above-mentioned latching mechanism comprises a rod 1936
connected to lock 1908, and a latch 1940 mounted on a post 1944 disposed
within an opening in base plate 1904. Post 1944 is slidable within that
opening
between a raised position and a lowered position, as illustrated in Figures
20A
and 20B. In particular, as seen in Figure 20A, in the raised position, post
1944
does not extend below the lower surface 2000 of base plate 1904. In addition,
latch 1940 does not engage rod 1936 in the raised position, and thus lock 1908
is
free to move. In the lowered position, however, as illustrated in Figure 20B,
a
lower end 2004 of post 1944 extends below lower surface 2000. In addition,
latch
1940 engages (in the present embodiment, by hooking overtop of) rod 1936, thus
preventing lock 1908 from moving.
[0091] Post 1944 can be biased towards the lowered position, for
example by
way of a spring or other suitable biasing device (e.g. weight). As will now be
apparent to those skilled in the art, when lid portion 1808 is moved into the
closed position, lower end 2004 of post 1944 contacts base portion 1804 and as
lid portion 1808 is closed, post 1944 is pushed into the raised position by
the
approaching upper surface of base portion 1804. When lid portion 1808 is
opened, on the other hand, post 1944 is free to move downwards again, no
longer being obstructed by base portion 1804, and thus transitions to the
lowered
position. In the lowered position, post 1944 and latch 1940 prevent lock 1908
from moving, which in turn prevents handle 1816 from rotating about axis 1818.
(0092] Turning now to Figures 21A and 21B, a cartridge ejection
mechanism
of head assembly 1800 is shown. The ejection mechanism of head assembly
1800 contrasts with the ejection mechanisms discussed earlier in that a
different
set of mechanical linkages are provided, and in that a structure similar to
guide
channel 120 shown in Figure 2 is not required.
[0093] In order to eject a spent cartridge from a cartridge holder 2100
in base
portion 1804 (the outer wall of base portion 1804 is not shown in Figures 21A
and 21B in order to reveal cartridge holder 2100 and the ejection mechanism),
base portion 1804 supports an ejector arm 2108 by a pivot 2112. Pivot 2112 is
21
CA 02868198 2014-10-23
disposed between a front end 2116 and a rear end 2120 of arm 2108, and arm
2108 is rotatable about an axis 2124 defined by pivot 2112. Additionally, lid
portion 1808 includes a dog 2128 fixed thereto adjacent to rear end 2120. When
lid portion 1808 is moved towards the open position, dog 2128 strikes a
platform
2132 at or near rear end 2120 of arm 2108. As a result, rear end 2120 descends
away from lid portion 1808 and front end 2116 rises towards lid portion 1808.
In
doing so, front end 2116 causes displacement of a pivot arm 2136 (fixed to
cartridge holder 2104) about a pivot point 2140. As a result, cartridge holder
2104 is tipped in direction "E" (upwards and backwards in relation to base
portion
1804), dropping the cartridge into an opening 2144 in the upper surface of
base
portion 1804.
[0094]
As lid portion 1808 approaches the open position, dog 2128 slides to
the forward end of platform 2132 (that is, the end closest to front end 2116
of arm
2108). Once dog 2128 passes the front end of platform 2132, dog 2128 will no
longer contact platform 2132 and the end of dog 2128 will instead pass back
underneath platform 2132. Arm 2108 is then permitted to return to its previous
position, also replacing cartridge holder 2104 to the position shown in
Figures
21A and 21B, where cartridge holder 2104 is ready to receive another
cartridge.
Cartridge holder 2104, platform 2132, or any combination thereof may be biased
towards the resting position shown in Figures 21A and 21B, for example by
springs. In another example, the rear end 2120 of arm 2108 may bear a spring
or
other biasing mechanism for biasing arm 2108 towards the resting position. An
example spring 2148 is shown in Figures 21A and 21B. Spring 2148 can be
coupled to arm 2108 and base portion 1804, and compresses as lid portion 1808
opens.
[0095]
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more
alternative implementations and modifications possible for implementing the
embodiments, and that the above implementations and examples are only
illustrations of one or more embodiments. The scope, therefore, is only to be
limited by the claims appended hereto.
22
