WO2004008922A2

WO2004008922A2 - Multi-function beverage maker

Info

Publication number: WO2004008922A2
Application number: PCT/CN2003/000593
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kamchuen Chan
Original assignee: Kamchuen Chan
Priority date: 2002-07-24
Filing date: 2003-07-23
Publication date: 2004-01-29
Also published as: HK1052821A2; AU2003249839A8; CN1470207A; AU2003249839A1; WO2004008922A3

Abstract

A beverage maker comprises a base having a water inlet, an electrical heater in the base, and a water pipe in contact with the heater. The pipe has an inlet connected to the base inlet and an outlet above the base. A water kettle is removably supportable on the base, which has an upper opening for placing below the pipe outlet and a bottom outlet for coupling with the base inlet upon the kettle being supported thereon. This allows water in the kettle to flow into the pipe for heating by the heater and subsequently exit via the pipe outlet. Also included is a coffee pot removably supportable on or above the base, which has an upper opening for placing below the pipe outlet such that water therefrom can enter into the pot. A perforated holder for coffee powder is supportable in or above the pot, through which water from the pipe outlet can pass to make coffee in the pot.

Description

ULTI-FUNCTION BEVERAGE MAKER

The present invention relates to a beverage maker that is also capable of boiling water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is an increasing need for a beverage maker for preparing beverages such as coffee and tea, and which can also boil water for making certain other drinks and food. Coffee requires the use of hot water at a temperature of 85°C to 95°C to make, whereas other drinks may need water as hot as 100°C.

Beverage makers are disclosed in German Patent Application Publication No. 198 57 165 Al, Chinese Patent Application Publication No. CN 1163737 A, and European Patent Application Publication Nos. EP 0041012 and EP 0676163, but none of them would meet the need as fully as it can be, or they have a relatively complicate structure or are difficult to clean.

The invention seeks to mitigate or at least alleviate such shortcomings by providing an improved beverage maker .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, there is provided beverage maker comprising . a base having a water inlet, an electrical heater in the base, and a water passage extending in close proximity past the heater. The passage has an inlet connected to the base inlet and an outlet situated at an elevated position above the base. A first container for water is removably supportable on the base, which has an upper opening for placing below the passage outlet and a bottom outlet for coupling with the base inlet upon the. container being supported on the base. This allows water in the container to flow into the passage for heating by the heater and subsequently exit via the passage outlet. Also included is a second container for beverage removably supportable on or above the base, which has an upper opening for placing below the passage outlet such that water from the passage outlet can enter into the container. A perforated holder for beverage ingredient is supportable in or above the second container, through which water from the passage outlet can pass to make beverage in that container.

Preferably, the passage outlet is locatable adjacent the opening of the first container to deliver water back into the container, whereby the water is circulated into and out of the container past the heater for heating thereby externally of the container.

In a first preferred embodiment, the base has two portions for supporting the first and second containers respectively.

More preferably, the passage outlet is anipulable to deliver water selectively into at least either one of the first and second containers.

It is further preferred that the passage outlet comprises a tube connected to an upper end of the passage for angular movement between the openings of the first and second containers .

It is further preferred that the passage outlet has two exits located adjacent the openings of the first and second containers respectively, and includes a valve to select between the two exits.

Preferably, the or another perforated holder for beverage ingredient is supportable within the first container, through which water from the passage outlet can pass to make beverage in that container.

In a second preferred embodiment, the base has one portion for supporting the first container, and the second container is supportable within an upper part of the first container.

More preferably, the second container has a rim engageable with that of the first container to rest thereon, whereby the second container is hanged within the first container.

It is preferred that the outlet of the first container is provided with a normally-closed valve that will be opened upon the outlet coupling with the base inlet.

Preferably, the base includes an electrical switch for enabling the heater, the switch being provided adjacent the base portion for supporting the first container for actuation by the first container upon being supported thereon.

Preferably, the base includes a thermo-sensitive element for sensing the temperature of water from the first container to disable the heater upon the temperature rising to a relatively higher predetermined value and to enable the heater upon the temperature dropping to a relatively lower predetermined value.

Preferably, the base includes a thermo-sensitive element for sensing the temperature of the heater to disable the heater upon its temperature rising to a relatively higher predetermined value and to enable the heater upon its temperature dropping to a relatively lower predetermined value . More preferably, the heater is provided in the portion of the base for supporting the second container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1A is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of a beverage maker in accordance with the invention;

Figure IB is a similar cross-sectional side view of the beverage maker of Figure 1A, showing a perforated holder thereof used in an alternative location;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a hot water outlet of the beverage maker of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an alternative hot water outlet of the beverage maker of Figure 1;

Figure 4A is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of a beverage maker in accordance with the invention; and Figure 4B is a similar cross-sectional side view of the beverage maker of Figure 4A, showing the omission of a second container from within a first container thereof for an alternative function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring initially to Figures 1A, 2 and 3 of the drawings, there is shown a first beverage maker 100 embodying the invention, which has a plastic base 1, a water container i.e. a plastic kettle 2, and a beverage container i.e. a glass pot 11 for coffee or the like. The base 1 is generally flat and oblong, having opposite end portions (seats) 1A and IB for supporting the water kettle 2 and coffee pot 11 respectively side-by-side. Also included is a filter or perforated funnel 10 for holding a paper filter, which is suspended over the second base portion IB at a position directly above the coffee pot 11 placed thereon. The funnel 10 has a top opening 14 for introduction of hot water.

The first base portion 1A is formed through its upper wall with a tubular inlet 1C, on which below that wall a thermostat 9 is attached. The said surface bears an electrical switch, such as a normally-open micro-switch 15, adjacent the inlet 1C. The second base portion IB houses a curved electrical heater 4 that is mounted directly underneath the upper wall of that portion. Also housed in the base 1 is a horizontal water circulation pipe 5 that extends in close proximity to and alongside with the heater 4. The pipe 5 has an inlet end connected to the base inlet IC and an outlet end connected to the bottom end of a vertical water supply pipe 3, and is fitted with a one-way valve 5A near the inlet end. The supply pipe 3 extends upwards at a position generally between the two containers 2 and 11 and terminates into an outlet 8 that is situated at an elevated position above the base 1.

The water kettle 2 has a spout-like top opening 13 for refilling with water or pouring out water, and a short tubular bottom outlet 2A that is equipped with a spring- loaded normally-closed valve 7. Upon the kettle 2 being located on the base portion 1A, its outlet 2A self- couples with the base inlet IC aligned therewith, whereupon the valve 7 is pushed open through engagement by the inlet IC to allow water in the kettle 2 to flow out into the circulation pipe 5. At the same time, the switch 15 is closed through engagement by the lower lip of the kettle outlet 2A.

The electrical heater 4 is to be energised by the mains power source for heating or boiling the water in the circulation pipe 5. The hot water then travels up the supply pipe 3 and exits via the latter' s outlet 8. The one-way valve 5A inside the circulation pipe 5 blocks against back flow of water into the kettle 2. The micro- switch 15 is connected in series with the heater 4 for switching it on whenever the kettle 2 is present. The thermostat 9 is also connected in series with the heater 4 for automatically switching it on and off as necessary, depending on the temperature of the water in the kettle 2 as sensed by the thermostat 9 at where the water flows out into the circulation pipe 5.

The thermostat 9 and micro-switch 15 form part of an electronic control circuit of the beverage maker 100 for controlling the operation of the heater 4. When the water boils, i.e. rising to 100°C in temperature, the thermostat 9 will throw open to switch off the heater 4. In a warming-keeping mode of the beverage maker 100, the thermostat 9 will close again when the water drops to a predetermined temperature of say 90°C, thereby switching on the heater 4 to reheat the water, and the cycle will repeat. The control circuit includes another thermostat 12 that is attached to the heater 4 for controlling the heater 4 for another reason as described later.

As shown in Figure 2, the supply pipe outlet 8 is provided by a generally flat tube 8A that is hinged at right angles to the uppermost end of the supply pipe 3. The tube 8A is supported for horizontal pivotal movement selectively between a first position overlying the opening 13 of the kettle 2 and a second position overlying the opening 14 of the funnel 10. In the first position, the tube 8A delivers hot water into the kettle 2 , whereby water in the kettle 2 is heated/boiled or kept warmth through circulation past the external heater 4.

In the second position, the tube 8A delivers hot water into the funnel 10 and hence the paper filter holding coffee powder (or any other beverage/drink ingredient) therein, whereby water from the kettle 2 is automatically used to make dripped coffee in the pot 11. When the kettle 2 runs out of water, the circulation pipe 5 becomes empty and the heater 4 will soon become too hot

(temperature rising to a relatively higher predetermined value) as sensed by the thermostat 12. In response, the thermostat 12 will switch off the heater 4 to avoid overheating. The thermostat 12 will later switch on the heater 4 again when it becomes cooler (temperature dropping to a relatively lower predetermined value) , thereby keeping the coffee in the pot 11 warm. Such actions will repeat in cycle.

In either position of the outlet tube 8A, the kettle 2 may be removed from the base 1 at any time so that the hot water can be used elsewhere such as for making instant noodle, or for refilling with water. Upon removal of the kettle 2, its bottom outlet 2A is automatically shut by the built-in valve 7, and the micro-switch 15 in the base 1 instantly throws open to disable the heater 4. Given that the heater 4 is provided in the base 1, the kettle 2 itself does not carry any electrical parts and therefore it can be used alone as a plain vessel that can be washed in a disc washer.

Figure 3 shows an alternative construction of the supply pipe outlet 8, which comprises two horizontal generally flat tubes 8B and 8C, both being fixed. The first tube 8B is joined to the uppermost end of the supply pipe 3, overlying the opening 13 of the kettle 2. The second tube 8C branches off fro an intermediate position of the first tube 8B and overlies the opening 14 of the funnel 10, at which position a small diverter valve 8D is fitted. The valve 8D may be turned in one direction to deliver hot water from the supply pipe 3 into the kettle 2 via the first tube 8B, or in the opposite direction for diverting the hot water into the coffee pot 11 (the funnel 10) via the second tube 8C. In addition to these two positions, the valve 8D may have an intermediate position to deliver the hot water into both the kettle 2 and the pot 11, so that the beverage maker 100 can be used to boil water and make coffee simultaneously.

In Figure IB, the funnel 10 is removed from above the coffee pot 11 to within an upper part of the water kettle 2. In this location, the funnel 10 can hold ground coffee (in a paper filter if necessary) for making (boiling) percolated coffee in the kettle 2. The pot 11 is of no use for this particular function.

Reference is now made to Figure 4A of the drawings, which shows a second beverage maker 200 embodying the invention, which has a similar construction as the first maker 100, with equivalent parts designated by the same reference numerals. The major differences lie in the base 1 now being considerably smaller for supporting the water kettle 2, with the coffee pot 11 including the funnel 10 being supportable within an upper part of the kettle 2, all above the base 1.

More specifically, the pot 11 is hanged by its rim resting on that of the kettle 2, and the funnel 10 is suspended in the same manner in turn within an upper part of the pot 11. The water in the kettle 2 should be maintained at a level below the bottom of the pot 11. Given that the pot 11 is located within the kettle 2, there is no longer the need for the outlet 8 of the water supply pipe 3 to be movable or divertable to deliver hot water to a different location. In this case, the outlet 8 is simply implemented by a fixed tube 8A overlying the funnel 10 and kettle 2.

With the pot 11 in the kettle 2, the tube 8A delivers hot water into the funnel 10, which may hold coffee powder, tea leaves or a soup mix, whereby water from the kettle 2 below can automatically be used to make filtered coffee or tea in the pot 11. In the absence of the pot 11 and funnel 10, the tube 8A delivers hot water directly into the kettle 2, whereby water in the kettle 2 can be heated/boiled or kept warmth through circulation past the external heater 4, for any use as desired.

In Figure 4B, the pot 11 is removed and the funnel 10 is suspended directly from the rim of the kettle 2. With the pot 11 omitted, the funnel 10 can hold ground coffee for making percolated coffee in the kettle 2.

It is understood that the funnel 10 may be replaced by any other form of perforated holders, such as a wire basket or strainer, especially for use in the second beverage maker 200.

The invention has been given by way of example only, and various other modifications of and/or alterations to the described embodiments may be made by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as specified in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A beverage maker comprising: a base having a water inlet; an electrical heater located in the base; a water passage extending in close proximity past the heater and having an inlet connected to the base inlet and an outlet situated at an elevated position above the base; a first container for water removably supportable on the base, the container having an upper opening for placing below the passage outlet and a bottom outlet for coupling with the base inlet upon the container being supported on the base, such that water in the container can flow into the passage for heating by the heater and subsequently exit via the passage outlet; a second container for beverage removably supportable on or above the base, the container having an upper opening for placing below the passage outlet such that water from the passage outlet can enter into the container; and a perforated holder for beverage ingredient supportable in or above the second container, through which water from the passage outlet can pass to make beverage in that container.

2. The beverage maker as claimed in claim 1, wherein the passage outlet is locatable adjacent the opening of the first container to deliver water back into the container, whereby the water is circulated into and out of the container past the heater for heating thereby externally of the container.

3. The beverage maker as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base has two portions for supporting the first and second containers respectively.

4. The beverage maker as claimed in claim 3, wherein the passage outlet is manipulable to deliver water selectively into at least either one of the first and second containers .

5. The beverage maker as claimed in claim 4, wherein the passage outlet comprises a tube connected to an upper end of the passage for angular movement between the openings of the first and second containers .

6. The beverage maker as claimed in claim 4, wherein the passage outlet has two exits located adjacent the openings of the first and second containers respectively, and includes a valve to select between the two exits .

7. The beverage maker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the or another perforated holder for beverage ingredient is supportable within the first container, through which water from the passage outlet can pass to make beverage in that container.

8. The beverage maker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the base has one portion for supporting the first container, and the second container is supportable within an upper part of the first container.

9. The beverage maker as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second container has a rim engageable with that of the first container to rest thereon, whereby the second container is hanged within the first container.

10. The beverage maker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outlet of the first container is provided with a normally-closed valve that will be opened upon the outlet coupling with the base inlet.

11. The beverage maker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the base includes an electrical switch for enabling the heater, the switch being provided adjacent the base portion for supporting the first container for actuation by the first container upon being supported thereon.

12. The beverage maker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the base includes a thermo-sensitive element for sensing the temperature of water from the first container to disable the heater upon the temperature rising to a relatively higher predetermined value and to enable the heater upon the temperature dropping to a relatively lower predetermined value .

13. The beverage maker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the base includes a thermo-sensitive element for sensing the temperature of the heater to disable the heater upon its temperature rising to a relatively higher predetermined value and to enable the heater upon its temperature dropping to a relatively lower predetermined value.

14. The beverage maker as claimed in claim 13, wherein the heater is provided in the portion of the base for supporting the second container.