IL189645A - Coffee maker - Google Patents

Description

COFFEE MAKER man*? )j?nn The present invention relates to the preparation of coffee, especially Turkish coffee.

More particularly, the invention provides an electric kettle which is programmable to heat the contents of the kettle at least twice, allowing a cooling period between successive heating times.

Turkish coffee is enjoyed by many, mainly because of the pleasant aroma emitted during its preparation and consumption. Undoubtedly visual factors are also part of the enjoyment, the preparation thereof being in a decorated kettle having an extending straight handle, an appropriately positioned spout and a domed lid. This type of kettle is referred to as an ibrik and in all probability has been in use for centuries. The ibrik can be heated by a gas flame, an electric range, by concentrated solar energy or over a coal or wood fire. Water, sugar and finely ground coffee are poured into the ibrik before applying the heat source.

There are various methods of preparation, the best method being a matter of debate between experts in this field. However all agree that boiling should be avoided to prevent excessive loss of aroma, and that heating should be repeated several times with a cooling period therebetween. Some say that stirring is required at some stages of the heating cycles.

The coffee grounds settle at the bottom of the ibrik. No separate container, valves or filter medium are used. The coffee is poured into decorated china cups, ready for consumption. Milk is added thereafter if desired.

Further differences of opinion prevail regarding the foam generated during heating as to whether this foam should be served with the coffee or if it should be removed. Also, there is no agreement with regard to how many (between 2 and 7) heating cycles are required for best results. The preparation procedure takes considerable time, and must be monitored closely to prevent boiling at the heating stage.

Electrically-powered domestic coffee making machines are of course well known and have been in general use for about 60 years. A review of US Patents provides a useful indication of the state of the prior art in this field.

In US Patent no. 4, 143,.590 Kasak discloses a coffee maker where steam from boiling water enters a container provided with a porous lid. This container is supported in an upside-down orientation. The steam condenses and dilutes the concentrated brew in the container.

Kondo, in US Patent No. 5,072,661 claims an apparatus for making a single cup of coffee. The coffee grounds are retained in a filter paper adjacent to the upturned container.

A more complex device is disclosed by Brienlinger et al. in US Patent No. 5,799,566. A self-propelled moving filter coffee maker is held in an invertible container. The filter holding the coffee grounds internally moves downwards. And then the main container is up-ended and the filter moving downwards now returns to its original position. The kettle is electrically heated.

A further complex apparatus is seen in US Patent No. 6,069,996 to Timm. This device comprises 3 containers, an immersion heater and a 2-position valve, and is of a large size undoubtedly intended for commercial use in bars, hotels, and restaurants.

In view of this state of the prior art it is now one of the objects of the present invention to provide a coffee maker similar to the ibrick container in terms of function and preferably also similar thereto in appearance, and which is controlled automatically thereby eliminating the task of the person who traditionally monitors the process.

It is a further object of the present invention to automate the task of preparing coffee while retaining maximum flavour and aroma, by the use of modern electronic controls.

The present invention achieves the above objects by providing an electric kettle for preparing Turkish coffee and the like, comprising: a kettle; an electric element inside said kettle for heating the contents thereof; and a control element operatively connected to said heater element; characterized in that said electric heater element is set to heat the contents of said kettle to a temperature of between 80°C and 99°C, and said control element is set to repeatedly activate and deactivate said heater element, whereby the contents of said kettle are subjected to at least one cycle of heating, cooling and reheating at a sub-boiling temperature.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electric kettle wherein said control element is set to repeatedly activate and deactivate said heater element, whereby the contents of said kettle are subjected to between 2 and 7 repeated heating stages with a cooling stage interspersed between two sequential heating stages.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electric kettle wherein said kettle is shaped similar to an ibrik, having at least one of the following features: i) a substantially straight handle projecting outwards from one of the sides of said kettle; ii) a domed lid; iii) a substantially tapered shape, the larger diameter thereof being proximate to the base of said kettle: iv) a pouring spout radially disposed at right angles to the position of said handle;, and v) external decoration similar to that found on the traditional ibrik.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electric kettle wherein at least part of the upper portion of said kettle is made of a heat-resistant transparent material.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electric kettle wherein said control element is a preprogrammed microprocessor.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electric kettle wherein a user-accessible control allows the selection of a desired number of heating cycles.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electric kettle wherein said kettle and said control element includes a thermostat arranged to maintain said coffee at a temperature of between 60°C and 80°C.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electric kettle wherein said control element is attached to a side of said kettle.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electric kettle further provided with an electric stirring device actuated in coordination with said control element for said heater element.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electric kettle wherein said microprocessor and other electronic components are housed inside a hollow in said handle.

It will thus be realized that the novel device of the present invention serves to give the same pleasure and satisfaction of Turkish and other coffee as is provided by the traditional preparation methods used in the past and the present. The kettle is also useful for the preparation of flavored tea.

As today, even the smallest village in most countries is provided with electricity, the electric kettle disclosed herein will enable the preparation of this type of coffee even by those who do not have the time or patience to continually monitor multiple heating cycles. In one of the embodiments, a stirrer is added for use by those who think that such stirring is desirable.

It will be noticed that the heater element is in a compartment underneath the coffee to be heated. This is a further step to prevent contamination of the coffee by precipitates flaking off the heater element, and also eliminating the seal required by immersion heaters. This seal can be a source of further contamination.

The present inventors have given thought to the problem of heat generated by the kettle having a detrimental effect on the electronic components. As will be seen, several designs are detailed which obviate the danger of electronic failure due to excessive heat.

The outer appearance of the kettle is considered of particular importance, if not only to persuade prospective buyers that the kettle will do all that the traditional ibrik has done, but without the worry of unintentional boiling, and after being correctly set, no attendant is needed to monitor the process.

A useful marketing strategy is to offer the kettle packaged together with 2 - 6 decorated coffee cups and possibly also an appropriate tray.

The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood.

With specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the kettle according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment having an outer appearance of an ibrik; FIG. 3 is an elevational view of an embodiment including a window; FIG. 4 is an electric diagram of the kettle; FIG. 5 is an embodiment wherein the electronic controls are held at the lower side of the body of the kettle; FIG. 6 is a partly sectioned embodiment wherein the electronics are disposed in the hollow handle; FIG. 7 is an elevational view of an embodiment further provided with stirring means; and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment wherein the kettle is shown lifted off a base unit housing the electronics.

There is seen in FIG. 1 an electric kettlelO for preparing Turkish coffee, as well as any other type of coffee or tea.

A kettle 10 with a lid 12, shown with a hinged attachment 14, is provided with an electric heater element 16 located in a shallow dry compartment 18 underneath C. Heat from the element 16 is transferred to the roof 22 of the dry compartment 18 by convection and radiation. Thus there is no need to hermetically seal the aperture 24 of the dry compartment 18 through which the heater element 16 projects. Thus neither the necessary electrical insulation 26 nor the heater element 16, can contaminate the flavor of the contents of the kettle. Also avoided is contamination of the coffee by flaking of precipitates accumulating on the heater element 16.

In the present embodiment a control element which is operatively connected to the heater element 16 is a timing device 28 which is set to heat the contents of the kettle to a temperature of between 80°C and 99°C. The control element 18 is set to repeatedly activate and deactivate the heater element 16, whereby the contents of the kettle are subjected to at least one cycle of heating, cooling and reheating at sub-boiling temperature.

The timing device 28 is connected to the kettle by a short length of electric cable 20 which carries the electric power needed for operation. Thus the timing device 28 is well protected from heat generated during operation of the kettle.

With regard to the rest of the figures, similar reference numerals have been used to identify similar parts.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is seen an electric kettle 30 functioning exactly as the embodiment 10 described with reference to FIG. 1. The kettle 30 is shaped similar to an ibrik.

A substantially straight handle 32 projects outwards and slightly upwards from one of the sides of the kettle 30.

The kettle 30 has a removable (or hinged) domed lid 33 or similarly shaped lid. The body of the kettle 30 has a substantially tapered shape, the larger diameter 34 thereof being proximate to the base 36 of the kettle 30.

A decorated pouring spout 38 is radially disposed at right angles to the position of the handle 32 in a position comfortable for a right-handed person.

The body of the kettle 30 bears external decoration 40 similar to that found on a traditional ibrik.

FIG. 3 illustrates a further electric kettle 42 which is similar to kettle 10 seen in FIG. 1. In the shown embodiment, the upper portion 44 of the body is made of a heat-tempered glass (e.g Pyrex™ or similar type of glass). Optionally the entire body of the kettle may be made of such glass, or from a heat-resistant, break-resistant transparent plastic such as polycarbonate. The window provided enables a user to see the coffee in all stages of preparation to ensure that the control mechanism 28 is operating correctly and that no boiling occurs.

Seen in FIG. 4 is an electric diagram for a preferred embodiment of the kettle 46. The control element is a preprogrammed microprocessor 48.

Power supply 50 is connected through an on-off manual switch 52. Line voltage is fed to a triac 54 through a power triac controller 56 according to a signal issued by the microprocessor 48. A low voltage DC current generated by a rectifier-transformer 58 is fed to the microprocessor 48.

A user-accessible control button 60 allows the user to select the desired number of heating cycles. Monitoring indicator lights 62 and an optional display screen 64 inform the user of progress being made by the kettle in reaching the desired number of heating cycles.

The kettle 46 is further provided with two thermistors 66 operatively connected to the microprocessor 48.

A thermostat circuit (not seen) in the microprocessor 48 is arranged to maintain the coffee 69 at a temperature of between 60°C and 80°C. An optional fuse 68 protects the heater element 16.

FIG. 5 shows an electric kettle 70 similar to that seen in FIG. 1. The electronic control package 72 is attached to an outer wall 74 of the kettle 70 with a thermal insulation sheet 76 disposed between the electronics package 72 and the outer wall 74. This arrangement is advantageous in allowing easier connection of the thermistor 66 output to the electronics package 72.

FIG. 6 illustrates an electric kettle 78 wherein the electronic control package 80 is disposed in the handle 82. An external cable 84 connecting the heater element 16 to the electronics package 72 is spaced away from the hot walls of the kettle 78. Optionally the cable 78 is enclosed in a removable housing 86.

Seen in FIG. 7 is an electric kettle 88 further provided with an electric stirring device 90 actuated in co-ordination with the control microprocessor 92 for the heater element 12. The stirrer control 92 may be activated during heating or during cooling, and is cut off for the last of the selected number of heating cycles so as not to disturb the coffee grounds 94 which accumulate on the horizontal wall 22 separating the wet 96 and dry 18 compartments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a "cordless" embodiment, wherein the kettle 98 normally rests on a base unit 100, which houses the electric/electronic components, except for the heater element 16 seen in FIG.1 and the temperature sensors 66. The kettle 98 is removable from the base unit 100 by lifting thereof, thereby automatically disconnecting at least one plug 101 and socket unit 102 normally connecting the kettle to the base unit.

The connection between the base unit 100 and the body of the kettle 98 by means of a first plug 101 and socket 102 is specially designed to prevent finger contact with the power supply, as is well known from prior-art "cordless" kettles.

An additional plug-socket 104, 106, is similar to a prior-art telephone plug and socket, and has 4 wires as required by the two temperature sensors 66 attached to the body of the kettle. This plug-socket 104, 106 requires no special design to prevent finger contact as the plug-socket carries low voltage only.

As seen in the drawing, it is advantageous to combine the two plug-socket combinations into a single unit 108, which is made feasible by providing suitable spacing and insulation 110 to prevent the passage of EMI (Electromagnetic interference) from the main voltage circuit 50, seen in FIG. 4, to the temperature sensors 66.

The plug unit 108 is shown projecting downwards from the kettle bottom for illustrative purposes only. Said unit 101 , 104, 108 is recessed into a cavity near the center of the kettle deeply enough to avoid projection of all plug prongs.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments and that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims (13)

WHAT ildi CLAIMED JS:

1. A \nn eeteteeett iiee^^kKeettttllee for preparing Turkish coffee and other hot beverages comprising a kettle; an electric element inside said kettle for heating the contents thereof; and a control element operatively connected to said heater element; characterized in that said electric heater element is set to heat the contents of said kettle to a temperature of between 80°C and 99°C, and said control element is set to repeatedly activate and deactivate said heater element, whereby the contents of said kettle are subjected to at least one cycle of heating, cooling and reheating at sub-boiling temperature.

2. An electric kettle according to claim 1 , wherein said control element is set to repeatedly activate and deactivate said heater element, and whereby the contents of said kettle are subjected to between 2 and 7 repeated heating stages with a cooling stage interspersed between two sequential heating stages.

3. An electric kettle according to claim 1 , wherein said kettle is shaped similar to an ibrik, having at least one of the following features: i) a substantially straight handle projecting outwards from one of the sides of said kettle; ii) a domed lid; iii) a substantially tapered shape, the larger diameter thereof being proximate to the base of said kettle: iv) a pouring spout radially disposed at right angles to the position of said handle;, and v) external decoration similar to that found on the traditional ibrik.

4. An electric kettle according to claim 1 , wherein at least part of the upper portion of said kettle is made of a heat-resistant transparent material.

5. An electric kettle according to claim 1 , wherein said control element is a preprogrammed microprocessor.

6. An electric kettle according to claim 5, wherein a user-accessible control allows the selection of a desired number of heating cycles.

7. An electric kettle according to claim 5, further including a display indicating progress in reaching said desired number of heating cycles.

8. An electric kettle according to claim 5, further provided with a display feature indicating completion of the selected number of heating cycles.

9. An electric kettle according to claim 5 wherein said control element is attached to a side of said kettle.

10. An electric kettle according to claim 5, wherein said microprocessor and other electronic components are housed inside a hollow in said handle.

11. 1 1. An electric kettle according to claim 5, further provided with a thermostat operatively connected to said heater element controller, said thermostat being arranged to maintain the coffee at temperature a temperature of between 60° and 80°C.

12. An electric kettle according to claim 5, further provided with an electric stirring device actuated in co-ordination with said control element for said heater element.

13. An electric kettle according to claim 5, wherein a base unit housing the electric/electronic components is provided, and said kettle is removable from said base by lifting said kettle, thereby automatically disconnecting at least one plug and socket unit normally connecting said kettle to said base unit. For the Applicant