Kitchen appliance

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a kitchen appliance comprising a main body having an attachment site for a component; wherein, said attachment site is adapted with an inductive transmitter and the component is adapted with a inductive receiver; wherein the inductive transmitter is configured to inductively couple with the inductive receiver when the component is at a threshold distance from the attachment site to thereby induce a threshold potential in the inductive receiver; and wherein the inductive transmitter is configured to inductively couple with the inductive receiver to induce an attachment potential when the component is connected to the attachment site in an attachment position; wherein, wherein the inductive receiver is electrically coupled with a sensory output device; wherein output from the sensory output device energized by the threshold potential is user discernable from output from the sensory output device energized by the attachment potential.

Description

KITCHEN APPLIANCEFIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a kitchen appliance having one or more connectable components.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily for use with a coffee machine, and will be described hereinafter with reference to these applications. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use, and may also be employed in other applications involving other kitchen appliances associated with connectable components.BACKGROUND

[0003] Kitchen appliances can involve accessories and components that may be connected to the main body of said appliance. In some circumstances users may perceive the need to connect components as complex, and may find it difficult to properly connect said components.Consequently, such users may resort to repeated attempts, or having to familiarize themselves with the appliance to confidently and reliably connect the component as required.

[0004] There is a need to continually simplify use and operation of kitchen appliances to promote accessibility for use.SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of existing arrangements, or at least provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

[0006] There is disclosed herein a kitchen appliance comprising a main body having an attachment site for a component; wherein, said attachment site is adapted with an inductive transmitter and the component is adapted with a inductive receiver; wherein the inductive transmitter is configured to inductively couple with the inductive receiver when the component is at a threshold distance from the attachment site to thereby induce a threshold potential in the inductive receiver; andwherein the inductive transmitter is configured to inductively couple with the inductive receiver to induce an attachment potential when the component is connected to the attachment site in an attachment position; wherein, wherein the inductive receiver is electrically coupled with a sensory output device; wherein output from the sensory output device energized by the threshold potential is user discernable from output from the sensory output device energized by the attachment potential.

[0007] Preferably, as the component is moved from the threshold distance to its attachment position, an electric potential associated with the inductive received changes from the threshold potential to the attachment potential.

[0008] Preferably, the change in electric potential between the threshold potential and the attachment potential is at least partially continuous.

[0009] Preferably, the change in electric potential between the threshold potential and the attachment potential is continuous.

[0010] Preferably, the output of the sensory output device is selected from one or more of visual output; audible output and / our; haptic output.

[0011] Preferably, the component is a portafilter.

[0012] Preferably, the attachment site is a group head.

[0013] Preferably, the attachment site is a grinder socket.

[0014] Preferably, the component is a hopper, and the attachment site is a hopper input socket.

[0015] There is also disclosed herein a coffee making appliance comprising a main body having a group head and a portafilter attachable thereto; wherein, said group head is adapted with an inductive transmitter and the portafilter is adapted with a inductive receiver; wherein the inductive transmitter is configured to inductively couple with the inductive receiver to induce an threshold electric potential when the portafilter is at a threshold distance from the group head; wherein the inductive transmitter is configured to inductively couple with the inductive receiverto induce an attachment electric potential when the portafilter is moved from the threshold distance into an attachment position with the group head; wherein the inductive receiver is electrically coupled with a sensory output device; wherein an output from the sensory output device energized by the threshold potential is user discernable from an output from the sensory output device energized by the attachment potential.

[0016] Preferably, the electric potential varies between the threshold potential and the attachment potential as the portafilter is moved from the threshold position to the attachment position, such that user discernable output from the sensory output device varies between the threshold position and the attachment position.

[0017] Preferably, the sensory output device is a LED with varying brightness as the portafilter is moved from the threshold position to the attachment position.

[0018] Preferably, the inductive transmitter and the inductive receiver are in the form of induction coils configured to locate in parallel planes when the portafilter is in the attachment position.

[0019] There is further disclosed herein a coffee making appliance comprising a main body having a group head and a portafilter attachable via a bayonet style arrangement; wherein, said group head is adapted with an inductive transmitter and the portafilter is adapted with a inductive receiver; wherein the inductive transmitter is configured to inductively couple with the inductive receiver to induce an threshold electric potential when the portafilter is at a threshold distance from the group head, said threshold position corresponding to an unlocked condition of the bayonet style fitting; wherein the inductive transmitter is configured to inductively couple with the inductive receiver to induce an attachment electric potential when the portafilter is moved from the threshold distance into an attachment position with the group head corresponding to a locked condition of the bayonet style fitting; wherein the inductive receiver is electrically coupled with a sensory output device; wherein an output from the sensory output device energized by the threshold potential is user discernable from an output from the sensory output device energized by the attachment potential.

[0020] Preferably, the inductive receiver is an induction coils having a curved configuration.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of a kitchen appliance in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of a is a cutaway view of a kitchen appliance in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein a component is separated from the main body;

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates the example embodiment of Figure 2, wherein the component is not separated from the main body;

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic representation of an example embodiment of a component and sensor in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates the example embodiment of Figure 4 with the component in an alternative position;

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic representation of an example embodiment of an attachment site and inductive transmitter in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic representation of an example embodiment of a component and inductive receiver in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of a kitchen appliance in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 9 illustrates a schematic representation of an example embodiment of an attachment site and a component in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 10 illustrates the example embodiment of Figure 9 with the component in an alternative position;

[0021] Figure 11 illustrates a schematic representation of an example embodiment of an attachment site and a component in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 12 illustrates the example embodiment of Figure 11 with the component in an alternative position;

[0023] Figure 13 illustrates a schematic representation of an example embodiment of a component in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 14 illustrates a schematic representation of an example embodiment of a component in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of a is a cutaway view of a kitchen appliance in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein a component is separated from the main body;

[0026] Figure 16 illustrates the example embodiment of Figure 15, wherein the component is not separated from the main body;DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] With reference to the Figures, depicted are example embodiments of a kitchen appliance 1 having one or more components 200 that are selectively attachable to the main body 10 of the appliance 1. The example embodiments of the kitchen appliance 1 are configured with a system for providing user discernable feedback pertaining to the location of the component 200 relative to the main body 10. In exemplary embodiment, the main body 10 includes an attachment site 100 to which the component 200 connects, thereby defining an “in-use” position generally coinciding with correct positioning or attachment of the component 200 relative to the main body 10 for the kitchen appliance 1 to be in a ready operational position or some otherwise desired position relevant to an operation being performed. Generally, though not necessarily, the desired position is some attachment position relevant to effect attachment of the component to the attachment site.

[0028] In example embodiments, the user discernable feedback is configured to guide a user to correctly position and / or connect a component 200 to the main body 10 in order to place the component 200 into a desired position, such as an in-use operational position.

[0029] Example embodiments disclosed herein advantageously allow for the component 200 to be configured with a user discernable output device 202 that may be indirectly or wirelessly energized. By this arrangement, such an output device 202 may be initially energized prior to the component 200 being correctly positioned or attached with respect to the main body 10.

[0030] In a preferred example embodiment, the user discernable output device 202 associated with the component 200 may be configured to initially energize at some threshold position prior to being moved into its desired position associated with its correct positioning for attachment. Such an example embodiment may guide a user toward correctly positioning and / or attaching a component 200 to the main body 10 in order to configure the appliance 1 for an operation.

[0031] Additionally, example embodiments may include having the output of a user discernable feedback device 202 associated with the component 200 varying from the threshold position toward some other position. For example, said output may vary as the component 200 is moved from its threshold position to a desired position such as an in-use position, thereby further assisting the user the effect correct positioning and / or attachment of the component 200 relative to the main body 10 in order to perform an operation on the appliance.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, shown is an example kitchen appliance 1 in the form of an espresso machine 1. An Espresso machine 1 of the type depicted in Figure 1 are often used in domestic applications and may include a component 200 in the form of a portafilter 200a configured to contain coffee grounds. In order to operate the espresso machine 1, the portafilter 200a must be attached to an attachment site 100 on the main body 10 of the appliance 1. One such attachment site 100 is a group head 100a, which is configured to direct water to the coffee grounds in the portafilter 200a in order to brew coffee. Once coffee is thus brewed, the portafilter 200a may be removed from the group head 100a in order to dispense of the spent coffee grounds.

[0033] The example coffee machine 1 of Figure 1 is of the type that includes an integral grinder (not shown) to process whole coffee beans into ground coffee. In this embodiment, the output socket 100b of the grinder provides an additional attachment site 100 for connection with theportafilter 200a. Typically, an empty portafilter 200a will be connected with the grinder output socket 100b to receive a dose of ground coffee, and will then be removed from the grinder output socket 100b and attached to the group head 100a.

[0034] In an example embodiment, an appliance 1 of the type depicted in Figure 1 may be configured with a coffee bean hopper 200c that is removably connectable with an input socket 100c of the integral grinder. In such an embodiment, the hopper 200c forms a component 200 associated with a connection site 100 in the form of the grinder input socket 100b.

[0035] Referring now to Figures 2 to 3, depicted is a non-limiting example embodiment of an espresso machine 1 comprising a system providing user discernable feedback to guide a user to correctly position a portafilter 200a with respect to a group head 100a. The example embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 depicts a single attachment site 100 for the portafilter 200a in the form of the group head 100a. However, it is to be understood that the example embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 can be used with a coffee machine 1 having an additional attachment site 100 of the portafilter 200a as depicted in Figure 1.

[0036] The main body 10 of Figures 2 and 3 has a group head 100a that is configured with an inductive structure forming an inductive transmitter 101. In this non-limiting example embodiment, the inductive structure is formed from windings of an electrically conductive conduit such as wire, such an inductive structure being often referred to as an induction coil. Here the wire windings forming the inductive transmitter 101 are applied about the periphery of the group head 100a, or within a circular groove provided in the group head 100a. The inductive transmitter 101 is energized using mains power supplied to the coffee machine 1, and is configured to generate a signal at a predetermined frequency, for example 100kHz, though other suitable frequencies may be readily selected. The portafilter 200a is configured with an inductive receiver 201 tuned to resonate at the same predetermined frequency as the inductive transmitter 101 to thereby generate electrical power from the received signal. By this arrangement, an electrical potential can be induced in the inductive receiver 201 without any direct electrical connection between the inductive transmitter 101 and the inductive receiver 201.

[0037] The example portafilter 200a is configured with an inductive structure forming inductive receiver 201. In this non-limiting example embodiment, the inductive structure is formed from windings of an electrically conductive conduit such as wire, such an inductive structure oftenreferred to as an induction coil. Here, the wire windings forming the inductive receiver 201 are applied to handle 204 of the portafilter 200a. In the depicted embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the windings are applied to a flattened upper surface of the handle 204, though other arrangements are possible. For example, the windings forming the inductive receiver 201 may be applied internally of the handle 204, or about the periphery of the portafilter head 203. In the depicted embodiment, the wire windings of the inductive receiver 201 are ovular or oblongate with a long axis corresponding to the axis of the handle 204. In this embodiment, the wire windings of the inductive receiver 201 are aligned in a plane. Similarly, the wire windings of the inductive transmitter 101 are aligned in a plane. As depicted in Figure 3, the plane of the wire windings comprising the inductive receiver 201 are parallel to the plane of the wire windings of the inductive transmitter 101 when the group head 100a is in its in-use position relative to the group head 100a.

[0038] The inductive receiver 201 associated with the group head 100a is electrically coupled with a sensory output device 202 which may be energized to produce user discernable output. In the depicted embodiment, the sensory output device 202 is an LED 202 providing visual output. However, it is to be understood that other embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure, for example, a sensory output device 202 providing audible output such as a piezo buzzer. By way of an additional example, a sensory output device 202 providing haptic output such as an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor may be used. In other example embodiments, the inductive receiver 201 may be electronically coupled with more than one sensory output device 202.

[0039] Still referring to the example embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, once the portafilter 200a is moved to some threshold location, the inductive transmitter 101 will induce a threshold potential with the inductive receiver 201. The threshold potential generally corresponds to the required potential to cause the electrically coupled sensory output device 202 to first general a user discernable output, thereby indicating to the use that the portafilter 200a has been moved toward the inductive transmitter and thus its desired operating position. Otherwise stated, the threshold position generally corresponds to the inductive receiver 201 moving into the induction field generated by the inductive transmitter 101 such that sufficient current is induced to produce user discernable output from the sensory output device 202.

[0040] In preferred embodiments, the induced potential in the inductive receiver 201 is configured to vary as the portafilter 200a is moved from the threshold position toward it thedesired position, such as a position corresponding with attachment, or the final in-use position. By this arrangement, the output from the sensory output device 202 may be configured to vary as the portafilter 200a is moved from the threshold position to the desired position, thereby aiding a user to guide the portafilter 200a towards the correct location to perform a desired operation. By way of non-limiting example, the sensory output device 202 may be light emitting device such as a LED 202, that is configured to start emitting light at the threshold position, and to increase in brightness as the portafilter 200a is moved toward its desired operating condition engaged with the group head 100a. In other embodiments, the LED 202 may be configured to flash with increasing frequency as it is moved closer to its in-use position, or to change colour.

[0041] In embodiments, the output from the sensory output device 202 may vary not only based on the distance from the group head 100a, but also with angular orientation of the portafilter 200a relative to the group head 100a. In the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 and as hereinbefore described, the wire windings of the inductive transmitter 101 and the inductive receiver 201 are each disposed in a plane, and said planes are configured to be parallel when the portafilter 200a is in its in-use position engaged with the group head 100a. If the angular orientation of the portafilter 200a deviates, thereby causing non-parallel alignment of the inductive transmitter 101 and inductive receiver 201 windings, the sensory output device 202 may be configured to vary to guide the user to adjust the angular alignment of the portafilter 200a.

[0042] The embodiments of Figures 2 and 3 may serve to enhance the user experience of operating the espresso machine 1, and may also simplify use of the machine 1. For example, the as the user moves the portafilter 200a toward the group head 100a, the brightness of the LED 202 may progressively increase as the portafilter 200a is moved towards its desired position generally corresponding to its in-use position, thereby guiding correct attachment of the portafilter 200a to the group head 100a. The brightness of the LED 202 may also decrease if the angular alignment of the portafilter 200a deviates from its in-use position. By this arrangement, the user is assisted to move the portafilter 200a toward its in-use position in relation to the group head 100a. In an embodiment, the desired position correspond to the portafilter 200a being angularly aligned and adjacent to the group head 100a, such that the user is then merely required to rotationally align the lugs 205 of the portafilter 200a with the corresponding detail 102 of the group head 100a and then twist the portafilter 200a to engage the bayonet fitting and to lock the portafilter 200a in the in-use position. In embodiments, indicia (not shown) may be provided on the portafilter 200a and group head 100a to assist with alignment of the lugs 205.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment depicted by Figures 4 and 5, the attachment site 100 may be adapted with a sensor 104 to determine when the portafilter 200a in its in-use position is sufficiently twisted into the locked position of the bayonet style coupling so as to perform a coffee making operation. For example, a limit switch 104 may be configured to be engaged by a lug 205 of the portafilter 200a when the portafilter is twisted into the locked position of the bayonet style coupling with the attachment site 100, as depicted in Figure 5. In example embodiments, the output of the sensory output device 202 may be configured to vary once the portafilter 200a is twisted into the locked position to engage the limit switch 104. In an example embodiment, a controller may be used to vary the signal transmitted by the inductive transmitter 101 once the limit switch 104 is triggered, which in turn is configured to vary the received signal to vary the output of the sensory output device 202.

[0044] In further alternative embodiments related to an espresso machine 1 of the type depicted in Figure 1, both the grinder output socket 100b and the group head 100a may be configured with an inductive transmitter 101. A controller may be used to selectively energize either the inductive transmitter 101 associated with the grinder or the inductive transmitter 101 associated with the group head 100a depending on the phase of the coffee making process to guide the user toward moving the portafilter 200a into an attachment position for the task being performed. For example, a controller may initially energize an inductive transmitter 101 associated with the grinder to guide the user to moving the portafilter 200a into its in-use position with the grinder output socket 100b to receive a dose of ground coffee. Then, the controller may de-energize the inductive transmitter 101 associated with the grinder and instead energize the inductive transmitter 101 associated with he group head 100a to guide the user into moving the portafilter 200a into its in-use position with the group head 100a to perform a coffee brewing operation.

[0045] Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, shown are schematic representations of the inductive transmitter 101 and inductive receiver 201 respectively. Here, the position and arrangement of the wire wrappings are exaggerated for purpose of visibility.

[0046] Referring now to Figures 8 to 12, depicted is an alternative non-limiting example embodiment of kitchen appliance 1 are configured with a system for providing user discernable feedback pertaining to the location of the component 200 relative to the main body 10. Here, the threshold position coincides with the lugs 205 of the group head 100a being inserted into the corresponding detail 102 of the group head 100a bayonet style fitting. The user discernableoutput of the sensory output device 202 is then configured to vary as the portafilter 200a is twisted towards into the locked position relative the group head 100a. Accordingly, the output will inform the user that the lugs 205 of the portafilter 200a have been inserted into the bayonet style fitting of the group head 100a, and then the output will vary as the portafilter 200a is twisted to guide the user to move the portafilter 200a into the locked in-use position.

[0047] In the example embodiment of Figures 8 to 12, the wire windings forming the induction transmitter 101 are applied to a frontal position of the group head 100a sidewall 103. In the example embodiment in Figures 8 to 10, the wire windings are in the form of a small cylinder. In the alternative example embodiment of Figures 11 and 12, the wire windings extend radially further along the contour of the sidewall 103, giving a curved planar character. The inductive transmitter 101 may either by applied to the outer surface of the group head 100a sidewall 103, or embedded within the sidewall 103. Provision of the inductive transmitter 101 at a generally discreet position as shown in example embodiments of Figure 8 to 12 may serve to limit the extent of the induction field generated by the inductive transmitter 101 so the sensory output device 202 first generates a user discernable output when the lugs 205 of the group head 100a are first inserted into the bayonet style fittings of the group head 100a, or otherwise neat to this position.

[0048] Still referring to the example embodiment of Figures 8 to 12, the wire windings of the inductive transmitter 101 may be applied to a small upper section of the handle 204 proximal to the head. Such an arrangement may serve to locate the inductive receiver 201 nearer to the inductive transmitter 101 when the portafilter 200a is twisted into the locked in-use position. In the depicted embodiment, the wire windings of the inductive transmitter 101 are applied around a small protrusion from an upper surface of the handle 204. In alternative embodiments the coil windings may be applied directly to the surface, or may be embedded in the surface.

[0049] In the depicted embodiment of Figures 8 to 12, the receiving coil 201 is not aligned in a plane as with the example embodiment of Figures 2 to 6. Rather, the wire windings are adapted to conform with the curved contour of the portafilter 200a handle 204. It has been surprisingly found that providing a inductive receiver 201 in the form of a induction coil having a curved rather than planar character is advantageous for correctly tuning the arrangement of Figures 8 to 12. This example embodiment is intended to guide a user to correctly twist a portafilter 200a into the locked position once the lugs 205 of the portafilter 200a have been inserted upwardly into thebayonet fitting of the group head 100a. Consequently, the receiving coil 201 is only required to operate within a limited induction field generated by the inductive transmitter 101. Specifically, it is preferred that the sensory output device 202 does not start producing user discernable output until the lugs 205 of the portafilter 200a are at least adjacent to the corresponding structures 103 of the group head 100a, thereby guiding the user to push the portafilter 200a upwards so the lugs 205 begin engagement with the bayonet style grooves of the group head 100a. Accordingly, the induction field is only required to extend a relatively small distance from the inductive transmitter 101. In other embodiments, it is preferred that the sensory output device 202 only starts producing user discernable output once the upwards travel of the lugs 205 through the corresponding structure of the group head 100a is complete, thus guiding the user to twist the group head 100a toward its in-use locked position. Therefore, the threshold distance at which the sensory output device 202 begins producing output in this embodiment is relatively small, which may require precise configuration. The provision of the inductive transmitter 101 to a relatively discreet portion of the group head 100a as hereinbefore described may aid in producing an inductive field to more precisely interact with the inductive receiver 201 to produce the required user discernable feedback. It has been surprisingly found that the curved nature of the receiving induction coil 201 may also aid in facilitating the required user discernable output.

[0050] In an example embodiment, the user discernable output is configured to vary from the threshold position toward the in-use position whereby the portafilter 200a is properly seated and locked with respect to the group head 100a. For example, the sensory output device 202 may be provided in the form of an LED 202, which is configured to increase in brightness as the portafilter 200a is moved from the threshold position toward the desired locked position. It has also been surprisingly found that the curved character of the receiving induction coil 201 improves the sensitivity of the received signal from the inductive transmitter 101 as the portafilter 200a is moved through the relatively short distance from the threshold position to the in-use locked position. This provides for more responsive variance of user discernable output.

[0051] Referring now to Figure 8 more specifically, the embodiment of Figures 9 to 14 may be used with an attachment site 100 in the form of a grinder output socket 100c in addition to the group head 100a.

[0052] With reference to Figures 13 and 14, the portafilter 200a may be configured with a secondary device 206 energized by potential induced in a inductive receiver 201, 207. Inexample embodiment of Figure 13, the portafilter 200a handle 204 is configured with a secondary device 206 providing a vibrational output, such as an eccentric rotational motor (ERM). In the example embodiment of Figure 13 the ERM 206 is electrically coupled to a second inductive receiving coil 207. In an example embodiment the inductive receiver 207 associated with the ERM 206 may be turned to inductive couple with the inductive transmitter 101 associated with the grinder output socket 100c. By this arrangement, the vibrations induced by the ERM 206 may serve to settle and distribute the ground coffee within the portafilter 200a, which may facilitate the desired dose of coffee being charged to the portafilter 200a, and which may also serve to reduce spillages of ground coffee from the portafilter 200a, and may further aid in structuring the coffee grounds within the filter 200a to promote formation of a coffee puck for a subsequent brewing operation. In the alternative embodiment of Figure 14, the LED 202 and ERM 206 are electronically coupled to a single inductive receiver 201 so as to be contemporaneously energized.

[0053] Referring now to Figures 15 or 16, shown is a non-limiting example embodiment where the attachment site 100 is an input socket 100b and the component 200 is a hopper 200c. Here the attachment position refers to the hopper 200c being correctly seated with respect to the input socket 100b such that beans withing the socket may move from the hopper 200c through the input socket 100b to the grinder for processing into ground coffee.

[0054] In the example embodiment of Figures 15 and 16, the inductive transmitter 101 may be in the form of wire windings applied about the outer periphery of the input socket 100b. The inductive receiver 201 may be in the form of wire windings applied about a throat 208 of the hopper 200c. As depicted, the windings of the inductive receiver 201 may be provided in a plane parallel to the place of the inductive transmitter 101 when the hopper 200c is in its in-use position depicted in Figure 16. By this arrangement, a sensory output device 202 such as an LED 202, may be electrically coupled with the inductive transmitter 101 so as to provide varying user discernable output as the hopper 200c is moved towards its in-use position, where the user discernable output may also vary according to any angular discrepancy of the hopper 200c with respect to the in-use position. In this regard the presently described arrangement may be though of as functioning like that hereinbefore described in relation to Figures 2 and 3.

[0055] In a further example embodiment, the inductive transmitter 101 may be provided in the lid of the hopper 200c. In a yet further embodiment, a light source such as an LED, electricallycoupled with the inductive receiver 201 may be provided to direct light through the internal space of the hopper, such that a light sensor (not shown) may be provided to detect the level of attenuation of said though through the internal space to thereby infer the level of coffee beans stored in the hopper 200c.

[0056] It is to be understood that the example embodiments hereinbefore described may be combined for use in a kitchen appliance 1. For example, the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 may be combined with those of Figures 8 to 14. Such a combination will guide the user to insert the portafilter 200a upwards into engagement with the group head 100a using user discernable output varied according to distance and angular orientation relative this desired position; and then provide user discernable feedback guiding the user to twist the portafilter 200a into its locked position. Such a combination may further include the system described in relation to Figures 15 and 16.

[0057] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0058] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing”, “have”, “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms “a” and “an” used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used merely as labels, and are notintended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

[0059] PARTS LIST1 Kitchen appliance10 Main body100 attachment site101 inductive transmitter100a group head102 corresponding detail (to portafilter lugs)103 sidewall104 sensor100b grinder output socket100c grinder input socket200 Component201 inductive receiver202 sensory output device200a portafilter203 head204 handle205 lugs206 secondary device207 secondary inductive receiver200c hopper208 hopper throat

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A kitchen appliance comprising a main body having an attachment site for a component; wherein, said attachment site is adapted with an inductive transmitter and the component is adapted with a inductive receiver;wherein the inductive transmitter is configured to inductively couple with the inductive receiver when the component is at a threshold distance from the attachment site to thereby induce a threshold potential in the inductive receiver; andwherein the inductive transmitter is configured to inductively couple with the inductive receiver to induce an attachment potential when the component is connected to the attachment site in an attachment position; wherein,wherein the inductive receiver is electrically coupled with a sensory output device; wherein output from the sensory output device energized by the threshold potential is user discernable from output from the sensory output device energized by the attachment potential.

2. The kitchen appliance of claim 1, wherein as the component is moved from the threshold distance to its attachment position, an electric potential associated with the inductive received changes from the threshold potential to the attachment potential.

3. The kitchen appliance of claim 2, wherein the change in electric potential between the threshold potential and the attachment potential is at least partially continuous.

4. The kitchen appliance of claim 2, wherein the change in electric potential between the threshold potential and the attachment potential is continuous.

5. The kitchen appliance of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output of the sensory output device is selected from one or more of:visual output;audible output and / our;haptic output.

6. The kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the component is a portafilter.

7. The kitchen appliance according to claim 6, wherein the attachment site is a group head.

8. The kitchen appliance according to claim 6, wherein the attachment site is a grinder socket.

9. The kitchen appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the component is a hopper, and the attachment site is a hopper input socket.

10. A coffee making appliance comprising a main body having a group head and a portafilter attachable thereto; wherein, said group head is adapted with an inductive transmitter and the portafilter is adapted with a inductive receiver;wherein the inductive transmitter is configured to inductively couple with the inductive receiver to induce an threshold electric potential when the portafilter is at a threshold distance from the group head;wherein the inductive transmitter is configured to inductively couple with the inductive receiver to induce an attachment electric potential when the portafilter is moved from the threshold distance into an attachment position with the group head;wherein the inductive receiver is electrically coupled with a sensory output device; wherein an output from the sensory output device energized by the threshold potential is user discernable from an output from the sensory output device energized by the attachment potential.

11. The coffee machine in accordance with claim 10, wherein the electric potential varies between the threshold potential and the attachment potential as the portafilter is moved from the threshold position to the attachment position, such that user discernable output from the sensory output device varies between the threshold position and the attachment position.

12. The coffee machine in accordance with claim 11, wherein the sensory output device is a LED with varying brightness as the portafilter is moved from the threshold position to the attachment position.

13. The coffee machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inductive transmitter and the inductive receiver are in the form of induction coils configured to locate in parallel planes when the portafilter is in the attachment position.

14. A coffee making appliance comprising a main body having a group head and a portafilter attachable via a bayonet style arrangement; wherein, said group head is adapted with an inductive transmitter and the portafilter is adapted with a inductive receiver;wherein the inductive transmitter is configured to inductively couple with the inductive receiver to induce an threshold electric potential when the portafilter is at a threshold distance from the group head, said threshold position corresponding to an unlocked condition of the bayonet style fitting;wherein the inductive transmitter is configured to inductively couple with the inductive receiver to induce an attachment electric potential when the portafilter is moved from the threshold distance into an attachment position with the group head corresponding to a locked condition of the bayonet style fitting;wherein the inductive receiver is electrically coupled with a sensory output device; wherein an output from the sensory output device energized by the threshold potential is user discernable from an output from the sensory output device energized by the attachment potential.

15. The coffee machine of Figure 14, wherein the inductive receiver is an induction coils having a curved configuration.APPLICANTPatent Attorneys for the Applicant / Nominated PersonGLMR

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