U.S. patent application number 13/909522 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for apparatus and method for refilling a brewing cup.
The applicant listed for this patent is Louis Dakis. Invention is credited to Louis Dakis.
Application Number | 20130318928 13/909522 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49668574 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130318928 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dakis; Louis |
December 5, 2013 |
Apparatus and Method for Refilling a Brewing Cup
Abstract
In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, an apparatus
and/or a method are used to dispense loose particulate solid matter
into a brewing cup. Such an apparatus allows one to add any coffee,
while using all the features of an automated single-cup or
multi-cup brewing machine. The apparatus may use a housing having a
brew cup enclosure, a storage hopper, and rotatable valve coupled
to a lever. Operation of the lever causes the rotatable valve to
rotate, such that particulate solid matter is collected from the
hopper and dispensed into a brew cup residing in the brew cup
enclosure. In further embodiments of the disclosed technology, a
safety mechanism prevents the rotatable valve from dispensing
particulate solid matter if no brew cup is present in the brew cup
enclosure. In still further embodiments, a lid sliding arm removes
and/or reapplies the lid during operation of the apparatus
Inventors: |
Dakis; Louis; (Clifton,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dakis; Louis |
Clifton |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49668574 |
Appl. No.: |
13/909522 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61655579 |
Jun 5, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/471 ; 141/1;
99/289R |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 1/366 20130101;
B65B 29/022 20170801; A47J 31/4403 20130101; A47J 31/404
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/471 ;
99/289.R; 141/1 |
International
Class: |
A47J 31/40 20060101
A47J031/40; B65B 1/04 20060101 B65B001/04 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for dispensing particulate solid matter into a brew
cup enclosure, comprising: a body having a base portion hingedly
affixed to a top portion, said top portion having a rotatable valve
and a hopper storing particulate solid matter wherein said
rotatable valve opens towards said hopper; a brew cup enclosure
disposed in said base portion; and a lever in geared communication
with said rotatable valve, such that movement of said lever causes
said rotatable valve to rotate until said particulate solid matter
is displaced from said rotatable valve into said brew cup
enclosure.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said brew cup enclosure is
adapted to receive a brew cup, said brew cup comprising a removable
lid.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said lid of said brew cup is
removed from and reapplied to said brew cup when said brew cup is
received into said brew cup enclosure.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a safety push pin
in communication between said brew cup enclosure and said rotatable
valve, such that said rotatable valve only rotates when said brew
cup is present in said brew cup enclosure.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said brew cup displaces said
safety push pin when said brew cup is placed into said brew cup
enclosure enabling the valve to rotate.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rotatable valve comprises
a cavity for gravitationally receiving grinds from said hopper, and
movement of said lever causes said compartment to rotate at least
90 degrees to deposit said grinds into said brew cup enclosure.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lever comprises three
soft-locking positions corresponding to three rotatable valve
states, said three rotatable valve states comprising a receiving
state, a neutral state, and a dispensing state.
8. An apparatus for dispensing particulate solid matter into a brew
cup, comprising: a rotatable valve operable to receive particulate
solid matter from a storage hopper, wherein said rotatable valve is
disposed within a stationary valve housing; a brew cup enclosure
for receiving said brew cup, wherein said brew cup enclosure is
positioned adjacent to said rotatable valve; and a lever
rotationally coupled to said rotatable valve to cause said
rotatable valve to rotate and dispense said particulate solid
matter into said recess for receiving said brew cup.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: a lever shaft
coupled between said lever and said rotatable valve using one or
more gears.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a soft lock
spring for releasably locking said lever shaft at a plurality of
locking positions.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said lever shaft comprises a
plurality of recesses corresponding to said plurality of locking
positions for catching said lock spring to releasably lock said
lever shaft.
12. A method of dispensing particulate solid matter into a brew
using the apparatus of claim 8, comprising: inserting said brew cup
into said recess; moving said lever to a first position, such that
said rotatable valve opens to said storage hopper to receive
particulate solid matter; and moving said lever to a second
position, such that said rotatable valve is caused to rotate to
dispense said particulate solid matter into said brew cup.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said step of inserting said
brew cup into said recess further comprises opening said housing to
expose said recess.
14. A method for dispensing a metered amount of particulate solid
matter into a brew cup, comprising: receiving particulate solid
matter from a hopper into a cavity of a rotational valve of an
apparatus; inserting said brew cup into a recess of said apparatus;
and toggling a lever to cause said rotational valve to rotate, such
that said particulate solid matter is released into said brew
cup.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein a lid of said brew cup is
removed prior to said releasing of said particulate solid matter,
and, further, wherein said lid is reapplied to said brew cup after
said particulate solid matter is released into said brew cup.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein a safety mechanism prevents
rotation of said rotational valve unless said brew cup is inserted
into said recess.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising a step of opening
said apparatus to expose said recess before inserting said brew
cup.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising a step of closing
said apparatus after said brew cup is inserted and before said step
of receiving particulate solid matter.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said closing of said apparatus
causes a lid of said brew cup to be temporarily removed.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising a step of reopening
said apparatus to remove said brew cup after said particulate solid
matter is released, wherein said step of reopening said apparatus
causes said lid to be reapplied to said brew cup.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application hereby incorporates by reference U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/572,831 to Dakis filed Aug. 13,
2012, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/909,480 to Dakis
titled "Removable Lid for Brew Cup" filed Jun. 4, 2013. This
application also claims priority to provisional application
61/655,579 filed Jun. 5, 2012.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY
[0002] The disclosed technology relates generally to food and
beverage apparatuses and, more specifically, to filling a brewing
cup for single cup brewing.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY
[0003] Automatic brewing machines for single cups of coffee or tea
are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,658,989,
assigned to Keurig, Incorporated, discloses a single serving
beverage brewer in which a measured charge of dry beverage medium
is infused with a metered amount of heated liquid. This patent is
herein incorporated by reference, in its entirety. A reusable
beverage filter cartridge, with a cup-shaped housing having a top
opening and bottom outlet port, an internal filter, and a removable
lid, is used.
[0004] The drawback to such machines is that one typically must buy
relatively expensive pre-packaged cups, each cup wrapped in a
container to be disposed of, creating a lot of waste. While this is
more convenient than brewing an entire pot of coffee for just one
drink, and produces a much better-tasting drink than instant coffee
which is added to hot water, a user typically cannot choose his/her
preferred quantity of ground coffee, or add any coffee grounds of
his/her choice. If one did so with an automatic single cup brewing
machine, the results would be unreliable. Moreover, a user's
preferred brand or style of coffee/tea may not be available in a
pre-packaged brew cup form.
[0005] One solution that has been proposed is a refillable brewing
cup that allows a user to insert his/her preferred ground coffee
into such a reusable brewing cup that may be used with commercially
available brewing cup machines. Improvements have been made to
refillable cups to increase brewing quality and function. For
example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/572,831 to Dakis, the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a
multi-layer, refillable brewing cup. However, the available brewing
cups are inconvenient as they are difficult to refill and dose with
a desired amount of coffee grinds. Pouring grinds from a larger
coffee bag or tin may result in spilled grinds and overfilling. An
underfilled or overfilled brewing cup may produce coffee of an
undesired strength.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a
convenient way of using desired loose coffee grinds in a single-cup
coffee brewing machine, while producing less waste, and resulting
in lower costs.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY
[0007] Therefore, it is an object of the disclosed technology to
find an efficient way to use ground coffee in conjunction with a
single-cup coffee brewing machine.
[0008] As such, in an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a
apparatus is used to dispense particulate solid matter into a brew
cup enclosure. Such a device allows one to add any coffee or other
drink mix, but use all the features of an automated single-cup
brewing machine. Particulate solid matter is defined as any
combination of coffee grinds, tea leaves, instant drink mix/powder,
sugar, juice concentrate, and/or any other matter that may
conceivably be used in the preparation of and/or the brewing of a
consumable liquid which is both particulate and solid. The
apparatus has a body having a base portion hingedly affixed
(attached by hinges) to a top portion. The top portion has a
rotatable valve and a hopper for storing particulate solid matter.
A hopper is defined as any vessel or container that stores matters
to be used for a given purpose. The rotatable valve may open
towards said hopper such that particulate solid matter stored in
the hopper is free to fall into the rotatable valve.
[0009] The apparatus may also have a brew cup enclosure disposed in
the base portion. The brew cup enclosure is defined as any recess
or mold into which a brew cup may be received and/or cradled. The
brew cup is defined as any type of receptacle capable of holding
particulate solid matter, such as, for example, coffee grinds. A
lever may be provided in geared communication with the rotatable
valve such that movement of the lever causes the rotatable valve to
rotate until the particulate solid matter is displaced from the
rotatable valve into the brew cup enclosure. A lever is defined as
any rigid member pivotable about a fixed hinge to set one or more
parts into motion. The brew cup may have a removable lid. The lid
may be removed from and/or reapplied to the brew cup when the brew
cup is received into the brew cup enclosure.
[0010] In a further embodiment of the disclosed technology, the
apparatus may have a safety push pin in communication between the
brew cup enclosure and the rotatable valve such that the rotatable
valve only rotates when the brew cup is present in the brew cup
enclosure. The safety push pin is defined as any deflectable
mechanism that applies a constant resistive force to another body
using, for example, a spring. The brew cup may displace the safety
push pin when the brew cup is placed into the brew cup enclosure
thereby enabling the rotatable valve to rotate.
[0011] In still further embodiments of the disclosed technology,
the rotatable valve may have a cavity for gravitationally receiving
grinds from the hopper. The cavity is defined as any hollowed out
section capable of holding a matter. Movement of the lever may
cause the cavity to rotate at least 90 degrees to deposit the
grinds into the brew cup enclosure. The lever may have three
soft-locking positions (defined as positions where the rotation of
the lever may be paused and held in place, subject to force on the
lever exerted by a person) that correspond to three rotatable valve
states. The three rotatable valve states may be a receiving state,
a neutral state, and/or a dispensing state. Soft-locking is defined
as a mechanism that causes the lever to be releasably locked into
place. A user may feel and/or hear a "clicking" sound that
indicates that the lever is at a soft-locking position.
[0012] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, an
apparatus is used for dispensing particulate solid matter into a
brew cup. The apparatus may or does have a rotatable valve operable
to receive particulate solid matter from a storage hopper. The
rotatable valve may be disposed within a stationary valve housing.
A brew cup enclosure may be provided for receiving the brew cup.
The brew cup enclosure is positioned adjacent to the rotatable
valve. A lever may be rotationally coupled to the rotatable valve
to cause the rotatable valve to rotate and dispense the particulate
solid matter into the recess for receiving the brew cup. A lever
shaft may be coupled between the lever and the rotatable valve by
way of one or more gears.
[0013] In a further embodiment, a soft lock spring may be provided
for releasably locking the lever shaft at a plurality of locking
positions. The lever shaft may have a plurality of recesses that
correspond to the plurality of locking positions. The recesses may
be small indentations or holes used for catching the lock spring to
releasably lock the lever shaft.
[0014] In a method of using the apparatus, particulate solid matter
is dispensed into a brew cup. The method is carried out, in this
order, but not necessarily in this order, by a) inserting the brew
cup into the recess, b) moving the lever to a first position such
that the rotatable valve opens to the storage hopper to receive
particulate solid matter, and c) moving the lever to a second
position such that the rotatable valve is caused to rotate to
dispense the particulate solid matter into the brew cup. The step
of inserting the brew cup into the recess may also involve opening
the housing to expose the recess.
[0015] In yet another embodiment of the disclosed technology, a
method is provided for dispensing a metered amount of particulate
solid matter into a brew cup. The method is carried out, in this or
another order, by a) receiving particulate solid matter from a
hopper into a cavity of a rotatable valve of an apparatus, b)
inserting the brew cup into a recess of the apparatus, and c)
toggling a lever to cause the rotatable valve to rotate such that
the particulate solid matter is released into the brew cup.
Toggling is defined as changing the position of the lever by any
degree and/or any distance.
[0016] In the aforementioned method, a lid of the brew cup may be
removed prior to the releasing of the particulate solid matter.
Furthermore, the lid may be reapplied to the brew cup after the
particulate solid matter is released into the brew cup. A safety
mechanism may be provided that prevents rotation of the rotational
valve unless the brew cup is inserted into the recess. The safety
mechanism is defined any mechanical parts and/or tools that may be
used to temporarily obstruct and/or impede the movement of the
rotatable valve.
[0017] In a further embodiment of the method, an additional step
may be provided of opening the apparatus to expose the recess
before inserting the brew cup. Yet another step may be provided of
closing the apparatus after the brew cup is inserted and before the
step of receiving particulate solid matter. The step of closing the
apparatus may also cause the lid of the brew cup to be temporarily
removed. Still another step may be provided of reopening the
apparatus to remove the brew cup after the particulate solid matter
is released. This step of reopening the apparatus may cause the lid
to be reapplied to the brew cup.
[0018] It should be understood that the use of "and/or" is defined
inclusively such that the term "a and/or b" should be read to
include the sets: "a and b," "a or b," "a," "b."
[0019] Further features of the device, described above, are also
applicable to a method of use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a side elevation view of a dispensing apparatus
of an embodiment of the disclosed technology.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a cut-away view of the dispensing apparatus of
FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows a side elevation cut-away view of an opened
dispensing apparatus of an embodiment of the disclosed
technology.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a dispensing apparatus with a brew cup inserted
according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.
[0024] FIG. 5 shows a blown-apart view of a rotatable valve of an
embodiment of the disclosed technology.
[0025] FIGS. 6a through 6c show a dispensing apparatus in
progression through different operating positions, according to an
embodiment of the disclosed technology.
[0026] FIGS. 7a through 7d show the progression of a safety locking
mechanism, according to an embodiment of the disclosed
technology.
[0027] FIG. 8 shows a front schematic view of a dispensing
apparatus of an embodiment of the disclosed technology.
[0028] FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of a dispensing apparatus of an
embodiment of the disclosed technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY
[0029] In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, an apparatus
and/or a method are used for dispensing particulate solid matter
into a brew cup enclosure (also referred to, herein, as a "brewing
cup"). The brew cup enclosure is adapted to accommodate a
refillable brew cup, such as, for example, the brew cup taught by
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/572,831. A brew cup is defined
as an enclosure with at least one portal at or adjacent to a top
side, and at least one portal at or adjacent to a bottom side,
designed to hold particulate solid material and withstand and cause
hot water entering a top portal to exit through a bottom portal
after flowing through the particulate solid material. Such an
apparatus and/or a method allows one to add any coffee of one's
choice, while using all the features of an automated single-cup
brewing machine. The apparatus may have a lever, a housing, and a
hopper for storing particulate solid matter. The apparatus may also
have a rotatable valve that, under operation of the lever, collects
particulate solid matter from the hopper and deposits the
particulate solid matter into a brew cup resting in the brew cup
enclosure. The apparatus and/or the method may have a mechanism
that temporarily removes a lid from the brew cup to be filled, and
reapplies the lid after the brew cup has been filled.
[0030] Embodiments of the disclosed technology will become clearer
in view of the following description of the drawings.
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a side elevation view of a dispensing apparatus
of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The dispensing
apparatus 10 may have a housing that is generally composed of a
bottom portion 20 and a top portion 30. During operation of the
apparatus 10, the bottom portion 20 may remain stationary, while
the top portion 30 may be hingedly retractable away from the bottom
portion ("hingedly" is defined as two parts which move relative to
each other around a hinge). The top portion 30 may have a hopper 40
for storing particulate solid matter (not shown). Particulate solid
matter, for the purposes of this specification, may be any
combination of coffee grinds, tea leaves, instant drink mix/powder,
sugar, juice concentrate, and/or any other matter that may
conceivably be used in the preparation and/or the brewing of a
consumable liquid. A cap 42 is provided atop the hopper 40 to give
a user access to the interior of the hopper.
[0032] A lever 32 is provided extending from the sides of the top
portion 30 of the apparatus 10. The lever may be mechanically
operated (moved in a direction by a user) or electrically operated
(moved in a direction based on a press of an electrical switch or
opening of an electrical relay). The lever 32 may be used to
operate the apparatus 10 and/or to toggle the various operational
states of the apparatus. The lever 32 may be generally U-shaped,
such that both ends are in communication with moving parts and/or
gears in the interior of the top portion 30. In the present Figure,
the lever 32 is shown in a neutral position. In the neutral
position, the apparatus 10 is in a resting state between
operations. The various operational states will be explained in
further detail with reference to the subsequently presented
figures.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows a-cut-away view of the dispensing apparatus 10
of FIG. 1. A rotatable valve 110 may be disposed inside the top
portion 30 of the apparatus 10. Generally, the rotatable valve 110
may have freedom of rotation about an axis. The rotatable valve 110
may be enclosed within a valve housing 114 that remains stationary
with respect to the moving rotatable valve. The rotatable valve 110
may be rotated such that a cavity 112 therein is open to the hopper
40 to collect particulate solid matter. The particulate solid
matter may fall into the cavity 112 of the rotatable valve 110 by
way of gravity. Upon rotation of the rotatable valve 110, the
particulate solid matter is deposited or dumped into a brew cup
enclosure 101. The brew cup enclosure 101 may be a recess that is
shaped to receive and/or cradle a brew cup 200. Thus, during
operation, the particulate solid matter is dumped into a brew cup
200 that is resting in the brew cup enclosure 101.
[0034] The rotatable valve 110 may be rotated by way of a lever
shaft 120 in fixed communication with the lever 32. The lever shaft
120 may be coupled to a gear 111 of the rotatable valve 110.
Movement of the lever 32 causes rotation of the lever shaft 120
which, in turn, causes rotation of the rotatable valve 110. In
addition to serving as communication between the lever 120 and the
rotatable valve 110, the lever shaft 120 may also have recesses
121, 122, 123 that enable "soft-locking" positions of the apparatus
10. A soft lock spring 107 may be provided with a notch for
catching one of the recesses 121, 122, and 123 to enable to the
lever 32 to be releasably "clicked" into a certain position.
[0035] The soft lock spring 107 may be formed of a bendable metal
piece that elastically abuts the outer circumference of the lever
shaft 120. The notch of the soft lock spring 107 may apply a subtle
force against the lever shaft 120 that still enables the lever
shaft 120 to rotate. Upon encountering a recess 121, 122, and 123,
the notch "clicks" into place, indicating to the user that the
apparatus is currently in a given operational state.
[0036] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the lever shaft 120 has
three recesses 121, 122, 123 corresponding to three operating
positions or states. Furthermore, in FIG. 2, the apparatus 10 is
shown in the neutral or resting position, as indicated by the soft
lock spring 121 abutting the middle recess 122. In the position
shown, the rotatable valve 110 is oriented such that it is neither
in a collecting position nor a dispensing position. The operating
positions are explained further with regard to FIGS. 6a through
6c.
[0037] Referring still to FIG. 2, the cap 42 seals an opening 44 in
the hopper 40. Particulate solid matter may be deposited into the
hopper 40 via the opening 44. The particulate solid matter may be
stored in the hopper 40 for numerous uses of the apparatus 10. The
interior of the hopper 40 may have a sloped surface 46 to enable
the particulate solid matter to be funneled into the rotatable
valve 110.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows a side elevation cut-away view of an opened
dispensing apparatus 10 of an embodiment of the disclosed
technology. This opened position may be considered the brew cup
loading position. In the position shown, the top portion 30 is
lifted from the base portion 20 by way of a hinge mechanism. The
hinge mechanism may employ a sliding motion link 102. The sliding
motion link 102 may have a guide recess through which a guide pin
[label guide pin] may be disposed. The guide pin slides along the
recess as the apparatus 10 is opened and closed. In the loading
position, the brew cup enclosure 101 is exposed, such that a brew
cup 200 may be easily inserted therein. Any refillable brewing cup
may be used in conjunction with the apparatus; however, for
purposes of this specification, a brew cup 200 with a slidable lid,
such as that taught by U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/572,831,
is used in the examples described herein. The brew cup enclosure
101 contours the brew cup 200 in preparation for being filled. Upon
insertion of the brew cup 200 into the brew cup enclosure 101, the
top portion 30 may be pushed downward and the apparatus 10 returned
to a closed position.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows a dispensing apparatus 10 with a brew cup
inserted according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology.
Once loaded, the brew cup 200 rests adjacent to the rotatable valve
110. Thus, the particulate solid matter 110 may be released
directly into the brew cup 200. The base of the brew cup 200 may
protrude from the base portion 20 of the apparatus 10 to indicate
to the user whether a brew cup has been inserted therein. The
protruding base of the brew cup 200 may also assist the user in
removing the brew cup from the apparatus after the brew cup has
been filled. The user may remove the brew cup 200 by pushing
upwards on the base, such that the brew cup pops out of the brew
cup enclosure 101.
[0040] In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, the apparatus
10 has a lid removing and/or reapplying mechanism for a brew cup
200 having a removable lid 201. A lid sliding arm 103 may be
provided in communication with the sliding motion link 102. The lid
sliding arm 103 is operable to slide the lid 201 off the brew cup
200 as the apparatus 10 is closed. The lid sliding arm 103 recedes
under force of the sliding motion link as the apparatus 10 is
closed. In doing so, the lid sliding arm 103 slides the lid 201
from the top of the brew cup 200, so that the brew cup 200 can be
filled. Upon retrieving a filled brew cup 200 from the apparatus
10, the lid 201 is slid back onto the brew cup as the user reopens
the apparatus 10. The lid sliding arm 103 prevents the user from
having to seal the brew cup 200, thereby reducing the risk of
spilling and the number of steps needed before the brew cup is
ready for use. The lid sliding arm 103 also prevents the user from
coming in contact with the particulate solid matter, thereby
reducing the spread of germs.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows a blown apart view of a rotatable valve 110 of
an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The rotatable valve 110
has a cavity 112 for collecting and/or releasing particulate solid
matter. The cavity 112 may be of a particular volume depending on
the amount of particulate solid matter that is desired to be
dispensed into the brew cup 200. The rotatable valve 110 may be
encased in a valve housing 114 that remains stationary in relation
to the moving rotatable valve 110.
[0042] In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, the volume of
the cavity 112 may be altered using a knob (not shown) disposed on
the side of the apparatus 10. The knob may adjust the height of a
bottom surface of the interior of the cavity 112, such that the
capacity of the cavity may be altered. The capacity of the cavity
112 may be carefully set to ensure accurate and consistent dosing
of particulate solid matter into the brew cup 200. For example, a
single serving of coffee may require coffee grinds of a greater
volume than that of tea leaves required for a single serving of
tea. Thus, in order to suit the needs of different users, the
adjustable cavity volume may be utilized. The volume of particulate
solid matter remains consistent with every refill of the brew cup
200, due to the nature of the rotatable valve 110.
[0043] During operation of the apparatus 10, the lever 32 may be
moved such that the rotatable valve 110 is caused to rotate until
the cavity 112 is opened towards the interior of the hopper 40.
Particulate solid matter may fall, by virtue of gravity, into the
cavity 112 of the rotatable valve 110 until the cavity is filled to
capacity. The lever 32 may then be moved to cause the rotatable
valve 110 to rotate such that the cavity opens towards the brew cup
200. The particulate solid matter may then be released, again,
under force of gravity, into the brew cup 200.
[0044] FIGS. 6a through 6c show a dispensing apparatus 10 in
progression through different operating positions, according to an
embodiment of the disclosed technology. The different operating
positions correspond to the three recesses 121, 122, 123 of the
lever shaft 120. FIG. 6a shows the lever 32 in a loading position.
That is, in the position shown in FIG. 6a, the rotatable valve 110
is oriented such that the cavity 112 is open to the hopper 40. The
contents of the hopper 40 are free to fall into the cavity until
the cavity is full. As the lever 32 is moved and the rotatable
valve 110 rotated, any excess particulate solid matter is sheared
from the top of the cavity 112 by the sides of the valve housing
114. The soft lock spring 107 is abutted to the first recess 121 of
the lever shaft 120. Thus, the first recess 121 corresponds to the
loading position of the rotatable valve 110.
[0045] FIG. 6b shows the apparatus in a neutral or resting
position. In the neutral position, the rotatable valve 110 is
closed. As such, any particulate solid matter enclosed therein
remains suspended in the cavity 112 until the lever 32 is moved to
a dispensing position. FIG. 6b may also correspond to a resting
position in which the apparatus 10 is not in use. Thus, the cavity
112 may or may not be filled with particulate solid matter while
the apparatus is in the neutral or resting position. The soft lock
spring 107 abuts the second recess 122 in the neutral position.
[0046] FIG. 6c shows the apparatus in a dispensing position. In the
dispensing position, the rotatable valve 110 is oriented such that
the cavity 112 opens towards the brew cup 200. Particulate solid
matter from the rotatable valve 110 is thereby released into the
brew cup 200 under force of gravity. The dispensing position
corresponds to the third recess 123 on the lever shaft 120. The
filled brew cup 200 may then be removed from the apparatus 10, and
the method may be repeated with another brew cup.
[0047] FIGS. 7a through 7d show the progression of a safety locking
mechanism of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The safety
locking mechanism employs a sheering push pin arrangement that is
contingent on the presence of a brew cup 200 in the brew cup
enclosure 101. An inner push pin 126 resides in the axle of the
lever shaft 120, and may be acted upon by an outer pin 127. The
outer pin 127 extends from the center of the lever shaft 120 to a
portion of the brew cup enclosure 101.
[0048] FIG. 7a shows the locking mechanism of the apparatus in a
loading position without a brew cup 200 present in the brew cup
enclosure 101. The lever 32 is positioned such that the cavity 112
of the rotatable valve 110 is opened towards the hopper 40 (not
shown). The inner push pin 126 is extended outside of the lever
shaft 120, permitting the rotatable valve 110 to be rotated only to
a certain degree.
[0049] FIG. 7b shows the locking mechanism of FIG. 7a with the
lever 32 in the neutral position. The inner push pin 126 is
extended outside of the lever shaft 120, thereby preventing the
lever shaft from rotating any further. In turn, the rotation of the
rotatable valve 110 is impeded, thus preventing accidental spilling
of the particulate solid matter. It should be noted that the lever
32 may have freedom of movement between the loading and the neutral
positions; however the inner pin 126 prevents the lever 32 from
moving the rotatable valve 110 to the dispensing position.
[0050] FIG. 7c shows the view of FIG. 7b with a brew cup 200 (not
shown) inserted into the brew cup enclosure 101. When the brew cup
200 is present in the brew cup enclosure 101, the outer pin 127 is
pushed by the lid 121 of the brew cup 120 towards the inner pin
126. The outer pin 127 thus pushes on the inner pin 126, causing it
to recede into the axle of the lever shaft 120, thereby allowing
the lever shaft 120 to rotate freely into the dispensing
position.
[0051] FIG. 7d shows a view of FIG. 7c with the lever 32 in the
dispensing position. FIG. 7d shows the position of the outer pin
127 and the inner pin 126 as the lever shaft 120 is rotated under
force of the lever 32. Due to the outer pin 127 acting upon the
inner pin 126, the rotatable valve 110 has freedom of rotation in
all directions.
[0052] FIG. 8 shows a front schematic view of a dispensing
apparatus of an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The
configuration of the rotatable valve 110 and the lever shaft 120
becomes apparent in FIG. 8. Moreover, the arrangement of the inner
push pin 126 and the outer push pin 127 with respect to the lever
shaft 120 also becomes apparent.
[0053] FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of the dispensing apparatus of
an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The cap 42 on the hopper
40 is large enough to permit a user to easily pour particulate
solid matter, such as coffee grinds from a tin, into the hopper 40.
A locking gas-type cap may be used to create an airtight seal on
the hopper 40. Typically, coffee grinds are required to be sealed
in a vessel because the grinds will spoil with extended exposure to
oxygen. As shown, the lever 32 may be generally U-shaped, such that
both ends are in fixed rotational communication with the interior
of the top portion 30 of the apparatus 10.
[0054] While the disclosed technology has been taught with specific
reference to the above embodiments, a person having ordinary skill
in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and
detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the
disclosed technology. The described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Combinations of any of the methods and apparatuses described
hereinabove are also contemplated and within the scope of the
invention.
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