WO2011101769A2

WO2011101769A2 - Coffee-maker with a frothing device

Info

Publication number: WO2011101769A2
Application number: PCT/IB2011/050490
Authority: WO
Inventors: Massimo Calzavara; Moreno Balzani
Original assignee: Bialetti Industrie SpA
Current assignee: Bialetti Industrie SpA
Priority date: 2010-02-16
Filing date: 2011-02-04
Publication date: 2011-08-25
Anticipated expiration: 2012-08-16
Also published as: ITBS20100027A1; WO2011101769A3

Abstract

Coffee-maker (1) or mocha coffee-maker comprising a manually operated frothing device (100) provided with a stem (102) sliding axially on the flue (30) and an active element (110) to stir the coffee.

Description

DESCRIPTION

"Coffee-maker with a frothing device"

[0001] The present invention relates to a coffee-maker, usually called a mocha coffee-maker, able emulsify the coffee to obtain a froth on the surface.

[0002] The difficulty of making coffee with froth on the top in domestic preparation, such as that prepared in coffee bars, is widely known.

[0003] Erroneously, sometimes users try to achieve such froth by increasing the quantity of coffee used, but without result.

[0004] The purpose of the invention is to make a coffee- maker or mocha coffee-maker, able emulsify the coffee to obtain a froth on the surface.

[0005] Such purpose is achieved by a coffee-maker or mocha coffee-maker according to claim 1. The dependent claims describe embodiment variations.

[0006] The characteristics and advantages of the coffee- maker according to the present invention will be evident from the following description, made by way of a non- limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

[0007] - figure 1 is an axonometric view of a coffee-maker according to the present invention;

[0008] - figure 2 is a cross-section view of the coffee- maker in figure 1;

[0009] - figure 3 is a view of the coffee-maker in figure 1 in separate parts;

[0010] With reference to the appended drawings, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a coffee-maker, usually called a mocha coffee-maker.

[0011] In the embodiment shown, the coffee-maker 1 is suitable to be placed on an external heat source, such as a gas ring or ceramic hotplate, or to be used on an induction plate.

[0012] In further embodiment variations, the coffee-maker has its own internal heat source, such as an ; electric resistor.

[0013] The coffee-maker 1 comprises a boiler 2 suitable to contain water.

[0014] The boiler 2 comprises an annular boiler wall 4 having a main axis X closed by a bottom end 5.

[0015] Preferably, the boiler 2 comprises safety valve means, such as a valve 6 normally closed, suitable to open when the internal pressure exceeds a predefined threshold value.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment the boiler wall 4 has an arched cross-section, narrowing towards the top, in other words narrowing as it moves away from the bottom 5. [0017] The coffee-maker 1 further comprises a container 10 suitable to contain the ground coffee, usually housed in the boiler 2.

[0018] The container 10 comprises a chamber 12 for the ground coffee and a supply duct 14, communicating with the chamber 12 and projecting from the bottom of this extending towards the bottom 5 of the boiler.

[0019] Preferably, the container 10 comprises a filter 16, generally a perforated plate, positioned between the duct 14 and the chamber 12, so as to allow the passage of water from the duct 14 to the chamber 12 and prevent the ground coffee from falling from the chamber 12 to the duct 14.

[0020] The coffee-maker 1 further comprises a recipient 20 for the coffee; the recipient 20 surmounts the boiler and is connected to it, generally by screwing.

[0021] The recipient 20 comprises an annular recipient wall 22 extending around the main axis X closed by a recipient bottom 24.

[0022] Preferably, between the chamber 12 of the container 10 and the bottom of the recipient 24 a further filter 25a is positioned, surrounded by a gasket 25b.

[0023] Preferably, the recipient wall 22 has a projecting spout 26 for pouring the coffee inside the recipient.

[0024] The recipient 20 further comprises a flue 30 extending mainly along the main axis X and connected to the recipient bottom 24; the flue 30 internally defines a delivery duct 32 passing through the recipient bottom 24.

[0025] The delivery duct 32 communicates on one side with the chamber 12 of the container 10 and on the other has dispenser holes 34 for the delivery of the coffee into the recipient 20.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment the coffee-maker 1 comprises a handle 40 attached to the recipient 20; the handle 40, which has an overall L-shape, comprises an attachment portion 42 and a grip 44 which extends from this, suitable to be gripped by a user's hand.

[0027] In particular the recipient 20 comprises an attachment 46, projecting radially from the recipient wall 22 in relation to the main axis X, to which the attachment portion 42 of the handle 40 is attached.

[0028] Preferably, the connection between the handle and the recipient is by means of threaded elements, for example at least one screw 50, positioned parallel to the main axis X, screwed into the attachment portion 42 and into the attachment 46 of the recipient 20.

[0029] Preferably, in addition, the attachment 46 is made in a single piece, for example by casting, with the recipient wall 22.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment moreover, the handle 40 comprises a pin 60 extending along the main axis X, projecting from the attachment portion 42 on the side opposite the grip 44.

[0031] In addition, preferably, the handle 40 comprises a protection portion 62, projecting from the attachment portion 42, on the same side as the grip 44, and facing it. When the handle is attached to the recipient 20, the protection portion 62 faces the outer surface of the recipient wall 22 so that between the grip 44 and the protection portion 62 a seat is formed for a finger of the user's hand, separated from the recipient wall, usually very hot.

[0032] The coffee-maker 1 further comprises . a lid 70 suitable for being placed over the recipient 20 to close it, leaving the spout 26 free to pour the coffee.

[0033] The lid 70 comprises a body 71 which surmounts the recipient 20, fitted with a central hole 71a. For example, the body 71 is dome-shaped.

[0034] The body 71 further comprises an abutment 71b, which when the body is positioned on the recipient, abuts with the rim of the recipient, to position the lid.

[0035] The lid 70 is separable from the recipient 20.

[0036] For example, the lid 70 comprises an extension 72, extending radially from the body 71, for example beyond the recipient wall 22 of the recipient 20, fitted with a hole 74, for example through, suitable to receive the pin 60 of the handle 40.

[0037] The extension 72 is attached to the body 71, for example by a threaded connection, such as a screw 80 parallel to the main axis X, having its head inside the recipient 20.

[0038] When the hole 74 in the extension 72 houses the pin 60 of the handle 40 and the abutment 71b of the body 71 abuts against the rim of the recipient, the central hole 71a of the lid 70 is aligned with the flue. 30 of the recipient 20.

[0039] In addition, preferably, the lid 70 comprises a bush 80, for example in plastic material, inserted in the body 71 and such as to delimit said central hole 71a.

[0040] The coffee-maker 1 further comprises a manually operated frothing device 100.

[0041] The device 100 comprises a stem 102 passing through the body 71 of the lid 70 through the central hole 71a, so as to define an outer end 100a and an inner end 100b.

[0042] Preferably, the device 100 comprises a knob 104, attached to the outer end 100a of the stem 100, for example by means of an axially positioned screw 101.

[0043] The stem 100 is at least partially hollow on the inside, so as to define an inner cavity 106, extending along the main axis X. [0044] Preferably, the stem 102 has at least one stem hole 108, for example in the proximity of the inner end 100b, communicating with the inner cavity 106.

[0045] The inner . cavity 106 is such as to slidably accommodate the flue 30 of the recipient 20.

[0046] The device 100 further comprises an active plate 110 attached to the stem 102, inside the recipient 20, for example at the inner end 100b.

[0047] Preferably, the active plate 110 brushes the inner surface of the recipient wall 22 of the recipient 20 or touches it.

[0048] Preferably, the active plate 110 comprises:

[0049] - an outer ring 112, for example in soft material, so as to form a seal on the inner surface of the recipient wall 22;

[0050] - an inner ring 114, radially inside the outer ring 112, connected to the stem 102, for example by a snap connection;

[0051] - a plurality of spokes 116, having a radial extension, which connect the inner ring 114 and the outer ring 112.

[0052] In addition, the active plate 110 comprises a septum 120 permeable to liquid, positioned between the outer ring 112 and the inner ring 114 and supported by the spokes 116, formed of a filtering fabric or of a perforated plate or of a dense mesh.

[0053] During normal use of the coffee-maker according to the invention, the boiler 2 is filled with water, the chamber 12 is filled with ground coffee and the recipient 20 is screwed onto the boiler.

[0054] The coffee-maker 1 is positioned on the heat source and heated; the boiling water rises through the supply duct 14 into the chamber 12 and the coffee is made by infusion of the boiling water with the coffee grounds.

[0055] The coffee rises through the flue 30 and comes out the delivery holes 34 into the recipient 20.

[0056] Preferably, during the preparation of the coffee, the stem is in the upper limit position, in which the stem hole 108 is aligned with the delivery holes 34 of the flue ^"30, to facilitate the exit of the coffee.

[0057] As preferred by the user, the recipient 20 may already contain milk so that it is heated and mixed with the coffee.

[0058] When the coffee runs into the bottom of the recipient 20, the coffee-maker is taken off the hob; the user grasps the handle 40 of the coffee-maker 1 with one hand to keep it and the lid 70 still, while with the other hand he grasps the knob 104 and impresses on the stem 102 a translatory up and down movement along the main axis X. [0059] During the alternate translation movement, the active plate 110 is immersed and emerges repeatedly from the coffee, which by virtue of the peripheral seal of the outer ring on the surface of the recipient wall 22, is forced to pass through the septum 120.

[0060] The mixing action of the coffee creates the froth.

[0061] In particular the stem is made to translate manually between the upper limit position and a lower limit position, defined for example by the abutment of the active plate 110 on the bottom of the recipient 20.

[0062] During the rising phase, that is to say when the stem is raised from the lower limit position to the upper limit position, air is inspired through the stem hole 108, passing into the compartment between the active plate 110 and the bottom of the recipient 20.

[0063] During the subsequent lowering phase, that is to say when the stem is lowered from the upper limit position to the lower limit position, the air is mixed with the coffee and together they pass through the septum, encouraging the formation of the froth.

[0064] During the alternate movement, the stem 102 slides easily on the flue 30 which guides it throughout such movement .

[0065] In the same way, the stem 102 is guided in translation by the body 71 of the lid 70 and in particular by the bush 80.

[0066] Preferably, the boiler and/or recipient are made from metallic material, such as aluminium or steel.

[0067] Preferably, moreover, the handle and/or extension are made from plastic material.

[0068] Innovatively, the coffee-maker according to the present invention makes it possible to form a froth on the coffee.

[0069] Advantageously, moreover, the lid 70 is separable from the recipient by means of a translation movement along the main axis X, so that the stem comes out of the flue to prevent structural interference between the stem and the flue.

[0070] According to a further advantageous aspect, the extension 72 joined to the body 71 of the lid 70 is near the grip 44 of the handle 40 so that with one hand the user can hold the coffee-maker and also block the lid 70 onto the recipient 20.

[0071] According to yet a further advantageous aspect, the connections between the components are very robust, such as threaded connections, to resist the forces developed during use of the frothing device 100.

[0072] Advantageously, moreover, the translation movement of the stem is appropriately guided between the upper and lower limit positions. [0073] Moreover, advantageously, the handle and/or extension are made from plastic material so as to enable them to be gripped immediately the coffee is made without the user being scalded.

[0074] According to a further advantageous aspect, the coffee is stirred while still in the recipient of the coffee-maker which is very hot by the time the coffee has come out; the froth is thereby produced without the coffee getting cold.

[0075] It is clear that a person skilled in the art may make modifications to the coffee-maker described above so as to satisfy contingent requirements while remaining within the sphere of protection of the following claims.

Claims

1. Coffee-maker (1) or mocha coffee-maker comprising:

- a boiler (2) suitable to contain water;

- a container (10) having a chamber (12) for the ground coffee, communicating with the inside of the boiler (2);

- a recipient (20) which surmounts the boiler (2) and is connected to it, having a recipient compartment (20a) and comprising a flue (30) extending along a main axis (X) , wherein the flue (30) delimits internally a delivery duct (32) in communication with the chamber (12) of the container (10) and with the recipient compartment (20a) ;

- a manually operated frothing device (100) comprising a stem (102) sliding axially on the flue (30) and an active element (110) to stir the coffee.

2. Coffee-maker according to claim 1, wherein the active element (30) is an active plate (110) permeable to liquid .

3. Coffee-maker according to claim 2, wherein the active plate (110) comprises an outer ring (112) sliding tight on the inner surface of the recipient wall (22) .

4. Coffee-maker ^' according to claim 3, wherein the active plate (110) comprises an inner ring (114) connected to the stem (102), for example slotted, and a septum (120) between the inner ring and the outer ring, permeable to liquids.

5. Coffee-maker according to any of the previous claims comprising a lid (70) for the recipient (20), comprising a body (71) provided with a central hole (71a) aligned with the flue (30), which the stem (102) is slidably inserted in.

6. Coffee-maker according to claim 5, wherein the lid is separable from the recipient (20) by a translation movement along the main axis (X) .

7. Coffee-maker according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the lid (70) comprises a bush (80) which traverses the body

(71) and delimits the central hole (71a).

8. Coffee-maker according to claim 5, 6 or 7 wherein the lid (70) comprises an extension (72) projecting radially from the body (71) beyond the recipient wall (22) of the recipient (20) .

9. Coffee-maker according to any of the previous claims, comprising a handle (40) connected to the recipient (20) having a grip (44) .

10. Coffee-maker according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the handle (40) comprises an attachment portion (42) for attachment to the recipient wall (22), and a pin (60) projecting from the attachment portion (42) on the side opposite the grip (44), said pin being engageable with the extension.

11. Coffee-maker according to claim 10, wherein the handle and/or the extension are made in plastic, material .:

12. Coffee-maker according to any of the claims from 9 to 11, wherein the handle (40) comprises a protection portion (62), facing the grip (44), forming a seat for a finger of the user' s hand, separated from the recipient wall (22) .

13. Coffee-maker according to any of the previous claims wherein the boiler and/or recipient are made in metallic material, for example aluminium or steel.

14. Method of preparing a drink, comprising the phases of:

- heating a coffee-maker (1) containing water and ground coffee to obtain liquid coffee, which is deposited in a recipient (20) of the coffee-maker;

- grasping said coffee-maker with one hand to hold it firm and with the other hand grasping a stem (102) of a frothing device (100) of the coffee-maker;

- impressing an alternate movement of translation to the stem (102) in the recipient (20) to form a froth on the coffee .