Accessory for Improving Operation of Espresso Coffee Brewing Machine

Abstract

An accessory for a conventional espresso coffee machine wherein the espresso machine has a bottom surface, and the accessory comprises a left support portion having a left support portion rear end and a left support portion forward end and a right support portion having a right support portion rear end and a right support portion forward end is disclosed. A rear joining portion joins the left support portion rear end to the right support portion rear end. The rear joining portion, the left support portion and the right support portion are configured and dimensioned to define a space between the left support portion and the right support portion. The left support portion, the right support portion and the rear joining portion together form a unitary accessory body, the accessory body have a top surface. The top surface mates with the bottom surface of the espresso machine to form a stable assembly therewith.

Claims

1. An accessory for an espresso coffee machine, wherein the espresso coffee machine has a bottom surface, said accessory comprising: (a) a left support portion having a left support portion rear end and a left support portion forward end; (b) a right support portion having a right support portion rear end and a right support portion forward end; (c) a rear joining portion joining said left support portion rear end to said right support portion rear end, wherein said rear joining portion, said left support portion and said right support portion are configured and dimensioned to define a space between said left support portion and said right support portion, and wherein said left support portion, said right support portion and said rear joining portion together form a unitary accessory body, said accessory body having a top surface, said top surface mating with the bottom surface of said espresso machine to form a stable assembly therewith.

2. An accessory as in claim 1, wherein said unitary accessory body has a height which ranges between 10 millimeters and 100 millimeters.

3. An accessory as in claim 1, wherein said top surface is configured as a groove.

4. An accessory as in claim 1, wherein said top surface has a number of indentations for receiving feet secured to and forming a part of the bottom of said espresso coffee machine bottom surface.

5. An accessory as in claim 1, wherein said unitary body defines facing shoulder portions defined proximate said rear ends of said right and left support portions and within facing portions of said left support portion rear end and said right support portion rear end, and further comprising a tray configured to rest upon said facing forward shoulder portions, one of said rear ends of said right or left support portions defining a channel for insertion of said tray.

6. An accessory as in claim 1, wherein said unitary body defines rear facing shoulder portions defined within facing portions of said left support portion rear end and said right support portion rear end, and further comprising a rear tray configured to rest upon said facing rear shoulder portions.

7. An accessory as in claim 6, wherein said unitary body defines forward facing shoulder portions defined within facing portions of said left support portion forward end and said right support portion forward end, and further comprising a forward tray configured to rest upon said facing forward shoulder portions.

8. An accessory as in claim 7, wherein said forward tray and said rear tray both mate with said rear facing shoulder portions and said forward facing shoulder portions.

9. An accessory as in claim 1, wherein a substantially planar member is secured to the bottom of said unitary body, said substantially planar member having a relatively high coefficient of friction.

10. An accessory as in claim 9, further comprising at least one abutment member mounted for movement between a first position where said abutment member is contained within said unitary body and a second position where said abutment member extends from said unitary body.

11. An accessory as in claim 1, further comprising at least one abutment member mounted for movement between a first position where said abutment member is contained within said unitary body and a second position where said abutment member extends from said unitary body.

12. An accessory as in claim 1, wherein the espresso machine has a face with an inner periphery, and wherein at least one dimension of the inner periphery of the base of the unitary body is substantially smaller than the inner periphery of the base of the espresso coffee machine, whereby the shoulder may be defined by said inner periphery of the unitary body with the shoulder being substantially unblocked by the base of the espresso machine.

13. A system for pulling espresso shots, comprising: (a) an espresso coffee machine of the type comprising a manually operated piston driving a quantity of water through ground coffee contained within a portafilter, said espresso coffee machine including a base with space defined between opposite sides of said base; (b) a left support portion having a left support portion rear end and a left support portion forward end; (c) a right support portion having a right support portion rear end and a right support portion forward end; (d) a rear joining portion joining said left support portion rear end to said right support portion rear end, wherein said rear joining portion, said left support portion and said right support portion are configured and dimensioned to define a space between said left support portion and said right support portion, and wherein said left support portion, said right support portion and said rear joining portion together form a unitary accessory body, said accessory body having a top surfa63e, said top surface mating with the bottom surface of said espresso machine to form a stable assembly therewith.

14. An accessory as in claim 13, wherein said unitary accessory body has a height which ranges between 10 millimeters and 30 millimeters.

15. An accessory as in claim 13, wherein said top surface is configured as a groove.

16. An accessory as in claim 13, wherein said top surface has a number of indentations for receiving feet secured to and forming a part of the bottom of said espresso coffee machine bottom surface.

17. An accessory as in claim 13, wherein said unitary body defines forward facing shoulder portions defined within facing portions of said left support portion forward end and said right support portion forward end, and further comprising a tray configured to rest upon said facing forward shoulder portions.

18. An accessory as in claim 7, wherein said forward tray and said rear tray both mate with said rear facing shoulder portions and said forward facing shoulder portions.

19. An accessory as in claim 13, wherein a substantially planar member is secured to the bottom of said unitary body, said substantially planar member having a relatively high coefficient of friction.

20. An accessory as in claim 13, wherein the espresso machine has a face with an inner periphery, and wherein at least one dimension of the inner periphery of the base of the unitary body is substantially smaller than the inner periphery of the base of the espresso coffee machine, whereby the shoulder may be defined by said inner periphery of the unitary body with the shoulder being substantially unblocked by the base of the espresso machine.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The operation of the inventive espresso making machine accessory will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view generally illustrating an implementation of the present invention in association with a prior art espresso making machine;

[0037] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional representation of a prior art espresso making machine of the type which is manually pumped to pull a shot from ground coffee;

[0038] FIGS. 3 through 8 are diagrammatic cross-sectional representations of the inventive accessory positioned underneath a prior art espresso making machine and illustrating the use of the accessory of the present invention in the context of making a café americano;

[0039] FIG. 9 is a simplified side elevational cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of inventive accessory incorporating a single tray and constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the inventive accessory along lines 10-10 of FIG. 9;

[0041] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along lines 11-11 of FIG. 10 and illustrating the operation of the tray supporting shoulder or ledge in the inventive coffee machine accessory;

[0042] FIG. 12 is a view similar to that of FIG. 11 of an alternative embodiment of the invention in which support feet are replaced by a flat planar rubber member which is glued to the bottom of the main body of the inventive accessory;

[0043] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of the invention in which spring-loaded braces are provided to increase the stability of the inventive assembly of espresso machine and accessory when an espresso shot is being manually pulled;

[0044] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the inventive accessory illustrating the bottom of the accessory and the use of rotating pegs to provide a brace against a work surface to increase the stability of the inventive assembly of espresso machine and accessory when an espresso shot is being manually pulled;

[0045] FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic representation in cross-section of the operation of the rotating peg embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14;

[0046] FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an espresso machine accessory featuring extra height and a second tray shoulder to accommodate small cups; and

[0047] FIG. 17 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of an espresso machine accessory featuring an alternative engagement structure for the espresso machine;

[0048] FIG. 18 is a view similar to that of FIG. 10, in which the inner diameter of the inventive accessory 514 is considerably smaller in length and breadth to accommodate easy placement of a tray without wedging or sliding it into places; and

[0049] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] The inventive system 10 comprises a conventional espresso machine with limited space under the grouphead, such as a manually operated piston and cylinder espresso machine 12, for example of the type available on the market under the trademark Flair, and the inventive accessory 14. Inventive accessory 14 comprises a main body 15 (FIG. 3) which may be made of water, injection molded plastic, metal, or any other suitable structural material. Main body 15 may be made to be solid or hollow. It is noted that while the invention is illustrated in connection with the Flair espresso machine, the invention may be applied to any espresso machine which has the grouphead positioned directly over the work surface on which the machine sits without any intervening structure, or machines, such as the Flair where the intervening structure may be removed to expose the top of the work surface. In the case of the Flair machine, that intervening structure is a tray 16 (FIG. 2) which sits on a shoulder 18 in the base 20 of the espresso machine.

[0051] The inventive system includes structure for mating with the base 20 of the espresso machine. For example, if espresso machine 12 has rubber feet, holes 21 may be put in the top surface of the inventive accessory 14 which mate with and receive the rubber feet on the Flair. Alternatively, the top surface of the inventive accessory may be provided with an indentation which mates with the bottom of the espresso machine.

[0052] Referring back to FIG. 1, the inventive accessory 10 may optionally be provided with a ledge or shoulder 22 for receiving a tray 24, where coffee making tools such as a tamper 26 may be positioned. Optionally, a second shoulder 23 may be provided for supporting a second tray 25, as illustrated in FIG. 16. Trays should be dimensioned to be small enough to be angled into the gap between the shoulder and the bottom of the conventional espresso machine, and then dropped into the other side of the shelf. Alternatively, the shelf can be extended as illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 10 to a point where angling the shelf into position is unnecessary and the shelf can be dropped in and slid in the direction of arrow 27.

[0053] As compared to a conventional manually controlled compression espresso machine such as the Flair machine, as can be seen in FIG. 1, the inventive system can accommodate a relatively tall coffee receiving vessel, even one as large as a medium-size mayonnaise jar 28. This compares with the relatively limited options without inventive accessory 14. More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 2, which illustrates a conventional Flair coffee machine resting on a counter or table top, such prior art machines can only accommodate a relatively short cappuccino or espresso cup 30. In this embodiment, cup 30 rests on a support platform for tray 16 which seats in a ledge or shoulder 18 in the base 20 of conventional espresso machine 12.

[0054] More particularly, the space between the portafilter spout 36 on portafilter 38 and tray 24 is limited, leaving just enough space for a short cup or other drinking vessel. Portafilter 38 sits within horizontal support 40 attached to the vertical support 42 of the conventional espresso machine 12. Generally, conventional machine 12 is operated by grasping handle 44 and moving it from the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2 in the direction of arrow 46 until it reaches the position illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 2. This results in advancing the piston 48 from the position shown in solid lines to the position shown in dashed lines. This is achieved by providing piston 48 with a rigidly mounted drive bar 50 having a cam surface 52 which mates with cam surface 54 on handle 44. In this manner piston 48 is driven downwardly, advancing it to the position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2.

[0055] In contrast to the limited space provided by a conventional espresso machine 12 which is not outfitted with the inventive accessory 14, when conventional espresso machine 12 is fitted with inventive accessory 14, additional space is provided between portafilter spout 36 on porta filter 38 and the countertop, as illustrated in FIG. 3. This enables the positioning of a large cup or mug 56 underneath horizontal support 42. The same is enabled by providing accessory 14 with a height 58 sufficient to accommodate the additional height of taller mugs, cups and other vessels.

[0056] Part of the height of the inventive accessory 14 is provided by a plurality of feet 59 which are secured to the bottom of accessory 14. In a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0057] In accordance with the invention, height 58 should be greater than a half centimeter, and preferably greater than 1.7 cm, which will accommodate the greater percentage of mugs on the market. Most preferably, however, height 58 should be greater than 23 mm, and a most preferable range between 23 mm and 40 mm. More particularly, when the height 58 is 40 in height, this creates a clearance 61 between the bottom of portafilter spout 36 and the tabletop 60 of approximately 130 mm. In accordance with the invention, this dimension may be varied, for example ranging between 110 mm and 155 mm, and preferably between 115 and 145 mm. with the currently commercially available models of the Flair coffee maker on the market. The result is a wide range of cups, travel mugs, mugs and the like which fit within this clearance may be readily found on the market in a variety of styles and with a variety of functionalities, such as vacuum insulation, large handles, and so forth. Optionally, mug 56 may be preheated to prevent cooling of the espresso shot after exiting portafilter spout 36.

[0058] In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that several lifting inventive accessories having different heights may be packaged together as a kit allowing selective use of the same by the barista.

[0059] As alluded to above, in accordance with the invention, the mug may be charged with a quantity of liquid ingredient 62, such as preheated milk, water or cream. A wide range of possibilities and volumes may be accommodated because of the large size of the mugs which can be accommodated by the inventive espresso machine and accessory system. The extra space provided by the inventive system enables the introduction of, for example, about 3 ounces or so of hot water (or more for a larger drink) into the mug from which the individual plans to drink the coffee. When the inventive system, the espresso shot directly falls from spout 36 into the mug (FIG. 3). There is thus no need for an intermediate shot glass with extra cleaning and pouring and undesirable cooling of the espresso shot, and also delaying the protective action of other ingredients such as half-and-half, which are pre-charged into the mug before drawing the shot of espresso.

[0060] The inventive device also provides other flexibilities to the barista. For example, double shot, triple shot and larger beverages are easily accommodated in the larger cups, even in the case of drinks incorporating substantial amounts of additional ingredients, such as a café americano.

[0061] The brewing of the beverage in accordance with the method of the present invention using the inventive system 10 may be understood with reference to FIGS. 3-8. More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a mug, for example, with optional additional ingredients such as boiling water 62, is placed underneath horizontal support 42. As shown in FIG. 4, a portafilter 38 is placed within orifice 66 in horizontal support 42. Portafilter 38 receives a conventional filter basket 68, which may be charged with ground coffee 70. The bottom 72 of filter basket 68 is perforated which causes it to function as a coffee filter. The top of filter basket 68 is covered by a second filter 74 as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0062] Next, as is illustrated in FIG. 5, a grouphead cylinder 76 is positioned around the periphery 80 of portafilter 38. The lower inside circumference 78 of grouphead cylinder 76 mates with and seals against the outer periphery 80 of portafilter 38. Optionally, grouphead cylinder 76 may be preheated, for example by submersing in boiling water. Once grouphead cylinder 76 is positioned and sealed against portafilter 38, boiling water 82 is introduced into grouphead cylinder 76.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 6, piston 48 is positioned as illustrated, partially inside grouphead cylinder 76. Handle 44 is then moved in the direction of arrow 46 from the position illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 6 to the position illustrated in dashed lines, resulting in bringing cam surface 52 into contact with cooperating cam surface 54 on handle 44. Further movement of handle 44 in the direction of arrow 46 results in advancing piston 48 downwardly to force the brewing water 82 through ground coffee 70.

[0064] After the initial contact between cam surface 52 on drive bar 50 with cooperating cam surface 54 on handle 44, continued movement advances piston 48 to the position illustrated in FIG. 7. When piston 48 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 7, a substantial amount of the brewing water 82 has been driven through the ground coffee 70 and into mug 56.

[0065] Continued advancement of the handle brings the inventive system 10 to the position illustrated in FIG. 8, where the brewing has been completed and almost all of the brewing water 82 has passed through the now spent coffee grounds 80 and into mug 56.

[0066] The interconnection between the base 20 of conventional espresso machine 12 and the inventive accessory 14 may be seen in FIG. 9. More particularly, underneath and secured to the base 20 are a number of rubber feet 86 which are received within holes 21 in the inventive accessory 14 (FIG. 10). The footprint of inventive accessory 14 is configured and dimensioned to match, from the standpoint of support, the footprint of the base of the coffee maker which it supports. In the illustrated example of the invention, inventive accessory 14 has a roughly elliptical shape. In addition, it incorporates shoulder 22 for supporting tray 24, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. With respect to the placement of the tray in the machine, where the tray is not permanently attached, a slot 63 (FIG. 11) passing from the outside of the inventive accessory and leading to the ledge for supporting the tray may be provided. This allows the tray to be inserted in place from the side of the inventive accessory through the slot. In accordance with the invention the tray provided with the Flair machine may be used in this manner. Insofar as significant force is applied to espresso machine 12 during use, it is important that the inventive accessory 14 not slide on the table or other work surface, on which it is resting during use. Accordingly, accessory 14 is provided with a plurality of rubber feet 59.

[0067] As an alternative to feet 59, a single flat rubber member 84 may be provided, as illustrated in FIG. 12. The flat rubber member 84 may be made of any suitable high friction material, and is glued to the bottom of the main body portion 14a of the inventive accessory. Optionally, a bar 88 (or, optionally, a pair of spring-loaded bars) may be recessed and spring-loaded within accessory 14, as illustrated in FIG. 13. When the bars are desired to be used, the accessory is lifted allowing spring 90 to drive bar 88 down. Accessory 14 is then placed on the table 60 with bar 88 bearing against the side 92 of table 60, giving the system added stability. When it is not desired to use the stabilizing bar 88, simply putting accessory 14 onto the counter and allowing it to rest on the countertop results in bar 88 being driven again spring 90 into cylindrical hole 94. The assembly of bar 88 and spring 90 is retained in hole 94 by flat rubber member 84 through the action of hole 96 which is larger in diameter than bar 88 but smaller in diameter than shoulder 98 on bar 88.

[0068] Alternatively, stability against the edge of the tabletop may be achieved by using a pair of rotatably mounted pegs 95, which sit within recesses 97 and rotate on axles 99, as illustrated in FIG. 14. In this case, the front of the inventive accessory 14 is provided with a solid front to provide space for recesses 97. When it is desired to use pegs 95, they are simply rotated outside of accessory 114 and allowed to hang vertically over the edge of the table against which edge they are caused to bear prior to the application of force to the handle 44 of the inventive accessory 14, with short end 101 bearing against wall 103 in recess 95.

[0069] A taller version of the inventive accessory 214 is illustrated in FIG. 16. In this embodiment, height 258 is approximately 40 mm. Of course, this dimension is not critical and may range, for example, between 20 mm and 70 mm, preferably between 30 mm and 65 mm and most preferably in a range between 32 mm and 48 mm. Also in accordance with the present invention an additional lifting member may be provided. For example, the inventive first member may range in size between 30 mm and 50 mm in height and the additional inventive lifting member may range between 10 mm and 20 mm in height. Yet another alternative is to have a second shoulder 23 provided for supporting a second tray 25. Tray 25 is of particular use if the cup being used is relatively small, such as a demitasse or espresso cup. The extra tray is of particular value with such small cups which might be difficult to access resting on the tabletop.

[0070] Optionally, tray 25 may be shaped and dimensioned to allow it to be flipped over and stored above tray 24, as illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 16. This allows tray 24 to be easily taken from the storage position and used whenever necessary. Optionally, tray 24 may be larger than tray 25, or they may be the same size. This gives the user the option of placing the larger tray 24 on top of tray 25 (positions opposite those illustrated in FIG. 16) which makes removal of the top tray 24 easier. Such a two tray variation may be used in all of the embodiments of the invention illustrated herein.

[0071] Another embodiment of the inventive accessory is illustrated in FIG. 17. This alternative embodiment of inventive accessory 314 comprises a top surface with a trough or groove 315, within which base 20 of the conventional espresso machine rests, as illustrated. Groove 315 is defined between raised inner wall 317 and outer wall 319. The result is a stable mating structure which raises the conventional espresso machine and allows the use of a larger cup or mug.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 18, yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the inner dimensions of the inventive accessory 514 are considerably smaller in length and breadth than the inner circumference 515 of the conventional coffee machine (illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 18), which is resting on it. This enables the use of shoulder 522 which is not blocked by the conventional coffee machine when the conventional coffee machine is in place. This accommodates the easy placement of tray 524 without wedging or sliding.

[0073] Still yet another alternative for the structure of the present invention is illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 3. In accordance with this embodiment, a slot passageway 71 is provided at the storage side of the inventive accessory 14 for receiving a tray 73. In particular, it is noted that the size of the slot passageway is substantially longer than the length of tray 73. This is to accommodate the insertion of the tray provided with the Flair espresso machine. More particularly, tray 73 is inserted through slot passageway 71 through the side of inventive accessory 14, thus dispensing with the need for a specially fitted tray to be provided with the inventive apparatus.

[0074] Still yet another alternative for the structure of the present invention similar to the above slot passageway is illustrated in FIG. 19. In accordance with this embodiment, a slot passageway 71a is provided at the brewing side for receiving a tray 73. In particular, it is noted that the size of the slot passageway is substantially longer than the length of tray 73. This is to accommodate the insertion of the tray provided with the Flair espresso machine. More particularly, tray 73 is inserted through slot passageway 71a through the side of inventive accessory 14, thus dispensing with the need for a specially fitted tray to be provided with the inventive apparatus.

[0075] Another alternative is illustrated in FIG. 16, in which feet 86 of the Flair machine are removed and replaced by pins 86a which fit in holes with a matching diameter in inventive accessory 14.

[0076] While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, it is noted that various modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the above description and drawings. Such modifications are within the scope of the invention which is limited and defined only by the following claims.