Beverage server

Abstract

One embodiment of the invention relates to a beverage server for use in containing and dispensing liquid. The beverage server comprises a container, a lid, a stopper, and an actuator coupled to the handle and to the stopper. The actuator moves between a first position and a second position and is configured to move the stopper between an open position and a closed position.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a beverage server.

Beverage servers are generally known. Such known beverage servers typically include a base container, a lid, stopper and an actuator. The base container is typically symmetrical about a vertical axis and wider at the bottom than at the top. Actuation of the actuator by the user moves the stopper between an open position (wherein liquid may be dispensed or poured from the container) and a closed position (wherein liquid is prevented from being poured from the container). Actuation of the actuator and/or movement of the stopper comprises pivoting or rotating movement.

However, such beverage servers have several disadvantages. For example, such shape and configuration of the base requires a substantial tilt angle to dispense liquid. The greater the tilt angle, the more effort, skill and possibility of leakage or spillage. Also, pivoting movement of the actuator or the stopper requires complexity not necessary for a beverage server.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a beverage server. It would also be advantageous to provide a beverage server with a trigger actuator configured for linear movement and a stopper configured for linear (horizontal, vertical, and/or diagonal) movement. It would also be advantageous to provide a beverage server with a liquid level indicator and an integral contents indicator. It would also be advantageous to provide a beverage server that is substantially snap fit together. It would also be advantageous to provide a beverage server that has a slanted or offset configuration to improve dispensing without reducing stability when sitting on a surface. It would be desirable to provide for a beverage server having one or more of these or other advantageous features. To provide an inexpensive, reliable, and widely adaptable beverage server that avoids the above-referenced and other problems would represent a significant advance in the art.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention relates to a beverage server for containing and dispensing liquid. The beverage server comprises a base; a stopper coupled to the base and movable in at least a linear direction between an open position and a closed position; a handle coupled to the base; and an actuator coupled to the handle and to the stopper and movable in a linear direction between a first position and a second position. The linear movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position moves the stopper from the closed position to the open position. The lid includes a surface that engages the stopper and guides the movement of the stopper. The actuator is moveable by a user squeezing the handle to apply pressure between the grip and the handle.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a beverage server for containing and dispensing a liquid. The beverage server comprises a base configured to contain the liquid and including a top and a bottom; and a pour spout extending from the base and configured to guide liquid being dispensed from the base. The bottom of the base is offset from the top of the base in a direction opposite from the direction of the pour spout. The base may comprise an outer body, a reservoir located inside the outer body and coupled to the outer body by a plurality of snap-fit connections.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a beverage server for use in containing and dispensing a liquid. The beverage server comprises a base configured to contain liquid; a lid coupled to the base; a stopper coupled to the lid and movable between an open position and a closed position; a handle coupled to the base; an actuator, and a pour spout extending from the base and configured to guide liquid being dispensed from the base. The actuator is coupled to the stopper and movable in a linear direction between a first position and a second position. Linear movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position linearly moves the stopper from the closed position to the open position. The bottom of the base is offset from the top of the base in a direction opposite from the direction of the pour spout. The base may comprise a liquid level indicator/window and a contents indicator/dial.

The present invention further relates to various features and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed embodiments. Other ways in which the objects and features of the disclosed embodiments are accomplished will be described in the following specification or will become apparent to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification. Such other ways are deemed to fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments if they fall within the scope of the claims which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage server according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the beverage container in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is section view of the beverage container in FIG. 1 in a closed position.

FIG. 4 is section view of the beverage container in FIG. 1 in an opened position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the beverage server in FIG. 1 showing the handle and the viewing indicator.

FIG. 6 is a section view of a beverage container according to another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the FIGURES, a beverage server 10 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Beverage server 10 is configured to substantially contain a liquid and allow the liquid to be poured out. Beverage server 10 may be configured to have insulating properties and be configured to insulate the contained liquid (i.e., keep a beverage at a temperature greater than or less than room temperature). According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, beverage server comprises a base 12, and a lid 14 coupled to base 12.

Base 12 forms the main body of beverage server 10 and has a slanted or offset configuration (e.g., non-concentric about its axis such that a top portion is not directly above a bottom portion). Base 12 comprises an outer body 20, a reservoir 30, a handle 40, a handle cover 50, a sealing member 52, a collar 54, and an actuator (shown as a trigger 60). Outer body 20 (e.g., container, casing, shell, etc.) is a generally thin-walled body that comprises a side wall 22 and an end plate 24 and has a generally open top (prior to attachment of handle 40). Side wall 22 may have a cross-section that is circular, non-circular, elliptical, tapering, tubular, or the like. According to an exemplary embodiment, side wall 22 and end plate 24 are separate bodies. According to other exemplary embodiments, side wall 22 and end plate 24 may be formed as a single unitary body.

Reservoir 30 (e.g., bladder, inner body, liner, etc.) is a generally thin-walled body that is configured to contain a liquid and is housed within outer body 20. Reservoir 30 may have a cross-section that is circular, non-circular, elliptical, tapering, tubular, or the like. As shown, reservoir 30 contains a single liquid (e.g., coffee), but could be modified to provide two or more spaces to contain multiple different liquids (e.g., regular coffee, decaffeinated coffee, cream, water, tea, etc.). Outer body 20 and reservoir 30 may be separated by a space 26. Space 26 (e.g., gap, separation, void, etc.) is configured to inhibit heat transfer between outer body 20 and reservoir 30 (e.g., insulate reservoir 30). According to various exemplary embodiments, the space may be filled with a gas (e.g., air), a solid (e.g., polyurethane foam), or a vacuum. Reservoir 30 comprises a generally cylindrical outlet 32 (e.g., neck, opening, passage, narrow portion, etc.) along the top that is configured to direct a liquid inside reservoir to lid 14 so that is can be poured. Outlet 32 comprises threads 34 and a flange 36 that is configured to receive a sealing member 52, shown as an o-ring.

Referring especially to FIGS. 2-4, the top and bottom ends of base 12 (and reservoir 30) are offset such that the top of reservoir 30 is slanted or tilted forward relative to the bottom. The offset nature of reservoir 30 allows a user to tip beverage server 10 less of an angle to pour a liquid from beverage server 10 than would be needed if the side walls of reservoir 30 were substantially vertical.

Handle 40 is provided to allow a user to lift and manipulate beverage server 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, handle 40 is threadably coupled to the top of base 12 and comprises a body portion 42 and a grip portion 44. Body portion 42 at least partially surrounds lid 14 and may be configured to present a substantially continuous out surface with base 12. Grip portion 44 extends outward from the rear of base 12. Grip portion 44 is a generally hollow body with an aperture 46 (e.g., open side, opening, etc.) facing towards outer body 20 that receives trigger 60 and allows trigger 60 to slide in grip portion 44. Grip portion 44 receives a handle cover 50 that is contoured to substantially match the contour of grip portion 44, cover the hollow body of grip portion 44, and present a generally smooth surface when coupled to grip portion 44. The handle and/or handle cover may include a plurality or holes or openings that facilitate the draining and/or evaporation of any water inside the handle (e.g., if the server has been submerged in water).

According to an exemplary embodiment, base 12 further includes a fluid level indicator 56 (e.g., window, gauge, meter, etc.) that is configured to allow a user to visually determine the level of the liquid in reservoir 30 without opening beverage server 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, outer body 20 includes an aperture 28 (opening, slot, etc.) that receives a protruding portion 38 of reservoir 30. Protruding portion 38 may partially or completely extend through aperture 28. Reservoir 30 may be made entirely of a substantially transparent material (e.g. an acrylic resin) or may only include a protruding portion 30 that is substantially clear. According to an exemplary embodiment, indicator 56 is located on the front of server 10, generally opposite of handle 40. According to other exemplary embodiments, indicator 56 may be proximate to handle 40 or may be on the side of server 10.

A collar 54 is provided that is threadably coupled to reservoir 30. As collar 54 is threaded onto reservoir 30, body portion 42 of handle 40 is trapped between collar 54 and flange 36 on outlet 32, compressing sealing member 52. Collar 54 has an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the inner diameter of outlet 32 to provide a generally smooth and continuous surface to receive lid 14.

Trigger 60 is configured to slide generally horizontally between a first (e.g., closed, disengaged, rest, extended, etc.) position and a second (e.g., open, engaged, use, retracted, etc.) position. Trigger comprises a grip portion 62 (portion that user interfaces with), a connecting portion 64, an engaging portion 66 and a stop 68. Interface 62 is a surface that is configured to be engaged by the inside portion of a user's fingers when the user is grasping handle 40. When the user squeezes or pulls back on trigger 60, trigger 60 slides within handle 40. Connecting portion 64 couples interface 62 to engaging portion 66 and is configured to add rigidity to trigger 60. Engaging portion 66, shown as a generally vertical wall or tab (e.g., hook), is configured to engage a feature in stopper 80 (shown as slot 89 and further described below). Stop 68, shown as a vertical member wall extending downward from connecting portion 64, is configured to contact a corresponding wall 48 (e.g., ledge, ridge, stop, etc.) to limit and guide the horizontal travel of trigger 60.

Lid 14 is coupled to the top of base 12 and is configured to controllably allow release a liquid from inside reservoir 30. According to an exemplary embodiment, lid 14 is coupled to base 12. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, lid 14 is captured within body portion 42 by a molded-in catch feature at the rear of spout cover 94a that engages a lip on the front edge 87 of handle cover 50. As such, rather than being screwed on or hinged on, lid 14 may be removed or separated from body 42 by releasing catch 85 (e.g., by pushing in the in-molded catch 85). Alternatively, the lid may be coupled to the base by a variety of techniques. According to an exemplary embodiment, lid 14 comprises a spout 70, a sealing member 90, a stopper 80, a biasing member 92, a spout cover 94, and a contents indicator 96 and dial 98.

Spout 70 urges liquid emerging from inside reservoir 30 into a narrow stream, allowing a user to pour the liquid into a receptacle while reducing the chance of the liquid spilling outside the receptacle. Spout 70 comprises a generally cylindrical neck 72 which extends downward from spout 70 and is configured to be received by outlet 32 of reservoir 30. A lip 74 (e.g., ledge, protrusion, ridge, etc.) extends outward from the end of neck 72. Sealing member 90 is a generally ring-shaped body that comprises a groove 91 (e.g., depression, channel, etc.) along its inner surface. Groove 91 is configured to receive lip 74 and substantially couple sealing member 90 to spout 70. Sealing member 90 frictionally couples spout 70 to reservoir 30 when neck 72 is inserted into outlet 32.

Spout 70 further comprises a wall 76 and an opening 78. Wall 76 extends upward from spout 70 and acts a stop to limit the horizontal travel of trigger 60. Opening 78 (e.g., aperture, cutout, track, etc.) allows engaging portion 66 of trigger 60 to pass through spout 70 and slide between the first position and the second position.

Stopper 80 (e.g., closure element, gate, flap, etc.) is a member that is coupled to trigger 60 and is configured to substantially retain a liquid in reservoir 30 when in a closed position. Stopper 80 and trigger 60 are substantially prevented from moving in the vertical direction and allowed limited movement in the horizontal direction (e.g., from front to back) between a first or closed position and a second or open position. Stopper 80 comprises a generally planar lid portion 81, a first vertical portion 82, a first horizontal portion 84, a second vertical portion 86, and a second horizontal portion 88 lid portion 81 is configured to contact spout 70 when stopper 80 is in a closed position and substantially retain a liquid in reservoir and to allow a liquid to escape reservoir 30 when stopper 80 is in an open position. First vertical portion 82 (e.g., forward wall), first horizontal portion 84 (e.g., slide, bearing surface, etc.), and second vertical portion 86 (e.g., rear wall) form a generally u-shaped structure. First horizontal portion 84 slides along the top edge of wall 76 of spout 70 as trigger 60 is moved from the first or closed position to the second or open position. First vertical portion 82 and second vertical portion 86 are configured to limit the movement of trigger 60 by contacting wall 76 generally corresponding to the open and closed positions, respectfully. Second horizontal portion 88 extends outward from second vertical portion and includes a slot 89 (e.g., slit, aperture, opening, etc.) that is configured to receive engaging portion 66 of trigger 60 and substantially couples stopper 80 to trigger 60.

Biasing member 92 may be provided to urge stopper 80 towards the closed position when a user is not engaging trigger 60. According to an exemplary embodiment, biasing member 92 is a coil spring that is coupled between stopper 80 and spout cover 94. According to one exemplary embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a biasing member, shown as coil spring 58, may be disposed between trigger 62 and handle 50. According to another exemplary embodiment (as shown in FIG. 6) the biasing member may be a leaf spring 158. According to still other exemplary embodiments, trigger 62 or handle cover 50 may include an integrally formed resilient portion that is configured to bias trigger 62 away from handle 50.

Spout cover 94 is configured to substantially enclose stopper 80. Spout cover 94 generally follows the contour of body portion 42 of handle 40 and comprises an open end 95 and a plurality of indicators 96 integral with cover 94. Open end 95 is aligned with the end of beverage server 10 opposite of grip portion 44 and allows a liquid to be poured out of reservoir 30. Indicators 96, shown arranged generally radially, cooperate with a dial 98 coupled to spout cover 94. Indicators 96 are selectively revealed by dial 98 to allow a user to determine the type of liquid contained in beverage server 10. According to one exemplary embodiment, indicators 96 are arranged radially. According to other exemplary embodiments, indicators 96 may be in another arrangement (e.g., linearly, parallel, etc.) such that they can be selectively revealed by dial 98.

Drainage passages are provided by holes or openings 45 and 65 (e.g., drain holes, “weep” holes, etc.) on handle 40 and trigger 60 respectively. In the event that liquid enters the interior of the handle (e.g., from the area between handle 40 and trigger 60 when beverage server 10 is being washed into the area between handle 40 and trigger 60. Weep holes 65 provide a first drainage passage that allows water to drain if server 10 is dried orientated in an upright orientation and weep holes 45 allow water to drain if server 10 is dried orientated in an upside down or inverted position. According to other exemplary embodiments, weep holes 45 and 65 may be a variety of shapes and may be provided in a variety of locations. According to alternative embodiments, additional holes may be provided as desired and as the internal structure dictates.

Referring to FIG. 6, a beverage server 110 is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Beverage server 110 is generally similar to server 10 and is configured to substantially contain a liquid in a reservoir 130 and allow the liquid to be poured out. Beverage server comprises a base 112, and a lid 114 coupled to base 112. Reservoir 130 (e.g., bladder, inner body, liner, etc.) is a generally thin-walled body that is configured to contain a liquid and is housed within an outer body 120. Reservoir 130 includes a generally cylindrical outlet 132 (e.g., neck, opening, passage, narrow portion, etc.) along the top that is configured to direct a liquid inside reservoir to lid 114 so that is can be poured. Outlet 132 is configured to receive a sealing member, shown as gasket 190. Reservoir 130 has a tapered top portion 133 that is configured to facilitate the cleaning of the inside of reservoir 130 (e.g., with a brush or other cleaning utensil, etc.). Reservoir 130 may include a protrusion or dimple 137 that extends downward from the bottom of reservoir 130 to interface with features (shown as ribs extending upward from bottom 124) on outer body 120 to locate reservoir 130 with respect to outer body 120.

A handle 140 is provided to allow a user to lift and manipulate beverage server 110. According to an exemplary embodiment, handle 140 is coupled to the top of base 112 and comprises a body portion 142 and a grip portion 144. Grip portion 144 is a generally hollow body that receives a trigger 160. Grip portion 144 receives a handle cover 150 that is contoured to substantially match the contour of grip portion 144, cover the hollow body of grip portion 144, and present a generally smooth surface when coupled to grip portion 144. Handle 140 and/or handle cover 150 may include a plurality or holes or openings 51 that facilitate the evaporation of any water inside handle 40 (e.g., if server 10 has been submerged in water). Handle 140 is coupled to reservoir 130 with one or more tabs or walls 147. Tabs 147 include openings that are configured to receive corresponding protrusions 134 that extend outward from cylindrical portion 132 of reservoir 130. Handle 140 may further be coupled to reservoir with a fastener, shown as screw 149. Screw 149 threadably engages a feature shown as boss or protrusion 139 that extends upward from the top 133 of reservoir 130.

Trigger 160 is configured to slide generally horizontally between a first (e.g., closed, disengaged, rest, extended, etc.) position and a second (e.g., open, engaged, use, retracted, etc.) position. Trigger comprises a user interface 162, a connecting portion 164, an engaging portion 166 and a stop 168. Connecting portion 164 is a generally cylindrical body that couples interface 162 to engaging portion 166 and is configured to add rigidity to trigger 160. Engaging portion 166, shown as a generally vertical wall or tab (e.g., hook), is configured to engage a feature (shown as wall 186 and further described below) in stopper 180. Stop 168, shown as a vertical wall, is configured to contact a corresponding surface 148 (e.g., ledge, ridge, stop, etc.) to limit and guide the horizontal travel of trigger 160. Trigger 160 is biased towards the extended position by spring 158, which presses against an interior surface of handle 150 and an interior surface of trigger 160. Spring 158 is shown as a leaf spring, but may be a coil spring, or any of a variety of biasing members. The spring (biasing member) may also be integrally molded as a plastic projection extending therefrom with trigger or handle.

Lid 114 is coupled to the top of base 112 and is configured to controllably allow release a liquid from inside reservoir 130. According to an exemplary embodiment, lid 114 comprises a spout 170, a sealing member 190, a stopper 180, a biasing member 192, a spout cover 194, and a dial 198.

Spout 170 guides urges liquid emerging from inside reservoir 130 into a narrow stream, allowing a user to pour the liquid into a receptacle while reducing the chance of the liquid spilling outside the receptacle. Spout 170 comprises a generally cylindrical neck 172 that extends downward from spout 170 and is configured to be received by outlet 132 of reservoir 130. Sealing member 190 is a generally ring-shaped body that comprises a horizontal portion and a vertical portion and is trapped between handle 140 and reservoir 130. Sealing member 190 frictionally couples spout 170 to reservoir 130 when neck 172 is inserted into outlet 132. Sealing member 190 substantially seals the interface between spout 170 and reservoir 130 and helps reduce the chance of any liquid escaping into the space between reservoir 130 and outer body 120. Spout 170 further comprises a slanted or inclined surface 177. Inclined surface 177 extends backward from neck 172 and provides a bearing surface for stopper 180.

Stopper 180 (e.g., closure element, gate, flap, etc.) is a member that is coupled to trigger 160 and is configured to substantially retain a liquid in reservoir 130 when in a closed position (i.e., prevent or inhibit liquid from being poured out of reservoir 130). Stopper 180 is allowed limited movement in the horizontal direction (e.g., from front to back) and in the vertical direction (e.g., up and down) between a first or closed position and a second or open position. At portions of its movement, Stopper 180 has both horizontal and vertical movement (i.e., diagonal or angular movement). Stopper 180 comprises a generally planar lid portion 181, a first vertical portion 182, a second vertical portion 186, and an inclined surface 188. First vertical portion 182 (e.g., forward wall) is coupled to a biasing member, shown as a spring 192. When stopper 180 is moved from a closed position to an open position, engaging portion 166 of trigger 160 contacts second vertical portion 186 and pulls stopper into the open position. Inclined surface 188 contacts inclined surface 177 on spout 170 and provides guided diagonal or angular linear movement (i.e., movement that is both horizontal and vertical movement). As stopper 180 moves to an open position, inclined surfaces 188 and 177 interface to force stopper to move upward, creating a larger opening for liquid escaping from reservoir 130.

Spring 192 is preferably provided to urge stopper 180 towards the closed position when a user is not engaging trigger 160. According to an exemplary embodiment, spring 192 is a coil spring that is coupled between first vertical portion 182 of stopper 180 and spout cover 194. According to other exemplary embodiments, the spring may be provided between stopper or trigger and any component that they move relative to when a user engages the trigger. Alternatively, the spring may be a leaf spring or any of a variety of biasing members (e.g., integrally molded as a plastic projection extending from the stopper or other portion of the lid).

Due to the non-concentric shape, the assembly of the server generally comprises building the server from the bottom up using several snap fit connections. For example, the server 110 is assembled by first locating reservoir 130 in bottom 124 with dimple 137. Reservoir 130 is snapped (clipped) or otherwise coupled to bottom 124. A generally cylindrical side wall 122 is fitted over reservoir 130 and a protruding portion 138 of reservoir 130 is aligned with a corresponding opening 128 in side wall 122 to form a level indicator 156. A space 126 is left between reservoir 130 and side wall 122 to help insulate reservoir 130. According to various exemplary embodiments, the space may be filled with a gas (e.g., air), a solid (e.g., polyurethane foam), or a vacuum. Gasket 190 is fitted onto outlet 132 and trapped between handle 140 and reservoir 130. Handle 140 is coupled to reservoir with a snap fit engagement and a fastener (shown as a tab 147 and a screw 149). Trigger 160 is inserted into handle 140 and allowed to extend through an opening 146 in the grip portion 144 of handle 140. Handle cover 150 is coupled to handle 140 (e.g., interference fit, a snap fit engagement, heat staking, ultrasonic welding, fastener, etc.). Spout 170 is frictionally coupled to reservoir 130 by gasket 190 and the engaging portion 166 of trigger 160 is allowed to pass through an opening in inclined surface 177. Stopper 180 is coupled to spout cover 194. Lid 14 is coupled to handle 140 such that the open end 195 of spout cover 194 is aligned with the front of beverage server 110 and stopper 180 engages trigger 160.

Server 110 is used by gripping selectively handle 140 to move trigger 160 from the extended position toward the retracted position to open a path or passageway for the liquid to be poured from reservoir 130. The guided horizontal movement of trigger 160 moves stopper 180. Spout 170 provides guided movement (horizontal and diagonal) to stopper 180. When a desired amount is poured, trigger 160 is released to move back towards the extended position, which moves stopper 180 (and allows stopper 180 to move) toward the closed position and seat against spout 170.

Also, it is important to note that the term “server,” “reservoir,” ” and “trigger” are intended to be broad terms and not terms of limitation. These components may be used with any of a variety of products or arrangements and are not intended to be limited to use with liquid storing and dispensing applications. Also, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Such joining may also relate to mechanical, fluid, or electrical relationship between the two components. Further, the terms of direction such as “vertical” and “horizontal” are intended for clarity and in reference to when the beverage server is its general upright position such as when setting on a surface.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the utensil as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and/or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A beverage server for containing and dispensing a liquid, the beverage server comprising:

a base;

a stopper coupled to the base and movable in at least a linear direction between an open position and a closed position;

a handle coupled to the base;

an actuator coupled to the handle and to the stopper and movable in a linear direction between a first position and a second position;

wherein linear movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position moves the stopper from the closed position to the open position.

2. The beverage server of claim 1 further comprising a lid coupled to the base and comprising an inclined surface to guide the stopper in a linear direction.

3. The beverage server of claim 1 wherein the base comprises an outer body and a reservoir substantially disposed inside the outer body and having a window that extends at least partially through a slot in the outer body to show fluid level within the reservoir.

4. The beverage server of claim 1 wherein the actuator comprises a trigger that extends through the handle and is movable by a user's fingers applying pressure to the trigger toward the handle.

5. The beverage server of claim 4 wherein the actuator comprises a stop member configured to limit the movement of the actuator.

6. The beverage server of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a bottom and a top offset from the bottom.

7. The beverage server of claim 6 wherein the base comprises a pour spout configured to guide liquid being dispensed from the base, wherein the top of the base is offset toward the pour spout relative to the bottom of the base.

8. A beverage server for use in containing and dispensing a liquid, the beverage server comprising:

a base configured to contain the liquid and including a top and a bottom;

a pour spout extending from the base and configured to guide liquid being dispensed from the base;

wherein the bottom of the base is offset from the top of the base in a direction opposite from the direction of the pour spout.

9. The beverage server of claim 8 wherein the base comprises an outer body, a reservoir located substantially inside of the outer body, and a space located between the outer body and the reservoir.

10. The beverage server of claim 9 wherein the reservoir is coupled to the outer body by a plurality of snap-fit connections.

11. The beverage server of claim 10 further comprising a lid coupled to the outer body and the reservoir.

12. The beverage server of claim 11 wherein the lid is coupled to the outer housing by a catch and to the reservoir by an interference fit.

13. The beverage server of claim 9 wherein the reservoir is substantially disposed inside the outer body and comprises a window portion that extends at least partially through a slot in the outer body to show the level of fluid in the reservoir.

14. The beverage server of claim 8 further comprising a trigger linearly movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and coupled to a stopper movable between a closed position and an open position.

15. A beverage server for containing and dispensing a liquid and comprising:

a base configured to contain the liquid and including a top and a bottom;

a lid coupled to the base;

a stopper coupled to the lid and movable between an open position and a closed position;

a handle coupled to the base;

an actuator coupled to the stopper and movable in a linear direction between a first position and a second position wherein linear movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position linearly moves the stopper from the closed position to the open position;

a pour spout extending from the base and configured to guide liquid being dispensed from the base;

wherein the bottom of the base is offset from the top of the base in a direction opposite from the direction of the pour spout.

16. The beverage server of claim 15 further comprising an indicator rotatably coupled to the lid and having an aperture, wherein the indicator is selectively rotatable so that the aperture exposes indicia on the lid.

17. The beverage server of claim 16 wherein the base comprises an outer body and a reservoir, and the reservoir comprises a substantially transparent portion that at least partially extends through an aperture on the outer body.

18. The beverage server of claim 15 wherein the actuator comprises a trigger that extends through the handle and interfaces with fingers of a user.

19. The beverage server of claim 15 further comprising a first drainage passage to allow drainage from an interior of the handle when the beverage server is orientated in an upright position, and a second drainage passage to allow drainage from an interior of the handle when the beverage server is orientated in an upside down position.

20. The beverage server of claim 15 wherein the actuator is biased toward the first position by a first spring and the stopper is biased toward the closed position by a second spring.

21. The beverage server of claim 20 wherein at least one of the first spring and the second spring is a metal spring.

22. The beverage server of claim 20 wherein at least one of the first spring and the second spring is an integrally molded plastic spring.