Locking device sustaining high pressure for coffee maker lid

Abstract

This invention provides a locking device sustaining high pressure in a coffee maker which comprises a brew head assembly which comprises: a slide assembly, a sealing assembly, and a pop-up and roll-back assembly, operatively linked to sustain pressure up to four (4) bars. Additionally, this invention provides a method for one-hand operation of the locking device of a coffee maker comprising steps of: a) Pushing the lever inward, causing the push rod to push the slider inward, engaging the cams and corresponding recesses, or alternatively, the slider will move inward, turning the rotatable locking hooks into their corresponding recesses so the brew head is locked; b) Pulling the lever outward, causing the push rod that is assembled on the slider to pull the slider outward so that the brew head is released; and c) after releasing the lock, the lift platform will pop up, assisted by the lift platform spring and the lid mount will roll-back, assisted by the hinge spring.

Description

This application claims priority of U.S. Ser. No. 10/616,417, filed Jul. 9, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. Disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The original drip-type coffee maker using ground coffee does not create any pressure and thus does not need a locking mechanism to prevent leaking. In contrast, the pump espresso and automatic espresso coffee machines generate pressure and need a locking mechanism that can withstand more than five (5) bar of back pressure to prevent leaking.

On the other hand, a coffee maker using coffee pods normally creates only about one (1) to three point five (3.5) bar of pressure on the machine. Thus, a locking mechanism that tolerates a back pressure of about four (4) bars is sufficient for a coffee maker using coffee pods.

The existing pump espresso and automatic espresso machines use an aluminum filter cup and flat silicone ring for sealing to achieve the level of tightness and closeness needed to tolerate more than five (5) bar of pressure. In the known art, the operation requires that the locking mechanism be turned in a horizontal direction.

Fischer (U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,519) describes an espresso machine having an upper brewing head part which is only pivotable relative to a lower brewing head part. In contrast, the brew head assembly of the present invention contains a lid mount which when opened or unlocked will move upward and rotate/pivot backward, relative to the brew head bottom, to allow easy access to the coffee filter by the operator.

The advantage of the present invention is that the mechanism requires less force to use and is easier to operate. The pop-up and roll-back brew head is designed to let the brew head rise up automatically. In addition, this invention enables the operator's use of only one hand to lock and release the brew head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with these and other objects of the invention, a brief summary of the present invention is presented. Some simplifications and omission may be made in the following summary, which is intended to highlight and introduce some aspects of the present invention, but not to limit its scope. Detailed descriptions of a preferred embodiment, adequate to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, will follow in later sections.

The brew head assembly of a coffee maker can be generally divided into three main parts: a slide assembly, a sealing assembly, and a pop-up and a roll-back assembly.

Various embodiments are available for the slide assembly. In one embodiment, the slide assembly comprises a lever, a slider, one or more slider springs, and a lid mount. These parts are assembled together after molding. In another embodiment, the slide assembly comprises a lever, a slider, one or more slider springs, one or more rotatable locking hooks, and a lid mount.

The sealing assembly comprises an “O” ring, a water spreader top, a seal ring, a water spreader bottom, a pod filter, and a coffee collector. The sealing assembly may further comprise a brew head bottom.

The pop-up and roll-back assembly comprises a lift platform, a lift platform spring, hinge pins, a hinge spring, and a brew head bottom.

The invention is designed to be used as follows: as a starting point, the brew head assembly is normally closed on the machine. Before brewing coffee, a coffee pod should be placed in the pod filter.

To access the pod filter, the lock on the brew head must be released. To release the lock on the brew head, the operator needs only use one hand to pull the lever outward.

In one embodiment, the lock is effectuated by a plurality of cams of the slider and a plurality of recesses on the brew head bottom. In a preferred embodiment, three cams and three corresponding recesses are employed. The inward and outward movements of the slider will produce the respective locking and releasing actions. When the lever is pulled outward, the push rod that is assembled on the slider will pull the slider outward, causing the cams on the slider to disengage from their corresponding recesses, thereby releasing the brew head. When the lever is pushed inward, the push rod will push the slider inward, causing the cams on the slider to engage their corresponding recesses, thereby locking the brew head.

In another embodiment, the lock is effectuated by a plurality of rotatable locking hooks and corresponding recesses on the brew head bottom. In a preferred embodiment, two locking hooks and corresponding recesses are used. The inward and outward movements of the slider will produce the desired locking and releasing actions. When the lever is pushed inward, the push rod will push the slider inward, causing the locking hooks to rotate into the corresponding recesses so that the brew head is locked. When the lever is pulled outward, the push rod that is assembled on the slider will pull the slider outward, causing the locking hooks to rotate out of the corresponding recesses so that the brew head is released.

The seal function depends on the seal ring. The special shape of the seal ring can bear one (1) to four (4) bar of pressure. During the brewing cycle, the back pressure on the pod will cause the sealing assembly to rise slightly. The small gap between the water spreader top and pod filter allows the flap on the seal ring to extend slightly. This extension of the flap end improves the sealing mechanism.

After the lock is released, the one or more lift platform springs will cause the lift platform to pop up, and one or more hinge springs will facilitate in rolling back the lid mount.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention relates to a brew head of a coffee maker having a locking mechanism which can be operated using one-hand and which can sustain one (1) to four (4) bar back pressure. The accompanying FIGS. 1 to FIGS. 6 illustrate a non-limitative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional illustration of a brew head assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a sliding assembly, employing cams, and the pop-up and roll-back assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2a is an exploded view of a sliding assembly, employing rotatable locking hooks, and the pop-up and roll-back assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a sealing assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a brew head and locking mechanism of the present invention in the latched position. The locking mechanism and brew head can be un-latched using one hand by pulling the lever 1 in the direction of arrow 19.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a brew head and locking mechanism of the present invention illustrating the pop-up action of the lid mount and the lift platform.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a brew head and locking mechanism of the present invention illustrating the roll-back action of the lid mount.

The present invention will be described in connection with the preferred embodiment, however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment described. Suitable alternatives, modifications, or equivalents within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent upon reading the full disclosure herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a brew head assembly of a coffee maker comprising: a slide assembly, a sealing assembly, and a pop-up and roll-back assembly, operatively linked to sustain pressure up to four (4) bars.

Slide Assembly

The slide assembly is responsible for the locking and releasing mechanism for the present invention. In one embodiment, the slide assembly comprises a lever, slider, one or more slider springs, and a lid mount. The slider is operatively linked to the lever by a push rod. The push rod acts as an intermediary component, such that force that is applied to the lever translates to force being applied to the push rod, which in turn, applies force to the slider, causing its inward or outward movement. The push rod may be constructed of any material that is suited for its intended function. The lever, push rod, slider, and the slider spring(s) are operatively fixed on the lid mount. The slider may be constructed of a suitable material capable of providing sturdy support. In a preferred embodiment, the slider is made of a metal, preferably aluminum.

In another embodiment, the slide assembly comprises a lever, a slider, one or more slider springs, a plurality of rotatable locking hooks, a plurality of hook clamps, and a lid mount. The slider is operatively linked to the lever by a push rod. In this embodiment, the inward or outward movement of the slider causes the locking hooks to rotate in a locking or unlocking motion. The lever, push rod, slider, slider spring(s), locking hook(s), and hook clamp(s) are operatively fixed on the lid mount. The slider may be constructed of suitable material capable of providing sturdy support. In a preferred embodiment, the slider is made of metal, preferably aluminum.

Sealing Assembly

The sealing assembly comprises an “O” ring, a water spreader top, a seal ring, a water spreader bottom, a pod filter, and a coffee collector. It may further comprise a brew head bottom. The shape of the seal ring is round with a flap end on the bottom side capable of withstanding pressure up to four (4) bars. The seal ring is made of a suitable material capable of preventing leaks at pressures of up to four (4) bars. In a preferred embodiment, the seal ring is made of an elastomer, preferably silicone rubber. During operation, the coffee pod/coffee inside the pod filter creates a back pressure, causing a slight rise of the sealing assembly, resulting in a better seal.

Pop-Up and Roll-Back Assembly

The pop-up and roll-back assembly comprises a lift platform, one or more lift platform springs, a plurality of hinge pins, one or more hinge springs, and a brew head bottom. The lift platform comprises at least two legs or members moveably attached to the brew head bottom, and a lift platform spring is placed on at least one leg of the lift platform for pop-up action. The hinge pins operatively link one or more hinge springs and the slide assembly to the lift platform. The hinge spring assists the roll-back or pivot motion of the lid mount.

This invention provides a method for one-hand operation of a locking device of a coffee maker comprising using one hand to pull a lever outward to release a lock which is effectuated by a slider with cams or locking hooks and their corresponding recesses on the brew head bottom. The outward or inward movement of the slider will produce the action of releasing or locking the brew head, respectively.

When the lever is pulled outward, a push rod assembled on the slider will pull the slider outward and separate the cams from their corresponding recesses, thereby releasing the brew head. Alternatively, a push rod assembled on the slider will pull the slider outward, thereby rotating the locking hooks out of their corresponding recesses and releasing the brew head. Conversely, pushing the lever inward will push the slider inward, thereby engaging the cams with their corresponding recesses and locking the brew head. Alternatively, a push rod assembled on the slider will push the slider inward and then rotate the locking hooks into their corresponding recesses, thereby locking the brew head. Releasing the brew head will cause the lift platform to move upward, assisted by a lift platform spring, and a lid mount will roll-back, assisted by one or more hinge springs.

In one embodiment, the slider comprises three cams. In an alternative embodiment, the slider comprises two locking hooks. In a preferred embodiment, the recesses for locking are located on the brew head bottom.

The brewing head assembly of the present invention comprises a slide assembly, a sealing assembly and a pop-up and roll-back assembly, all operatively linked to sustain pressure of up to four (4) bars. The slide assembly of further comprises a lever operatively linked to a slider by a push rod, and one or more slider springs, all operatively fixed on the lid mount. Alternatively, the slide assembly comprises a lever operatively linked to a slider by a push rod, one or more slide springs, and rotatable locking hooks, all operatively fixed on the lid mount.

In a preferred embodiment, when the lever is pushed inward, the slider will move inward, and the three cams on the slider will mate with the corresponding recesses of the brew head bottom. Or alternatively, when the lever is pushed inward, the slider will move inward, and the two locking hooks will turn into the corresponding recesses of the brew head bottom.

The brew head assembly can be opened by pulling the lever, preferably with one hand, and the lid mount will automatically pop-up and roll-back by and through the respectively upward and rotating/uncoiling actions of the lift platform spring and the hinge spring. The sealing assembly comprises an “O” ring; a water spreader top; a seal ring; a water spreader bottom; a pod filter; and a coffee collector. The “O” ring is used to prevent the leaking of water between the water spreader top and the lid mount. When the lid mount and brew head bottom are in the closed position, the water spreader top and the water spreader bottom are pressed against seal ring to prevent fluids from leaking. The pop-up and roll-back assembly comprises a lift platform having at least two legs operatively moveably attached to a brew head bottom, wherein a lift platform spring is placed on at least one leg of the lift platform; and a hinge pin which operatively links a hinge spring and the slide assembly to the lift platform.

The sealing assembly of the brew head assembly of the present invention is mounted beneath the lid mount and may be comprised of an “O” ring, water spreader top, water spreader bottom, radial seal ring, pod filter and coffee collector. The “O” ring is used to prevent leaks between the water spreader top and the lid mount.

The radial seal ring, the upper rim of the pod filter, and the top rim of the coffee collector are used to provide sealing between the lid mount and the brew head bottom.

The sealing assembly can be secured/locked or held in place by pushing the lid mount downward with one hand and then moving the lever inward with one of the fingers, such as the thumb. The inward movement of the lever causes the three cams, or alternatively, two locking hooks, on the slider to engage the corresponding recesses on the brew head bottom. The three cams, or alternatively, two locking hooks, on the slider and the corresponding recesses on the brew head bottom create a three or two point lock to provide sealing between the lid mount and the brew head bottom with the sealing assembly.

EXAMPLES

For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings.

The locking mechanism of the brew head assembly of the present invention is designed for one-hand operation and tolerates up to four (4) pressure bars. The types of coffee machines which can use the one-hand operable locking mechanism of the present invention include but are not limited to drip-type, filter-type and single-cup coffee makers.

The operation of the locking mechanism is as follows: When the lever is pushed inward and the slider moves inward, the three cams on the slider will mate with the corresponding recesses on the brew head bottom. Or alternatively, when the lever is pushed inward and the slider moves inward, two locking hooks on the slide assembly will rotate into the designated recesses on the brew head bottom.

The fitting will keep the seal ring pressed down to the pod filter. At this stage, the brew cycle can be started, and the back pressure above the pod will make the slider rise up slightly. The special shape of the seal ring, with the flap, enables it to take advantage of the slight rise to provide a better sealing. When the brewing is done, the user may use one hand to pull the lever outward, causing the slider to move outward and release the lock. The brew head will then pop up and roll back. Opening and closing the brew head is thus made easy.

FIG. 2 is the exploded view showing the components of the slider assembly and the pop-up and roll-back assembly. As shown, lever 1 is pulled outward for un-latching. The push rod 2 links the slider 3 and the lever 1. The slider is made of a sturdy material, preferably aluminum. The slider spring 4 is used to prevent the lever 1 from falling inward when in the un-latch stage. Parts 1 to 4 are operatively fixed on the lid mount 5. Parts 1 to 5 make up the slider assembly.

FIG. 2a is an exploded view showing the components of the alternative slider assembly. As shown, lever 1 is pulled outward for un-latching. The push rod 2 links the slider 3 and the lever 1. The slider is made of a sturdy material, preferably aluminum. The slider spring 4 is used to prevent the lever 1 from falling inward when in the un-latch stage. Parts 1 to 4 are fixed on the lid mount 5. Parts locking hook 22 and hook clamp 21 are fixed on the lid mount 5. Parts 1 to 5, 22 and 21 make up the alternate slider assembly.

In FIGS. 2 and 2a, the other parts are for the pop-up and roll-back action. Brew head bottom 16 is the base which links the whole assembly. Lift platform 10 is the part that links the slider assembly to the brew head bottom 16. The hinge pin 12 is to fix the hinge spring 13 and the slider assembly to the lift platform. The lift platform 10 may be made of aluminum to provide stronger support. The lift platform spring 11 is placed on the two legs of the lift platform 10 to make the pop-up action. The hinge spring 13 is used for the roll-back action.

FIG. 3 is the sealing assembly. From FIG. 1, it can be seen that the sealing assembly is mounted on the under side of the lid mount 5. In FIG. 3, “O” ring 6 is used to prevent the leaking of water between the water spreader top 7 and the lid mount. The water spreader top 7 and the water spreader bottom 9 are for mounting the seal ring 8 and are affixed on the lid mount 5 by screw 20. Seal ring 8 has a flap on its lower portion to improve sealing. The material of seal ring 8 is made of an elastomer, preferably silicone rubber. The pod filter 14 is used for the placing of the coffee pod. The upper rim of the pod filter assists the sealing mechanism. The coffee collector 15 is for the brewed coffee, which flows to the outside through a spout below which the cup is placed. The top rim on the coffee collector 15 also assists the sealing mechanism.

This invention provides a brew head assembly of a coffee maker comprising: a slide assembly, a sealing assembly and a pop-up and roll-back assembly, all operatively linked to sustain pressure of up to four (4) bars.

This invention provides a slide assembly comprising a lever, a slider, a slider spring, and a lid mount. In one embodiment, the slide assembly is as set forth in FIGS. 2. In this embodiment, the slider comprises three cams 18. In an alternative embodiment, the slide assembly is as set forth in FIG. 2a. In that embodiment, the slider preferably comprises two rotatable locking hooks 22. Additionally, the corresponding recesses 17 for locking for either embodiment are situated on the brew head bottom 16.

This invention provides a sealing assembly comprising an “O” ring, a water spreader top, a seal ring, a water spreader bottom, a pod filter, and a coffee collector. In one embodiment, the sealing assembly is set forth in FIG. 3.

The shape of the seal ring may be round with a flap on its lower portion. The materials of construction include, but are not limited to, materials that retain flexibility resilience and tensile strength over a wide temperature range, such as silicone rubber.

Other materials may also be used provided that they are capable of withstanding pressure up to four (4) bars.

This invention provides a pop-up and roll-back assembly comprising a lift platform, a lift platform spring, a hinge pins, a hinge spring, and a brew head bottom. In one embodiment, the pop-up and roll-back assembly is as set forth in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6. The lift platform comprises at least two legs for pop-up action. The roll-up action of the lid mount is facilitated by one or more hinge springs.

Claims

1. A brew head assembly of a coffee maker comprising: a slide assembly, a sealing assembly, and a pop-up and roll-back assembly, operatively linked to sustain pressure up to four (4) bars.

2. The brew head of claim 1, wherein the slide assembly comprises a lever, slider, slide spring, rotatable locking hook, and lid mount.

3. The brew head of claim 1, wherein the sealing assembly comprises an “O” ring, a water spreader top, a seal ring, a water spreader bottom, a pod filter, and a coffee collector.

4. The sealing assembly of claim 3, wherein the seal ring is round with a flap end capable of withstanding pressures up to four (4) bars.

5. The sealing assembly of claim 3, wherein the seal ring is made of suitable elastomer capable of preventing leaks at pressures of up to four (4) bars.

6. The sealing assembly of claim 5, wherein the elastomer is silicone rubber.

7. The brew head of claim 1, wherein the pop-up and roll-back assembly comprises a lift platform, one or more lift platform springs, and one or more hinge springs.

8. The pop-up and roll-back assembly of claim 7, wherein the lift platform comprises at least two legs.

9. The brew head of claim 7, wherein the roll-back motion of a lid mount is facilitated by one or more hinge springs.

10. The brew head of claim 1, wherein the slide assembly comprises:

a) a lever;

b) a slider operatively linked to the lever by a push rod;

c) rotatable locking hook; and

d) a slider spring, wherein the lever, the slider, the push rod, rotatable locking hook, and the slider spring are operatively fixed on a lid mount.

11. The slide assembly of claim 10, wherein the slider and the locking hook are made of metal.

12. The slide assembly of claim 11, wherein the metal is aluminum.

13. The brew head of claim 1, wherein the sealing assembly comprises:

a) an “O” ring

b) a water spreader top;

c) a seal ring;

d) a water spreader bottom;

e) a pod filter;

f) a coffee collector; and

g) brew head bottom.

14. The sealing assembly of claim 13, wherein the seal ring is made of suitable elastomer capable of preventing leaks at pressures of up to four (4) bars.

15. The sealing assembly of claim 14, wherein the elastomer is silicone rubber.

16. The brew head of claim 1, wherein the pop-up and roll-back assembly comprises:

a) a lift platform having at least two legs moveably attached to a brew head bottom, wherein a lift platform spring is placed on at least one leg of the lift platform; and

b) a hinge pin which operatively links a hinge spring and the slide assembly to the lift platform.

17. A machine comprising the brew head assembly of claim 1.

18. A method for one-hand operation of a locking device of a coffee maker, comprising the steps of:

a) using one hand to push a lever inward, so that a push rod assembled on a slider will push the slider inward and engage a locking device, which is effectuated by a plurality of cams on the slider or a plurality of locking hooks and corresponding recesses;

b) using one hand to pull the lever outward to release the lock, wherein the outward movement of the slider will disengage the cams on the slider or locking hooks from the corresponding recesses; and

c) opening the brew head, wherein a lift platform, assisted by a lift platform spring, will move upward upon release of the locking device, and a hinge spring assists the lid mount in its roll-back motion.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the slider comprises at least two rotatable locking hooks.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the recesses for accepting the corresponding cams or rotatable locking hooks are on the brew head bottom.

21-35. (canceled)