GB2199728A

GB2199728A - A device for use in applying cream onto beverages

Info

Publication number: GB2199728A
Application number: GB08729373A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Toal
Original assignee: Irish Distillers Ltd
Current assignee: Irish Distillers Ltd
Priority date: 1986-12-16
Filing date: 1987-12-16
Publication date: 1988-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 2007-12-16
Also published as: IE59346B1; GB2199728B; GB8729373D0; IE863275L

Abstract

A device for use in applying cream onto beverages comprises a floating spoon having a handle 2 and a bowl 1 wherein the bowl incorporates a hollow float portion 4. Cream poured into a concave scoop portion 3 flows out over the dome- shaped upper surface 5 of the float portion 4 and also over the side lip 10 of the scoop portion. The transitional region 8 between the bowl 1 and the handle 2 is formed as an inverted V-shape so that the device can sit on the rim of a drinking vessel 13. <IMAGE>

Description

DESCRIPTION A DEVICE FO USE IN APPLYING CREAM ONTO BEVERAGES This invention relates to a device for use in applying cream onto beverages when it is desired that the cream should float at or adjacent to the surface of the beverage.

The beverage known as "Irish Coffee" is popular in many countries. "Irish Coffee" is made by mixing Irish Whiskey, such as the whiskey sold under the Trade Marks JAMESON, POWERS, PADDY or TULLAMORE DEW; with hot black coffee and sugar, and then introducing cream onto the top of the beverage. Several other spirituous coffee beverage recipes are also in use but with other spirits in place of Irish whiskey; for example "Cafe Royale" is made with brandy.

One problem with such beverages is that the cream should remain floating, to form a "head" through which the hot beverage is drunk. If the cream becomes distributed through the beverage, it loses its attractive appearance and the taste is impaired. In general, the recipes for spirituous coffee beverages recommend that the cream; should be introduced by pouring it over the back of an upturned spoon.

However this technique is seen by many people as being difficult and unreliable, which discourages them from making "Irish Coffee" and other such beverages The present invention provides a device for use in applying cream onto beverages comprising a floating spoon having a handle and a bowl wherein the bowl incorporates a hollow float portion. Preferably the hollow float portion has a generally dome-shaped upper surface extending into the bowl. In a preferred embodiment the hollow float portion has a generally saucer-shaped lower surface, and the bowl comprises a concave scoop portion to the rear of the hollow float portion.

The cream applicator may suitably be moulded of plastics material. It may have one or more Trade Marks applied thereto.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cream applicator, Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-section of the applicator of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a top plan view of the applicator of Figure 1, Figure 4 is an underneath plan view of the applicator of Figure 1, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the applicator located on a fragment of the rim of a drinking vessel.

As shown in the drawings, a cream applicator comprises a spoon having a bowl 1 and a handle 2. The bowl 1 comprises a concave scoop portion 3 and a hollow float portion 4. The concave scoop portion 3 is formed as a downwardly convex shell to the rear of the float portion 4. The float portion 4 has a dome-shaped upper surface 5 (formed as an upwardly convex shell) and a rim which is formed as a continuous forward extension of the side lip 10 of the scoop portion 3. Below the rim the float portion is closed by a dished cover plate 11 which provides a saucer-shaped lower surface 6. The cover plate 11 is sealed to the body of the float portion 4 around the edge of the cover plate 11 to form an airtight closed body. The arcuate rear edge 7 of the upper surface 5 of the float portion extends seamlessly into the scoop portion 3.

The transitional region between the bowl 1 and the handle 2 is formed as an apex 8 which can sit on the rim of a drinking vessel. The bowl 1 and the handle 2 define an inverted V-shape seating means. The handle 2 extends downwardly and rearwardly from the apex 8 as a counterweight to the bowl 1, so that the applicator will balance on afulcrum below the apex 8. The handle terminates in a grip portion 9 which is curved towards the rear.

The applicator is moulded in plastics material such as polystyrene. The upper portion 5 of the float is integral with the remainder of the bowl, and the cover plate 11 of the float is secured to the upper portion by ultrasonic welding. Alternatively an acceptable adhesive may be used.

An "Irish Coffee" beverage is prepared in a glass 13 by mixing hot black coffee, sugar and Irish Whiskey in suitable proportions, or by adding hot water to a pre-mixed preparation such as is sold under the Trade Mark "IRISH VELVET". The glass is filled with the beverage up to about 1.5 cm from the top of the glass.

The applicator is then picked up by the grip portion 9 and placed onto the beverage with the apex 8 resting on the rim of the glass 13.

The float portion 4 floats on the beverage. Liquid cream is then poured into the scoop portion 3 of the bowl 1. The cream flows over the dome-shaped upper surface 5 of the float 4 and over the side lip .of the scoop portion 3. The cream spreads as it flows over the surface of the float and is distributed onto the top of the beverage. The cream flows evenly across the surface of the beverage and forms a layer at the top thereof. The result is a delicious glass-full of "Irish Coffee" which has been made in a trouble-free manner.

Claims

CLAIP2S

1. A device for use in applying cream onto beverages comprising a floating spoon having a handle and a bowl wherein the bowl incorporates a hollow float portion.

2. A device according to Claim 1 wherein the hollow float portion has a generally dome-shaped upper surface extending into the bowl.

3. A device according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the hollow float portion has a generally saucer-shaped lower surface.

4. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the bowl comprises a concave scoop portion to the rear of the hollow float portion.

5. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the bowl and the handle converge at an apex portion which is adapted to sit on the rim of a drinking vessel.

6. A device according to Claim 5 wherein the bowl and the handle define an inverted V-shape seating means.

7. A device according to Claim 5 or 6 wherein the handle forms a counterweight to the bowl.

8. A device for applying cream onto beverages1 substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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