Apparatus for Making Beverages Having a Liquid Volume Storage Tank

Abstract

The present invention pertains to the technological field of apparatuses for making beverages as defined in class A47J of the international patent classification (IPC). Problem to be solved: Traditionally, the access for servicing or removal to the liquid volume storage tank of an apparatus for making beverages having a liquid volume storage tank is limited and difficult. Solution to the problem: An apparatus for making beverages includes a liquid volume storage tank, the liquid volume storage tank being accessed through small detachable portions provided in the external body and in the thermal conservation means.

Claims

1. Apparatus for making beverage provided with a liquid-volume storage tank, comprising: at least one outer casing, at least one liquid volume storage tank, and at least one thermal storage medium; the liquid volume storage tank and the thermal storage medium being arranged inside the outer casing; the liquid volume storage tank being substantially enveloped by the thermal storage means; the apparatus for making beverage provided with a liquid volume storage tank being especially characterized in that: the outer casing comprises at least one detachable portion; the thermal storage medium comprises at least one detachable portion; the detachable portion of the outer casing and the detachable portion of the thermal preservation means being disposed aligned with each other; and the detachable portion of the outer casing and the detachable portion of the thermal storage medium are disposed aligned relative to the position of the liquid volume storage tank,

2. Apparatus for making beverage provided with a liquid-volume storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermal storage medium comprises a passive means of thermal storage.

3. Apparatus for making beverage provided with a liquid-volume storage tank according to claim 2, characterized in that the thermal storage medium comprises a casing made of expanded polystyrene.

4. Apparatus for making beverage provided with a liquid-volume storage tank according to claim 3, characterized in that the expanded polystyrene casing is composed of three distinct portions.

5. Apparatus for making beverage provided with a liquid-volume storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the detachable portion is disposed in the lower region of the outer casing.

6. Apparatus for making beverage provided with a liquid-volume storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the removal of the detachable portion from the outer casing and the detachable portion of the medium provide direct access to the liquid volume storage tank.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] The preferred embodiment of the subject invention is detailed in detail on the basis of the following figures, which:

[0017] FIG. 1 shows schematically the interior of the beverage dispensing apparatus according to the invention in question;

[0018] FIG. 2 schematically shows the lower portion of the beverage dispensing apparatus according to the invention in question;

[0019] FIGS. 3 and 4 show, in perspective, the assembly formed by the liquid volume storage tank and heat conservation passive means;

[0020] FIG. 5 shows, in exploded perspective, the assembly formed by the liquid volume storage tank and heat conservation passive means; and

[0021] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate, schematically and exploded, the apparatus for making beverage according to the invention in question.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 illustrate the preferred embodiment of the subject invention.

[0023] As will be appreciated, and in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention in question, there is disclosed an apparatus for making beverages, which may comprise a simple water purifier known to those skilled in the art, or an apparatus Which, in addition to comprising water purification and dispensing systems, further provides at least one skilled means of preparing beverages based on external flavoring means, for example, an espresso machine, an ice-cream machine (refrigerators), or a conjugated machine capable of making espresso (and other hot drinks) and iced beverages (soft drinks and others).

[0024] However, irrespective of the purpose of the beverage dispensing apparatus, that is, irrespective of the type of beverage to be prepared, filtered and finally dispensed, it is the sole prerogative that it is composed of at least one beverage tank. Storage of liquid volume, which can be stored to store cold water, hot water, water at natural temperature, ready-to-drink beverages at high temperature, low temperature ready beverages, and other non-exhaustive options of related liquids in one form or another, With the beverage to be prepared/filtered/dispensed.

[0025] Thus, it is to be noted that among the system and elements not shown as not incorporating the core of the invention in question, the apparatus for making beverages heretofore disclosed comprises an outer casing 1, a liquid-volume storage tank 2 and a liquid thermal storage medium 3 dedicated to said liquid volume storage tank 2.

[0026] In general terms, said outer casing 1 can be interpreted as the chassis/cabinet of the beverage making apparatus, that is, it can be interpreted as the body which, in addition to structural function, defines the external portion of the apparatus for making drinks. In the illustrative figures, only the lower portion of the outer casing 1 is shown, which can be split.

[0027] The liquid volume storage tank 2, in brief, comprises a simple tank arranged to contain, in its internal space, a certain amount of liquid. Thus, it can be inferred that the liquid volume storage tank 2 comprises a closed chamber type provided with at least one liquid inlet pipe and at least one liquid outlet pipe.

[0028] The thermal storage medium 3 (in particular, thermal storage medium) in turn comprisesin accordance with the preferred embodiment of the inventiona tripartite body (composed of a central portion 31, an upper portion 32 and a lower portion 33) of expanded polystyrene or the like, molded according to the external shape of the liquid volume storage tank 2. It is to be emphasized that said tripartite body, which could be split, can be made in any Material that has thermal insulation properties.

[0029] Until then, the existence of beverage makers composed of an outer casing 1, a liquid volume storage tank 2 and a thermal storage medium 3 is normal and widely contemplated in the present state of the art.

[0030] In addition, it is normal for the liquid volume storage tank 2 and the thermal storage medium 3 to be disposed within the outer casing 1 and in particular that the liquid volume storage tank 2 is substantially enveloped by the thermal conservation medium 3.

[0031] However, and as previously explained, according to the apparatus for making beverages provided for in the present state of the art, once the apparatus is mounted, it becomes difficult to access the liquid volume storage tank.

[0032] It is in this respect that the present invention is highlighted.

[0033] That is because the outer casing 1 comprises at least one detachable portion 11 and, in addition, the thermal preservation means 3 comprises at least one detachable portion 33, said detachable portions being arranged in alignment with each other and aligned relative to the positioning of the Liquid storage tank 2.

[0034] Such construction enables, as best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, that the simple removal of the detachable portion 11 and detachable portion 33 enables direct access to the liquid volume storage tank 2, without the need to disassemble the apparatus to make drinks.

[0035] This allows said liquid volume storage tank 2 to be removed from the interior of the apparatus to make beveragesfor replacement, maintenance or repairwithout it being necessary to change the arrangement of other systems and internal elements.

[0036] Preferably, both the detachable portion 11 and the detachable portion 33 are of a sizeable shape and size to enable the integral removal of the liquid volume storage tank 2. However, this aspect is purely optional, and the invention in question could to provide a detachable portion 11 and a detachable portion 33 of minimal shape and size so as to provide accessstill directrestricted to some portion of particular interest of the liquid volume storage tank 2, such as some drain portion or injection of cleaning fluid, for example.

[0037] Preferably but never imitatively, the detachable portion 11 is disposed in the lower region of the outer casing 1 and, consequently, the detachable portion 33 comprises the lower portion of the thermal conservation means 3).

[0038] It is to be emphasized that both the detachable portion 11 and the detachable portion 33 are reattachable in the beverage maker. Thus, upon replacement, maintenance or repair of the liquid volume storage tank 2, the detachable portion 11 and the detachable portion 33 mayand shouldbe repositioned at their locations of origin.

[0039] Accordingly, both the detachable portion 11 and the detachable portion 33 have attachment means.

[0040] In the case of the preferred embodiment of the invention, the detachable portion 11 is secured to the outer casing 1 by means of screws, and the detachable portion 33 is secured to the thermal storage means 3 (especially to the intermediate portion 32 of the transfer medium 32). Thermal conservation 3) by means of interference fit.

[0041] Once the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described and illustrated, it is important to make it clear that it does not limit the scope of the invention in question, which is in fact outlined in the appended claims, further including possible equivalent means.