Coffee maker with foaming device

Abstract

The coffee maker (1) comprises a funnel (42) terminating in a funnel mouth (46) and a foaming device (70) applied to the funnel mouth (46). The foaming device (70) has at least one outlet mouth (92) and includes a valve (80) made of a deformable material, towards which the strained beverage to be extracted is directed. In a rest state in which the valve (80) is not cooperating with the funnel (42), the outlet mouth (92) has a rest passage portion, and in an installed state in which the valve (80) cooperating with the funnel (42), the outlet mouth (92) is deformed and has a reduced active passage portion compared to the rest passage portion.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coffee maker, and more particularly to a coffee maker capable of producing a drink with a thick and dense foam. [Background technology]

[0002] As is known, conventional coffee makers, more commonly known as "Mokas", manufactured by the Applicant since the early 1900s, are very common throughout the world and, despite the success of alternative systems such as single-serve capsules, approximately 2 million units are still sold annually.

[0003] Coffee maker users generally prefer the aroma of the beverage obtained with this type of coffee maker, which aroma is very different from that obtained with the alternative systems mentioned above.

[0004] Nevertheless, users would undoubtedly appreciate some innovation that would enable them to obtain a drink with a thick, dense foam from a coffee maker, as is possible with some alternative systems.

[0005] In response to such criticism, coffee maker manufacturers have striven, and still strive, to produce coffee makers with more or less complex equipment capable of producing a drink with a thick and dense foam.

[0006] Evidence of such efforts is provided by several patent documents disclosing embodiments of such devices, such as, for example, European Patent Application EP1813173 A1, International Patent Applications WO2008 / 087481, WO2016 / 113621, WO03 / 056986, WO03 / 055366, GB2436280, and others. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, these devices often do not guarantee obtaining a drink with a really thick and dense foam, and moreover, the manufacture of these devices is often particularly complicated and not suitable for mass production.

[0008] In order to overcome these drawbacks, the Applicant has fine-tuned a coffee maker with a foaming device, the features of which are the subject matter of the International Application WO2019 / 111074.

[0009] In the course of improvements, the applicant has fine-tuned an alternative foaming device to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, which is the subject of the present application.

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a coffee maker that is an alternative to the already known methods, that is affordable, that is easy to assemble and that includes a device that guarantees obtaining a drink with a thick and dense foam. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] This object is achieved by a coffee maker according to claim 1. The dependent claims describe further advantageous embodiments.

[0012] The characteristics and advantages of the coffee maker according to the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a coffee maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1 shows a foaming device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2b] FIG. 1 shows a foaming device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2c]FIG. 1 shows a foaming device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 shows a valve of a foaming device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 shows a valve of a foaming device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4a] FIG. 3c is a plan view of the valve of FIGS. 3a and 3b. [Figure 4b] FIG. 3c is a plan view of the valve of FIGS. 3a and 3b. [Figure 4c] FIG. 3c is a plan view of the valve of FIGS. 3a and 3b. [Figure 4d] FIG. 3c is a plan view of the valve of FIGS. 3a and 3b. [Figure 4e] FIG. 3c is a plan view of the valve of FIGS. 3a and 3b. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] With reference to FIG. 1, the coffee maker 1 comprises a boiler 2 constituted by a container generally made of steel or aluminium and preferably made in a single piece.

[0015] The boiler 2 comprises a bottom part 4, which is intended to be placed on a cooking surface, for example a gas stove, a hot plate, an induction surface or the like.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the bottom part 4 of the boiler, typically when made of aluminium, is provided with a number of inserts made of ferromagnetic material, for example steel, to enable the use of the coffee maker on an induction surface.

[0017] The boiler 2 further comprises an annular boiler wall 6 which projects from the bottom 4 and terminates at its upper part in a boiler mouth 8 which is usually provided with a thread 10 .

[0018] The coffee maker 1 is preferably equipped with a safety valve 12 , which is preferably inserted through the thickness of the boiler wall 6 .

[0019] For example, a safety valve may be made according to the Applicant's European Patent Application EP1797360 A1, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein.

[0020] The boiler 2 therefore has an internal boiler chamber 14 bounded by the boiler bottom 4 and the boiler wall 6 .

[0021] The coffee maker 1 further comprises a dosator funnel 20 which can be housed within the boiler chamber 14 and is typically supported by the rim of the boiler mouth 8 .

[0022] The dosator funnel 20 includes a dosator conduit 22 for raising water from the boiler chamber 14, the dosator conduit 22 leading to a dosator compartment 24 configured to contain coffee powder.

[0023] The dosing device conduit 22 and the dosing device compartment 24 are preferably separated by a dosing device filter 26. The dosing device filter 26 is provided to prevent coffee grounds from falling through the dosing device conduit 22 and typically consists of a perforated sheet.

[0024] The coffee maker 1 further comprises a container 30 adapted to be connected to the boiler 2 and for collecting the strained beverage.

[0025] The vessel 30 comprises a connection area 32 for mechanical engagement with the boiler 2. For example, said connection area 32 is constituted by an annular connection wall 34, for example with an internal thread, adapted to be screwed into the boiler mouth 8.

[0026] The container 30 further comprises a container bottom 36 and an annular container wall 38. Preferably, the bonding area 32 projects downwardly from the container bottom 36 and the annular container wall 38 projects upwardly from the container bottom 36, thereby defining a container chamber 40 for collecting the strained beverage.

[0027] The container wall 38 preferably has a shaped portion to form a spout 39 for pouring the beverage contained in the container chamber 40 .

[0028] The vessel 30 further comprises a funnel 42 projecting vertically from the vessel bottom 36 and opening at the bottom by a funnel inlet 44 which opens through the vessel bottom 36 and at the top by a funnel mouth 46 .

[0029] The funnel inlet 44 communicates with a funnel mouth 46 by an internal funnel conduit 45 .

[0030] Preferably, the funnel 42 has a necking 43 along the funnel conduit 45, for example created by an annular protrusion that narrows the passageway for the strained beverage.

[0031] The vessel 30 is preferably made of a single piece body, typically made from steel or aluminum.

[0032] According to one embodiment variant, the container is made of ceramic or glass and has an insert for engaging with the boiler 2 .

[0033] The coffee maker 1 preferably comprises a beverage filter 50 arranged between the dosing device compartment 24 and the funnel inlet 44, the beverage filter 50 consisting, for example, of a perforated sheet for filtering the strained beverage before it travels through the funnel 42.

[0034] The drink filter 50 is held in place by a seal 52, preferably made of rubber, for example NBR, EPDM or silicone.

[0035] Additionally, coffee maker 1 preferably includes a handle 60 attached to container 30 and a cover 65 hingedly attached to container 30 and rotatable to provide viewing of container chamber 40. Cover 65 preferably does not cover spout 39 in the closed configuration.

[0036] According to the invention, the coffee maker 1 comprises a foaming device 70 applied to the upper part of the funnel 42 .

[0037] The foaming device 70 includes a valve 80 which is preferably made in a single piece and made of a polymeric material suitable for contact with food products, such as natural silicone.

[0038] Valve 80 has a valve body 82 that extends along a body axis Z between a lower end 84 and an upper end 86 .

[0039] The valve body 82 has a conduit 88 therein that extends along a body axis Z between a lower end 84 and an upper end 86. An inlet mouth 90 opens at the lower end 84, and an outlet mouth 92 opens at the upper end 86.

[0040] The conduit 88 preferably tapers from an inlet mouth 90 to an outlet mouth 92 .

[0041] When the valve 80 is considered independently, i.e. in a rest state when the valve 80 is not attached to the coffee maker, the outlet mouth 92 has the shape of an elongated slit. In other words, the outlet mouth 92 has a shape defined by two main dimensions: a length L and a width W, the length L being much greater than the width W.

[0042] For example, a characteristic ratio L / W is defined, and according to a preferred embodiment said characteristic ratio has a value between 10 and 100, preferably between 20 and 80, and even more preferably between 30 and 50. For example, said characteristic ratio has a value equal to 40.

[0043] Additionally, the inlet mouth 90 preferably has a square shape with rounded corners, for example a rectangular shape with rounded corners, and is oriented such that the length of the outlet mouth 92 corresponds to the maximum size of the rectangle.

[0044] The conduit 88 preferably comprises a first stretch 88a and a second stretch 88b, the first stretch 88a having said inlet mouth 90 and having a constant cross section, the second stretch 88b proceeding from the first stretch 88a to an outlet mouth 92 having a decreasing cross section.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve body 82 is externally a first portion 96 having said inlet mouth 90 and having a frustoconical outer surface 96a; a second portion 98 having a diameter equal to the maximum diameter of the frusto-conical outer surface 96a and having a cylindrical outer surface 98a; a third portion 100 having a reduced diameter compared to the diameter of the second portion 98 and having a cylindrical outer surface 100a; has.

[0046] The foaming device 70 preferably comprises a tang 120, which is preferably made in a single piece, for example made of steel.

[0047] The tang 120 extends along a tang axis X between an engagement end 122 and a free end 124 .

[0048] The tongue 120 has an engagement portion 125 at an engagement end 122 with a mouth 126 for applying the valve 80 .

[0049] Specifically, the third portion 100 of the valve body 82 is forcefully inserted into the mouth 126 of the tang 120 , thereby securing the connection between the valve 80 and the tang 120 .

[0050] Forcibly inserting the valve 80 onto the tongue 120 causes the walls 92a defining the outlet mouth 92 in the direction of length L to approach each other, resulting in a necking of the outlet mouth 92. This causes the passageway portion to shrink, or even causes the walls 92a to come into contact with each other and close the slit.

[0051] In other words, in a rest state where the valve 80 is not applied to the tongue 120 (or in a variant of the embodiment, to the funnel 42), the outlet mouth 92 has a rest passage portion, whereas in an attached state where the valve 80 is applied to the tongue 120 (or in a variant of the embodiment, to the funnel 42), the outlet mouth 92 is deformed to have a reduced actuated passage portion compared to the rest passage portion.

[0052] The tongue 120 further comprises an inner distribution conduit 128 which connects the mouse 126 to the external environment.

[0053] Additionally, the foaming device 70 preferably includes a sealing ring 130 fitted over the mouth 126 .

[0054] Once the valve 80 is attached to the tongue 120 (and the sealing ring 130, if provided), the foaming device 70 is attached to the funnel 42 of the coffee maker 1. In particular, the engagement portion 125 of the tongue 120 is applied to the funnel mouth 46, for example by threaded engagement.

[0055] Thus, the valve 80 is supported by the tongue 120 at the same engagement portion 125 and is located within the funnel 42 downstream of the constriction 43. This makes it possible to prevent the valve 80 from coming off the tongue.

[0056] During normal use of the coffee maker 1 , strained beverage rising from the funnel 42 enters the valve 80 through the inlet mouth 94 and is conveyed through the conduit 88 towards the outlet mouth 92 .

[0057] Both when the outlet mouth 92 is closed by the clamping effect caused by application of the tongue 120 and when the outlet mouth 92 has a reduced dimension compared to its resting dimension, a local overpressure is generated before the beverage passes through the distribution conduit 128 of the tongue 120 and is collected in the container 30.

[0058] Such excess pressure, and the resulting laminar flow towards the distribution conduit 128, creates a dense foam, thereby enhancing the flavor of the beverage.

[0059] According to a variant of one embodiment of the invention, the foaming device is constituted solely by the valve 80. The valve 80 is suitably applied to the funnel mouth, for example by being inserted through the funnel mouth 46 into the funnel itself.

[0060] According to a further embodiment variant, the outlet mouth is constituted by a number of micro-holes which can be closed by a closing effect caused by applying a valve to the tongue or directly to the funnel.

[0061] It is obvious that a person skilled in the art can make modifications to the above-mentioned coffee maker and foaming device to meet different needs, all of which are included in the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A coffee maker (1) comprising a funnel (42) terminating in a funnel mouth (46) and a foaming device (70) applied to said funnel mouth (46), The foaming device (70) comprises a valve (80) made of a deformable material, the valve (80) including at least one outlet mouth (92) towards which the strained beverage to be extracted is directed, In a rest state in which the valve (80) is not cooperating with the funnel (42), the outlet mouth (92) has a rest passage portion; In an installed state in which the valve (80) cooperates with the funnel (42), the outlet mouth (92) is deformed and has a reduced passage area in an active state compared to the passage area in the rest state; at least one said outlet mouth (92) is provided in a portion (100) of said valve (80), said portion (100) of said valve (80) being subjected to compression causing said deformation of said outlet mouth (92); The foaming device (70) comprises a tongue (120) having an engagement portion (125) with a mouth (126) for applying the valve (80); When the valve (80) is applied to the tongue (120), the portion (100) of the valve (80) is forcibly inserted into the mouth (126) of the tongue (120), thereby causing the outlet mouth (92) to close and the passage portion to be reduced. Coffee maker.

2. said outlet mouth (92) having a shape defined by a length (L) and a width (W) in said rest state, said length (L) being much greater than said width (W); a characteristic ratio (L / W) is defined as the ratio of said length (L) to said width (W), said characteristic ratio having a value between 10 and 100, preferably between 20 and 80, even more preferably between 30 and 50, preferably equal to 40; 2. The coffee maker of claim 1.

3. The valve (80) is made in a single piece, for example made of natural silicone.

3. A coffee maker according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The engagement portion (125) is adapted to the funnel (42), for example by a screw connection to the funnel (42). Coffee maker according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the valve (80) applied to the funnel (42) is arranged downstream of the constriction (43) of the funnel (42); 5. The coffee maker of claim 4.

6. The valve (80) has an internal conduit (88) that terminates at the outlet mouth (92), the internal conduit (88) tapering towards the outlet mouth (92).

6. A coffee maker according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The outlet mouth (92) is composed of a plurality of holes. Coffee maker according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A coffee maker (1) comprising a funnel (42) terminating in a funnel mouth (46) and a foaming device (70) applied to said funnel mouth (46), The foaming device (70) comprises a valve (80) made of a deformable material, the valve (80) including at least one outlet mouth (92) towards which the strained beverage to be extracted is directed, In a rest state in which the valve (80) is not cooperating with the funnel (42), the outlet mouth (92) has a rest passage portion; In an installed state in which the valve (80) cooperates with the funnel (42), the outlet mouth (92) is deformed and has a reduced passage area in an active state compared to the passage area in the rest state; the outlet mouth (92) has a shape defined by a length (L) and a width (W) in the resting state, the length (L) being much greater than the width (W); a characteristic ratio (L / W) is defined as the ratio of the length (L) to the width (W), said characteristic ratio being between 20 and 80; When the valve (80) is applied to the funnel (42), the valve (80) is forcibly inserted into the funnel (42) through the funnel mouth (46), thereby causing the outlet mouth (92) to close and the passage portion to be reduced. Coffee maker.

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